Maritime transport accounts for over 80% of the world trade volume and is the backbone of the global economy.
The current situation in the country disrupted shipping operations related to normal trade and internal trade since last month.
In fact, the coronavirus outbreak has already negatively affected our country’s border and normal trade and reduced revenue from the tax. Since the outbreak, imports of raw materials have dropped. With stocks running out, manufacturers are concerned about the availability of raw materials.
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, some production came back online and gave jobs to the local people in anticipation of exporting the products through normal trade.
Now, there are delays of port services and a solution for solving the current port services sector should be sought through open discussion between the port services users, traders, port services agencies and shipping lines.
Now, there are delays of port services and a solution for solving the current port services sector should be sought through open discussion between the port services users, traders, port services agencies and shipping lines.
Regarding the external trade, the Customs Department is working on returning the taxation and customs clearance to normal, and it can make container services speedy at ports. It is worth noting that the department is also making arrangements for ensuring the commerce and trade flow return to normal in the coming Thingyan new year holidays in mid-April. It would bring opportunities for traders and port service agencies to resume their operations.
Hence, traders and port service agencies can support this scheme by information and ways which can ensure smooth services to the authorities concerned. This should be the first step for them to resume their services.
It is learnt that the traders of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry are facing challenges for export and import, some delays in port services and unnecessary restrictions. They have to spend much more than they should on port services due to delays.
The authorities concerned has offered their help and is seeking advice from traders to overcome current challenges.
Hence, it is important for the authorities, traders and port service agencies to work together to deal with the current situation. Only then can we explore ways to recover from possible losses and damage to the local economy due to delays of port services and customs clearances?
Dealing with unnecessary delays of port services is key to ensuring the smooth flow of trade.
