Local_Agriculture_5

Myanmar Agro exports grow 25 per cent as of 20 Aug

Myanmar’s agricultural exports over the past ten months of the current financial year soared 25 per cent amid the closure of the major border post Muse triggered by the coronavirus impacts, indicated the Ministry of Commerce statistics. The agricultural exports rocketed to US$4.3 billion between 1 October and 20 August of the current financial year 2020- 2021, despite the downward trend in other export groups resulted from the tightened coronavirus containment measures in the border and increase in the container shipping cost. The figures reflect an increase of $877 million this FY. The agro exports topped $3.46 billion in the corresponding period of the 2019-2020FY, according to the trade figures released by the Ministry of Commerce.

The agricultural exports surged even though the main trade partner China shut down all the borders in the wake of the COVID-19 surge in Myanmar. The coronavirus pandemic impacted the foreign demand for other export groups: agricultural products, fishery, livestock, mineral, forest products, finished industrial goods and other goods. In the exports sector, the agriculture industry performed the best, accounting for 34 per cent of overall exports. The chief items of export in the agricultural sector are rice and broken rice, pulses and beans and maize. Fruits and vegetables, sesame, dried tea leaves, sugar, and other agro products are also shipped to other countries.

Myanmar agro products are primarily exported to China, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. Sometimes, the export market remains uncertain due to unsteady global demand. The country requires specific export plans for each agro product, as they are currently exported to external markets based upon supply and demand. The G-to-G pact also ensures a strong market for the farmers. Contract farming systems, involvement of regional and state agriculture departments, exporters, traders, and some grower groups, are required in order to meet production targets, the Agriculture Department stated. The Commerce Ministry is working to help farmers deal with challenges such as high input costs, procurement of pedigree seeds, high cultivation costs, and erratic weather conditions.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Covid-19 Delta Variant concept with graphics

Public Notification on discovery of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Delta variant

The Ministry of Health is continuously conducting the COVID-19 surveillance procedures, especially the surveillance of the COVID-19 variants, in collaboration with the Medical Research Unit of the Ministry of Defence. A laboratory test on 28 August 2021 revealed that 15 people had been diagnosed with the COVID-19 Delta variant (Variants of Concern), which need special care.

Of them, five were from Nay Pyi Taw, two from Yangon, two from Mandalay, and one each from Sittway, Toungoo, Lashio, Mawlamyine, Monywa and Kalay, respectively. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Delta variant was first discovered in India and is endemic in 163 countries, at present.

Delta variant is considered to have a higher risk of death due to their higher risk of infection and disease severity. In addition, it has also been shown to slightly reduce the effectiveness of some COVID-19 vaccines. Therefore, the people are urged to strictly adhere to the guidelines, orders and procedures issued by the Ministry of Health in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 disease to their families and environment.

Ministry of Health

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

metro

METRO Wholesle Myanmar will be closed at the end of October due to operational difficulties

METRO Wholesle Myanmar, a well-known company in Yangon, announced on September 1 via its social media site that it would be shutting down at the end of October due to operational difficulties.

The statement said it regretted that METRO Myanmar would cease operations at the end of October 2021. They have carefully considered what can be done under various circumstances. However, the current situation makes it very difficult to operate in accordance with the high standards set by METRO.

Customers who have trusted and worked with them over the years; Thanks to all our business partners and suppliers. They would also like to thank all the METRO staff and pledge to provide full guidance and support during the transition period. METRO Wholesle Myanmar entered and invested in Myanmar in 2017.

Source: Daily Eleven