Transport problems triggered by extreme weather in the border area between Myanmar and Bangladesh impede trade and the value of trade declined, according to the Rakhine State Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
Out of two border posts (Sittway and Maungtaw) between Myanmar and Bangladesh, Maungtaw cross-border area faced transport problems and impacts of weather.
This way, exporters conducted trade more through the Sittway border channel. Trade value at Maungtaw post dropped accordingly, compared to the previous months.
Myanmar exported goods worth US$2.58 million to Bangladesh in August, while there is zero imports from Bangladesh, indicating a trade surplus.
Myanmar delivered goods worth $1.48 million via Maungtaw and goods valued at $1.099 million via Sittway. Fishery products are the main export items.
In a bid to boost the bilateral cross-border trade, Yangon-Sittway- Chittagong coastal shipping line is running. The authorities from the two countries together with the Rakhine State Chambers of Commerce and Industry implemented direct trade.
Last July, Myanmar conveyed exports worth $2.148 million to Bangladesh and imported goods worth $ 0.005 million into the country, totalling $2.153 million.
Myanmar sent areca nut, coconut, Jengkol, silver pomfret, anchovy, dried fish, broom, mushroom, ginger, onion, chickpea, dried plum, tamarind seed, footwear, lower garment (longyi), Thanaka, instant coffee mix, sunflower seed and instant noodle to Bangladesh. Meanwhile, apparel, consumer goods, PVC pipes, plastic water storage tanks and hand-drawn pumps are imported into the country. — TWA/GNLM
