The Kyin San Kyawt border gate has been opened up for the trade of watermelons between China and Myanmar. Assistant Secretary of Myanmar's Ministry of Commerce, U Khin Maung Lwin, told The Myanmar Times that the gate has been reopened for the fruit season. The temporary reopening comes after successful negotiations between China and Myanmar on January 7.
The unofficial border gate was closed late December and it has greatly impacted the exchange of goods in the China-Myanmar markets. The reopening announcement has brightened up the fruit-trading industry and sellers are preparing to exchange truckloads of fruits while negotiations for a full-blown opening are underway.
The agreement between China and Myanmar states that only 1,000 trucks can pass through the gate starting January 11. The Wholesale Center is expected to be jam-packed by the end of the week as traders gather to exchange goods.
Experts believe trade disruptions between the two countries stem from Myanmar's lack of trade policies. Vice-chair of the Union of Myanmar Federal Chamber of Commerce and Industry said, "There is currently no precise policy for border trade. Every country should have the policy to deal with trade disagreements and volatility. Right now, Myanmar is on the losing end, with little power to deal with trade issues."
China has pledged to allow tons of muskmelons and watermelons to be exported from Myanmar. There is no confirmation as to what other fruits and goods will be exchanged but traders are looking forward to improved sales as the fruit season is just around the bend.
