State agencies, trade bodies discuss measures on stability of market prices

 

March 30, 2020

Officials from state departments, trade bodies and merchant associations held talks to control surge in prices of goods and commodities amid Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19).
The meeting was held in video conferencing system at the headquarters of Ministry of Commerce, linking with its office in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday.
U Aung Soe, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, explained the ministry’s works for stability of commodity markets related to medicines, medical equipment and household commodities. He said that the government is helping for smooth commodity flows, while some associations have joined with the government in these measures. The Permanent Secretary remarked Myanmar will not encounter shortage of commodities as the country is producing basic household commodities and even exporting theses goods to foreign countries.
The National-Level Central Committee on Prevention, Control and Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is chaired by the State Counsellor, and the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Economic Relations is leading a committee to alleviate Covid-19 impacts on the economy, with the participations of other ministries. The Ministry of Commerce has set up a ‘help desk’ in Yangon to address difficulties in trades, and will take legal actions against making the prices hike in the markets. The meeting was attended by the officials and representatives from the Trade Department, Department of Consumer Affairs, Myanmar Trade Promotion Organization, UMFCCI, Myanmar Rice and Paddy Traders Association, Myanmar Edible Oil Dealer’s Association, Myanmar Food Processors and Exporters Association, Myanmar Onion, Garlic and Vegetable Producers’ and Exporters Association, Myanmar Pharmaceuticals and Medical Equipment Entrepreneurs Association, Myanmar Retailers Association, Myanmar Highway Freight Transportation Services Association, chairpersons of Bayintnaung Commodity Wholesale Centre and officials from relevant associations.
The heads of departments under the Ministry of Commerce, Custom Department, Yangon Region Government, Nay Pyi Taw City Development Committee, Yangon City Development Committee, Myanmar Trade Promotion Organization, Department of Civil Aviation, Myanmar Port Authority and Department of Health briefed on their plans for stability of market prices and designation of important commodities. —MNA (Translated by Aung Khin)