Sino-Myanmar Trade: Trade Boosted As Manwain Border Post Opened 24 Hours

The flow of trade between China and Myanmar has improved significantly after opening Manwain border checkpoint for 24 hours, which is essential to the border trade, according to Muse-Namhkam  Merchant Association.

Border authorities from both sides have agreed on opening the Muse-Manwain  trading post for 24 hours on a 10-day trial basis starting from 5th to 14th January to speed up the trade flow between the two countries delayed during the pandemic period.

Before opening the Manwain crossing for 24 hours, more than 200 trucks with cargo entered China daily.

After opening, over 400 trucks are crossing between China and Myanmar at Manwain checkpoint daily. Now, the flow of trade is faster than earlier. The trucks that have been waiting for many days to enter China at Muse 105th Mile are also entering China these days,” According to the local sources.

Myanmar primarily exports watermelon, muskmelon, rice, broken rice, green gram, sugar and other agricultural products, and it imports electrical equipment, machinery, motorcycles, motorcycle accessories, fertilizers and construction materials. On the Myanmar side, the truck rental charges drop by 40 per cent.

However, both counties will have to take responsibility for the truck drivers’ safety and ensure that they comply with COVID-19 guidelines during the trial period. In the trial period, the Manwain border crossing will be open for 24 hours until 14th January.

Further coordination will be conducted between the two countries. The authorities will extend the opening hours or allow entry or exit for 12 hours of Myanmar Standard Time.