Raw materials are being transported by air from China instead of shipping so garment factories can resume operations, according to the Chinese textile and garment association based in Yangon

Raw materials are being transported by air from China instead of shipping so garment factories can resume operations, according to the Chinese textile and garment association based in Yangon.

Raw materials for 11 Chinese-owned garment factories in Yangon Region will be flown in by Tuesday evening, U San Khun, chair of Chinese Textile and Garment Association in Myanmar told The Myanmar Times.

About 15 tonnes of raw fabric will be transported by plane from Guangzhou and those materials will be used in 11 factories in Hlaing Tharyar, Shwe Pyi Thar, Shwe Lin Pan and Mya Thida industrial zones.

“The materials were to be transported by ships but there were worries that it would take a long time so instead the materials were carried by air. However, this method will cost a lot more and the factories could run into losses. Nevertheless, they will send all available raw materials by plane,” he explained.

The garment factories can only start operating when the raw materials arrive, and if not, they cannot manufacture. In addition to the raw fabrics arriving soon, there are plans for more raw materials to be transported with other airlines, the industry body added.