Stranded trucks in Kyalgaung allowed departing through Man Wein post within three days

The trucks stuck in Kyalgaung, China, are allowed to depart between 1 and 3 June via Man Wein post, said U Min Thein, vice-chair of Muse Rice Wholesale Centre.
“A total of 223 trucks have stranded in Kyalgaung, China since 21 April. The trucks have been loaded for over a month, raising concerns over imports. So, we had to request the authorities to give the green light for the trucks to depart. They arranged for trucks to leave for Hnin Hnin Khine terminal in Muse city in three days (1-3 June),” he elaborated.
The trucks are planned to leave on 1, and 3 June between 7 am and 5 pm. The drivers must wear PPE. They must drive nonstop up to Hnin Hnin Khine terminal, traders association notified.
Coronavirus cases were detected in Shweli (Ruili) and Kyalgaung precious stone market in late March. It prompted China to restrict border access at the Man Wein checkpoint, a major border crossing between Myanmar and China.
At present, the number of positive cases has dropped. Lockdown on the Kyalgaung area has been eased since 4 May. However, it will be monitored for about three months. Consequently, there is no plan to reopen the Man Wein post.
“It is still closed. The border closure began on 30 March. Kyalgaung area will be kept under watch for three months even after lifting the lockdown. We still cannot confirm when the crossing will reopen,” said U Min Thein.
Additionally, Man Wein border post is not available for now, according to the negotiation with Shweli’s Foreign Affairs Department. The border post will resume the trade only after drawing up a detailed project report, the Trade Department (Muse 105th mile trade zone) stated. As once China lifts the restriction, the traders will be spontaneously informed.
In the meantime, major export items: rice, broken rice, various pulses, fishery products, onion and chilli, are delivered to China through Kyinsankyawt post, a major crossing for Myanmar’s fruit exports, said U Min Thein. However, shipping via Kyinsankyawt post caused traffic congestion and delay.
During the first wave of the COVID-19, the driver-substitution system was practised in the border area, which helps lessen the impediment to the trade, yet the current restriction exacerbates border trade, the Muse Rice Wholesale Centre stated. — NN/GNLM