Govt to open tax-free markets in Chin State

29 August 2013: Tax-free border markets are to be established in five places of Chin State following an agreement between India and Chin State government.

Five places along the Indo-Burma border include Leilet in Falam, Darkhai in Tonzang, Thau in Thantlang, Fartang in Tedim townships and Tuimang in Cikha sub-township, according to the New Light of Myanmar.

The government of Chin State was quoted as saying that a preliminary agreement has reached with plans to open tax-free markets in nine places at border areas in Chin State and Sagaing Region.

It is aimed at increasing a yearly trade volume of 1billion US dollars to 2billion between India and Burma, according to the Border Trade Department.

The government-run newspaper said the markets would allow 40 items of commodities for trading in the border areas although no details are disclosed.

Last year, the two countries signed an MoU in an attempt to alleviate poverty in the region, the New Light of Myanmar said.

It is not yet known as to when the tax-free markets will be opened.

Chin State, the least developed in Burma, shares an interntional border with India and Bangladesh.#