Commodity flows down 80% amid COVID-19 lockdown: Arakan commerce group

By Nyan Hein 17 Sep 2020

Nyan Hein | DMG
17 September, Sittwe

The flow of goods in Arakan State has been reduced by 80% due to a recent surge in coronavirus cases that prompted a lockdown of the state, according to the Arakan State Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

“We may face many difficulties due to the decline of commodity flows. Two kinds of transport routes — the waterways and land roads — are used to transport commodities to Arakan State. There will be scarcity and shortages of commodities in the next week because road access to Arakan State has been blocked,” U Tin Aung Oo, chairperson of the Arakan State Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, told DMG.

Regarding the potential shortage of commodities due to transportation barriers, a request was presented to the local government to handle the issue, but no response has been received so far, he added.

“Now we suffer financial losses in trading,” said U Hla Maung Thein, a grocer in Sittwe. “Due to the closure of the roads, the goods arrived late. There is no buyer for the time being. Commodity prices are on the rise. Sales are down by half compared with the past.”

U Khin Maung Gyi, vice chairman of the REIC Rakhine Economic Initiative Public Co Ltd., said the government should take preemptive measures to ensure the uninterrupted flow of goods amid what is being described as the “second wave” of coronavirus infections in Arakan State.

“The local government needs to make preparations for the possible shortage of commodities in cooperation with the Arakan State Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry. If not, the commodity situation in Arakan State could worsen,” he said.

DMG attempted to contact Arakan State government spokesperson U Win Myint for comment on government arrangements to prevent the crimping of supply lines due to the closure of waterways and roads, but he could not be reached.