New Shweli river-crossing bridge opens

Reported by News Media Group

A new bridge, standing parallel to the old one that crosses the Shweli-Mao River, between Ruili and Jegao, near Sino-Burma border, under construction since 2002, was opened on 9 September, 2005.

The two bridges, which are on the main Burma-China trading highway, were built to promote trades between the two countries.

"There used to be only one bridge and traffic jams often caused delays," said a local resident.

“The Chinese authorities are giving notice that starting from 12 September, bridge tolls will be collected. Therefore, the taxi fare will probably be rising up from three Yuan to four for each passenger (Jegao-Ruili),” said the resident.

The trade between China and Burma (Kunming-Ruili-Jegao-Muse-Mandalay) is the largest among the Burma’s neighboring trades.

Last year, the Chinese bordering trade’s worth was 1.15 billion US$ and the two countries aim to increase it to $ 1.5 US$ billion this year.