MYANMAR rice export to China via Muse 105th Mile trade zone plummeted by half, according to the Muse Rice Wholesale Centre.

“Although Myanmar exported 60,000 bags of rice and broken rice daily to China from earlier October to 20 December; only 30,000 bags of rice can now be exported after 20 December,” Vice-Chair U Min Thein of the Muse Rice Wholesale Centre said.

Myanmar rice export to China has dropped because Myanmar exported only the rice permitted for 2020 and the rice is stockpiled in Muse wholesale centre.

“The 2020 rice export permit from China will end on 31 December. The rice from lower Myanmar does not reach the Muse border area because the permitted rice stock and the remaining rice are being exported to China before 31 December. There are many rice stocks in the Muse border area,” he explained.

The price of broken rice is also a bit on the decline because of the high charges of export trucks and depreciation of the exchange rate. However, according to Muse Rice Wholesale Centre, Myanmar exported about 30,000 bags of rice and broken rice to China daily.

The export rice to China is sold for ¥128 per 50-kg bag for broken rice, ¥136 per pack for Thuka rice and ¥137 per bag for Nga Sein rice in Muse market, according to Muse Rice Wholesale Centre.

China will issue the new rice export permits for 2021 in January. Also, China is likely to give more licences to the companies this year than last year, according to the rice traders’ opinions.

“The Chinese government has granted rice export licences to 15 Chinese companies in the year 2020. We heard that the Chinese government would issue the rice permits for 2021 to 50 companies. But, we haven’t received any confirmation yet. If the Chinese government confirms it, the export value will increase three times than in 2020. And, the border trade volume will increase compared to the previous years,” said U Min Thein.

Myanmar has opened four border trade zones with China; Muse and Chinshwehaw in Shan State, and Kampaiti and Lweje in Kachin State. Majority of the trade is carried out through the Muse land border.

By Nyein Nyein

(Translated by Hay Mar)

Photo: Tin Zar Hlating

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TWO main border checkpoints (Mant Wyint and Kyin San Kyawt) between China and Myanmar will extend opening times to speed up the trade flow delayed by the COVID19 pandemic, according to the Muse-Namkham Merchant Association in Muse town.

With the extension of the opening hours, the related department led by U Hlaing Soe Thant, the district administrators, the chairman of Muse District Management Team, and the Muse-Namkham border trader association officials and Muse border trade association conducted informal meetings together with the officials from China. Then, they have reached an agreement to extend the opening time.

"The border authorities' requirements from the Myanmar side are not fulfilled yet by the China side, although the latter has agreed to extend the opening time. That is the reason why we cannot implement it, however.

"The Mant Wyint bilateral checkpoint will extend the opening time to 24 hours and Kyin San Kyawt checkpoint will follow suit. Suppose the border checkpoints can successfully extend the opening times as agreed by the two countries. In that case, both countries could speed up current bilateral trade flow doubly," said Chairman U Sai Nom of the Muse-Namkham Merchant Association.

The Mant Wyint checkpoint is open until 9 pm, and Kyin San Kyawt crossing is open till 6 pm. If it is necessary to speed up the trade flow between the two countries, Sin Phyu and Wan Ding land borders will be reopened.

"The Wan Ding border crossing from Pan Sai (Kyukok) is opened as agreed. Regarding the extension of the border opening time, Myanmar trader brotherhood associations have made preparations," said U Sai Nom.

Salai Ven Ro Htam (IPRD)

(Translated by Hay Mar)

Photo: Salai Ven Ro Htam (IPRD)

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