The Haimen Economic and Technological Development Zone and the Dearshiqiao International Home Textile Industrial Park in Haimen signed agreements with the Ruili Border Economic Cooperation Zone in Ruili, Yunnan province on May 13 to promote cooperation in industrial development, foreign trade, and the training of talents.

Before the signing ceremony, the Haimen delegation met with Zhang Guohua, vice-governor of Yunnan. Chen Yong, Party secretary of Haimen, briefed Zhang on Haimen's economic and social situation.

He said that Haimen ranked 13th among China’s top 100 counties in terms of economic strength and boasts three pillar industries – modern construction, home textiles, and equipment manufacturing – each of which is valued at more than 100 billion yuan ($14.14 billion). Emerging industries such as new materials, electronic information, and biomedicine are also booming in the county-level city.

Zhang pointed out that Haimen and Ruili became partner cities as early as January 2018 and should work towards strengthening their relationship. He also said that the agreement would help Haimen companies expand into the South and Southeast Asian markets.

The establishment of the Ruili Border Economic Cooperation Zone was approved by the State Council in 1992. It covers an area of 51.45 square kilometers and borders the Shan and Kachin states in Myanmar.