Myanmar / China: Myanmar successfully hosts Cooperation Forum

Myanmar successfully hosted the 8th Myanmar-China (Yunnan) Cooperation Forum at the MGallery Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw on 29 September 2026.

The forum was attended by the Myanmar delegation led by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ko Ko Kyaw, along with representatives from 19 line ministries, the Mandalay Region Government, the Shan State Government, the Central Bank of Myanmar and the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI).

The Chinese delegation was led by Mr. Zhao Junmin, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Yunnan Provincial Committee. In his opening address, the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs emphasized that the relationship between Myanmar and Yunnan Province serves as the "Frontline Foundation of broader China-Myanmar 'Pauk-Phaw' Relationship". He noted that Yunnan Province, which shares a nearly 2,000-kilometer border with Myanmar, accounts for more than half of total bilateral trade and continues to expand cooperation across various sectors.

He called for implementing practical, mutually beneficial initiatives and cooperation through the forum, further enhancing the bilateral "Pauk-Phaw" friendship, and strengthening cooperation under the Yunnan Cooperation Forum framework. Following the opening ceremony, representatives from the respective ministries conducted sector-specific breakout discussions. The sessions were co-chaired on the Myanmar side by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of National Planning, Investment and Foreign Economic Relations, and on the Chinese side by the Deputy Secretary of the CPC Yunnan Provincial Committee and representatives from its Publicity Department.

The discussions focused key attention on maintaining peace, stability, and the rule of law in border areas; jointly combatting cross-border crime; boosting trade, economic ties, and regional connectivity; expanding direct air routes between Myanmar and Yunnan Province; promoting industrial growth and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs); fostering people-to-people ties and deepening exchanges and high-level visits between sister cities. 

At the conclusion of the breakout sessions, the plenary meeting was convened where the two group leaders summarized the main outcomes. Subsequently, the head of the Myanmar delegation (Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs) and the head of the Chinese delegation (Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Yunnan Provincial Committee) signed the Agreed Minutes of the Forum.

At noon, Deputy Minister U Ko Ko Kyaw hosted a working luncheon in honour of the Chinese delegation led by Mr. Zhao Junmin. The Myanmar-China (Yunnan) Cooperation Forum has been held alternately in Myanmar and Yunnan Province since 2013. It serves as a platform aimed at deepening cooperation on stability and the rule of law in border areas, economic and regional connectivity, and people-to-people ties and cultural integration, as well as amicably coordinating and resolving challenges and obstacles encountered in cooperation between Myanmar and Yunnan Province.