Taung Kyi, the secretary of the Gem Traders Association (Myitkyina), said that his group was advocating the establishment of a legal jade market in Kachin State capital Myitkyina.
“Slabs of jade are being unearthed in Hpakant but we are not permitted to transport them to Myitkyina [less than 100km],” he said. “I’m sad to say there is no jade market for locals even though the gems are produced in this region.”
The Traders group secretary said they have submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Mines to establish a local jade market, but have received no response.
He told Mizzima that currently most of the jade is exported to China via illegal routes, and that only companies doing joint ventures with the government and a handful of large firms are permitted to sell jade.
