YANGON, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- Business circles from Myanmar and China inked cooperation agreements during Myanmar (Lashio)- China(Lincang) border economic and trade fair which kicked off in Lashio, northern part of Myanmar's Shan state on Thursday.

The cooperation agreements were signed between five organizations and 16 companies from the two countries on Friday.

Deputy Minister Commerce U Aung Htoo expressed appreciation to Chinese economic cooperation with Myanmar and believed that such cooperation would be a great support for Myanmar entrepreneurs.

The forum for entrepreneurs of the two countries was also held with 100 businessmen in attendance at the first trade fair between Myanmar's Lashio and China's Lincang, South China's Yunnan province.

Yang Haodong, secretary of the Lincang Municipal Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, expressed belief that the cooperation between the two countries' entrepreneurs would lead to more convenient bilateral trade flow and be more effective in implementing new Chinshwehaw trade route.

U Sai Bo Bo, chairman of northern Shan State's Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, called for cooperation between the two countries' business circles in the development of Lashio and Lincang cities, not only in trade but also in investment relating to agriculture, livestock and tourism sectors.

Set to last until Sunday, 80 Myanmar and Chinese enterprises participated at the border trade fair, featuring exhibits including local specialties, tea, coffee, wood products, food, new energy appliances, clothing and building materials.