BKK Post, April 10, 1998. TRADE

[burma@xxxxxxxxxx]

April 10, 1998. TRADE

New border pass to be opened
Subin Khuenkaew 
Chiang Mai

Anew border pass in Chiang Dao district has been opened on a trial basis 
to spur border trade with Burma.

Deputy Interior Minister Prapat Pothasuthon said he believed the pass at 
Kiew Pa Wok had the potential to become a bustling commercial point and 
possibly the most important channel for land transport of goods between 
the two countries in the future.

As far as trade volume is concerned, Kiew Pa Wok is expected to rival 
major existing passes such as Tachilek opposite Chiang Rai.

Mr Prapat said during a survey of the border area that high purchasing 
power and convenient transport facilities are Kiew Pa Wok's main assets. 
It also provides a jump-off point connecting main Burmese cities 
including Kengtung and Taunggyi in Shan State.

Since its official opening five months ago Kiew Pa Wok, which operates 
on trial every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, has injected income of up 
to 100 million baht into the local economy.

Cement, gasoline, construction materials and consumer goods were 
exported to Burma while farm produce has been the main import. The goods 
are mostly traded in baht.

The border pass is some five kilometres from the nearest village of Ban 
Arunothai and about 30 kilometres from Chiang Dao district from which 
point commuting is made easy by the four-lane highway linking Chiang Mai 
city.

Kiew Pa Wok was also where Thai companies, Thai Sawasdi, and Friends 
Import & Export, hauled in Burmese logs before their operation licences 
expired last month.

The border pass was opened to trade by permission of Prawit Sisophon, 
the Chiang Mai governor.

Mr Prapat said a market would be developed as soon as the Forestry 
Department approved the use of its land. The construction, which looks 
to attract private investment, would take place near the deteriorated 
forest area.

Mr Prawit said local traders were ready to conduct business at the new 
market. Locals would be given first priority in leasing market space.

A special budget was needed to improve infrastructure at the border 
point, he said.

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