Southwest China's Yunnan
Province handled US$2.5 billion in border trade during the
first six months this year, a 25.4 percent rise over the same
period of 2003, according to local customs.
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The total included US$1.1 billion in imports, up 30 percent
year-on-year, and US$1.4 billion in exports, up 21.7 percent.
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Neighboring Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and Laos, Yunnan boasts over
4,000 kilometers of border line and in recent years, border trade
has become an important driving force for the province's economic
development.
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Statistics from the customs showed private businesses have replaced
state-owned enterprises to become the largest contributor to
Yunnan's border trade. They contributed US$1.1 billion to the
province's border trade, accounting for 45.5 percent of the
total.
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In addition, among all the border trade partners of Yunnan, Vietnam
reported the highest growth rate of 37 percent and the country's
metal ores, especially iron ore, have become very hot in
Yunnan.
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Textile, paraffin, fruit and vegetable led other export commodities
in Yunnan and the major import items are still lumber, metal ore
and rubber.
(Xinhua News Agency August 7, 2004)