Markets and businesses are gradually returning to normal in Urumqi following the July 5th riot. Meanwhile, authorities say foreign direct investment in the Autonomous Region increased during the first half of this year.

French super market Carrefour reopened on Thursday. Residents in Urmuqi are busy buying up products here.

Carrefour's Managing director of China's northwest region says its first shop opened six years ago, and that within the next two years the company will have a total of 5 stores in the region.