The Center for Community Development Studies (CDS), Yunnan Academy of Social Science (YASS) received a grant to build capacity of the trans-boundary upland poor communities to improve their livelihood security by promoting market access and strengthening their market capability. The project also aims to enhance collaboration among institutions in Yunnan (P.R.China), Vietnam and Lao PDR.

In September 2003, staff of CDS conducted field visit to collect basic information in various ethnic villages along the borders between Yunnan – Lao PDR and Yunnan – Vietnam. The main purpose of the field visit is to select appropriate villages for detail studies and pilot testing of trans-boundary upland marketing development.