Tax moves, markets to boost gem industry
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Tax-free zones and one-stop service centres are in the pipeline to help boost export of finished gems and jewellery, industry sources have said. Finished gems and jewellery markets are set to open in Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw, according to San Myo,
He said raw gems and jewellery will be processed in those markets, and finished goods exported tax-free abroad.
“We are trying to complete the construction of Shwe Kyar Pin Jewellery Market in Nay Pyi Taw. We have a plan to establish a Tax Free Zone adjacent to the market, where we will process the raw gems and export finished ones tax free by one stop service. This will create job opportunities,” he said.
Talks with UNFC in Chiang Mai
The government and an ethnic federation will hold talks shortly, the Myanmar Peace Centre said yesterday after the United Nationalities Federal Council agreed to meet in Chiang Mai.
“We have to discuss a dialogue framework first. We are now setting a day for the talks as the UNFC said it was convenient for a meeting to take place after Feb 16. After setting the date, we’ll go there with the government’s union-level peace-making group," MPC director Dr Min Zaw Oo said. “Some groups want to hold a dialogue individually while some want it with the whole federation. But some groups prefer subject-wise talks. For example, the Shan have their own things to do within the state. So we’re trying to develop a framework for all-inclusive talks. We accept any kind of talks. In our ongoing peace efforts, we cannot sideline any ethnic armed groups.”
The UNFC was formed in early 2011 with groups such as the Karen, Kachin, Mon, Karenni, Chin, Shan and Arakan.
