China takes lion’s share of all border trade with Myanmar

Published on Wednesday, 06 February 2013 15:44

The lion’s share of all border trade occurs at the four trading zones along the border with China, while trade with India constitutes the least amount among the four nations that share borders with Myanmar, the latest figures from the Border Trade Department show.

Border trade with China surpassed US$7.8 billion in the four years to fiscal year 2011, while border trade with India reached only about $66 million. Border trade with Thailand surpassed $1.5 billion during the same period and border trade with Bangladesh was more than $117 million, the department said.

Border trade with China takes place in four zones: Muse, Lweje, Chin Shwe Haw and Kan Pite Tee. Myanmar has five border-trade zones with Thailand (Myawady, Tachileik, Kawthoung, Myeik and Nabule) and two with India: Tamu and Rikawhta. Myanmar also has two border-trade zones with Bangladesh: Sittwe and Maungdaw.

India and Myanmar plan to open more markets along the border to boost border trade.