myanmar‘set to build on gains’ · a land bridge between south and southeast asia. india’s...
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1 october-november 2013
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FOREWORDINSIGHTSPECIAL FEATUREBUSINESS INVESTMENTNATION NEWSWORLD LINKSPOWER & ENERGY SECTORINFRASTRUCTURESOCIAL/ART/CULTUREHEALTHCAREEVENT & TRADE SHOWPERSPECTIVEMESSAGE
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vol 4 : oct-nov 2013I N S I D E
For the majority of Myanmar’s population, Buddhism is the center of individual life whereas the monastery is the center of the community. | photo – southpacifictravel.com
New generation of rowers featured in historic regatta on the Ayeyarwady.photo - aung thu
Myanmar‘Set to Build on Gains’Myanmar is confident that its competitiveness will improve next year as it capitalises on its reforms and its assets such as human resources, according to presidential economic adviser Zaw Oo.The challenge, however, is not how to make a big jump in its global competitiveness ranking, but how to sustain the progress it has made, he said.Among Myanmar’s advantages are its strategic location, connected to two major economies, China and India, while its people are hard working, sincere and competitive, he said. These are among the things the country will fully utilise to boost its competitiveness.Adding to these qualities, the government is implementing constructive policies with the support of many international organisations. All these will enable Myanmar to improve competitiveness quickly.The country will also provide opportunities for its people to enhance their efficiency and productivity, Zaw Oo said on the sidelines of a seminar titled “Assessing Asean’s Readiness by Country: Opportunities, Concerns and Preparedness towards the AEC in 2015” co-hosted by Krungthep Turakij newspaper, Siam Commercial Bank, Thammasat University and the Thailand Research Fund. It was held at the Dusit Thani Hotel. According to the “Global Competitiveness Report 2013-2014” of the World Economic Forum, Myanmar is ranked 139th among 148 economies. After decades of political and economic isolation, the March 2011 elections have brought profound changes to the country, the WEF noted. more
2 october-november 2013
While the world looks towards Myanmar’s open door, Myanmar’s neighbours are busy taking position in preparation for participation in its economy. Thus far, India has a considerable handicap vis-à-vis China in the race to capitalize on the opportunity. China is today far ahead as a trading partner to Myanmar. Besides, China’s long term interest in Myanmar stems not only from its eye on the latter’s natural resources, but also the access Myanmar potentially provides to the markets of the western world through its ports. (China’s susceptibility to the narrow straits of Malacca for its global trading future could also weigh heavily at the back of their minds.) Nevertheless, the major interest from China to participate in Myanmar comes less from Beijing than from Yunnan, situated in closer proximity.
Among the various neighboring states of Myanmar, Yunnan in China and Thailand represent far higher per capita incomes than India’s North East and Bangladesh. This naturally provides a starting advantage to China and Thailand in the trading race against India. To offset this, India needs to take progress in the North Eastern states more seriously. The lack of connectivity and poor rail-road links in border areas of Myanmar and India’s contiguous northeastern region poses a formidable challenge for making Myanmar a land bridge between South and Southeast Asia. India’s “Look East” policy could bridge this infrastructural gap including by building roads to connect the two countries.It is heartening to note that the North-East Frontier
Railway (NFR) intends to lay a 118km railway track between Imphal and border towns Moreh and Tamu in Myanmar. This will help in the integration of the North East with the ambitious 81,000 km Trans-Asian Railway Network (TARN) project envisaged to connect China in the Far East to Iran/ Turkey/ Bulgaria across continents. Another phase of NFR’s development will seek to connect Tripura and Mizoram with Myanmar, and form part of the TARN link.In the next 20-30 years, with rising per capita incomes in bordering China and India, Myanmar can show good growth, with good highways, railways and airlinks connecting each other, then, of course, Myanmar will be a gateway to other parts of Asia from the east of India. But in the short term, the importance of Myanmar for India and for Indian policymakers depends on the importance of North-East India for Indians. If North-East India is important, then Myanmar is very important. If Myanmar has to be a gateway for anywhere, an imaginative focus on North-East India is going to be critical.
– Ranjit Barthakur, Founding Chairman, Myanmar Matters.
Foreword
Northwards by North-east?India’s Myanmar Connection
Ranjit Barthakur with Aung San Suu Kyi at the World Economic Forum
3 october-november 2013
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INSIGht
China Via MyanmarThe natural gas pipeline that connects China to Bay of Bengal through Myanmar has been operationalised very recently. This is a historic development, and fulfills a cherished Chinese ambition to connect the People’s Republic to the Indian Ocean as part of its two-ocean strategy... There are lessons in these developments for India as well.Media reports of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the democratic uprising in Myanmar have obscured a more important development. The natural gas pipeline that connects China to Bay of Bengal through Myanmar has been operationalized very recently. This is a historic development, and fulfills a cherished Chinese ambition to connect the People’s Republic to the Indian Ocean as part of its two-ocean strategy. The Indian Ocean is critical for China, because 80 per cent of its oil imports traverse the Malacca Straits. Therefore, China is establishing a network of relationships with Indian Ocean littoral states while developing secure and diverse energy routes.The new pipeline cannot completely eliminate the Malacca Straits as a significant transit zone, but it is a part of China’s overall strategy to reduce excessive dependence on this route. The pipeline starts at Kyaukpyu in Myanmar and terminates in Kunming in China and its completion in just three years indicates the policy consistency and determination of Beijing to ensure that its economic momentum continues to receive necessary energy resources. China is also building an oil pipeline alongside the existing gas pipeline which will begin operations next year. These two pipelines will not only carry energy resources from the gas fields in the Bay of Bengal but also transport oil from the Middle East which can be off-loaded at Kyaukpyu and conveyed to Kunming.
Shwe Gas Movement: The proposed pipelines will bring Middle Eastern oil and gas to China through Myanmar. | source : arakanoilwatch.org
One of the reasons for the emergence of China as a dominant player in Myanmar is because India’s connectivity network with Myanmar is lamentably poor…steps to ensure easy movement of goods across the India-Myanmar border must be initiated and the north-eastern state governments must be closely associated with such measures.
SANJAY PULIPAKA and KRISHNAN SRINIVASAN
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4 october-november 2013
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INSIGht
Musings from MawlamyineThe port city of Mawlamyine, at the mouth of the Than Lwin river, was the first capital of British Myanmar, between 1826 and 1852. Even though he wrote about the city in his poem ‘Road to Mandalay’, “By the old Moulmein Pagoda, lookin’ eastward to the sea, there’s a Myanmar girl a-settin’, and I know she thinks o’ me,” Rudyard Kipling never set foot here. The novelist George Orwell, on the other hand, had a far stronger relationship with the city. His mother’s family came from Moulmein; he himself arrived in 1926 and underwent training with the Myanmar Police Force.I am writing this from a room at Hotel Cinderella in Mawlamyine. For part of this road trip to what is now the capital of Mon state, we sped along the new six lane highway that goes all the way to Myanmar’s new administrative capital Naypyitaw. Then the road veered off into the lush tropical countryside and hills, past homes on stilts and flooded paddy fields. The 160 kilometre journey took about five hours, including a stop for lunch, and then we crossed the Than Lwin bridge and arrived in a city which is marked by a curious mix of faiths and cultures.As would be expected, Mawlamyine’s skyline is pierced by spires of golden Buddhist pagodas. The Kyike Than Lan Pagoda, erected in 875 A.D. during the reign of King Mutpi Raja, stands high atop a ridge, a famous pilgrimage centre as well as the best place to get a panoramic view of the hills, harbor, river and the city itself. The Mahamuni Pagoda was built
Mawlamyine: Situated at the mouth of Thanlwin River, 300 kilometers south-east of Yangon.source : getyourguide.com
Kunal Sinha, September 2013.
The town centre is dotted by Gopurams – signs of a community that migrated from south India in the early and mid 18th century, as traders and rubber plantation workers.
5 october-november 2013
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INSIGht
by Seindon Mibaya-gyi, a prominent Queen of King Mindon from Mandalay; and houses a replica of the Mahamuni image at Mandalay. The town centre is dotted by Gopurams – signs of a community that migrated from south India in the early and mid 18th century, as traders and rubber plantation workers. There are at least a dozen churches, representing Jesuit, Anglican and Baptist denominations; and the Holy Family Church is particularly grand. There is a functioning Gurdwara, though I didn’t see any Sikhs; and right opposite our hotel, there was a Rani Sati Temple, built in 1942 by a family from Bikaner. Near the waterfront, I spied the Kaladan Mosque, for Sunni Muslims; not far away, the Surati Sunni Jamae Masjid amidst the marketplace on Lower Main Road. With all that religious diversity, it was only to be expected that the food would be as much a smorgasbord of tastes and flavors. I had khau swey and grilled fish redolent with fresh spices at the Only Thai restaurant, even though my local travellers warned me that authentic khau swey could only be had in Shan state. The May South Indian Chetty Restaurant on Strand Road served up rice, sambar, rasam and fiery chicken and mutton curries. For two consecutive nights, I dined at a streetside stall, where the keema curry was as reminiscent of Kolkata’s Metiabruz , as the rotis were soft; and the Hindi-speaking owner waited solicitously over us. He also had dosa on the menu. The bill: no more than 3 US dollars. After the meal, I stopped to tuck in gulabjamun and balushahi barely 100 metres from my hotel. Meanwhile, the locals are in no hurry to give up their traditions. Women and children continue to apply thanaka, the yellowish-white bark paste to their faces: it serves as astringent, mosquito repellent, sunscreen and prevents acne. The longyi remains the preferred attire, even as Giordano has made its appearance on the high street. Mendicants from the monastic school go around collecting rice and fruit just before lunch time: that no child ever goes hungry is a testimony to the charity and kindness of a people who stay proud as they emerge from nearly three decades of military rule.
For two consecutive nights, I dined at a streetside stall, where the keema curry was as reminiscent of Kolkata’s Metiabruz, as the rotis were soft; and the Hindi-speaking owner waited solicitously over us.
Locals captured by the lens of Kunal Sinha
6 october-november 2013
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SpeCIal Feature
development Corridorsin MyanmarMyanmar represents a significant opportunity for India to position itself as a key economic partner of Myanmar, a country rich in resources, in close proximity to India and a bridge to the rest of South East Asia. Recent political changes and economic reforms in the country have offered new openings that should be pursued, but we will now find ourselves in a much more competitive environment as the country is opening up to the rest of the world. A coordinated strategy involving the government and private sector is essential, with a clear set of priorities and a willingness to follow through on decisions made.
BILATERAL TRADE• India’s policy towards Myanmar in the last decade and more has allowed a steady growth in our economic engagement. India is undertaking several development cooperation projects in Myanmar which are earning us political goodwill. Our trade and commercial ties have also grown. As per latest trade figures two way bilateral trade amounted to US$ 1.95 billion in 2012-13 which is almost three times the trade figure in 2005-06 (Annexure 2 gives trade data). Myanmar, however, enjoys a large trade surplus with its exports at US$ 1.404 billion in 2012-13, contributed principally by pulses and timber. Our exports have also grown to US$ 545 million. While it rose sharply by 70 percent in 2011-12 over the previous year, but remained flat last year. The jump in the last couple of years has come from our participation in some large projects in Myanmar involving railway equipment, steel pipes, etc. Additionally our exports of pharmaceuticals, tractors, machinery and steel products have also shown significant increase in recent years.• But considering Myanmar’s size and proximity and the fact that we figure only at No. 7 in terms of Myanmar’s overall imports the potential is far more.
The author of this article, Shyam Saran - Chairman, Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) and Chairman, National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) source: asiasociety.org
7 october-november 2013
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SpeCIal Feature
Visiting Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (L) shakes hands with Myanmar President Thein Sein during their meeting at the President’s house in Naypidaw onMay 28, 2012. India’s prime minister signed a host of agreements with Myanmar onMay 28th in a historic visit aimed at boosting trade and energy links and contesting the influence of regional rival China. | photo: globalpost.com
With the economic reforms underway in Myanmar and the progressive lifting of western sanctions on the country, it will now be possible to engage in direct trade and settle payments without use of intermediaries. But in the wake of the new competitive environment in Myanmar it is important that some business facilitation measures are taken by us. It is suggested, to begin with, that the current shipping service between Chennai and Port Blair, and Kolkata and Port Blair, run by Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), could be extended to Yangon. The establishment of direct shipping services is considered indispensable to promoting trade relations with Myanmar. There is also need to establish direct daily air services between Delhi and one or two other of our metros with Yangon.
BORDER TRADE AND TRADE THROUGH THE BORDER• There is also very little economic engagement between the North Eastern Region (NER) and Myanmar. While NER’s trade with Bangladesh shows a link between resource and industry, NER’s trade with Myanmar through land border is mostly transit trade, of which a large volume is informal trade and contraband. In 2012-13, India’s recorded export to Myanmar through the land border at Moreh was a paltry Rs. 26.20 crore, which is however much higher than the Rs. 4.94 crore recorded in 2007-08. On the other hand, India’s imports from Myanmar increased to Rs. 15.09 crore in 2012-13 from Rs. 13.47 crore in 2007-08. These trade figures, however, do not include the large levels of informal trade that take place through the border trade points, which have not been systematically recorded thus far.
The establishment of direct shipping services is considered indispensable to promoting trade relations with Myanmar. There is also need to establish direct daily air services between Delhi and one or two other of our metros with Yangon.
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8 october-november 2013
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This section is sponsored by: www.businessworld.in
MYANMAR is preparing to enact the Consumer Protection Law in a bid to ensure safety of locally manufactured products, said Khin Maung Lay, Myanmar’s Director General of the Ministry of Commerce.“The key point is to protect the consumers, and there are also promises (we) made to the other ASEAN countries.“Meanwhile, if something goes wrong, the parties concerned (can) seek a solution together, rather than getting punished,” the director general said during a workshop on consumer protection at the ministry office in Yangon.
Myanmar exported over 1.39 million tonnes of agricultural products worth over US$ 845.3 million from April 1 to August 23 in 2013-2014 fiscal year. Over 42 million tonnes of agricultural products were exported and Myanmar earned over US$ 2 billion in last fiscal year 2012-2013. In this fiscal year, the export volume of rice and rice-related product is over US$ 138 million and beans and pulses is over US$ 340 million. Although Myanmar earned high incomes from kitchen crops export, the incomes from rice and rice related products, beans and pulses and perennial crops decreased.
BuSINeSS
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Myanmar to enact Consumer protection law
Myanmar earns over uS$ 840 Million from agricultural export
world’s largest Food Company enters MyanmarSwitzerland-based Nestle, the largest food company in the world in terms of revenues, will soon build a factory and manufacture its products in Myanmar according to DICA.
Nestle Myanmar Co Ltd was formed upon the permission of the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (DICA) on September 16.Nestlé’s products include baby food, drinking water, cereals, coffee, confectionery, dairy products, ice cream, pet food and snacks. Twenty-nine of Nestlé’s brands—including Nescafe, Kit Kat, and Maggi—have annual sales of over one billion Swiss francs (about US$1.1 billion).Nestlé, which has its headquarters in Vevey, Switzerland, operates about 450 factories in 86 countries, with nearly 328,000 staff. It is one of the main shareholders of L’Oreal, the world’s largestcosmetic company. The well-known food and beverages companies such as Coca Cola, Pepsi, and Unilever have already built factories in Myanmar.
Nestle’s Food Processing Factory in France | photo : fdbusiness.com
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9 october-november 2013
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local Companies Investing over Ks 713 Billion in Construction
SMes urged to tap Myanmar Market
New Investment regulations Will Benefit Myanmar and its Investors
Local companies have invested over 713 billion Kyats in the construction sector, mainly in apartment blocks in Yangon, according to officials. An announcement by the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration on July 31, details the investments made by Myanmar companies, which is topping the current foreign investment going into the real estate market. “Lately apartment buildings, office apartments and hotels have been constructed, mostly by local investors. We are inspecting the quality of buildings including hotels, office apartments and condominiums jointly with shopping mall and apartments,” said Than Myint, Chairman of the Committee for Quality Control of High-rise Building Projects.
The International Trade Promotion Department is putting emphasis on Myanmar as it promotes more trade and investment in Asean.After opening a Trade and Investment Consultant Centre in Yangon recently, Srirat Rastapana, director-general of the department, said her agency would continue to encourage Thai companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, to do more business in Myanmar.
Oil and gas industry experts have said that the new regulations for oil and gas exploration bids will benefit Myanmar financially and promote investment sharing.The Ministry of Energy has released the new Standard Regulations (PSC/IPR) for interested bidders on oil and gas blocks in Myanmar.Under the new regulations, the country will have 2.5% more financial benefits and 10% more investment sharing. Financial benefits have been increased from 10% to 12.5% and investment sharing 25% from 15% It also stipulates mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Social Impact Assessment (SIA) of investors.Oil Industry expert Kyaw Kyaw Hlaing said, “The new regulations are good as only investors who can abide by the rules can invest and conduct business.”He added that the new regulations will benefit investors too as they will have two more years of tax holiday.Under the previous rule, investors could enjoy only 3 years tax holiday and now it has been increased to 5 years.As per the new regulations, the contractors must sell 10% of oil and gas extracted from the blocks to the country at 75% of the market price for domestic consumption. Kyaw Kyaw Hlaing said, “We need to have standard regulations otherwise there will be no remedy for investors if they have grievances. It will also be advantageous for the country and I am glad that environment protection is included in its.”
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INVeStMeNt
Myanmar invites bid for 30 offshore oil, gas blocks - A file photo of oil tanks at a site operated by China National Petroleum Corporation at an offshore block of Madae Island near the town of Kyauk Phyu of Rakhine State, Western Myanmar. | photo : afp
10 october-november 2013
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INVeStMeNtKunlone hydropower project on thanlwin river to Begin in 2013
Moneygram expands Money transfer Service to Myanmar
The Kunlone hydropower project, a joint venture between the Myanmar government and Chinese Hanergy Holding Company will begin this year.The project will generate 1400 megawatt of electricity.U Sai Htun Yin, the Minister of Electric Power from Shan state said, “We are negotiating with the Chinese company for signing a Joint Venture Agreement. The project will not only support Shan state but also the whole country. The electricity generated will be distributed to the rest of Myanmar through a super electrical grid.”
MGI), a leading global money transfer company, announced today that its international money transfer service will be available in Myanmar. Services will be provided through an alliance with three banks: Asia Green Development (AGD) Bank, Myanmar Citizens Bank (MCB) and Tun Foundation Bank (TFB). “We are happy to announce that we will be reaching consumers in Myanmar through our alliance with these exceptional bank agents,” said Grant Lines, MoneyGram senior vice president of APAC, South Asia and Middle East.
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uS top Clothing Brand opens outlet in YangonVan Heusen, US top-selling menswear brand, has opened its first outlet in Myanmar at the Parkson Departmental Store, FMI Centre in the commercial city Yangon, according to VH Myanmar Ltd.There are rapid changes taking place in Myanmar. To serve the market need for quality and reliable clothing brands, Van Heusen has entered Myanmar, according to a statement from Van Heusen.Van Heusen earlier appointed VH Myanmar as their representative in Myanmar. More Van Heusen stores will be opened in Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw and other major cities, said VH Myanmar.“To keep abreast of international trends, Van Heusen’s latest products and services are now available,” said She Hwa Tong, Managing Director of VH Myanmar.Van Huesen’s clothes are manufactured using high technologies. As the post-purchase service, Van Heusen said they will repair and mend free of charge those damaged or torn Van Heusen shirts and trousers. “We have come here to encourage Myanmar people’s dreams come true. Myanmar is now re-engaged with the global community. There are many economic and investment opportunities in Myanmar,” said a spokesperson from Van Heusen.Van Heusen, established since 1881, is the top-notch brand at the menswear markets in India, Australia and other Southeast Asian nations. It is a subsidiary of PVH Corporation that owns many famous clothing brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, IZOD, Arrow and G. H. Bass. more
Van Heusen outlet in Parkson Departmental Storephoto: indianurbaninfrastructure.com
YANGON,Myanmar-(BUSINESS WIRE)-- MoneyGram (NASDAQ:
11 october-november 2013
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INVeStMeNt
Foreign Investment in Myanmar Surges, Officerents SizzleMyanmar has approved more foreign direct investment in the past five months than all of last year, but companies setting up operations in the hot frontier market face a growing problem: Southeast Asia’s highest office rental rates.Myanmar has approved FDI projects worth more than $1.8 billion from the start of the fiscal year on April 1 to the end of August, compared with $1.4 billion in the whole previous fiscal year, Aung Naing Oo, a director general at the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development, told Reuters.But he said he fears potential foreign investors will be turned away by a severe shortage of office rental space.The wave of investment comes as Myanmar’s quasi-civilian government implements political and economic reforms, initiated two years ago by President Thein Sein, a former general who led the country out of 49 years of military rule and global isolation.The European Union agreed in April to lift all sanctions on Myanmar, while the United States suspended sanctions in May last year and allowed U.S. companies to invest through a general license. Some American executives have urged Washington to go further and lift sanctions entirely.Most of the approved FDI came from other Asian nations, said Aung Naing Oo. “Malaysia, which brought about $500 million for manufacturing
A line of vehicles drive through Shwegontai junction, one of the busiest junctions in the city, in Yangon, July 3, 2013. photo : voanews.com
The European Union agreed in April to lift all sanctions on Myanmar, while the United States suspended sanctions in May last year and allowed U.S. companies to invest through a general license.
12 october-november 2013
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INVeStMeNtNissan cars, is the biggest investor during this fiscal (year) in terms of size followed by Hong Kong and South Korea, who injected funds in the garment industry,” he said.Nissan Motor Co plans to start a complete knock down production of its cars in Myanmar with a Malaysian partner Tan Chong Motor Holdings Bhd, the Japanese automaker said on Friday, becoming the first major global carmaker to be assembling cars in the Southeast Asian country.The rising tide of foreign investment is fuelling a property boom in the commercial capital Yangon with the increasing demand for rental space feeding the highest office rental rates of any Southeast Asian city, according to real-estate firm Colliers International, which opened a branch in Yangon in July. Colliers put the average rental rate in Yangon at nearly $80 per square metre, compared to about $25 in Bangkok and $30 in Hanoi. At about $70 per square meter, even the affluent city-state of Singapore doesn’t match Yangon, it said.Scipio Services, a Yangon-based firm that helps foreign companies establish themselves in Myanmar, puts prime office rental rates even higher. According to their survey, commercial spaces in the few business towers available jumped from $50 per square metre in mid-2011 to as much as $90 by May this year.
SKELETAL STAFFSome companies choose to rent houses and villas in lieu of office space, said Brett Miller, Scipio Services’ managing director. But residential rates have also shot up, with villas ranging in price from $4,000 per month to $25,000, he said. As a result, some companies “are coming in with a small footprint,” stationing only skeleton staff in the country, he said.Other companies base executives in neighbouring Thailand and fly them to Yangon where they stay at hotels, said Tony Picon, Colliers’ managing director in Myanmar. “I call them the ‘half-pats’, spending around half their time in Yangon,” he said.Aung Naing Oo said the government is taking measures to increase the supply of rental space.“To solve the problem of the shortage of hotel and office apartments, we are now encouraging investors in these sectors by approving their proposals very speedily,” he said.Drastic rises in property prices are being driven partly by land speculators. Miller at Scipio Services said the government could implement a “holding tax” that would encourage landowners to either build on a property or sell it to a developer. Picon, however, was sceptical the government could enforce compliance. “For tax on unused land, the owner could build something small and say the land is being used,” he said. “Overall I find using tax often counterproductive especially when you have limited capacity within government to enforce laws.” (Editing by Jason Szep/Simon Cameron-Moore)
Myanmar becomes such a country which is found most interesting by the world to make foreign investment. | photo: thefuturemyanmar.com
Colliers put the average rental rate in Yangon at nearly $80 per square metre, compared to about $25 in Bangkok and $30 in Hanoi. At about $70 per square meter, even the affluent city-state of Singapore doesn’t match Yangon, it said.
13 october-november 2013
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NatIoN NewS
Countdown to the Sea GamesWith less than 100 days to go, the countdown is on until the opening ceremony of the 27th Southeast Asian Games in Myanmar on 11 December. Competitors and officials alike are busy preparing for an event will undoubtedly pose a logistical challenge for the capital city, Naypyidaw.The fact that the Southeast Asian Games Federation Council decided to award Myanmar with the hosting of one of the most popular and important sports competitions in the region indicates that the new government has won acceptance and trust among its counterparts.From a sports point of view at least, it appears that Burmese officials are self-confident. The last time they hosted the games in 1969, Myanmar won 149 medals. Speaking earlier this year, Minister of Sports Tint San was quoted saying: “Although we target more gold medals at the 27th SEA Games, we will compete in the games with dignity.”A total of 33 sports will be contested with 11 nations participating. However, even before the stadiums had been fully constructed, Burmese games officials were criticised for manipulating the sports in a way that favours domestic athletes. Myanmar opted to exclude popular sports such as tennis, badminton, gymnastics and beach volleyball—the latter, reported to be for reasons that the sportswear was “not suitable for Myanmar culture”. Meanwhile, substitutes were found in traditional but rare disciplines such as vovinam (a martial arts form, originally Vietnamese) and chinlone (an acrobatic Burmese rattan ball game). This led to letters of complaint from Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Paired with the sports minister’s words about targeting as many medals as possible, it’s clear Myanmar got off to a bad start in the game of public relations.
Preparations are under way with less than 100 days to go till the opening ceremony of the SEA Games in Naypyidaw.
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Golden spires of Massein monastery are seen on the banks of Myanmar’s upper Chindwin riverphotograph: cynthia nejame
luxury river Cruise opens up Mysteries of MyanmarMANDALAY, Myanmar (AP) — After closing its doors to the West for half a century, Myanmar has reopened, inviting all to come and discover its treasures, ancient palaces of kings long gone, legends and mysteries told in stone. And the world is expected to come.These are the early days, perhaps the best, and with ill-equipped roads and railways, there is no better way to explore than by river. Public ferries crisscross through glistening green paddies; old teak fishing boats can be rented by the day.And now, there is the luxury riverboat cruise. In late July, the Orcaella made its maiden voyage on a 1,600-kilometer (994-mile) journey deep into Myanmar’s interior, almost to the border of India. It is operated by the Orient Express, the group that runs luxury hotels, trains and boats globally. It’s not a handsome ship from the outside. As the cruise’s first 30 travelers board in Mandalay, it seems squat and square and a bit worn out. But once we step over the gangplank and enter the roomy lounge, our impression changes completely.more
14 october-november 2013
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Myanmar approvesKs 425 Billion for New Construction projectsThe Myanmar government has approved Ks 425 billion (US$ 438 million) to be used for three construction projects in Yangon, sources say.The projects will be implemented over three years, with half of the profits from each project to be shared with Yangon City Development Committee (YCDC). Shwe Taung Junction City Development Co Ltd will invest Ks200 billion in the joint-venture project with YCDC at open-air Bogyoke Market in Yangon.Meanwhile, Asia Myanmar Consortium Development Co Ltd will invest Ks125 billion in the construction of the Theinbyu Driving Practice Ground on Kandawgyi Road.Crown Advanced Construction Co Ltd will set up a construction project worth Ks100 billion at the former location of Hanthawady Car Dealer’s Centre. The total investment for the three companies is equal to one-fifth of the total income earned by the Internal Revenue Department during the fiscal year of 2012-13.At Bogyoke Market, Shwe Taung Co will build a 32-storey hotel, a 28-storey office-tower, a 34-storey residential twin tower, and shopping malls. The first phase of the project will be completed in three years.Profit sharing between Shwe Taung and YCDC will be set at a ratio of 48.37 percent to 51.63 percent. For the construction project at Hanthawady Car Dealer’s Centre, Crown Advanced will take 48 percent of the benefit while YCDC will take 52 percent.
The site for Open Air Market and New Bogyoke Market seen in September 26 late afternoon. | photo: aung myo thant
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Myanmar rice Federation to Broaden Micro Finance opportunities for FarmersThe Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF) has announced plans to coordinate with local and foreign organizations to increase the number of microfinance businesses in Myanmar’s rice sector. According to a spokesperson from the Federation, the plans were unveiled in an attempt (i) to broaden the financing opportunities for farmers with minimal farmland, (ii) boost the productivity of agricultural products, (iii) bring sustainability to microfinance businesses operating in the rice sector. According to an official from MRF, they will host a presentation for companies interested in launching microfinance businesses, which will cover the laws, regulations and procedures related to the industry, which were enacted in 2011-2012. Government microfinance programs in Myanmar are minimal. State-owned Myanmar Agricultural Development (MADB) extends small loans of up to 100,000 Kyats per acre for rice growers and 20,000 Kyats per acre for other crops growers, with an interest rate of 8% per annum. However, the bank denies loans to farmers with farmland of 10 acres and above, believing they can mortgage their farmland for loans. The recently opened Myanmar Microfinance Bank (MMB), which is still waiting for the Central Bank’s approval to start operations, will only extend small loans of 20,000 Kyats to 30,000 Kyats with an interest rate of 30% per annum.
15 october-november 2013
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Ministerial team to Visit Indo-Myanmar Border
a New role for India in Myanmar
Japan to enter Myanmar’s property and Construction Industries
IMPHAL: A ministerial team will ‘soon’ visit Indo-Myanmar border to study the undemarcated areas in Chandel district, Manipur Home Minister Gaikhangam said.“A cabinet team will soon make an enquiry on whether the proposed erection of border fencing near border pillar 76 would bifurcate several border villages of Manipur in Chandel district,” Gakhangam who is also Deputy Chief Minister said while attending a public function here yesterday.He said the proposed fencing work was initiated by the governments of the two countries and all efforts would be made to protect the territories of the tiny border state.
Given the transition taking place in Myanmar from authoritarianism to democracy in the midst of ongoing communal and ethnic violence on the one hand and reform initiatives by the new regime on the other, the Indian mission in Myanmar faces immense challenges as well as opportunities. How well it is going to capitalise on these opportunities and ward off challenges is going to have a wide-ranging impact on the future of India-Myanmar relations. However, the chore is not free from caveat. The road ahead is full of challenge. The upcoming diplomatic row over the border issue in Manipur over the pillar 76 on Indo-Myanmar border in Holenphai village near Moreh has added to the existing problems.
A business delegation from Japan arrived in Nay Pyi Taw on September 17 to discuss investment in Myanmar’s property and construction industries with officials from the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (DICA).The delegation was led by Mr. Shin Hnoto, deputy director of Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLIT).During a visit in August, the minister had said that Japan would invest more in Myanmar’s transportation sector and hospitality industry.Japan is the main investor in the Thilawa Special Economic Zone, which includes factories, high-tech, textiles, labor intensive and manufacturing industries. Nine Myanmar public companies and a Japanese consortium (comprised of Mitsubishi Corp., Marubeni Corp. and Sumitomo Corp) are engaged in the zone development. On May 25, an agreement was signed between U Win Aung, chairman of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI), and an official of Mitsubishi Corp. The signing was witnessed by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.Japanese companies have also shown interest in the Dawei Special Economic Zone, which includes proposed infrastructure projects such as a deep-sea port, a Myanmar-Thai highway, power plants, a dam, and residential housing.Japan is the top investor in Myanmar’s manufacturing sector so far, and more Japanese companies are closely looking at opportunities to invest in other industries. more
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Thilawa Special Economic Zone with Japanese participation| photo: sithu aung
world lINKS
16 october-november 2013
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Myanmar to play Key role in China’sSupply linksMYANMAR is likely to play a key role in China’s bid to intensify supply-chain links with mainland South-east Asia, which could both create business opportunities and sharpen competition for certain segments of industry here, Kerry Logistics Network chairman George Yeo has said.Singapore’s former foreign minister said China is looking to expand its links with South-east Asia and will explore all channels, including those by land and by sea, to do so.And even though borders between China and Asean have become additional open and road links have improved, the opening up of Myanmar is “the last piece of the jigsaw” that has been slotted into place to link China, Asean and peripheral nations, including India, he said. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of Supply Chain Asia Forum, an annual gathering of the supply-chain industry here, Mr Yeo said that the deep-sea port of Kyaukphyu in Myanmar’s Rakhine state, for example, will be strategically significant to China, for it is there that pipelines to export oil and gas to China from Myanmar will begin. more
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world lINKSMyanmar’s parliamentary Speaker Visits pM Yingluck
India Contributes $1 Mn for Violence hitrakhinein Myanmar
BANGKOK, 5th September 2013 (NNT) - Myanmar’s parliamentary speaker for the Union Assembly’s Upper House Khin Aung Myint has paid a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra during his official visit to Thailand as a parliamentary guest to strengthen parliamentary ties between both nations. Mr.Teerat Ratanasevi, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office said Prime Minister Yingluck welcomed Khin Aung Myint during his official visit, which would greatly contribute to the Thai- Myanmar relationship, in terms of legislation in particular. Both expressed gratitude for the close relationship that Thailand and Myanmar have shared and affirmed to continue developing cooperation for the benefit of the people of both countries.
India handed over a cheque of USD one million to Myanmar for development projects in Rakhine state, which was hit by communal clashes last year.Indian Ambassador to Myanmar Gautam Mukhopadhaya symbolically handed over a cheque of USD 1 million for construction of 10 schools in four townships in Rakhine State as India’s contribution towards the reconciliation process between the two communities there, an official release said here.
Myanmar pipeline to benefit China. | photo: arakanoilwatch.org
17 october-november 2013
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WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States on Thursday welcomed Myanmar’s signing of an agreement with the U.N. atomic watchdog that will require it to declare any nuclear activities and allow inspections — the latest step by the former pariah nation toward openness.But citing concern about human rights abuses and ties with North Korea, Republican lawmakers urged caution in further deepening U.S. ties with Myanmar’s powerful military.The Obama administration has moved rapidly to ease sanctions against Myanmar as it has undertaken democratic reforms after decades of repressive military rule. The engagement policy has been motivated partly by a desire to cut the military ties that the former ruling junta forged with North Korea.On Tuesday, Myanmar took a step long urged by Washington: the signing the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Additional Protocol to its existing safeguards agreements.That could help address lingering suspicions that the secretive junta may have pursued a nuclear weapons program. The State Department said Thursday the protocol would help move the country also known as Myanmar “increasingly in line with international nonproliferation norms and standards.”Independent nonproliferation experts also welcomed the signing as a promising step, but said it could take several years for Myanmar to ratify and bring the agreement into force.
Myanmar will start construction of a thermal power plant soon to supply power to planned Thilawa Special Economic Zone (SEZ), official media reported Monday.The thermal power plant project, which lies in Yangon region’s Thakayta township, will start on over 20 hectares as the first phase by the end of this year and is set to complete in December 2014.The power plant, which would generate 500 megawatts’ electricity, will be built by Hanza International Company with the support of 18 companies including a Korea-based Western Power Company.The memorandum of understanding on the project was signed early this month.The planned Thilawa SEZ project, which includes factories, high-tech industry, textile, labor intensive industry and manufacturing industry, is being jointly developed by Myanmar and Japan, with Myanmar holding 51 percent stake and Japan with 49 percent.Myanmar is to finance the construction of infrastructure such as power station, roads and bridges outside Thilawa SEZ.Thilawa SEZ project covering an area of over 2,000 hectares lies between Thanlyin and Kyauktan townships in Yangon region.
power aNd eNerGY SeCtor
Myanmar to Start thermal power plant Construction
Myanmar will start construction of a thermal power plant soon to supply power to the upcoming Thilawa Special Economic Zone (SEZ).photo: mitsubishicorp.com
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uS welcomes Myanmar Signing Nuclear agreement
18 october-november 2013
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Parami Energy Development is a branch of the Parami Group of Companies, working in the oil and gas industry in Myanmar. Parami CEO U Ken Tun here discusses Myanmar’s energy sector, including his view of investment, local requirements, production and exportsIn the last bidding round in 2012, the government awarded seven international exploration companies a total of nine onshore blocks. Now we have a historic bidding round for around 48 blocks currently ongoing. The government requires investors to partner with local companies when bidding for onshore and shallow water blocks, and forbids local companies operating in deep water blocks. It seems to me that the government does not want local companies to take substantial risk in deep water, where it costs up to US$100 million to drill a well.On the other hand, this policy will deter Myanmar companies from having access to the knowledge and knowhow for deep water operations forever. The Myanmar Citizens Investment laws encourage Myanmar companies to work together with international investors in kind or in cash. Resources are depletable.
thai Company proposes to Build 60 Mw Gas power plant in daweiThai-based Admin Power & Utility Co Ltd has submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Electric Power to build a 60 megawatt power plant in Dawei district that runs on natural gas from Zawtika gas project, officials from the company said yesterday.As part of the 500 megawatt natural gas power plant project, the 60 megawatt power plant will be built within eight months to supply electricity to Dawei area after receiving permission from the ministry, according to the officials.Officials and an engineer team from the company visited Dawei yesterday morning to study the area where the power plant will be built and meet with the chief minister of Tanintharyi Region.“Admin Power & Utility Co Ltd has signed a MOU with the Ministry of Electric Power to conduct preliminary survey to build the natural gas power plant project in Kanpauk area. We are now in the last stage of the preliminary survey. [The project] can generate 500 megawatt power. It will take a long to build a power line and power plant [for the 500 megawatt power plant project],” said an official from Admin Power & Utility Co Ltd.“As we will start receiving natural gas around March 2014, we will try to build this 60 megawatt power plant quickly in order not to waste the gas. At the same time, we will build the 230 KVA power line from Kanpauk to Dawei. It will take eight months to construct the 60 megawatt power plant and the 230 KVA power line. We’ve already bought the 60 megawatt machine,” said the official.
A chosen site seen in Kanpauk area to build a 60MW power plant photo: zin/emg
Parami Group CEO U Ken Tun.
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parami talks oil and Gas - analysis
power aNd eNerGY SeCtor
19 october-november 2013
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electricity woes Block Myanmar’s path to developmentThe bidding is finished and initial offers have been made, but the Myanmar telecom licenses story is far from over. Myanmar offered licenses to Norway’s Telenor and Qatar’s Ooredoo on June 27, after a bidding and selection process that lasted several months.It is well known that the companies invited to set up operations in Myanmar stand to gain massive sums financially, as this is one of the least wired countries in the world and the market is ripe for development.But Myanmar is a country in flux, to put it mildly, and those potential rewards will not be gained without facing some very real risks. Many have pointed out that Myanmar’s government, which has been attempting to prove to the world that it is on the path to democratization and some measure of transparency, continues to be linked to stories of ethnic cleansing and civil unrest.“Political upheaval always raises the risks” for investors, said Ken Cheung, a partner at Berwin Leighton Paisner’s Singapore office. Whether or not their forays into the Burmese market will pay off for Telenor and Ooredoo remains to be seen.“Given where Myanmar is in its general infrastructure, it’s going to be a challenge,” Cheung said. “I think the pressure is on.”Indeed, it will be interesting to see how these companies fare as it could indicate the future of international investment in a country that is in many ways underdeveloped. Up to this point, there has been a good deal of protest and criticism from locals and rights watchers over resource extraction projects by foreign companies that force farmers off their land, either temporarily or permanently, leading seriously damaging losses. In many cases, the natural resources are used in other countries and profits go to the Burmese government, meaning that most people who live in the affected areas benefit little to almost not at all.
INFraStruCture
“Given where Burma is in its general infrastructure, it’s going to be a challenge,” Cheung said. “I think the pressure is on.”
Yangon, Myanmar regularly experiences electricity shortages. | photo: ap
20 october-november 2013
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INFraStruCtureIn the case of telecoms and other infrastructure investment, however, even the common man stands to gain. While it seems all too possible that they will be exploited, greater mobile and Internet access in a country that has one of the lowest penetration rates in the world can only be a good thing.The same might be said for another sector that is absolutely crucial for genuine development in Myanmar.“If the country is going to develop, it’s vital for power and electricity to develop,” Cheung said.In a recent article on General Electric’s interests in Myanmar, Forbes writer Simon Montlake noted that only 13 percent of the country’s population is on the grid. If the government wants to convince the world that it is truly committed to growth and change, it’s going to have to get power and electricity to much more of the country.It would seem this is especially vital if major telecom corporations are going to be setting up and attempting to create widespread mobile and Internet networks throughout the country. Here again, international power and electric conglomerates may stand to make great deals of money, but may be hesitant to dive in too quickly. Cheung said potential investors are likely to be watching how other foreign businesses are received and their opportunities for success before diving in.“Companies are being very wary at this time,” he said.The Irrawaddy noted that growing electricity needs due to increased factory production and tourism are straining an already outdated system. In a May piece, writer William Boot cautioned that Myanmar could follow the dark path of neighboring Bangladesh, which makes promises and proclamations about developing power sources but almost never follows through. This leads to losses of growth and income, which would be a true shame in a country like Myanmar, where there is so much possibility for not only investors to make money but to improve the quality of life for the people there. According to a 2012 article from The Economist, “three out of four people in [Myanmar] live in the dark.”It will be difficult to invite foreign development in other sectors until improvements in electricity generation and distribution are made. Cheung noted that this will likely require heavy government involvement, as well as participation by organizations such as the World Bank, to bring Myanmar to where it needs to be.The World Bank issued a press release in February confirming that it supports Myanmar’s efforts toward greater access to power. That statement quoted World Bank East Asia and the Pacific Vice President Axel van Trotsenburg as saying, “Sufficient, reliable and affordable electricity will help relieve poverty in rural areas and create opportunities for all.”Cooperation with the World Bank may help Myanmar’s government work with foreign investors and mitigate risk, further enticing them to do business in the country. Karin Finkelston, IFC Asia Pacific Vice President, was quoted by the World Bank as saying, “Mobile phone connections, ports, and power lines create jobs and link people to markets, enabling the flow of goods and services. IFC is also working with ACLEDA Bank to bring sustainable microfinance to the people in [Myanmar].”reference: asian correspondent
Cooperation with the World Bank may help Burma’s government work with foreign investors and mitigate risk, further enticing them to do business in the country.
21 october-november 2013
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Ministry announces winners of airport BidsThe Ministry of Transport has announced the winning bidders for the development and upgrading of three international airports in state media on 10 August 2013. Pioneer Aerodrome Services, a subsidiary of Asia World Co., Ltd, was granted a contract to renovate Yangon International Airport, while a consortium consisting of Singapore-based Yongnam-CAPE-JGC was selected as the backup, should Pioneer fail to meet its obligations.The project consists of expanding the airport’s capacity to 6 million from the current 2.7 million passengers per year. For the upgrading of Mandalay International Airport in Central Myanmar, a consortium between Mitsubishi Corporation, Japan’s Jalux Inc. and local SPA Project Management Ltd, a subsidiary of Yoma Strategic Holdings, was selected whereas France-based VINCI Airports qualified as a backup company. A consortium led by South Korea’s Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC) was chosen for the construction of Hantharwaddy International Airport, with Yongnam-CAPE-JGC Consortium being the backup.The US$ 1.1 billion project is located in Bago Region, and will be a major hub for international and domestic flights. According to the Ministry of Transport, the airport will have a total capacity of 12 million passengers a year. IIAC aims to start airport operations by 2018 and has been granted concession for a 50 year term. According to a spokesperson from the Directorate of Civil Aviation, a binding contract between the Ministry and the consortium is to be signed within 2 months. The development of Hantharwaddy International Airport was unveiled in 1996 but stalled due to various reasons. These three projects are scheduled to begin work in early 2014
YANGON: Myanmar says it will improve local tour guide competency in anticipation of a boom in tourism following its 28 August ruling that fully opened four border crossing points along the Thai-Myanmar border areas.The four overland checkpoints include Tachileik-Mae Sai, Myawady-Mae Sot, Kawthaung-Ranong and Htee Khee-Sunaron. Previously travellers could pass through the checkpoints, but they had to return by the same route.
Myanmar’s automotive market is likely to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8 per cent (2013-2019), driven by a growing economy, infrastructure development and increasing income.Mr. Dushyant Sinha, Associate Director, Automotive Practice, Asia Pacific at Frost & Sullivan said that real growth is likely to start only after 2014.New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.automotive.frost.com) CEO 360 Degree Perspective of the Automotive Market in Myanmar finds that the market, currently dominated by used vehicles, is likely to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8 per cent (2012-2019) to reach 95,300 units in 2019 due to greater integration with the rest of ASEAN.
Myanmar trains More Guides
Ceo 360 degree perspective of the automotive Market in Myanmar Forecasts Cagr of 7.8%
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Inside the domestic terminal at Yangon’s International Airportphoto: simon roughneen/the irrawaddy
22 october-november 2013
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The Minister of Sports, Myanmar has invited graffiti artist Arkar Kyaw – who became an overnight hit in November last year when he painted a mural of US President Barack Obama ahead of his landmark trip to Myanmar – to ply his trade in Naypyidaw as part of a promotion for the upcoming Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.Myanmar will host the 27th SEA Games at stadiums and venues in Rangoon, Mandalay, Naypyidaw and Ngwe Saung from 11 to 22 December. Speaking to DVB on Tuesday, the director of the Sports and Physical Education Department, Htay Aung, said Arkar Kyaw has been invited to paint a mural at a site near Center Market in the capital. “The sports minister would like Arkar Kyaw to paint something related to the SEA Games in the central part of the city,” he said. “We will set up a huge billboard for him. We just need to get permission from Naypyidaw council.”Arkar Kyaw will be offered to spray-paint a billboard 18 feet high and 60 feet long. Htay Aung said the ministry would not rule out the possibility of further contracts for the urban artist if his work is met with approval.The Rangoon-based graffiti artist confirmed that he has already met with a sports department official. He told DVB that he does not know the exact details of the proposal but said he would be happy to oblige. In recent years, as Myanmar emerges from decades of military rule, more and more graffiti artists’ works have appeared on walls and at sites around Rangoon.
SoCIetY/ art/ Culturethe Fading away of Myanmar traditional pottery Businesses
A young lady is gracefully moving her artistic hands and fingers through the clay on the spinning wheel to make a pot.But such kind of traditional scene could very well disappear in near future because of the volatile business environment that eats into such traditional arts and crafts. The number of people doing such work is on the decline and may disappear forever if nothing is done to keep the tradition alive.The young lady inherits this work from her 50-year old mother since she was in seventh grade. Her mother, Daw Hnyar, is a small pottery business owners in Twantay Township, one of the famous townships for ceramic pottery in Myanmar, located sixteen miles away from Yangon. Daw Hnyar has been in this business for her entire life. Her knowledge was handed down from generation to generation through her family line. She spoke passionately about her work and about her desire to expand the family business.
Graffiti Artist Invited to leave his Mark in Naypyidaw
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Clay and glaze products from Twantay | photo: regent-myanmar.com
Artist Arker Kyaw poses with the graffiti welcoming U.S. President Barack Obama in Yangon, Myanmar, at dawn on Saturday, Nov. 17, When Arker Kyaw heard Obama was coming to Myanmar, he gathered 15 cans of spray paint and headed for a blank brick wall under cover of darkness. Kyaw, whose passion is graffiti, labored from 3 am until the sun came up. photo: gemunu amarasinghe
23 october-november 2013
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paying heed to healthMyanmar Health Care System has been evolving with the changing political and administrative systems. The relative roles played by the key providers, both public and private, are also changing although the Ministry of Health remains the major provider of comprehensive health care. It has a pluralistic mix of public and private system, both in the financing and provision sectors. The rising need of health care policies, on the Government priority list, is opening up new opportunities for foreign engagement. Foreign companies will only be allowed to invest in private hospitals and clinics on a 70:30 ratio with local partners, according to the Deputy Health Minister, Dr Thein Thein Htay. The presence of foreign businesses will allow better job opportunities for doctors, nurses, and skilled workers.In implementing the objective of uplifting the health status of the entire nation, the Ministry of Health is taking the responsibility of providing comprehensive health care services covering activities for promoting health, preventing diseases, providing effective treatment and rehabilitation to raise the health status of the population. The Department of Health one of seven departments under the Ministry of Health plays a major role in providing comprehensive health care throughout the country including remote and hard to reach border areas.Recently, The Ministry of Health invested 73.26 billion Kyat received as reserve budget to buy medicine and equipment, so as to provide free healthcare to emergency patients, pregnant women and children under the age of five in public hospitals. The private sector is mainly providing ambulatory care in Myanmar. However, there are some private institutions whose focus is on providing institutional care in Nay Pyi Taw, Yangon, Mandalay and other large cities.General Practitioners’ Section of the Myanmar Medical Association with its branches in townships, provide these practitioners the opportunities to update and exchange their knowledge and experiences, by holding seminars, talks and symposia on currently emerging issues and updated diagnostic and therapeutic measures. The Medical Association and its branches also provide a link between them and their counterparts in public sector so that private practitioners can also participate in public health care activities.One unique and important feature of Myanmar health system is the existence of traditional medicine along with allopathic medicine. There are a total of fourteen traditional hospitals run by the State in the country. Traditional medical practitioners are being trained at the Institute of Traditional Medicine. A new University of Traditional Medicine has been established in Mandalay, for competent practitioners to avail a bachelor’s degree, allowing for better training and placements. Myanmar Red Cross Society is also taking some share of service provision and their roles are also becoming important as the needs for collaboration in health become more prominent.
healthCare
The Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon at night photo: voyagestoantiquity.com
24 october-november 2013
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healthCareTRANSITION PHASEThe Government has embarked on a far reaching reform programme to transform the country into a modern, developed and democratic nation that improves the livelihood of its people. The Government has aspired for people-centred development while staying focused on achievable results. It shall start modestly, but move decisively with international assistance to enlarge capacity and skill development to reduce incidence of poverty and achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015.Health sector change in transitional economies is a hybrid of two issues that are normally separate but that coalesce in these cases. The first issue is that of reform in the health sector in general. The precise agenda for reform is defined by reviewing how well existing policies, institutions, structures, and systems deal with issues of efficiency and equity. The second issue underlying health sector change in transitional economies is more macroeconomic in nature and much less voluntary.
HEALTH FINANCING IN MYANMARPromoting and protecting health is essential to human welfare and sustained economic and social development. Education, housing, food and employment all impact on health. Redressing inequalities in these will reduce inequalities in health. It determines whether people can afford to use health services when they need them. Health financing is an important part of broader efforts to ensure social protection in health. Recognizing this, Myanmar seems committed to strengthen the health financing systems so that all people have access to services and do not suffer financial hardship paying for them.The major sources of finance for health care services are the government, private households, social security system, community contributions and external aid. Government has increased health spending on both current and capital yearly. Total government health expenditure increased from kyat 464.1million in 1988-89 to kyat 86547 million in 2010-2011.
PROVIDERS 2006-‐07 2007-‐08 2008-‐09 2009-‐2010
Hospitals 69.59 70.55 70.33 67.89
Ambulatory Health Care 17.23 17.3 17.54 17.01
Retail sale and medical goods 3.85 3.87 3.84 3.79
Provision and Administration of Public Health Programs
2.06 2.00 2.00 2.51
General Health Administration 0.69 0.53 0.51 0.50
Health Related Services 2.59 1.85 1.98 1.82
Rest of the world 3.99 3.90 3.80 6.48
Health Expenditures by Providers (2006-07 to 2009-10)
25 october-november 2013
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Myanmar Conferences and trade Shows CalendarDate: 3-5th Oct, 2013Medical MyanmarLocation: Tatmadaw Hall,YangonMedical Myanmar will be attended by representatives of numerous Pharmaceutical companies to get familiar with the latest developments which are taking place in the medical, hospital and pharmaceutical industry.
Date: 24-26th Oct, 2013 Myanmar WaterLocation: Tatmadaw Hall, YangonThe show is offering a huge and genuine platform for leading experts related to waste management industry from all over the world and for positive development of the water industry in the Union of Myanmar.
Date: 31st Oct-2nd Nov, 2013Mining MyanmarLocation: Myanmar Convention Center, YangonThe country has a good and exclusive resource of all kinds of minerals like copper, gold, lead, tin, zinc and other precious stoners like ruby, diamond and others. This show aims to trap the extensive natural resources of the region and brings it in the forefront of the market.
Date: 31st Oct-2nd Nov, 2013 Building & Construction MyanmarLocation: Myanmar Convention Center, YangonThis international building
and construction exhibition will help in the development of the construction industry and will bring together all the professionals associated with the sector.
Date: 7-8th Nov 2013Myanmar AgroLocation: Tatmadaw Hall, YangonMyanmar Agro will experience active participation from brand organizations to exhibit various agricultural mechanical equipments and other related products and services in front of a large number of professionals and experts associated with the industry.
Date: 15-18th Nov 2013 Myanmar International Machinery Industrial Exhibition Location: Myanmar Convention Center, YangonMyanmar International Machinery Industrial Exhibition to showcase the industrial machinery and to acquire information regarding the latest trends in industrial machinery.
Date: 28-29th Nov 2013 Offshore Technology AsiaLocation: Yangon, MyanmarOffshore Technology Asia plans to facilitate participating companies to engage in enhancing their existing operations in the fields such as drilling, exploration, production, and environmental protection.
eVeNtS aNd trade Show
Myanmar real-estate Summit to highlight Infrastructure
The second Myanmar Real Estate Summit (MRES), held in Yangon from September 30 to October 1, concentrated on pivotal issues, for investment in the country’s real-estate development and property sector.The sector is booming as investors respond positively to the country’s economic and political reforms. Burgeoning demand and new opportunities are attracting investments from around the world.The extent of this can be judged by the fact that Yangon enjoys the highest property prices in Southeast Asia.The explosion in tourism is also leading to an acute shortage of hotels, residential buildings and mixed-use projects.
source : investmyanmar.biz
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26 october-november 2013
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perSpeCtIVe
the Myanmar I remember
I was born in Machida town in Myanmar and this is where my experiences in that country began.This is from the time when Myanmar was a part of India and the British were ruling. My father Shri Krishan Kanhaiya Lal achieved his Civil Engineering Degree from Thomson College, Roorkee. His first placement also happened in Myanmar itself.During that time, from Kolkata to Rangoon, one would have to go by sea, which used to take 3 days. I would enjoy every moment of those three days on the ship. My mother was never comfortable during these journeys and was troubled by sea sickness. She would just keep lying down while we children, three of them elder to me, would roam around the ship, eat puri, halva and other Indian delicacies, play and enjoy to the fullest. I very well remember sleeping on the top berth in the cabin and looking at the sea from the window. On my father’s joining, my grandfather Shri Badri Prasad sent two cooks, one barber, one priest and four other people with us. The barber used to accompany my father on his work. My father would either drink tea or coconut water and would never drink any other water at work.My mother’s name was Achi Bai but my grannny used to call her Laadli. My elder brother Nalini was two years elder to me. There were more elder brothers and sisters to him who used to study in English medium schools.
Myanmar, dawn on Irrawaddy river. | source : artphotoasia.net
The author of this article, Dr (Mrs.) Gayatri Mehta, is an Indian, born in Myanmar and currently living in Thailand, who recounts her early years in Myanmar between 1924 and 1929. She made a return visit to Myanmar in 2010.
During that time, from Kolkata to Rangoon, one would have to go by sea, which used to take 3 days. I would enjoy every moment of those three days on the ship.
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27 october-november 2013
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The presentation of Ambassador Gautam Mukhopadhaya credentials to H.E. the President of Myanmar, U Thein Sein on June 21, 2013.
MeSSaGe
It is a great pleasure for me to address readers of Myanmar Matters.In the short period of its existence, Myanmar Matters has already established itself as one of the most readable and informative periodic bulletins on Myanmar of special interest to those interested in Myanmar and India, particularly business prospects, but also more generally. I heartily commend Globally Managed Services, and especially its founder, Mr. Ranjit Barthakur, for taking this initiative which can serve as a bridge between India and Myanmar as the latter moves to a new era of rapid political, economic and administrative reforms that have brought new hope to the country. As a historical friend and neighbor and friend with whom it has had deep cultural, civilizational and political ties, not least during and after our struggle for independence, India stands ready to partner and extend a helping hand in all areas of Myanmar’s national life. Indeed, this has already begun in earnest. Though not a traditional donor country, it has already committed close of US$ 750 million in development assistance in both infrastructure projects to promote connectivity and increase trade and economic relations between our two countries and the ASEAN, but also human resource and capacity building projects in English language, entrepreneurship, Information Technology, industrial and management training to prepare Myanmar for a modern economy. In addition, the Government of India has also extended soft loans of an approximately equal amount to the Government of Myanmar in areas of priority to it such as power, railways, irrigation, industrial development, tele-communication and other areas, making its total outlay for Myanmar close to US $ 1.5 billion. It ranks fourth in Myanmar’s external trade with a total trade turnover of US $ 1.9 billion and targeted to reach US $ 3 billion by 2015, and 10th in terms of foreign investments which presently stand at about US$ 280 million.Nevertheless, given the size of India’s economy, its relative dynamism in spite of a recent slowdown in its rate of growth, its geographical proximity, its scientific, technological and entrepreneurial achievements and its political reliability, our economic relations are nowhere near their potential. The challenge before us as Myanmar opens up, is to build upon our historical, cultural and civilizational ties and political comfort, to enhance our connectivity by land, sea and air,
His Excellency, Gautam Mukhopadhaya, recently appointed Ambassador to Myanmar, graduated from Delhi University, joined the Foreign Service in 1980 and has served in various capacities in Indian Embassies in Mexico, France, Cuba, Afghanistan and Syria, the UN Mission in New York and the Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Defence in India. He has also worked in the UN Headquarters in New York as a Consultant on Social Development. He re-opened the Indian Embassy in Kabul in November 2001 after the ouster of the Taliban in Afghanistan. And most recently served as India’s Ambassador to Afghanistan from July 2010 to May 2013. As India’s representative to the Third Committee of the UN in New York (1996-1999), he dealt with issues relating to social development, human rights and advancement of women.
aN oFFICer & a GeNtleMaN
28 october-november 2013
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INdIa:New delhi: alisha debarae: [email protected]: +91 11 2372 1234 m: +91 9910122458
Mumbai: Sangeeta Menezese: [email protected]: (+91)22-67060881; m: +919819941600
Kolkata: prabudha Baruaembassy of Myanmare: [email protected]: +913366261201; +913365007258m: +919830096413; +919831100656
MYaNMar:Maung Shwee: [email protected]: (+95)01394375/6
akash Chandrae: [email protected]: (+95)0195113770
Yi Yie: [email protected]: (+95)01255796,389652
thaIlaNd:Bangkok: Kalpesh popate: [email protected]: (+66)0896696699
eMBaSSIeSthe republic of theunion of Myanmar3/50 f, nyaya marg, Chanakyapuri,new delhi 110021, indiat: +91 11 2467 8822
the republic of India,Yangon, Myanmar545-547 merchant st, Kyauktada township, postBox no.751,yangont: 00-95-1-391219, 00-95-1-243972,00-95-1-388412
GoVerNMeNt oF INdIaMinistry of external affairsnew delhi - 110001t: +91 11 23012591
GoVerNMeNt oF MYaNMarMinistry of CommerceBuilding 3, nay pyi taw, the republic of unionof myanmar.t: 067 - 408002, f: 067 - 408004e: [email protected],[email protected]
Ministry of Foreign affairsOffice No. 9, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
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expand trade, seriously step up investments, increase people-to-people and cultural contacts, and bring our economies much closer together. Besides trade and investment and cultural relations, India can also contribute greatly to Myanmar’s political challenges. India’s experience of democracy and nation-building, its religious, linguistic, ethnic and cultural diversity, its handling of regional, linguistic, religious and tribal aspirations within a democratic polity, and its experience of market-oriented economic reforms in the context of poverty and social and economic disparities amongst other areas, can also offer valuable lessons for Myanmar’s political and economic transformation. In all these, Myanmar can also count on its sizable population of Indian-origin who have contributed to Myanmar’s economy and education in the past, and can do so even more now free from the legacy of colonialism. May I therefore take this opportunity, to reiterate that India is prepared to contribute to Myanmar’s future in any way that it can, in the areas of peace, development, investment, democracy and nation-building in general. I am confident that Myanmar Matters can play a catalytic role in this process.
Continued from page 27
Message from ambassador Gautam Mukhopadhaya