News
Over-extraction, Chinese slowdown blamed for jade price slump
Industry insiders have blamed an economic slowdown in China, over-extraction in jade mines, and market uncertainty linked to the transition of power to a democratically elected government in Burma. More than 850 licenses have been issued to firms at over 8,000 sites since private companies ...
Ministry promotes LPG industry
The government will issue free licences to small liquefied petroleum gas retailers in a bid to promote safety in the under-regulated industry, while moving forward with plans to allow larger companies to distribute the fuel. Licences for small and medium enterprises to sell LPG will be ...
Facebook racks up 10m Myanmar users
The world’s most popular social network, Facebook, has made millions of new “friends” in Myanmar over the last few years. In that time, the site has played the part of nationwide news outlet, emergency relief coordinator and community water cooler – but it has also provided ...
EU to start ASEAN aviation talks
The European Commission is planning to start negotiations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on an aviation agreement soon, having received a mandate from EU transport ministers earlier this week. The EU is hoping to create new airline routes and new business opportunities for European ...
New commission formed to investigate alleged gems association embezzlement
A new investigation commission will be formed to look into the Myanmar Gems Traders Association’s financial scandal, involving allegations of more than US$100 million that went missing from their bank account, according to the organization’s chairman. A previous review was conducted and finalized this week by ...
New Members Appointed to Burma’s Investment Commission
The Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) was reshuffled on 7 June to include 11 new members, the President’s Office announced on 8 June. Kyaw Win, Minister of National Planning and Finance, was appointed chairman, and Than Myint, Minister of Commerce, was appointed vice chairman. Aung Naing Oo, former secretary ...
Combine harvesters fill labour gap in Mandalay
Farmers in Mandalay are increasingly hiring combine harvesters to make up for a labour shortage in the region but there are not yet enough machines to go around. As rural to urban migration gathers pace farmers have faced acute labour shortages. Some farmers have cut the ...
Russia and Myanmar to establish working body for nuclear technology
Russia and Myanmar will establish a working body this year for using nuclear technology, Russian officials said at an exhibition and forum in Moscow last week. The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate in nuclear technology for peaceful purposes in June 2015. Russia and ...
Dozens in Myitkyina township protest Myitsone dam meeting
Some 40 residents of Kachin State’s Myitkyina Township staged a protest on on 4 June against a meeting between Chinese Ambassador Hong Liang, Chinese investor China Power Investment and president of the Kachin State Democracy Party Tu Ja over attempts to renegotiate the Chinese-funded Myitsone dam.Keep ...
Dozens of Myanmar fishermen released from prison in India
Over 100 Myanmar fishermen arrested in the Andaman Sea arrived at Yangon International Airport yesterday, after being imprisoned for years in India for fishing in its waters. “I have been jailed for over five years at Port Blair Prison,” said Ko Zaw Lin Aung, who grew ...
