Myanmar’s Kenglat border trade with Laos registered less than one million US dollars (0.962 million) in the past eight months, as per the Ministry of Commerce.
Earlier, border trade was barely seen at the Kenglat checkpoint. Therefore, it was jointly opened as a temporary border point with Tachilek.
The Kenglat border post was temporarily opened in 2015. However, the border sees inactive trade activity as the Mekong River separates Laos and Myanmar. After opening the Myanmar-Lao friendship bridge, the trade has improved. The border crossing links Luang Namtha Province, Laos, to Kenglat.
Between April and August in the current financial year 2023-2024, 2,152.5 tonnes of shrimp shell powder and 17 tonnes of jujube were exported to Laos, the Commerce Ministry’s statistics showed.
Shrimp shell powder is used as feedstuffs in Laos. The jujube is utilized in making traditional medicine as it has health benefits including maintaining blood pressure, anti-inflammation, boosting haemoglobin level, vasodilation, improving kidney function, lowering heart risks and brain-boosting effects. — TWA/KK
