Mahaaungmye gems and jade market reopened

October 15

 

Mahaaungmye gems and jade market, which is a major gem market in Mandalay, has been reopened from 12 October and the trading activity is seen in the market, according to Mandalay City Development Committee.

 

“This market was closed down during the COVID-19 surge in Myanmar. At present, gems shops, gems cutting services and gemstone suppliers are seen in the market. Some traders transact using WeChat. Before the closure of the market, gems shops were selling them at nearby streets. The sellers are happy with the reopening of the gems market in line with the health guidelines. Everyone in the market compound must wear the mask, the handwashing basins are installed and the awareness of the COVID-19 is also conducted,” said U Aye Lwin, head of tax division under MCDC.

 

The market was temporarily shut down on 16 July 2021 to contain the rapid spread of the COVID-19. At present, the death rate and infection rate significantly fell in Mandalay District. Consequently, the market was reopened and trading was resumed in line with the health guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health.

 

“Around 50,000 people are daily seen in the market, including foreigners and local buyers. The number of local sellers is around four-digit numbers for now. Those people living nearby Mandalay come to trade at Mahaaungmye Market between 6 am and 2 pm,” U Aye Lwin elaborated.

 

This market was opened on 26 February 2000. Earlier, the vendors were found on 34 St, between 84 St and 85 St, 86 St, 38 St, 48 St, 42 St, 86 St, 87 St, 39 St and 88 St in the flea market, causing traffic congestion. The gem traders and brokers are satisfied with the one-stop service of the Mahaaungmye market, allowing them to earn livings for the family.

 

There are 1,117 shops in the market, including cutting, refineries and gemstone warehouses. Additionally, steel structure 616 stalls were also constructed in 2018 for the vendors.

 

The jade and gems are sold briskly on this market. This is also a central point to generate revenue. – Min Htet Aung (Mdy Sub-Printing House)/GNLM