7 July
BORDER trade using individual trading cards (ITCs) reached K47 billion in the period from 1 October to 21 June in the current fiscal year, with exports totalling K7.6 billion and imports reaching K39.6 billion, according to the Ministry of Commerce.
In the October-June peri-od, Myanmar traded with neigh-bouring states through just 10 border camps, while border merchants conducted trade with neighbouring China, India, Thai-land, and Bangladesh through 17 checkpoints.
Individual trade with India was carried out through Tamu, Reed and Htantalan gates, with Bangladesh through Sit-tway and Maungtaw gates, with China through Muse, Lwejel, Chinshwehaw, Kanpaiktee, and Kengtung, and with Thailand via Myawady, Tachilek, Myeik, Kawthoung, Mawtaung, Htikee, and Maese checkpoints.
The value of individual bor-der trade stood at K3.5 billion at Tamu, K26 million at Muse, K25.3 billion at Myawady, K70 million at Tachilek, K6.9 million at Lwejel, K1.6 billion at Kanpai-ktee, K4.07 billion at Kawthoung, K1.3 billion at Reed, K10.6 billion at Mawtaung, and K635 million at Kengtung.
The Commerce Ministry has been issuing ITCs to mer-chants since the 2012-2013FY to boost border trade with neigh-bouring countries. Since of the programme began, ITCs have been issued to 1,652 merchants. The Ministry has issued 128 cards to border traders in the current financial year.—Shwe Khine
(Translated by Khaing Thanda Lwin)