Pilot FTZ to boost cooperation between Yunnan and S and SE Asia

The China(Yunnan) pilot free trade zone (FTZ) was officially launched on August 30, becoming one of six new pilot FTZs in China to further promote liberalization and facilitation of foreign trade.

The China(Yunnan) pilot FTZ covers parts of Kunming, the provincial capital, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture that neighbors Vietnam and Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture, which borders Myanmar. The construction of the pilot FTZ aims to promote connectivity between the Belt and Road countries and the Yangtze River Economic Belt, build an important link connecting major corridors in South and Southeast Asia and a pivot of China’s opening up to South and Southeast Asia.

Specific measures have been put forward, covering 19 aspects, including building a major international corridor connecting South and Southeast Asia, exploring new cross-border economic cooperation models in border areas and stepping up international cooperation in science and technology.

"The pilot free trade zone will implement rapid inspection and quarantine of agricultural products imported from neighboring countries. This is certainly a great news for Myanmar." Mr. Htun Aung kyaw, Myanmar Consul General in Kunming, notes that the establishment of China (Yunnan) pilot FTZ is conducive to the development of agricultural projects, so as to promote border trade, enhance the construction of the Myanmar-China Economic Corridor and deliver tangible benefits to the two peoples.

Thai Consul General in Kunming Ms. Nitiwadee Manitkul refers to measures taken by Thailand aiming to boost free trade. She takes the Eastern Economic Corridor as an example, saying that Thailand is willing to cooperate with China through the pilot FTZ in Yunnan in aviation logistics industry. “In addition, Yunnan has stepped up green development in recent years. And we can cooperate in the related areas such as green energy, green food, and ecological tourism”, said the consul general.

M. Nashir Uddin from Bangladesh is the CEO of a consulting company in Kunming. He came to the city in 2013. He recalled that when he started his business, many of his clients were confused by customs clearance procedures and trade policies of different countries. As Yunnan has deepened its opening up in recent years, lots of policies are introduced to facilitate the development of foreign enterprises , and the customs clearance is greatly improved. He believes that the establishment of the pilot free trade zone will further promote the opening up of Yunnan province and provide more information, channels and preferential policies for South and Southeast Asian entrepreneurs.(Yunnan Daily)

Editor: John Li