by Tin Mg Oo
As this issue goes to print, the new coronavirus has infected over 126,000 people in 124 countries around the world, with death toll topping 4,600 and more than 68,000 people now recovered. Myanmar has had no reported cases, but experts worry that there could be people who are infected but remain undiagnosed.
Authorities have cautioned the public not to trust rumors and fake news and tried to raise awareness about the virus, but public worries are running so high that a rumor on March 12 was enough to make people rush to grocery stores to stock up on food and basic staples.
Events and gatherings have been canceled, including the Armed Forces Day and Academy Awards presentation ceremony. On March 13, the Presidentâs Office announced that Thingyan Festival, the biggest festival in Myanmar, and other public events will be canceled until April 30. An investment forum scheduled to take place in Yangon has also been postponed as the number of Chinese investors visiting the country has plummeted.
The virus poses a serious threat not only to public health but also to the economy â not just in Myanmar but globally. It has disrupted trade flow between Myanmar and its biggest trade partner, China, driving down the volume of trade through two of the four border trade posts. Trade disruptions have also led to shortages of raw materials, the majority of which â pre-virus outbreak â came from China.
âWe have raw materials only until the end of April. After April, itâs another story. Unless global authorities get the outbreak under control soon and trade returns normal, there will be problems. It will have a serious impact on the garment sector as well as on SMEs, tourism and agriculture,â said Daw Khaing Khaing Nwe, joint secretary of the Myanmar Garment Manufacturers Association.
Chinese investments account for 25.15 percent of total investment into Myanmar, making China the second-largest foreign investor after Singapore. It is also Myanmarâs most important trade partner, accounting for $11 billion in bilateral trade. Myanmar exports over $5 billion worth of goods to China annually and the Chinese are major buyers of Myanmarâs agricultural products. Chinese traders have halted activities, resulting in pressure for Myanmar exporters. Reduced access to Chinese raw materials has also hurt factories, including those in the garment sector, who are facing severe shortages that can lead to factory closings or layoffs. The garment industry currently employs around five million women.
âRaw materials for garment factories come from China. We are now concerned by the low raw material supply,â said Union Minister for Commerce Dr. Than Myint.
As impacts of the virus outbreak continue to mount, Myanmar is reconsidering visa on arrival. It has started requiring that visitors entering the country show a health certificate.
âWe, the regional government, are trying to minimize the impact of the virus on our economy. If some of the businesses cannot keep operating, then there will be impacts,â U Phyo Min Thein, Chief Minister of Yangon, said.
The outbreak is a wakeup call for Myanmarâs leaders, as news spreads of new coronavirus cases including senior officials and celebrities in several countries. Local authorities have urged people not to trust rumors and keep up to date with government announcements and health advice. The hope is that people will take heed and keep from panicking â as that would only make the situation worse than it already is.
Myanmar Summary
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