Ethnic groups drawing up federal charter

The committee will be led by Lt-Gen Anbanla, the chairman of the UNFC, Kunman Koban, the chairman of Union National League for Democracy (UNLD) (LA), Khun Tun Oo, the chairman of Shan Nationalities League for Democracy and Aye Tha Aung, the chairman of Rakhine League for Democracy.

They expect to complete the draft federal constitution before the end of 2013. 

The two groups have rejected the military-drafted 2008 Constitution and will allow experts and the public to participate in the drafting of the federal charter. A steering committee will be set up to work on the participatory process, said Aye Tha Aung.

The drafting of the federal charter will depend on the Constitution bill, which is being drawn up by the UNLD, the NCUB, ethnic parties and legal experts. 

The federal charter will be presented to the government at next year’s peace conference with all ethnic groups. 

 

Myanmar accounts for tiny ‘1% of Asean-China trade’ 

Myanmar’s contribution in Asean-China trading is barely one per cent, says President Thein Sein, who called for efforts to boost that figure.

Speaking at the 10th Asean-China Expo, held in Nanning, southern China on September 3, Thein Sein said: “This year marks the 10th anniversary of the China-Asean economic and investment summit as well as the China-Asean Expo. Moreover, this year is the 10th anniversary of China-Asean strategic partnership, and therefore this year is significant for promoting Asean-China strategic cooperation.”

“Our regions have become vital for the world’s economic development. China is the biggest investor in Myanmar. Total trade volume between Myanmar and China was US$ 6.5 billion in 2012, but Myanmar’s contribution to Asean-China trade is only just over one per cent, and so more needs to be done to boost trade volume.

“Inauguration of the Myanmar-China Oil and Natural Gas Pipeline project in 2013 marks significant progress in economic cooperation between the two countries. In addition, Myanmar will take the Asean chairmanship in 2014, when we will do our best to strengthen the relationship between Asean countries and China.”

 

Assault rifle found on boat trafficking Bengalis

Navy personnel discovered weapons aboard a fishing boat they intercepted between Pahtaw Island and Myeik in southern Myanmar on Sunday night.

The fishing boat, Kaung Myat Hinn Thar, was carrying 15 fishermen along with an AK-47 assault rifle, two magazines and 21 bullets.

“Twelve Myanmar fishermen were onboard and three Bengalis were found in the engine room. A weapon was found on the boat. The crew said they were planning to transport the people from Bangladesh to Thailand,” said an official, who asked not to be named. During interrogation of the crew, helmsman Maung Tun said they had charged the Bengalis Bt5,000 each to transport them from Bangladesh through Myanmar waters to Thailand, according to the official.

 

Average wage in Ayeyawady just $2 per day: Minister

The government is determined to raise living standards in the south-coast Ayeyawady region, where the average daily wage is a mere 2,000 kyats (about Bt66), the President’s Office Minister said.

The strategy involves boosting production and exports to raise locals’ income levels and achieve rural development targets, said Minister Tin Naing Thein. The minister expects a rapid increase in export-trade volume along the Pathein-Yangon-Myawady route to Mae Sot in Thailand’s Tak province. He said long-term civil development projects need to be planned based on the strong points of each township in the region.