21 July
FROM 1 October to 5 July in this fiscal year (FY), the value of border trade reached US$ 8.02 billion, recording an increase of $1.15 billion compared to the same period of last fiscal year, according to the Ministry of Com-merce.
The total value of border trade, as of 5 July this FY, includ-ed $5.6 billion in exports and $ 2.4 billion in imports. Compared with the last FY, export earnings went up over $1.06 billion, while the value of imports increased by $86 million. This time last year, the border trade was valued at $6.87 billion.
Myanmar conducts border trade with China through the Muse, Lwejel, Kanpikete, Chin-shwehaw and Kengtung border points.
The country has carried out border trade with Thailand through the Tachilek, Myawady, Kawthoung, Myeik, Hteekhee, Mawtaung and Maese border gates. The cross-border trade camps between Myanmar and Bangladesh are Sittway and Maungtaw, whereas the coun-try trades directly with India via the Tamu and Reed border gates.
Myanmar has opened 17 border trade camps along its border. Among them, Muse and Hteekhee border trade camp sees the highest trade volume. Muse topped the list of border checkpoints with the most trade value of $3.89 billion, followed by Hteekhee with $1.89 billion and Myawady with $722 million.
The country's agricultural products, animal products, fisher-ies, minerals and forest products are mainly exported, while capital goods, intermediate goods and consumer goods are imported.
Currently, some 80 per cent of the country’s external trade is carried out via sea routes.—Zwe (Translated by Hay Mar)
