Nan Shway Yoe (Myanmar): My shop witnesses growth in Longchuan

More than ten years ago, I arrived in Longchuan, a county located near the China-Myanmar border section in the far west Yunnan's Dehong Dai and Jingpo autonomous prefecture. There, I established a small shop specializing in selling flip flops.

Nan Shawy Yoe comes from Myanmar

Initially, the local residents in Longchuan were hesitant to purchase flip flops. Therefore, I made a strategic decision to diversify my commodities by importing a variety of foot wears, including leather sandals, slippers and canvas shoes. They’re either made in Thailand or Vietnam. With a wider selection of shoes now on offer, my shop began to attract a growing number of customers.

Following completion of the highways that connect Longchuan to the Ruili and Tengchong cities in the border areas, my shop experienced increased popularity, coinciding with a notable enhancement of the local business environment.

  

Nan Shawy Yoe talks to a customer in her shop

In July 2022, I relocated my shop to a prominent pedestrian street in Longchuan. Since then, the shop has seen a rise in both Chinese and Myanmar customers.

Now Longchuan sees a growing influx of Myanmar workers. As more Myanmar workers joining in construction of the Longchuan Industrial Area, the benefits of China's economic openness are being extended to a broader group of individuals.

Writing by Zhang Yinglin; translating by Wang Yunya; photographs and video by Li Wenjun (Yunnan Gateway)