DFDL Myanmar

As of 25 January 2024, the Central Bank of Myanmar issued detailed guidelines for a new payment mechanism for India-Myanmar border trade. This mechanism utilizes the Special Rupee Vostro Account, and these Guidelines are framed within the legal framework of the Foreign Exchange Management Law.

As of 25 January 2024, the Central Bank of Myanmar ("CBM") under the State Administration Council ("SAC") issued detailed guidelines for a new payment mechanism for India-Myanmar border trade ("Guidelines"). This mechanism utilizes the Special Rupee Vostro Account ("SRVA"), and these Guidelines are framed within the legal framework of the Foreign Exchange Management Law. They emphasize adherence to an agreement established between the Reserve Bank of India, the Department of Financial Service (DFS), the Ministry of Finance India, the CBM, and the Embassy of India in Myanmar.

The Guidelines cover both border and normal trade between the two countries. This newly implemented channel utilizes the SRVA facilitated by Punjab National Bank ("PNB") (New Delhi) and its Yangon representative office. In Myanmar, CB Bank PCL and UAB Bank serve as designated banks, with the potential for future additions based on business needs. Moreover, they explicitly describe the mechanism with the Indian Rupee to be followed by designated banks. Designated banks must have the SRVA at PNB (New Delhi), and Myanmar-designated banks must open an Indian Rupee account for the importer/exporter under the SRVA. These Indian Rupee accounts can only be used for export earnings from India and import payments settled to India. Import payments and resale activities through Indian Rupee accounts of importers/exporters must comply with directives from the Foreign Exchange Supervisory Committee under the CBM.

Furthermore, they outline details for the "Agreement for Bilateral Trade Payments," including ways to replenish funds in local designated banks' SRVA, convert excess of the Indian Rupee in the SRVA to other foreign currencies, transfer funds among SRVA of local banks, and arrangements for Indian Rupee liquidity support if needed. The trade transaction settlements for regular payments must occur within two working days (Trade Date T+2). They specify various payment mechanisms for transactions, encompassing documentary collection (Document Against Acceptance – DA/ Document Against Payment – DP), advance payment via Telegraph Transfer (TT), open account arrangements with goods delivered first and payment later via TT, and the use of documentary credit/Letter of Credit (L/C). These methods provide flexibility and options for financial transactions per the outlined guidelines. The representative office must collaborate in addressing any transaction-related issues, including collecting or paying funds from local banks through SRVA accounts of PNB (New Delhi). Additionally, it should facilitate communication with PNB (New Delhi) and provide necessary support and information.

For designated banks, PNB (New Delhi) will facilitate the exchange rate to replenish the Indian Rupee to SRVA accounts and convert excess Indian Rupee in the SRVA to other foreign currencies at the market rate, as mutually agreed. The Indian Rupee/Myanmar Kyat exchange rate for local banks and importer/exporter transactions will be based on the market rate. PNB (New Delhi) is responsible for converting excess Indian Rupees in SRVA accounts of Myanmar-designated banks in PNB (New Delhi) to other currencies and transferring funds to the SRVA of another bank in the same country. PNB (New Delhi) must obtain permission from the Reserve Bank of India to replenish the Indian Rupee in the SRVA account from other currencies and to replenish from other Indian Rupee accounts of designated banks in Myanmar to SRVA accounts.

The Guidelines prescribe trade documents, bank charges, and daily reporting requirements to the Foreign Exchange Supervisory Committee under the CBM. Encryption, servers, and fraud detection tools must also be used for secure transactions. Banks must guarantee safe transactions for export/import customers and establish dispute resolution arrangements for potential disputes. Myanmar-designated banks, including exporters and importers, must adhere to all pertinent regulations issued by the Foreign Exchange Supervisory Committee under the CBM in this matter.

Having previously permitted the use of the Chinese Yuan for the Myanmar-China border trade and the Thai Baht for the Myanmar-Thailand border trade, the SAC has now extended approval for using the Indian Rupee in the Myanmar-India border trade. This decision aims to enhance the ease of trade payments and promote a smoother trade flow between the two countries. In conclusion, the SAC's endorsement of the Indian Rupee for border trade signifies a continued effort to strengthen economic ties and facilitate cross-border commerce.
 

The information provided here is for information purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. Legal advice should be obtained from qualified legal counsel for all specific situations.

 

Please Login or Register for Free now to view all updates and articles

In addition to free-to-view updates and articles, you can also subscribe to the full Legal Centrix Vietnam Service including access to:

  • Overview notes on the law
  • Thousands of high quality translations of legislation covering all key business areas
  • Legal and tax updates
  • Articles on important legal and tax issues
  • Weekly email alerts
  • Sophisticated web platform and search

Legal Centrix is trusted by top law and accounting firms.

DFDL Myanmar

Founded in 1995, DFDL is one of the oldest foreign legal and tax firms in Myanmar.

DFDL provides a full range of legal and tax services to foreign and local investors operating in Myanmar. Our team of more than 30 experienced local lawyers and foreign legal advisers in Yangon and Naypyidaw provides efficient, effective, and practical legal services at an international standard, coupled with a high level of personal in-depth knowledge of the local environment.

DFDL is best placed to advise Asian and international companies on their investments in Myanmar.

Our Myanmar business unit is led by Partner and Managing Director William D. Greenlee, Jr.

Click here to view the author's profile

Author

Tags

  • Myanmar
  • Trade Treaties & Other Agreements
  • Legal Updates

Related Content

Recent updates

Cookies On
Our Website
We use cookies on our website. To learn more about cookies, how we use them on our site and how to change your cookie settings please click here to view our cookie policy. By continuing to use this site without changing your settings you consent to our use of cookies in accordance with our cookie policy.