CNI News

23 October 2024

Prevention so as not to sell goods imported from China and Thailand with no license could not be effective on the ground, pointed out economic analysts. 

Importing goods without license is illegal and only if the government could prevent along the route where the goods were carried, would it be effective, U Aung Pyae Sone, a businessman, told CNI News.

" Whether a product in the market was imported with an import license or not cannot be known by retail shops and distributors. And buyers or customers can't know whether it was legally imported. If the government will supervise closely so as not to sell illegal goods only when they are in markets, it won't be so natural. The government should inspect and take action or seize illegal products along the import route through check points. Prevention of illegal products only when they are in markets won't be effective, I think." he said.

While seeing the Myawaddy Border Trade Zone

If it was not convenient to check on the routes going to the borders because of territorial instabilities, checkpoints on the roads entering towns or cities should thoroughly check goods whether they were legal or illegal, pointed out economic analysts. 

Myanmar people are mainly using Thai and Chinese products and if prevention measures like that were conducted, it would be necessary to issue import licenses easily and quickly, they suggested.

Illegal trades have emerged due to the imbalance between demand and supply and they should be tackled only after the way to balance were found, U Htay Aung Kyi, a banking expert, told CNI News.

While seeing the 105 Mile Trade Zone on the route to the Chinese border

" I don't mean illegal importing is right due to the imbalance between supply and demand. The reason why illegal importing is conducted is because they have to sell or buy. Why are there things to be sold or bought? It's because of an imbalance between supply and demand. For example, you had to spend about 50,000 kyats a month on medicine in the past. But you have to spend about 120,000 kyats now. You can't find the medicine you want in the market. And then, black market has arisen. The black market can't be tackled. What should we do to create a balance between supply and demand?" he said.

Illegal trade growing that could make armed groups exist longer must be prevented and got rid of, said chairman of steering committee at the meeting of anti-illegal trade committee held on 9th October.

So, checks and arrests must be conducted on routes and roads. Moreover, warehouses must be checked and arrested and lastly, until in markets, he said. After that, shop owners were warned not to sell illegal goods.