Tuesday 30 April 2013

First-mover advantage

Mega Lifesciences poised to profit from the network it has built up in Myanmar since 1995, a model it has since applied to other underserved emerging markets. 

Myanmar’s economic prospects and its real potential

Author: U Myint, Chief Economic Adviser to the President of Myanmar

Myanmar’s economic potential has been vastly enhanced by the access to foreign resources — in the form of new trading opportunities, the inflow of foreign investment, elevated levels of bilateral and multilateral assistance — that President U Thein Sein’s commitment to political, social and economic reform has unleashed.

Asian Development Outlook 2013 for Myanmar

New Light of Myanmar (30 Apr 2013 - Tuesday)

The Mirror Daily (30 Apr 2013 - Tuesday)

Myanma Alinn Daily (30 Apr 2013 - Tuesday)

Yangon to develop housing projects in new townships

New housing projects are underway in the less-populated new townships of Yangon, according to the regional government.

Thilawa port construction to use Japan’s ODA US$205m

A port construction project in Thilawa Special Economic Zone (SEZ) will start next year using US$205 million low-interest, long term loan from Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA), according to Myanma Port Authority (MPA).

MAI launches maiden commercial flight to Japan

Myanmar Airways International (MAI) launched its first commercial flight to Japan on Saturday, while flight to South Korea is in the pipeline.

Norway Telecom Company to invest in Myanmar

Norway’s Telenor Group is prepared to invest in Myanmar’s telecommunication sector, Sigve Brekke, Executive Vice-President and Head of Asia operations of the group said in a conference held in April 29.

Aussino Plunges after Singapore Bourse Rejects Deal with Burma-Linked Firm

SINGAPORE — Shares of Aussino Group plunged by more than half after the Singapore Exchange rejected its application for a S$70 million (US $57 million) reverse takeover deal with a company linked to a Burma tycoon who is on the US sanction list.

Former US Diplomat Arrives in Burma to Seek Business Contract

Kurt Campbell, a former top US diplomat who until recently dealt with Burma, arrived in Naypyidaw on Friday to lobby for a huge contract to overhaul Rangoon’s international airport, the state-run New Light of Myanmar reports. 

Maverick operator Digicel takes on the big boys in Myanmar

(Reuters) - Cellular operator Digicel Group Ltd jumped into Myanmar early and big, hiring staff, funding local sports, negotiating land deals for thousands of cell tower sites and signing up hundreds of partners for retail outlets.

Monday 29 April 2013

Myanmar Union Election Commission To Amend Electoral Laws, Bylaws

YANGON, April 27 (Bernama) -- The Union Election Commission (UEC) of Myanmar will amend the electoral laws and bylaws in an effort to ensure free, fair and transparent general elections in 2015, China's Xinhua news agency said quoting official media's report on Saturday.

International shipments at Yangon port double in decade

The number of international shipments at Yangon port has doubled within one year, the highest volume in a decade, according to Myanmar Port Authority.

In the fiscal year 2012-13, a total of 2,196 shipments were called at business hub of Yangon. This amount has doubled up if compared with 951 shipments during 2002-2003, their reports said.

Nay Pyi Taw hotels to get ready for World Economic Forum

Hotels in the capital city of Nay Pyi Taw are preparing to fulfill accommodations for foreign guests to the World Economic Forum in July this year.

British and Chinese joint venture to build a hotel in Yangon

Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) approved on Wednesday a new hotel construction project in Mingaladon township which will be funded by UK and Chinese companies, according to a report of the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration.

US to review Myanmar’s GSP

The US is reviewing Myanmar’s Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) benefits as the country's reforms are moving forward .

The least developing countries like Myanmar and Lao could be designated beneficiary countries for the GSP program, the office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) said on April 16.

Beans earnings fell US$134m despite increased export volume

Myanmar’s beans export earnings fell about US$134 million during the fiscal year ended last month inspite of the fact that more beans were exported, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

Myanmar earned about $1 billion as it exported 1.48 million tonnes of beans during the previous fiscal year, the ministry’s report said.

Bank branches to open shopping centers

Some private banks in Myanmar have opened their branches and service centers in shopping centers starting from the second week of April, according to industry sources.

The Central Bank of Myanmar has given permission for leasing of buildings and opening bank branches at shopping centers earlier this year.

New Light of Myanmar (29 Apr 2013 - Monday)

Daily Myanmar Newspaper. Visit www.mmbusinessnews.blogspot.com for more about Myanmar Business News. You can also follow us on Twitter "https://twitter.com/mmbusinessnews".

The Mirror Daily (29 Apr 2013 - Monday)

Myanma Alinn Daily (29 Apr 2013 - Monday)

Myanmar-Bangladesh border trade in decline

Traders and merchants in Rakhine State told Mizzima recently that Myanmar-Bangladesh cross-border trade is in decline. They said that bilateral trade decreased by almost half in the main trade centers of Sittwe and Maungdaw over the last year due to a drop in fishery products and the general instability caused by the Rakhine-Rohingya conflict.

Journeys into Myanmar: A big step for tourism

Yangon day-tour company Journeys Nature and Culture Exploration will enter a joint venture (JV) next month with global group PEAK International Travel, a subsidiary of the world’s largest multinational travel and tourism company, TUI AG.

US considers end to tariffs in Myanmar: Too soon?

YANGON, Myanmar
President Barack Obama's chief trade negotiator, Demetrios Marantis, had a message for Myanmar this week as he met with government officials and toured a downtown Yangon bazaar, just weeks after the government was criticized for its handling of deadly minority clashes in the heart of the country:

Myanmar - letting the dust settle

Armin Schoch, formerly of Diethelm Travel and now of Impulse Travel, talking recently as guest speaker at the March meeting of Skål International Chiangmai & North Thailand about the conditions in Burma today, noted that the country still had a way to go in terms of infrastructure development, as well as resolving political conflicts such as the Buddhist - Muslim sectarian violence that has recently erupted. 

After Years Of Dictatorship, Burma May Be Next Asian Tiger To Roar

RANGOON - Down Pyay Road, in the middle of a huge traffic-jam, children walk between old Japanese cars in the stifling heat and humidity.

Like in other cities of emerging Asian countries, the children walk through the busy streets to sell soda cans and jasmine flower bouquets that are supposed to help cool down the inside of cars not equipped with air-conditioning.

Myanmar could get broad duty free access to the US, as Washington deepens trade, military ties

YANGON, Myanmar — Myanmar could get broad duty-free access to the U.S. market by year’s end as the United States tries to deepen trade and military ties with the former military dictatorship.

New Light of Myanmar (28 Apr 2013 -Sunday)

The Mirror Daily (28 Apr 2013 -Sunday)

Myanma Alinn Daily (28 Apr 2013 -Sunday)

New Light of Myanmar (27 Apr 2013 -Saturday)

The Mirror Daily (27 Apr 2013 -Saturday)

Myanma Alinn Daily (27 Apr 2013 -Saturday)

Friday 26 April 2013

New Light of Myanmar (26 Apr 2013 - Friday)

The Mirror Daily (26 Apr 2013 - Friday)

MAI and Korean Air plans a flight directly to Seoul

Myanmar Airways International and Korean Air (KE) are planning a direct flight to Seoul, South Korea, Aye Maya Thar, Marketing Manager of MAI said.
 
“The flight is a direct flight to Seoul with KE carrier. The passengers have to buy tickets from MAI due to the code sharing system between MAI and KE for the flight,” Aye Maya Thar added.

More low cost SIM cards on the way

Myanmar authorities are planning to sell more low cost CDMA SIM cards next three consecutive months, according to Myanmar Post and Telecommunications (MPT).
 
The plan is to sell at least 350,000 SIMs per month at the price of 1500 kyats apiece.
About one million of CDMA SIM cards will be sold in three months according to the program, the chief engineer Htay Win of MPT said on April 23.

Yangon’s unused factory lands proposed for low-cost housings

Myanmar businessmen proposed to the Lower House Speaker Thura Shwe Mann to turn unused factory lands at Yangon’s industrial zones into low-cost housing projects in order to meet the city’s housing demands and contain the rising industrial land prices.
Thura Shwe Mann met with local businessmen last week to discussed the current problems they face as well as confiscation of idle industrial lands, Dr Soe Tun, chairman of Myanmar Farmers Association, said.

Myanmar and Indonesian leaders discuss promotion of bilateral ties

Myanmar President Thein Sein and his Indonesian counterpart Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono met in Nay Pyi Taw Tuesday to discuss strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation, according to state news releases.
During the meeting, Thein Sein expressed his wish to further cement the relations between the two countries while promoting bilateral cooperation in the areas of tourism, transport, livestock breeding and fishery, agriculture, energy and military.

World Finance Magazine honors Best Corporate Governance award to Kanbawza Group

World Finance Magazine honored the Best Corporate Governance award 2013 to Kanbawza Group, according to the announcement of the magazine.
Kanbawza has been chosen along with AECOM from USA, South Korea-based Samsung, Phillips from Netherland and GlaxoSmithKline from UK and the award will be honored during June, 2013.

Oil refinery to be constructed in central Myanmar

The Ministry of Energy has planned to construct an oil refinery in central Myanmar to refine crude oil from Myanmar-China pipeline, an official said.

The refinery is intended to construct at near Manntanpayarkan refinery in Mandalay region.

Myanma Alinn Daily (26 Apr 2013 - Friday)

Bukit Asam expands business in Myanmar

In a similar move to that of other state-owned enterprises, coal miner PT Bukit Asam (PTBA) is going north to seek business opportunities in Myanmar.

PTBA president director Milawarma confirmed the company had sent a letter to the Myanmar government regarding its interest in investing in the country.

Open for business: The rise of the Internet in Burma

Much of the news and debate surrounding Burma these days is on peace and conflict in the nation, and analysis of politics, corruption and civil war. However, issues such as technology and the Internet in Burma seem to fly under the news radar.

Caution is the Watchword as Indonesia Eyes Business in Burma

Two years after political and economic reforms began opening up Burma, giant regional neighbor Indonesia is only just beginning to wake up to the investment potential.

Indonesia is the biggest country by far in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and the fourth largest in the world in population terms, but it ranks only 14th in the international league of investors knocking on Burma’s business door.

U.S. Moves to Boost Myanmar Trade Ties After EU Lifts Sanctions

The U.S. is moving to boost trade ties with Myanmar days after the European Union lifted sanctions as companies seek access to the former military regime sandwiched between China and India.

Acting U.S. Trade Representative Demetrios Marantis headed to Myanmar yesterday to begin talks on a framework agreement covering trade and investment, he said in a telephone interview from Hanoi, where he met with Vietnamese government officials. Three days ago, the EU cited Myanmar’s “remarkable process of reform” in eliminating all punitive restrictions except for an arms embargo.

The talks in Myanmar reflect “the great interest that we’re hearing from stakeholders back in the United States about that market,” Marantis said yesterday.

Myanmar President Thein Sein’s shift toward democracy since taking power two years ago has bolstered trade ties with Western nations, attracting companies such as Google Inc. (GOOG), General Electric Co. and Norway’s Telenor ASA. Human rights groups have warned that lifting sanctions may lead to abuses as anti-Muslim violence spreads in the country.

Marantis’s visit “will give a strong signal that the U.S. is serious about lifting restrictions,” said Jean-Pierre Verbiest, former Thailand country manager for the Asian Development Bank who works with West Indochina, which advises businesses in Myanmar. “Japan is very much present already, the EU is moving fast, China has been there for a long time. The U.S. is at a competitive disadvantage.”

Myanmar Junta

President Barack Obama last year authorized U.S. companies to invest in Myanmar for the first time since 1997, while continuing to block ventures with businesses connected to Myanmar’s former junta. Since then the U.S. has also authorized imports of most goods from Myanmar and allowed U.S. citizens to open accounts at four banks in the country.
The U.S. has Trade and Investment Framework Agreements with dozens of countries to outline “principles for dialogue” on trade and investment issues, according to the USTR website. The agency this month also proposed giving Myanmar and neighboring Laos preferential access to the U.S. market under a program to boost trade with poorer countries.
Human Rights Watch accused Myanmar’s government of ethnic cleansing in displacing more than 125,000 Rohingya Muslims. The New York-based group later criticized the EU’s move to lift sanctions on Myanmar.

Gains Imperiled

“The EU’s scrapping of targeted sanctions on Burma is premature and recklessly imperils human rights gains made so far,” Lotte Leicht, EU director at Human Rights Watch, said in an April 22 statement. “EU member states are ditching measures that have motivated the current progress and gambling on the good will of Burma’s government and military to keep their word to keep reforms on track.”

Violence between Rakhine Buddhists and Muslim Rohingya last year in a western border area killed about 180 people and displaced more than 100,000. Last month, anti-Muslim violence in central Myanmar killed more than 40 people, displaced 20,000 others and left about 1,400 buildings destroyed, including mosques.

The U.S. engagement with Myanmar is in line with Obama’s goal of increasing trade throughout Asia. Before stopping in Myanmar, Marantis visited Vietnam and Indonesia, where he discussed the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a proposed trade accord that would include Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam and the U.S.

Last week the TPP countries paved the way for Japan to join the talks. Other countries that have expressed interest in the agreement include Thailand and the Philippines, Marantis said.

“There are a number of other countries that I think are interested, but it may be more of a long-term horizon,” Marantis said. “They may be more interested in joining once we’ve concluded this first tranche of TPP negotiations.”

To contact Bloomberg News staff for this story: Jason Folkmanis in Ho Chi Minh City at folkmanis@bloomberg.net
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Peter Hirschberg at phirschberg@bloomberg.net

source: Business Week
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2013-04-24/u-dot-s-dot-moves-to-boost-myanmar-trade-ties-after-eu-lifts-sanctions


 

In Myanmar, cheap SIM card draw may herald telecoms revolt

Introduced a decade and a half ago under Myanmar's former military rulers, SIM cards sold for as much as USD 7,000 apiece. Today, they still cost more than USD 200. From Thursday, lucky winners of a lottery-style sale may get one for as little as USD 2.

Thursday 25 April 2013

Myanmar looks to revive abandoned 'Death Railway'

THANBYUZAYAT, Myanmar — An elegant cemetery in strife-torn southeast Myanmar has long stood as a lonely testament to the fate of thousands of prisoners of war who died building Japan's "Death Railway".

Myanmar Goes from Strength to Strength

Hanoi, Vietnam -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/24/2013 -- As the political regime further relaxes controls on the former Burma, tourism is gaining pace. This once secretive and almost unknown country is opening up as fast as tour operators can send their customers in. Hotels whilst still obviously behind countries like Thailand and Vietnam are going up all over the country, as Myanmar gets used to the new phenomenon of foreign tourism.

New Light of Myanmar (25 Apr 2013 - Thursday)

The Mirror Daily (25 Apr 2013 - Thursday)

Myanma Alinn Daily (25 Apr 2013 - Thursday)

A ‘Crony’ with a Conscience

Zaw Zaw, the chairman of the Myanmar Football Federation and founder of Max Myanmar Group, may be the most socially conscious of those among Burma’s business elite who are regarded as cronies. 

Tour Myanmar now, before the crowds arrive

Myanmar’s citizens hope their next half-century will be much better than their last. Now an emerging democracy, Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) is drawing growing numbers of visitors, many of whom refused to come during decades when a suffocating military dictatorship ruled.

Myanmar, Indonesia boost ties, trade

Myanmar President Thein Sein hosted Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the Credentials Hall of the Presidential Palace on Tuesday evening following a day when the two countries signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and discussed bilateral trade.

Wednesday 24 April 2013

New Light of Myanmar (24 Apr 2013 - Wednesday)

The Mirror Daily (24 Apr 2013 - Wednesday)

Myanma Alinn Daily (24 Apr 2013 - Wednesday)

EU lifts Myanmar sanctions in ‘new chapter’ in ties

The European Union agreed Monday to lift the last of its trade, economic and individual sanctions against Myanmar as it embarks on "a new chapter" with the once pariah state.

"The EU is willing to open a new chapter in its relations with Myanmar/Burma, building a lasting partnership," said an EU foreign ministers' statement approved without a vote.

Tourism, Development Threaten Burmese Lake

Hotel zones hold promise but acquiring land difficult

Hotel zones in Myanmar’s tourism destinations are being built to increase the supply of rooms and, at the same time, solve the problem of expensive land for investors.

However, the challenge is obtaining agreement from local villagers who have to move out, and ensuring they receive appropriate prices for their land.

No time to lose

Myanmar is starting to experience a tourism boom and is rushing to complete a master plan to guide sustainable development over the next decade. 

Myanmar’s tourism industry has no time to lose in its quest to ensure sustainability at a time when foreign travellers are flocking to the country in unprecedented numbers.

New Light of Myanmar (23 Apr 2013 - Tuesday)

The Mirror Daily (23 Apr 2013 - Tuesday)

Myanma Alinn Daily (23 Apr 2013 - Tuesday)

The Mirror Daily (22 Apr 2013 -Monday)

Monday 22 April 2013

New Light of Myanmar (22 Apr 2013 -Monday)

Myanma Alinn Daily (22 Apr 2013 -Monday)

New Light of Myanmar (21 Apr 2013 -Sunday)

New Light of Myanmar (20 Apr 2013 -Saturday)

Myanma Alinn Daily (20 Apr 2013 - Saturday)

Myanma Alinn Daily (21 Apr 2013 - Sunday)

New Light of Myanmar (19 Apr 2013 - Friday)

Myanma Alinn Daily (19 Apr 2013 - Friday)

World’s famous mobile operator groups invest Myanmar’s local communication services

The world’s famous mobile operators are included in the list of 22 companies importing the second-phase Pre-qualification Application to invest in Myanmar’s local communication services, according to the report.

Malaysian Bank Negara to assist banking system

The Central Bank of Myanmar has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Malaysian Bank Negara for the development in banking services in Myanmar according to the statement of the Central Bank of Myanmar.

Myanmar to sell cheaper SIM Cards like a lucky draw

Myanmar will put on the market much-awaited 1500K (about US$2) SIM Cards through administrator's offices in townships across the country so the public can make drawing, according to sources.

Yangon Region Government has ordered the offices to do so and they will sell their monthly share of cards using the drawing system.

Myanmar's gold price unsteady due to gold rush

Myanmar's gold price is still unstable as local buyers rush to purchase the items following a recent plunge in price.

After the Water Festival, the market opened on Thursday with K668,500 (US$760) per tical but the price later rose to K691,000 (US$780) per tical in the evening due to gold hoarders.

Gold price plunges but dollar soars in Myanmar after its New Year

As commercial activities resumed yesterday in Myanmar after 4-day of celebrating traditional New Year Water Festival, gold price has fallen US$56 per tical ($97 per ounce) but US dollar exchange rate against Myanmar currency ‘kyat’ (K) rose from K884 to K897.

Goods flow in Myawady border checkpoint show a good sign for business

Myawady border checkpoint, one of major crossing points between Thailand and Myanmar, has collected 8673 million kyats from the start of this fiscal year until the end of February 2013, according to official record.

It was the highest amount earned in 16 years time after the trade zone is opened in 1997, according to the sources.

ITCs to be issued on all border checkpoints on April 22

All border checkpoints will be issued individual trading cards (ITCs) starting April 22 for the small traders conduct their trade accodingly and legally.

The border trade department has issued only in Tamu, Muse, Myawaddy and Tarchileik border checkpoints before April 22 and the small traders issued ITCs worth of about 600 million kyats.

Myanmar imports 153,000 vehicles in 1.5 years

Since Myanmar government allowed vehicle import from foreign countries in October 2011 after lifting decades-old ban, , more than 153,000 units have been imported, according to Custom Department statistic.

Myanmar Consumer Summit Pinpoints Local Consumer Dynamics

Myanmar Consumer Summit (MCS) will be hosted by CMT on the 9-10 May 2013 in Yangon, to provide investors with insights on Myanmar’s consumer market and ensuing opportunities in a country shaping up amidst expanding middle-income consumerism.

Fuji Xerox Company opens branch office in Myanmar

Japan-based Fuji Xerox Company, a renowned manufacturer of office-related machines, including printers and copiers, opened its branch office in Myanmar with a plan to expand its operation to other parts of the country, according to the report from the company.

Foreign companies lining up to operate in Hpa-an industrial zone

Management at the Hpa-an industrial zone expressed optimism that the park will live up to the expectation as more and more local and international companies are lining up to rent the property at the industrial park.

US and EU to invest in Thilawa

European Union countries are poised to invest in Thilawa Special Economic zone in Myanmar along side with companies from Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore and the US, according to a recent meeting held at the township administrative office.

Looking for Investment opportunities in Myanmar CM Ibobi to be part of Indian delegation

Imphal, April 20 2013 : Continuing India's search for investment opportunities, a team of Indian delegates would be visiting Myanmar from May 26.Chief Minister of Manipur O Ibobi Singh is likely to be one of the main and important delegates in the team.

Myanmar anticipates total lift of EU sanctions

Foreign ministers of the European Union (EU) are due to meet in Luxembourg on Monday to make a decision to withdraw all sanctions against Myanmar, exactly a year after the regional grouping announced suspension of most sanctions against the country for a year except arms embargo.

Ayala group looks to Burma for expansion

Conglomerate Ayala Corp. is studying investment opportunities in Burma (Myanmar)—considered to be Southeast Asia’s last frontier—particularly in the fields of telecommunications, real estate and banking, as part of its regional expansion thrust. 

Oil pipeline in Myanmar mutually beneficial: China

Beijing, April 20 — China has said that an oil pipeline project in Myanmar will serve the mutual interest of both the countries.

The Chinese foreign ministry Friday also said the oil pipeline project in Myanmar could boost the local economy in that country, Xinhua reported.

Woodside targets Burma

Woodside Petroleum is confident of meeting its full-year targets as it posts a sharp jump in quarterly production and starts exploration work in Burma.

The Australian company's flagship Pluto project drove a 55 per cent increase in first-quarter production volumes to 21.9 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMboe) compared with the same period last year.

Thursday 18 April 2013

New Light of Myanmar (18 Apr 2013 - Thursday)

Myanma Alinn Daily (18 Apr 2013 - Thursday)

Suu Kyi Says Laws, Infrastructure Stalling Investment in Myanmar

Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi said foreign investment in the newly democratizing nation is being held up by inadequate infrastructure and uncertainty over investment laws. 

Sheffield Chamber joins Burma business drive

Sheffield Chamber of Commerce has joined an international partnership to provide enterprise support for businesses in Burma.

The European Union funded Switch Asia business support programme is believed to be one of the first global economic partnerships with Burma for many years.

Bashneft Eyes Myanmar

Bashneft and Nobel Oil notified Myanmar's authorities of their intention to take part in a tender to develop the country's oil and gas deposits, Kommersant reported Tuesday, citing Myanmar's Energy Ministry. 

Suu Kyi 'calls for Japanese investment in Myanmar'

TOKYO — Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Tuesday called for Japanese investment and economic aid that would create jobs in the Southeast Asian economy, news reports said.

Wednesday 17 April 2013

New Light of Myanmar (17 Apr 2013 - Wednesday)

Myanma Alinn Daily (17 Apr 2013 - Wednesday)

Japan agrees to rice deal with Myanmar

Japan is helping Myanmar (also known as Burma) to regain its status as a top rice exporter by making its first purchase of the grain from the Southeast Asian country in more than four decades and investing in rice processing plants there.

Telkom loses out in Myanmar tender

State-owned telecommunication company PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom) will continue to expand in Myanmar despite failing to win the tender for mobile phone services in the ASEAN country.

The Mirror Daily (16 Apr 2013 - Tuesday)

Monday 15 April 2013

The Mirror Daily (15 Apr 2013 - Monday)

Sunday 14 April 2013

The Myanmar Times (Apr 1 - 7 2013)

A new hotel to be built in Sedona Hotel compound

Straits Greenfield Ltd. is planned to make investment to construct a new hotel in the compound of Sedona Hotel, according to the announcement of Directorate of Investment and Company Administration under the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development.

Suu Kyi visit highlights Japan's Myanmar push

TOKYO: Japan's long-deferred aspirations for a larger role in Myanmar are getting a boost this coming week with a visit by Nobel Peace Prize laureate and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

The visit by Suu Kyi, in Japan for the first time in 27 years, is highlighting Japan's interest in helping to craft a blueprint for Myanmar's economy and tapping its growth potential.

Myanmar invites bids for 30 offshore oil, gas blocks

Myanmar said it would open bidding in June for the exploration and development of 11 shallow and 19 deep-sea oil and gas blocks, in only the second bidding round since the easing of US sanctions against the gas-rich country. "Interested parties are to submit their letters of interest to the Director General at the Naypyitaw-based Ministry of Energy by June 14," the ministry said in an announcement on its website and in official newspapers on Thursday.

The Mirror Daily (14 Apr 2013 - Sunday)

Saturday 13 April 2013

Suu Kyi visit highlights Japan’s push to raise profile, tap business opportunities in Myanmar

TOKYO — Japan’s long-deferred aspirations for a larger role in Myanmar are getting a boost this coming week with a visit by Nobel Peace Prize laureate and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

The visit by Suu Kyi, in Japan for the first time in 27 years, is highlighting Japan’s interest in helping to craft a blueprint for Myanmar’s economy and tapping its growth potential.

MTN on short list for Myanmar mobile licence

MTN Group said on Thursdayit had been short-listed to compete for a telecommunications licence in Myanmar.

It was one of the 12 operators that have been short-listed to submit bids for two nationwide telecommunications licences.

Digicel in final tender group for Burma mobile operators licence

Denis O’Brien’s Digicel has been confirmed as one of 12 telecoms companies pre-cleared to vie for two mobile phone operators licences in Burma.

The country currently wallows at the bottom of the global list of mobile penetration at less than 10 per cent of the market.

The Mirror Daily (13 Apr 2013 - Saturday)

The Mirror Daily (12 Apr 2013 - Friday)

Friday 12 April 2013

MPs Call for Reform of Burmese Tax Laws

Burma’s opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and head of the lower house of parliament Shwe Mann have called for tax reforms following public anger over lax regulations that have allowed more than half of the nation’s potential taxpayers, especially the wealthy, to go scot-free.

SingTel consortium among 12 shortlisted for Myanmar licenses

Summary: The pre-qualified applicants which also include Bharti Airtel, Axiata, KDDI, M1, Vodafone and China Mobile, enter the final stage to submit their bids for one of two mobile telco licenses to be awarded by June 27, 2013.

Myanmar to draft strategic plan for exports, taking UN support

With the help from the United Nations, Myanmar’s Ministry of Commerce will draft its first ever a 5-year strategic plan aimed at boosting export, Tint Thwin, Deputy Director of the Directorate of Trade, said.

Myanmar working hard to catch up on mobile phone usage: analysts

Telecommunication sector is rushing to meet the growing demand from the mobile phone usage by putting up more mobile phone towers to relay the calls through out the country, industry sources said.

Auction winners studied Mandalay International airport for upgrading

Seven companies that have won the bid for a contract of the the Mandalay International Airport's expansion made an onsite visit to make a last inspection before the official announcement as to which company will be awarded with the contract.

ITC introduced Lweje border trade center

Traders are now able to start using Individual Trading Card in Lweje border trade center, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

ITC cards have been used in Tamu, Muse, Myawaddy and Tachileik border trade centers. The ministry will allow ITC at other border trade centers later on.

Dawei deep seaport project in jeopardy

A major infrastructure project involving the development of the Dawei deep seaport and special economic zone may be in jeopardy, said an informed source, citing the lack of financial transaction going into the constructions of the project.

Airtel’s bid for Myanmar telecom licence gets green signal

Myanmar authorities have cleared Bharti Airtel’s application for acquiring a telecom licence in that country. 
 
The selection committee has invited Airtel and 11 other international operators to participate in the third and final stage of the licence award process. 

Thursday 11 April 2013

Illegal orchid trade valued at $30 million a year

The illegal export of rare orchids to China is worth about US$30 million a year, according to an executive member of the Myanmar Horticulturalists Association.

Yangon to get two more flyovers to reduce traffic jams

Construction will begin on two more flyovers in Yangon at the end of this year, an official from the Yangon City Development Committee said.

DICA sees surge in company registration under civilian government

The Directorate of Company Administration says more than 5,200 domestic and foreign companies have registered with it since the new government took office in January 2011.

Myanmar International Water Conference 2013

New Light of Myanmar (11 Apr 2013 - Thursday)

The Mirror Daily (11 Apr 2013 - Thursday)

Myanma Alinn Daily (11 Apr 2013 - Thursday)

Amid Mass Tax Evasion, Burmese Public Demands Reform

RANGOON—Hundreds of businesspeople in Burma’s biggest city have called on lawmakers to reform the country’s tax system, criticizing poor enforcement and a lack of accountability that has allowed more than half of taxpayers, including many wealthy cronies, to avoid paying their dues.

Ernst & Young Opens New Member Firm In Myanmar

KUALA LUMPUR, April 10 (Bernama) -- Leading professional services organisation Ernst & Young has opened a new member firm in Myanmar.

In a statement, it said the new firm, Ernst & Young (Myanmar) Ltd, extends Ernst & Young's footprint to 22 countries in Asia-Pacific and 151 worldwide.

Nok Air plans second Myanmar service

Nok Air is adding Mawlamyine to its planned service footprint in Myanmar, now set as the first country for the budget airline's resumption of international services.

Wednesday 10 April 2013

New Light of Myanmar (10 Apr 2013 - Wednesday)

The Mirror Daily (10 Apr 2013 - Wednesday)

Myanma Alinn Daily (10 Apr 2013 - Wednesday)

New Light of Myanmar (9 Apr 2013 - Tuesday)

The Mirror Daily (9 Apr 2013 - Tuesday)

Myanma Alinn Daily (9 Apr 2013 - Tuesday)

New Light of Myanmar (8 Apr 2013 - Monday)

The Mirror Daily (8 Apr 2013 - Monday)

Myanma Alinn Daily (8 Apr 2013 - Monday)

Eleven Media expands print capacity for new daily

Eleven Media Group is expanding its printing capacity to produce its Daily Eleven newspaper by installing a second Web offset printer.

Thai company plans fiber-optic connection to Dawei

Thai-owned CAT Telecom Public is seeking approval to install an underwater fiber-optic cable between Dawei Deep Sea Port and southern Thailand, it said.

One-stop shop for foreign investors to open in Yangon

Investors, both foreign and domestic, will be able to use a one-stop service center in Yangon as of Wednesday, according to the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration.

Bosch stresses security systems as it opens first retail outlet in Myanmar

German engineering and electronics giant Bosch has opened its first retail branch in Myanmar, offering high-tech electronics devices and systems with a focus on security at the outlet in Yangon.

Japan prepares for major role in Myanmar’s rice industry

A 5,000-tonne shipment of rice to Japan from Myanmar for the first time in 45 years caught international headlines last week, with media lauding another milestone in Myanmar’s political reforms.

Monday 8 April 2013

Myanmar 'welcomes Chinese enterprises and projects'

Myanmar President U Thein Sein said on Saturday his country is eager for Chinese investment, especially when it can create jobs.

In an exclusive interview with China Daily, the president dismissed reports that Chinese enterprises are less welcome in the quickly developing nation.

Tata Motors to open showrooms and service centers in Myanmar

India’s Tata Motors will officially open car showroom and three service centers in Yangon in the near future, an official of Apex Greatest Industrial Co., Ltd said.

The Apex Greatest Industrial Co., Ltd has got permission as a sale representative of Tata Motors since May last year and the company officially launched its car showrooms and service centers this year.

Sunday 7 April 2013

New Light of Myanmar (7 Apr 2013 - Sunday)

Vodafone to bid for Myanmar license

London - Vodafone and China Mobile, the two biggest wireless companies, will join forces to bid for mobile licenses in Myanmar as investors and operators jostle to be among the first into the Southeast Asian country.

The Mirror Daily (7 Apr 2013 - Sunday)

Myanma Alinn Daily (7 Apr 2013 - Sunday)

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