On 11 January 2017, H. E. Mme. Yang Xiuping, Secretary-General of ASEAN-China Centre (ACC), visited Tian Bao Port in Malipo County, Wenshan Prefecture of Yunnan Province, and made a field study of the border trade and people-to-people exchanges between Malipo County, Wenshan Prefecture and Viet Nam. Mr. Zhao Yong, Standing Member of the Communist Party Committee and Deputy Head of Wenshan Prefecture, Mr. Yang Wenfu, Deputy?Head of Malipo County, Mr. Shi Lixin, Director of Foreign Affairs Office of Malipo County, Mr. Wu Weidong, Deputy Director of Regional Cooperation Office of Yunnan Foreign Affairs Office, and Mr. Zhang Xuehai, Deputy Director of the Information and Public Relations Division of ACC joined the visit.

The officials of Tianbao Port briefed on the construction and development plan of the Port, and the present condition of border trade and personnel exchanges with Viet Nam. Located between Southwest China and Southeast Asia, Tianbao Port is an important passage way between Southwest China and Viet Nam. In recent years, the governments at all levels in Yunnan Province have been lending support to the development of the Port, helping accelerate the construction of infrastructure, and improving customs clearance facilitation. All these measures have contributed to the rapid growth of border trade and personnel exchanges. In 2016, the imports and exports of Tianbao Port totaled 3.6 billion RMB and the travelers across through this Port reached more than 1 million.

Mr. Yang Wenfu, Deputy Head of Malipo County said that Malipo is rich in hydropower and mineral resources. Its 277-km long border with Viet Nam gives it a favorable geographical advantage. Tianbao Port plays a significant role in promoting economic and social development of Malipo County. He expected that the Port, within the framework of China-ASEAN and Yunnan-ASEAN cooperation, will give full play to its advantage to deepen and expand its cooperation with Viet Nam in relevant areas.

Secretary-General Yang Xiuping spoke highly of the achievements of the development of the Port and its contribution to promoting cooperation between China and Viet Nam as well as ASEAN. She said that border trade development brings tangible benefits to the two countries and their people, and carries great significance for promoting ASEAN-China relations as well as boosting cooperation between the bordering provinces and cities. ?ACC will continue to play its role as a bridge to promote exchanges between relevant areas of Yunnan Province and ASEAN countries.?