Sittwe border trade centre records $1.36 million in trade volume over opening weeks of resumption

By DMG 05 Nov 2021

DMG Newsroom
5 November 2021, Sittwe

Arakan State’s Sittwe border trade centre has processed goods worth about US$1.36 million in the approximately two weeks since it reopened, according to the Arakan State Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ASCCI), following an extended closure due to Covid-19.

The trade volume is lower than expected because trading has to be conducted in line with Covid-19 regulations, said U Tin Aung Oo, who chairs the ASCCI.

“We expected more than that amount. But it is delayed to get the market back because the border trade was suspended for about three months,” U Tin Aung Oo said.

The Sittwe border trade gate reopened on October 16 and has processed almost entirely exports; $1,353,261 in exports, to be exact, and $3,500 worth of imports.

Myanmar’s major exports to Bangladesh via the Sittwe border trade centre include freshwater fish, dried fish, onion, fresh ginger, plum jam and tamarind products.

Traders said they are seeking to boost trade at the Sittwe facility as trans-border commerce gets back on its feet after months on pause due to the pandemic.

“There are some cases that are required to help according to the law to facilitate trading,” U Tin Aung Oo said. “For example, the Arakan State Chamber of Commerce and Industry is seeking to trade seafood that comes from Yangon in accordance with regulations of the Department of Fisheries. If so, the volume of trade will increase.”

Operations at the Maungdaw and Sittwe border trade centres were suspended on July 15 at the instruction of the Arakan State military council, as Covid-19 infections climbed in the state and nationwide amid the pandemic’s third wave.

Trade resumed at the Sittwe facility on October 16 but the restart faced additional delays in Maungdaw.