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Politics

May 16, 2013
Myanmar state-run television station MRTV has announced that President U Thein Sein will visit the White House next week, accepting the invitation of US President Barack Obama. The last Myanmar leader to travel to Washington was U Ne Win who visited President Johnson in 1966. President U Thein Sein will reportedly meet President Obama on May 20th, although no official date has been announced.

The US-ASEAN Business Council has already pronounced that it will host a dinner for the Myanmar leader in Washington D.C. on May 21 in conjunction with the US Chamber of Commerce, so a May 20th arrival date is likely. The official visit is yet another sign of warming relations between the two coun-tries although Washington continues to use the threat of sanctions to pressure Myanmar’s government into continuing the reform process.

Politics

May 16, 2013
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who represents Kawmu Township, Yangon Region in Parliament called for major amendments to be made to the 2008 Constitution during a workshop organized by The Sydney Law School at Yangon MiCasa Hotel. The event was attended by current and former members of the military, leaders of Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) and repre-sentatives from most of Myanmar's ethnic groups, as well as international legal experts.

Some of the issues with the current 2008 constitution are that it requires 25% of the seats in both houses of parliament to be occupied by military person-nel, it gives the executive branch of government excessive control over the political system and judiciary, and it bars Myanmar citizens with foreign spouses or children from assuming the Presidency. This last clause prevents Aung San Suu Kyi from becoming President as she is the widow of Michael Aris, a British citizen, and both of her sons are British nationals.

Economy

May 16, 2013
The garment sector has received the highest number of foreign investment approvals during the first four months of 2013 according to Daw San San Myint, Director at the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (DICA). According to official figures, 33 foreign investment approvals have been granted thus far, 15 of which were garment-related businesses.

The cumulative investment from these 33 projects is US $815 million. Besides the garment sector, three energy-related projects have been approved along with three investments in the car manufacturing sector. The remainder of investments have been in the IT, food and beverages, medicine and tourism sectors. China remains the biggest foreign investor in Myanmar with 33.52 percent of FDI coming from the PRC.

Companies & Investments

May 16, 2013
According to U Myat Hein, the current Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Myanma Post and Telecommunications (MPT) will be transformed from a state-run enterprise into a private company. The private company will then be transferred into a public company to be named Myanmar Public Telecom. The Minister didn’t give a specific timeframe for the privatization, but it’s likely to occur before the end of the year. U Myat Hein stressed that the Posts and Telecommunications Department will remain a government body responsible for supervising telecom operators, collecting taxes and ensuring that there is free and fair competition among telecoms operators.

After MPT becomes a public company, it will be one of four private telecom providers in Myanmar along with Yatanarpon Teleport and the two winners of the international telecoms tender to be announced at the end of June. In a bid to strengthen its position in the tender, Norway -based Telenor Group announced that if given a license, it would give out free SIM cards and only charge 20 kyats per minute for local calls. The current price for local calls is 25 kyats per minute. Prices are expected to fall further after the tender, as the four firms com-pete to win a share of Myanmar’s rapidly expanding telecoms market.

Companies & Investments

May 16, 2013
Dutch beer giant Heineken International has signed a joint venture agreement with privately-owned Alliance Brewery Company Ltd. (ABC) of Myanmar to brew and distribute Heineken beer in Myanmar. ABC is majority-owned by U Aung Moe Kyaw, a local businessman who is also the chairman of the IBTC Group of Companies which produces the local whisky brand Grand Royal.

The new joint venture company, APB Alliance Brewery Company Limited, which will build a new brewery in the country, has been approved by the Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC). Heineken will own 57 percent of APB. According to a company press release, the brewery will be located near Yangon and is expected to be operational by the end of 2014. The joint venture company plans to invest US$60 million in the brewery, which is the third foreign brewery approved by the MIC this year.

2013 has witnessed sweeping changes in the brewery landscape as Thai Beverage Public Company Limited (Thai Bev), owner of the Chang brand, became the first foreign brewery to secure a license to operate in Myanmar in January. Danish brewer Carlsberg became the second multinational brewery to secure an MIC license in February and will operate through a strategic partnership with local company Myanmar Golden Star. Hei-neken, Carlsberg and Chang will compete against Myanmar Breweries Limited (MBL) which currently produces the Myanmar, Tiger, and other brands which currently hold a combined market share of 83%.

Companies & Investments

May 16, 2013
Myanmar will reportedly form an Investment Promotion Department under the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (DICA) to promote the country as an attractive investment destination. The body will be tasked with educating investors about Myanmar’s investment climate, including the regulations and tax benefits of the Foreign Investment Law. Investors looking to enter Myanmar are often unclear as to the procedures for registering companies and signing agreements, a function that the new department would help to fulfill. Currently DICA visits with investors on a daily basis and answers their questions, but the new department could take over these duties, freeing up some of DICA’s resources. Similar investment bodies exist throughout the region such as Thailand’s Board of Investment and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).

Tourism

May 16, 2013
Nok Air, the Thai budget airline, will begin operating flights from Mae Sot in northern Thailand to Mawlamyine in September. This route will be shortly followed by flights from Mae Sot to Yangon, Bangkok to Yangon, and Chiang Mai to Mandalay and Bagan. Nok Air will use a Saab 340B turboprop on these routes with the exception of the Bangkok-Yangon leg which will use a Boeing 737. Nok Air plans to compete with rival Thai Air Asia by beginning its Myanmar flights from cities other than Bangkok. There has been surging interest from international airlines in Myanmar, which has seen steady increases in tourist arrivals over the past year, topping one million visitors in 2012. Another international airline that recently entered Myanmar, Eva Air, announced this week that it was suspending its flights from Taiwan to Yangon on May 26th. The 7-month old route was apparently cancelled due to low demand.

Tenders

May 16, 2013
The Information & Public Relations Department under the Ministry of Information has invited an open tender for foreign investors to build the following buildings according to architectural blueprints:

1. Myaung City Regional Office ( 44”x32”x20”) one -storied brick nogging-type structure
2. Shwe Kyin City Regional Office ( 44”x 32”x20”) one-storied brick nogging-type structure
3. Nga Phe City Regional Office ( 44”x 32”x 20” ) one-storied Brick nogging-type structure

The tender documents, architectural blueprints and detailed information can be obtained at the Information & Public Relations Department, Office Building No. (7), Naypyidaw daily from May 8, 2013 to June 7, 2013 and the office can be reached by phone at +95 -(0)67-412366, + 95-(0)67-412369 during office hour from 9:30 to 16:30. 

​Tender forms should be submitted no later than June 8, 2013 at 16:30 at the Building, Construction, Leasing and Renting Enterprise Committee, Ministry of Information, Office Building No. (7) Naypyidaw.

Tenders

May 16, 2013
Myanmar Petrochemical Enterprise has invited an open tender to purchase the following items in Kyats:

1. Chemicals: Caustic Soda, Calcium Hypochloride (Liquid), Calcium Carbonate (Seed), Sulphuric Acid
2. Machines and Related Items: Air Conditioners, Transformers, Seamless Tube, CPU and Touch Screen, Lighting Fixture, Unloading Device for Suction Valve, Plasma Jet Ignition System, Main Bearing

The following items will be purchased in foreign currency:

1. Raw Materials: Thread Balls for Packaging
2. Machines and Related Items: LPG Viking Pump With Motor, Lab-Apparatus, Boiler Tube (Straight Tube), Boiler Wall Tube (Bend Tube), Condenser and Cooler Tube (Straight Tube), Cooling Water Pump for Process Without Motor, Aluminum Insulation Sheet & Water Cooled Condenser Tube without Tube Sheet, Commu-nication Module, Human Machine Interface (HMI), Pressure Transmitter, Industrial Water Pump with Mo-tor, Water Intake Pump With Motor, Cooling Water Circulation Pump (Without Motor), Inter Cooler Tube Bundle for Dry Gas Compressor, Spare for Dry Gas Compressor
3. Repair Services: Major Overhaul of Propane Refrigeration Compressor

Tender forms will be available starting from 16 May 2013 and the deadline for submissions is 31 May 2013 at 16:30 for Caustic Soda, Calcium Carbonate (Seed) and Plasma Jet Ignition System. For all the other listed items, the deadline for submissions is 17 June 2013. Tender forms can be obtained at the Ministry of Energy, Myanmar Petrochemical Enterprise (Management/Finance Department), Office No. 44, Nay Pyi Taw, Phone: +95-(0) 67-4111-07, +95-(0)67-4111-08, +95-(0)67-4111-23, +95-(0)67-411193.

Politics

May 09, 2013
President U Thein Sein has officially resigned from his post as Chairman of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP). He was replaced by Thura U Shwe Mann, the current speaker of the Pyithu Hluttaw (the lower house of Parliament).Thura U Shwe Mann said that the President had decided to step down because of concerns over clauses in the Constitution that prevent the President from holding other offices and participating in political party activi-ties while in office. Other political parties had criticized U Thein Sein for his dual role and urged him give up his position in the USDP. Thura U Shwe Mann, himself a potential presidential candidate in 2015, will take over the Chairman’s duties and preside over the party’s conferences.

Politics

May 09, 2013
The United States extended targeted sanctions against Myanmar on March 2nd. The revised targeted sanctions, which were first put into place last year, are mainly aimed at members and associates of the former military regime.They also include provisions that would allow the US to re-impose broad sanctions if Myanmar fails to live up to its promises. Despite the warming relations between the two countries, Washington remains cautious about lifting all sanctions against Myanmar, as the EU has done. In a sign of a soften-ing stance however, Washington lifted a visa ban on former regime members, which would allow high ranking Myanmar officials to visit the country without special permission.

Politics

May 09, 2013
The Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC), U Soe Thein, who is also Minister of the President’s Office has been replaced by Union Minister of Finance and Revenue U Win Shein.The replacement comes after a review of MIC approvals by Parliament, which had received complaints about its lack of transparency and its procedures for approving foreign investment projects.However, Ko Kyaw Yin Hlaing, an adviser to U Soe Thein, said that U Soe Thein had resigned on his own accord in order to focus on his duties as a Minister and was not fired. U Soe Thein, the former commander-in-chief of the Navy under the previous military government, is a long-time confidante and adviser to President U Thein Sein, and often speaks on his behalf when travelling abroad. In addition to chairing the MIC, and his role as a Minister, U Soe Thein also oversees the committees in charge of planning Special Economic Zones and developing Yangon. He is also a leading member of the President’s Anti-Corruption Committee and a committee to review the cases of political pris-oners.U Win Shein will inherit U Soe Thein’s duties on the influential commission, which also includes business figures and bureaucrats, and is charged with approving large foreign investment projects and joint venture proposals.

Economy

May 09, 2013
The Ministry of Commerce has officially canceled the export earning foreign currency system, further opening up trade in Myanmar. The old system required trading companies to export products before they were allowed to import.Upon successful export, a company would receive ‘earnings’ equivalent to the amount exported minus a 10% tax, which they could then use to import goods. These ‘earnings’ were informally traded by com-panies who wished to import but hadn’t exported products. The original system was implemented to establish a favorable balance of trade, but was inefficient. With the cancellation of the system, trading companies can now import and export freely without having to show proof of earnings.

Tenders

May 02, 2013
The International Management Group (IMG) intends to award a supply contract for the ASEAN 2014 Portal Establishment for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar with the financial assistance from the Government of the Kingdom of Norway.The tender dossier is available for download at the IMG website: http://www.img-int.org/Central/Public08/PublicTenders.aspx. The tender dossier is also available for collection at the International Management Group Office Yangon: Royal Yaw Min Gyi Condo, Room 506, Building 52, Yawmingyi Street, Dagon Township, Yangon, Myanmar; Monday -Friday from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. The deadline for submission of tenders is 9 May 2013 at 1:00 pm Yangon local time at the address mentioned above– hand delivery only.

Banking

May 09, 2013
Myanmar Livestock and Fisheries Development Bank has announced that it will change its name to Treasure Bank of Myanmar Ltd. and increase its authorized capital from Ks. 35 billion to Ks. 70 billion. Established in 1996, the bank was founded as a public company under the Ministry of Trade but was later transferred to the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries. According to the bank’s records, it currently holds total deposits of about Ks. 376.5 billion which is up from 2.36 billion kyats in fiscal years 1999-2000. The bank currently has 60 branches in Myanmar, and has also announced that it will pay out 25% dividends to investors for the current fiscal year.

Banking

May 09, 2013
Taiwan’s First Commercial Bank has become the latest international bank to open a representative office in Yangon. The bank had previously opened a Myanmar branch in 1998, but decided to close it in 2001 due to the increasingly difficult financial climate in Myanmar at that time.Resurgent interest in Myanmar from Taiwanese investors, who would potentially be the bank’s main clients, and the improving economic climate helped influence the bank’s decision to reenter the county. First Commercial Bank currently has offices in China, Singapore, Japan, the UK, the US, and Vietnam. Currently there are around 30 representative offices of foreign banks in Myanmar.

Companies & Investments

May 09, 2013
Thailand’s Green Earth Power (GEP) has signed an MoU with the Ministry of Electric Power to build Myanmar’s first solar power plant. The project will reportedly cost US $275 million, which will be financed with a combination of equity and bank loans, and have a capacity of 210 MW.Green Earth Power will sell the electricity it gen-erates back to the Ministry of Electric Power who will be responsible for distribution. The plant is scheduled for completion in about 18 months, and will be located on a 750 acre plot in Minbu, Magwe Region. GEP is also reportedly looking for strategic partners to help finance the project, and may look into purchasing a shell com-pany on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) and issue shares in order to raise funds.

Companies & Investments

May 09, 2013
Japanese food and beverages company POKKA has announced plans to open a manufacturing facility in Hlaing Thar Yar Industrial Zone in Western Yangon. POKKA already has a large presence in Myanmar through its local distributer Kaung Htet Myanmar, but currently imports its beverages products from Singapore.With the opening of its Myanmar plant, POKKA will be able to sell locally manufactured products to the Myanmar market. The company’s Singapore operations began in 1977 but the parent company, POKKA Corporation, is headquartered in Japan.

Companies & Investments

May 09, 2013
One of Japan’s Big four law firms, Nishimura & Asahi, has announced plans to enter the Myanmar market. The firm will set up an office in Yangon by the end of the month and plans to mainly advise Japanese companies keen to invest in Myanmar. The firm will employ a mix of foreign and local legal professionals to staff its new office. Myanmar has seen a resurgence in Japanese investment over the past two years, most notably in the Thilawa port project near Yangon. Japanese firms are also involved in urban planning projects in Yangon and the development of Myanmar’s capital markets. Tokyo based Nishimura & Asahi currently employees nearly 500 lawyers across 7 offices in Japan, China, Singapore, and Vietnam.

Tourism

May 09, 2013
According to Mandalay Region’s Hotels and Tourism Department, about 20 new hotels are currently being built in Mandalay which will provide approximately 1,400 new rooms to accommodate an increasing numbers of tourists. U Myo Myint, head of the Hotels and Tourism department for Mandalay Region, suggested that the rise of hotel industry in Myanmar is due to a relaxation of restrictions on obtaining a hotel license and the in-creasing interest in investing in Mandalay’s tourism sector. At present, Mandalay has a total of 83 hotels, providing over 3,500 rooms. In March 2013, the city received over 20,000 foreign visitors.

Tenders

May 09, 2013
Myanma Railways under the Ministry of Rail Transportation has invited an open tender for the supply of the following items in (Euro or Kyat):

1. 03/MM/CME (ISN)(Kyat) Tire All Sizes-4 Items
2. 04/MM/CME (MIT) (Kyat) Train Spare Parts (4) Items (vacuum Brake Cylinder 21” Ø, ABC Coupler, Induc-tion Motor) 
3. 05/MM/CME (Kyat) Spare Parts for Locomotive & raw Material (32) Items
4. 06/MM/CME (Kyat) Light Truck (2) Nos
5. 07/MM/CME(ISN) (Kyat) Coach Train spare parts (244 items)
6. 08/MM/CME(ISN) (Kyat) Diesel Coach Train spare parts (373) items
7. 12(T) 1/MR (ML/ISN) (Kyat) Spare Parts for Locomotive (78) items
8. 12(T)2/MR(ML/ISN) (Euro) Spare Parts for D.E.L (414) Items.

The tender closing date is May 31 2013 at 12:00 p.m.

Myanma Railways is also looking to purchase the following items in US$

1. 414 items of 12(T)2/MR(MLIISN) 2013-2014 Spare Parts for D.E.L.

The tender closing date is June 28 2013 at 12:00 p.m.

Tender documents can be obtained starting from May 2 2013 from Myanma Railways, Corner of Theinbyu Street and Merchant Street, Botahtaung Township, Yangon. Further information can be obtained by Phone at +95 (1) 291985, +95 (1) 291994.

Tenders

May 09, 2013
Myanmar Economic Corporation (MEC) has invited an open tender to sell 500 tons of mill scale. The tender documents can be obtained starting from 13 May 2013 at the head office of Myanmar Economic Corporation at Kanar St, Ahlone Township. The tenders should be submitted by 3 June 2013 and tenders will be opened at 10:30 am on 6 June 2013. Further information can be obtained by contacting +95 (1) 214087, +95 (1) 221369, and +95 (1) 214268.

Tenders

May 02, 2013
The Ministry of Electric Power seeks to purchase related items to be used in installing the 230KV, 50 MVAR, capacitor bank in Naypyitaw(1), Thel Phyu and Tharyar Gone Sub-Stations. The tender closing date is 17 May 2013 at 2:00 pm Tender forms and detailed information may be obtained at the Ministry of Electric Power, Myanma Electric Power Office No (27) Nay Pyi Taw, Ph: 067-410209, 410282.

Tenders

May 02, 2013
The Hydroelectric Power Development Committee under the Ministry of Electric Power seeks to purchase the following items to be delivered to the warehouse at Paung Laung. All bids should be in USD.

The tender closing date is 28 May 2013. Application forms and detailed information may be obtained at the following location during normal office hours:
Hydroelectric Power Development Committee
Ministry of Electric Power
Office No. (38) Nay Pyi Taw
Ph:067-411415, Fax- 411081

Companies & Investments

May 02, 2013
Singapore-based engineering and construction services company, Yongnam Holdings Limited, has submitted a proposal to the Myanmar Department of Civil Aviation for the construction of the new Hanthawaddy International Airport project near Bago.The proposed airport will cover around 9,000 acres, an area nine times the size of the current Yangon International Airport. Yongnam has submitted the bid as part of a consortium con-sisting of Changi Airports International, Engineers (a wholly owned subsidiary of Changi Airports International) and Tokyo-listed JGC Corporation. The proposal would grant the consortium the right to design, construct, op-erate and maintain the airport and its facilities. If accepted, the bid would result in a public-private partnership agreement over a 30-year period. 6 other firms will also compete in the tender after having passed the prequalification stage. Among the other contenders are Myanmar-based Pioneer Aerodrome Services Co., Ltd., US-based ACO Investment Group Co., Ltd. and France’s Vinci Airport. The winning firm will be announced in July.

Companies & Investments

May 02, 2013
Amsterdam-based electronics giant Philips is looking to speed up its plan to expand into the consumer elec-tronics, lighting and healthcare sectors in Myanmar after the European Union's decision to permanently lift sanctions on Myanmar. The company opened its first flagship consumer electronics store last month in Yangon and it is planning two more stores in the coming months.

It also plans to start a training program for health technicians who work in the radiology departments of Myanmar hospitals to teach them the necessary skills to operate Philips equipment correctly. The company is also looking to hire more workers in the coming months to help its expansion.

Companies & Investments

May 02, 2013
The Singapore Exchange (SGX) has officially rejected a reverse takeover (RTO) bid worth US$47 million of Singaporian firm Aussino Group by Max Strategic Investments Pte. Ltd (MSI). Max Strategic Investments currently owns and operates Max Myanmar’s chain of 21 petrol stations across Myanmar. The proposed RTO was an attempt by Max to gain access to international capital markets, and was similar to the RTO used by Yoma Strategic Holdings to list on the SGX in 2006.

Aussino Group’s shares have tumbled after the announcement, losing over half of their value. The RTO was reportedly rejected because Max’s Chairman Zaw Zaw remains on the US sanctions list and companies related to the tycoon were involved in human rights violation activities, forced land acquisitions and tax evasion schemes. Aussino said the Singapore Exchange (SGX) is "unable to proceed with the review of the application as major issues have not been adequately resolved." If Zaw Zaw's plan had succeeded, Max Myanmar would have gained majority control of Aussino Group. Max Myanmar’s business empire is one of the country's big-gest, with interests in resources, construction, hotels and banking and around $500 million in annual revenue.

Economy

May 02, 2013
The Ministry of Finance and Revenue plans to submit a new tax reform bill to parliament when it resumes in mid-June. The bill is aimed at increasing the collection of commercial, income and state lottery taxes as well as stamp du-ty. The ministry plans to collect taxes equal to 4.5 percent of GDP in the 2013-14 fiscal year, which would amount to about US$2.5 billion. Neighboring countries such as Laos and Cambodia collect about 10 percent of GDP on average.

Economy

May 02, 2013
U Win Myint, secretary of the parliament’s Bank and Finance Development Committee, suggested that taxes on alcohol, tobacco and log exports should be doubled and the import tax on palm oil should be increased 10-fold to 50 percent. He cited the fact that these products are harmful to people’s health and the environment as a justification for the increase. U Win Myint also said that commercial tax accounted for 41 percent of revenue in the 2012-13 fiscal year while income tax was 48 percent. The tax reform bill will also seek to minimize tax avoidance by companies.

Politics

May 02, 2013
Aung Min, a minister of the President’s Office, said that Myanmar will amend its constitution to allow Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to run for Presidency in the 2015 elections. Aung Min made the comments while visiting the United States to receive a peace award from the International Crisis Group on behalf of President Thein Sein.

However, the minister’s claim was later dismissed by members of the majority Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP). Htay Oo, Vice Chairman of the USDP, stated that his party had no plans to amend the constitution at this stage. Last month the parliament announced that it would form a committee of law experts and intellectuals to review the constitution and provide recommendations for bringing up to date with the current reform process. The committee is expected to start discussing its con-stitutional review in July.

Politics

May 02, 2013
President Thein Sein met with his Thai counterpart Yingluck Shinawatra at the ASEAN summit in Brunei this week to continue discussions on the Dawei port project, which has faced continual delays since its inception in 2010. Both governments have continued to express their commitment to the project, but the company charged with its development , Italian Thai Development (ITD) has struggled to raise capital from investors.

Many Japanese inves-tors who were initially expected to invest in the project have instead shifted their focus to the Thilawa port near Yangon, depriving Dawei of much needed capital. A Thai government study recently put the cost of the port project at US $10.7 billion up from the original projection of US $6.6 billion.

Companies & Investments

April 29, 2013
Yoma Strategic Holdings has signed a Head of Agreement with Hong Kong listed Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels (HSH) to redevelop the former Burma Railway Company building on Bogyoke Aung San Street into a 5-Star Peninsula hotel. HSH will reportedly take a 70% stake in the venture which will require an extensive renovation of the colonial-era building.

The hotel will be con-tained within the grounds of the Landmark Development, a mixed-use project containing residences and shopping malls which currently encompasses the area around the Grand Meeyahta Residences, just east of Bogyoke Market.

Companies & Investments

April 29, 2013
Indian automotive giant Tata Motors and its local partner Apex Greatest In-dustrial Co. Ltd. (AGI), have officially opened a sales, service and spare-parts dealership for Tata’s commercial vehicles. The 10 bay dealership and service center will serve to further Tata’s growing interest in Myanmar, as both a manufacturing location and a potential market.

In March 2010, Tata signed an agreement with Myanmar Automobile & Diesel Industries Limited (MADI), a State owned company under the Ministry of Industry, to open a manufactur-ing plant in Magwe region. The plant is currently operational and produces about 1000 heavy trucks per year. Tata has also shown interest in selling its Nano model in Myanmar. The Nano is one of the cheapest cars in the world, retailing for about $US 2,800 in India.

Economy

April 29, 2013
United States Trade Representative Demetrios Marantis visited Myanmar on Wednesday April 24, to review US trade policy with Myanmar. Depending on the results of Marantis’ visit, Myanmar could be added to the Generalized System of Preferences, which would give certain categories of Myanmar products duty-free entry into the US. Such a move would be a boon for Myan-mar exporters, especially in the garment sector, which took heavy losses as a result of US sanctions. Exports from Myanmar to America have begun slowly, with many US firms still unsure of the legality of trade transactions between the two countries.

With the EU lifting all economic sanctions on Myanmar, the US risks being left behind if it continues to make trade with Myanmar a difficult and ambiguous process.

Economy

April 29, 2013
The gold market in Myanmar has stabilized after a tumultuous week. Due to the fall of international gold pric-es, the market reopened after Thingyan at KS668,500 on April 18th. This price spurred a surge in demand and the price quickly rose to KS690,000 during the course of the day. Some gold shops in Yangon refused to offer the low prices however, creating large price discrepancies between shops.

The price finally reached an equilib-rium of about KS710,000, which is about KS20,000 less than the price stood before the Thingyan holiday. Alt-hough Myanmar’s gold price is seen by some observers as disconnected from international markets, the recent drop shows that at least some correlation exists.

Politics

April 29, 2013
In a landmark move, the European Union lifted most of its remaining sanctions on Myanmar on April 22nd, pav-ing the way for increased trade and investment. The EU stated that Myanmar’s remarkable political transfor-mation had convinced members that the time was right to remove sanctions, which have been in place since 1996. The only sanction that remains is the arms embargo. With the United States recently engaging in joint exercises with the Myanmar military, it remains to be seen if the arms embargo will be lifted anytime soon.

Politics

April 29, 2013
Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand’s exiled former Prime Minister, paid a visit to Myanmar over the Thingyan holi-days. Thaksin visited Pyin Oo Lwin, the hill station north of Mandalay known for its climate, and met with Tatmadaw commander-in-chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing. He also made a trip to Dawei, the site of a proposed mega port supported by both the Thai and Myanmar governments. Thaksin reportedly has interests in the Dawei project as well as other commercial interests in Myanmar, although the extent of his investments is un-known. In November of last year Thaksin was forced to cancel a trip to Tachilek in Shan State, after a plot to assassinate him was uncovered.

Politics

April 29, 2013
Indonesian President Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono visited Myanmar this week to further cement economic and diplomatic ties between the two countries. The president’s visit is also expected to help pave the way for increased trade, which currently stands at about US$470 million. The Indonesian president met with his coun-terpart President Thein Sein, and the two sides reportedly signed MoU agreements that would see Indonesia importing Myanmar rice, while Myanmar would buy fertilizer from Indonesia.

In addition to trade, state-run Indonesian firms have recently shown an interest in investing in Myanmar, and Dr. Yudhoyono’s visit will likely help to promote Indonesian business interests. On a more contentious note, the Indonesian president also reportedly expressed concerns over the religious confliction occurring in Myan-mar. Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim country, was the site of a violent episode that ended in the death of eight Myannmar Buddhist fishermen earlier this month. The fishermen were allegedly murdered by Muslim refugees from Myanmar while both groups were detained at an immigration center on Sumatra.

Tenders

April 29, 2013
The Ministry of Energy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar has announced an Invitation of Sealed Bids for Petroleum Operations to be conducted in Myanmar. Offshore Areas (Shallow Water and Deep Water Blocks) on production sharing basis. All interested parties are cordially invited to submit “the Letter of Expression of Interest”, together with Company’s Article of Association (AOA), Memorandum of Association (MOA), Cer-tificate of Incorporation, latest Annual Report and latest Financial Statement (or) Financial Report and De-tailed Track Record, which are to be endorsed for authenticity by the respective Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar at the place of Company’s registration (or) establishment or nearest, in sealed enve-lopes superscripted “Confidential” “Myanmar Offshore Blocks First Bidding Round-2013”, to the below ad-dress. The closing date and time for receiving the submissions will be 14th June 2013 at 16:30 hours.

Director General, Energy Planning Department, Ministry of Energy Building No.6 Nay Pyi Taw, The Republic of the Union of Myanmar The “Letter of Expression of Interest” must be submitted together with all the documents mentioned in above paragraph. If the “Letter of Expression of Interest” is not accompanied by all the documents mentioned in above paragraph, it will be not considered. Also if the submission is not received at the Ministry of Energy with-in the stated closing date and date of 14th June 2013 at 16:30 hours, the late arrivals will not be considered. The petroleum operation shall be conducted on production sharing basis and the party(s), who desire to enter into the Production Sharing Contract (PSC) with the Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE) must have tech-nical competency, financial capability, experience, expertise and technical Know-how to conduct petroleum exploration and development works in Offshore areas and must have good track record with respect to off-shore petroleum operations.

The potential bidders will be pre-qualified and selected. Then the potential bidders who passed pre-qualification will be presented with General Overview of each Block consisting of representative data and infor-mation, free of charge, by Geological/Geophysical Team of Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise. The potential bid-ders will also be explained and provided with Standard Terms and Conditions of both Shallow Water and Deep Water Blocks by Energy Planning Department, in order to submit proposal(s). The potential bidders will be al-lowed to submit up to three (3) proposals for any three (3) offshore blocks (Shallow Water and/or Deep Water and/or both) together with proposed Terms and Conditions. The proposal submitted shall be on a block by block basis. International companies still require a local partner for shallow water blocks, where the local partner provision has been abolished for deep water exploration.

Tenders

April 29, 2013
An office and residential complex, as part of the Urban Development Plan, will be built on a 210’ x 180’plot at Yankin Housing on Yanshin Rd, Yankin Tsp, Yangon. Construction application forms and accompanying rules and information can be purchased at the Housing Ad-ministration Department in Yangon and the Housing Development Department, Ministry of Construction Office No. 40, in Naypyidaw. Further information can be obtained during office hours at +95 (0)67 407547, +95(0)67 407312. Myanmar citizens are invited to submit tenders for the project by 17 May 2013.

Tenders

April 29, 2013
The Committee on Finance and Awards, under the Ministry of Finance and Revenue, has invited bids for the supply of medals to be awarded during the upcoming South East Asia (SEA) Games. The Official Bids form and requirements can be obtained at the Ministry of Finance and Revenue, Office No.26, or the Internal Revenue Department, Office No.46 in Nay Pyi Taw. In Yangon, information can be obtained from the Tax Service Unit, No.59/61 at the Corner of Pansodan and Merchant Street, Yangon during the office hours from 22 April to 3 March 2013. A payment of 10,000 Kyats is required to obtain the documents.

Bids shall be submitted to the Ministry of Finance and Revenue, Office No.26, Nay Pyi Taw, no later than 4:00 PM on 17 March 2013. Detailed information can be obtained by phone at+95 (0)1 378370, +95(0)1 378372, +95 (0)67 430071 and +95 (0)67 410181 during office hours.

Tenders

April 29, 2013
Myanma Posts and Telecommunications under the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology announced tenders for the development of Mobile Communication Networks (Line Expansion and Swap). The Tender Documents are available starting from 22nd April 2013 from Myanma Posts and Telecommunica-tions at below address at the cost of Myanmar Kyats 100,000 (non-refundable). Office No. 2, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology Myanma Posts and Telecommunications Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar

The Work shall be financed by Myanma Posts and Telecommunications. The Tender and all accompanying documents shall be prepared in accordance with the Tender Documents and shall be delivered by hand to the above mentioned office. The delivery of the Tender shall not be later than 4:30 PM, Myanmar standard time on 6th May 2013. The ten-der shall be opened publicly at the same place on 20th May 2013 at 10:00 AM Myanmar standard time on the same day and all bidders are requested to be present at this time.

Telecoms

April 11, 2013
Billionaire investor George Soros has announced plans to enter a consortium with international telecoms giant Digicel and Myanmar businessman Serge Pun to bid for one of Myanmar’s two telecoms licenses. Mr. Pun’s share will be represented through the newly incorporated YSH Finance, while George Soros will invest through his company Quantum Strategic Partners Limited. If awarded a license, the consortium will be looking to invest between $US 1.5 billion and 2 billion in internet and mobile infrastructure.

The upcoming tele-coms tender has also attracted major telecoms firms from Singapore, India, Japan, China, South Africa, France and others. The two licenses are expected to be awarded at the end of June this year.

Telecoms

April 11, 2013
The Ministry of Information has announced that mobile SIM cards costing 1,500 kyats ($US 2) will go on sale in Myanmar starting from April 24. State-run Myanmar Posts and Telecoms will first release 350,000 CDMA-800 MHz system cards, but in regions and states that do not have such facilities, WCD-MA 3G SIM cards will also be sold at 1,500 kyats. Calling rates will be 50 kyats ($0.05) per minute, and incoming calls will be free.

The price reduction comes after months of negotiations between the President’s office and Myanmar Posts and Telecoms (MPT). It is widely believed that the former minister of MPT, Thein Tun, was forced to resign for his refusal to lower SIM card prices. The new SIM cards will put Myanmar in line with other countries in the re-gion, where SIM cards retail for between $2 –$10 USD.

What will an overhaul of Myanmar's telecoms infrastructure mean for businesses?

April 11, 2013
The upcoming tender for two telecoms licenses in Myanmar has attracted major international interest. But how will the new telecoms system affect Myanmar's busi-ness climate? An often cited advantage of greater mobile phone penetration is that farmers and merchants can obtain updated price information, which prevents them from being exploited by savvier, wealthier middlemen. While this is true, the real impact of the telecoms upgrade will probably felt more acutely in other sectors.

Aside from rural price data, the new infrastructure will be vital to the creation of new business opportunities. If international telecoms operators can bring faster in-ternet services and reliable 3G coverage, and difficulties with international payment processing are resolved, a large increase in both online shopping and mobile applica-tion usage is expected. This presents a myriad of opportunities for distributors, mer-chants, software developers, and international retailers. E-commerce in neighboring Thailand is already a US$2 billion industry and is growing quickly. While Myanmar still has long way to go in order to reach Thailand’s level of development, the poten-tial for e-commerce here is great.

An overhaul of the telecoms sector will also create other business opportunities, such as the potential for large scale call-centers. Currently Myanmar's poor telecoms infrastructure has prevented it from being a call-center hub, with countries like India and the Philippines dominating the market. If telecoms networks are improved, Myanmar's relatively high level of English and low labor costs could make it competitive in this sector. Other opportunities are also likely to appear in online education, outsourced web development, and global trade, with communication and payment issues eased by a better telecoms system.

Politics

April 11, 2013
Former US President Jimmy Carter urged Western countries to lift the remaining economic sanctions on Myan-mar and said that he welcomed the country's transition to democracy during a recent visit. Traveling under the banner of his NGO, The Carter Center, the 88 year old also expressed concerns over recent religious violence, saying that it threatened to halt the economic and political progress that has been made over the last two years. Meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi and President Thein Sein, Carter said that he was “filled with admiration for your nation's political leaders". The goodwill visit by Carter is seen as a further step in increasingly warm relations between Myanmar and the United States

Companies and Investments

April 11, 2013
The Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (DICA) has announced the opening of a service center in Yangon to meet the needs of foreign investors who would like to register companies and apply for permits without having to go to Naypyidaw. The new center, located in Yankin Township on Thitsar Road, be-gan operations on 10 April and is a full service operation with representatives from relevant ministries present to meet with investors. DICA has been striving to make its operations more efficient over the last year, cutting wait times for foreign investors down from a few months to a few weeks. Through February of this year, DICA has issued permits to 554 companies, over 40% of which are involved in manufacturing.

Economy

April 11, 2013
In order to create a buffer against rice price fluctuations, the National Rice Reserves Supervisory Committee has announced that it will buy 100,000 tons of 25% broken rice from farmers across the country for the 2013-2014 fiscal year in order to create a stockpile. The purchase of rice will be on a tender basis and the govern-ment will buy farmers’ summer crop, ensuring good prices. The Myanmar Farmers Association estimates that K20-30 billion will be needed to purchase the 100,000 tons. The government has currently set aside K10 billion for the stockpile. It is unknown how the remainder of the rice reserve will be purchased.

Economy

April 11, 2013
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) released its latest economic data this week, pegging Myanmar’s GDP growth at 6.3% for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013. This figure represents a solid increase from the bank’s estimated GDP growth for the previous five years which stands at around 5%. The ADB also released economic projections for the next two years, estimating that in FY 2013 the economy will grow 6.5%, with 6.7% growth projected in FY 2014 . Increased exports, the cancellation of external debts, and surging tourist arrivals will help to keep Myanmar’s balance of payments in surplus for the coming fiscal year, the bank said.

Banking

April 11, 2013
Indonesian State-owned bank, Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI), is planning to open a branch office in Myanmar in the near future according to Indonesian Economic Cooperation Minister Hatta Rajasa. If approved, the bank would join the other 28 representative offices of foreign banks currently in Myanmar. Interest in Myanmar’s financial sector is growing steadily with more international banks expected to open branch offices soon. Under current legislation, branch offices do not engage in transactions and serve ceremonial, representative roles. The Central Bank has announced a three phase plan to gradually allow foreign banks to operate in Myanmar.

In the first phase, banks will be allowed to own up to 80 per cent of a joint venture with local banks. After a peri-od, currently projected to be two years, the foreign banks would be allowed to form wholly owned subsidiar-ies, making way for full branches in Myanmar.

Tenders

April 11, 2013
Myanma Radio and Television, under the Ministry of Information, has invited an open tender to purchase 1,000,000 DVB-T2 set-top box units with foreign currency (USD) to upgrade the current analogue system to a digital one.

Tender forms can be obtained starting from April 9, 2013 during office hours (9:30am to 4:30pm) from Myan-ma Radio and Television, Naypyidaw. The latest submission date for application forms is May 8, 2013 at 4:30pm. Further information can be obtained by phone at +95 (067) 79411, +95 (067) 79135 or in person at the Machinery Purchasing Committee, Myanma Radio and Television, Naypyidaw.

Tenders

April 11, 2013
UNICEF Myanmar is looking for potential suppliers for the following supplies and services:  PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW PHOTO

Interested parties can contact Ms. Yin Win Khine (ywkhine@uncef.org) Ph: 375527-32 ext -1568 for more infor-mation.

Companies & Investments

April 04, 2013
Indonesian state-controlled coal mining firm Bukit Asam announced plans to invest $US80 million in a coal-fired power plant capable of generating up to 200MW of power. The exact location of the plant is currently undisclosed, but it will most likely be located in the area around Mandalay, which is home to most of Myanmar’s coal deposits.

The project still needs government approv-al before proceeding further. Producing energy from coal remains controver-sial in Myanmar, with the need for electricity to fuel development often clash-ing with environmental concerns.

Companies & Investments

April 04, 2013
Global networking giant Cisco Systems, Inc. has announced plans to expand its operations in Myanmar. The company will begin by opening two Cisco Net-working Academies at the University of Computer Studies in Yangon and Mandalay. The company plans to further grow its presence by offering genu-ine Cisco software through channel partners in Myanmar which will also be trained to assist clients with technical questions and warranties.

The compa-ny’s official presence in Myanmar may help it to quell the use of pirated ver-sions of its software, which is currently widespread.

Companies & Investments

April 04, 2013
Fuji Xerox officially opened a branch office in Myanmar on April 1st. Fuji prod-ucts are already available on the market through local distributors, but the company has decided to establish an official office to provide after-sales sup-port and increase its marketing efforts.

Fuji Xerox sees rising demand for its products in Myanmar due to the large number of new offices being set up by international companies who need office equipment. The company is the lat-est Japanese giant to enter the Myanmar market with companies like Mitsubishi, Toyota, ANA and Nippon Express already here.

Banking

April 04, 2013
Three Japanese firms, Daiwa Institute of Research, Fujitsu, and KDDI Corp. have collaborated with the Central Bank to upgrade its computer systems. The new system uses a cloud computing platform which connects about 150 terminals.

The upgrade is seen as a preliminary step in the development of Myanmar’s stock exchange, which is slated for completion in 2015. After dec-ades of recording transactions and gathering data by hand, the Bank’s new IT infrastructure will help it keep pace with the rapidly changing banking envi-ronment in Myanmar.

Banking

April 04, 2013
Acleda Bank Plc, Cambodia’s largest commercial bank, has officially opened a microfinance unit in Myanmar with about $US 10 million in initial paid up capital. The bank will begin by offering loans and deposit services in 15 town-ships across Yangon with plans to expand into Bago by the end of 2013.

The bank will charge its clients a 2.5% monthly interest rate on loans which works out to a 34.49% compounded APR. There has been a burgeoning interest in Myanmar’s microfinance sector since the Microfinance Law was passed on 30 November 2011.

Banking

April 04, 2013
Point of Sale (POS) transactions in Myanmar are moving forward this week with VISA announcing a new part-nership with Kanbawza (KBZ) Bank to provide POS transaction services at local hotels and retailers. VISA plans to expand its payment network in Myanmar to over 1000 retail locations in time for the SEA Games which will be held in December.

The launch of international ATM and POS services in Myanmar has been plagued with problems, from ATMs running out of money to technological hiccups, but transaction volumes have steadily increased over the past few months, with much of the demand coming from international tourists.

Economy

April 04, 2013
According to the Myanmar Garment Manufacturers Association, Myanmar garment exports are poised to cross the $US1 billion mark during the current fiscal year. Before US sanctions were imposed in 2003, the garment industry exported about $US800 million worth of goods.

Investors see large potential in Myanmar’s garment sector because of it’s relatively skilled workforce, low duties and favorable location, but there remain many hindrances to profitable investment. Surging land prices and a lack of infrastructure combined with undercapi-talized factories have created an industry that is struggling to become competitive globally.

Economy

April 04, 2013
Myanmar’s rice exports have nearly doubled this fiscal year on high demand from China and the use of better seed varieties and technology. Myanmar’s total rice exports for the 2011-2012 fiscal year amounted to 778,000 tons. Exports have already reached 1.2 million tons this year and are expected to climb as high as 1.5 million tons. China has bought 800,000 tons of Myanmar’s rice, but recent interest from firms in Japan and Korea are giving rice exporters hope of finding new markets.

With increased investment and training programs, Myanmar aims to export 3 million tons of rice by 2015, which would help it to regain it’s status as a major global rice ex-porter. Currently Myanmar is the ninth largest rice exporter in the world.

Media

April 04, 2013
After a 50 year absence, private daily newspapers returned to Myanmar on April 1st. Although 16 licenses have been granted to publishers thus far, only four newspapers—the Union Daily, Voice Daily, Golden Fresh Land and The Standard Time Daily have actually begun circulation. It remains to be seen how many daily newspa-pers the Myanmar market can actually handle.

Many major cities across Asia have only two major dailies, as readership and advertising revenues tend to concentrate around market leaders. Two of Myanmar’s largest media firms, Eleven Media Group and Myanmar Consolidated Media are expected to begin daily operations in the near future, and could drive smaller competitors out of the market. Daily newspapers are expected to cost 100-200 kyat.

Media

April 04, 2013
The Associated Press (AP) became the first international news agency to establish a bureau in Myanmar. The AP has maintained a presence in Myanmar for many years, but has never been granted permission to open a full office. The news organization will employ a six member staff of local and international journalists and focus on original reporting from around the country.

The relaxation of censorship rules and renewed international interest in Myanmar has created a larger demand for both print and electronic news. The Ministry of Infor-mation has also granted permission to Japan’s NHK to open a bureau in Myanmar.

Tenders

April 04, 2013
The News and Periodicals Enterprise under the Ministry of Information invites expressions of interest for the production of the New Light of Myanmar newspaper. Local and foreign entrepreneurs are invited to a form a joint venture with the government in order to transform The New Light of Myanmar into a standard newspa-per.

Myanmar entrepreneurs should include the following facts when submitting an expression of interest:
i. Name of entrepreneur/company, and number of National Scrutiny Card
ii. Curriculum Vitae of entrepreneur and brief background history of company
iii. Documents of the company and financial statement
iv. Bank Statement for the past two years approved by Certified Public Accountant
v. List of members of current Board of Directors
vi. Volume of maximum investment
vii. Volume of desired profit
viii. Documents to be submitted exclusively

Foreign entrepreneurs should include the following facts when submitting an expression of interest: i. Name of entrepreneur/company, and Passport No.
ii. Curriculum Vitae of entrepreneur and brief background history of company
iii. Documents relating to the foreign company
iv. Financial Statement
v. List of members of the current Board of Directors
vi. Volume of maximum investment
vii. Volume of desired profit
viii. Documents to be submitted exclusively
Interested parties can send their expressions of interest to Building No. 7, News and Periodicals Enterprise, Ministry of Information, Nay Pyi Taw. Further information can be obtained from the following phone numbers: 01-201192, 067-412123 and 067-412128. The closing date for expressions of interest is 25 April 2013.

Tenders

April 04, 2013
The Hydroelectric Power Production Enterprise under the Ministry of Electric Power has invited open tenders to purchase a variety of electrical items in local currency (kyats) which are to be delivered to Paolaung Ware-house (Nay Pyi Daw) The submission deadline is 30th April 2013 at 12:00 noon.

Further information can be obtained by contacting: The Hydroelectric Power Production Enterprise Office No. 38, Nay Pyi Daw. Phone inquires can be made using the following numbers: 067-411168 and 411076.

Tenders

April 04, 2013
Grand Guardian Insurance Public Company Limited, under the permission of the Insurance Supervision Com-mittee, Ministry of Finance and Revenue, will be providing life and general insurance services to the general public, and the company is seeking partnerships with other companies.

Interested companies can contact the following address from 22 April 2013—26 April 2013 to submit tenders: Grand Guardian Insurance Public Co. Ltd. , No.(19/20) A,B,C,D, Junction Square Compound, Pyay Road, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: 95-1-2304365, 2304366, Fax 95-1-2304199 Email: info@ggipinsurance.com

Politics

Mar 28, 2013
President U Thein Sein declared a State of Emergency on March 22nd in the wake of violence in the town of Meiktila, south of Mandalay. The violence was allegedly sparked by a dispute at a local gold shop which spilled over into a larger conflict be-tween Buddhists and Muslims in the town.

The President invoked Section 412 (a) of the Constitution which allows the government to declare a State of Emergency if lives, shelter or property are in danger. Section 412 (a) has been criticized by some international observers, but in this case its application seems to have met with inter-national approval — Amnesty International and other organizations urged the gov-ernment to step in to quell the violence

Companies & Investments

Mar 28, 2013
Canadian gold mining firm Centurion Minerals Ltd. has signed a memorandum of understanding ("MOU") agreement with Eternal Gold Mining Co. Ltd to explore and develop the Ba Mauk gold project in Sagaing Division, central Myanmar, according to a company press release.

Eternal is one of the largest private gold mining producers in Myanmar and operates multiple gold mines and exploration projects. Under the terms of the MOU, Centurion will act as operator and oversee exploration and assessment activities of the 22,000 acre Ba Mauk gold project.

Companies & Investments

Mar 28, 2013
Yoma Strategic Holdings, the Singapore listed investment holding company which has seen its stock skyrocket over the past year, has announced a new joint venture with First Myanmar Investment company (FMI). Both Yoma and FMI are helmed by Myanmar businessman Serge Pun.

The new venture, YSH Finance Ltd., is incorporated in the British Virgin Islands and will reportedly be involved in finding new investment opportunities in Myanmar. Yoma will take an 80% stake in the new venture with the remaining 20% being owned by FMI

Politics

Mar 22, 2013
Myanmar's parliament may agree to set up a commission to review the 2008 constitution. The proposal to review the constitution originated from the rul-ing Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP). Representatives of the USDP have suggested that the purpose of the review is to identify and imple-ment amendments that would grant ethnic minorities greater self-governance e.g. the right to elect their own state-level ministers. On the oth-er hand, some speculate that the review process may result in amendments allowing opposition leader, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi,

To run as a presidential candidate in the 2015 general election. The opposition party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), has long contested the undemocratic nature of certain provisions within the current constitution, specifically an article that allocates a substantial percentage of parliamentary seats to the military and a provision that bars Aung San Suu Kyi from the presidency.

Politics

Mar 15, 2013
A government investigation commission charged with assessing the controversy and protests surrounding the Latpadaungtaung Copper Mine project released its final report on 12 March, 2013. The report states that the mine operators should be per-mitted to proceed with expansion plans. The commission made this recommenda-tion despite acknowledging that the expansion will likely have an adverse environ-mental impact and that it will create few jobs for locals. It appears that the rationale for allowing the expansion is to prevent escalation of tensions with China, an im-portant bilateral trade and investment partner. The report, however, does state that expansion should be conditioned on locals being adequately compensated for land taken during the commencement of mining operations in 2010 and for any addition-al takings resulting from the forthcoming expansion.

The Latpadaungtaung Copper Mine is a joint venture between Wanbao and the Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd (UMEHL), a Myanmar military-owned con-glomerate. Wanbao Mining and the UMEHL issued statements on Tuesday affirming that they would comply with the commission’s recommendations. The Latpa-daungtaung project covers four copper deposits in Sabe, Kyeesin and Letpadaung within the Monywa region.

Politics

Feb 15, 2013
The Myanmar government announced plans to set up a committee to review the cases of political prisoners still be-hind bars. The move has been applauded by the international community.

The quasi-civilian government has released approximately 700 political prisoners since it took over power in March 2011. The number of remaining political pris-oners is estimated by some to be at least 234.

Politics

Feb 08, 2013
Myanmar authorities have agreed to allow the United Nations to deliver humanitari-an aid to victims of territorial disputes in the Kachin state. Fighting between the re-bel Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the military has resulted in the displace-ment of approximately 88,000 people since December 2012. This announcement came on the heels of a truce declared by the government and KIA’s representatives following a meeting in the Chinese town of Ruili on the Myanmar-China border.

The conflict and the military’s concomitant retaliation have raised the specter of a resur-gence in the military’s influence over the newly formed democracy.

Politics

Jan 07, 2013
The conflict between Myanmar military and ethnic rebels in the Kachin state deepened as the army launched air strikes to capture the rebel base at Laiza town though it claims the raid was necessary to keep the supply lines open. This move has drawn criticism from the international community commenting on the government’s inability to reach a ceasefire agreement with the insurgent Kachin Independence Army, tarnishing the former’s democratic image and raising fresh doubts on its control over the army.

The ongoing war continuing since June 2011 has displaced about 100,000 Kachin civilians. Myanmar's government, who had pleaded ignorance of air strikes before the army’s admission, has been preventing international aid groups from helping internally dis-placed persons in rebel-held territory.

Politics

Nov 16, 2012
A total of 452 prisoners were granted amnesty by Myanmar President Thein Sein's decree on November 15, ahead of the expected visit by US President Barack Obama. Political prisoners were among those listed in the decree; however, their number has not yet been confirmed.

Foreign prisoners who were pardoned will be extradited.