Myanmar: Illegal Jade Trade Still Thriving Despite Mining Suspension

May 29, 2019 | Chan Mya Htwe, Myanmar Times
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Myanmar jade is still being smuggled across the border to China in large quantities despite the government having suspended new licenses for two years now, U Zaw Bo Khant, vice chair of the Myanmar Gems and Jewellery Entrepreneurs Association said at a gems forum last week. That implies the existence of a large and illegal jade industry which the authorities are currently ill-equipped to control. It also points towards a lack of transparency in official available data.