Hteekhee, Mawtaung border crossings return to normal

Hteekhee and Mawtaung checkpoints, along the Myanmar-Thailand border, have been allowed to reopen and the trades are resuming as usual.
“So far, the trading is running as usual. The businessmen are facing a hard time because the border crossings are closed. Now, the checkpoints are reopened and the trade will be operated as usual, said a local trader from the Mawtaung border crossing.
The trading between Myanmar and Thailand were temporarily closed for about one month until the end of August to control the spread of coronavirus between the two countries. These border checkpoints are located in the Taninthayi region.
Myanmar exported aquatic products mainly to Thailand through Hteekhee and Mawtaung crossings.
“We have been faced many difficulties when the crossings were closed for one month. We are very glad to hear that and have been waiting to hear such good news like this.
Now, we can start our business operation,” he added. Currently, the drivers are only allowed to drive the truck after detecting the COVID-19 test. The cold storage containers are also conducted in line with the guidelines of the Ministry of Health.
Thailand is the primary buyer of Myanmar aquatic products. Last FY, Myanmar shipped US$318 million worth of fishery products to Thailand, while the total fishery exports stood at $850 million. — ACM/GNLM