Ten years after its launch as a hub for trade with North Korea, Dandong’s Guomenwan Mutual Trade Zone has announced the start of export operations — with a single truck — in a sign that the long-dormant project is still clinging to life despite years of underuse and stalled cross-border commerce.

Operators of the facility announced Tuesday that a truck “loaded with export commodities” had left the complex late last week after passing customs inspection, without elaborating on its contents or destination. 

“The opening of the export business of border trade among residents has expanded the ways for residents to