Puma Energy on Thilawa 'shortlist'

Earlier, authorities divided the port construction area in Thilawa Special Economic Zone into 37 land plots, each 200 metres wide on the river front and 750 metres long.

Once it gets government approval, Puma Energy Ltd will be allowed to develop land plot number (3) under build, operate and transfer terms. The company plans to invest US$99.94 million in the project.

Myanma Port Authority invited tenders to build the jetty and oil tanks, for the import and distribution of bitumen and petroleum products on this plot. Some 18 companies bid for the tender, and Puma Energy was on this shortlist.

The government has permitted military-owned Union of Myanmar Economic Holding Ltd and Myanmar Economic Corporation, Shwe Taung Co, Max Myanmar Co, International Group of Entrepreneur Service Co (IGE), Diamond Star Co, Myat Myittarmon Co, and Myanma Port Authority to develop designated plots.

 

‘Chinese like rice from Vietnam’

Myanmar rice exports to China have declined due to high demand for rice from Vietnam in the Chinese market, rice exporters said.

“Vietnam has a good transportation system like a railway that reaches borders cities of China and Vietnam so they can sell it at a low price. And the Chinese don’t mind buying low-price rice from Vietnam,” information officer Min Thein from Muse Paddy and Rice Association said. “The rice price is on the rise in lower Myanmar but the price is steady in Muse,” he said.

“It seems the Chinese wants to buy cheap rice. The rice market in Bayintnaung Wholesale Centres (BWC) is still steady because rice supply is down to half. But rice exports via shipping are running normally,” a spokesperson from the BWC told Eleven Media.

Trading in Muse has been dull since the first week of this month. Over 9,800 tonnes of Myanmar rice were exported to China via the 105-mile Trade Zone in Muse. Sales of Myanmar rice such as Emahta, Ngasein and Kautnyin (sticky rice) were going well at Muse Rice Wholesales Centre.

 

Gems, jade sale next month

Myanmar will hold the Golden Jubilee Gems Emporium 2013 at Mani Yadana Jade Hall and Myanmar Gems and Jewels Museum in Nay Pyi Taw next month.

The 50th anniversary gems emporium will be held from June 15 to 27, according to the event committee.

Myanmar gems and jewels will be sold under rules and regulations of the Myanmar Gems and Jewels Law.

This year, at least 10,000 jade lots will be up for sale. For those who wish to bid or buy jade lots and gems, they will need to make deposits. 

Last year, 9,762 jade lots were sold for more than 500 million euros.