In January and February 2022, 97 container vessels of 13 international shipping lines entered Yangon ports and started port operations

In January and February 2022, a total of 97 container vessels from 13 international shipping lines entered Yangon ports, according to the Myanmar Ports Authority. In January 2022, 49 container vessels of 13 shipping lines will be deployed at Yangon ports to increase imports to meet domestic demand. In February, 48 container vessels from 13 shipping lines arrived. In order to increase open season exports and increase imports according to domestic demand, container loading

According to data released by the Myanmar Ports Authority, it is planned to extend the service of various shipping lines. More international container vessels and general cargo ships have arrived at Yangon ports since May 2021, handling more than 11,000 containers and 115,000 metric tons of general cargo, according to the Myanmar Ports Authority. Yangon Port is under the supervision and management of the Myanmar Ports Authority. Due to the cooperation of shipping lines and importers and exporters, container vessels can be serviced in May 2021 with an average turnaround time of three days.

Shipments and cargo handling have risen since May, handling more than 11,000 containers and 115,000 metric tons of general cargo. From June to the end of November, more than 40 container vessels entered the country. Maersk Line Myanmar (Sealand Maersk) has launched three new container vessels since 2021 to meet the needs of the maritime trade. The new ships launched by Maersk Line Myanmar are the Maersk Norberg, Maersk Narvik and Maersk Nesna. Of the three ships, the Maersk Norberg will dock at MITT and MIP ports, and the Launching Ceremony was held on June 10, 2021 at MIP Port.

The three new ships will have a displacement of 1,750 TEU 21,000 metric tons (9.5 meters). It was built specifically for the Myanmar market. With the expansion of these new container vessels, there will be enough space & equipment for exports and shipments will not have to wait for a booking. The discovery of a new waterway on the Yangon River has allowed international vessels to enter and leave the port of Thilawa, which has been allowed to increase its restriction. According to a statement from the Myanmar Ports Authority, 152 vessels carrying more than 30,000 tonnes entered Rangoon port and Thilawa port within five months of the new tide restrictions being extended due to the discovery of a new waterway on the Yangon River.

Source: Daily Eleven

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In Liaoning Province, China, the whole province has been locked down due to the COVID virus, and the Lweje and Shweli border gates have been closed indefinitely

In Longchang Province, China, the whole province has been locked down due to the COVID virus, and the Lweje and Shweli border gates have been closed indefinitely, according to border traders. According to a border trader in Bhamo District, the lockdown in Longchaung District was due to the high number of people infected with the omega virus, which has been on the rise since March 10. The first block is bananas. Since March 18.

On the evening of March 21, rice, Corn Cane closed again. More than 400 cars were blocked all the way. The only victims are the banana farmers. Banana trucks are dumping bananas in warehouses and returning the bananas, drivers said. The Loije-Larin border gate was closed on July 11, 2021 for more than six months and reopened on January 17, 2022. Currently, the Kandawgyi border gate was opened in mid-December. 

Due to inspections and inspections of goods, only ten vehicles can be traded per day. Most Chinese banana growers have been unable to repay their loans to the Chinese government after losing money for two years in a row, and will have to suspend operations if the capital is not repaid during the current banana season, said a member of the Crop Entrepreneurs Association. On the way, the Burmese-Chinese border gate could not be opened in time and many banana carts were abandoned. 

More than 3,000 to 5,000 tissue bananas were traded over the past three years at the Lweje border gate. At present, there are a lot of entrepreneurs in Kachin State who are involved in the banana plantation cultivation from China. Workers The credit system is high among sellers; Lack of specific workplace conditions; Village elders near the tissue banana plantation said that many problems were being solved on a daily basis due to improper operation.

The Kanbai border trade point is 85 miles from Myitkyina, adjacent to Hteinchong Township, Pauksan County, Yunnan Province, China, 51 miles from Hteinchong. The Loije border gate is located 56 miles from Bhamo and is a border trade point adjacent to Laing Yin Village, Jiangphone Township, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China. The main official gateways between China and Kachin State are the Kanpai Gate and the Lweje Gate. Mainly used for Pangwa entrances. In addition, Laiza; Man Win Gyi entrances are also being used.

Source: Daily Eleven

Dollar worth over K2,000 at exchanges
despite CBM reference rate at K1,778

The majority of the exchanges are found trading a dollar at unofficial rates of over K2,000 although the Central Bank of Myanmar set the reference exchange rate at K1,778, according to local forex traders. To strengthen the Kyat value in the local forex market, the CBM set the exchange rate margin within 0.5 per cent of the reference rate for the transaction, selling or buying, according to a notification issued by the CBM on 9 November. Consequently, financial institutions, including the banks and informal money exchanges, set a dollar value at K1,781 for buying and K1,786 for selling.

Nevertheless, the dollar was traded only between K2,030 and K2,040 on 21 March in the informal financial market. The CBM sold US$95 million at its auction market within three months for edible oil, fuel oil and pharmaceutical sectors, to govern the market volatility. A total of $443.8 million were sold at an auction rate in 2021 as well. Last 28 September 2021, a dollar value hit an all-time high of over K3,000 in the black market and consequently, the pure gold reached a record high of K2.22 million per tical in history.

Under the guidance of the Central Committee on Ensuring Smooth Flow of Trade and Goods, the Monitoring and Steering Committee on Gold and Currency Market was formed on 17 December 2021 as gold and currency market stability play a crucial role in trade facilitation. The objectives of the committee are inspecting and prosecuting market manipulation, checking if there is compliance to payment rules or not in the domestic market, proceeding against those unscrupulous traders who intend to interfere with the free and fair operation in the market under the existing laws, bylaws and regulations in line with the official directives, illegal procurement of foreign currency, illegal trade and taking legal actions against price manipulators. Furthermore, the officials concerned will crack down on those people involved in charging a percentage for money withdrawals at banks as shadow money.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

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Foodpanda apologizes for system error, controversial rider fees restored

The online food delivery platform Foodpanda apologized for a system error that occurred between 7:00 am and 7:30 am on 16 March, resulting in a miscalculation of rider fees and causing controversy. The rider fees were restored to the normal rates, according to the Foodpanda statement dated 19 March. This error reflects a K200 fee during the 30-minute glitch, while a rider normally earns between K550 and K750 for a one kilometre delivery distance. The foodpanda has assured that any deduction as a result of this incident will be corrected and reimbursed and apologized for any inconvenience in the recent days.

Foodpanda responded to the controversial issue. Some riders have recently raised concerns about their pay, rising fuel cost pressure, and a few other issues. As independent freelancers, the riders earn an income based on a fair and transparent fee structure that comprises variables such as the number of shifts they take, the distance they have to deliver, and their performance levels over time. The majority of the riders receive K300,000 on average in delivery pay per month while some top riders could earn up to K600,000 per month.

The base delivery payment has been adjusted downwards over the past months in line with the current market rate. Having heard rider feedback and complaints, Foodpanda is looking at urgent ways to supplement or increase rider pay as much as possible. But service disruptions ultimately hurt the business and rider income. The riders are experiencing financial hardships due to the increase in commodity prices. In line with foodpanda’s goal towards uplifting the community, they are working on increasing the delivery pay as soon as possible for a certain period to help alleviate the current plight of Foodpanda riders.

City managers in the respective cities will soon be notified of this increase. Additionally, they have immediately secured extra funding to roll out fuel price subsidies. It will be notified later, as per the statement. In the last two years, amidst a challenging environment, foodpanda remains strongly committed to the Myanmar community so that restaurants can continue to use the platform to keep their businesses running, riders continue to have income and customers can rely on food delivered to them safely. 

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

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Myanmar-China negotiate to increase the number of export vehicles and to be exported systematically

The coordination meeting of the Myanmar-China Commodity Reversal Working Committee was held at 9:30 am on March 22 to increase the number of vehicles carrying goods through the Kanpokti border gate in Kachin State and to systematically export vehicles.

At the meeting, Chairman of the Working Committee U Myo Swe, State Minister for Economy, urged the members of the State Committee and Working Committee to monitor and control the export of goods to China, despite the resumption of border trade due to efforts to normalize the flow of goods along the Myanmar-China border.

Then, the Vice-Chairman of the Working Committee, the Minister for Ethnic Affairs U Kyaw Min Khaing and state level officials, border trade post officials, State Freight Forwarders Association and Crop Producers’ Association officials spoke about the recent export situation. The Kovis-19 test is being carried out for the goods, including the driver and the driver of the truck, as agreed between the two countries. They also discussed the need to coordinate the timely export of agricultural products, including bananas, and to increase the number of vehicles, and the measures to control the loading and unloading of vehicles in a systematic manner.

Source: Daily Eleven

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Value of trade via Muse border trade zone on the decline

The value of trade via the Muse border trade zone was on the decline as of 4 March in the mini-budget financial period, according to the official statistics of the Ministry of Commerce. The value of trade via Muse in this mini-budget year amounted to US$579.48 million, whereas in the same period of last FY the figure was $3.09 billion, a slump of over $1.92 billion.

Between 1 October 2021 and 4 March 2022, Myanmar’s exports to China through the Muse land border were valued at $555.52 million, while imports are worth $23.9 million. The trade showed a slump in both exports and imports against the year-ago period. China shut down all the checkpoints linking to the Muse border amidst the COVID- 19 pandemic. The checkpoints next to the Muse border are Nantaw, Sinphyu, Mang Wein (Kyalgaung), Kyinsankyawt-Wang Ding and Panseng- Wang Ding.

Of the checkpoints, Kyinsankyawt has resumed trading activity from 26 November on a trial run. Myanmar daily delivers rubber, various beans and pulses, dried plum, watermelon, muskmelon and other food commodities to China through Kyinsankyawt with the use of a Chinese short-haul trucking service. Exports to China through Muse are made up largely of agricultural produce like rice, beans and fruits, while Myanmar imports medicines, electronics and construction materials via the overland route.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

787-ft long Kyungon bridge commissioned into service in Wakema, Ayeyawady Region

As a gesture of hailing the 77th Anniversary of Armed Forces Day, the opening ceremony of the 787 feet long Kyungon bridge built on the Bogale-Mawlamyinekyun-Kyonmange-Wakema-Myaungmya Road yesterday morning under the COVID-19 rules and regulations. While addressing the ceremony, State Administration Council member Daw Aye Nu Sein said the Republic of the Union of Myanmar has coexisted with 135 ethnic groups since ancient times. Priority is given to the infrastructural development which includes improving transportation and access to electricity.

She added the essence of the 2008 Constitution, which is the inclusion of all ethnic nationalities in the legislature, judiciary and administrative sectors, and the goal of the State Administration Council is to build a Union based on democracy and federalism by practising true and disciplined multi-party democracy with full justice. She also said that during the governance of the State Administration Council, the Central Committee, Working Committee and National Solidarity and Peace-making Negotiate Committee were formed in order to restore perpetual peace.

The government is also implementing road/bridge development both in urban and rural areas and remote regions as well.mAfterwards, SAC members Daw Aye Nu Sein and U Moung Har, Union Minister for Construction U Shwe Lay, the Ayeyawady Region Chief Minister, and the command commander cut the ribbons to open the bridge. The Kyungon Bridge is built right next to the old cable-stayed bridge and is a 24-foot-wide two-lane reinforced concrete bridge, with the foundation constructed with Bored Pile and the superstructure made of steel mesh.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

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Republic of the Union of Myanmar
Central Committee on Prevention,
Control and Treatment for COVID-19
Public Notice

2nd Waning of Taboung 1383 ME
18 March 2022

  1. The Ministry of Health issued Order No 19/2020 under the authority of Article 21 (b) of the Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases Law categorizing the COVID-19 disease as a disease of swift spread or the case to be reported on 28 February 2020.
  2. According to this order, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Transport and Communications released the information regarding the Temporary Measures to Prevent Importation of COVID-19 to Myanmar through Air Travel starting 29 March 2020 and extended the period up to 31 March 2022.
  3. At present, as the COVID-19 diagnosis confirmed rate, infection rate and mortality rate have dropped significantly, the temporary suspensions on international flights are set until 23:59 hours on 16-4-2022 to develop the international tourism industry of Myanmar and facilitate the arrivals of tourists and Myanmar citizens, and the international flight schedules will be resumed as normal starting 00:00 hour on 17-4-2022 (Myanmar New Year) in accord with the COVID-19 health rules.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

In some industrial zones in Yangon Region, electricity will only be available from 9 am to 5 pm and there will be no power outage at night

Some industrial zones in Yangon Region will only have electricity from 9 am to 5 pm and there will be no power outages at night, according to the industrial zone committees on March 17. An official from the Shwelinban Industrial Zone Committee said that the power supply will be cut off from 9 am to 5 pm and the power will be cut off from 5 pm to 9 am the next day. It will be paid regularly from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and will be canceled from 5:00 pm to 9:00 am the next day. During the day from 9 am to 5 pm. It is coming to us tonight, said an official from the Shwelinban Industrial Zone Committee.

An official from the Hlaing Thar Yar Industrial Zone said that the fire would be lit from 9 am to 5 pm and it was not yet known whether the fire would be extinguished from 5 pm to 9 am the next day. An official from a company in Thaketa Industrial Zone told the company that the township electricity would be turned off from 5 pm to 9 am the next day. Our company will be turned off from 5 pm until 9 am the next day. The electricity will be available from 9 am to 5 pm only. So I asked him if he would like to work full-time for eight hours, and he said he was not sure if he would do so, said an official from the company.

At present, most of the townships in Yangon have more power outages than the power outage. The fire did not come regularly. Rising fuel prices have led to higher fuel costs in most factories in industrial zones and reduced overtime for workers. Hlaing Thar Yar Industrial Zone in Yangon Region; Shwe Lin Ban Industrial Zone, Shwe Thanlwin Industrial Zone, Shwe Pyi Thar Industrial Zone, Shwe Paukkan Industrial Zone, South Dagon Industrial Zone 1, 2, 3, South Okkalapa Industrial Zone North Okkalapa Township There are 29 industrial zones such as Thaketa Industrial Zone.

Source: Daily Eleven

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China to temporarily halt imports of seven items including rice

The COVID-19 Preventive Task Force in Ruili city notified Muse district-level task force to prevent the
spread of COVID-19 of the temporary suspension on the importation of seven items from Myanmar, including rice, according to the Muse-Namhkam Border Trade Chamber of Commerce. The importation of seven items; rice, broken rice, fresh chilli, goods shipped in the cold chain, frozen goods, fishery products, daily goods, and packaged food commodities will come to a halt through the Wanding-Mangman checkpoint.

This action is a temporary plan of the working group to prevent the cross-border spread of COVID-19, to prevent the infection with science-based tactics according to China’s FDA Law and a rule on export and import food safety, and resumption of the trade flow via Wanding-Mangman point, according to the notification. Amid the closure of cross-border posts with China and China’s policy changes, the value of border trade through a major trading hub Muse border post plunged to US$579.48 million as of 4 March 2022 of the current mini-budget period (Oct 2021- Mar 2022), Myanmar Customs Department’s statistics indicated.

The figure significantly dropped from $2.49 billion recorded in the corresponding period of last Financial Year, according to the Ministry of Commerce. Between 1 October 2021 and 4 March 2022, Myanmar’s exports to China through the Muse land border were valued at $555.5 million, while imports are worth $23.96 million. The trade showed a slump in both exports and imports against the year-ago period. China shut down all the checkpoints linking to the Muse border amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The checkpoints next to the Muse border are Nantaw, Sinphyu, Man Wein (Kyalgaung), Kyinsankyawt-Wanding and Panseng- Wanding. Of the checkpoints, Kyinsankyawt has resumed trading activity from 26 November on a trial run.

Myanmar delivers rubber, various beans and pulses, dried plum, watermelon, muskmelon and other food commodities to China through Kyinsankyawt with the use of a Chinese short-haul trucking service. Myanmar trucks are restricted to enter China side. However, there is a shortage of Chinese truck drivers. As a result of this, the cost of Chinese short-haul trucking tremendously rose. Only when China eases the restriction can the trucking rate drop, a trader engaged in Muse trade zone elaborated.

Additionally, China’s new Customs Regulation and mandatory quarantine process posed some hurdles in the border market. Traders cannot expect trade facilitation according to the changes in China’s policy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Myanmar normally exports agricultural products including rice, beans and corns, and fishery products such as crab, prawn, etc. Furthermore, Myanmar’s natural gas export to China is also conducted through the Muse-Ruili border. The raw CMP materials, electrical appliances and consumer goods are imported into the country. The Muse border post witnessed $4.057 billion worth of Sino-Myanmar border trade last financial year2020-2021, including exports worth $2.9 billion and imports worth $1.15 billion.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar