EIA required for large mining firms
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The Mines Ministry has announced that large-scale mining businesses need to undergo environmental impact analysis (EIA) assessments.
In addition, mining companies of all sizes will be required to undergo initial environmental examination.
Last year, people living in the Sagaing region protested against Latpadaungtaung Copper Mine Project because it was having negative environmental and social impacts.
Myanmar is running joint ventures with foreign companies, including the Chinese, to implement mining projects in the country.
Red Cross kicks off health project
Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) is teaming up with its Danish and British counterparts to provide community-based healthcare services across the country.
The five-year project, which began last year, provides healthcare services to pregnant women, is working to keep in check infant deaths, is launching vaccine campaigns and has been holding educational talks.
“We have launched this project because the rate of infant mortality is rising,” Prof Saw Ni Tun from MRCS said.
First shipment of garments to the US
Garment factories in Myanmar are preparing to make their first shipments to the US next month, according to Myanmar Garment Entrepreneurs Association.
“Some are ready, but some are still preparing. After president [Thein Sein’s] trip to the United States, we received more inquiries from US buyers,” Khine Khine Nwe, secretary of Myanmar Garment Entrepreneurs Association, said.
Myanmar’s garment exports hit a new record of US$1 billion (Bt30 billion) last year. The Myanmar Garment Entrepreneurs Association is now providing training to workers at garment factories to boost their capacity so they can meet the rising demand.
The European Union, while offering trade, investment and technical assistance to Myanmar, has also pledged to increase cooperation to boost Myanmar’s garment industry as it is labour intensive and the industry’s growth can create a large number of jobs for people.
Wood exports hit $30 million
Myanmar earned about $30 million last year from the export of wood and finished wood products, according to Myanmar Timber Merchants Association.
About 70 companies exported a total of 28,663 tonnes of wood to India, China, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia and Europe last year, Aung Naing Oo, assistant secretary-general of the Myanmar Timber Merchants Association, said.
In 2003-04, more than 200 factories operated in the country but most stopped in the past years.
Some of the factories are now trying to resume the business while foreign companies are also interested in setting up finished wood factories here in view of market prospects.
The government has announced that the export of logs will be banned from April 1 next year.
