CNI News

21 September 2023

As it has been ceaselessly raining lately, some rice plantations in Ayeyarwady, Bago and Yangon Regions have become waterlogged, if it goes on raining anymore, the rice yield may decrease by 10 percent, according to farmers. 

Because it has been raining daily since the second week of September, some rice plants are drowning and plants are falling. 

If it goes on raining anymore, the yield of rainfed rice may decrease by 10 percent in upper Ayeyarwady Region and Bago Region, said U Thein Aung, chairman of the Farmers Development Association, to CNI News.

" Largely, short-lived Aemahta rice paddy is grown in upper Ayeyarwady Region and Bago Region and now the rice paddy starts ripening. If it is continuously raining for  any more of five days, the yield may decrease by 10 percent." he said.

Rice paddy fields that are waterlogged

Rice paddy plants in Hinthada, Myan Aung, Kyon Pyaw, Maubin, upper Pathein Districts, upper Ayeyarwady Region are waterlogged and there are some damages, but there are no damages in Pyapon, Kyaik Lat, Labutta and Myaungmya Districts because they are on the higher land reportedly.

The paddy fields which have not been waterlogged in Bogale Township are infected with pest and the cost for spraying pesticide about 100,000 kyats per acre. But Due to being able to spray pesticide in time, the yield can be damaged a little, said U Aye Naing, a farmer from Bogale Township, to CNI News.

" We use pesticide in the paddy nurseries and plantations. The cost has increased. Because we can spray pesticide in time, rice paddy is not badly damaged. But the yield can be damaged a little. When the fungus is infected, it is a little worrying. It is still possible to fix it now." he said.

The rice paddy that was waterlogged tend to decrease in its yield and when it is harvested, it is sold at a lower price than the market price.

CNI News

21 September  2023

Most of the rice shops in Myanmar are selling the mixture and when they sell kinds of fine rice such as Shwe Bo Pawsan and Ayeyarwady Pawsan, the rice shops mix fine rice with kinds of rough rice such as Yet Koe Zel and other rough rice reportedly from consumers.

When they sell fine rice, because there are price designations on fine rice, they mix fine rice with rough rice to be consistent with the designated price so that they can make a profit reportedly. 

Discussions on rice quality would be performed so as to enable consumers to get the quality that is consistent with the price, an official from the Myanmar Rice and Paddy Traders Association, to CNI News.

" It will depend on the performance of each shop. As there are price designations depending on quality, some shops might mix to be able to sell at the price designated. We haven't discussed about how to control the quality as yet. We will discuss about it a bit not to hurt consumers. Rice is an important commodity. If a shop sell rice incorrectly and its name is damaged, the shop won't be able to sell a lot anymore." he said.

A rice shop

Designated rice prices for sale at a low price are 150,000 kyats a bag of Pawsan and 130,000 kyats, a bag of Pyapon Pawsan reportedly. Due to designation like this, some rice shops mix fine rice with one third of Yet Koe Zel, Sin Thukha and Aemahta reportedly.

Because the prices designated enable the sellers to make a suitable profit, sellers should not mix and sell like that and authorities should take action against those who are selling incorrectly, said U Thein Aung, chairman of the Farmers Development Association, to CNI News.

" Because the prices have been designated for those who store and sell to make a decent profit, the shops that mix with bad things and sell should be taken action against by the government without fail. If they are not taken action against, they will get a chance to commit a misdeed like this again. Officials concerned urgently scrutinize and should take action, I think." said U Thein Aung.

As the price of Pyapon Pawsan was about 80,000 kyats per bag when Shwe Bo Pawsan and Pyapon Pawsan appeared abundantly, the prices designated enable those who store and sell to make a decent profit, said farmers. 

Although the rice mills often mix different types of rice while grinding the paddy, the rate of mixture is about three percent only, said rice mill owners and farmers.

CNI News

20 September 2023

The Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) is being used by both organizations that go against each other, said Col.Khun Okka, patron of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization, to CNI News. 

EAOs that have signed the NCA, including the Tatmadaw are trying to solve the problem by using force, which is not consistent with the principiles of the NCA, he said.

" Both sides maintain the NCA, standing on their political positions. To tell you frankly, if they exactly comply with the NCA, solving the problem by using force is not consistent with the principles of the NCA. Committing violence or using force is not included in the NCA. Three organizations have taken part in the armed conflict after they had signed the NCA. The Chin National Front (CNF) has participated in the armed conflict. Half of the Karen National Union (KNU) takes part in the armed conflict. Some of the KNU leaders stand on the NCA, but others don't. In the same way, some of the All Burma Students Democratic Front take part in the armed conflict. But the NCA has not been void." he said.

Leaders of armed organizations who were seen at the NCA signing ceremony

Movement of troops for territorial dominance, scouting, expansion of force, armed attacks, placing mines, terrorist attacks and offensives between the Tatmadaw and EAOs are to be suspended, which are mentioned in the Chapter 3 of the NCA. 

Moreover, military camps are not set up at the public places such as religious buildings, schools, hospitals, clinics and cultural sites.

Whether the NCA is void or not depends on the attitude of the NCA signatories, said U Tun Aung Kyaw, member of the Policy Steering Committee of the Arakan National Party, to CNI News.

" The NCA was seriously signed before the foreign diplomats, holding a ceremony. So, it is a very important agreement for ceasefire, I think. But if they don't agree to it anymore, we can't prevent their desire. It depends on their attitudes." he said.

While taking commemorative photos after the NCA signing ceremony

Because the Tatmadaw has taken power after toppling down the NLD government on 1 February 2021, some armed organizations joined the revolutionary forces and are fighting against the Tatmadaw, saying that the NCA has been void.

After that, Battles are breaking out in Kayin, Chin, Kayah, Kachin States, Sagaing and Magway Regions. 

The NCA was signed by the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), the Karen National Union (KNU), the Chin National Front (CNF), the PNLO, the ABSDF, the New Mon State Party (NMSP), the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), KNU/KNLA-Peace Council, the Arakan Liberation Party(ALP) and the Lahu Democratic Union (LDU).

Currently some of the NCA signatories - KNU, CNF and ABSDF are fighting against the Tatmadaw.

CNI News

20 September 2023

If Russian business people come and invest in the Myanmar agricultural industries, they should invest in corn, wheat and sunflower, said Ko Zaw Min Naing, an agricultural and economic advisor, to CNI News. 

The Union Minister for Transportation and Telecommunication invited Russian investors to invest in the agricultural industries and if Russian investors entered, They should invest in the agricultural industries whose products could be exported, said Ko Zaw Min Naing.

" According to the market position, I think they should invest in corn cultivation industry because the corn market is quite stable in comparison with other cultivation industries during the past three years. The corn is in demand. Moreover, China is providing General Administration of Customs China (GACC) registration for corn. So, if they invest in corn, they can make a profit, I think." said Ko Zaw Min Naing.

A corn grower

Besides, as Russia-Ukraine War might take long, Russian investors should also invest in wheat and sunflower that are needed, he added.

" Another thing is that as Russia-Ukraine War might take long, the demand for wheat may also increase. this is considered for export only. There are places where wheat can be grown in Myanmar. And the next one is sunflower. Ukraine produces wheat and sunflower. Because they are at war, these crops are scarce there. So, if they come to Myanmar and invest in these crops for some time, it will be convenient, I think." he said.

He hoped that agricultural products and foodstuff produced in Myanmar would be able to be exported to Asia and Europe, said General Mya Tun Oo, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transportation and Telecommunication, and member of the State Administration Council, at the 8th Eastern Economic Forum 2023 held in Russia.

A sunflower plantation

It is said that because the Myanmar agricultural sector is weak in not only technology but also machine tools, if the Russian side invests in agriculture and supports the technologies, it will be better.

" We have changed from manual farming to mechanized farming for long. But in some places, manual farming system is still being used. We still don't know which part they want to invest in, vegetables or crops. They can produce agricultural products with less people. If they come here with heavy machines, I hope there will be a lot of progress in the agricultural sector," said U Thet Zaw, an economic analyst.

In the Myanmar agricultural sector, tractors, harvester and thresher machines are needed and if the investors took the seeds that are consistent with Myanmar agricultural areas, it would be more convenient, said agricultural experts and businessmen.

Moreover, if the investors took the agricultural technologies, for example if a crop which is needed normally to grow for six months can be grown in four months, production can be conducted twice a year and if more agricultural products can be exported, the country's economy also will rise, they said.

CNI News

19 September 2023

Mr. Deng Xijun, Special Envoy for Asian Affairs of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has arrived in Myanmar. 

He met with U Than Swe, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the State Administration Council in Naypyidaw on 18 September 2023 and discussed to work together for peace. 

They discussed about continued cooperation to promote peace and stability along the Chines-Myanmar border and latest developments relating to internal peace and national reconciliation process reportedly.

Moreover, they discussed about issues that China will go on helping Myanmar constructively in the attempts for the development of Myanmar and closer cooperation in regional and international front, especially in ASEAN and UN. Mr.Deng Xijun has arrived in Myanmar three times at least.

China has a lot of its investment in Myanmar and there are several ethnic armed organizations along the Chinese-Myanmar border. 

Moreover, many Chinese citizens are widely working the online gambling industries in the Wa, Myla and Kokant which are EAO regions and in Muse township and the Chinese government is trying to arrest them.

CNI News

September 19, 2023

25 percent of the salaries of the Myanmar citizens who are working abroad through agencies must be legally transferred to their families in Myanmar, said overseas employment agencies to CNI News. 

25 percent of the basic salaries of the Myanmar citizens who are working abroad must be legally transferred to their families in Myanmar, which must be included in the standard contracts between the agencies and the workers, said in a statement released by the Ministry of Labor.

" The money transferred will not be lost. The families will get at the nearly market price. Now the sailars are transferring. Some sailors transfer up to 80 percent of their salaries. Every developing country takes foreign income in one way or another. There were contracts between the employer and the worker in the past. But now a contract between the agency and the worker has increased. The agency also has some points to follow. The labor side also has to comply with labor regulations” said U Win Myint, managing director of Lucky Overseas Employment Agency.

Workers who work in Thailand

If the contract is violated by the workers, there will be losses for the workers. If the agency violates it, action will be taken against, said overseas employment agencies.

The agencies must must implement the standard contracts from 1st October on, The Union Minister said on 16th September. 25 percent means that of basic salary, not including over time wages reportedly.

" The workers are facing with various difficulties. If They must transfer 25 percent, it is likely. But considering it practically, it might be weak to do so. What I want to advise that the problem of Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand must be solved first. For example, relevant officials must find out if the MoU workers have trouble with documents or they get full wages. If they have these problems, officials must help them in some way. Another thing is to know what health services are for them." said Ko Naing Naing Aung, director of the Arakan Workers Organization.  

Those who will go abroad for work

There were 447 licensed overseas employment agencies up to August, 2023 and of them, 10 agencies have been temporarily closed. 

There are 158 licensed agencies relating to Thailand and of them 8 agencies have been temporarily closed reportedly.

At present, the contracts between the agencies and the workers to sent the MoU workers to Thailand have been allowed to sign, according to the Ministry of Labor.

Labor contracts had to be signed after agencies had gone to relevant regions and states starting from December 2022 and there were many difficulties during this period.

So, the contracts have been allowed to sign in the labor training school in Dagon Myothit (North) Township starting from 11th September, which has made more convenient, said overseas employment agencies.

CNI News

19 September 2023

Their armed organization has anticipated confederation, said Dr.Thiri Mon Chan , chairman of the Mon State Defense Force (MSDF), to CNI News. 

They could implement a confederation if the armed force and the people were oneness, he said.

" What is the strength of the Mon armed forces in Mon State? Armed forces are hard power and soft powers contain patriotism of our people, culture,economy, education, social situation and diplomatic affairs. If soft power and hard power come together and we have a strong national force, we can implement confederation or federation." said Dr.Thiri Mon Chan.

Two leaders of the Arakan Army

MSDF is a Mon armed organization which arose with the changing situation of politics after 1 February 2021. It is active in southern Mon State and Tanintharyi Region. And it is carrying out operations, collaborating with its allies reportedly.

Because the Arakan Army started using the word 'confederation', AA should be asked the meaning of Confederation, said U Than Soe Naing, A very complete and adequate answer cannot be givena Myanmar political analyst, to CNI News.

" You should ask the AA about the confederation. You should ask Khaing Thukha, spokesperson of the AA. You can't get a very complete and adequate answer from me. But we are elements that are supporting to build Myanmar as a federal democratic union." said U Than Soe Naing.

UWSA Force

According to confederalism, states have separate sovereign powers. In other words, they have the power to collect the tax, their own government, their own parliament, their own judiciary, their own legislation and their own armed forces.

They would accept an independent federal state depending on the situation, said Dr. Thiri Mon Chan." We are the same as the AA. But this depends on the situation. At least, a real federal union, an independent state that we accept because a federal state has won self-determination power." he said.

A state of a confederation has separate sovereignties and the powers for enacting laws, judiciary, monetary policy, national registration card, mining natural resources and foreign relations. So, it is reportedly like a small country. 

At present, in Myanmar, the United Wa State Army has self-governing powers like in a confederation, said some people.

CNI News

19 September 2023

Russia is planning to buy Myanmar coffee, according to the Myanmar Ministry of Commerce. 

Russia is performing to import Myanmar coffee, after introducing the coffee to the retail stores in Russia reportedly. 

The ministry and trade-related departments need to arrange export license applying and shipping lines in order to export Myanmar coffee to Russia, pointed out businessmen.  

The State needs to help provide to enable Russian merchants who will buy to study about Myanmar coffee after inviting them to come to Myanmar, said U Win Aung Kyaw, chairman of the Ywar Ngan Coffee Cultivators, Producers and Exporters Group, to CNI News.

" If Myanmar coffee can be exported, the support of the ministries will be key. We, traders and cultivators are ready to export if we can sell at a reasonable price. We need the support of the State to enable us to get license and to connect the shipping lines. And the State needs to help.us to make trade agreements. We want the buyers from abroad to come here to see how we produce and to know how good the quality is. They will designate the coffee price depending on how delicious the coffee. is. We'll have to invite the buyers to come here and let them study about the areas where the coffee is produced. They will buy the coffee after studying it." said U Win Aung Kyaw.

If Myanmar coffee is exported to Russia, only Arabica coffee that is cultivated most in Myanmar can be exported and peasants and traders are ready to export reportedly. At present, Myanmar coffee is being mainly exported to China and Thailand where the coffee cannot be sold at high price. 

If the coffee could be exported to Russia, it would be convenient for the cultivators, said a coffee cultivator from Ywarngan region in southern Shan State, to CNI News.  

Myanmar coffee

" If we can export the coffee to Russia, it is convenient for the cultivators. When we export the coffee to China, it is hard to get GACC certificate. When we export the coffee to Thailand, Thailand pay a little more than the market price here in Myanmar." he said.

About 6,000 tons of coffee is produced in Myanmar every year, 40 percent of which is exported reportedly. 

Myanmar-Russia trade value was over 34 million US dollars during the first six months of 2023 this fiscal year and import value from Russia was 18 million US dollar and export value to Russia from Myanmar was 16 million US dollars, said in a statement released by the Ministry of Commerce.

CNI News
17 September 2023

As the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) has been more active in Buthidaung and Maungdaw, Rakhine State, security organizations should taken action against it to prevent the public harm, said Ko Kyaw Lin Tun, founder of the Roma Time Organization, to CNI News.

While IDPs are not able to return their homes due to the battles between the Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army (ULA/AA), ARSA has been more active starting from the western Rakhine State. So, it is worrisome for the security of local people, he said.

" The AA wants the Rakhine to develop and the Tatmadaw also thinks that all the land belongs to them. So, both of these organizations will have the matters like this to deal with. They dis operations in the past as well. But there's one thing worrisome. While they are looking for the ARSA, it is also important not to harm other communities, including Muslims. When they carry out clearance operations, it's important not to harm any ethnicities." said Ko Kyaw Lin Tun.

Myanmar Tatmadaw

One day after a Muslim man from Mi Gyanug Gaung Zwe Village in Buthidaung Township was arrested by the ARSA on 9th September, he was found dead reportedly.

In August, two Muslim men from San Pat Kone Village were arrested by the ARSA.

They have always pointed out that the ARSA is going in the direction of terrorism, said U Thein Tun Oo, director of the ThayNinGa Institute for Strategic Studies, to CNI News.

"If you ask AA about the ARSA, you will know more. We have always pointed out that ARSA is going in the direction of terrorism. What happened later was that ARSA wanted to cooperate with them. The ARSA think that they should be given a place. If you want to know the exact reason why the ARSA movement started arising, you'll have to ask the AA." he said.

An intersection in Rakhine State

After the ARSA forces fought against the 30 Myanmar border guard outposts on 26 August 2017, the battles between the Tatmadaw and the ARSA broke out until the end of 2018.

Again, the ARSA has been more active in Buthidaung and Maungdaw Townships starting from August this year after which arrests and killings arose, said locals.

The Tatmadaw, the ULA/AA, the ARSA, the Arakan Liberation Party (ALP), the Rohingya Solidarity Organization (RSO) are being active in northern Rakhine State reportedly.