Chongqing - A live stream was held to highlight collaboration between China and Myanmar and uncover the potential avenues for boosting trade and deepening cultural rapport along the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor on September 13, hosted by reporters from Western China International Communication Organization (WCICO) and Yunnan International Communication Center for South and Southeast Asia (YICC) 

Both media groups visited Yunnan Yinxiang Motorcycle Manufacturing Co.Ltd, where the company's motorcycle products are mainly sold to South and Southeast Asian countries, and Jiegao Port in Ruili, a border city with Myanmar in southwestern Yunnan Province.

A joint livestream hosted by reporters from Western China International Communication Organization (WCICO) and Yunnan International Communication Center for South and Southeast Asia (YICC) on September 13 in Ruili. (Photo/Chen Zhan)

Chongqing company sets up branch in Ruili to target Myanmar

Motorcycles have emerged as a dominant sector where Chinese enterprises are competitive in Myanmar. This is primarily attributed to Chinese motorcycles' quality, affordability, and suitability, which perfectly align with Myanmar's terrain and riding culture.

"While traditional fuel motorcycles find fewer takers now, our focus is transitioning towards electric motorcycles to meet the evolving demands of international markets," said Fang Wei, deputy manager of Yunnan Yinxiang Motorcycle Manufacturing Co., Ltd., at the livestream. 

Established in 2013 with backing from the Chongqing Yinxiang Industrial Group Co., Ltd., the company eyes on the South Asian and Southeast Asian markets and has more than 10,000 sales outlets in Myanmar. 

Over the years, this Chongqing company has accumulated its reputation as a leader in the research, design, production, and sale of motorcycles and related components.

Fang Wei, deputy manager of Yunnan Yinxiang Motorcycle Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (left), shared with Chen Zhen, a Bridging News reporter (right), how the Chongqing enterprise tapped into Myanmar's market during the livestream. (Photo/Chen Zhan)

"We positioned our company in Ruili, aiming to facilitate exports to Southeast Asian countries, especially Myanmar and India," Fang shared. The company boasts over 5,000 sales and service points across Myanmar, capturing a market coverage of over 70%.

Fang highlighted Chongqing's prominence as the nation's epicenter for motorcycles, with an extensive industrial ecosystem spanning vehicles and critical components. "Our strategy has been to export Chongqing's elite industries overseas while simultaneously hiring talent from Myanmar to fuel regional progress," he said.

China-Myanmar corridor facilitates access to western China

The inauguration of the new China-Myanmar transport channel has revolutionized logistics between China and Myanmar. 

According to Fang, land transportation is the primary export method to Myanmar. With this corridor operational, transportation durations have been cut by over half, reaching a one-third reduction in logistics expenses at the same time.

A batch of motorcycles were produced at Yunnan Yinxiang Motorcycle Manufacturing Co., Ltd. and were ready to send to Southeast Asian countries on September 13. (Photo/Chen Zhan)

This year has been pivotal for the China-Myanmar corridor, with sustained progress in its construction. YinXiang Motorcycle, keen to capitalize on these developments, has continually ventured into innovative methods to enhance logistical efficiency.

Carrying the company's products, the first cross-border rail-road train of the New International Land-sea Trade Corridor (Chongqing-Ruili-Myanmar) was launched on April 3, marking the opening of a new China-Myanmar international corridor linking Chongqing to Southeast Asia via the Ruili port in Yunnan. 

The China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, an integral component of the ILSTC, seamlessly merges the renowned Silk Road Economic Belt in the north with the modern 21st Century Maritime Silk Road in the south. 

This confluence underpins a harmonized regional development strategy. It facilitates China's western regions, including Chongqing, to enjoy expanded opportunities in economic, trade, and cultural engagements internationally.