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Myanmar crisis hits trade with NE
October 4, 2007: (Assam Tribune) GUWAHATI, The ongoing crisis in Myanmar has made a huge impact on the bilateral trade with North East India and this year the volume of trade is likely to drop to a large extent. This region has close trade links with Western Myanmar through Moreh point, but the traders of Myanmar are not willing to pursue export and import in the wake of political turmoil in the country.
According to available information, the day-to-day trade
between North East and Myanmar has dropped nearly 20 per cent during the last
15 days following heavy movement of military personnel in Western Myanmar. The
traders of Myanmar are now apprehensive about involvement with the North East
traders fearing harassment from their military personnel.
“The volume of export and import has dropped significantly. This is apparently
due to ongoing unrest in Myanmar,” Yumnam Dilip Kumar, president of
Indo-Myanmar Border Traders Union (IMBTU) told this correspondent today. He
said that if the situation continues then there might be sharp fall in
bilateral trade between North East and Myanmar. Asked about the response from
the Myanmar traders in wake of strong protest from the pro-democracy people, he
said that they are worried over situation.
The bilateral trade between North East and Myanmar stands at nearly Rs 100
crore per year. Moreover, about 300 traders are directly involved in export and
import with Myanmar. But considering the situation, many North East traders
have temporarily suspended their business.
“We cannot pursue our export with Myanmar as the present situation is not at
all conducive for smooth conduct of trade,” a group of traders unequivocally
said. They also observed that India’s stand towards the crisis has also
affected the trade.
Namphalang which is said to be the focal point of business of Myanmar has been
witnessing very little trade in the aftermath of the crisis. The traders of
Yangon and Mandalay have stopped visiting the market in view of uncertain
situation in the country.
“We need a permanent solution to the problem as far as bilateral trade is
concerned”, the traders added.
To give a boost to the bilateral trade between North East India and Myanmar,
the Manipur Government had signed a pact to import of rice from Myanmar to meet
the demand of the people. The pact is likely to be hit if unrest contunes.