By Phoe Aung

OUR country, Myanmar, shares a long border area of land and water territories with neighbouring countries due to geographical conditions. Taking advantage of these border areas, unscrupu­lous businesspersons and the organizations opposing the gov­ernment traffic commodities as illegal trade activities through illegal entry and exit crossings.

These illegal trade ac­tivities hinder the economic development of the State and the progress of socioeconomic improvement of the people. It causes the loss of revenue for the State, harming the opera­tion of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) at home. Consequently, such an act affects the production and employment opportunities of the State and ethnic entrepreneurs. That is why it can be seen that people experience loss of job opportu­nities and an increasing number of unemployed. The people are facing the impacts of the inflation rate of currency and rising prices of commodities based to booming illegal trade activities. Further­more, the illegal trade can affect the measures of security and the rule of law being implemented by the State. As such, it is nec­essary to effectively and clearly combat illegal trade activities as a national duty.

The State Administration Council has reconstituted the Illegal Trade Eradication Steer­ing Committee since December 2021. Under the guidance of the steering committee, illegal trade eradication task forces were set up in regions and states, while the Customs Department has been taking a leading role in the OSS in cooperation with rele­vant departments in prevention, seizure and checking functions against the illegal trade activ­ities.

Despite carrying out restric­tive prevention and seizing, ille­gal trade activities have not dis­appeared yet. Different amounts of trade volume and value can be seen in comparing with the trade data obtained from neighbouring countries. Unscrupulous busi­nesspersons are seeking various ways and means to commit ille­gal trade activities.

Currently, a serious situa­tion is found where foodstuffs and personal goods labelled with fake trademarks are being sold in the market at home. It is very dangerous for the people who use and consume foodstuffs, cos­metics and medicines labelled with fake trademarks without any recommendations of health authorities. Moreover, the distri­bution and sales of these domes­tically-manufactured foodstuffs and personal goods labelled with fake trademarks can harm the long-term interests of MSME businesses.

It has been observed that unscrupulous businesspersons are taking advantage of the cur­rent situation along the coun­try’s border routes to intensify illegal trade activities. At the same time, it supports illegal online gambling operations in border areas. According to bi­lateral trade data and records of seizures, these findings have been confirmed. It is therefore necessary to effectively prevent and control illegal activities along border routes, and illegal trade, trafficking, and sales of goods on social media platforms must not be overlooked.

The booming illegal trade and trafficking through the on­line platform can result in loss of revenue for the State. Trad­ing of low-quality commodities, foodstuffs, cosmetics and medi­cines without recommendations of health authorities can harm the health and socioeconomic life of the people. As such, it can be said that these illegal trade activities become a very danger­ous challenge for the State and the people.

According to information from the illegal trade eradication task forces, seizures have includ­ed not only motorcycles, motor vehicles, and machinery, but also narcotic drugs and prohibited chemicals. Although illegal trade activities have been widespread, the situation has gradually come under control. Illegal trade caus­es losses and damage to every perspective — public health, so­cial and economic development, and national progress. Therefore, it is essential for all citizens to actively participate in preventing and combating such activities effectively. To ensure that illegal trade is completely eradicated, collective efforts are required. At the same time, extensive pub­lic awareness campaigns must be carried out so that the entire population understands the need to prevent and curb these illegal activities.

At present, the Illegal Trade Eradication Steering Committee, formed by the State and illegal trade eradication task forces, are effectively preventing and combatting illegal trade activi­ties. On the other hand, State-owned newspapers and FM ra­dios mention telephone numbers and e-mail addresses for people to inform the authorities about illegal trade activities. The State presents deserved rewards to du­tiful people for their information about the illegal trade activities. As such, people are urged to ac­tively participate with a patriotic spirit and national unity in efforts to eliminate illegal trade for the sake of national development and the socioeconomic progress of citizens. People are also encour­aged to cooperate in the eradi­cation of illegal trade by making use of the rewards granted by the State for providing information.

Translated.