Exports of watermelon and marine products on Myanmar-China border have declined by 209 million US dollars due to the spreading of coronoavirus (COVID-19), said Union Commerce Minister Dr. Than Myint, on 22 February.

“Till 14 February of 2018-2019 fiscal year, the total trade value reached 14.595 billion US dollars, up 2.147 billion US dollars compared with the same period this year. The export value increased by 1.053 billion US dollars. The border trade sees a decline due to the Chinese New Year holidays and the spreading of coronavirus,” he said.

“During the holidays from 23 January to 18 February, Myanmar-China border trade declined by 209 million US dollars—exports of 152 million US dollars and imports of 57 million US dollars, compared with the same period last year. It has an impact on water melon, sweet melon, perishable goods and marine products,” Dr. Than Myint continued.

As a measure to solve this problem, Yangon Region Government helps merchants to get the places for the sale of water melon and sweet melon in Yangon market, in cooperation with Yangon City Development Committee.

“In a bid to solve the current problem, we are working with hoteliers, restaurant owners and foodstuff manufactures to sell water melon and sweet melon and help increase the local consumption. Due to the outbreak of coronavirus, local entrepreneurs suffer losses, and the government earns less revenues. Especially, Myanmar workers who came back from China face income losses,” he added.    

Garment factories in Myanmar may face temporary closures due to the shortage of raw materials if they are unable to import raw materials until April. Myanmar has to import CMP raw materials via China-Myanmar border.