From February 4 to 6, Professor Li Guanghui, Dean of the School of Economics at Guangxi University and Director of the China Frontier Economic Research Institute, led a team to ports in Yanji, Hunchun, and Helong cities of Jilin Province to conduct in-depth research on China-North Korea and China-Russia cooperation as well as high-quality development in frontier regions, responding to the national strategic call with concrete actions. During the visit, the research team held discussions with local customs, port, commerce, and other relevant departments and institutions, and conducted on-site inspections of port operations, border mutual markets, export processing zones, comprehensive bonded zones, and the development of border industries. They learned from the innovative practices and successful experiences in border prosperity initiatives, significantly expanding the scope and depth of the institute's research on Northeast China's frontier regions.

On the morning of February 4, the research team visited the Yanbian Prefecture Border Prosperity and People's Well-being Promotion Bureau for an inspection. After Director Shao Junjie provided a detailed overview of Yanbian Prefecture's basic situation, both sides engaged in specialized discussions and mutual learning on border rural revitalization planning, cultivation of characteristic industries, and innovations in grassroots governance. This exchange yielded valuable first-hand information and insights to advance our institute's research in these fields.

The Research Team Held a Meeting with the Team from Yanbian Prefecture Border Prosperity Promotion Bureau

On the afternoon of February 4, the research team visited the Hunchun Municipal People's Government and conducted an on-site inspection of the Quanhe Port. During the visit, the team attentively listened to a detailed introduction regarding the development history, policy support, major achievements, and future plans of the Quanhe Port. They also engaged in discussions with the counterparts on the current opportunities and challenges faced by the port.

The Research Team Held a Meeting with the Team from People’s Government of Hunchun City

The Research Team Visited Quanhe Port

On February 5, the research team visited Helong City for a symposium and conducted an on-site inspection of Nanping Port, gaining detailed insights into the port's daily operations and its economic and trade cooperation with North Korea. The two sides engaged in in-depth discussions on enhancing the port's comprehensive service capabilities and exploring effective solutions to address bottlenecks in trade and tourism development with North Korea. Dean Li Guanghui, emphasized that Helong City should fully leverage the unique advantages of Nanping Port to pursue a differentiated development path. On one hand, it should strengthen policy coordination and actively seek national support to improve trade facilitation. On the other hand, it should accelerate the establishment of border residents 'cooperatives, refine the benefit-sharing mechanism, and ensure that the public benefits from development, thereby transforming the port's advantages into a powerful driver for enriching the local population and revitalizing the border region.

The Research Team Held a Meeting in Helong City

The Research Team Inspected Nanping Port in Helong City.

This research has yielded substantial outcomes, not only gathering a wealth of vivid case studies and data, but also reinforcing the institute's commitment to studying and serving the frontier regions. The research team will leverage this opportunity to conduct ongoing follow-up research on related topics, striving to produce high-quality research outcomes. These efforts aim to contribute wisdom and strength to the refinement of national frontier policies and the high-quality development of frontier areas.

Written by Lin Yiling, Liu Kaiwei

Proof Read by Yu Na, Chen Yanyang

Edited by Gan Ziying

Reviewed by Gong Zheng