Agency, Thai group to study deep-sea port project

After completing the research, Emerald Grand Group of Thailand plans on building Kalargote deep-sea port. As for the Myanmar 

Port Authority, they are deciding whether the project will be conducted as a build, operate and transfer (BOT) system or a joint venture.

The deep-sea port will be able to accommodate 30 vessels of about 50,000 tonnes simultaneously, according to chief civil engineer of the Myanmar Port Authority, Mya Than.

“The deep-sea port can carry about 50,000 tonnes from 30 sea ferries at the same time. But we have to make a survey on the engineering side as well as on the economic side,” said Mya Than.

The Thailand-based Emerald Grand Hotel Group is preparing to build an industrial zone apart from the Kalargote deep-sea port project. The industrial zone project will be jointly implemented with the Mon state government, the Ministry of National Planning, and the Economic Development Department.

 

 

Bt2.45 bn to be spent on rural development

 

The Myanmar government has allocated over 75 billion kyats (about Bt2.45 billion) to be spent on rural development programmes across the country in 2013-14, according to the Minister of Livestock, Fisheries and Rural Development.

Minister Ohn Myint delivered a speech during a meeting with government bodies, international organisations and local NGOs on Saturday at the Myanmar Peace Centre in Yangon.

“The projects the government has approved for the fiscal year of 2013-14 include six rural road and bridge projects, seven water supply and health and cleanliness projects, two electricity-supply projects, construction of 1,000 toilets and the creation of jobs in 40 villages. 

A total of 75 billion kyats are projected to be spent in the respective regions,” said Ohn Myint.

Businessmen and experts also attended the meeting, which focused on implementation of rural development programmes guided by President Thein Sein.

“In implementing the projects, the funds will be transferred to the respective regions and effective management down to the bottom level will be ensured, according to the president’s instruction,” the minister said.

The largest shares of the rural development fund are to be spent in Shan state (17.16 billion kyats), Sagaing region (8.78 billion kyats), Bago region (6.66 billion kyats) and Yangon region (6.38 billion kyats), according to the reports from the Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Rural Development.

 

 

Bangkok Gems Expo waives duties for traders

 

Myanmar Gems Entrepreneurs attending the 52nd Bangkok Gems Expo, to be held in Thailand from September 6-10, will enjoy a duty-free policy on gem sales at the expo, according to the gem traders.

The Thai government normally collects 20-per-cent import tax on gems and jewellery, but the duty-free policy will be in effect for 15 days before and after the Gems Expo. 

“Thailand sent an invitation letter concerning a duty-free permit. But we will have to know whether the tax is collected or not when we arrive. Myanmar gems traders were very pleased to attend the gems expo held in Hong Kong. They didn’t collect the tax and granted permission for carrying and selling of gems freely,” said an official from the Myanmar Gems Entrepreneurs Association.

Gems entrepreneurs from across Southeast Asia, including Myanmar, will attend the Gems Expo and will get approval for an import-tax-free permit from the Thai Gem and Jewellery Trader Association.

The 52nd Bangkok Gems Expo will run from September 6-10 displaying over 3,000 booths of gems and jewellery from across the region.

 

 

WTO to help country join global trade system

 

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) is discussing an Enhanced Integrated Framework programme to assist Myanmar’s economic development, according to the Myanmar Ministry of Commerce.

The Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) is a multi-donor programme, which helps least-developed countries (LDCs) play a more active role in the global trading system. The programme has a wider goal of promoting economic growth and sustainable development and helping to lift more people out of poverty.

The WTO has long carried out EIF programmes in least developed countries like Myanmar. The WTO accepted Myanmar as an EIF member in April of this year and it will participate in Myanmar’s trade activities and trade development programmes.

Myanmar is also preparing to draw up a National Export Strategy. The WTO, International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank and UN agencies such as UNCTAD and UNDP are cooperating with the EIF programme to provide trade assistance to 49 least developed countries.

Moreover, the EIF has agreed with international organisations and countries to raise a total of US$250 million (about Bt7.9 billion) during the next five years.