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CNI News
23 June 2023
USA has imposed sanctions on Myanmar Foreign Trade Bank (MFTB) and Myanma Investment and Commercial Bank (MICB) with a view to restrict foreign currencies that will go to State Administration Council (SAC), which may adversely affact to local entrepreneurs more than SAC, said businessmen and analysts.
Garment industry, airlines, tourism industry,investment activities and trading businesses in Myanmar need to connect with MICB and MFTB banks for payment and tax payments. So, the sanctions may affact local businesses, said U Thiha Paing, founder of Via Logistics & Supply Chain, to CNI.
Myanmar Foreign Trade Bank
"USA's sanctions have intended to affact MOGE and the Tatmadaw's businesses. But the sanctions impact on business elements more than SAC. If we legally work here, it will be convenient to connect with the government banks. There are still KBZ and AYA. But they are not as strong as the government banks. Moreover.although there are some branches of foreign banks, it may be difficult if they are compared with the government banks" he said.
" Here we have branches opened by foreign countries and also foreign banks. Some are going from project to project. It's a bit difficult for foreign cprporations when they pay the tax. The sanctions adversely affact many sectors such as oil and gas, electricity trading, energy, travel and tour, airline, metal mining, projects that really need to connect with the government, CMP industries, and investments" he said.
Over After USA has imposed on the two banks of Myanmar government, foreign currency exchange services in Myanmar have stopped temporarily due to comments that the value of dollar will probably rise.
"Because MFTB and MICB have been sanctioned, most of businesses in local and abroad must use other banks,said U Thet Zaw, economy analyst, to CNI.
chairman of SAC meeting businesspeople
MFTB make decissions in trading matters. it needs to designate which banks are official. Ko Zaw Min Tun said that other banks can be used. But the central bank must permit." he said.
There is nothing to worry for Myanmar's banking industries because USA has imposed on MICB and MFTB. Usually, foreign currencies are being transferred, changed and depositted and USA is carrying out to make Myanmar get into economic and political crises, said Zaw Min Tun, spokesperson of SAC.
Although trade and investment activities work in connection with local private banks, only if these baks have a great deal of foreign currencies and at present, because private banks are weak in trade activities, hundi system will probably come back, said businessmen. The system is a verbal or written agreement to pay a stated sum, used as part of an informal system for transferring money.
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CNI News
22 June 2023
When paddy is grown the rain rice season this year, workers that plant rice are highly paid more than previous years. Because rice prices are going up and rice planter workers are scarce, when paddy is grown, rice planting workers are earning 12,000 Kyat a day, said Daw Mya Mya Soe, a local of Zinkyaik Town in Mon State to CNI News.
"A day wage labourer who plants paddy earns 12,000 Kyats and if he takes a lunch box with him, he will get 15,000 Kyats. Workers are highly paid with the price of rice going up. A day wage labourer earned 9,000 to 10,000 Kyats before. Labourers are very scarce now.They have gone to Thailand, he said.
some people ploughing in the field
At the time of planting rice, workers not only from Khayan township and Thongwa township but also from Ayeryawady Region and Bago Region come to Mon State to plant rice. "In the past, eight workers worked for an acre of land and but now 15 workers have to be hired, said U Naing Maung Lay, a farmer from Chaung Sone Township, to CNI News.
In the past when a worker was paid 7,000 Kyats, workers arrived at the field at 6a.m and went home at 5p.m. But now, workers reached the field at 7 a.m and went home at 4p.m. Their working hours decrease. They walk around and speak on the phone during working hours. In fact, daily wages are not much. But their net working hours decrease. So, the cost of a farmer has increased. That's why many farmers sow the seeds in the field and then plant rice" he said.
The workers who are skilful in planting rice have been scarce especially men are more scarce, said Daw Htay Yi, a farmer from Paung Township in Mon State, to CNI News.
some workers planting rice
" We have to pay a worker 12,000 Kyats a day including unskilful ones. Men pull out rice seedling and replant. We have to pay them 15,000 each. Girls and women are paid 12,000 Kyats a day." she said.
Most of the farmers in Mon State don't work pulling out seedlings and replanting anymore and they work sowing seeds in the fields only because the workers have been scarce and cost for workers has become high. Planting by sowing seeds normally reduce the rate of yield. But if fertilizer is more used, the yield can be better. However, rice plants will be damaged after getting much rain which farmers are worried.
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CNI News
22 June 2023
Ta'ang Land University will be open in 2024, said in a statement issued by Ta'ang National Education Committee on 20th Jun.
The university will be open so that the students who have joined the CDM (Civil Disobedience Movement) due to current political situation can go on learning, said in the statement.
The committee have intended to upgrade higher education of the Ta'ang region in accord with the time and to arise a qualified higher education system that is accessible for every student, said the committee in its statement.
TNEC learners
Due to the covid-19 pandemic and political changes a few years ago, young people were late in education and he hailed opening a university like this, said Maing Ohn Khaing, a Ta'ang politician to CNI News.
"We must welcome that they promote education. I'm very glad to know that they are carrying out to make youths continue learning further. Because of not only Covid-19 but also political changes, youths fall behind in education" he said.
Students for the first year course of that university will be accepted in December 2024 for the first time, intensionally for those who completed basic education before the Tatmadaw took power in 2021 and those who passed Basic Education Completion Assessment (BECA) 2023 conducted by NUG's ministry of education, said in the statement.
teachers for Ta'ang education
Arts, science, political science and agricultural subjects will be taught in that university and students must pay the cost, it said. Most of Ta'ang youths leave for China to work after giving up education and if the university is open, Ta'ang youths will probably attend, said U Aik Char, vice chairman of Lashio Township Taang Traditional Literature and Culture Department.
"At a time like this, some youths can't go to school. when the university like this can be open, Ta'ang youths should attend than others. Youths should go on learning with interest and actively. There are many youths who have gone out of school.I'd like to tell youths to give priority to education again" he said.
Diplomas and bachelors will be awarded to those who successfully complete courses or pass exams, said in the statement.
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CNI News
22 June 2023
Farming cost is still rising although the price of fertilizer is falling at present in Myanmar, said farmers to CNI. Although the price of fertilizer is falling, because the prices of agricultural equipments are still rising, there may still be difficulties for basic farmers and peasants, said U Thein Aung, chairman of Farmers Development Association in Ayeyarwady Region.
"The prices of all equipment used in machine go up and so do service charges.This year the price of fertilizer is about 25 thousand Kyats less than last year. It's not very difficult for the farmers who have a little debt to pay. But those who have been in debt for years for example used to spend about four lakh Kyats before reaping. But now if they have to spend three lakh before reaping, they will have to spend five to six lakh all together. So they have to look for extra money. It's very difficult to look for the money like that. If the government helps them about two years in a row, many farmers will be convenient, he said.
farmers are ploughing with machines
Of inputs, the price of fertilizer decreases at present, but the price can go up again in the agricultural season, said U Kyaw Zan, chairman of Rakhine State Peasant and Farmer Association, to CNI News.
Although the price of fertilizer decreases at present, only farmers who have enough money can buy fertilizer in advance. But when farmers must buy, its price can go up, he said.
Because the price of fertilizer just drop a little under ten thousand in Rakhine State, farmers make a litt profit like before, said U Maung Kyaw Hlaing who grows vegetables from Phayabaung Village in Kyauktaw Township, to CNI News.
The government need to issue loans and support agricultural machines to farmers to save the cost of agriculture, said farmers.
The State Administration Council is reportedly issueing loans to farmers so that they can buy inputs and machines.
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CNI News
21 June 2023
The Tatmadaw is the most responsible (in the organizations concerned) to solve the armed conflicts taking place in Myanmar, said U Ko Ko Gyi, chairman of People's Party (PP) to CNI. The Tatmadaw that has taken the power of State needs to obviously show the situation that political problem can be solved with political method, he said.
" The Tatmadaw that has taken the power of State is the most responsible. The root cause of this problem is the political problem. The Tatmadaw needs to transparently show that obvious developments will arise if political problem is solved with political method without holding arms.
Although everything cannot be solved, it needs to make everyone believe that an answer that can be poitically expected will come out rather than armed movement among the people.
people demanding democracy
That's why the Tatmadaw's political desire is important. Although there are terrorist movements, I've already chosen political method. Politicl parties, NCA signatories currently discussing with SAC and NCA non-signatories should deminstrate tangible change through political dialogue. Gradually, we should try to become an all-inclusive political solution", he said to CNI.
he Tatmadaw toppled down the NLD government led by DASSK after having said that NLD tried to form a government without solving the ballot dispute in the 2020 general electioin and has declared a state of emergency. Then democratic elements formed PDF and are waging spring revolution. Only when all the organizations taking part in the conflicts meet and discuss, Myanmar political crisis can be solved, said Colonel Saw Kyaw Nyunt, spokesperson of the Peace Process Steering Team (PPST) to CNI.
an armed group
" In comparison with previous political crises, this time the crisis is more difficult, deeper and more comprehensive.No matter how difficult it is, what we have understood is that it is due to politics. According to international landscape or our experience, solving a political problem with a political dialogue is a way that we can overcome with damaging our country least.
According to the current situation, there are many difficulties to arise a situation for an all inclusive political dialogue. But looking ahead to the benefit of the Union, all the stakeholders need to carry out, he said.
Because of political conflicts that changed during February 2021, armed conflicts are taking place all over the country. Due to armed conflicts, political, peace,economic, educational, and health sectors are deteriorating in the country.
Some local organizations, political parties, EAOs and international organizations are trying to solve these problems.
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CNI News
21 June 2023
The number of Myanmar migrant workers are illegally working for other employers rather than for the emploers described on their work permits, those who are helping in the affairs of migrant workers said to CNI.
According to Thai law, migrant workers must work for the employers on their work permits. But when the employers on their work permits don't issue legal resign letters, because they find it difficult to change to new employers, they are working for other employers, Ko Thar Gyi who is helping in the affairs of Myanmar migrant workers, said to CNI.
" Former employers don't issue legal resign letters. So the migrant workers cannot replace former employers on their work permits with new employers. That's why they are illegally working like that. About 59 percent of migrant workers with MoU have this problem. When a migrant worker asks a legal job resign letter, Myanmar agencies ask a lot of money from the migrant worker. Only if the worker gives 4,000 to 5,000 Baht, a legal job resign letter is issued. Some workers have to pay the fee for applying jobs. But the work permits have not been changed. So lots of work permits were not renewed on 13th February this year.
a fishing site in Thailand (Getty Images)
Agencies go on persuading the workers they will apply for the workers when new work permits are issued. Most of ignorant workers who come from rural areas feel the pinch" he said.
Myanmar migrant workers who are illegally working for other employers try to be legal. But because it takes them too long and complex to get evident documents, they are working like this, said those who are helping in the affairs of migrant workers.
"Whether employers are the same as those on work permits or not, workers cannot work if employers don't accept. In fact, both sides are guilty. The employers who are not on work permits are more guilty. We have to see if the worker are fully paid" said Ko Naing Naing Aung, director of Arakan Workers Organization to CNI.
According to Thai law, the workers working for the employers who are not on the work permits nay be arrested, said U Aung Kyaw, an official from Labour Right Foundation (LRF) to CNI News.
Because there are so many jobs in Thailand and migrant workers from neighbouring countries are being employed, the migrant workers make a decision easily like this, he said.The workers tend to change to the factories where their relatives or friends without taking the law into account. The migrant workers should try to know Thai rules and reegulations relating to migrant workers, he added.
Due to a complaint saying migrant workers were working at a construction site in Bangkok for the employer different from the name on the work permit, 8 myanmar workers, 9 Cambodian workers and 2 Thai contractors were arrested a few days ago.
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CNI News
21 June 2023
Crab business is a lucrative one in Rakhine State and because crabs can be exported to China this year, crabs are being traded with higher prices than last year, said crab wholesale businesspeople to CNI.
Chinese border that had been closed due to Covid-19 disease and political problems, has been re-open now and because crabs cab be exported to Cbina again, Crab business people are earning much income, said U Khaing Kyaw Hla, a crab wholesaker from Pauk Taw township.
" Crab market is getting better than in the past. The border has been re-open for one year. We can export many tons of crabs since the Chinese border was re-open.
crabs that will be exported
We had to export limitedly before. We had to export crabs to Yangon limitedly. Now we can export as we like. Those who export to China have increased.
Transportation is key. As long as the road is open, More income can be earned for the country. If a cyclone enters Rakhine State one time, crabs increase two times. If a cyclone enters once, fish and shrimps have increased twice. some people whose dams have been broken lost something due to cyclone. I'm not sure if fish and shrimp have increased, but crabs have obviously increased than before." said U Khaing Kyaw Hla.
Although crabs can be sold at higher prices, if the weather is bad, it is difficult for workers, said Daw Nu Nu Saw, one who does business of crab from Pyaing Taung village, Pauk Taw township.
Rakhine State and Ayeyarwady Region export crabs to China most. When the prices decrease, if a lot of crabs are exported, the exporters can make a loss, said crab businesspeople. Currently, a kilo of crab is being sold at the prices from 3,000 to 7,000 Kyats.
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CNI News
20 June 2023
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has always maintained political method in the effort to reach the goals of democracy, human rights and peace that Myanmar people want, which central executive committee of National League for Democracy (NLD) released a statement on 19th June, 2023.
It was described in the statement saying 'thank you' to those who sent 'birthday wish'messages for chairperson of NLD, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's 78th birthday on 19th June 2023.
NLD CEC's statement
" In the effort to reach the goals of democracy, human rights and peace which Myanmar people have always wanted, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has always maintained political method only.Daw Aung San Suu Kyi who is regarded as the public leader, and has won the affection and trust of the entire people up to now, and also is the leader of the winning party, is one of the most important persons who cannot be excluded in solving the problems of Myanmar. It is NLD's view.", the committe stated.
The statement of CEC is opposed to the path on which NUG, CRPH and PDF are walking and indirectly means that DASSK would accept armed path of NUG, PDF, Moreover while most of the people have a burning desire to topple down the Tatmadaw, the statement sort of is starting meeting and discussing This statement seems to be starting the path of meeting and discussion, A political analyst said.
NLD's member of Hluttaw and NUG's defense minister U Yi Mon and PDF comrades
Having said that NLD government tried to form a government without solving the ballot dispute from 2020 general election, the Tatmadaw toppled down the NLD government and has declared a state of emergency. Then it arrested U Win Myint, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and Dr.Zaw Myint Maung.
Some members of the CEC and Hluttaw formed the National Unity Government and People's Defense Force and are waging armed revolution to overthrow the Tatmadaw. DASSK and U Win Myint who have been arrested have been put in NUG.
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CNI News
20 June 2023
In solving Myanmar political problems, a path that can be discussed with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will statrt arising, said in a statement released on 19th June by Central Executive Committee of National League for Democracy (NLD) which consist of exile former NLD members of Hluttaw.
It was described in the birthday wish messages for DASSK's 78th birthday on 19th June. "Up to now, DASSK who has been regarded as the public leader and won the affection and credibility of the entire people and also leader of the winning party, is one of the most important persons who cannot be excluded in the effort to solve Myanmar problems" said in the statement.of CEC.
people demanding democracy
"As we believe that in the effort to solve Myanmar political problems, it will not be a real possibility without talks with DASSK, we will collaborate with friend countries and partner elements from local and abroad to librate all political prisoners including DASSK who have been unjustly arrested" said in the statement.
The Tatmadaw toppled down the NLD government led by DASSK after having said that NLD tried to form a government without solving the ballot dispute in the 2020 general electioin and has declared a state of emergency. Then it arrested U Win Myint, DASSK and Dr.Zaw Myint Maung.
a revolutionary force fighting against the Tatmadaw
If DASSk and the Tatmadaw meet and discuss to solve the current political crisis, there will not be much possibility to make everything okay, and but only if a comprehensive discussion including those who represent the people and ethnic can be held, everything will be just fine. However,the Tatmadaw has no plan to take DASSK to political world again, said a political analyst.