Border News Agency
Maungdaw, May 31
Arakan-Bangladesh cross-border trade has resumed starting from May 29, according to confirmations from major Arakanese traders.
Arakanese traders say that the cross-border trade is primarily taking place through the Kainggyi village jetty in Maungdaw Township, with timber being the main export from the Arakan side, while fertilizers and compost are the main imports from Bangladesh.
These traders said that the Arakan-Bangladesh cross-border trade had been conducted through the Kanyin Chaung Economic Zone jetty in Maungdaw Township – an area controlled by the Arakan Army (AA)- to Teknaf Port in Bangladesh. However, they said the Bangladeshi side had suspended the trade from April 14 until May 29.
Residents of Maungdaw said that, as a result of the suspension, the prices of some goods, including basic food items, had increased. However, they believe prices may drop again now that the cross-border trade between Arakan and Bangladesh has resumed.
The entire Maungdaw Township, which lies along the Arakan-Bangladesh border, has been fully controlled by the Arakan Army (AA) since December 8 last year, and administrative mechanisms have since been implemented under the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government.
Within the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government, a Trade and Merchants Association has been established. U San Kyaw Hla, the father-in-law of Arakan Army Commander-in-Chief General Twan Mrat Naing, currently serves as its chairperson.
Arakanese traders say that he is leading efforts and taking responsibility for overseeing cross-border trade operations, including those along the Arakan-Bangladesh and Arakan-India borders.
They say that due to high demand in Bangladesh for timber – including hardwood – as well as buffaloes and cattle, these goods are being exported through Maungdaw Township. However, they noted that the export of buffaloes and cattle has been temporarily suspended.
They hope to obtain official and unrestricted permission for cross-border trade – not only along the Arakan-Bangladesh border but also at the Arakan-India border – so they can freely export goods of their choice.
