UNION Minister for Commerce U Chit Swe held separate meetings with Ms Ma Jia, Ambassador of the People’s Re­public of China to Myanmar, and with Mr Bounphieng Chanthavong, Ambassador of the Lao People’s Democratic Repub­lic to Myanmar, at the reception hall of the Ministry of Commerce in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday morning and afternoon, respectively.

Both sides held open and cordial discussions on prospects for enhancing bilateral trade and investment. Topics included the reopening of border gates to increase trade, collaboration in the machinery and technology sectors to ensure that goods exported from Myan­mar to China meet quality standards, expanding the number of items allowed to be exported to China duty-free, and joint initiatives to promote economic benefits for the border communities of both countries

Discussions with the Lao Ambassa­dor also focused on increasing exports of key commodities, including agricultural and aquatic products, to Laos. Meas­ures to facilitate smoother cross-border movement of goods and people through the Kenglek–Si En Kok bridge were considered, including upgrading it to an international entry/exit crossing. Both sides also discussed further develop­ment of the Wampon–Ban Maung (Wang­phon-Banmaungmang) border post and other areas requiring continued bilateral coordination.

The meetings were attended by the permanent secretary, the deputy perma­nent secretary, the deputy directors-gen­eral, and other responsible personnel from the Ministry of Commerce. — MNA/ MKKS