The matters relating to promoting economic and trade cooperation between Myanmar and China and the use of Chinese currency in bilateral trade, were discussed at the 5th meeting of the Joint Committee for Myanmar-China Economic, Trade and Technical Cooperation, according to the Ministry of Planning and Finance.

The meeting also focused on the establishment of Myanmar-China economic corridor, the use of the Chinese  government’s buyer loans and soft loans, the joint implementation of five-year development program for economic and trade cooperation, cooperation in Kyaukphyu deep seaport project, industrial zone project, train and expressway, trans-national power lines and others, the establishment of Myanmar-China border economic cooperation zone and cooperation in substitute crops.

The first meeting of its kind was held in Myanmar in 2005, the second in China in 2008, the third in Myanmar in 2014 and the fourth in China in 2017 and the fifth in Myanmar in 2019.

Union Minister for Commerce Dr. Than Myint, chair of the Central Committee for the establishment of Myanmar-China border economic cooperation zone (BECZ) said: “Plans are under way to build Myanmar-China border economic cooperation zones in Muse, Chinshwehaw and Kanpiketi. For Muse border economic cooperation zone, Muse-Kyalkhaung will be established as the core zone, Kyukoe-Wantain-Nwanyin as export product manufacturing processing and warehouse area, Sallant (Manheo)-Sellin-Namkham-Naungtaw as import processing and warehouse area. The implantation of the BECZ will be systematically carried out in conformity with the government’s policies, procedures and existing laws.”