Almost two months after the
Border Trade Department began issuing Individual Trade Cards (ITC) to
merchants at three key border towns; the department has released
official data showing that imports at these sites are 10 times higher
than exports.
Combined trade by registered merchants
at the three towns totaled nearly US$130,000, with imports comprising
the lion’s share: $117,647.
Exports totaled $10,588, the department said.
The data is the first of its kind and
signals a shift towards more regulated trade at border towns, which will
allow the department to obtain more reliable trade data.
It began issuing the ITCs at Tamu border
crossing with India on November 21. It extended distribution of the
cards to Muse, a town bordering China in Shan State, and Myawady, which
borders Thailand in Kayin State, on December 1. As of January 12, 134
merchants had received the cards, which the Border Trade Department has
said will allow it to curb illegal trade and protect consumers.
Under the programme, registered card
holders can trade only in cash as bank transfers are not yet permitted.
The department has said that it is planning to gradually expand this
system to all border towns.
source: Eleven Myanmar
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