Myanmar Morning News For July 31

Myanmar to draw SMEs development strategy
Micro, small and medium enterprises in Myanmar would be encouraged on a very large scale to boost the nation’s economy under its first civilian government, according to a forum entitled, “SMEs development strategy: Issues and Solutions”, held on July 29.
— Eleven Myanmar

SMEs demand govt help
The Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry organised an SME (small- and medium-sized enterprise) Development Strategy Issue and Solutions Forum at its headquarters in Yangon this week.
— Eleven Myanmar

Myanmar exports 25 tonnes of garlic to India, Bangladesh
MYANMAR exported more than 21 tonnes of garlic worth US$5,629 to neighbouring Bangladesh via the Maungtaw border trade camp between 8 and 14 July, according to a report of the Ministry of Commerce released yesterday.
— Global New Light Of Myanmar

Thailand Leads Mission to Myanmar’s Shan State to Boost Border Trade
Deputy Director-General Adul Chotinisakorn of Thailand’s Foreign Trade Department will lead a mission to Myanmar’s Shan state in an attempt to boost border trade, saying the trip is scheduled for Aug 7-12 with private organisations set to join the delegation.
— Chiangrai Times

Ford to locally distribute new, cheaper cars with Yangon license plates
Ford’s new assembly plant in Yangon, officially launched on July 21, will enable the US car maker to sell two new models at lower prices. As they will be assembled and distributed locally, customers will be able to obtain Yangon license plates for the cars.
— Myanmar Times

Jade mines need regulating: MPs
Mining businesses are not properly supervised as there is too little regulation of the industry, says the Upper House’s Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation Committee.
— Eleven Myanmar

Govt seeks to lift special commodity tax on diamonds, emeralds and gold
Under Union Tax Law 2017, taxes are levied on the production and sale of those goods, and the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw must approve any request to remove the taxes, said U Maung Maung Win, deputy minister of Planning and Finance.
— Myanmar Times

Local companies to exhibit at Bangkok’s Organic and Natural Expo 2017
Two Myanmar organic products manufacturers will participate in the Organic and Natural Expo 2017 to be held at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok next week.
— Myanmar Times

Japanese joint-venture plans Yangon hotel
Hotel Okura Co Ltd said it would develop the luxury Okura Prestige Hotel with Ayeyar Hinthar Holdings Co Ltd in Yangon by 2020, with five more hotels due in the next five years.
— Eleven Myanmar

China’s CITIC, Myanmar Rice Federation partner for $400m agribusiness plan
China’s state-owned financial services firm CITIC and the Myanmar Rice Federation are partnering to conduct a feasibility study for a plan to establish 33 agricultural business centres in ten states in Myanmar.
— Deal Street Asia

How technology is changing the face of Yangon’s taxi industry
Uber and Grab, the two latest entrants to the Yangon taxi industry, are upping their game in a battle for market share in Myanmar.
— Myanmar Times

Myanmar Robotics Team Makes Top 10 at Competition
A team of Myanmar engineering students who landed a top 10 ranking at the world’s first international robotics competition hope their achievement will inspire young people to practise science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in order to improve the country.
— The Irrawaddy

H1N1 drives duck egg demand
DEMAND for duck eggs has increased significantly since reports emerged of five deaths due to the H1N1 virus as Myanmar residents choose them over chicken eggs.
— Global New Light of Myanmar

FDA boss says says medicine drive continues
Dr Than Htut, the director general of Food and Drug Administration (FDA), said from late January to June there were 25 cases filed under the National Drug Law.
— Eleven Myanmar

Feature photo FAO of the UN/ Hkun Lat
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Myanmar morning news by AEC News Today is your one stop source for Myanmar news on matters of governance and policies affecting Asean business communities. It is published M-F by AEC News Today: Governance, not government; policies not politics.