Windia Soe
Geopolitical Strategic Position
Myanmar spans 676,578 square kilometers with diverse landscapes, including the Arakan Mountains in the west and the Shan Plateau in the east. It borders Thailand and Laos to the southeast, China to the north and northeast, and India and Bangladesh to the west. Its location near the Andaman Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean shipping lanes makes it a vital regional link and trade hub into China from the Bay of Bengal.
The Historical Evolution of Border Trade Under Military Rule
Myanmar’s economy, rich in natural resources like oil, gas, and minerals, suffered under decades of military rule and economic mismanagement. During the socialist period, key trading partners included Japan, the UK, and the US, supported by official development assistance (ODA). After the 1988 military coup, Western sanctions redirected Myanmar’s trade towards neighbors such as China and Thailand.
The 1962 coup saw industries nationalized, eliminating competition and stifling economic growth. These policies pushed many businesses into the informal economy, spurring illegal border trade. A market-oriented economy reintroducedin 1988 attracted private investment, boosting imports and exports. Border trade agreements with China, Thailand, India, and Bangladesh in the 1990s further solidified cross-border commerce, establishing 17 official border trade stations.
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