The Ministry of Commerce is planning to open a new border gate near Keng Tung in Shan State to promote trade with Thailand, officials have said.

Thailand will open the Dein-Thein-Khun gate on its side in December to trade with the Mawtaung gate in Myanmar, Thai officials said.

Keng Tung already a border trade camp. Myanmar exports farm produce, marine products, industrial finished products, animal and timber products, mining and other products through border trade camps and gates.

Myanmar’s imports via border trade camps and gates are usually personal goods, raw materials for industry and investment goods.

In an effort to boost trade, the ministry is taking measures to control illegal trade in border areas, as well as via sea.

Myanmar’s imports via sea surpass exports, while exports via border gates exceed imports.

The Ministry is Commerce has been issuing import-export licences to local people at all border trade camps so they can carry out small-scale trade and reduce illegal trade.

The ministry has legalised cross-border trade. Currently, Myanmar operates trade camps with neighbouring countries in Muse, Loigyae, Chin Shwe Haw, Kanpiketi, Tachilek, Kawthaung, Myawaddy, Keng Tung, Myeik, Nabule, Htikhi, Mawtaung, Sittwe, Maungkaw, Tamu and Riv.

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