Southwest China's Yunnan province has planned to open 14 border ports between 2006-2010 to boost the economic cooperation among Southeast Asian countries.

The province bordering Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia aims to become a major thoroughfare for commodities transportation among members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

The new ports include three airports in Lijiang, Diqing and Dali, one rail port in the East Railway Station of Kunming and 10 land ports along its 4,060 kilometer border line.

Besides, more than 10 million yuan (about US$1.2 million) will be input for the renovation and extended construction of another 14 existing ports such as Tianbao, Mengding, Yingjiang, Pianma and Guanlei.

The province also planned to build four pilot ports that will share uniform road signs, prices and customs checking procedures with those established by bordering countries.

Currently, the province has opened 20 ports and 193 places for border citizens to conduct free trade.

(Xinhua News Agency June 5, 2004)