Due to COVID-19, China has laid down strict arrangements in entering of trucks carrying loads and as a result, trucks from Myanmar carrying loads had to spend 7 to 10 days at Muse to 105-mile border gate route and flow of commodities delayed.

“From 105-mile border gate to Mantwaine, Muse, it took 7 to 10 days. To avoid traffic, trucks were parked at a 105-mile trade zone for 1 or 2 days. Then, it moved to the Hnin Hnin Khine car parking lot. A truck going to China for loading or unloading of commodities, took 7 to 10 days for queuing. The difficulty is mainly due to management made by the Chinese authorities. From our side, we have no means to occur delay,” Win Aung Khant, chairman of highway freight forwarders association.

To avoid the re-occurring of COVID-19, China has laid down strict arrangements along with the Myanmar-China border gate. Although Myanmar businesspeople made no comment about this, they have concerned that it will affect border trade if it goes for a long time. They desire authority should do something to settle this problem.

Before COVID-19 broke out, around 1000 to 1800 trucks entered the 105-mile border gate, and at Mantwaine gate, which is a checkpoint of both countries, there were around 500 trucks. Now, China has allowed only 100 trucks to enter with Chinese drivers, trucks have to wait for 10 days on the way.

When the COVID-19 broke out, the Chinese authority has promised that China will take care of the flow of commodities between two countries but delayed occurred and the majority of Myanmar commodities were ruined while transporting. Moreover, due to instructions on designated drivers alone must drive the trucks to enter China which was set by Chinese authority, some trucks faced destructions.

For the hardships such as loss of loads on the trucks, destruction of vehicles delayed on the way, drivers and highway freight forwarders desire smooth in entering and leaving of China when transporting cargo.