News & Articles on Burma-Saturday 21 July 2012-UZL

News & Articles on Burma Saturday 21 July 2012 ---------------------------------------- Visa, MasterCard for 2013 SEA Games US envoy says too early to end all Myanmar sanctions Heavy rain is causing flooding in Hpakant A Ride Around Rangoon 10 missing, 1 dead in Myanmar ferry accident Myanmar looks to S'pore model to develop skilled workforce 92 Thai Detainees To Be Sent To Myanmar Court Kachin State govt works on gem law ----------------------------------------- Visa, MasterCard for 2013 SEA Games By MAY LAY / THE IRRAWADDY| July 21, 2012 | The introduction of MasterCard should boost tourism in Burma. (Photo: FEMA Photo Library) Burmese high street banks are preparing to offer credit card transactions to facilitate smooth money transfers in time for the 2013 Southeast Asian Games, claim financial experts. Foreigners will not need to bring money in a bag. They just need to bring their cardsVisa or MasterCard, said Zaw Linn Htut, managing director of Kanbawza Bank. Currently, national banks must register for the right to have an acquiring cards system, which allows transactions with foreign credit cards, and an issuing cards system, in order to provide domestic customers with their own cards. We have to do many steps to reach the level of introducing issuing cards, said Phey Myint, managing director of the Cooperative Bank. We have to try to produce debit and credit card systems first. After that we will try for an acquiring card system. We want to have not only an acquiring card system for foreigners but also issuing cards for local people. The vast majority of countries around the world permit the use of Visa and MasterCard but Burma is lagging behind due to its antiquated financial system and decades of Western economic sanctions. Burmas Central Bank will be in charge of organizing the arrival of Visa and MasterCard with implementation by local banks through the Myanmar Payment Union. Observers say the move will provide a huge boost to Burmas fledgling yet potentially massive tourism industry. Currently foreigners must bring all funds for their visit with them in flawless notes of US or Singapore dollars or euros which are then changed for local kyat at banks or exchange counters. The slightest crease, smudge or blemish makes foreign currencies unacceptable to official Burmese banks and only possible to exchange at black market lenders at a lower rate. ATMs can be found in big commercial centers but do not accept foreign cards at the present time. Kanbawza run ATMs in Yangon, Pyin Oo Lwin, Naypyidaw and Mandalay. In fact, we have to do many steps to develop a financial system. We have to extend ATMs to run at all branches of Kanbawza, said Zaw Linn Htut. Burma is currently undergoing economic reform including the establishment of a stock exchange, passing updated investment legislation and the introduction of foreign currency bank accounts. Without using credit cards, it will be difficult to do business in Burma. How will we move money quickly? asked Anthony Nelson, associate director of the US-Asean business council at a press conference on Monday. It is one of the essential things for a developed business environment. http://www.irrawaddy.org/?slide=visa-mastercard-for-2013-sea-games ---------------------------------- US envoy says too early to end all Myanmar sanctions Published on 20 July 2012 - 4:02pm The new US ambassador to Myanmar said Friday that it was too soon to abolish all sanctions against the former pariah, as Congress considers extending a ban on imports from the impoverished country. "We have said in the past, and I have said, that we endorse continuing to keep in place many of the authorities -- the sanctions authorities -- in Congress," said Derek Mitchell, who took up his new post earlier this month. Keeping some measures in place was "an insurance policy for the future in case things reverse," he told reporters, noting the fast pace of reforms since the end of decades of military rule last year. "We're talking about a rapid process. It's only really been a little over a year and there are still some questions about the future," he said, adding that the import ban could be revisited later if the reform process continues. A US Senate finance committee on Wednesday backed prolonging the ban on goods made in Myanmar for three years, while preserving the government's right to waive or scrap the measures. The extension still needs full Congressional approval. It came a week after the United States gave the green light to US companies to invest in Myanmar including in oil and gas, in its broadest and most controversial easing yet of sanctions on the country formerly known as Burma. US companies have been pressing the Obama administration to end restrictions on investment, fearing they will lose out to European and Asian competitors that already enjoy access to the potentially lucrative economy. Mitchell said that investment, "done according to traditional US corporate principles and values," could serve the long-term interests of the Myanmar people. The veteran policymaker is the first US ambassador to Myanmar since Washington withdrew its envoy after a crackdown on a pro-democracy uprising in 1988 and elections won by the opposition in 1990 that were never recognised by the junta. ANP/AFP http://www.rnw.nl/english/bulletin/us-envoy-says-too-early-end-all-myanmar-sanctions ---------------------------------------- Heavy rain is causing flooding in Hpakant In News Post 21 July 2012 Last Updated on 21 July 2012 By KNG Heavy rain has raised the Uru Hka River water levels causing heavy flooding in the homes near jade mining operations in Hpakant township in Kachin State, northern Burma. A resident said the flooding which started on July 16 is making life hard for everyone involved. Some people had to move to their relatives home who have a second floor in order to escape water levels which has flooded the ground levels, said the resident. The flooding has forced schools to close and affected about 50 homes in Mashi Kahtawng and 50 homes in Hpakant. Classes at a school in Seng Tawng village have been suspended because its too dangerous to cross the suspension bridge over the Uru Hka River. Food prices are also rising. The Uru Hka River typically floods every four or five years. However debris from the governments jade mining operations in the surrounding area have raised the rivers bottom. Flooding is now occurring every year. The Burmese military ordered all jade mining companies to suspend work in the area in May following heavy fighting with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in the areas surrounding Hpakant. But the environmental damage to the river has already been done after years of careless mining operations. The Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) is still allowing mobile jade operations in the area. Hpakant residents are worried about more flooding if the rain continues. http://kachinnews.com/news/2356-heavy-rain-is-causing-flooding-in-hpakant.html ---------------------------------------- A Ride Around Rangoon By STEVE TICKNER / THE IRRAWADDY| July 21, 2012 | If you are familiar with Asian cities, one of the first things that will strike you in Rangoon is the complete absence of motorcycles in the streets. A strictly enforced ban on motorbikes and mopedsthe first choice of transport in virtually every Asian citygives the citys road system a strange appearance of calm and order; though it apparently does little to relieve the serious gridlock during peak-hour traffic. For a visitor to the city, the most practical option is to flag down one of the city taxis, which range from dilapidated wrecks to an occasional newer compact model. The drivers are usually friendly, chatty and helpful, though they face the significant problem of a saturated market and frequently complain about competitiveness leading to serious price undercutting. Fares are relatively cheapnormally around one to three US dollars within the city center. However, the low fares do come at a price. Very little revenue is re-invested in maintenance, air conditioning is rare, and windows and even doors often dont work or simply dont exist. In a Rangoon taxi, it seems, you pay your dollar and take your chances. For the local population the most practical alternative is the bicycle, an option to warm the heart of any Western environmentalist, while for the elderly or less energetic there are numerous rickshaws available for local journeys. For Rangoon residents, longer trips are a different matter altogether. Both the bus and rail systems are antiquated, insufficient and strained to maximum capacity. The local rail system is particularly run-down and consists mostly of one circular route around the city, leaving significant areas without any access to a local rail network. The carriages are positively ancient, with wooden benches for seats, heavily rusted and seemingly held together by numerous coats of colourful paint. For a visitor wanting to take a leisurely look at urban Rangoon, a round-trip will last about three hours and offers a wonderful insight into Rangoon life. The more common option is a smoke-billowing ancient bus jammed tight with passengers. But good news is nighthe rickety old buses may be on their way to the scrapyard since a Japanese company announced it was exporting a fleet of 3,000 new buses for public transport use in Rangoon under a joint venture with Burmas Ministry of Transportation. There are several river optionslook out for the smaller traditional Burmese boats known as ngyet, meaning bird, so named for the boats distinctive winged stern. These birds work the waters of the Rangoon River. Cross-river ferry services are available for workers going to and from the city and its outlying areas. Unlike Bangkoks Chao Phraya River which is a vital and well-used part of that citys transport system, this water-borne potential seems largely under-exploited in Rangoon, remaining utilized mainly as a port of trade and commerce. However, it does play a role as a cool and relaxing place for tourists to spend a few hours. Then of course, there is walking, though the citys high humidity can make this a less appealing option for most, not to mention the citys drivers apparent total disregard for pedestrian safety, and the awful pot-holed sidewalks. Many Burmese enjoy a quiet stroll around pastoral places such as Inya Lake, also a popular spot for jogging and exercise. In the cooler evenings, young romantically inclined couples stroll the shores and watch the sunset. http://www.irrawaddy.org/archives/9690 ---------------------------------------- Jul 21, 12:32 AM EDT 10 missing, 1 dead in Myanmar ferry accident YANGON, Myanmar (AP) -- Five university football players and their coach are among at least 10 people missing after a passenger ferry accident in northern Myanmar that left at one person dead. The New Light of Myanmar newspaper reported Saturday that 73 people were rescued in the accident in the Irrawaddy River in Kachin state. It said the ferry developed engine trouble, drifted through rapid waters under heavy rain and hit some docked vessels before sinking Friday. The football team members had been travelling to the Kachin state capital of Myitkyina for an inter-university tournament. People living along Myanmar's major rivers and in the vast southern delta region often travel and transport goods by boat because of the lower cost and the inaccessibility of many areas by road. 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Learn more about our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/AS_MYANMAR_BOAT_ACCIDENT?SECTION=HOME&SITE=AP&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT ------------------------------------- Myanmar looks to S'pore model to develop skilled workforce By Qiuyi Tan | Posted: 21 July 2012 1521 hrs YANGON: Authorities in Myanmar are looking to the Singapore model as the country ramps up efforts to develop a skilled workforce. They are working with educational institution Singapore Polytechnic to set standards for skills training. At a training centre in Yangon, young men are learning the basics of welding and electrical work. But when they complete the course, their training certificate won't exactly meet national standards. Not because they're not qualified - but because national standards are still in the making for Myanmar. Yin Yin Aye, who heads the Swiss training centre, said a multitude of organisations offer vocational training in the country, and all offer different qualifications. "Sometimes there's good in diversity, but if we have nationalised certification, and we all know the same standards, the (training) quality and their (workers') skill level will be more... enhanced." Deputy Labour Minister U Myint Thein said the country is gearing up for an influx of foreign investment, and also for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' target of having a free flow of skilled labour by 2015. "Myanmar workers will go overseas, and many workers will also come to Myanmar. For this free flow of labour, it is important to have a set of national skills standards, which is a form of quality assurance for employers," he said. Setting national standards is part of the government's extensive reform of its dated labour laws from the 1950s. It is an effort to increase the mobility of skilled workers, and in turn, raise the wages of the Myanmar workforce. With a grant from Temasek Foundation, Singapore Polytechnic is lending its technical expertise to this process. Polytechnic principal Tan Hang Cheong said: "SP has been helping many countries in the region to upgrade their technical and vocational training. I think we should have the experience now." Temasek Foundation CEO Benedict Cheong said: "All across Asia, there's this group of middle and technical managers that you need to build up within your communities. You can't just have leaders from universities and higher education institutions, you need a group of equally trained, equally skilled people at different levels." A skilled workforce won't just benefit the country. The Deputy Labour Minister said Myanmar's neighbours also stand to gain from the golden land's skilled manpower exports. - CNA/cc http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1214881/1/.html ----------------------------------------- July 21, 2012 19:41 PM 92 Thai Detainees To Be Sent To Myanmar Court BANGKOK, July 21 (Bernama) - Thai officials said Saturday the 92 Thai nationals detained in Myanmar since early this month for alleged land encroachment are expected to be sent to court next week, Thai News Agency reported. The officials said according to Myanmar authorities, investigations into the case have been completed and the detainees would likely be charged for entering Myanmar illegally and encroaching a Myanmar forest. Each detainee is expected to receive a six-month imprisonment, similar to a previous verdict imposed on three Thai intruders in 2009, Xinhua news agency quoted the officials as saying. The 92 Thais were arrested by Myanmar authorities on July 4 after entering an area opposite Kra Buri district in Thailand's southern Ranong province in order to plant rubber trees. --BERNAMA http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v6/newsworld.php?id=682332 ----------------------------------------- Kachin State govt works on gem law Friday, 20 July 2012 13:53 Mizzima News Upon the approval of a first draft of a state-level bill covering gem production and trade in Kachin State, officials with the Myitkyina Gem Trade Association (MGTA) said they were happy with the results. Burma's annual gem emporium is held in Naypyitaw, the capital. Photo: Mizzima Burma's annual gem emporium is held in Naypyitaw, the capital. Photo: Mizzima "We have had a lot of success because we were able to meet in person to discuss and debate it, said an official. The first draft is perfect because we all worked hard together. He said the chairman of the Kachin State Parliament, Dr. Daw Yi Yi Win; a professor of law from Myitkyina University; legal department representatives; officials with the state-level mining ministry and MGTA representatives met in June and July to work out the details of the bill. The draft stipulates all gem work in Kachin State must be recorded in detail, that all gem work is subject to taxes, and any work not reported is against the law and individuals may be prosecuted for violations. The new draft, which is based on the gem chapter in the 2008 Constitution, was designed to be flexible, said officials. The draft will first be submitted to the state-level government, and then be sent to the Union government for approval before it can become law. In March, Mizzima reported that a bill that allowed local processing, cutting and polishing of jade had been passed by the Kachin State Assembly. When enacted, lawmakers said many new jobs would be created in the state. In the 2008 Constitution, states were given powers to pass legislation in defined areas of energy, electricity, mining and forestry. Before the new law, when jade stones were mined in Kachin State they had to be sent to Naypyitaw for cutting and polishing work, which increased the final cost of the products. The bill's passage benefited both jade merchants and local people in Kachin State, said La Awng, vice chairman of the Jade and Gemstones Merchants Association in Myitkyina. The livelihood of local people will be better. The jade market will provide opportunities for more local people, he told Mizzima. Late last year, Mizzima reported that because of greater demand from China and higher prices, the amber market in Kachin State had risen sharply. However, despite higher prices, its still cheaper than jade. Kachin State produces many gems including jade, quartz and amber. Most of the buyers are Chinese, an amber trader in Myitkyina told Mizzima. However, other buyers come from Thailand and Tibet. Tanai is the main amber production area in Kachin State. Amber is used in both jewelry and sculptures. Many people wear amber in the form of an amulet. Colours are transparent orange, transparent yellow, dark red, clear and golden. Golden amber is the most expensive. Many Chinese believe that amber amulets can help to improve blood circulation and protect against misfortune, according to a Chinese woman who spoke with Mizzima. Most of the amber miners in Kachin State are Lisu. Besides Tanai and Sumprabum in Kachin State, Hkamti Township in Sagaing Region and some townships in Shan State also produced amber. http://www.mizzima.com/business/7572-kachin-state-govt-works-on-gem-law.html