Jiegao, Economic development zone in Ruili, China
Jiegao is an economic development zone on the east bank of the Shweli River, surrounded on three sides by Myanmar territory near Ruili. The site spans several square kilometers and is connected through four main gates to the broader transportation network.
The Chinese government established Jiegao in 1991 as a provincial border trade zone. The site gained national special economic zone status in 1999 and became a major hub for cross-border economic activity.
The name comes from the Dai ethnic language and refers to an ancient settlement that became a major center for cross-border trade. Daily life here reflects this long tradition of exchange between communities on both sides of the border.
The zone is accessible through four separate entry gates, each serving different customs areas. China National Highway 320 is the main land route for traveling into the region.
The zone operates under special customs rules where goods leaving Jiegao count as exports, while imports can enter the trade zone without customs declaration. This system creates more flexible goods movement than in regular Chinese economic zones.
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