China-Myanmar Border Trade Fair opens in Ruili, W Yunnan

The 18th China-Myanmar Border Economic and Trade Fair was launched in Ruili, southwest China's Yunnan Province. yesterday on December 10.

With more than 500 booths, a variety of products are being displayed on the fair, including electronics, agricultural products, food, garments, household appliances and agricultural machinery. 

In addition to China and Myanmar, the fair has also attracted exhibitors from other 9 countries, such as Thailand, Vietnam and Russia.

A series of sideline activities are also planned to be held during this 7-day event, in order to promote bilateral cooperation between China and Myanmar, encompassing conferences and signing ceremonies. 

Yang Zhenwang, an exhibitor and the general manager of a Chinese agricultural machinery company, said that the fair has provided them a platform to showcase their products and find overseas buyers.

Inaugurated in 2001, the border trade fair has helped boost the economic activities between Myanmar and Yunnan's Dehong autonomous prefecture of the Dai and Jingpo minorities in the past 18 years.

The trade volume has grown over 10 times to 31.5 billion yuan (about 4.5 billion U.S. dollars) last year, according to the event's organizer.