Avoid providing support to unlawful traders and their activities. The Illegal Trade Eradication Steering Committee is actively engaged in combating illegal trading and implementing measures to curb such activities. The committee, tasked with safeguarding the interests of legal trade and traders, operates nationwide, ensuring the prosperity of the state’s economic sector and private businesses.
In the period spanning from January to December 2023, the Department of Customs executed a substantial number of seizures, with a focus on international airports, permanent checkpoints, trade zones, and trade camps, including international ports. Special task forces in regions and states, in addition to Nay Pyi Taw Council Area, work under the committee’s supervision and target smuggled goods and illegal trade activities across various regions and states. Notably, Mandalay Region witnessed the highest volume of seized commodities, trailed by Taninthayi Region and Kachin State, among the 14 regions and states, in addition to Nay Pyi Taw Council Area.
Over a two-year period, the committee underwent restructuring to diminish the index associated with illegal trade measures. Consequently, it spearheaded operations resulting in the confiscation of smuggled goods valued at K200.422 billion in 10,395 cases. However, the figures revealed a decrease of K70.31 billion in seizures of illegal commodities and smuggled goods in 2022 compared to 2023, indicating a persistent occurrence of illegal trade within the nation.
Seized contraband typically includes unregistered vehicles, vehicles transporting smuggled goods, intermediate goods, and capital goods. Task forces from various regions and states must intensify their efforts to enforce legal measures in designated areas such as international airports, ports, border camps, and permanent checkpoints.
During the 1/2024 coordination meeting of the steering committee, Vice-Chairman of the State Administration Council Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Soe Win emphasized the importance of collaboration between state service personnel, officials, businesspersons, and the public in consistently eradicating illegal trade. This collaborative effort is considered a national duty to mitigate the adverse effects of illicit trade on legal businesses, trade, and overall national development.
As such, it is crucial for the public to acquire a comprehensive understanding of illegal trade activities, recognizing them as destructive acts that hinder the nation’s economic development. Such activities contribute to soaring commodity prices, leading to daily challenges and manipulating the state’s business inflation rate. Consequently, active participation from everyone is essential in eradicating illegal trade and holding traders accountable in all locations without exception.
