Bangladesh has imported over 13,400 tonnes of rice from Myanmar through the Maungtaw Trade Zone during the 10 months of the 2017-2018 fiscal year.
Up to January 14, 2017-2018 FY, some 13420 tonnes of rice were exported to Bangladesh from Myanmar becoming the largest export to Myanmar’s neighbouring country, the Global New Light of Myanmar reports quoting unnamed officials.
The first largest export to Bangladesh is rice, while the second one is aquatic
products, and the third follows instant foods and other manufacturing products, such as sweets, Thanaka, a yellowish-white cosmetic paste made from ground bark, anti-acne cream, blankets, shoes and coffee mix, reads the report.
“Rice from Buthidaung is transported by truck to Maungtaw port and exported to Bangladesh. Exports were temporarily stopped in September. There are nearly 100 workers in that port. They can also make a good living when a sea route to Bangladesh returns to normalcy,” said the report quoting a rice trader.
“There are about 10 traders in Maungtaw Town, including me. Our main export to Bangladesh is rice and palm jam, dried fish. Ginger and cosmetics are also being exported. A round way to the Bangladesh side is by private rental motor boats, which takes three days. The water way is now favorable and, therefore, we are continuously exporting. We transport about 2000 sacks of rice at one time. As the market is also better, we can earn profits,” he added. Myanmar’s main exports to Bangladesh are rice, ginger, silk, cotton, onions, fish, prawns, dried fish, bamboo, cane, and other industrial goods. Imports arriving through the Maungtaw Border Trade Zone from Bangladesh have ceased since the violent attacks in October 2016. The trade zones between Myanmar and Bangladesh mostly rely on the swell and ebb of the river, and the Kanyin Chaung trade zone is being developed to pave way for larger cargo vessels, according to officials.
