Cross-Border Economic Zones in Yunnan and Trade Partnership with South Asia

The paper examines the new trade model based on cross-border exchanges promoted by the provincial government through opening up border areas to neighbouring Southeast Asia economies. It examines how border regions in Yunnan have transformed into new economic zones by establishing economic partnerships with countries like Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam. Once unknown, these mystic border towns have gained public policy discourse by promoting new border trade strategies between China and its neighbouring economies through Yunnan. This paper also discusses the trade partnerships between China and South Asian economies, the challenges faced in sustaining those trade partnerships, and the efforts needed from the partner countries to promote cooperation in trade and economic exchanges.