CNI News

2 November 2024

Due to international push to solve growing armed conflict arising from a political crisis in Myanmar, questions have emerged how Myanmar could evolve. 

Myanmar's neighboring countries, the UN and the ASEAN were making attempts to raise political dialogues, chairman of the PNLO-NCA/S, an NCA signatory, Col. Khun Okkar told CNI News.

" All the neighboring countries of Myanmar, the UN and the ASEAN are pushing all the stakeholders to raise political dialogues. So,  without hurting the dignities of stakeholders, it's necessary to create a political landscape that can contain all the stakeholders without any organization having upper hands. For the time being, facts are being gathered because a meeting will be held in India on 5,6,7,8th November. Many stakeholders will meet there, I think. India, China,and the UN are all making attempts in their own ways. The ambition of all of them is to reduce armed conflict and start a political roundtable. At least, it will start an informal meeting kind of, I think." he said.

While seeing Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing and Miss Bishop

If armed conflicts go on, the general public will be hurt more and buildings will be destroyed more, pointed out military analysts.

Moreover, armed conflicts took longer, reconstruction tasks could be delayed; so, political dialogues only were the most suitable, they pointed out.

Special Envoy of the UN to Myanmar, Miss Julie Bishop met with Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing in Naypyidaw and discussed the Myanmar issues, she said at the UN Assembly on 29th October 2024. 

he urged neighboring countries and the ASEAN to use their influence on Myanmar and implement the five point consent. Moreover, she urged Myanmar to lead and find an answer to the conflict at the assembly.

On the other hand, Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing is to go to China to attend the Great Mekong Summit. 

While seeing U Aung Kyaw Moe attending the ASEAN FMs Meeting on 11th October 2024

Moreover, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, U Aung Kyaw Moe attended the ASEAN Summit held in Vientiane, Laos on 11th October 2024. 

The SAC was trying to have the upper hand in diplomatic affairs while diplomatic circles were attempting for the sake of the Myanmar people, U Kyi Myint, a political commentator, told CNI News.

" The SAC is trying to have upper hands in diplomatic affairs. But world countries are diplomatically helping the Myanmar people as much as they can." he said.

India has invited 10 Myanmar political parties, six EAOs, the NSPNC and over 20 representatives from the Center for Peace and Reconciliation to attend the meeting where the constitution of India and federalism will be discussed on 5th and 6th November. 

In the same way, an informal discussion about Myanmar will be led and held by Thailand among the ASEAN countries in December 2024.

CNI News

2 November 2024

Carrying rubber that is grown and produced in Mon State from one place to another is limited and testimonials are being aske when it is transported, according to those who are doing business of rubber. 

As rubber is an agricultural product, it can be freely transported and sold, said in the farmers' right protection and benefit promotion law. However, at present, check points are asking testimonials and money. 

So, the matter regarding the transportation of rubber would be presented to the government of state, secretary of the Mon State Rubber Association, U Tun Tun Naing told CNI News.

While rubber is being produced from rubber latex step by step

" When we carry rubber, check points ask if it is allowed to carry. But the law has allowed to freely carry the rubber because it's an agricultural product. But checkpoints ask permits to transport. At last, if they get a certain amount of money, they are pleased and they allowed to go carrying. So, we are to ask questions to the government of state about it." he said.

Moreover, rubber is not allowed to carry from Mon State to Karen State and vice versa. In the same way, the rubber produced in Mon State is not allowed to carry to Tanintharyi Region and permits are being asked reportedly. 

Because it is not allowed to freely carry like that, the cost becomes higher and rubber farmers don't get good prices, a rubber entrepreneur from Yay Township, told CNI News.

While rubber sheets are being dried in the sun

" Because we have to pay the money to the checkpoints, although traders or brokers have to pay, practically farmers have to suffer. The higher the cost, the more farmers suffer. They don't get reasonable prices." he said.

The price of rubber is about two times higher this year than last year and currently is 3,000 kyats per pound, but just 1,500 kyats in the past. 

Rubber is grown most in Mon State where over 100,000 tons of rubber are produced yearly.

CNI News

2 November 2024

An MoU regarding labor affairs was signed by Myanmar and Laos a few days ago and those who carry out labor affairs and businessmen are considering if Myanmar had been poverty-stricken that it had to send its workers to even Laos.

Although Myanmar and Laos were developing countries in Southeast Asia, people can say that Myanmar had been so poverty-stricken that it has to send its workers to even Laos, U Min Oo, in charge of labor affairs from the Foundation for Education and Development (FED) told CNI News.

Although not every worker could enjoy 100 percent of their benefits in Thailand, many workers were enjoying full benefits of theirs. However, Laos had not reached the level of Thailand; Laos still was lower than other neighboring countries, he added.

While seeing workers

" It can't be convenient for Myanmar workers who have reached Laos. For example, during the Covid-19 pandemic, Myanmar workers in Laos asked for help. Laos was not able to do anything for them. Myanmar workers can be sent to Laos. But we have to consider it is because our country is so poor. To tell you frankly, there is a demand for labor in Thailand. At least, basic salary is designated. There are also social security and other rights. It's not certain that there are these things in Laos. It's hard to get basic information in Laos. So, why are the workers sent to Laos? It's beyond me." said U Min Oo to CNI News.

In comparison with most of its neighboring countries, basic salary of Laos is lower, but in comparison with Myanmar, basic salary of Laos is much higher, pointed out those carrying out for labor issues and businessmen.

According to the current situation, because it was hard to find jobs within the country, Myanmar citizens wanted to do the jobs that were available and they would go there to work, they made comments.

While seeing Lao Ambassador to Myanmar and Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the SAC

" There's one thing I can say, in Southeast Asia, there were four developing countries - Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Myanmar. Vietnam has developed for long. Cambodia also has developed to an extent since 2020. Laos has been selling its electricity as well. In fact, it's landlocked If you compare the basic salary of Laos with that of Myanmar, you know whether Myanmar is poorer or not." said U Aung Pyae Sone, a businessman.

There has been an increase in the number of Myanmar citizens who go to Laos illegally and some are facing a variety of troubles. To catch up with higher living cost, the basic salary of Laos was raised from 66 to 82 dollars.

CNI News

1 November 2024

Because battles were launched in the Kachin Special Region-1 in the far northeastern part of Kachin State, if a racial problem emerged, the organization that created battles would be responsible for it, announced the Larcheed Literature and Culture Committee.

The committee announced on 28th October 2024, saying it was the attitude of the entire Larcheed nationalities. 

Larcheed nationalities have been living in Chiphwi, Sawlaw, Waingmaw Townships, Sadon, Kan Pite Tee, Kachin Special Region-1 in far northeastern part of Kachin State peacefully since AD 700, said in the statement.

The KIA/KPDF joint forces began attacking Chiphwi, Panwa, Kan Pite Tee and Sadon regions in the Kachin Special Region-1 administered by U Zakhun Ting Ying, starting from September 2024.

The KIA/KPDF joint forces captured Chiphwi Township on 29th September 2024 and Panwa, on 18th October and the Border Guard Force 1003 near Hsin Kyaik Village between Kan Pite Tee and Sadon, on 21st October.

While seeing the statement released by the Larcheed Literature and Culture Central Committee

Larcheed nationalities and other tribes had to flee to safety by the thousand because the KIA/KPDF joint forces attacked the Kachin Special Region-1.

" The regions where Larcheed people live were attacked like fighting against the foreign enemies, lives of properties of local people were lost and human rights were cruelly violated for which the entire Larcheed people are sorry and upset." said in the statement.

And then the committee stated that all those who were responsible for creating battles needed to stop battles immediately.

" If the racial problem and historic bad consequences emerged, the organization which created battles would be responsible. The entire Larcheed people denounce waging battles and want finding an answer by discussing peacefully." said in the statement.

While the KIA/KPDF forces were removing the signboard of No.1002 Border Guard Force (Crd)

The regions in the Kachin Special Region-1 were delayed for development because of domestic armed conflicts since Myanmar gained her independence. 

However, U Zakhong Ting Ying led and made eternal peace with the Myanmar Tatmadaw after which education, healthcare, transportation and all-round development arose. Local people have been living peacefully up to now, said in the statement.

The regions of the Kachin Special Region-1 share borders with China and has the China-Myanmar border trade gates as well as rare earth mining projects and tissue culture banana plantations.

So, the Chinese Special Envoy Mr. Deng Xijun met with General Gun Shawng n order to stop battles.

However, because battles didn't stop, the Chinese government has closed down the border gates sharing with Kachin State.

CNI News

1 November 2024

Questions are emerging whether the invitation of Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council to the Great Mekhong meeting mean the China's recognition of legitimacy of the SAC. 

However, the National Unity Government told China to reconsider its invitation of the SAC chairman in the Press Briefing to the people and international on 30th October 2024.

It was likely that China invited the SAC chairman to arise peace talks rather than recognizing the legitimacy of the SAC, Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, a China-Myanmar affairs commentator, told CNI News.

" There is no reason that the SAC has become legitimate. Our people only will decide our revolution. But he can have a photo for his propaganda. The whole world doesn't ostracize him. There are some countries which recognize him as well. It won't make any difference if he goes to China. But China is urging the stakeholders to stoup battles and discuss politically. China might invite him for that." she said.

While the Chinese FM Mr. Wang Yi came to Myanmar on 14th August 2024 and was meeting with chairman of the SAC

Because the SAC has taken the responsibilities such as administration, judiciary, economy, social and so on, like it or not, it was a legitimate government kind of, pointed out political analysts.

Because the SAC was not a government that came to power through elections, although it was not legitimate, it was a legitimate government because it was a government that take care of the constitution, Director of the Thayninga Institute for Strategy Studies, U Thein Tun Oo told CNI News.

" That the Myanmar Tatmadaw has maintained the State power since February, 2021 is in accordance with the 2008 constitution. So, when stabilizing the constitution, we can't say legitimacy or illegitimacy. According to theory, a government that didn't come through elections is not legitimate. In fact, it's a government that takes care of the constitution. It means a legitimate government. We have no business to controverse a lot about it." he said.

In the Great Mekhong meeting where the SAC chairman would go and attend, discussions regarding regional security cooperation and reopening the border trade gates could be expected, considered political analysts.

At present, there are good diplomatic relations between the SAC and China and leaders from both countries have mutual trips.

CNI News

1 November 2024

Almost all the hotel rooms in Taunggyi, Kalaw and Nyaung Shwe have been fully booked for the Taunggyi Tazaungdaing traditional balloon festival, a flagship one of Shan State, according to the Ministry of Hotel and Tourism. 

The festival will be held from 9th to 15th November and for the time being, 80 percent of all the hotel rooms have been fully booked, Director of the Ministry of Hotel and Tourism of Shan State, U Htin Aung Naing told CNI News.

" To the best of my knowledge, almost all the hotel rooms in Kalaw and Taunggyi have been fully booked. Hotel rooms are still a bit left in Inlay to lodge. Generally speaking, 80 percent of hotel rooms have been fully booked. Residents of Taunggyi and the people from around the city are crazy about the balloon festival. So, they will come to the festival, I hope. Moreover, I expect people from Yangon, Mandalay and Naypyidaw will come to the festival because Taunggyi, Kalaw and Inlay regions are stable." he said.

During the festival, seven to nine balloons will be let off each day and over 60 at night and toy balloons in the daytime reportedly. 

While the Taunggyi Tazaungdaing Balloon Festival was being held

Although the Taunggyi Tazaungdaing Balloon Festival was held in 2023, those who came and visited the festival decreased. 

Because the festival will be held when there are no territorial stabilities and the commodity price is rising, criticisms have emerged.

" It's hard to say. local tourists who have decided to go to the festival will go there. Although Inlay is in a bad situation, some people will go there. Kalaw is trying to recover as well. But some people will go there. This year, the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival is not held, which is good. There was a flood disaster there. Although festivities are held like this, the people are not really happy because of the current situation." said U Thet Lwin Toe, a tourism service entrepreneur, to CNI News.

47 hotels in Taunggyi and 72 hotels in Kalaw have been all opened and among 110 hotels in Nyaung Shwe, 56 have been closed down.

All the hotel rooms of some hotels reportedly have been booked since 26th October for the Taunggyi Tazaungdaing Balloon Festival.

CNI News

31 October 2024

After the US imposed economic sanctions on the Myanmar Foreign Trade Bank (MFTB), and the Myanmar Investment and Commercial Bank (MICB), it might impose sanctions on the Myanmar Economic Bank (MEB). 

However, because the MEB doesn't serve foreign currency transfer, trade and investments as much as the two banks sanctioned do, if the MEB was sanctioned, there would be nothing worse, U Htay Aung Kyi, a banking expert, told CNI News.

" The MICB provides service to commercial investment while MFTB, to foreign trade. They have foreign transition currency. The MEB has no foreign currency transition. But it might have. But to the best of my knowledge, it doesn't have. So, there is no reason the MEB won't be hurt as much as the two other banks. There is nothing worse." he said.

While seeing the Myanma Foreign Trade Bank

In order to limit the flow of foreign currencies into the hands of the SAC, the US imposed sanctions on the MFTB and the MICB.

Payment and tax payment regarding local garment industry, airlines, tourism industry, investment industry, trade have been linked with the MICB and the MFTB.

If the MEB was sanctioned, it would be difficult to transfer state-owned finance. So, the trip of the SAC chairman might intend to avoid these difficulties and contain the issues of local stabilities, an economic commentator told CNI News.

While seeing a port where trading activities are being carried out

" If the MEB was sanctioned, it would be very difficult for the financial transaction of the government. At any rate, the government has to set a foothold to avoid it. The government has to sell reserve foreign currencies for fuel oil, edible oil and medicine. The amount of reserve foreign currency seems to decrease. The SAC chairman might go and negotiate with China about loans and grants." he said.

The MEB, a state-owned commerce and development bank, is providing service to commerce, banking industry, other financial services and local and abroad banking services with its 335 branches.

CNI News

31 October 2024

The Central Bank of Myanmar has been selling foreign currencies since April for importers and exporters and since it has already sold one billion dollars up to now, questions have emerged whether it can cure the economic problem. 

Although dollars have been sold like this, prices within the country are still rising and it has not impct on the businesses yet while the people are still facing hardships, said businessmen.

Whether the dollars the Central Bank sold arrived in the businesses or not should be inspected, U Htay Aung Kyi, a banking expert, told CNI News.

While seeing the headquarters of the Central Bank

" Which ones are important? It must be considered with trade. For the time being, import licenses have been issued. Why? How much is it important? If there is a control like this, it will be good. In fact, foreign currencies are not needed within the country. But importers need them. There are also intentions why foreign products have to be imported in order to export Myanmar products. Semi-products, raw materials and community goods are imported. On the other hand, there is a system if you import how much percentage, how much dollars will be sold to you. But selling dollars now is separate. I want the authorities to inspect whether the dollars sold have arrived in the businesses or not. Next, there's something to think about. Up to how much dollars can be sold and how long will they be sold?" he said.

After the foreign exchange rates were skyrocketed, the Central Bank penetrated dollars into the foreign currency market. 

While seeing a fuel oil station

Doing so resolved the fuel oil problem a bit. But it was necessary to sell dollars for long, Ko Nay Khant, an economic commentator, told CNI News.

" Now the fuel oil problem has been solved quite a bit because dollars are being continuously sold by the Central Bank. But it sells dollars little by little. Whether they can be sold any more or not might depend on receiving loans from China. Although selling dollars is good, how long will dollars be sold? The political problem doesn't seem to be finished. Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing is to go to China in November. It is hoped that China will provide all-round  assistance to Myanmar. A change will emerge. Selling dollars from the Central Bank is good. But the price of dollar is rising a bit." he said.

Because the Central Bank has been sold dollars, the price of dollar has been stable within the country and its price is just around 4,600 kyats per dollar.

CNI News

31 October 2024

It was difficult to buy fuel oil in Muse and not only did customers not get the amount of fuel oil what they want, it was also being sold on a limited basis, officials from philanthropic associations in Muse, told CNI News. 

The prices of fuel oil have been higher than before and fuel oil was being sold for 50,000 kyats each vehicle while other products are also going up and consumer goods have been scarce, they said. 

" You can buy fuel oil. But it is sold little by little because Muse is a town that is controlled by the government so that fuel oil cannot be carried to the territories controlled by EAOs. There is fuel oil, but it is sold only on a limited basis. People are so worried that they are very keen on buying it. People come and go to the Chinese side, but goods from the Chinese side cannot be carried through the border. The list of people from the Myanmar side, who will go to China to work must be submitted to the Chinese police station. If the police station permits, they can enter the Chinese side." said the Kanlet philanthropic association.

While seeing some motorcars running in Muse (AFP)

While almost the border gates have been closed down due to battles, exporting Chinese products to Myanmar through the Myla gate, the only one that is still open has been closed down by China. At present, the price of Chinese yuan is 6,000 kyats per yuan in Muse and the prices of consumer goods are designated with only Chinese yuan.

Because China has suddenly closed down the border gates with Myanmar, trucks that were stranded on the Chinese side and the prices became higher, an official from the Beautiful Heart philanthropic association, told CNI News.

While seeing the entrance to Muse

" The trucks that entered and left China and Myanmar have been trapped on the Chinese side. At present, as products and goods are not imported or exported kind of, construction industries are short of materials and workers have been jobless. Members of the basic class get into trouble. Even the prices of snacks become higher. All the prices have risen." he said.

However, people are as usual allowed to enter or leave and a lot of Myanmar workers reportedly have arrived already in the garment factories on the Chinese side. 

If China had closed down its border gates with Myanmar for a long time, local people would be hurt more, pointed out the philanthropic associations in Muse.