Mawlamyine, March (31)
Traders say Myanmar-Thailand trade has almost come to a standstill due to the ban on access to the Asian Highway.
The KNU has announced that the use of the Kawkareik-Myawaddy Asian Highway and the Myawaddy-Wal Lay section will be suspended from March 27 because military council troops are conducting a massive invasion into KNU-controlled Brigade 6, Dooplaya District.
Due to the ban on access to the Asian Highway, the goods can no longer be exported and the trade between the two countries could be suspended in the next 10 days, one trader said.
“I haven’t seen a car in two days. If this situation goes on for another 10 days, the trade between the two countries will almost come to a halt. The ration will only be available for Myawaddy.
If the current route is not reopened, trade will be zero,” he added.
Access to the Asia Highway has a major impact on Myanmar-Thailand trade.
In addition, it is no longer possible to import goods due to traffic conditions. The prices of goods, including basic foodstuffs, may surge and there may be a shortage of goods in the market.
Currently, hundreds of trucks are stranded in the Myawaddy trade zone due to the inability to access the Asian Highway.
Myanmar exports agricultural products, including maize, to Thailand through the Myawaddy border, and imports mainly basic foodstuffs, medicine, cosmetics, consumer goods and construction materials from there.
News – Than Lwin Times
