Chongqing - Our trip's story begins with understanding China and Myanmar's trade connections in every corner of Yunnan. Grains from Myanmar are refined in Ruili, the west of Yunnan province, and distributed throughout China. Meanwhile, raw materials from both countries are crafted into apparel for export to South and Southeast Asia.

　　Starting from September 11 to 15, reporters from iChongqing, Bridging News, and Yunnan International Communication Center for South and Southeast Asia (YICC) embarked on a journey to explore the latest development of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor along Dehong, Honghe, Lincang and other prefectures in Yunnan.

　　Situated in the Dehong Prefecture of Yunnan Province, Ruili stands as a beacon on the southwest frontier of China. As the largest port city on the China-Myanmar boundary, Ruili boasts two national first-class ports, Jiegao and Wanding. These pivotal entry points facilitate the trade of over 2,000 distinct commodities between the neighboring nations.

　　Jiegao Border Gate in Ruili, Yunnan Province. (Photo/Chen Zhan)

　　Bustle at Jiegao Border Gate driving border business 

　　Around 10:30 a.m. on September 13, Jiegao Border Gate in Ruili was immersed in a bustle and hustle. Many Myanmar residents living in China had their luggage in tow and queued up to cross over to Muse in Myanmar's Shan State.

　　"I've been working in a restaurant here in Ruili, and I'm excited to be heading home for a short vacation," shared a Burmese employee. Thanks to enhanced customs procedures, crossing times have shortened, making such trips more feasible.

　　Adjacent to the gate, various shops showcased a rich source of Southeast Asian specialties. "We offer an assortment from Thai beverages, Vietnamese durian cakes, to Myanmar coffee," said a shop owner. "However, it's the Myanmar products—like biscuits, hibiscus cakes, tea beans, and milk tea—that tourists truly fancy."

　　Near the Jiegao Border Gate, various shops showcased a rich source of Southeast Asian specialties. (Photo/Chen Zhan)

　　Beyond the local retailers, a major duty-free outlet stands prominently near the border. The sales manager mentioned, "Since the resumption of customs clearance earlier this year, business has briskly picked up. The growing passenger traffic drives profits and has sparked job growth in the area."

　　More Commodities of Higher Value Through

　　Distinct from the Jiegao Border Gate, Wanding Port's Mangman passage is set to be built into a major cargo thoroughfare for importing grains, seafood, fruits, and other non-ready-to-eat chilled items. It is currently the most extensive port for importing and exporting fruits in the China-Myanmar trade. Many Burmese workers work at the seafood market in the Chinese border town of Wanding.

　　According to a representative from the Wanding Port Authority, "The range of commodities passing through the port has seen considerable growth since 2019, moving from lower-value items to those of higher value."

　　Many Burmese come to Ruili and run their business. (Photo/Chen Zhan)

　　Today, the port facilitates the exchange of a diverse range of products. The region's exports include agricultural products, grains and oils, construction materials, medicines, and minerals. Meanwhile, exports from the port encompass textiles, vehicles, consumer electronics, home furnishings, and agricultural produce. 

　　Wanding is strategically vital to China because it can travel south through Myanmar and onto the Indian Ocean. Southwest China's Chongqing took advantage of this connection advantage and witnessed the cross-border road-rail intermodal train of the New International Land-sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC) launched at Luohuang Xiaonanya Railway Logistics Center in Jiangjin District, Chongqing, on April 3.

　　The train arrived at Baoshan North Station in Yunnan and then reached Myanmar via highway from Wanding Port in Ruili City. This new train route marks the first to connect China and Myanmar. 

　　Notably, this mode of transport offers a more efficient option, reducing transit time by 20 days compared to traditional river-sea transportation. Such advancements are anticipated to substantially boost the export of goods manufactured in Chongqing to international markets.