The Ninth Meeting of the India–Myanmar Joint Trade Committee (JTC) was held today in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. The meeting was co-chaired by Deputy Minister, Ministry of Commerce of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar U Minn Minn and Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India Shri Nitin Kumar Yadav. Representatives from concerned stakeholder Ministries of both sides also participated in the meeting.

The meeting deliberated on a wide range of issues, including improving connectivity, expanding market access, streamlining financial transactions, upgrading border infrastructure, re-opening border trade posts, promoting the Rupee–Kyat trade settlement mechanism, and maximizing the benefits of the ASEAN–India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA). The Myanmar side expressed its appreciation to the Government of India for maintaining an open and supportive policy environment for Myanmar’s exports, particularly in the pulses and beans sector.

Discussions were also held on potential areas of cooperation to drive mutual growth, with emphasis on sectors such as Textiles, Transport and Connectivity, Capacity Building, Customs and Border Management, Shipping, Power, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Health, Pharmaceuticals, and Agriculture. Both sides emphasized that enhanced cooperation in these areas could yield sustained long-term gains and strengthen the framework of mutual support and collaboration.

The meeting reaffirmed the strategic importance of the Tamu–Moreh and Rhi–Zokhawthar border trade posts in facilitating cross-border trade. The Indian side reiterated its request for the early reopening of these land border points. Both sides also underscored the need for developing a corresponding Integrated Check Post at Tamu to further enhance trade efficiency.

Bilateral trade between India and Myanmar reached USD 2.15 billion during 2024–25, reflecting a strong and positive growth trajectory. Recognizing the significant potential for further expansion, both sides agreed on a shared vision to scale bilateral trade to USD 5 billion by 2030.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the expeditious completion of the review of the ASEAN–India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA), with a view to making it simpler, balanced, mutually beneficial, and more trade-facilitative. They also agreed to strengthen cooperation across all discussed areas and to maintain regular communication among relevant agencies to ensure effective follow-up actions.

The next meeting of the India–Myanmar Joint Trade Committee (JTC) will be held in New Delhi.

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Abhishek Dayal/ Shabbir Azad /Ishita Biswas

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