Seven bean companies meet the quality standards demanded in Europe. They have been exporting a yearly total of 3,000 tonnes of beans -mainly mung beans but also red kidney beans and butter beans - to Germany, UK, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands since last year after the European Union removed sanctions, bean exporters said on 21st October.

These companies are preparing with the Ministry of Commerce, and other relevant government organizations to increase the amount to about 6,000 tonnes, especially mung beans, in accordance with European market standards, Dr Min Zaw, managing director of Pyei Phyo Aung company Ltd, one of the seven, told Mizzima.  

The companies plan to source export quality beans from Kayan, Thongwa and Kyauktan townships in the Yangon region, and Kawa Township in Bago East region, sources said.

Dr Min Zaw said: “The targeted amount of 6,000 tonnes to export does not represent a high volume because local growers produce about 150,000 tonnes of mung beans each year,”

Arkar Oo Company Ltd Managing Director Dr Myo Lwin told Mizzima that the field is open for producers who can provide the right quality of beans as European countries are ready to buy. “It is also necessary to educate farmers on how to produce standardized quality beans,” he added.

Dr Min Zaw said there are potential markets for exporters if export companies can supply higher quality beans adhering to European market standards. Moreover, European countries have complained about shipments from the main bean exporter, China, he said.

“European countries are demanding import quality beans from Myanmar instead of China’s bean products,” he said.