India and Myanmar Aim to Boost Trade Relations
The Ninth Meeting of the India–Myanmar Joint Trade Committee (JTC) took place today in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, marking a significant step toward strengthening trade ties between the two nations. Co-chaired by U Minn Minn, Deputy Minister of Commerce from Myanmar, and Shri Nitin Kumar Yadav, Additional Secretary of India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the meeting gathered representatives from various stakeholder ministries from both sides.
During the discussions, the committee addressed several critical topics including the improvement of connectivity, expansion of market access, and enhancement of financial transactions. The meeting emphasized the importance of upgrading border infrastructure, reopening border trade posts, and promoting the Rupee-Kyat trade settlement mechanism as vital steps to maximize the benefits of the ASEAN–India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA). The Myanmar officials expressed gratitude towards India for its supportive policies, particularly benefiting the pulses and beans export sector.
Expanding Cooperation Across Sectors
Both countries explored avenues for collaboration that could foster mutual growth, placing a special focus on sectors like textiles, transport and connectivity, capacity building, customs and border management, shipping, power, and information and communication technology (ICT). Additionally, discussions included micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), health, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. Participants unanimously agreed that enhanced cooperation in these areas could lead to sustainable long-term benefits and strengthen bilateral ties.
Border Trade and Future Goals
The strategic significance of the Tamu–Moreh and Rhi–Zokhawthar border trade posts was underscored, with India insisting on the prompt reopening of these points for better trade facilitation. The meeting also highlighted the necessity of developing an Integrated Check Post at Tamu to boost trade efficiency further.
Bilateral trade between India and Myanmar has shown impressive growth, reaching USD 2.15 billion in the 2024–25 fiscal year. With both nations recognizing the potential for further expansion, they set an ambitious goal to elevate bilateral trade to USD 5 billion by 2030.
Moreover, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to swiftly completing the review of the AITIGA to ensure it remains simple, balanced, mutually beneficial, and trade-facilitative. To ensure effective follow-up actions, the officials agreed to maintain regular communication among relevant agencies, strengthening cooperation across all discussed areas.
The next India–Myanmar Joint Trade Committee meeting is scheduled to take place in New Delhi, where further discussions and initiatives to enhance bilateral trade are expected to continue.
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