Assam Awaits Trade Delegation from Burma

The industries fair runs from March 1- 11, but the Industries and Trade Fair Association of Assam had received no answer up to last Thursday to an invitation sent to several ministries and the Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

Burmese delegations have gone to the annual fair in Chandmari in recent years, and in 2007 a bumper team of more than 30 officials attended.

On that occasion, the Burmese signed memorandums of understanding to improve trade relations with both Assam and bordering Manipur State in India.

However, since no action has been taken in 12 months by the Burmese side on achieving the MoUs, observers suggest that the Burmese may stay away from the fair this year to avoid embarrassment.

The International Guwahati Trade Fair will feature industrial ware exhibits from Thailand, , Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the United Arab Republic, Czech Republic and Turkey, as well as Indian companies, said chief organizer Rajeev Das in a statement. 

But while silence has only ensued on closer trade ties on Burma’s western borders, the junta is reportedly keen on promoting a “trade zone” around Myawaddy in Karen State adjacent to the Thai border opposite Mae Sot.

The 188-hectare trade zone will be the largest of its kind in Burma after the Muse 105th Mile Border Trade Zone with China’s Ruili in southwestern Yunnan Province, according to the Chinese official news agency Xinhua.

The new trade zone would be in a straight line with the Burmese port of Moulmein on the Gulf of Martaban and Rangoon on the other side of a short sea strip.