Week in Review: Myanmar
More telecom towers Malaysia’s edotco Group has joined hands with Yoma Strategic Holdings to build and operate as many as 5,000 telecom towers in Myanmar over the next three years.
It aims to benefit from the huge growth potential of the telecom market in Myanmar, where 7,900 telecom towers currently in operation are expected to grow in number to 29,000 towers by 2024.
The venture plans to invest US$200 million (Bt7.3 billion) in Myanmar over the next five years.
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New visa regulations
The Myanmar Immigration and Population Ministry has introduced new visa measures. Twelve types of visas have been announced: diplomatic, official, tourism, social, journalism, crew, workshop, business, employment, religion, educational and transit.
A 28-day tourist visa costs US$20 (Bt725) while 70-day business visa costs $36. Seven types of visa can be extended without leaving the country.
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US official’s visit
US Deputy Secretary of State Antony J Blinken is visiting Nay Pyi Taw on January 17-18.
During his visit, he is meeting with government officials and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi to discuss the post-election political environment in Myanmar, and the US commitment to supporting Myanmar’s reform process and transition to democracy.
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New EIA requirements
With assistance from the Asian Development Bank, Myanmar has announced new requirements for assessing the environmental and social impacts of investment projects.
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Procedure – approved by the cabinet in November – specifies the type and scope of environmental assessments required for all investment projects that could cause environmental or social harm.
Also announced were environmental quality guidelines that aim to minimise levels of air, noise and water pollution.
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Historic caves discovered
Buddha images, wall paintings and caves have been uncovered at a road-construction site near Pyar village, Myingyan Township, Mandalay Region.
Sixteen caves and many ancient images were found.
The Department of Archaeological Research and the National Museum have labelled the find significant to cultural heritage.
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NLD prepared for drought
The National League for Democracy (NLD) told its members to prepare for natural disasters, in particular extreme water shortages.
Tun Tun Hein, chairman of the party’s environmental committee, said the El Nino impact could be worse than in previous years.
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Water pollution
The Great Wall sugar mill in Sagaing Region has been accused of dumping industrial waste directly into the Ayeyawady River.
Villagers living as far as 30 kilometres from the sugar mill claim to have suffered from the industrial discharge. The factory started operations in 2006.
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‘Genuine’ peace talks promised
National League for Democracy (NLD) chairperson Aung San Suu Kyi promised ethnic groups that genuine peace talks would start when she officially took power.
In her interview with Radio Free Asia, she said her government would host a genuine peace conference.
Last week, some ethnic groups attended the Union Peace Conference. The ethnic armed groups submitted a list of basic principles on sovereignty, equality, autonomy, federalism, protection of the rights of minorities, democratic rights, gender equality, multiparty democracy and a secular state.
Military representatives discussed a federal system, saying it cannot be built without a flourishing democracy.
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Peninsula Hotel update
The Yoma Group and the Rail Transportation Ministry have signed an agreement for the lease of an old railway station and premises, which will be converted into the Peninsula Hotel.
The investment group IFC and the Asian Development Bank both reportedly agreed to inject US$70 million (Bt2.5 billion) each, including $50 million as loans and $20 million as equity.
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Public dissent
Shwe Htun Pauk, a Chinese mining company, has promised to cease operations if it continues to face opposition from residents.
The company is licensed to mine gold and other minerals at the Tanintharyi River near Maw Hta village. Villagers have accused the company, which has operated from steel platforms in the river as well as boats since September, of polluting the water.
Company representative Ko Cho told villagers that he would bring the issue before the company’s shareholders.
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