New economic corridors catalyst for connectivity

Twenty-five years ago, Yunnan province was one of China's most isolated and impoverished regions, due to its inland location and mountainous terrain. Its roads were poor, its communication infrastructure was underdeveloped, and trade with southern neighbors was negligible.

Today Yunnan's capital, Kunming-the grand city of "merchants and artisans" described by Marco Polo-is reclaiming its position as a major regional trade hub. Commerce is once again thriving, and people are prospering like never before.

Improved connectivity has been a cornerstone of Yunnan's transformation. The narrow trails traveled by 13th century traders have given way to modern expressways that are driving trade. As recently as 1990 it was virtually impossible to ship goods overland from Yunnan to nearby Thailand, necessitating a six-week journey, via Hong Kong, to reach Bangkok. Today it takes just two days, and overland trade between Yunnan and its neighbors is booming.