The government has initiated plans to develop three Myanmar-China border economic zones, Deputy Commerce Minister U Aung Htoo said. It is one of five agreements signed during State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s visit to China last year. In July, the central committee to steer the project held its first meeting on the implementation plan. The economic zones are aimed at boosting manufacturing and tourism in both countries. The three project areas are Muse and Chin Shwe Haw in Shan State and Kan Pite Tee in Kachin State. Currently, the area between Muse and Shweli (Ruili), in China’s Yunnan, is being prioritized for development.  U Aung Htoo said the ministry will soon solicit “expressions of interest” to implement projects in the economic zones.  The suitability of the proposals from the private sector for implementation in the economic zones will be assessed.