China proposes economic corridor with Myanmar

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China has proposed building an economic corridor with Myanmar to further enhance bilateral cooperation, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday.

Speaking at a press conference with Myanmar's State Counselor and Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi, Wang said China and Myanmar have great potential for cooperation as they have complementary economies.

The proposed corridor will start in China's Yunnan Province, go south to the central Myanmar city of Mandalay, and extend east to the new city of Yangon and west to the Kyaukpyu special economic zone, forming a three-pillar cooperation pattern, Wang explained.

The design aims to boost connectivity between large projects along the route, while at the same time boost balanced development across Myanmar, he said.

Myanmar's State Counselor and Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi and visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meet for talks in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, November 19, 2017. / Xinhua Photo ‍

Suu Kyi said that what the people of Myanmar want most is peace, stability and development, highlighting that it is of the utmost importance to cooperate with China to realize these goals.

She expressed appreciation for China's proposal to build the economic corridor, saying the initiative matches Myanmar's national development plan.

Myanmar hopes to cooperate with China in priority areas such as transport and electricity, she said, adding that they are the two sectors facing problems that need urgent action.

The proposal is a further development of China-Myanmar cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, Wang said, adding that the plan should take into consideration Myanmar's most urgent needs and start from projects that the country needs most.

China and Myanmar, linked by mountains and rivers, are friendly neighbors, he said, adding that China hopes the Myanmar government follows the ""Panglong" spirit and achieves lasting peace in the country.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency ,China Daily