China no longer allows Myanmar truck drivers to cross into Yunan so Mant Wain, which is the main export gate for Myanmar’s rice, maize, and pulses, has now closed, he said. Currently, only Chinese drivers who have passed medical tests are permitted to enter Myanmar to pick up goods.

The closure will have an impact on Myanmar’s truck drivers, who will have to bear the costs of storing the goods and paying for damaged goods on top of the loss of income of delivering the goods to depots in China. 

“The closure will affect our drivers as they won’t be able to deliver the goods,” U Khin Maung Lwin said. 

Officials from Myanmar have left for China and are now negotiating the issue with the foreign affairs department of Shweli regional government.

“We’re discussing what our drivers can and can’t do with the relevant departments and organisations, but we haven’t reached any agreement yet,” he said.

Further negotiations are expected on April 9 and officials are expecting a solution soon, said U Win Aung Khant, chair of the Myanmar Container Trucks Association. – Translated

Source: https://www.mmtimes.com/news/trade-gate-muse-closed-due-covid-19.html