NPC delegates have also met to discuss the northwest Xinjiang region and its importance in agriculture and its role as a hub for a key power grid that channels electricity to major provinces. CGTN's Sean Callebs tells us how Xinjiang is experiencing a growth spurt of scientific and technological advancements.

It is an area with rich energy resources, last year, churning out vast amounts of coal and natural gas. Grain production in Xinjiang is also at elevated levels, and the leader in the country in terms of producing cotton. But as delegates debate progress during the annual Two Sessions meetings, they want the autonomous region to be known for investments in "integration" and "development."

ERKIN TUNIYAZ Chairman Government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region "We have boosted Xinjiang's regional innovation capacity to rise three places in the national rankings."

After the opening remarks, the delegates answered nearly two and a half hours of questions from the media.

SEAN CALLEBS Great Hall of the People, Beijing "The completion of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, which as I understand is the longest high speed tunnel in the world, and also drilling in the Tarim Oilfield, punching a hole some 10,000 meters deep into the earth. It's been widely reported and believed that the region has been underdeveloped but these projects I'm talking about, one could certainly argue point to something different."

LIU HONGTAO NPC Deputy Deputy General Manager, PetroChina Coalbed Methane "The moment we completed the drilling, our eyes were filled with tears. I believe those were tears of joy, because China's footprint has finally been made on the global journey of 10,000-meter drilling."

It took more than muscle and tears to make these technological breakthroughs – it was fueled in large part by brain power.

MA XINGRUI Secretary, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Regional Committee of Communist Party of China "Xinjiang used to be a landlocked and closed region, but now it is a frontier of openness."

It's no surprise that education is also gaining importance in Xinjiang – with leaders believing it will be one of the cornerstones of long-term success. The delegates have one simple message for scientists and engineers eager to practice in their fields – the region is open for business. Sean Callebs, CGTN, Beijing.