CNI News
2 October 2024
As there are discussions relating to politics, military and trade between the State Administration Council (SAC) and its neighboring countries, economic analysts are discussing whether border trades could be restarted or not.
Owing to China's pressure on some EAOs in northern Shan State, discussion between the SAC and India to use local currencies and Thailand's plan to fix the Asia Highway on the Thai-Myanmar border, these reviews have emerged.
Although neighboring countries were making attempts to re-open the border gates for their interests, if the country was unstable, the border trades could not be restarted, U Htay Aung Kyi, a banking expert, told CNI News.
" If the border trades couldn't be restarted, not only Myanmar but also its neighboring countries would suffer. They want to be convenient. But there are battles in the border areas. Armed groups have their circles concerned while the attitudes and opinions of local people are relevant with the situation as well. If you can't use the roads to the borders, you can't conduct the border trade. Mainly, it's necessary to solve the political problem. Lashio, for example, is a Shan territory. The MNDAA has captured Lashio, which leaders of the SAC receive and whether they will restarted the border trade depends on their attitude." he said.
While seeing a truck on the Yangon-Myawaddy Road, part of the Asia Highway in Kawkareik Township
Currently, because all the border trades have almost stopped, illegal border trades are reportedly emerging. Moreover, because almost all the territories where border trades are located have been controlled by EAOs, it was questionable how to negotiate with them, Ko Zaw Min Naing, an agricultural and economic advisor, told CNI News.
No matter how good economy was, if the country was unstable, difficulties could be faced in some way, he added.
" I wonder how the SAC will negotiate with EAOs because all the border trade routes have been controlled by EAOs. There are KNU troops in Myawaddy and Shan EAOs in Shan State and the KIA in Kachin State, and northern allies including the MNDAA in northern Shan State. If the SAC can't sign the ceasefire agreements with these EAOs, it won't be easy to open legal routes. If the country is unstable, you can do nothing. How good the economy is, you can face something or another difficult." he said.
The SAC has urged EAOs and PDFs to take part in party politics and run the election as well as to solve the political problem by means of politics after abandoning armed policy a few days ago.
Depending on the attitude of international community, neighboring countries and EAOs, it could changed into something good or bad, revied some people.
