CNI News

8 May 2024

The border trade between China and Myanmar has restarted in Lweje Town, Kachin State, which has been controlled by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), according to truck drivers. 

After the battles broke out between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the KIA in April, the KIA seized control of the town.

Although the border trade stopped due to the battles, at present the trade has restarted and the KIA is collecting tax along the trade route in Lweje. But the Myanmar government is collecting tax in Bhamo Township reportedly.

However, regarding the goods imported from China, because the customs department in Bhamo didn't issue certificates that customs duties has been paid, there were checks and arrests, an anonymous truck driver told CNI News.

While seeing the KIA troops at the entrance to Lweje

" Traders have to pay tax to both sides. You have to pay tax to the KIA in the territory controlled by the KIA. But when you arrive in Bhamo, you have to pay tax to the customs department of the military council. But the officials don't issue the certificates that customs duties have been paid. So, traders can't carry the imports to the main land. If the imports are carried to the main land, there are customs duty gates and military checkpoints on the way such as in Let Pan Hla, Pinle Gyi and Madaya and there are many checks and arrests." he said.

Although the Lweje trade border gate has been reopened, some truck drivers do not dare to travel because they are worried about their security reportedly. 

Because the present period is the time when the tissue culture bananas are exported to China has ended, trade is almost non-existent, according to traders.

While seeing the Lweje border gate

Although exports are lower, imports from China remain prudent reportedly. However, the amount of collecting money from the KIA and the SAC's checkpoints becomes about two times higher than before, Ko Aung Zin, a truck driver from Lweje, told CNI News.

" The amount of money we have to pay both side become over two times higher than before. Although we had to pay more than four lakh kyats in the past, we have to pay about 10 lakh kyats. Some gates ask money for goods only while others ask for both goods and truck. But later, largely, they ask for goods only." he said.

Although the Lweje border trade gate has been reopened, those who went to China to work have not been able to use the gate and they have been allowed to enter or leave through Laiza and Maijayan border gates reportedly.