Gas exports hit $7.2 bn in 2 years
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Myanmar has earned US$7.2 billion (Bt212 billion) from natural gas exports since the civilian government took over two years ago, the Ministry of Commerce said.
The country hit a new record of gas exports in the fiscal year 2012-13 with total earning of $3.7 billion and also yielded $3.5 billion in 2011-12, statistics show. Myanmar is now ranked as tenth largest gas exporter in the world. It is currently exporting majority of gas to Thailand. About 430 million cubic feet of gas are sent to Thailand every day, according to the official reports.
Myanmar extracts natural gas mainly from Yadana and Yetagun offshore gas projects on the Western coast of the country.
First-aid centre on main highway
The 185-kilometre rest area on the Yangon-Nay Pyi Taw-Mandalay Highway now has a first-aid centre that provides service round the clock.
The centre was set up by the Red Cross societies of Myanmar and Singapore in March, said Dr Thar Hla Shwe, president of the Myanmar Red Cross Society.
The centre’s key task is provide immediate medical help as accidents happen very often on this highway.
The highway has seen nearly 300 crashes with 147 deaths and 618 injured over the past three years. In addition to the first-aid centre, the societies are also building cyclone shelters, low cost housings, and providing first-aid training programs in Nargis-hit areas.
New shopping mall planned in Pathein
Construction for a world-class shopping centre has started in Pathein, the capital of Ayeyawady Region. The Ayeyawady Bank is funding the construction of the Ayeyawady Shopping Centre. The five-storey high shopping centre should be ready in about a year.
Free primary schools enter second year
Primary students will be enrolled for free for the 2013-14 academic year, the Ministry of Education.
This is part of a free-education system initiated last year. Previously, parents had to pay for textbooks, exercise books, enrolment fees and other charges.
San San Yi, deputy director from Basic Education Department No. 3, said: “Free education system applies to Grades 1 to 5, and this is nationwide.”
Grade-1 application forms are now available at schools. Higher grades’ enrolment will begin in third week of this month, she added.
Govt investments to be assessed
Myanmar government has formed a watch team with representatives from various ministries to monitor government investment projects, the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development announced.
The newly formed “Investment Assessment Response Team” will conduct necessary assessments when the businessmen who will implement the ministries’ projects submit the investment proposal to the Myanmar Investment Commission.
The team will need to report to the Myanmar Investment Commission. It is also responsible to inform the public about the projects.
