| Regional Affairs
What to read ahead of Beijing’s Belt and Road Forum The Myanmar Times 24th Apr 2019
The BRI is colossal infrastructure and connectivity initiative of the Chinese government, loosely based on two main routes: the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. In Chinese language the initiative is called “yidai yiliu”, translated as “one belt one road”. The English name has switched from the previous One Belt One Road or OBOR to the now widely accepted BRI.
Buckling up for the Belt and Road Frontier Myanmar 24th Apr 2019
From April 25-27, Beijing will host the second Belt and Road Forum, bringing together nearly 40 heads of state from around the world to discuss, negotiate and plan for China’s multi-trillion-dollar trade and investment initiative. For Myanmar, the stakes couldn’t be higher. This will be one of the most important weeks for the National League for Democracy since it took office in March 2016. The decisions that it makes will have implications for the economy, domestic politics and international relations for years to come.
Myanmar de facto leader to visit Cambodia after Belt and Road Forum Khmer Times 23rd Apr 2019
Myanmar de facto leader to visit Kingdom after Belt and Road Forum Myanmar state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi will pay an official visit to the Kingdom later this month. The visit was announced by Prime Minister Hun Sen during a graduation ceremony in Phnom Penh today. Mr Hun Sen said Ms Suu Kyi, who is also Myanmar’s Foreign Affairs Minister, will directly fly to Phnom Penh from Beijing following this week’s Belt and Road Forum in China.
Myitsone Dam Roundup The Irrawaddy 19th Apr 2019
The controversy over whether to resume work on the Beijing-backed Myitsone Dam has intensified since China’s ambassador to Myanmar attempted to pressure Kachin political and religious leaders to support the project late last year. But the people of Myanmar are still in the dark on their government’s plans for the dam—construction of which was suspended in 2011 by the previous government following a nationwide public outcry—as their leader, State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, has been silent on the issue. The public is concerned that the US$3.6-billion (5.4 trillion kyats) project will destroy the country’s lifeline Irrawaddy River and disrupt its water flow downstream, and are worried about the project’s potential to flood an area the size of Singapore, destroy livelihoods and displace more than 10,000 people.
Myanmar, Vietnam to promote bilateral trade and investments Eleven Media 18th Apr 2019
During five months of this fiscal year, the total trade volume between Myanmar and Vietnam had exceeded 315 million USD. Both countries are now discussing a plan to promote bilateral trade and investments, according to the figures from the Commerce Ministry. The bilateral trade between Myanmar and Vietnam hit 315.344 million USD where Myanmar’s export value amounts to 85.123 million USD and Vietnam’s import value, 230.221 million USD. An official of the Commerce Ministry said, “Take a look at the Myanmar-Vietnam trade, Vietnam’s import has increased consecutively every year. Myanmar can export the goods worth 100 to 130 million USD every year.”
Chinese President Xi envisions deeper ties, assures Myanmar of Beijing's support The Straits Times 11th Apr 2019
China would like to enhance strategic communication and deepen cooperation with Myanmar no matter how the international situation changes, President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday (April 10). Mr Xi made the remark while meeting Myanmar Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The two countries should deepen their comprehensive strategic cooperation to bring more practical benefits for the people of both countries and contribute to regional stability and prosperity, Mr Xi said.
Myanmar Military Chief Backs BRI Projects in Talks With China’s Xi The Irrawaddy 11th Apr 2019
China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) includes a host of projects that could benefit Myanmar, military chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing told Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Wednesday, adding that Myanmar’s military was ready to cooperate on implementing them. While the BRI is beginning to face resistance from a number of countries due to fears of a “debt trap”, Sen-Gen. Min Aung Hlaing said during a meeting with Xi at the Great Hall of the People that he believed it would be successful.
Japan’s involvement in Myanmar Modern Diplomacy 28th Mar 2019
After the civilian-democratic transition in Myanmar, the western sanctions on trade and investment in the country were lifted. This led to a huge inflow of foreign direct investment in key infrastructural sectors and energy sector because of the nascent stage of economic progress in the conflict-torn country. Regional giants like China and Japan as well as ASEAN countries have been increasing their economic aid, assistance and cooperation with the country notwithstanding the humanitarian concerns raised by international community. The Chinese involvement in the region, especially its investment in big infrastructure and energy projects in Rakhine province have been a subject of international deliberation and criticism. However, Japan too has been competing with China to check its hegemonic ambitions under the One Belt One Road initiative.
National Affairs
NLD-Tatmadaw relations: strong words, rising tensions Frontier Myanmar 18th Apr 2019
ON MARCH 27, 1945, the Burmese National Army launched its resistance to the Japanese military occupation. The anniversary of this event is known by the National League for Democracy as Anti-Fascist Resistance Day and celebrated by the Tatmadaw as Armed Forces Day. At this year’s Armed Forces Day parade in Nay Pyi Taw, Tatmadaw deputy commander-in-chief Vice Senior General Soe Win gave the speech in the absence of Tatmadaw chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who the military announced had been injured in an accident. Soe Win’s speech and an Anti-Fascist Resistance Day statement issued by the NLD revealed significant disagreement and differences of opinion between the two sides.
New curfew imposed in Rakhine State The Myanmar Times 18th Apr 2019
A curfew was imposed from 9pm to 5am in five townships in northern Rakhine State on Tuesday following clashes between the Tatmadaw (military) and Arakan Army (AA), according to the state government. The state issued a statement signed by Security and Border Affairs Minister Colonel Phone Tint on Monday that said the curfew had been ordered to enforce the administration, rules and regulations of the government as well as to protect the state’s businesses and economy.
DICA chief promoted as investment ministry’s top civil servant The Myanmar Times 11th Apr 2019
The government has appointed U Aung Naing Oo as permanent secretary of the recently-created Ministry of Investment and Foreign Economic Relations, the official gazette announced. As the top civil servant leading the ministry, he will support and advise the cabinet minister, career diplomat U Thaung Tun, on how to drum up foreign investments and build on reform initiatives. Observers hope the new body will be the reflected voice of business in government, challenging line ministries on red tape while ensuring that related draft regulations are consulted on.
Golden Myanmar Airlines breaks jet fuel monopoly The Myanmar Times 10th Apr 2019
Myanmar has opened the door to the first private company to operate an aviation fuel business, potentially ending a state-backed monopoly in the fuel distribution market. Yangon-based Golden Myanmar Airlines Public Co received permission from the Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) on April 5 to take part in the “importation, storage, distribution, transportation and into plane fueling of jet fuel”, according to the list of permitted enterprises from the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (DICA).
Golden Myanmar Airlines gets permission for jet fuel business Frontier Myanmar 9th Apr 2019
Golden Myanmar Airlines has received Myanmar Investment Commission approval to operate an aviation fuel business, in the first sign of competition for the state-backed monopoly that airlines say has undermined their viability. However, the new venture does not appear to have received permission to operate at Yangon International Airport, the country’s busiest airport and the base for most domestic airlines. Golden Myanmar Airlines Public Company Limited received permission for the “importation, storage, distribution, transportation and into plane fueling of jet fuel” at an MIC meeting on April 5, according to the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration.
Letter: US is investing in Myanmar’s future The Myanmar Times 5th Apr 2019
The US government is committed to supporting private sector-led growth in Myanmar to maintain a free and open Asia-Pacific. As Ambassador, I am often asked how the US government is supporting economic growth in Myanmar. The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) is the US government’s development finance institution, which provides financing and insurance to projects that cannot obtain sufficient private financing.
UEC gives permission for formation of Thura Shwe Mann’s party Mizzima 5th Apr 2019
Union Election Commission member Myint Naing confirmed to Mizzima the news about giving permission for forming of the Union Betterment Party (UBP) led by Thura Shwe Mann on April 4. As per the Political Parties Registration Law, a political party shall submit application for establishing of party to the UEC and when UEC allows for the establishing, the party shall apply again for registration of party in the second stage.
New export strategy launched, but barriers remain The Myanmar Times 27th Mar 2019
With export revenues having only increased by around US$2 billion over the past five years, Myanmar is aiming to boost its exports in the next five years by adding new sectors to its National Export Strategy (NES). Gems and jewellery, the digital economy, fruits and vegetables, agricultural product-based food products and industrial art products have been added to the NES 2020-2025, which replaces the first NES 2014-2019, said U Aung Soe, director general at the Trade Promotion Department.
Senators ask US to sanction Myanmar army chief France 24 21st Mar 2019
Senators called Wednesday for the United States to slap sanctions on Myanmar's army chief, saying more needed to be done to bring accountability over the campaign against the Rohingya. In a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, the four senators said Myanmar has shown "no credible signs of progress" despite widespread international condemnation of the killings and sexual violence against members of the mostly Muslim minority. Senators including Dick Durbin, the number-two Democrat, said that sanctions against Myanmar's army chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, as well as other top officers would demonstrate "US intolerance for behavior that contravenes fundamental human rights."
Constitution Amendment Joint Committee meeting to be suspended for about one month Mizzima 20th Mar 2019
The 45-member constitution amendment joint committee will suspend their meetings for about one month and resume on April 22, committee members said. The announcement came after the joint committee meeting number 8/2019 held on March 19 where they deliberated provisions in Chapter 1 (Basic Principles), Chapter 2 (State Structure), Chapter 3 (Head of State) and Chapter 4 (Legislature). Joint Committee member Aung Kyi Nyunt said, “The process is going regularly and smoothly now. So we will suspend these meetings at the moment. Some of the MPs have to go back to their constituencies. So we will resume our meeting on April 22.”
Trade laws protecting local producers now being drafted: MOC The Myanmar Times 23rd Apr 2019
The Ministry of Commerce (MOC) is drafting new trade laws to safeguard local producers while promoting exports of domestically-produced goods, Minister of Commerce U Than Myint said. Due to the lack of investments and technology, Myanmar producers face stiff competition from their regional peers, who are able to manufacture at faster speeds and lower costs and produce higher quality goods. As such, the legislation, drafted in collaboration with the World Bank and German development agency GIZ, will include a new Safeguard Law on Increased Import and Antidumping and Countervailing Law. The laws aim to safeguard domestic manufacturers from cheap imports and support demand for locally-made products.
Myanmar real estate service law to be enacted within three months The Myanmar Times 27th Mar 2019
The Pyidaungsu Hluttaw will approve a real estate service law within three months, said U Tin Maung Win, chair of Transport, Communication and Construction Committee at Myanmar Real Estate Services Association annual meeting on March 23. “Although some have said that it is too early, the law will be enacted within three months if it is carried out now. Such a law is needed here as it is already in place in other countries,” he said. The Myanmar Real Estate Services Association has signed an agreement linking its economy with other ASEAN countries. As foreigners are also involved in the local real estate market, an exact law is needed to regulate real estate services in Myanmar, said U Tin Maung Win.
New labour law paves way for worker safety standards The Myanmar Times 25th Mar 2019
Myanmar’s parliament has enacted the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Law to promote safe and secure working environments for labourers and workers. The new law, signed by President U Win Myint on March 15, is expected to pave the way for the first legally-established health and safety standards in the country. It stipulated that OSH standards will be designed “in accordance with international and regional standards and compatible to the nation’s situation". The regulations will apply to both domestic and foreign companies, joint ventures, government departments and organisations This includes the hospitality, extractive, transport, construction, retail, services and manufacturing industries.
Legislature beefs up consumer protections The Myanmar Times 21st Mar 2019
Under the amendments to the 2014 Consumer Protection Law, a consumer protection commission and committee will be formed, said U Swe Tint Kyu, director of the Department of Consumer Affairs. A new commission instead of a central committee will be formed, he added. However, he did not say when the commissions will be set up. The changes in the law were approved by the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw on Friday and must be signed by the president before being enacted.
Defense & Security
Navy to own submarines soon: its Chief of Staff Eleven Media 20th Mar 2019
Myanmar will own submarines soon, said Commodore Moe Aung, Chief of Staff (Navy) on March 18 while answering to the media after the Combined Fleet Exercise-Sea Shield 2019. “The Senior General already explained about the possession of submarines. They can be seen at Myanmar navy soon. Submarine arm is an armed forces and its operation area is under water. There are natural disasters as well as dangers from the enemies which can attack anytime. If there will be a problem, it is difficult to save them. So we are considering about long term plan. Another thing is to train submariners. It is required to train the submariners. A skillful submariner needs at least four years training to handle the submarine and to operate it. So our marines are having trainings for a long time,” said the Commodore.
Economics
Myanmar liberalisation program picks up speed Southasian Monitor 19th Apr 2019
In recent weeksthe Myanmar government has continued to signal its intention toattract foreign investment in an effort to boost economic development in the last two years of its term in office. “Myanmar is truly open for business, and we are putting into place the reforms and the legal framework needed to reassure foreign investors that we do indeed mean business,” the Minister for Investment and Foreign Economic Relations, Thaung Tun told South Asian Monitor in an interview recently.
Myanmar's border trade reaches nearly 5 bln USD in mid FY 2018-19 Xinhua 19th Apr 2019
Myanmar's trade with foreign countries through border gates reached over 4.83 billion U.S. dollars as of March 29 in fiscal year 2018-19, according to the figures from the Commerce Ministry Friday. In present fiscal year 2018-19 which started in October 2018, the country's export via border gates amounted to 3.4 billion U.S. dollars while its import shared 1.43 billion U.S. dollars. This fiscal year's figures increased by 191 million U.S. dollars compared to the same period of last FY 2017-2018 when it showed 4.64 billion U.S. dollars.
In Myanmar, Jittery Investors Threaten Long-Term Development The Diplomat 17th Apr 2019
The arrival of Aung San Suu Kyi’s civilian-led government to Myanmar in 2016, after decades of military rule, has quickly turned out to be a false dawn for hopeful international investors. It was supposed to create an opening for eager businesses to tap into the nation’s enviable position between the economic engines of China and India — but it hasn’t turned out that way. Since reeling in $9.5 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the 2015-16 fiscal year, annual inflows have decelerated. (The projected take for this year is expected to be $5.8 billion.) Slow progress in opening up the country’s private sector, and ongoing challenges with weak infrastructure, have been partly to blame.
Economy set for short-term slow down Mizzima 15th Apr 2019
Myanmar’s economy is set to slow down this year after a solid rebound in 2018, but could accelerate in the medium-term if the government continues reforms aimed at improving regulations, encouraging investor sentiment, and ending its decades-long isolation, sputnik news reported. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued its updated GDP forecast for Myanmar, saying the South Asian economy is set to expand steadily this year, but is facing the risks of rising fiscal deficits and an overall slowing growth due to global factors. Among the main risks facing Myanmar, the Fund named is its excessive reliance on agricultural exports, insufficient investment, and a depreciating national currency.
Myanmar’s Economy Poised for Steady Expansion, Needs Quicker Reforms Sputnik News 14th Apr 2019
Myanmar’s economy is set to slow down this year after a solid rebound in 2018, but could accelerate in the medium-term if the government continues reforms aimed at improving regulations, encouraging investor sentiment, and ending its decades-long isolation. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued its updated GDP forecast for Myanmar, saying the South Asian economy is set to expand steadily this year, but is facing the risks of rising fiscal deficits and an overall slowing growth due to global factors. Among the main risks facing Myanmar, the Fund named is its excessive reliance on agricultural exports, insufficient investment, and a depreciating national currency.
Erin Murphy on the State of Myanmar’s Economy The Diplomat 9th Apr 2019
Since historic elections in Myanmar in 2016 brought to power the country’s opposition led by Aung San Suu Kyi, the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) has come under scrutiny for its performance and the pace of reforms in the country. Among the major areas in question is the economy. The economic realm continues to be watched closely today, not just for its own sake but also in the context of broader trends and developments, including Myanmar’s alignments with foreign powers and domestic perceptions of the government heading into elections expected sometime in 2020.
ADB Forecasts Myanmar's Economy to Resume Growth This Year The Irrawaddy 4th Apr 2019
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) expects Myanmar’s economy to resume growth this year and continue to expand in the next thanks to more foreign investment and a positive response to the government’s economic and policy reforms. The Asian Development Outlook 2019 forecasts Myanmar’s economy to grow by 6.6 percent in 2019 and by 6.8 percent in 2020. Last year, Myanmar’s growth slowed to 6.2 percent, down from 6.8 percent in 2017.
Growth prospects turn positive on higher FDI, reform progress The Myanmar Times 3rd Apr 2019
Growth momentum in Myanmar is expected to pick up in 2019 and 2020, according to forecasts released by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) yesterday. Driven by a higher volume of foreign direct investments and efforts by the government to reform key economic policies, Myanmar’s economy is expected to expand by 6.6 percent in the fiscal year ending September and by 6.8pc in the following year. In comparison, GDP growth had slowed to 6.2pc in 2018.
After 3 years, Suu Kyi running out of time to energize Myanmar economy Nikkei Asian Review 30th Mar 2019
Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi's government is racing against the calendar. Her National League for Democracy marks the third anniversary of its rise to power on Saturday, but this is only a reminder that she has less than two years to rev up the economy before the next general election. The government is now pushing to accelerate reforms, but progress has been slow over the last three years.
Myanmar sees increase in FDI inflow Eleven Media 28th Mar 2019
During six months of the current fiscal year, the inflow of foreign direct investments had increased by over 600 million US dollars, said Aung Naing Oo, Secretary of Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC). “From October 1, 2017 to March 15, 2018, the MIC granted permits to 80 projects including Thilawa Special Economic Zone Project. The total FDI was worth 1.315 billion US dollars. This year, the total FDI reached 1943.976 million, up over 600 million US dollars compared with the same period last year. The number of projects which got the nod from the MIC was 129, up 40 compared with last year’s figures,” he added.
Myanmar -- investors should be cautious but take the risk Nikkei Asian Review 27th Mar 2019
A humanitarian crisis that has been brewing at the border between Myanmar and Bangladesh since 2016 is reaching a critical point. At Cox's Bazar, just inside Bangladesh, an estimated 740,000 displaced Muslim Rohingya from Myanmar's Rakhine State are encamped in temporary shelters, hoping that the international community will take them in as refugees or facilitate their safe return to the homes they claim in Myanmar. International pressure for a solution is growing. Bangladesh's Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque recently told the United Nations that the strain of sheltering refugees in the border area has gone from "bad to worse." Speaking at a Security Council meeting in New York, he urged the U.N. to take "decisive" action. But what can be done?
Updated National Export Strategy to add new sectors, address constraints The Myanmar Times 21st Mar 2019
Stakeholders from the public and private sector gathered last Friday to discuss the National Export Strategy (NES) 2020-2025, including actions to take to boost Myanmar’s export sector. The first Stakeholders’ Symposium for updating the NES was aimed at boosting Myanmar’s export performance in the global economy and was attended by Vice President U Myint Swe and commerce minister U Than Myint. The event provided stakeholders with an opportunity to examine the current challenges in regard to Myanmar’s export performance as well as the need for a strong export and policy framework to assist development, said U Zaw Min Win, President of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce.
Energy
Sustainable Development and Welfare of Myanmar Burma News International 23rd Apr 2019
In the history of human development, the relationship between social-economic development and environmental protection has always been a question of trial and error. The key to the continuous progress of human development lies in accurately understanding and weighing risks, seeking and perfecting remedial mechanisms as much as possible, and maximizing benefits, which is a recurring proposition in human history. One conclusion that does not seem to be a joke is that if people had been obsessed with the static protection of the natural environment from the very beginning, they might not even have the chance to walk out of the cave and make a piece of clothing out of animal skins or plants, let alone today's achievements. The natural environment itself has always been changing. Environmental protection is not to keep the environment unchanged, but only to change it in a way that will not destroy the existence of human beings while achieving sustainable development.
China’s pipeline project brings 24-hour electricity supply to Myanmar Global Times 16th Apr 2019
A wharf on Made Island, the starting point of the China-Myanmar crude oil and gas pipeline, awaits giant oil tankers. Courtesy: China-Myanmar crude oil and gas pipeline project It was completely dark outside at night when this Global Times reporter visited Kyaukpyu county, Myanmar eight years ago. Now, the city has witnessed tremendous changes thanks to the China-Myanmar crude oil and gas pipeline, a pioneer project of the China-proposed Belt and Road
US eyes financing opportunities in energy, infrastructure The Myanmar Times 9th Apr 2019
The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) is looking for financing opportunities in the energy and infrastructure sectors in Myanmar, Eric Jones, OPIC Chief of Staff, said last week. OPIC is the US government’s development finance institution, helping US businesses invest in emerging markets and providing financing to projects. OPIC support is available to new and expanding businesses planning to invest in more than 160 countries worldwide, including Myanmar.
Total power consumption hits over 3,600 MW in April Eleven Media Group Co., Ltd 7th Apr 2019
The country’s total power consumption hit a record high of 3,609 megawatts (MW) in April, up over 250 MW compared with the same period last year, according to Deputy Minister for Electricity and Energy Dr. Tun Naing. The annual power production reached 2,097 MW in 2014, 2,362 MW in 2015, 2,743 MW in 2016, 2,790 MW in 2017 and 3,358 MW in 2018. In late March, the power production reached a record high of 3653.9 MW. Currently, Myanmar can produce about 3,800 MW. The country’s power demand is increasing at a rate of 19 per cent every year. The ministry plans to produce an additional 3,000 MW in next three years as the annual power consumption will reach between 300 and 500 MW. Last year, hydropower accounts for 57 per cent of the total power production and the power production through thermal energy, for 43 per cent. Yangon consumes nearly 1,500 MW, Mandalay, over 500 MW, Nay Pyi Taw, over 150 MW, other regions, nearly 1,500 MW. About 6.33 million out of 10.877 million households have no access to electricity. In December, 2018, 4.79 million households (44 per cent) have access to power while 6.087 million households (56 per cent) are in need of electricity.
Investors to be invited to boost LPG, CNG businesses Eleven Media Group 23rd Mar 2019
Investors will be invited to boost gas exploration as well as LPG and CNG businesses, said Union Minister Win Khaing for Electricity and Energy. He said investment in such businesses would help improve Myanmar's electricity sector. "To improve the electricity sector, we will invite investors to cooperate with us in exploring gas and developing LPG and CNG businesses and factories as well as solar energy," said the minister. According to sources from the Ministry of Electricity and Energy, tenders will soon be opened to operate 33 oil and gas blocks—15 offshore blocks and 18 onshore blocks. At Myanmar investment forum held in Nay Pyi Taw on January 28, Union Minister for Investment and Foreign Economic Relations Thaung Tun said more blocks in Myanmar's offshore areas would soon be put to tender. Plans are underway to engage in LPG as a strategic business for its extensive use in industrial and transport sectors as well as for kitchen purposes. It is targeted that LPG will be distributed to 1 million households in villages by 2020.
Company vows to supply solar power to 500 villages The Myanmar Times 21st Mar 2019
Mandalay Yoma Solar Energy, which operates solar mini-grids to power rural regions, will generate solar power in 500 villages within three to five years, the company said. “First, we will supply electricity to 50 villages, and we estimate that up to 500 villages will be electrified within three to five years,” said Nathalie Riseau, the company’s director. Mandalay Yoma signed a cooperation agreement for the work with Engie, one of the largest renewable energy companies in the world. The company now operates solar mini-grids in Sagaing, Magwe and Mandalay regions and plans to install 50 solar power systems in 2019-2020.
Ministry will build over 1,000 megawatts power stations within one and a half year: official Eleven Media Group 19th Mar 2019
Ministry of Electricity and Energy is planning to build over 1,000 megawatts power stations within one and a half year time and will supply electricity using 500 KV power lines across Myanmar without interrupted, said Union Minister Win Khaing of the Electricity and Energy on March 16. At the present, the power line can carry up to 300 megawatts and the ministry has power stations which only can generate under 300 megawatts. “The power stations built in the future will be generated over 1,000 megawatts. We are building 500 KV power line to connect Meiktila, Taungoo, Bayargyi and Yangon and it will be the main back-bone of connecting between northern, southern, eastern and western grips. The ministry can supply electricity to anywhere in Myanmar using the national grip within one and a half year or two year time without interrupted,” said the minister. Myanmar is now generating about 3,800 megawatts of electricity and it can generate 3,000 megawatts more within three year time, added the minister. The demand of electricity is increased about 19 per cent annually and it needed between 300 and 500 megawatts annually. The government needs to set long term and short term plans to fulfill the electricity in line with the requirement, he continued.
Kachin Gov’t Set to Reject Mongolian Mining Proposal The Irrawaddy 21st Mar 2019
The Kachin State government has decided to shelve a Mongolian company’s proposal to conduct a feasibility study on the extraction of gold and other minerals in Myanmar’s largest national conservation area, a sanctuary nearly triple the size of Singapore in Kachin’s northernmost township, due to serious environmental concerns. The project was proposed by Inner Mongolia Duojin Investment Company Ltd, according to the Kachin State Forest Department. The proposal covers an area of 492,900 acres in Putao Township including Hkakaborazi National Park and its southern extension area, which together form the largest national park in the country, as well as the ASEAN Heritage Park-Hponkan Razi Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to globally threatened wildlife species including the black musk deer, red panda and white-bellied heron. The area also covers protected forests in the township’s Northern Mountain Forest Complex; these include subtropical evergreen forests, mixed deciduous forests, pine-rhododendron forests and alpine meadows. Amid a backlash from environmentalist and local residents, the Kachin State cabinet and related departments held a meeting on the issue on Tuesday. At the meeting, the Forest Department submitted a review recommending that the project not be allowed.
Financial Services
Why Myanmar's New Insurance Market Opening Matters The Diplomat 12th Apr 2019
After years of false starts, Myanmar’s insurance market is officially open to five foreign insurers—upped after an alleged intervention by State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi from three life insurance licenses—AIA, Chubb, Dai-ichi, ManuLife, and Prudential. The marks another step by the National League for Democracy-led government to liberalize its decrepit financial sector, following the Central Bank allowing foreign equity ownership of up to 35 percent in licensed banks and permitting foreign investors more space to invest in commercial and retail opportunities. Though a small initial step, allowing new players, including from the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., and eventually expanding the sector will offer a variety of important economic, development, and confidence-building opportunities for the country.
Five foreign companies granted provisional licences for life insurance Mizzima 10th Apr 2019
Five foreign companies have been granted provisional licences to issue life insurance policies through subsidiaries following more than two years of delay in opening up the Myanmar market, trade website internationalinvestment.net reported. British Prudential, Japanese Dai-ichi Life, Hong Kong AIA, US Chubb and Canadian Manulife have been authorised to establish wholly-owned life insurance subsidiaries. They are expected to begin operating by the end of 2019, pending relevant requirements. It marks the first time that the heavily-state-controlled economy has allowed foreign ownership in its fledgling insurance market, which was estimated to be worth only $13 million in life insurance premium revenue as of 2017, the report said.
How banking will affect foreign equity in Myanmar The Myanmar Times 29th Mar 2019
On January 29 the CBM issued Regulation No 1/2019, allowing foreign banks and financial institutions to hold equity of up to 35pc in local banks. To obtain approval from the CBM, a domestic lender will have to provide a copy of the agreement with the overseas institution along with the proposed equity ratio. It is hoped the change will enhance competition in the market, bring gains in lending and improve service quality. Prior to the reform, the Myanmar Companies Law, which came into force on August 1, 2018, made it possible for foreign investors to hold a minority stake of up to 35pc in domestic firms, although this had not yet been applied in practice in the banking sector as the CBM had maintained strict supervision.
CBM again issues detailed rules to banks The Myanmar Times 28th Mar 2019
On March 25, the CBM again issued instructions covering five directives on banking governance and statistics. To strengthen the country’s financial sector, Financial Institutions Law was introduced January 2016. CBM has now five detailed directives to banks covering related-party transactions, regulations that bank director shall follow, appropriate standards for bank directors and senior officials, having internationally recognised external auditor, and acquisitions of substantial interests.
Crop insurance begins to take root in Myanmar The Myanmar Times 20th Mar 2019
In 2016, Global World Insurance submitted a proposal on offering crop insurance to the Insurance Business Regulatory Board IBRB under the Ministry of Planning and Finance. Last January, the ministry approved a two-year pilot project for GWI’s crop insurance. The company’s crop insurance is yield-based and the premium is two percent of the market price of rice from one acre (0.4 hectares) of farmland. Should crops be damaged due to bad weather, the insurer will calculate compensation payouts based on the market price per acre of rice harvested in different regions.
Food & Agriculture
Myanmar to export farmed fisheries to EU from May onwards The Myanmar Times 23rd Apr 2019
Myanmar will be able to export farmed marine products to the European Union (EU) starting from May 1, said U Thet Naing, deputy director of the Quality Control and Research Division of Fisheries Department. Up until recently, the EU had only permitted imports of fish caught in the wild. From next week onwards, this will expand to include seven farmed fish, two prawn and one crab species. These include the Rohu, Mrigal, Katla and Carfu fish species, river catfish, barbus fish, spotted prawn, white prawn and soft shell crab.
Indian agribusiness granted IFC loan to expand Myanmar facilities The Myanmar Times 18th Apr 2019
Delhi-based Sohan Lal Commodity Management (SLCM) will use the capital to expand its warehousing and logistics services in Myanmar. The terms of the loan were however not disclosed. The company handles cotton, black pepper, rice, wheat, pulses, maize, sugar and spices in Myanmar, for both imports/exports and domestic consumption, according to SCLM assistant manager Diksha Arora. The Myanmar unit has managed 3.24 million square feet of commodity storage space in 127 industrial zones and handled 10.14 million tonnes of commodities. Agriculture is the backbone of Myanmar’s economy, while more than half of the national population live in rural areas. But the infrastructure and technology necessary for farmers and traders is severely underdeveloped. Many local warehouses are completely lacking in operational equipment and technology, such as CCTVs, dock levellers or a stable power supply.
Maize farmers hopeful despite declining price The Myanmar Times 11th Apr 2019
At the end of 2018, maize fetched K30,000 (US$20) per sack of three tins (each tin equivalent to nine gallons), but the price declined gradually from the beginning of the year to K22,500 before rebounding a bit. The market price of a viss (1.6 kilograms) of maize is K330 to K400, which is higher than the low of K260-K340 set in 2015. During the 2015 slump, the price of a sack of maize was K17,000. Traders noted that the price of maize has inched up again in Myanmar due to demand from Thailand, U Soe Win Myint, a wholesaler in Mandalay, said. But he noted that the Thai demand is not enough to propel the price of the grain to last year’s level. Myanmar planted 1.5 million acres of maize this year, and expects to harvest about 3.2 million tonnes. China has been buying Myanmar maize since 1990, but local demand for the grain has also increased due to demand from animal food factories.
Govt seeks Netherlands advice on establishing agricultural colleges The Myanmar Times 10th Apr 2019
The officials, led by Deputy Minister U Hla Kyaw, met in Nay Pyi Taw last week with a delegation from AERES Group, the Netherlands’ leading education organisation. “We have accepted the plan in principle but have no details yet. It will be more than one college, but we’re still discussing what we need to improve and what they will teach,” he said. If agricultural colleges are opened, there will be more opportunities for higher education for outstanding students from foreign agricultural institutes. The colleges will require investment in infrastructure, specialised training for teachers, and developing a curriculum with local and international experts. The plan to establish agricultural colleges has been around since Myanmar and the Netherlands began the State Agricultural Institutes Development Project in 2016.
Fisheries sector forced to restructure as declining demand decimates earnings The Myanmar Times 21st Mar 2019
Myanmar fisheries and marine product exports have been declining over the past year after big buyers like Saudi Arabia and the US stopped importing from the sector last year. Meanwhile, demand trends from Myanmar’s other major trade partners such as Bangladesh are evolving, which has forced the industry to explore new products and strategies. Myanmar exports most of its wild fish and marine products to Thailand and China. Value-added marine products are exported to Japan and the US, while farmed carp and catfish are sold to Bangladesh, India and the UK.
More investments needed for expansion in food-processing industry The Myanmar Times 21st Mar 2019
The Myanmar processed food industry needs more investment support in order to develop further, U Aye Win, chair of the Myanmar Food Processors and Exporters Association, told The Myanmar Times. Currently, Myanmar processes basic raw commodities such as rice, beans, maize and other agricultural products. Excess products are exported. However, the country also imports value-added processed foods such as canned or dairy products. In that light, Myanmar should increase its focus on manufacturing higher value food products, which will require funds from both local and foreign investors, U Aye Win said.
Chin farmers urged to grow permanent crops The Myanmar Times 21st Mar 2019
Shifting cultivation is an agricultural system in which plots of land are cultivated temporarily and later abandoned to allow the lands to revert to their natural vegetation. Meanwhile, the cultivator moves on to another plot. The main disadvantages of shifting cultivation are forest decimation and climate change. The areas are also prone to landslides and floods. Meanwhile, the cost of cultivation is also higher for farmers. The state government is now encouraging farmers to harvest their crops on permanent farm land using modern upland cultivation and slopping agriculture land technologies, Mang Hen Dal said. To encourage the cultivation of permanent crops such as coffee, mulberries, avocado, grape, yam, cluster beans and apples, the state government will allocate 5000 acres of land for upland cultivation via mechanised farming and 55 acres for slopping agriculture land technology, Mang Heng Dal said. As Chin State is a mountainous area, farmers have traditionally relied on shifting cultivation methods to harvest crops. “To encourage farmers to grow permanent and more sustainable crops such as coffee and avocado, we will stop giving support to those who still opt for shifting cultivation crops,” Shing Khe, the director of Mindat Farmers Group Company in Chin State, said.
Good growth potential for gum crop The Myanmar Times 21st Mar 2019
The Japanese and Chinese governments have signed agreements to buy gum sterculia from Myanmar. The agreements were signed in Myaing township, Magway Region, on March 9. Gum sterculia, also known as gum karaya or Indian gum tragacanth, is a vegetable gum produced by trees of the genus Sterculia. The gum is used as a thickener and emulsifier in foods, as a laxative, and as a denture adhesive. Locally, the gum is known as say kalarma. Primary buyers of the gum are China, Japan, Taiwan.
Health & Life Sciences
Yangon General Hospital on heightened alert for Thingyan The Myanmar Times 12th Apr 2019
Dr Khin Theingyi Myint, deputy medical superintendent of the hospital, said it will also augment its facilities in expectation of an increase in medical emergencies during the festival. “We usually double the number of staff in the emergency department during the four-day traditional Myanmar New Year celebration. Our staff members are on heightened alert,” he said. Between 150 and 200 personnel, including doctors, nurses, technicians, and basic health staff, are assigned to work in the department during the festival. Usually only around 80 health staff are assigned to the department. Hospital officials have been readying medicine, equipment and blood for emergency patients since last month. All staff members have undergone training and discussions about all kinds of possible health emergencies that may occur during the holidays, including heat-related problems. “We have air conditioners and electric fans in the rooms of every ward for heat stroke patients,” said Daw Moe Moe San, a senior consultant physician in the Tropical and Infectious Diseases Department.
Myanmar Drafts National Strategy For Disabled Myanmar Business Today 9th Apr 2019
Myanmar held a two-day workshop in the capital Nay Pyi Taw to draft a national strategy for people with disabilities, the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement said on Thursday. At the two-day which ended on Wednesday, Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement U Soe Aung stressed the need to clearly map sector-wise tasks in the national strategy by taking the Enabling Master Plan of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan into consideration. He called for linking the draft strategy with the Sustainable Goals-2030, the national-level strategy for social welfare, and rules and bylaws of the related ministries. He also emphasized the need for the strategy to guarantee people with disabilities easy access to six priority sectors including health, education, jobs and social welfare and assistance when they face disaster and other emergency situation. The draft strategy is targeted to be completed by December.
Public health hinges on safe medical waste disposal The Myanmar Times 9th Apr 2019
He works until 6am the next day. While making his rounds, he often finds potentially dangerous waste discarded by hospitals in the area. The city and the Ministry of Health and Sports have specified that dangerous waste is not allowed to be disposed of in bins on the street but only in special trucks. Every three or four days, Ko Aung Si Thu finds hospital waste in the bins, including disposable needles and syringes, used hospital gloves and blood-transfusion tubes, so he has to handle them carefully. Sometimes, he finds discarded needles and syringes in old water bottles. Luckily, his superiors have briefed him in detail on handling such dangerous articles and arranged for him to have vaccinations. The city’s Department of Pollution Control and Cleansing also issues him gloves and masks to protect him from disease. Despite instructions from the YCDC to dispose of dangerous waste after separating it into different coloured bags, some hospitals and clinics disregard the rules. U Aung Myint Maw, deputy head of the department, said clinics and hospitals still tend to lump all their waste together.
Supplies of blood units ‘sufficient for Thingyan’ The Myanmar Times 9th Apr 2019
Dr Daw Thida Aung, head of the centre, assured the public that it has enough supplies of blood during the country’s biggest holiday. “We plan to get volunteer donors at the NBC and Shwedagon Pagoda during blood donation campaigns,” she said. The centre supplied over 890,000 units of blood in the six months from October 2018 to March to 14 major hospitals and other medical facilities in Yangon. The centre now delivers at least 300 units a day to each hospital. It constantly analyses the use of blood at major hospitals to determine if there is a need to expand its facilities. The centre receives blood from almost 150 donors per day and at least 20 blood donation events per month. It receives at least 7000 units per month, according to the centre. Volunteer blood donors must be between 18 and 55, and men must weigh at least 110 pounds and women at least 100 pounds. Donors are usually checked for contagious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis, malaria, and elephantiasis, among others.
Advancing universal health coverage The Myanmar Times 5th Apr 2019
The challenge today is how to accelerate its progress. This is where primary health care comes in. The majority of a person’s health needs – whatever their age or health condition – can be delivered by primary health care providers. There is plenty of evidence that this is both equitable and efficient. Frontline services tend to be geographically closer to people than hospitals, especially in remote areas. The case for primary health care is sound. Political momentum for universal health coverage is high, and there is renewed commitment to primary health care. In October 2018, at the Conference on Primary Health Care in Astana, Kazakhstan, countries from across the world agreed that providing quality primary health care is fundamental to advancing universal health coverage. In September 2019, the UN General Assembly will hold a high-level meeting of heads of government on how to accelerate progress on universal health coverage. Delivering more equitable access to quality primary health care will be core to the discussion. To deliver quality health care, sufficient health workers and improved access to quality medicine are needed, particularly in rural areas. As a recent WHO report outlines, the availability of doctors, nurses and midwives has improved. The momentum generated by the region’s Decade of Strengthening Human Resources for Health must be maintained and intensified: numbers still fall short of the Sustainable Development Goal for health workers.
K3.9 billion allocated for buying medicines The Myanmar Times 1st Apr 2019
U Zaw Myint Maung was answering a question in the hluttaw from Daw Nyein Thet Nwe, MP for Nwartogyi township, about medicine provided free of charge at the public hospital under the Ministry of Health. The Ministry of Health and Sports provides the medical departments of Mandalay with approved funds to buy medicine by calling tenders in accordance with the instructions of the President’s Office. The ministry provided medicine by using more than K2.8 billion for the Department of Medical Services and more than K2.3 billion for Public Health Services in the 2017-2018 fiscal year, he said. “The tender process is being carried out to provide funding of over K2.3 billion for the Department of Medical Services and K1.6 billion for the Department of Public Health,” said U Zaw Myint Maung. For transparency, the list of free medicines has been announced to the public hospitals under the Mandalay Regional Department of Medical Services through an official letter of notification. Patients undergoing operations and childbirth will need to buy the required medicine on their own if they run out, but a certain amount of medicine is provided by the Ministry of Health and Sports to minimise the amount spent by patients, he said.
Air pollution returns in Tachileik, Shan State The Myanmar Times 25th Mar 2019
The air quality in Tachileik declined on Saturday because of agricultural burning on the Thai border and was worse on Sunday than it was earlier in the month. Thick smoke from the burning of farm waste is covering the city and is expected to worsen in the next few days, residents said. “The government has recommended that people use masks. Even though we stay home as much as we can, our eyes are burning,” said Ko Soe Tun Naing, a resident of Tachileik. The government is trying to reduce the thick smoke by spraying water and announcing the air quality to the public daily. “I think that our two countries need to discuss ways to solve this problem because it’s not only our country where there is burning but in Thailand too. We are used to suffering from smog every year, but this year it’s worse,” Ko Soe Tun Naing added. The risk of air pollution was high and the air quality index was red for the first time. Smog covered the city all day like fog.
Govt aims for 2020 start of cervical-cancer vaccination campaign The Myanmar Times 22nd Mar 2019
The campaign will be supported by public-private partnership Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the World Health Organization, and UNICEF, a senior Department of Public Health official said. “We have answered the questions that Gavi raised on our proposal for a nationwide vaccination campaign to prevent cervical cancer. We hope that Gavi will approve the campaign by the middle of this year,” said Dr Daw Htar Htar Lin, programme manager of the Department of Public Health’s Extended Programme on Immunisation. The ministry submitted the proposal for the cervical cancer vaccination drive to Gavi in 2018. The government will pay 10 percent of the cost of the nationwide campaign, while Gavi will cover the rest. The campaign hopes to provide vaccinations to over 450,000 girls aged 9 and 10 to protect them from cervical cancer. Girls are recommended to receive the HPV vaccine twice in their lives. Those who have been vaccinated are required to receive another dose 18 months later, experts with the programme said.
Infrastructure
Govt to hold tender for construction of Muse airport this year The Myanmar Times 23rd Apr 2019
Plans are being drawn out for the construction of an airport in Muse, which is a major hub for trade at the Myanmar-China border. A tender will be held this year, said U Ye Htut Aung, deputy director general of the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA). “We have presented this project to the minister’s office. We will announce the tender as soon as we receive permission. It is expected to happen this year. We are proposing to build it as a domestic airport,” said U Ye Htut Aung. The new Muse airport will be constructed under a Public-Private Partnership. The size and capacity of the airport have yet to be confirmed and will depend on the size of land available, the DCA said.
Govt issues developer licenses to construction companies, prospects improve The Myanmar Times 11th Apr 2019
Local businesses are now seeing a light at the end of the tunnel for the property and construction sectors, where demand has been low in recent years. A total of 32 property developers and construction companies were issued with developer licenses from the government last week, three months after a building management committee was formed to facilitate the enforcement of the 2016 Condominium Law. This comes after 20 licenses were issued a month after the committee was formed, said U Myo Myint, general secretary of the Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association and a member of the building management committee.
Property investments now more clear-cut for foreigners The Myanmar Times 2nd Apr 2019
Property developers and investors have been looking forward to stable regulations and foreign participation in the local real estate sector since the Condominium Law was enacted in 2016 and gradually enforced. Firmer home ownership laws are expected to draw higher volumes of foreign investment, which, in turn, will benefit businesses along the supply chain, from construction to interior design. The 2016 Condominium Law addresses land ownership as well as foreign participation in the local property market.
Private capital needed to fund required infrastructure The Myanmar Times 28th Mar 2019
Unlocking investment from the private sector is necessary for Myanmar to fund its building of transport infrastructure, speakers at a construction sector forum said. Bankability and risk-sharing would be the two key criteria to incentivise businesses to take part. Recently, the European Chamber of Commerce Myanmar (EuroCham) held the first construction forum in Yangon. The event provided an update on progress and trends in the construction industry, and came after London-based consulting firm Fitch Solutions Macro Research downgraded its growth forecast for Myanmar’s construction industry, saying economic reforms which would boost infrastructure development had been knocked off course due to the Rakhine crisis.
Construction in Myanmar-Key Trends and Opportunities to 2022 – Honest Businessman Honest Businessman 27th Mar 2019
The pace of expansion in Myanmar’s construction industry slowed in 2017, as investment growth was undermined by low industrial output and gas production. The industry’s growth will pick up pace in 2018, however, in part supported by government plans to boost infrastructure spending. In real terms, the Myanmar construction industry’s output grew by an average annual growth of 10.3% during the review period (2013–2017). Although output growth slowed in 2017, the general upward trend can be attributed to public and private sector investment in infrastructure, residential and energy infrastructure construction projects.
Yangon’s ‘new city’ plan raises a billion-dollar question Frontier Myanmar 21st Mar 2019
At an event in mid February to discuss the building of a “New City” across the river from downtown Yangon, it was revealed that China’s state-owned China Communications Construction Co Ltd had proposed spending $1.68 billion on infrastructure for the project. This seems to contradict the ambassador’s statement about Chinese investors holding back. It’s time to take a closer look at the New Yangon City project led by the Yangon Region government and discuss its partnership with CCCC.
Tourism, infrastructure collateral damage in Rakhine fighting The Myanmar Times 19th Mar 2019
Fighting between the Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army (AA) broke out near Mrauk-U on March 15. “When Mrauk-U became accessible by car from Sittwe, we arranged some trips in the coming tour season to the area. The fighting has changed everything and will be a major concern for the tourism industry if it continues,” said tour operator U Thet Lwin Toe. Ngapali Beach and the Mrauk-U ancient cultural area are famous tourist destinations in the Rakhine, but because Mrauk-U is difficult to access, tour operators mainly focus on arranging trips to Ngapali and offer trips to Mrauk-U as an alternative or added destination. Myanmar is currently also working on getting Mrauk-U listed as a world heritage site.
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