CNI News

20 Feb 2023

The restriction to replace Myanmar truck drivers with their Chinese counterparts at the Kyin San Kyawt-Wanding gate has been lifted, one of the major gates of border trade with China, as of 18th February, according to merchants in Muse.

Chinese authorities issued a statement allowing one truck driver and his assistant of each truck to drive through the border gate as of 18th February, Ko Kyaw Aung, an official at the gate, told the CNI.

Trucks used in the China-Myanmar border trade.

He told the CNI, "The restriction to replace drivers has been lifted from 105-mile zone to Kyin San Kyawt gate. Authorities officially announced that a driver and his assistant would be allowed to drive through the gate as of 18th February by issuing border passes for them."

However, border passes are issued only for residents of Muse and drivers from other states and towns will not be able to drive through the border gate.

As a result, drivers from other parts of the country have to ask for help from Muse drivers to drive their trucks.

A truck used in the China-Myanmar border trade.

The removal of the restriction saves costs for hiring Chinese drivers and workers, Vice Chairman U Min Thein of Muse Rice Exchange told the CNI.

He said, "In the past, we had to move our goods onto Chinese trucks on the Myanmar side of the border because we did not want to hire Chinese drivers. Now, drivers from Muse can drive through the gate into China. It cost a lot of money. Now, we can save costs. It is beneficial for us. I think border trade will improve gradually."

Before the outbreak of COVID-19, Myanmar drivers and assistants were allowed to drive through the gate into China. The restriction was imposed after the outbreak.
The restriction has been lifted in Manwain, Kyin San Kyawt, Chin Shwe Haw and Kan Pai Ti border gates and lifting the restriction saves costs while border trade is facilitated, according to border merchants.