Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of border cities in China's modernization efforts, highlighting the need for economic development and population retention in these areas, particularly through border trade and cooperation with neighboring countries [1][16]. Group 1: Economic Development Initiatives - The Chinese government has introduced significant policies aimed at promoting border trade and improving the livelihoods of border residents, such as "治国必治边" and "兴边富民" [1]. - Black River City, a century-old border city, has seen a population decline from 1.674 million in 2010 to 1.286 million in 2020, indicating challenges in retaining residents [1]. - The border trade model in Black River includes a unique "on-site processing + intra-zone trading" dual-track approach, which enhances the value chain and supports local economic growth [6][18]. Group 2: Border Trade and Employment - The border trade allows residents to earn additional income, with individuals like Chen Jiang making around 6,000 yuan monthly from transporting goods across the border, supplemented by a 3,500 yuan subsidy [3][4]. - The establishment of professional cooperatives, such as the Zhong'an Cooperative, has enabled border residents to collaborate and strengthen their market presence, addressing the challenges of small-scale operations [6][18]. - The introduction of a digital service platform for border trade aims to streamline processes and enhance participation among residents, particularly in trade declaration and logistics [13][18]. Group 3: Infrastructure Development - The construction of the China-Russia cross-border cableway and the Black River Bridge has significantly improved cross-border logistics, facilitating year-round trade and enhancing the efficiency of border crossings [10][11]. - The Black River trade zone has seen a trade volume of 146 million yuan since the implementation of the border trade processing policy in 2020, with participation from nearly 20,000 residents [8][12]. - The establishment of the Black River Border Trade Industrial Park is crucial for attracting processing enterprises and fostering industrial cluster development, which is essential for sustainable economic growth [12][18].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of border cities in China's modernization efforts, highlighting the need for economic development and population retention in these areas, particularly through border trade initiatives. Group 1: Economic Development Initiatives - The Chinese government has introduced significant policies aimed at promoting border trade and improving the livelihoods of border residents, such as "治国必治边" and "兴边富民、稳边固边" [1] - Black River City, a century-old border city, has seen a population decline from 1.674 million in 2010 to 1.286 million in 2020, indicating a loss of nearly 400,000 residents over ten years [1][4] - The border trade model in Black River includes a unique "on-site processing + intra-zone trading" dual-track approach, which enhances the traditional functions of border trade while extending the industrial chain [6][18] Group 2: Border Trade and Economic Impact - The border trade allows residents to earn additional income, with individuals like Chen Jiang making around 6,000 yuan monthly from transporting goods across the border [3][4] - The implementation of border trade policies has led to a trade volume of 146 million yuan since 2020, with 19,500 participants involved in various trade activities [8][12] - The establishment of the Black River Border Trade Industry Park has attracted processing enterprises, significantly reducing operational costs and enhancing competitiveness [12][18] Group 3: Infrastructure Development - The construction of the China-Russia cross-border cableway, expected to enhance cross-border trade efficiency, is set to begin trial operations by the end of the year [9][10] - The Black River Highway Bridge facilitates year-round access between China and Russia, with a design capacity of 2.85 million passengers and 6.2 million tons of cargo annually [11] - The development of a digital platform for border trade aims to streamline processes such as trade declaration and logistics, enhancing the overall efficiency of border trade [13][18] Group 4: Challenges and Future Directions - Current border trade policies are seen as outdated, lacking comprehensive measures to support sustainable growth, and primarily benefiting an aging population [17][18] - There is a need for improved processing and transformation systems to increase the added value of imported goods, which currently circulate mainly as primary products [18] - Experts suggest that enhancing the digital monitoring of trade and strengthening the role of cooperatives and industry associations are crucial for preventing illegal activities and ensuring the benefits of border trade reach local residents [18]

Core Insights - The article highlights the growth of cross-border trade and tourism in Guangxi, particularly focusing on the fruit trade with ASEAN countries and the development of border markets and tourism activities [2][4][11]. Trade Growth - The China-ASEAN (Cruz) fruit trading center has a daily transaction volume exceeding 1,000 truckloads, with a total of approximately 65,000 vehicles entering the center and completing 689,400 transactions since its inception [4]. - The total trade volume for the first five months of 2025 in Longbang Town reached 255 million yuan, showing significant growth compared to the previous year, with an average monthly trade volume of 51 million yuan [8]. - The total import and export value through the Youyi Pass in the first quarter of 2025 was 130.93 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 18.4% [10]. Border Market Development - The border market in Dongxing has seen a resurgence due to the border residents' mutual market policy, allowing residents to trade goods within a specified limit, with each resident having a tax-free allowance of 8,000 yuan per day [6]. - The establishment of the Dongxing Mutual Trade Secondary Market Trading Center aims to standardize the management of border trade, facilitating tax and invoicing processes for over 220 border representatives in just nine days [10]. Tourism Growth - Border tourism is expanding, with various activities planned for the upcoming summer season, including cultural events that promote Sino-Vietnamese friendship [11]. - The development of border tourism has led to job creation and increased income for local farmers, contributing to poverty alleviation [11][15]. - The local government is focusing on integrating cultural and tourism development to enhance visitor experiences and promote consumption [15]. Challenges and Opportunities - Despite the growth, the border tourism sector is still in its early stages, with a need for diversification in tourism offerings to retain visitors and stimulate spending [14]. - The Guangxi government is implementing supportive policies to enhance cultural tourism, aiming to create a new model for border economic development [15].

Core Insights - The cross-border trade in Alashankou has reached a record high of 132.68 million yuan, marking a 176% year-on-year increase [1] - The trade zone has developed a diverse import scale with over 70 types of goods, including packaged foods and dried fruits [1][3] - The establishment of cooperative societies has increased participation among border residents, with a 35% rise in dividends [1][5] Group 1 - The first quarter of this year saw a threefold increase in business volume for the cross-border trade, focusing on dried fruits and pre-packaged foods [3] - The local government is actively applying for policies to expand trade scale, including a "cooperative agency settlement + processing" model [5] - Eight enterprises have settled in the processing zone, converting imported raw materials into edible oils and premium fruit products [5] Group 2 - The Belt and Road Initiative is being leveraged to enhance the "trade + processing + logistics" full industry chain in Alashankou [7] - Policy innovation and industrial upgrades are being implemented to stimulate economic growth and border development [7]