Year 2022 earns champion status in exporting industrial products, textiles, and clothing items

General Secretary of the Myanmar Garment Manufacturers Association (MGMA) and Secretary-General of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI), Daw Khine Khine Nwe, stated that 2022 is the year when the highest exports of industrial products, textiles, and clothing items can be made.
The statement was made at the coordination meeting over increasing the export of industrial products, textiles, and clothing items held at the UMFCCI on 8 July.
The association has adopted a 10-year strategic plan for 2015-2025, and targets such as the number of factories, export value and employment were set and it met the target until the pre-Covid-19 period.
She also unveiled that in order to increase exports abroad, it is necessary to obtain a large number of garment orders, build trust with the workers, and improve working relations.
For the export development of the garment sector, in cooperation with the Ministry of Science and Technology’s TVET Department, discussions have started to deliver a Diploma in Fashion Technology in the garment training sector.
In 2017, the association also introduced Myanmar’s garment sector (Made in Myanmar) at the Texworld (Messe, Frankfurt, and Paris) held in France.
In addition, the association is working to deliver necessary courses, clarify and teach laws for responsible businesses, and increase working relationships.
At the meeting, deputy chairmen, general secretaries, and business representatives from the MGMA discussed raw materials for export, conditions and difficulties encountered in the import and export of goods, the difficulties and conditions of raw materials required to be able to manufacture and export with the FOP system, allowing workers in the garment sector to work more night shifts, the development of local weaving industries, and ways to facilitate the production and export of local traditional textiles at a high level.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

An opportune time: raise tourism services in Myanmar

The tourism industry is a lucrative sector that generates income through the provision of services to both local and foreign travellers. However, this industry is not immune to various challenges such as pandemics, financial crises, natural disasters, and terror attacks, all of which can have a significant impact on its operations. The success of businesses in the tourism industry hinges on their ability to overcome these obstacles.
The Covid-19 pandemic, which erupted in 2020 and persisted into 2021, had a profound effect on the tourism industry worldwide, including in Myanmar. The pandemic resulted in the suspension of international flights and imposed restrictions on the tourism sector. However, as the infection rate declined from April 2022, international flights gradually resumed, allowing Myanmar to welcome foreign travellers under Covid-19 protocols. This contributed to the revival of the tourism industry in the country. In 2022, more than 230,000 foreign travellers visited Myanmar, although this figure remains lower than that of neighbouring countries.
Local authorities are facilitating the smooth entry and exit of travellers, adopting measures similar to those implemented by neighbouring countries. The government has taken steps to simplify the e-Visa process and has introduced tourist incentive plans, such as special discount programs and tax refund schemes, to enhance tourism services. Additionally, attractive tourist sites must be promoted through online platforms and digital marketing.
Myanmar boasts a wealth of outstanding tourist destinations, including religious landmarks, natural caves and waterfalls, resorts and beaches, ancient cultural heritage sites, and the diverse costumes and customs of its ethnic communities. These remarkable attractions have the potential to captivate the interest of domestic and international travellers alike.
To further promote tourism in Myanmar, it is essential to host tourism shows, trade expos, and relevant fairs that will enable international media to explore the diverse tourism services and potential travel destinations in the country. Collaboration between tourism companies and marketing agencies is crucial. Moreover, efforts should be made to ensure smooth transportation for travellers, encompassing aviation services, road transport, and waterway transport. Providing safe and secure transportation options will undoubtedly leave a positive impression on visitors.
In the near future, Yangon will host the Let’s Go VACS Yangon Travel Fair 2023, with the participation of travel writers and media representatives from Russia. This event presents an excellent opportunity for Myanmar’s tourism entrepreneurs to enhance their services, generate income, and enhance the country’s image on the international stage. By leveraging its unique tourist destinations, organizing promotional events, and ensuring seamless transportation, Myanmar can position itself as an attractive and safe destination for travellers worldwide.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

DPM MoTC Union Minister inspects Yangon-Mandalay railway upgrade project, installation of road signs on Nay Pyi Taw-Yangon expressway

State Administration Council Member Deputy Prime Minister Union Minister for Transport and Communications Admiral Tin Aung San inspected the Yangon-Toungoo railway section of the Yangon-Mandalay railway upgrade project and installation of road signs on Nay Pyi Taw-Toungoo expressway and Bago-Yangon Union Highway sections yesterday.
During the inspection tour on the installation of road signs, directions and signals along the highway, the chief engineer reported on the installation processes along the highway and at Milepost 167 for the road safety of the public as per the rules and instructions.
At the briefing hall of Bago-Nyaunglebin (CP-102) of Yangon-Toungoo railway upgrade project phase 1 in Pyuntazays of Nyaunglebin Township, the Managing Director of Myanma Railways and respective engineers explained the progresses in Yangon-Toungoo railway section of Yangon-Mandalay railway upgrade project phase 1 and coordination to complete the operations within the fixed period.
Then, the Deputy Prime Minister stressed the need to cooperate with the departmental officials, project advisory board and contractors to accelerate the work processes as the accurate design, quality construction materials and skills of labours are the key role and implement the prioritized plans to develop the railway transportation sectors. He also gave foodstuffs and fruits to the project officials.
He also inspected the 380 feet long Yenwe Creek Bridge (No 116-B) between DaikU and Einchaylayse railway stations and Level Crossing No 51 on the DaikU-Sittoung road section and provided foodstuffs to the labourers at work sites.
On arrival at the briefing hall of the junction of Yangon-Mandalay highway and Bago inner road in Bago, the director of the Bago Region Highways Department reported on the installation of road signs and signals in the region to ensure road safety for the public. Then, the Deputy Prime Minister offers instructions.
The Admiral and party proceeded to the Dry Port of Myanma Railways in Ywathagyi of Dagon Myothit (East) Township in Yangon Region and inspected the Ywathagyi Dry Port.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

RTAD registers above 3,200 battery electric vehicles

More than 3,200 EVs have been registered at the Road Transport Administration Department, according to the RTAD.
As of last June, 467 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) were registered across various categories in state, region and district offices, including two light cargo vehicles, 2,474 two-wheelers, and 263 three-wheelers. In order to develop the EV sector, the government established the National Working Committee on the Development of Electric Vehicles and Related Industries last June.
Between last year and June 2023, passenger vehicle groups registered in the department’s district offices within states and regions include sedans, station wagons, microbuses with a capacity of over 15 passengers, and light vans, jeeps and double-cab vehicles. Pick-up trucks are categorized as light cargo vehicles, including single-cab stand-up vans with a carrying capacity of three tonnes or less, as well as trucks.
Imports of EV chargers, along with various types of electric vehicles imported into the country, have been exempted from Customs duties. 

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

MPA has to provide necessary assistance for port investors

THE private sector is of great importance in implementing the port sector through Public-Private Partnership system because of the ever-increasing need for technology and skilled workers, said Member of State Administration Council Deputy Prime Minister Union Minister for Transport and Communications Admiral Tin Aung San inspecting international jetties at Myanmar International Terminals Thilawa (MITT) and the Rail Bus Engine-RBE locomotive sheds in the compound of Yangon Railway Station yesterday morning.

The Union Minister inspected jetties of the MITT in Thanlyin Township, freight handling jetty and fuel storage tanks of Regency SPC Company, International Bulk Terminal Thilawa (IBTT) Company’s crop jetty, Padauk Shwe Wah Company Limited’s fuel jetty and Wilmar Myanmar Port Terminal (Thilawa) Ltd’s crop jetties and viewed loading and unloading of goods.

Afterwards, the Union Minister heard reports on port service entrepreneurs at Wilmar Myanmar Port Terminal (Thilawa) Ltd.

Officials presented the placement of jetties in 37 plots of land in the Thilawa port area with local and foreign investment to carry out port services, operations of nine container and general cargo jetties, eight fuel and LNG jetties, and two crop jetties, totalling 19 and progress of 18 jetties under construction, and difficulties in work process.

In his speech, the Union Minister said that Myanma Port Authority has to provide necessary assistance for port investors and supervise port services under the law. He highlighted that the private sector is of great importance in implementing the port sector through Public-Private Partnership system because of the ever-increasing need for technology and skilled workers.

After that, the Union Minister arrived at the Rail Bus Engine-RBE locomotive shed in the vicinity of Yangon Railway Station and inspected the condition of repair and completion of repairing carriages of West Corporation.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Strong foreign demand makes butter bean market bustling

The price of butter beans jumped on the back of strong foreign demand in recent days, Mandalay bean traders said.
The Upper Myanmar region is the largest supplier of butter beans. Last year, the price was K180,000-K200,000 per three-basket bag of butter beans, whereas it significantly soared to K300,000-K320,000 per bag depending on the different sizes, according to Soe Win Myint depot. “The butter bean fetches a good price in recent days. The farmers store only seeds for cultivation and the traders are keeping the butter bean stocks in their hands. In addition to foreign demand, there is a high consumption of butter beans locally. They are yearly shipped to China, India, Japan and Europe. Lately, they are mostly purchased by China and India.

The Japanese and European market prefers large sizes of butter beans. It is a winter crop. The demand has grown year over year,” Soe Win Myint elaborated. The butter beans are primarily grown in the central regions of Myanmar, mostly found in Minbu, Sinphyu and Salin in Magway Region, Mahlaing, Taungtha and Natogyi in Mandalay and Gangaw, Kalay, Kalewa, Shwebo and Kabaw Valley areas in Sagaing Region. 

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Exports from manufacturing sector bag US$1.7 bln as of 6 June

The export value from the manufacturing sector totalled over US$1.74 billion as of 6 June in the financial year 2023-2024 beginning 1 April, the Ministry of Commerce’s statistics showed.
Garment export is the key driver in the manufacturing sector, followed by sugar, jewellery and natural gas, as per the Ministry of Commerce. Exports by the private sector were estimated at $1.064 billion while exports worth 676.349 million were performed by the public sector.
The value of manufacturing exports over the past three months in this FY declined from $2.153 billion recorded in the corresponding period last year.
Garment export is ranked first among the top ten export items including natural gas and minerals Myanmar exports agricultural products, livestock products, fisheries, minerals, forest products, finished industrial goods and other goods. Of them, the manufacturing sector pocked the highest foreign income. 

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Moehtaung chilli pepper market sluggish before new supply enters Yangon market

Yangon market sees a slow-moving trade of Moehtaung chilli pepper variety this month amid low foreign and domestic demand and higher prices compared to that of the year-ago period.
The chilli pepper market is sluggish in early July 2023. Newly harvested Moehtaung chilli pepper from the Kyaukse area has not flowed into the Yangon market. However, traders have been storing the varieties of chilli peppers in cold storage. They are expecting a high price.
A new supply of Moehtaung chilli pepper was seen in the Yangon market on 24 June 2022. Yet, there is still no new stock inflow as of 7 July 2023, an owner of a chilli pepper warehouse located on Seinpan Street in Bayint Naung told the Global New Light of Myanmar.
Nonetheless, the new Moehtaung chilli pepper entered the Mandalay market at K15,000 per viss.
The prices stood at K13,000-15,000 per viss of chilli pepper (long chilli pepper and Moehtaung chilli pepper varieties) on 7 July 2023. Bell peppers supplied by Sinphyukyun and Delta regions and processed in cold storages fetched K19,000-19,500 per viss. The market is sluggish for now.
The original price of chilli pepper is higher in 2023 than that in 2022. Nevertheless, we still cannot expect that the price this year will hit the record high last year, a seller U Zaw Myint told the Global New Light of Myanmar.
Chilli pepper is among the inflated commodities in 2022, prompting people to reduce their consumption. Those traders who kept the stocks in hands reaped a handsome profit last year.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Myanmar attracts FDI of US$13.59 mln in Q1 2023-2024

Myanmar Investment Commission gave the green light to 11 foreign projects from six countries in the Q1 of the current financial year 2023-2024 beginning in April. The country attracted a capital of US$13.59 million, including the expansion of capital by the existing enterprises, according to the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (DICA).

MIC nodded one foreign enterprise in April, four in May and six in June respectively. The agriculture sector drew $1 million from one enterprise. The remaining FDI flowed into the manufacturing sector.
In Q1 this FY, China is the top source of FDI so far, investing $8.4 million from six enterprises. One enterprise each from India, Republic of Korea, Samoa, Singapore and the USA also made investments this year.

Next, $21.99 million of FDI flowed into the country in the corresponding period last FY. The figures indicated a decrease of 38 per cent in Q1 this FY compared to that of the last FY. Myanmar attracted foreign direct investments of $1.64 billion from 87 enterprises last financial year 2022-2023 (April-March). The majority of the investments were brought into the manufacturing sector, drawing $271.8 million from 64 enterprises. Singapore, China and Thailand made the highest investments last year.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Thilawa SEZ to commence solar power distribution from 2023-2024 FY

ACCORDING to the report of Myanmar Thilawa SEZ Holdings Public Co Ltd, the distribution of
renewable energy will be implemented in the Thilawa Special Economic Zone (SEZ) from the 2023-2024
financial year. MTSH holding the largest shares on the Yangon Stock Exchange is normally running in the
Thilawa SEZ. To bolster the investments, enquiries for market promotion and land and factory lease for the foreign and domestic investors are being accepted, the report stated.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar