Union Minister for Commerce Dr Than Myint has urged China to relax some restrictions to facilitate bilateral border trade activities though it is necessary to impose the rules and regulations during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The minister made the remark during the opening of the 19th Myanmar-China Border Trade Fair (Online) via videoconferencing on December 14. 

The Yunnan Province Deputy Governor said that bilateral trade, monetary links and cooperation between two peoples were improving. But the Covid-19 pandemic had some impacts on border trade between the two countries. 

Both sides discussed exchange of business information, eradication of illegal trade in the border areas and efforts for speedy commodity flow.  

Myanmar engages in border trade with China through Muse, Lwejal, Chinshwehaw and Kanpaiktee border trade camps. 

Border trade value at Muse camp amounted over US$480 million from October 1 to November 27 in the current 2020-2021 fiscal year. But the amount fell over US$320 million compared to the same period of the previous fiscal year, according to the Ministry of Commerce. 

Border trade value at Lwejal camp amounted to over US$30 million exceeding over US$20 million compared to last year. 

Border trade value at Chinshwehaw camp amounted to about US$80 million falling about US$30 million compared to last year. 

Likewise, border trade value at Kanpaiktee camp amounted to over US$60 million exceeding US$5 million compared to last year.