Myanmar will simplify the formalities for exporting fruits and vegetable by directly issuing export licenses for the first time for such items at two Myanmar international airports, Yangon and Mandalay, in a bid to penetrate the world fruit market, a local weekly reported Thursday.

Quoting the Ministry of Commerce, the Yangon Times said since Myanmar fruits and vegetable are gaining reputation in foreign market, high-value applied technique will be used in exporting the fruits and vegetable directly through the airports.

According to the report, there has been cold storages and pack houses already established in Yangon for such exports and similar facilities will be added in Mandalay.

At present, export and import licenses are issued by the ministry in the new capital of Nay Pyi Taw as well as directly at some border points.

Meanwhile, Myanmar is making feasibility study to set up an international-level fruit and vegetable sale center, aimed at promoting export and consumption of fresh and quality fruits and vegetable in the country, fruit traders said.

Such center is to be established under a master plan, according to the Fruit Growers, Producers and Exporters Association.

There are so far three major fruit and vegetable markets in Yangon for local consumers.

Meanwhile, the Myanmar commerce authorities have urged farmers in the country to expand export of fruits to boost foreign exchange earning, outlining some items of fruits for increased export such as mango, watermelon and musk melon.

According to authorities, the country exported more than 12 million U.S. dollars worth of mango, 7 million dollars of watermelon and 4 million dollars of musk melon in the fiscal year 2005-06.

Fruits such as watermelon and musk melon were previously harvested for three months in a year but now it has been so for all year round, according to growers.

Myanmar is rich with tropical fruit resources such as mango, banana, pine-apple, strawberry, durian, mangosteen, papaya, tamarind, and coconut.

Source: Xinhua