Acting Myanmar president accuses some ethnic armed groups of aiding illegal trade

YANGON: Acting President Senior General Min Aung Hlaing (pic) said some ethnic armed groups that have signed peace agreements with the government are still engaging in illegal border trade for their own benefit instead of showing loyalty to the state.

Speaking at a development meeting with officials and community leaders in Mawlamyine on Sunday (Nov 16), he said instability in border areas has forced the closure of several border gates. He claimed that some government staff and some ethnic armed groups were involved in illicit trading, which helps armed groups survive and causes the state to lose tax revenue.

He added that authorities are intensifying efforts to eliminate online scams and illegal online gambling in border areas, including removing the buildings used for such operations.

The Acting President also said the government is expanding Mawlamyine Airport and upgrading domestic flight routes. Railway lines are being repaired, but he blamed insurgent mine attacks for disrupting cargo transport.

He noted that although the government is building infrastructure, some groups continue to destroy roads, bridges, and buildings. As a result, reconstruction works are delaying other development projects.

On agriculture, he said Mon State could boost its economy by improving pepper cultivation. He also encouraged planting lowland Robusta coffee as an intercrop with existing long-term crops such as rubber, mangosteen, and durian, which he said could significantly increase local income.

He added that irrigation projects will be developed to ensure sufficient water for farming, and that the government is working to promote balanced regional development across the country. The true beneficiaries, he said, will be the local people.