China to crack down illegal border trade
The Yunnan provincial government has informed Myanmar about a crackdown on illegal border trade in April and May, according to entrepreneurs.
The two-month crackdown will take place in Honghe, Dehong, Wenshan and Xishuangbanna until May 31.
A Myanmar entrepreneur said: “Myanmar will cooperate with the Yunnan government on the two-month crackdown in order to effectively control the region where illegal trade is rife and ensure the stability and sustainable development of the border region. The Muse-Namkham Border Trade Association has distributed a letter to many organisations.”
The letter comes from the Myanmar Consulate General in Kunming.
“There may be strict action taken against those involved in illegal trade on the Chinese side. There may be an impact on Myanmar’s exports as we largely rely on the Chinese market. Myanmar’s side will be in a difficult position if there are seizures by China. China is said to be turning a blind eye to Chinese products. Most Myanmar exports go through legal routes. It is easy to crackdown on the illegal trade by blocking both the railway station and the highway,” said a rice exporter who uses Muse.
China-Myanmar border trade this financial year has exceeded US$5 billion, up by nearly US$2 billion from the previous year, according to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
Myanmar’s natural resources are being exported to China through illegal trade routes along the border.
