Myanmar folks thrive on motorbike making in China's Ruili

Numerous shops selling cold drinks, jewelries and local specialties scattered all round Ruili City in Dehong Dai and Tai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest of China's Yunnan Province. A large number of Myanmar people get trained and work here, making Ruili an international city.

In motor workshops of Ruili Yinxiang Industrial Group in the city, motorbike assembling by Myanmar workers is in full swing. They install wheels, tires and rearview mirrors on motorbikes with proficiency and accuracy.

Most motorbikes produced in the factory are exported to Myanmar, accounting for 60% of motorcycle sales in Myanmar market. They then will be re-exported to various countries such as India, Laos, Thailand and Bangladesh. 

Since the Myanmar workers have worked with motorcycles for years, they are familiar with knowledge about motorbikes and assembly techniques. They progress fast after being trained, therefore, the workers are welcomed by motorcycle enterprises in the city. 

"We provide free meals and accommodations for Myanmar workers in our factory and their salaries are given in line with local economic conditions in Ruili. For a lot of them, buying a Yinxiang motorcycle is the first thing to do after getting paid," said Fang Wei, vice-general manager of the Yunnan Yinxiang Motorbikes. 

Ruili is one of the three biggest wholesale jewelry markets in China. Besides working in factories, many Myanmar people come to do jewelry business or learn jade carving and authentication as well. After a one-year training, most learners can earn a living by carving jade. 

Translating by John Li