CNI News

20 June 2024

Overseas employment agencies have changed and sent more workers to China, Vietnam and Laos rather than usual countries reportedly from overseas employment agencies.

China and Myanmar are negotiating so that Myanmar workers could be officially sent to China, overseas employment agencies told CNI News.

Because of the age limitations on the workers who will go abroad to work, licensed overseas employment agencies are making a loss. So, the agencies have changed and sent workers to Vietnam and Laos, U Win Myint, managing director of Lucky Overseas Employment Agency, told CNI News.

" Malaysia has suspended calling jobs at all. Workers only from old demand letters are being sent to Thailand. Demand letters coming from Thailand have decreased. They are trying to officially send Myanmar workers to China. Myanmar workers are being sent to Vietnam and Laos as garment factory workers. although there is no MoU, if you get demand letters, you can submit them to officials concerned and then you can send workers these countries if the government permits. There have been MoUs between Myanmar and Laos or China." he said.

While seeing an overseas employment agency

Moreover, as agencies are competitively purchasing demand letters, a demand letter is paid 10,000 baht and if the demand letter were from factories, a demand letter would be paid until 30,000 baht reportedly.

As there is a need for labor in China, officials from the two countries are negotiating and discussing so that Myanmar workers can be officially sent to China. If it was convenient, China will become another country where Myanmar workers can be sent to, an official from the Myanmar Overseas Employment Agencies Federation (MOEAF) told CNI News.

While seeing a labor office

" Officials are still trying to send Myanmar workers to China. A lot of workers cannot be sent to China as yet. We have to send the workers under an MoU. But 90 Myanmar workers have been sent to China. The China side is desperately in need of workers. As the salaries are raised in Vietnam, they want to call Myanmar workers anymore." he said.

The agencies that have sent Myanmar workers abroad from September, 2023 to April, 2024 must submit remittance accounts of the workers to their families during the first five days of each month starting from June, 2024, said in the letter released by the Ministry of Labor.

 Moreover, because the agencies don't comply with the instruction will be taken action against, the agencies are finding it difficult reportedly.

CNI News

20 June 2024

There has been a sharp decrease in the number of schools that can be opened in the states and regions where there are territorial instabilities due to battles reportedly. 

The number of schools that can be opened are reduced in Chin, Kayah, Kayin, Rakhine, Shan States, Sagaing and Tanintharyi Regions. All the schools in some townships, Chin State have been closed.

Although over 570 schools could be opened within Chin State last year, 69 schools only can be opened this year, an official from Chin State Education Office, told CNI News.

" All the schools in Paletwa, Kanpetlet, Tonzang can't be opened. Five schools in Tedim can be opened and so can six schools in Hakha, twelve schools in Falam, 12 schools in Matupi Township, and four schools in Mindat. 571 schools could be opened last year, but 69 schools only can be opened this year. There were over 50,000 students last year. But there are just over 10,000 students this year." he said.

While seeing a child who come to be enrolled in school

The government schools in Kutkai, Laukai, Theinni and Kunglong Townships that have been captured by ethnic armed groups in northern Shan State cannot be opened and school teachers have been allowed to transfer to other townships reportedly.

" The schools in the townships such as Kutkai, Laukkai, Theinni and Kunglong in northern Shan State that have been controlled by ethnic armed groups cannot be opened at the national level, but ethnic armed groups have opened the schools, I heard. All the school teachers of the government there have already transferred." said an education officer from northern Shan State to CNI News.

Because there were incidences that school buildings and teachers were attacked, schools in some townships cannot be opened reportedly. 

In Rakhine State where there are over 3,000 basic education schools and about 100 monastic education schools and over 50 high schools, although most students wanted to attend school, they could not attend, U Tin Maung, an education activist for Rakhine people, told CNI News.

While some students are being enrolled

" At present, students in Rakhine State can't attend school. Grade-12 students ha,000ven't sat examination yet. About 10,000 of all the students haven't sat examination. 8,000 of all the students sat examination. But now, students who will study in Grade-12 and primary students all haven't attended school. Students want to attend school. There are teachers as well. There is a situation where schools cannot be opened. They are mainly worried about air strike." he said.

There are 13,879 basic education middle schools and 21,550 basic education primary schools in rural areas all over the country and there are 1,626 basic education middle schools and 3,318 basic education primary schools in urban areas across the country.

More than 5.9 million students were enrolled in basic schools, private schools and monastic education schools in states and regions from 23rd to 30th May for the 2024-2025 academic year, according to the Department of Basic Education.

CNI News

20 June 2024

The Chinese Special Envoy Mr. Deng Xijun arrived in Naypyidaw, Myanmar at the time when the military tensions were taking place in northern Shan State and Rakhine State and met with the Myanmar Foreign Minister of the State Administration Council (SAC) U Than Swe on 18th June, 2024. 

During the meeting, they discussed continuing cooperation between the two countries to promote the peace and stability along the China-Myanmar border, to speed up cooperating bilateral relations and the matters of mutual benefit as well as the matters regarding the ASEAN and the UN.

At present, the Myanmar Tatmadaw, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) are making preparations for possible battles and roads have been destroyed to stop transportation in some places in northern Shan State bordering China. 

In the same way, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA)/ the People's Defense Force (PDF) joint forces are fighting against the Myanmar Tatmadaw and trying to control the border trade posts in Kachin State bordering China.

Moreover, the battles are severely breaking out between the Arakan Army (AA) and the Myanmar Tatmadaw in Rakhine State where there are a lot of Chinese investments. 

The AA, the TNLA and the MNDAA organized as the Northern Alliance and launched Operation-1027 on 27th October, 2023 and seized control of many townships in northern Shan State.

The three northern allies and the Myanmar Tatmadaw have been discussing the Haigen Discussion in Kunming, China through China's mediation starting from December, 2023.

CNI News

19 June 2024

A horde of Wa troops have crossed to the west side of the Salween River, said locals of Shan State and military analysts.

A horde of Wa troops crossed to the west side of the Salween River during this month for the first time while armed conflicts are taking place after political changes arose on 1st February, 2021.

The United Wa State Army (UWSA) was supporting weapons to the EAOs that were fighting against the Myanmar Tatmadaw, said a Myanmar political commentator.

" Wa is the astutest armed group. It says it won't secede from Myanmar and China hasn't recognized it. If it secedes, its territory won't be separate but a territory of China. It doesn't want to be like that. It wants to live freely. In fact, they are not loyal. To tell you frankly, they are the astutest. Waving the Myanmar national flag so that they are not bombed, they sell weapons to make the central government unstable. Whether China will choose the "Wa" market, which has the same population as Hlaing Thayar in Yangon or the market with a population of 50 million in Myanmar? it is out of the question. Wa will sell weapons and agitate. It won't come out to the fore. It will exploit the situation." he said to CNI News.

While seeing the UWSA that has arrived in Hopang

The Myanmar Tatmadaw, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) are making preparations for possible battles in northern Shan State and locals are worried that battles will break out. 

Moreover, There are territorial disputes and military tensions between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the TNLA, between the KIA and the MNDAA, between the TNLA and the MNDAA and between the TNLA and the Shan State Progressive Party (SSPP).

Moreover, battles are breaking out between the RCSS and the SSPP in Yatsauk Township, Shan State and accusations that the Wa troops are helping the SSPP have arisen. 

About 6,000 UWSA troops crossed to the west side of the Salween River in the middle of this month, said military and political analysts. 

While seeing Pangkham Town in the Wa region

Territorial disputes taking place in the ethnic areas should be solved through meetings and discussions, U Kun Gawng Awng Hkam, a Kachin politician, told CNI News.

" Whether they are Wa or Kokang groups, they should discuss and find an answer only after discussion with Shan groups. Solving the problem by arms won't be convenient in the long run." he said.

The Three Brotherhood Alliance (TNLA, MNDAA, AA) captured Hopang and Panlon that were controlled by the Myanmar Tatmadaw within the Wa Self-Administered Division during Operation-1027 and handed over the towns to the UWSA in January this year.

According to the 2008 Constitution, Hopang, Mong Mao, Matman, Nahpan, Pangkham, Panwai Townships were divided into two districts and designated as the Wa Self-Administered Division.

CNI News

19 June 2024

The Arakan Army (AA)'s warning the residents of Maungdaw to leave the town has solved the Bengali issue, U Kyi Myint, a Myanmar political commentator, told CNI News. 

The AA announced that it has surrounded and blocked all the military camps of the Myanmar Tatmadaw in Maungdaw and around and because it was worried about the lives of residents of Maungdaw, it warned them to leave the town starting from 9:00 p.m. on 16th June, 2024 as soon as possible.

"The AA warned Rohingya people, most of the people living in Maungdaw to prove that it wouldn't unjustly act. There are complexities there. There are the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), the Arakan Rohingya Students Union ARSU) and another one in Rakhine State. One of them got on well with the AA. But that organization is no more. Rohingya groups want to get weapons. So, they cooperate with or join the Tatmadaw temporarily. Rohingya people from the refugee camps in Bangladesh are gathered and sent to Myanmar and asked to get weapons, which the AA doesn't accept it at all. So, it made a decision to fight against decisively. When it fight, it warned Rohingya people to leave the town so that 195 international organizations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) don't put blame on the AA." he said.

While seeing the statement released by the AA

The Myanmar Tatmadaw has made preparations for quite a long time to use Maungdaw Town as military camps to wage an urban warfare. 

As all the remaining camps of the Tatmadaw would be attacked, it warned, said in the statement released by the AA on 16th June, 2024. 

Maungdaw, a Myanmar - Bangladesh border town, is very important to bilateral relations and trade, U Myo Kyaw, spokesperson of the United Nationalities Alliance (UNA), told CNI News.

While seeing the entrance to Maungdaw Town

" It is a Rakhine State's border town with Bangladesh as well as the western gate of Myanmar. If we trade with Bangladesh, Maungdaw is essential. It is very important to bilateral relations and trade." he said.

The Bengali issue has arisen in northern Rakhine State since early this year. After the AA captured Buthidaung Town on 18th May 2024, it was criticized by western countries and civil society organizations in relation to the Bengali issue.

At present, the AA has already captured Pauktaw, Minbya, Kyauktaw, Mrauk U, Myebon, Ponnagyun, Rathedaung, Ranbye and Buthidaung.

CNI News

19 June 2024

Vice chairman of the State Administration Council and Deputy Commander in Chief of the Tatmadaw Vice Senior General Soe Win and the Indian Ambassador to Myanmar  H.E.Mr. Abhay Thakur discussed the stability of the border between the two countries in Naypyidaw on 17th June, 2024. 

Stability and peace in the Myanmar-India border areas, issues related to increasing cooperation, trade and investment as well as development issues the two countries are cooperating were discussed during the meeting, stated the SAC.

Moreover, to increase cooperation between the two armies of the two countries and to be able to systematically produce skilled labors and human resources for the industrial sector development were discussed at the meeting. 

The battles are breaking out between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and armed groups in Tamu Township, Sagaing Region as well as in Tedim and Paletwa Townships, Chin State on the Myanmar side bordering with India.

Due to the battles, Myanmar IDPs had to enter India to take refuge there and because the stability of the border areas became weak, the trades have suspended. 

Moreover, The Indian government has wanted the Myanmar Tatmadaw to clear the Naga and Meitei rebels that are fighting against India.

CNI News

18 June 2024

Overseas employment agencies were finding it difficult because they were asked to present remittance accounts of workers they sent to foreign countries, said overseas employment agencies.

The agencies must submit whether the workers they sent abroad transfer 25 percent of their basic salaries to their families within Myanmar, said in the letter released by the Ministry of Labor a few days ago. 

So, they were finding it difficult, an official from the Myanmar Overseas Employment Agencies Federation, told CNI News.

" The agencies that can't submit remittance accounts, they will be suspended. The workers will transfer their money to their families on their own plans. They probably will transfer 25 percent of their basic salary to their families through the banking system. We have to submit remittance accounts of the workers. We can't go and take their money. We can't ask them to transfer their money by force. We, agencies, told them all to transfer money through the banking system. Some of them transferred money, I think. Others have to transfer money plus interests." he said.

Those who have signed the contract with agencies to go abroad

25 percent of basic salary must be transferred to the families within Myanmar through an official channel, said in the contracts between the workers and overseas employment agencies. 

However, it was difficult to enforce the contract, overseas employment agencies told CNI News.

Because of the difficulties like this, it was a situation where the ministry and agencies have to renegotiate, U Win Myint, managing director of Lucky Overseas Employment Agency, told CNI News.

Dollar and kyat

" We have sent so many workers abroad. They are from many different parts of the country. It's not easy for us to go to their native places to collect remittance accounts. Agencies are asked to do so. Agencies must take responsibility. But it's not easy. It will be convenient only if the ministry present difficulty to the top officials. We can work only if they relax." he said.

As the age of the people who will go abroad to work has been limited, the business of overseas employment agencies is showing the red reportedly. 

So, agencies are sending workers from the old demand letters and as the rate of cost from the new demand letters in the neighboring country has been high, agencies can't send new workers abroad reportedly.

CNI News

18 June 2024

There were onion cultivations in Meiktila District, Mandalay Region and by carrying out to improve the yield of onion, it could help regional and national economies a lot, Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC). 

He said the above while he was meeting with elders of the town and departmental officials.

After carrying out to improve the yield of onion, it could exported to local and abroad; moreover, onion-based value-added products could be produced; so onion should be produced and sold all the year round, urged Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

Although there were onion cultivations in Meiktila District many years ago, it could produce 80 vises. 

However, starting from the last 3 years, locals have been expanding cultivation in the district and at present, the onion yield of the district has been the same as those of Myingyan and Pakokku Districts, U Aung Myint, an onion trader from Myingyan, told CNI News.

" Onion was cultivated on a small scale many years ago, but since three years ago, locals from Meiktila, Pyawbwe, Thaedaw and Wundwin have been expanding onion cultivation. Onion was not cultivated in Thaedaw and Wundwin Townships. Now the onion production of these regions, Pyawbwe and Meiktila has been the same as those of Myingyan and Pakokku districts. There are creeks in Taungtha and Myingyan Townships and there are not creeks in Thaedaw and Wundwin, but the quality of the onions from Thaedaw and Wundwin is even better." he said.

While seeing Myanmar onion

Summer onion only is grown in Meiktila District and locals start growing it in December and it is produced in March reportedly. 

Myanmar onion is being exported to China, Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand. Fried onion is being produced as a value-added product and distributed all over the country by the lakh viss reportedly.

Some businessmen were exporting fried onion to foreign countries, U Thaung Naing, an onion trader, told CNI News.

"As a finished product of onion, the main is fried onion. First, onion is dried. And then it is fried. And then fried onion is exported. The fried onion that is being sold within the country is the export reject and the fried onion produced in Magway, Mandalay and Sagaing Regions that is distributed all over the country is about 100,000 vises." he said.

Although Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing urged locals to grow onion in Meiktila District for availability throughout the year, because the amount of water available from the creeks was low, the lack of rainfall and the fields were higher, it might be difficult to grow onion in the rainy season, said onion farmers. 

Moreover, if rainfed onion was grown, the yield might be lower and it could affect the yield of summer onion, they said.

CNI News

18 June 2024

The State Administration Council (SAC) was making preparations so that a free and fair multi-party democratic general election could be held, said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the SAC. 

He said the above while he was meeting with Meiktila district and township level departmental officials and elders of the town on 15th June, 2024.

"We are carrying out in order to be able to conduct population and census taking during October this year and making preparations so that a free and fair multi-party democratic general election in 2025." said Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

By reason of politics, if they did not not carry out the work that they must do, progress would be delayed, he added. 

While Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing was meeting with departmental officials in Meiktila

Census-taking would be conducted all over the country and a general election would be held in 2025 after which Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing seemed to hand over the State power to the winning party in 2026, reviewed political analysts.

Armed conflicts are taking place across the country and because of territorial instability and weak rule of law, in practice, it is impossible to hold elections, pointed out some people.

Not only was it necessary for the SAC to end the armed conflicts, it needed to implement territorial stability and rule of law, said political parties.