The Tatmadaw (military) has announced more additions to its cabinet of ministers and into key positions in the economy and legislature. These include: Dr Thida Oo, current permanent secretary for Union Attorney General Office as Union Attorney General Dr Kan Zaw, former Minister under U Thein Sein’s government, as Auditor General U Than Nyein, former […]
Myanmar to clarify voter fraud, hold new round of elections
The Tatmadaw (military) has issued notification 1/2021, under which it will reveal and clarify all voter irregularities and suspected fraud that took place during the November 8, 2020 election and take subsequent action, according to Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing during the National Defense and Security Council meeting held on February 1 and reported by military-owned […]
Kirin stops payments to Tatmadaw beer partner
Asian drinks giant Kirin said it has halted dividend payments from its beer business to its Myanmar military-owned partner Myanmar Economic Holdings Public Company (MEHL) amid an independent probe and concerns from investors. The suspension stops Kirin and MEHL, and their shareholders, from receiving profits from joint ventures Myanmar Brewery and Mandalay Brewery. Kirin’s Myanmar […]
Eel traders dealing with security issues
Myanmar’s eel traders continue to send shipments to China despite ongoing safety issues due to clashes between the Tatmadaw and armed ethnic groups in northern Shan State, especially around Kutkai township. Kutkai is located along a major route to China used by eel traders. Last month, the trade was halted for about 15 days after […]
Trade sanctions by EU, US unlikely: analysts
Analysts are not expecting the European Union or the US to revoke Myanmar’s tariff-free access to their markets over the coming quarters. Following a United Nations report implicating the Tatmadaw in human rights abuses against ethnic minorities in the states of Rakhine, Kachin and Shan in September last year, the EU announced a month later […]
Japanese Newspaper Apologizes to Commander-in-Chief over Interview
YANGON—Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun has issued an official apology to the Office of the Commander-in-Chief after the latter complained to the Myanmar Press Council over alleged inaccuracies in an interview with Army chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. The Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army) filed a complaint with the council on Feb. 16, apparently upset […]
Implementation of burma’s vacant, fallow and virgin land management law: at odds with the nationwide ceasefire agreement and peace negotiations
Land rights of peoples must be protected to improve prospects for peace. The Government of Myanmar’s approach to land policy risks increasing land conflicts and exacerbating current challenges in formal peace negotiations. Civil society organizations strongly oppose implementation of the recently-amended Vacant, Fallow and Virgin Land Management Law (VFV Land Law), due to well-founded fears […]
Five sectors driving Myanmar’s economic growth in 2018-19
Myanmar’s economy has taken a beating in recent quarters, with a rising number of companies reporting tougher business conditions and a slowdown in market demand. One of the main reasons is the rising foreign exchange rate. Despite a slew of measures taken by the Central Bank, which included pumping millions of dollars from its reserves […]