As Lwejel-Larin Myanmar-China border gate in Momauk Township, Kachin State could not be opened in time, hundreds of truckloads of tissue plantains had to be discarded, according to vehicle transport entrepreneurs in Myanmar.

The transport entrepreneurs said that at the moment, most of the warehouses at the Lwejel border gate were stockpiled with cartons of plantain, and that tens of trucks loaded with plantains were queuing up along the border road.

One businessman said, "When it was targeted to open the gate on January 5 trucks were begun to be loaded with plantains by December 26. Till January 8, they were being loaded. As plantains only last for a fortnight, those that had been sent earliest had to be discarded. As the cartons are expensive the entrepreneurs have to use manpower to throw away the plantains. The tissue plantains too are ripe.  With the eagerness to sell even one or two truckloads of plantains resulted this way. On the Chinese side the price of plantain is very good. This side, plantain entrepreneurs as well as transport entrepreneurs are making great losses. Some transport entrepreneurs have signed agreements with plantain entrepreneurs and they are in debt by millions. In addition those supplying manure on credit are in debt by millions of kyats. Chinese entrepreneurs too are unable to pay. No lawsuits can be filed as they are not citizens of this country. This business is not the one that has been legally signed by the government. The closure of the border gate is a big blow to several parties.”  

The two largest border gates in Kachin State, Kanpaiktee and Lwejel ,  engaging in trade with China, have been closed for over six months since July 11. Although Kanpaiktee gate was opened in mid-December, only ten trucks per day could go across due to the pandemic preventive measures and other trade inspections.

Both the Chinese and Myanmar governments and entrepreneurs from both sides have been working together since early September to reopen the Kachin and Chinese border gates that have closed due to the high positivity rate in Kachin State.

Lwejel border gate is 56 miles and 4 furlongs distant from Bhamo and is in close proximity with Laiyin village in Kyanphon Township, Lonchwan district which is a trade outpost.

In order to conduct legal business, China and Kachin State  use mainly Kanpaiktee, Lwejel and Panwa entrances. In addition, they use Laiza and Manweingyi gates.