FIGHTING CHILD LABOUR REQUIRES COLLECTIVE EFFORT OF ALL STAKEHOLDERS PAGE-8 (OPINION)

HLUTTAW NATIONAL raises questions to ministries, Nay Pyi Taw Speaker U T Khun Myat Council, approves bill amending 1959 Defence Services Act receives ROK Ambassador

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Vol. VII, No. 106, 12th Waxing of Second Waso 1382 ME www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com Friday, 31 July 2020 Pyithu Hluttaw raises queries to ministries, approves bill, tables motion

YITHU Hluttaw organ- ized its 7th-day meeting Pof 17th regular session yesterday. MP U Khin Maung Thein from Sagaing region constitu- ency asked for new paints on the 90-year-old Sagaing bridge (Inwa). Deputy Minister for Trans- port and Communications U Kyaw Myo replied some parts of 3,948-foot-long bridge are be- ing painted, and its remaining areas could be painted on the availability of budget allocation in 2021-2022 financial year. MP U Myo Zaw Oo from Lewe constituency asked about organizational structure, re- sponsibility and accountability of third party organizations, and policies and directives for their operations. Deputy Minister for Con- struction Dr Kyaw Linn replied Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker U T Khun Myat presides over 7th-day meeting on 30 July. PHOTO: MNA that the staff members from Quality Control Division of Vil- Myothit constituency asked Kunlong constituency asked for from Yaksawk constituency Taungdwingyi constituency lage Development Department for inspection of quality con- maintenance of bank erosion at about upgrade of an inter-vil- tabled a motion that urged the are representing the govern- trol at the inter-village roads 9 places of Neint Taint creek, lage road in his constituency, Union Government to increase ment in quality control inspec- and allocation of budget for the MP U Sai Ngaung Sai Hein from MP U Thein Tun from Kyaung- traffic awareness campaign and tion; although they do not earn damaged roads. Maukmai constituency about gon constituency about upgrade its law enforcement measures additional charges for inspec- Deputy Minister Dr Kyaw the implementation of digital of inter-village earth road in his to reduce road accidents and re- tion works, they have to man- Linn replied that inspections payment system for cash fines constituency, MP Daw Tin Tin lated death tolls mainly caused age all the QC processes; the of quality control are being on the vehicles which breach Yi from Kyungsu constituency by motorcycle accidents. ministry has also drafted the carried out by the third par- traffic rules. The two questions about construction of the 1,700- The Hluttaw agreed to dis- Construction Development Bill; ties of local governments, while were answered by Deputy Min- ft inter-village bridge in her con- cuss the motion, and the Speak- if contractor companies, quality the periodic maintenance, the ister for Transport and Commu- stituency. The questions were er invited the list of MPs who control inspection teams and routine maintenance and the nications U Kyaw Myo. answered by Deputy Minister want to discuss it. third parties failed to adhere to special maintenance are being MP U Khun Than Htoo Dr Kyaw Linn. The 8th-day meeting of 17th provisions in tender agreement, performed by using the funds of from Hsihseng constituency The Pyithu Hluttaw ap- regular session of Pyithu Hlut- then fines will be imposed in Union government and the local asked for construction of the proved the Direct Sale Bill taw is scheduled on 4 August.— line with the Engi- governments since 2017-2018 remaining 2-mile section on the submitted by the Ministry of Aye Aye Thant neering Council Law. financial year. Union Highway in his constitu- Commerce. MP U Thar Aung from MP U Yan Kyin Kan from ency, MP U Khin Maung Myint MP U Min Thein from (Translated by Aung Khin)

INSIDE TODAY

NATIONAL NATIONAL LOCAL NEWS LOCAL BUSINESS MoI tracks Myanmar ILO Convention-138 Magway Fishery media trend to explore (Minimum Age Myathalun pagoda exports its impacts, Convention) likely to reopen in reach $733.8 mln challenges discussion held August as of 17 July PAGE-4 PAGE-5 PAGE-10 PAGE-11 31 JULY 2020 2 PARLIAMENT THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Amyotha Hluttaw raises questions to ministries, Nay Pyi Taw Council, approves bill amending 1959 Defence Services Act

AMYOTHA Hluttaw yesterday cooperated with private business cial year (FY). He added that if held its 7th-day meeting of 17th persons for overseas market pen- the relevant MP, relevant com- regular session, with questions etration, said the Deputy Minister mittees and the residents submit of MPs to the Ministry of Inter- U Hla Kyaw. a proposal for the construction, national Cooperation, the Min- MP U Ko Ko Naing from a budget will be allocated in an istry of Agriculture, Livestock Sagaing Region constituency appropriate budget year. and Irrigation, and the Ministry 8 raised a question regarding MP U Hla Myint (a) U Hla of Electricity and Energy, and installation of electricity meter Myint Than from Mon State con- the Nay Pyi Taw Council. The boxes in villages. The Deputy stituency 11 raised a question re- 7th-day meeting also approved the Minister for Electricity and En- garding vacant, fallow and virgin bill amending the 1959 Defence ergy U Khin Maung Win replied lands in Mon State, and MP U Services Act. that the electricity meter boxes Thet Naing Soe from Taninthayi MP Daw Htu May from Ra- purchased by the Ministry has Region constituency 2 asked a MP Daw Htu May. Union Minister U Kyaw Tin. khine State constituency 11 said PHOTO : MNA PHOTO : MNA been delivered, and after in- question regarding harmful bad that Myanmar has faced inter- spections, the meter boxes will smell from a fishmeal plant in national pressure regarding the mar, but they targeted Myanmar port the relevant efforts of the be handed over to regions and Kyauk Ni Maw Village in Laun- Rakhine issue. She raised a ques- for their political agenda. Regard- diplomats at the forefront of the states in August and September glon Township in Taninthayi Re- tion about how the government ing protection of human rights, process. 2020. The Ministry will also pur- gion. The questions were replied is making efforts by diplomatic trying to improve the situations in MP U Ye Myint Soe from chase more meter boxes, said the by the Deputy Minister for Agri- means to make the internation- Myanmar will make the country Yangon Region constituency 7 Deputy Minister. culture, Livestock and Irrigation al community understand the to overcome the challenges. The raised a question whether the In response to a question U Hla Kyaw. situations that Myanmar has majority of human right violations government has a plan to help raised by MP U Tun Tun Oo from MP U Kyaw Than from Ra- encountered, to reduce interna- and the cases that led to allega- farmers in growing Kenaf, which Mandalay Region constituency khine State constituency 10 made tional pressure on the country, tions occurred at the conflict-torn is marketable in the international 2, the Deputy Minister U Khin a question regarding a land dis- and to promote the images of the areas. If the armed conflicts come markets. The Deputy Minister for Maung Win replied that smart pute in Township in the citizens and the country. to an end, the external allegations Agriculture, Livestock and Irriga- electricity meters will be used . The question was Union Minister for Interna- will be reduced and stopped. tion U Hla Kyaw replied that the and the AMI (Advanced Metering replied by Nay Pyi Taw Council tional Cooperation U Kyaw Tin re- Union Minister U Kyaw Tin Department of Agriculture has Infrastructure) system will be member U Nyi Tun. plied that the international pres- also urged all stakeholders to co- provided good seeds and techni- implemented step-by-step after Afterwards, Amyotha Hlut- sure is mainly related to conflicts operatively work in unison to stop cal assistants to Kenaf growers. making discussions with inter- taw Speaker Mahn Win Khaing in the Rakhine State. In trying armed conflicts and to make the In collaboration with rele- national consultants. Than sought the assembly’s to improve the situations in the peace process successful. vant departments, the Ministry of MP U Bwe Khane from opinion on each paragraph of the Rakhine State, to safeguard the He continued that the gov- Commerce is working to identify Chin State constituency 3 raised bill amending the 1959 Defence human rights, and to promote the ernment is facing the challenges new marketable items for inter- a question whether there is a Services Act, and then Amyotha image of the country, the effort by practically and fairly in order to national markets, and the com- plan to build a two-storey (108 Hluttaw unanimously approved diplomats alone is not enough; safeguard the benefits and stabil- mercial attachés are trying to x 72 square feet) RC building to it. so, MPs, security personnel and ity of the country. He also urged hunt overseas markets for crops. replace the old damaged Town- The 8th-day meeting of 17th all citizens need to exert united MPs and the citizens to properly As an encouragement for growing ship Hall building owned by the regular session of the Second efforts. control their speech and behav- Kenaf, it has been removed from Htantlang Township Municipal in Amyotha Hluttaw will be con- He warned that international iour not to fall into the traps of the list of items that need export Chin State. Nay Pyi Taw Council vened on 4 August.—Aung Ye organizations which are putting sabotage acts. He added that licence, said the Deputy Minister member U Nyi Tun replied that Thwin pressures on Myanmar actually all citizens need to say and have for Agriculture, Livestock and it was not included in the budget (Translated by Maung know the real situation of Myan- proper manner that can sup- Irrigation. The government has allocation for the 2020-2021 finan- Maung Swe)

Two new cases of COVID-19 reported in Myanmar on 30 July, total figure reaches 353

MYANMAR’S COVID-19 positive cases reached 353 after 2 new cases were reported on 30 July according to Ministry of Health and Sports. Case No. 352 returned from and Case No 353 from . Out of the 353 confirmed cases, six died, 295 have recovered, 280 have been discharged from hospitals and 20 were held under investigation.—MNA Updated at 8 pm, 30 July 2020 New Persons under Investigation from the Total Cases Total Death past 24 hours to 12 noon of 30 July 2020 353 New Cases 2 Tally 6

Recovery Update on 30 July 2020 after two consecutive tests New PUIs 20 Total New Discharged Recovery 295 Recovery 1 from Hospital 280

Two new cases of COVID-19 on 30 July 2020: updated at 8 pm Case Contact with Hospital for medical Age Gender Address Oversea travel history Lab result Remark No positive patient treatment Dala Township, Waibargi Specialist Keep under Investigation 352 40 Male No Yes, Thailand Positive Yangon Region Hospital, Yangon (Twante Township)

Kyaikmaraw Township, District People’s Keep under Investigation 353 26 Male No Yes, Malaysia Positive Mon State Hospital, Kawthoung (Kawthoung Township Ministry of Health and Sports 31 JULY 2020 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR NATIONAL 3

Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker U T Khun Myat receives ROK Ambassador

PYITHU Hluttaw Speaker U the parliaments and friendship T Khun Myat received Mr Lee ties between people of the two Sang-hwa, Ambassador of the countries, preparations for Republic of Korea to Myanmar, 2020 General Election, bilateral in Nay Pyi Taw, yesterday af- friendship ties between the two ternoon. countries, investment, measures During the meeting, they related to COVID-19 and legisla- exchanged views on cooperation tive affairs.—MNA (Translated Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker U T Khun Myat holds meeting with the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Mr Lee between Myanmar and ROK, by Khine Thazin Han) Sang-hwa in Nay Pyi Taw. PHOTO: MNA

CBM Governor holds virtual meeting Announcement on Extension of the with US-ASEAN Business Council Precautionary Restriction Measures GOVERNOR of the Cen- mitted 13 local banks for economic recovery, to pro- Relating to Control of the COVID-19 tral Bank of Myanmar U mobile banking services, mote Myanmar’s digital Kyaw Kyaw Maung held mobile network opera- economy and to develop Pandemic until 31 August 2020 a videoconference with tors-MNO and non-bank cashless payment sys- Chairman, President financial institutions-NBFI tems. 1. With a view to the further strengthening of measures to contain and CEO of the US-ASE- for mobile financial ser- The meeting was the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the AN Business Council Mr vices. attended by the Deputy Republic of the Union of Myanmar has issued the following announcements Alexander C. Feildman, The Governor added Governors of the Central regarding temporary entry restrictions for visitors from all countries. Senior Vice President and that Myanmar is working Bank of Myanmar U Soe All those restrictions were extended until 31 July 2020 by the Ministry’s Regional Managing Direc- for the ‘MMQR’ which Min, U Soe Thein and U announcement dated 28 June 2020. tor Ambassador Michael will become the national Bo Bo Ngal and senior of- (a) Announcement dated 15 March 2020 regarding precautionary W. Michalak and party in standard for QR code to ficials from US companies measures for all travellers visiting Myanmar; Nay Pyi Taw yesterday implement QR code pay- including Bower Group (b) Announcement dated 20 March 2020 regarding additional precau- evening. ment services. Asia, Chevron, Chubb, tionary measures for travellers visiting Myanmar and temporary At the meeting, the The attendees dis- Visa and US ICT Council suspension of issuance of visa on arrival and e-visa; Governor said the Cen- cussed the development Myanmar.—MNA (c) Announcement dated 24 March 2020 regarding additional precau- tral Bank of Myanmar of the small and medium tionary measures for travellers from all countries visiting Myanmar; cut the interest rate by scale businesses during (Translated by Ei (d) Announcement dated 28 March 2020 regarding temporary sus- 300 bps from 10 per cent the post-COVID period Phyu Phyu Aung) pension of all types of visas (including social visit visas) and visa to 7 per cent to reinforce exemption services. the country economic 2. In order to continue its effective response measures to protect the recovery and to improve population of the country from the risks of importation and spread of the business performance, COVID-19, the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar has reduced the minimum re- decided to extend the afore-mentioned entry restriction measures until 31 quirement reserve ratio August 2020. from 5 per cent to 3.5 per 3. In case of urgent official missions or compelling reasons, foreign cent to support liquidity in nationals, including diplomats and United Nations officials, who wish to the local financial markets travel to Myanmar by available relief or special flights, may contact the until the end of Septem- nearest Myanmar Mission for possible exception with regard to certain ber, and suspended de- visa restrictions. However, all visitors must abide by existing directives posit auction for ensuring issued by the Ministry of Health and Sports relating to the prevention and sufficient liquidity in local control of the COVID-19 pandemic. banking services. Central Bank Governor U Kyaw Kyaw Maung attends a virtual Ministry of Foreign Affairs The CBM has per- meeting with US-ASEAN Business Council. PHOTO: MNA 31 JULY 2020 4 NATIONAL THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR “People are the key” MoI tracks Myanmar media trend to explore its impacts, challenges

Maung Kyi from Internal/Exter- sented their discussions. nal Relations and Information Attendees at the event took Division, Director U Aung Myo part in the discussions. Thant from the Information and Deputy Minister U Aung Hla Public Relations Department, Tun made his suggestions for Editor Daw Khin Yadanar from cooperation, coordination and the News and Periodicals Enter- exchange of views in the chang- prise, Staff Officer U Aung Aung ing trend of media industry. Oo from Myanma Radio and Tel- Union Minister Dr Pe Myint evision, Assistant Director U Tet then made a concluding remark Tun Toe from IPRD and Editor on the discussions.—MNA Daw Su Yi Mon from NPE pre- (Translated by Aung Khin)

Union Minister Dr Pe Myint making a speech at Myanmar media trend discussions at his office on 30 July. PHOTO: MNA

THE Ministry of Information , departmental heads, derstand the trend of media, only held a discussion on the ongo- officers, staff members and in- then they could pace themselves ing trend of Myanmar media vited guests. in changing technologies for me- yesterday. Union Minister Dr Pe Myint dia development, and could find The discussion was attend- delivered an opening remark, ways to address possible impacts ed by Union Minister Dr Pe saying that news media workers and challenges. Deputy Minister U Aung Hla Tun suggests cooperation, coordination and Myint, Deputy Minister U Aung need to track and thoroughly un- Deputy Director U Khin exchange of view in changing trend of media industry. PHOTO:MNA

U Khin Maung Kyi U Aung Myo Thant Daw Khin Yadanar U Aung Aung Oo U Tet Tun Toe Daw Su Yi Mon 31 JULY 2020 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR NATIONAL 5

Myanmar need not worry about food if systematic management is carried out in this sector

It must be said that the habit of buying non-essential items has declined while people are placing more priority on essential items; the fact that people are thinking more about what is an important issue and what is minor is not a bad thing; some persons working in declining markets might have some difficulties; such problem must be addressed step-by-step; domestic commodity flow, domestic trading and production of value added items must be considered for both local and foreign markets; Myanmar need not worry about food if systematic management is carried out in this sector. (Excerpt from State Counsellor Daw ’s discussions with senior officer and business persons from trade sector on 30 June 2020)

ILO Convention-138 (Minimum Age Convention) discussion held

THE Ministry of Labour, Immi- ating with ministries, regional gration and Population held vir- governments, NGOs, INGOs tual meeting with International and UN organizations to plan Labour Organization(ILO) to and implement the convention, discuss ILO Convention- 138 ( the Union Minister said. Minimum Age Convention) yes- The Union Minister also terday morning in Nay Pyi Taw. said that Myanmar National Union Minister U Thein Child Labour Eradication pro- Swe, Deputy Minister U Myint gramme would be implement- Kyaing, ( Labour Affairs) Per- ed in relation with the Con- manent Secretary U Myo Aung, vention-138; by practising the the Directors-General, repre- Convention-138, there would be sentatives from Yangon Office of both benefits and challenges; ILO and members of Technical the rules must be followed to Working Group on Child Labour practise the convention, espe- (TWG-CL), representatives cially, to educate the employers from employer organizations, la- Union Minister U Thein Swe attends an online meeting to discuss the ILO Convention-138 concerning from construction, mining and bour organizations, INGOs and Minimum Age for Admission to Employment. PHOTO: MNA power sectors; the education NGOs and Youth Policy Affairs programmes and courses need Group took part the discussion. thought over and over again to Convention. 138 and the agreement was to be opened. At the discussion, the Union reflect the experiences of other Myanmar joined ILO in 1948 made after the tripartite coor- Then, the experts from the Minister said that they will dis- countries and the realities of and ratified 18 conventions; to dination between employer, em- ILO Yangon Office and Asia- Pa- seminate capacity building and their own; thus, before ratify- live up with those conventions, ployee and government; then, cific regional offices discussed knowledge to all the relevant ing the convention, Myanmar and with the ILO’s advices, the decided to the rules to follow in practising parties to support and imple- National Committee on Child government coordinated em- accept and practise the conven- the convention, the reviews on ment the convention, and that Labour Eradication led by the ployer and employee organiza- tion; the convention will take relevant laws in Myanmar and it was a process which should Vice President(1) was formed tions to implement the existing effect on 8 June 2021; at present, the suggestions for further ac- be done; the responsible offi- with five-year plan in different labour laws; on the ILO’s Cen- the definition, implementation, tion.—MNA cials from the ministry did the States and Regions and the im- tenary Celebration Day in 2019, educating programme to people own research on the Minimum plementation of this programme Myanmar considered to ratify and human resource develop- (Translated by Age Convention and it had been supported the Minimum Age the Minimum Age Convention- ment would be done by cooper- Ei Phyu Phyu Aung)

Union Minister Dr Win Myat Aye presents social pension to senior citizens in Sagaing

UNION MINISTER of Social ries to the leading monk of the rescue works. Welfare, Relief and Resettle- monastery. He also provided a total of ment Dr Win Myat Aye provided He also donated K4.2mil- K10,350,000 as monthly social food supplies, cash assistance lion to construct two units of pension to 345 elderly aged 85 and medical equipment for pre- three-attached public toilet and above. vention of COVID-19, life jackets buildings for the flood victims The Union Minister and and life boats to the flood victims who are taking shelter at the party visited Shwe Pyi Tan in Sagaing Region yesterday monastery. Home for the Aged in Mingin morning. The Union Minister provid- Township, and met the commit- Social pensions were also ed K388,500 cash assistance, in- tee members of centre and dis- given to the age group of 85 stant noodle, masks and soap cussed the processes, trainings years and older. bars for COVID-19 to 185 flood of caring for the elderly persons The Union Minister and victims of Mingin township and and contributed K500,000 for the party firstly visited Yoon Mon- presented a motor boat and life fund of centre.—MNA astery in Mingin Township and jackets worth of K4.2million to (Translated by Union Minister Dr Win Myat Aye provides cash assistance to flood donated Waso-robe and offerto- the relevant officials to use in Khine Thazin Han) victims in Sagaing Region on 30 July 2020. PHOTO: MNA 31 JULY 2020 6 NATIONAL THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

MoSWRR, Chinese embassy discuss IDP resettlement in Kachin State

DEPUTY Minister for Social the COVID-19 period; the Chi- Welfare, Relief and Resettle- nese government takes serious ment U Soe Aung and Mr Tan consideration in resettlement Shufu, Economic and Commer- programme in this area; Myan- cial Counsellor of the Chinese mar and China signed an agree- embassy, held a meeting to dis- ment on economic and techni- cuss resettlement programmes cal cooperation; they will hand for the internally displaced per- over 200 million yuan for the sons in Kachin State yesterday. resettlement of IDPs in Kachin In his capacity as leader of State, and 4 million yuan from the working committee for im- this financial assistance will be plementing IDP resettlement handed over soon for resettling in Kachin State, U Soe Aung villages. first thanked the support from He also called for coopera- China in resettling IDPs in tion of Myanmar in the trips of Kachin State. He said they will survey team and in their works. cooperate in that support and Director-General U Win the professional team from My- Naing Tun, the Secretary of anmar will work together with working committee, from the the feasibility study group from Rehabilitation Department ex- China. plained the future project and Mr Tan Shufu said that it related processes.—MNA Deputy Minister U Soe Aung holds talks with Mr Tan Shufu, Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the was the first visit of economic Chinese Embassy, on IDP resettlement programme in Kachin State on 30 July. PHOTO: MNA mission of their embassy during (Translated by Zaw Htet Oo) Public donations towards UNHCR, WFP provide COVID-19 COVID-19 measures test kits to Myanmar

THE Union Government is doing all it can in preventing, con- A special flight carrying 20,000 fundamental to keeping poverty and it cannot be done anything taining and treating the pandemic COVID-19 at the national test kits for COVID-19 purchased and hunger in check”. even if we have strong financial level and private companies, organizations and individuals have under UNICEF programme with This latest contribution to status. Now, the UN agencies been contributing to the cause as well. The following list details funds of UNHCR and WFP ar- the Government of Myanmar ordered from the relevant com- donations made in this regard as of 4:30 pm on 27 July 2020. rived at Yangon International builds on collective UN efforts panies and delivered to Myanmar Airport yesterday morning. to support the national testing in time so that we can accelerate Amount of Kyats Officials of UNHCR, WFP strategy, with 75,000 test kits our efforts in testing COVID-19.” No Donor (In lakhs) and UNICEF handed over handed over by the World Health The UN agencies are helping 1. Telenor Myanmar 642.68 US$323,888.68 worth of 20,000 test Organization, UNICEF, and UN- Myanmar in full swing to fight kits to Professor Dr Zaw Than OPS through its Access to Health against COVID-19 responses and Kunming Cuicai Trading Co. Ltd 2. 185.87 (Yunnan Province, China) Tun, Director-General of Depart- Fund, to the Ministry of Health also providing assistance to pro- ment of Medical Research under and Sports and its relevant labo- mote capacity buildings in con- 22nd birthday donation for Maung 3. 100.00 the Ministry of Health and Sports. ratory facilities to date. trolling spread of the pandemic. Shine Htet Aung WFP Myanmar’s Country The UN has pledged to pro- The WFP has arranged 4. U Myint Htay + Daw Yin Thida Aye 100.00 Director Mr Stephen Anderson vide over 90,000 test kits to the relief flights to carry relief aids Telenor SMS-enabled donation pro- 5. 57.31 said “These kits are intended Myanmar Ministry, said Mr Ste- and medical supplies into Myan- gramme to further boost and sustain the phen. mar.—Zaw Gyi 6. 1986 batch of Medical University (1) 54.73 Government of Myanmar’s ef- Professor Dr Zaw Than Tun B.Pharm graduates from various forts to avert a second wave of said, “These COVID test kits are (Translate by Khine Thazin 7. 43.10 sectors COVID transmissions which is very essential during this period Han) Myanmar embassies, Myanmar 8. Permanent Representative office, 15.00 Myanmar consulates (9 offices) Daw Khin San Myint (Retired Joint 9. High Court Judge), Kungyangon 10.00 Tsp, Yangon Region 91st birthday donation for U Aung 10. 5.00 Thant, Kyaukkone, Yangon Daw Mya Win (Retired nurse), 11. 3.00 Kyaukme Families and friends of Shwe Moe 12. International Co. Ltd and Profora 2.05 Co. Ltd 30th birthday donation of Ma Soe 13. 2.00 Sandi Tun (Temporary Singapore) Total 1,220.74

Additional donations of cash and hospital equipment/apparatus will continue to be made public.

National-Level Central Committee for Prevention, Control and Treatment of COVID-19 Myanmar receives 20,000 test kits for COVID-19 donated by UNHCR and WFP on 30 July. PHOTO: MNA 31 JULY 2020 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR NATIONAL 7 19 Myanmar seamen spend hotel 25 Myanmar nationals quarantine in Kawthoung return home through Chinshwehaw border town

LOCAL authorities in Chinsh- They will go back to respec- wehaw border town of northern tive areas through Lashio. received 25 Myanmar A total of 13,923 persons returnees from China on 29 July. have returned Myanmar from Among 9 males and 16 fe- China through Chinshwehaw males, 1 person was from Man- border crossing from 30 April dalay Region, 2 from Magway to now.—MNA Region, 22 from Northern Shan (Translated by State. Ei Phyu Phyu Aung)

Myanmar seafarers arrive in Kawthoung on 29 July evening and currently put under 21-day hotel quarantine. PHOTO:MNA

A total of 19 Myanmar seamen These 19 Myanmar seafar- other supplies and put under who signed off from the MV-Me- ers had swapped duties with 23 21-day hotel quarantine, while lati-3 (Finafuti) ship anchored seafarers including Captain U their swabs will be sent to the in the Andaman Sea arrived in Ye Naung. National Health Laboratory of Kawthoung on 29 July evening The local officials of jetty Yangon.—Kyaw Soe (Kawthong) and are currently held under and health department helped (Translated by Health officials check the body temperature of a returnee from China on hotel quarantine. them with medical tests and Khine Thazin Han) 29 July. PHOTO: MNA More supplies reach IDP camps for 274 Myanmar nationals measures against COVID-19 come back home via The Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettle- ment is providing medical and Myawady border bridge relief items to the IDP camps in Kachin, Shan and Rakhine on 30 July states for prevention of COV- ID-19 transmission. A total of 557 Myanmar nationals The number of migrant workers Moreover, the ministry is returned home from Thailand who returned home from abroad conducting awareness cam- through No. 2 border bridge in through this border has been paigns and motivation works Myawady Town, Kayin State, on 55,272 until now. in Nay Pyi Taw council area 30 July. The latest group of return- and other Regions/States.— Kayin State Hluttaw MP ees included 163 males and 111 MNA U Thant Zin Aung, Myawady females from different regions (Translated by Aung District Administrative Office and states.—Htein Lin Aung Khin) U Tay Zar Aung and local offi- (IPRD) cials helped the returnees with medical tests and other supplies. (Translated by Aung Khin)

An official provides relief items to a local on 30 July 2020. PHOTO:MNA

Items Kachin Rakhine Kamine Phakant Mogaung MraukU Township Township Township Township Township 1 camp 2 camps 1 camp 34 camps Soap Bar 427 18,860 Lime Powder bags 40 340 Campaign Vinyl Sheet 4

Officials conducting immigration processes to Myanmar returnees from Call Thin Thin May, 09251022355 Thailand on 30 July. PHOTO: MNA 31 JULY 2020 31 JULY 2020 8 OPINION THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR NATIONAL / ARTICLE 9

Fighting child Flood Bulletin Social media and E-Democracy in a pandemic (Issued at: 11:00 hrs M.S.T on 30-7-2020) By Anna Malindog-Uy labour requires Flood condition of Ayeyawady River VEN before the pan- government, and discussions on According to the (10:30) hrs MST observation today, the collective effort of demic, Filipinos have issues that affect their lives. Thus, water level of Ayeyawady River at Nyaung Oo has exceeded long realized the im- “active citizenship” through the by about (1) foot above its danger level. It may remain above Eportance of informa- use of various social media plat- its danger level during the next (2) days. tion communication technologies forms like Twitter, Facebook, and According to the (10:30) hrs MST observation today, the all stakeholders (ICTs) such as personal and net- the like in the time of COVID-19 water level of Ayeyawady River at Seiktha has exceeded by worked computers, mobile tele- has indeed thrived and gained about (1) foot above its danger level. It may continue to rise N a historic move, Myanmar ratified the ILO Convention-138 phones, the internet and emails, traction significantly. from the present water level about (1) foot during the next (2) that seeks to eliminate child labour and ensure children do including social media platforms Now more than ever, “E-De- days and may remain above its danger level. not leave school to join the workforce full time, and the treaty (i.e. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, mocracy” and “active citizenship” Iwill take effect on 8th June, 2021. Linked, etc.). These are used as through various social media plat- Flood condition of Chindwin River The development has been heralded as a positive development, powerful communication tools in forms are alive and vibrant. To According to the (10:30) hrs MST observation today, the particularly in the context of the current COVID-19 crisis, which advancing their work, activities, note, “E-Democracy” also known water level of Chindwin River at Phaungpyin has exceeded threatens the rights, safety and development of the estimated 1.13 advocacies, and even further- as “digital democracy or internet by about (½) foot above its danger level. It may fall below its million children in child labour across the country. ing inter-personal relationships democracy” broadly means the danger level during the next (1) day. The Minimum Age Convention 138 requires countries to set a with friends, family members, exercise and support of democrat- minimum age aligned with the colleagues, and even strangers ic processes using digital informa- Advisory end of compulsory education living in the country and abroad. tion and communication technol- It is especially advertised to the people who settle near and under which no one shall In the advent of the COV- ogies e.g. social media platforms, the river banks and low lying areas in NyaungU Township and Hence, be admitted to work in any ID-19 pandemic, where access to while “active citizenship” means Seiktha to take precaution measure. regarding ILO occupation except light work conventional democratic spaces people actively involved in the and artistic performances. such as public meetings, and oth- affairs of government and society Convention-138, It also prohibits hazard- er social and political gatherings both, at local and national levels. the Union ous activities for anyone un- is constrained and limited, Fili- Likewise, social media is also der 18 years old. In Myanmar, pinos have turned to social me- an equalizer and empowering tool Government is the minimum working age is dia, digital media, collaborative as it provides people regardless willing to work 14 years old, as per the new platforms and the like in carrying of socio-economic background, Child Rights Law and existing out public affairs and exercising education, race, religion, age, sex- with NGOs, INGOs Labour Law. “active citizenship” virtually. The uality, and status in life, with the Myanmar Daily Weather Report and UN agencies The Convention also re- various “social media platforms” venue to voice out their opinions th to improve the quires countries to establish have become all the more rele- “Social media” is a term used to describe any of several online platforms that utilize the technology of the internet to facilitate social interaction through and perspectives on any issues (Issued at 7:00 pm Thursday 30 July, 2020) national policies for the elim- vant and important for Filipinos written, visual, or audible communication. PHOTO: JOAQUIN SARMIENTO/AFP/ FILE that they may see important to country’s human ination of child labour. Myan- amid the pandemic. them, and also provides democ- BAY INFERENCE: Monsoon is weak to moderate over the mar is the 178th country to Social media platforms no nomic backgrounds and locations. social networking and social the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, lous politics, the crisis of ‘informa- ratised access to information and Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal. resources by ratify the convention and has longer just facilitate social com- It also facilitates real-time peer media tools into their commu- the unsuccessful franchise ap- tion disorder’, the manifestation resources. promoting capacity an estimated 9.3% of the child munications, rather they are now to peer information exchanges nications strategies, to enable plication of ABS-CBN, and even of online hate, the proliferation of Despite the many challeng- FORECAST VALID UNTIL NOON OF THE 31st July, 2020: population aged 5 to 17 in child used as communication tools on COVID-19 related issues and them to connect and collaborate the recent State of the Nation ‘content-marketing’, advertising, es, particularly concerning the Rain or thundershowers will be isolated in Nay Pyi Taw, Lower building among labour, including more than through which Filipinos engage concerns. formally and informally across Address (SONA) of President and the self-serving spin of public spread and circulation of misin- Sagaing and Mandalay Regions, scattered in Magway Region governmental staff, 600,000 working in hazardous the state, state apparatus, and Furthermore, social media institutional and even national Rodrigo Duterte, become highly relations, propagated and dissem- formation, disinformation, and and (Southern and Eastern) Shan and Kayah States, fairly work environments. power-holders in the affairs of the has become a venue for solidarity boundaries, and with people from polarised causing divisiveness inated through social media plat- fake news on social media con- widespread in Northern Shan and Chin States and widespread MPs, employees, Lack of adequate infor- government. They are also the and cooperation among Filipinos different backgrounds quickly and more than understanding and forms, are e-issues that need to be cerning issues related and unre- in the remaining Regions and States with likelihood of isolated employers and the mation, capacity and monitor- primary means of directly partici- across boundaries in facilitating inexpensively. unity among Filipinos. Thus, so- countered and addressed, given lated to COVID-19, thus far, social heavyfalls in Upper Sagaing and Magway Regions and Kachin ing mechanism would become pating in discussions and debates help and assistance to the most These social media tools cial media, especially in the age of that public interest is at stake. media is at the moment the most State. Degree of certainty is (80%). people. challenges for tackling child on issues both, local and national vulnerable members of society allow institutions to have inter- COVID-19, if not used responsibly, Hence, in this “Digital Age”, relevant and vital space for the domestic labour in Myanmar. that affect their very lives, and while expressing gratitude and active conversations with their judiciously, and prudently can be there is not just democratization Philippine government and its STATE OF THE SEA: Sea will be moderate in Myanmar The majority of child labour- more importantly influence local, appreciation to all front liners, constituencies and the public counter-productive. of communications but also a relevant institutions, the private waters. Wave height will be about (5-8) feet off and along My- ers can be found in the agri- national, and even international especially health workers. More in general; to have direct and Since most social media constant flow of disinformation, sector, humanitarian agencies, anmar Coasts. cultural sector, factories, or employed as domestic help due to agenda. than anything, it serves as a me- real-time discussions with peo- channels remain unmoderated misinformation, falsehoods, and social media influencers, regular poverty, lack of educational opportunities, and a desire to support “Social media” is a term used dium where Filipinos can directly ple, informing them about their and are not equipped with the fake news. For that reason, people users and others, to discuss and OUTLOOK FOR SUBSEQUENT TWO DAYS: Strong mon- their families. to describe any of several online voice out their criticisms as well cause and potentially influenc- facility to credibly establish the must remain vigilant and prudent disseminate information, issues, soon in the Andaman Sea and South Bay of Bengal. It is going to be a herculean task for implementing the treaty. platforms that utilize the tech- as their appreciations of their ing the minds of the public and identity of individual accounts, in trusting and believing news and and concerns related to the novel Hence, regarding ILO Convention-138, the Union Government nology of the internet to facilitate leaders in government and the vice-versa; and keep people more cases of internet-based manipu- information presented to them coronavirus pandemic. The re- FORECAST FOR NAY PYI TAW AND NEIGHBOURING is willing to work with NGOs, INGOs and UN agencies to improve social interaction through written, government as a whole and even engaged and responsive to their lations related to fabricated social via social media platforms or any sponsible use of social media is AREA FOR 31st July, 2020: Isolated rain or thundershowers. the country’s human resources by promoting capacity building visual, or audible communication. of the private sector concerning causes and discussions. media accounts, or disinforma- media platforms for that matter. thus far imperative and critical. Degree of certainty is (80%). among governmental staff, MPs, employees, employers and the Examples of social media include COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 tion strategies like “fake news”, people. The implementation of ILO Convention-138 must be linked blogging, podcasts, forums, on- issues. Challenges “hate speech” and the like, also E-Democracy FORECAST FOR YANGON AND NEIGHBOURING AREA with the three 5-year national level projects on ending child labour. line press releases, and social On another note, responsi- The use of social media is not saturate social media platforms. The COVID-19 pandemic to ABOUT THE AUTHOR FOR 31st July, 2020: One or two rain or thundershowers. De- At present, the Information and Public Relations Department networking sites like YouTube, ble social media influencers, with without its challenges and prob- These in many ways pose threats a greater extent has made “E gree of certainty is (100%). has conducted an educational campaign against child labour in Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. their huge number of followers, to lems. Social media is an informa- to the country’s democracy and (Electronic)-Democracy” more Anna Rosario Malindog-Uy the regions and states, with talks and exhibitions on the subject Social media also play an a greater extent, facilitate a virtu- tion vacuum that disperses both, undermine many informed citizen relevant and influential than is a researcher, academic and FORECAST FOR MANDALAY AND NEIGHBOURING organized in schools. important role in facilitating and al sense of leadership especially knowledge and information at a opinions and decision-making on ever before. Social media has consultant on a wide array of AREA FOR 31st July, 2020: Likelihood of isolated rain or In efforts to end child labour, Yangon Region, Bago Region, disseminating vital information in the dissemination of important rapid and wanton speed, which issues that confront the country, transformed and moved demo- issues. She has worked with the thundershowers. Degree of certainty is (60%) Ayeyawady Region, Kayin State, and Mon State have been desig- about the COVID-19 pandemic, information, even in countering makes it susceptible to abuse, ma- like the novel coronavirus pan- cratic processes from conven- Asian Development Bank (ADB) nated as priority areas. especially on government and misinformation. Something which nipulation, embellishment, blam- demic for example. They also con- tional physical spaces to virtual and other local and internation- We are confident that the positive role of the non-government societal responses to the crisis. traditional and mainstream me- ing, gossiping, social vigilantism, dense public discourse by virtue and digitalized ones. Nowadays, al NGOs as a consultant. She is organisations (NGOs) and activists would contribute immensely It has become the most relevant dia sometimes fail to do. chauvinism, and racism. More of – who can mobilise enough on- social media serves as a demo- President of Techperformance to spreading awareness against child labour and focusing on its “democratic space” for public As a consequence, both pub- often than not, online discus- line trolls and print and broadcast cratic space that is potent and Corp, an IT-based company in prevention, rescue, and rehabilitation efforts. discussion, debate, and under- lic (state apparatus) and private sions especially on contentious hacks – to obscure objectivity and formidable in facilitating direct the Philippines. standing of the novel coronavirus institutions especially those with issues like the national response the truth. engagement and participation SOURCE: THE ASEAN POST Thin Thin May, 09251022355,09974424848 among Filipinos across socio-eco- resources, are now integrating of the Philippines on COVID-19, Thus, in the face of unscrupu- of Filipinos in the affairs of the Call 31 JULY 2020 10 LOCAL NEWS THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Magway Myathalun pagoda likely to reopen in August www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com od, Myathalun pagoda in Mag- CHIEF EDITOR Aungthu Ya way region has been closed [email protected] temporarily starting from 30 March to prevent the pagoda DEPUTY CHIEF EDITOR from being crowded with the Aye Min Soe pilgrims. Now, some restrictions [email protected] were released and the pagoda SENIOR EDITORIAL CONSULTANT board of trustees submitted a Kyaw Myaing new proposal to the regional government to allow them to EXECUTIVE EDITOR Aung Khin reopen the pagoda. “We still find coronavi- LOCAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS rus-positive patients. The pa- EDITORS godas and temples are making Ye Htut Tin all the necessary preparations [email protected] Aung Htein to be able to reopen the pagodas Tun Tun Naing in towns in other regions includ- [email protected] ing Yangon. The tea shops, res- taurants and beer stations are SENIOR TRANSLATOR Zaw Htet Oo also reopened. So, we hope we can reopen our pagodas soon. TRANSLATORS However, we need to obey the Hay Mar Tin Win, Ei Myat Mon, instructions and guidelines of Kyaw Zin Lin, Kyaw Zin Tun the health department,” said

REPORTER U Aung Ngwe, a resident from Nyein Nyein Ei, Magway Region. [email protected] Myathalun is one of the famous destinations in central Myanmar for the visitors. PHOTO: ZAYYATU (MAGWAY) Some have expected that Myathalun pagoda will be per- PHOTOGRAPHER Kyaw Zeya Win @ Phoe Khwar PAGODA board of trustees sub- according to the chairman of mittee. We will reopen after we mitted to reopen in the first week Kyaw Zeya mitted a proposal to the regional Myathalun pagoda board of are granted permission. We are of August while some are as- government to permit them to trustees. waiting for the regional govern- suming that the pilgrims cannot COMPUTER TEAM reopen Myathalun pagoda in “We have already requested ment’s instruction,” said Chair- be controlled on special occa- Thein Ngwe, Zaw Zaw Aung, Kay Khaing Win, Magway region on 28 July af- the regional government. So, the man U Soe Naing of Myathalun sions, according to the locals. Sanda Hnin, Zu Zin Hnin, ter preparing in line with coro- regional government informed pagoda board of trustees. —Zayyatu (Magway) Thein Htwe, Nyi Lin Thu navirus prevention guidelines, the Coronavirus Central Com- During the pandemic peri- (Translated by Hay Mar)

EDITORIAL SECTION (+95) (01)8604529, Fax — (+95) (01) 8604305 MR to reopen up/down trains in August CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION San Lwin, (+95) (01) 8604532, MYANMA Railway (MR) will gon-Mawlamyine, Yangon-Pyay, senger takes two seats to keep even when a passenger occu- Hotline - 09 974424114 resume its operation of up and Yangon-Bago, Yangon-Yay, Ba- physical distancing but MR pies two seats.—Myint Maung ADVERTISING & MARKETING down trains starting from 1 go-Yangon and Letpadan-Thay- charges for only one person (Translated by Hay Mar) ( +95) (01) 8604530, August after suspension of the awady railways suspended in Hotline - 09 974424848 railway services caused by the the coronavirus period are re- [email protected] outbreak of the global viral dis- suming their operations regu- [email protected] ease, according to MR. larly starting from 1 July. Printed and published at the Global New Starting from 1 August, MR has extended its rail- Light of Myanmar Printing Factory at the 55-up and 56-down trains way routes suspended due to No.150, Nga Htat Kyee Pagoda Road, Bahan in the section of Mandalay-My- the pandemic. MR is making Township, Yangon, by the Global New Light of Myanmar Daily under Printing Permit No. itkyina-Mandalay railway, 181- arrangements to enable the 00510 and Publishing Permit No. 00629. up and 182-down trains in the passengers to sit on board the Pathein-Kyangin-Pathein rail- trains keeping social distancing [email protected] way, 69-up and 70-down trains rules to prevent the virus from www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com in the Kyimyindaing-Thay- spreading. Also, MR is super- www.facebook.com/TheGNLM awady-Kyimyindaing railway vising its staff not to allow the and 103-up and 104-down trains passengers to ride on the trains in Pyinmana-Taungdwingyi-Py- without the tickets. inmana railway will be resumed. The schedule of the trains Moreover, Yangon-Ok- is announced at the railway Myanma Railway is preparing for resuming most of its services next kan, Yangon-Mandalay, Yan- stations concerned. Each pas- month. PHOTO: MYINT MAUNG

Farmers of quality paddy to get K140,000 per acre in Pathein District Write for us

We appreciate your feedback and UNDER the programme to Additionally, the depart- cal farmers who are working on dy in Kyaung Gone Township. contributions. If you have any comments remedy the economic impacts ment will reclaim a total of the high-quality paddy farms to Among them, over 70,000 acres or would like to submit editorials, analyses or reports please email caused by the pandemic, the 500 acres of land for growing get the jobs for harvesting and of monsoon paddy have al- [email protected] with your Agriculture Department will high-quality paddy -- 450 acres genetic exclusion, said U Htin ready been planted, said U Min name and title. Due to limitation of space we are only provide K140,000 per acre to the for Yeetawmoetaw species Kyaw Oo, the township head Naung, the head of Township able to publish “Letter to the Editor” local farmers who are growing and 50 acres for Yaekyanaut from the Agriculture Depart- Land Registry Department. that do not exceed 500 words. Should you submit a text longer than 500 words the good quality paddy grain species. ment. —Win Kyaung (IPRD) please be aware that your letter will be in Kyaung Gone Township in Providing of high-quality There are more than edited. Pathein District, it is learnt. paddy seeds will enable the lo- 100,000 acres of monsoon pad- (Translated by Hay Mar) 31 JULY 2020 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR LOCAL BUSINESS 11 Fishery exports reach $733.8 mln as of 17 July

tries, including China, Saudi Ara- ernment’s support to keep surviv- bia, the US, , Singapore, ing amid the pandemic, said MFF Thailand, and countries in the Secretary U Win Kyaing. European Union. However, My- The government’s recent anmar’s fishery export volume is relaxation on land use policy re- much lower compared to neigh- garding fish and prawn farming bouring countries. will enhance the sector and help The Myanmar Fisheries the breeders get access to formal Federation (MFF) is making con- loan, he said. certed efforts to increase fishery There are over 247,000 acres export earnings by developing of fish farms and 240,000 prawn fish farming lakes which meet in- breeding farms across the coun- ternational standards and adopt- try. ing advanced fishing techniques. Myanmar exported 340,000 The MFF plans to establish tonnes of fishery products worth fish lakes, aqua feedstuffs pro- $530 million in the 2013-2014FY, cessing factories, cold storages, 330,000 tonnes worth $480 mil- and packaging factories, in co- lion in the 2014-2015FY, 360,000 operation with foreign experts. tonnes worth $500 million in the Myanmar’s marine products 2015-2016FY, 430,000 tonnes worth account for six per cent of overall $600 million in the 2016-2017FY, export earnings, the Ministry of 560,000 tonnes worth $700 mil- Marine products of Myanmar account for six per cent of overall export earnings. PHOTO: (THAN HTAT) Commerce’s data showed. lion in the 2017-2018FY, and over At present, the fisheries sec- 580,000 tonnes in the 2018-2019FY, EXPORT earnings from the fish- reached US$733.8 million, an Commerce Ministry. tor is hit hard by the coronavirus according to the Commerce Min- eries sector during the period increase of $108.97 million from Myanmar exports fisheries outbreak. More than 3 million istry.—GNLM between 1 October and 17 July the year-ago period, according products, such as fish, prawns, people are relying on this sector in the 2019-2020 financial year to the statistics released by the and crabs, to markets in 40 coun- and the businesses need the gov- (Translated by Ei Myat Mon)

Bago Region Investment Committee Myanmar bean body calls for extension of endorses 3 foreign enterprises creating 1,000 new jobs black bean import deadline By Nyein Nyein set for the 2020-2021 Fiscal Year. companies have been granted im- THE Bago Region Investment Committee. Later, they narrowed the deadline port licence from early July, while Committee, at a videoconfer- According to the statistics MYANMAR Pulses, Beans and by August-end. However, we will some have not received licence ence held on 29 July, has en- released by the Directorate Sesame Seeds Merchants Asso- continue appealing for the dead- until now. Therefore, trading can dorsed three foreign projects of Investment and Company ciation (MPBSSMA) has asked line extension”, he said. start in mid-July. If the deadline and approved five foreign en- Administration, Yangon Re- ’s Embassy to Myanmar India rapidly changed the im- is April-end, the country can ship terprises to increase capital, gion absorbs 60 per cent of and the Ministry of Commerce port period to three months by only 20 per cent of quota (approx- according to the Directorate all investments in Myanmar, to extend the deadline for black August-end 2020 from the earlier imately 80,000 tonnes), he noted. of Investment and Company Mandalay attracts 30 per cent, bean import as the deadline is set deadline of March 2021, as per The prices of the black bean Administration (DICA). while the other regions and August-end, said U Min Ko Oo, their official notice. are pegged at around K940,000- The investments of those states receive only a small secretary of the association. With the changes in India’s 945,000 per tonne, while pigeon projects including the expan- share of investments. “At present, Myanmar’s policy on bean importation, My- peas are priced K800,000-805,000 sion of capital by the existing To simplify the verifica- Commerce Ministry has re- anmar still falls short of the tar- per tonne, as per the market’s enterprises are estimated at tion of investment projects, quested the Indian government get. The growers have already data. Myanmar is the top produc- US$8.119 million and K680 the Myanmar Investment Law to extend the import deadline. sold out the beans and they are ing country of black bean that In- million. allows the region and state Furthermore, the association will in the hands of traders. They have dia demands. Besides Myanmar, The projects will create Investment Committees to make further efforts through the stockpiled around 200,000-250,000 and Africa grow other about 1,000 jobs. The invest- grant permissions for local ministry. It has also directly sent tonnes of black beans, the asso- kinds of peas such as pigeon peas, ments in the Bago region and foreign proposals, where a request to the Indian embas- ciation stated. “Myanmar cannot green grams and yellow peas, the primarily flow into the man- the initial investment does sy. Earlier, the import quota of ship the entire quota by the dead- association stated. ufacturing business. not exceed K6 billion, or $5 400,000 tonnes of black beans was line in any possible way. India’s (Translated by Ei Myat Mon) Nearly 90 foreign busi- million. —GNLM nesses are being executed in the Bago Region, according (Translated by Ei Myat to Bago Region Investment Mon)

Call Thin Thin May, 09251022355

09974424848 Ministry of Commerce is discussing Indian government to extend its deadline of black bean import from Myanmar. PHOTO : MIN HTET AUNG 31 JULY 2020 12 ECON THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR German economy shrinks by In globalized market, record 10.1% in Q2 on virus hit French growers embrace ‘slow-flowers’ movement

AMSTERDAM — In Amster- so-called “slow flowers” move- dam’s suburbs, the forklift ment. trucks have already resumed Started in the United States their incessant loading of crates as a way to promote local farm of flowers as the ’ and flower produce, the move- horticulture giants get back to ment is growing as it supports deliveries across the globe after local economies and ethical the virus lockdown. producers in a shift away from Every day, the Netherlands’ industrialised commerce. massive flower industry sells Figures vary, but execu- tonnes of French flowers to tives at French affiliate of Dutch French consumers, just one giant FleuraMetz estimate 70 sign of years of Dutch domi- per cent of the world’s flower nance of the globalized market. production now makes its way But as the pandemic push- through Holland, even produce es consumers to look more lo- that is not grown on Dutch soil. cally, French flower growers “We sell 30,000 different va- Destatis said efforts to contain the COVID-19 outbreak had led to “a massive slump” in exports and imports, are hoping to break Dutch he- rieties,” said Michel Van Schie, although government spending had increased over the period. PHOTO: AFP/FILE gemony by selling home-grown spokesman for Royal Flora Hol- produce with less of an impact land, another Dutch horticul- BERLIN — The German econ- domestic product “historic” and Analysts had expected a on the climate as part of the ture giant.—AFP omy shrank by a record 10.1 per far bigger than any slump seen slightly smaller contraction of cent in the second quarter as during the 2008-2009 financial around nine per cent for the April- coronavirus lockdowns took their crisis. Economy Minister Peter June period. toll, official data showed Thurs- Altmaier had warned earlier this Destatis said efforts to con- NEWS day, but experts say a recovery year that the pandemic would tain the COVID-19 outbreak had IN BRIEF is already under way. push Europe’s top economy into led to “a massive slump” in ex- Federal statistics agen- “the worst recession” in its post- ports and imports, although gov- cy Destatis called the quar- war history, ending a decade of ernment spending had increased U.S. GDP in 2nd qtr. shrinks at ter-on-quarter decline in gross growth. over the period.—AFP 32.9% pace, worst since 1940s

WASHINGTON — The U.S. economy dived an annualized real 32.9 U.S. tech giants’ top executives grilled per cent in the April to June period amid the coronavirus pandemic, the worst quarterly deterioration since comparable data became by lawmakers in antitrust hearing available in 1947, the Commerce Department said Thursday. The contraction in terms of inflation-adjusted gross domestic WASHINGTON — Top execu- product, which followed a 5 per cent drop in the preceding quarter, tives of Amazon, Apple, Face- underscored the devastating impact of the public health crisis that book and Google on Wednesday has led to the widespread shuttering of businesses and stay-at-home testified virtually before the U.S. orders in an effort to slow the spread of the virus. House Antitrust, Commercial, However, the headline figure was better than the market fore- and Administrative Law Subcom- cast of a 34.1 per cent decline.—Kyodo mittee, which hit them with tough questions over their practices. “The purpose of today’s Prosecutors accuse ex-PEMEX hearing is to examine the dom- inance of Amazon, Apple, Face- boss of taking $10.5m bribe book, and Google,” David Cicil- line, a Rhode Island Democrat CITY — Mexican prosecutors accused the former boss of and chairman of the subcommit- state oil company PEMEX of accepting a bribe worth more than $10 tee, said in his opening remarks, million from Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht at his trial in noting that these platforms have Mexico City on Wednesday. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos testifies Wednesday via video before the House Emilio Lozoya is accused of receiving huge payments in return wielded their power “in destruc- Judiciary antitrust subcommittee. The hearing also featured the heads of tive, harmful ways” in order to Apple, Facebook and Google. PHOTO: MANDEL NGAN/POOL/AFP for lucrative public works contracts. expand. “You knew that the funds were from Odebrecht and you re- “Prior to the COVID-19 made the move to stifle compe- large, established players like ceived $10.5 million as a result of bribes,” said a prosecutor at the trial, pandemic, these corporations tition. The four tech executives Target, Costco, Kroger, and Wal- which is taking place by videoconference. already stood out as titans in our apparently sought to dismiss mart. Cicilline, however, noted Prosecutors said Lozoya’s mother and wife were also involved in economy,” Cicilline said. “In the such accusations, saying that that Amazon operates across a the fraud. wake of COVID-19, however, they they compete fairly, and also tried vast array of businesses -- from The bribes were allegedly used to buy buildings for family mem- are likely to emerge stronger and to downplay their market domi- cloud computing and movie pro- bers or transfered to accounts in Europe in a bid to “hide” the origin more powerful than ever before.” nance in their respective fields. duction to transportation logistics of the funds. Representative Jerrold Amazon Founder and CEO and small business lending, and In return Odebrecht obtained a $39 million “profit” in the “award Nadler, a New York Democrat, Jeff Bezos, for example, said in the company’s market valuation of works” contracts. pressed Facebook Founder and his opening remarks that Ama- recently hit 1.5 trillion U.S. dol- The trial is taking place by videoconference because Lozoya, CEO Mark Zuckerberg on the zon accounts for less than 4 per lars, more than that of Walmart, 45, has been in hospital suffering from anaemia since returning to company’s purchase of Insta- cent of retail market in the United Target, Salesforce, IBM, eBay, Mexico on July 17 following his extradition from , where he was gram, arguing that Facebook States, and it competes against and Etsy combined.— Xinhua captured in February.—AFP 31 JULY 2020 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR BIZ / AD 13 Shell dives to $18.1bn loss on virus-hit oil market

THE HAGUE — An- taken “as a result of re- per cent to 3.4 million bar- glo-Dutch energy major vised medium- and long- rels of oil equivalent per Royal Dutch Shell posted term price and refining day in the reporting period Thursday a colossal net margin outlook assump- -- and is forecast to drop loss of $18.1 billion (15.4 bil- tions in response to the further in the third quarter. lion euros) for the second COVID-19 pandemic and quarter, blaming massive macroeconomic conditions ‘Resizing’ asset writedowns on the as well as energy market “Shell has delivered coronavirus-hit oil market, demand and supply fun- resilient cash flow in a re- and flagged that job cuts damentals,” Shell said in markably challenging en- are on the way. a results statement. vironment,” said Chief Ex- The performance, con- The dire performance ecutive Ben van Beurden trasting sharply with profit meanwhile reflected lower in Thursday’s statement. after tax of $3.0 billion a prices for oil, liquefied nat- “We continue to fo- year earlier, was sparked ural gas (LNG) and gas, cus on safe and reliable by a huge $16.8-billion while it was also adversely operations and our de- charge on chronic fallout impacted by lower refining cisive cash preservation both from COVID-19 and margins and oil products measures will underpin collapsing oil prices. sales volumes. the strengthening of our Oil firms like Shell are booking massive losses as lower oil prices force them to reduce the The vast charge was Production dipped six balance sheet.”—AFP value of their assets. PHOTO: AFP/FILE Strong sales of cleaning products Huawei overtakes Samsung as amid pandemic boost P&G results top smartphone seller CINCINNATI — Strong products giant, whose ficer Jon Moeller, who said sales of cleaning products brands include Mr Clean, consumers were keeping BEIJING — China’s Canalys said Thursday. which shifted 53.7 million and soaps amid the coro- Cascade and Gilette, larger inventories of prod- Huawei has overtaken Canalys said the units. navirus crisis more than scored an impressive 11 ucts at home to avoid store Samsung to become the embattled firm, which is The findings marked compensated for lacklus- per cent surge in sec- visits. number-one smartphone facing US sanctions and the first quarter in nine ter demand for shaving ond-quarter sales in fabric “Consumers general- seller worldwide in the falling overseas sales, years that a company oth- products, lifting Procter & and home care, the stand- ly are carrying higher in- second quarter on the shipped 55.8 million de- er than Samsung or Apple Gamble’s quarterly earn- out division in the period. ventory levels. They also back of strong domestic vices — overtaking Sam- has led the market, Can- ings, the company report- “We remain highly are consuming more,” demand, industry tracker sung for the first time, alys said. —AFP ed Thursday. relevent across the board,” said Moeller, adding that The US consumer said Chief Financial Of- shoppers had also had more money for household items that might have oth- Notice of Commencement of EIA erwise gone to travel or eating out. Investigation Phase Moeller said con- The members of the Bawdwin Joint Venture Company Limited (BJV) plan to sumers were using more redevelop the existing lead, zinc and silver mine located in Namtu township, Kyauk detergent because they Me District, Northern Shan State, Myanmar. were washing clothes af- ter just one use. Sales of Redevelopment will involve demolition of some existing infrastructure and some items, such as Boun- construction of new infrastructure to support mining and processing activities ty paper towels, were up within the 38 km2 existing mining concession. “strong” double digits in the quarter, he told re- An Environmental and Social Impact Assessment is currently being undertaken in Strong sales of soaps and cleaning products boosted Procter accordance with Myanmar’s Environmental Laws and Procedures. The Scoping & Gamble earnings amid the coronavirus crisis. porters on a conference Report, Terms of Reference, Public Participation Plan and Grievance Mechanism PHOTO: AFP/FILE call.—AFP are available at the Information Centers listed below and on BJV’s website set up in the project area or from the website given below. circulation CLAIMS DAY NOTICE Public consultation relating to the project will be carried out in Namtu and M.V OBSERVATOR Bawdwin in August 2020 and will be held in accordance with Government order is in COVID19 public gathering guidelines. easier way. Consignees of cargo carried on M.V OBSERVATOR VOY. NO. (20095) are hereby notified that the vessel will Namtu Bawdwin Tiger Camp be arriving on 31-7-2020 and cargo will be discharged into the premises of MITT-4 where it will lie at the consignee’s Time 9:00 - 3:00 9:00 - 3:00 9:00 - 3:00 Hot Line : risk and expenses and subject to the byelaws and Date August 12-18 August 19-24 August 25-29 conditions of the Port of Yangon. Venue Namtu GAD office Bawdwin Sport Complex Theatre 09974424848 Damaged cargo will be surveyed daily from 8 am to 11:20 am and 12 noon to 4 pm to Claim’s Day now declared as the third day after final discharge of cargo For further information, to submit comments, or lodge a grievance, please visit the Advertise from the Vessel. Information Centers located at Bawdwin Upper Village, Bawdwin Lower Village No claims against this vessel will be admitted after and Tiger Camp or send us an email by visiting https://bawdwinjv.com with us/ the Claims Day. Phone No: 2301928 Shipping Agency Department Myanma Port Authority Hot Line : Agent For: 018604530 M/S GLOBAL MARS SHIPPING 31 JULY 2020 14 ASIA THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

NEWS Pakistan shows concerns over IN BRIEF India’s induction of Rafale jets N. Korea again claims no novel coronavirus infection cases ISLAMABAD — Pakistan on Thursday expressed serious BEIJING — North Korea’s most concerns over India’s induction influential newspaper again of Rafale fighter jets imported claimed Thursday that nobody from into the Indian has been infected with the Air Force and said it could new coronavirus so far in the lead to an arms race in South country, saying measures will Asia. be stepped up to prevent the A batch of five Rafale jets pandemic from spreading there. reached at Indian air force sta- If North Korea lets its guard tion Ambala in the northern down, that would trigger a state of Haryana on Wednes- “crucial crisis,” said the Rodong day. The five aircraft is the first Sinmun, the newspaper of the tranche of the 36 planes bought Workers’ Party of Korea. by India from France. The official Korean Central “We have seen reports of News Agency said Sunday that a recent acquisition of Rafale first suspected case of the novel jets by Indian Air Force. Ac- coronavirus in North Korea cording to some former senior had been detected, prompting Indian officials and several in- A handout picture released by France’s Dassault Aviation shows an Indian Air Force Rafale aircraft taking off leader Kim Jong Un to convene ternational publications, these from Merignac airbase in southern France. PHOTO: AFP an emergency meeting of the Rafale jets have dual-capable ruling party. systems that can also be modi- Farooqui said. in terms of type and number of ues to increase the readiness A person, who defected fied as nuclear weapon delivery “It is well known that India delivery systems. In addition of its arsenal,” Farooqui said to South Korea three years platforms,” Pakistan’s Foreign continues to expand and mod- to this, India has nuclearized at her weekly press briefing in ago, is “suspected to have been Ministry spokesperson Aisha ernize its nuclear arsenal both the Indian Ocean and contin- Islamabad.—Xinhua infected with the vicious virus” after “illegally” returning to the North’s border city of Kaesong, Philippines arrests former MP over wife’s killing the news agency said.— Kyodo

MANILA — A former Philip- day over his wife’s killing and Ruben Ecleo, 60, was head Cebu court convicted him of Philippines to pine congressman and religious corrupt practices, police said, of a group called the Philippine parricide and sentenced him stockpile Avigan for cult leader was arrested Thurs- ending a years-long manhunt. Benevolent Missionaries Asso- to 30 years in prison. COVID-19 treatment ciation when his wife’s remains Manila police described were found in a bin bag at the Ecleo as the “#1 Top Most MANILA — The Philippine gov- bottom of a ravine on the cen- Wanted Person” in the Philip- ernment said Thursday it will tral island of Cebu in 2002. pines. stockpile Japanese anti-flu drug He was arrested months A police report said he was Avigan, to treat severe cases of later in a police raid on his arrested Thursday at a gated the new coronavirus, as planned home on the island of Dinagat, housing enclave in the north- clinical trials for the drug draw during which 17 people were ern city of Angeles, where he closer. killed. had been living under another Carlito Galvez Jr., presi- Ecleo was bailed in 2004 name. dential adviser and head of the and won a House of Represent- His driver was also de- national task force handling atives seat in 2010 -- held up as tained for trying to obstruct the pandemic, said the govern- an example of an infamous cul- Ecleo’s arrest, police added. ment is looking for ways to treat ture of impunity in the country, In 2006, another court severe cases to prevent more where the rich and powerful are convicted Ecleo of corruption deaths. rarely held to account. committed when he was a town “This is why we are buying Ruben Ecleo is escorted by officers outside police regional headquarters In 2012, a year after he mayor in Dinagat in the early high-flow nasal cannula, and in Manila, following his arrest. PHOTO: AFP stopped attending the trial, a 1990s.—AFP we will also stockpile rem- desivir and Avigan, as well as blood plasma (from COVID-19 Tokyo asks restaurants, bars to shut early as virus spikes survivors) so that our severe cases will not become fatalities,” Galvez said during a press con- TOKYO — Tokyo’s governor to waste,” she said, adding the emergency two months ago. sized firms that cooperate, she ference in Metro Manila. Favip- called Thursday for restau- number of infections through “Tokyo will have to declare added. iravir, an oral antiviral drug sold rants, bars and karaoke par- group dining is increasing. a state of emergency if the sit- “It’s not realistic to ask under the brand name Avigan, is lours to shut earlier to help Japan has so far escaped uation gets worse,” Koike said. them to close entirely,” she manufactured by a subsidiary of contain the coronavirus as the the epidemic relatively lightly, Businesses in the capital said. Japanese firm, Fujifilm Holdings Japanese capital reported a re- with around 32,500 infections that serve alcohol and karaoke Complying is voluntary, Corp. A government review on cord number of new infections. and just over 1,000 deaths since parlours will be asked to close with no penalties for those who the usage of Avigan in the Phil- “The current situation is the first case was detected in at 10 pm, from August 3 until the don’t, and comes as the capi- ippines has already concluded, more serious than before,” said January. end of the month, Koike said. tal reported 367 coronavirus according to Philippine Health Yuriko Koike, citing experts. But the number of cases The city’s government will cases just a day after a record Undersecretary Rosario Ver- “There were several clus- has been on the rise since the offer subsidies of 200,000 yen single-day nationwide figure of geire, suggesting clinical trials ters in Tokyo... We have no time government lifted a state of ($1,900) to medium and small- 1,264 new cases.—AFP could start soon.— Kyodo 31 JULY 2020 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR WORLD 15 Muslim pilgrims to scale Mount Arafat for peak of hajj

MACCA — Muslim pilgrims able-bodied Muslims at least once converged Thursday on Saudi in their lifetime, is usually one Arabia’s Mount Arafat for the cli- of the world’s largest religious max of this year’s hajj, the small- gatherings. est in modern times and a sharp But only up to 10,000 people contrast to the massive crowds already residing in the kingdom of previous years. will participate in this year’s ritu- A tight security cordon has al, compared with 2019’s gath- been erected all around the foot ering of some 2.5 million from of the rocky hill outside Mecca, around the world. also known as Jabal al-Rahma “You are not our guests but or Mount of Mercy. those of God, the custodian of the Pilgrims, donning masks two holy mosques (Saudi Arabia’s and observing social distanc- King Salman) and the nation,” ing, were brought in buses from Hajj Minister Mohammad Benten neighbouring Mina, state televi- said in a video released by the sion showed, as Saudi authorities media ministry on Wednesday. impose measures to prevent a Security cordon coronavirus outbreak. A security cordon has been They were subject to tem- thrown around the holy sites to perature checks and attended a prevent any security breaches, an sermon -- which state media said interior ministry spokesman said. was translated into 10 languages A first trickle of pilgrims arrives at Mount Arafat outside Mecca for a day of Koran recitals and prayers to atone Riyadh faced strong criti- -- before they set off on the climb for their sins that is the climax of the hajj. PHOTO: SPA/AFP cism in 2015 when some 2,300 to the summit for hours of Koran worshippers were killed in the recitals and prayers to atone for Arafat, marshalled by tens of Mount Arafat to Muzdalifah, an- It takes place on Friday and deadliest stampede in the gath- their sins. thousands of stewards in a bid other holy site where they will also marks the beginning of Eid ering’s history. The scene was strikingly dif- to prevent any crushes. sleep under the stars to prepare al-Adha, the festival of sacrifice. But this year, those risks ferent to last year’s ritual when a After sunset prayers, pil- for the final stage of hajj, the sym- The hajj, one of the five are greatly reduced by the much sea of pilgrims ascended Mount grims will make their way down bolic “stoning of the devil”. pillars of Islam and a must for smaller crowd.—AFP Bolivia records 10% increase in US federal forces agree on conditional pullout from Portland coca cultivation in 2019: UN PORTLAND — President Don- police brutality saw windows ald Trump’s administration on broken and graffiti scrawled on VIENNA — Bolivia recorded That amounted to an in- an countries. Bolivia is the third Wednesday agreed to a deal to the federal courthouse and other a 10 per cent increase in coca crease from 23,100 hectares to largest producer of cocaine in the defuse weeks of clashes in the buildings. cultivation in 2019 as compared to 25,500 devoted to the crop, a pri- world after and , US city of Portland with the with- But their deployment only the previous year, the UN Office mary ingredient in cocaine but according to the UNODC. drawal of federal forces whose served to inflame the situation, on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) which is also used to make tea or The data was compiled from presence enraged protesters, but especially following video footage said on Wednesday. is chewed raw in several Ande- satellite imagery and information the timing remained in dispute. of protesters being snatched off collected on the ground. Oregon Governor Kate the street by federal forces and One of the main coca produc- Brown said the forces -- whose put into unmarked cars. ing areas of Bolivia is in the cen- deployment was seen by many “After my discussions with tral Cochabamba department, as part of Trump’s law-and-order (Vice President Mike) Pence and a bastion of peasant support for strategy for re-election -- would others, the federal government exiled former president Evo Mo- begin their phased pullout on has agreed to withdraw federal rales. Thursday. Acting Homeland Se- officers from Portland,” Brown UNODC said it has detected curity Secretary Chad Wolf indi- tweeted Wednesday. “the presence of coca plantations cated, however, that the officers “They have acted as an oc- in six of the 22 nationally protect- will withdraw only if there are cupying force & brought violence. ed areas” in Bolivia, where the guarantees that local police can Starting 30 July, all Customs and harvesting of coca is prohibited. ensure the federal courthouse Border Protection & ICE officers In Bolivia it is legal to chew will be secured. will leave downtown Portland.” coca leaves and use them to make Trump’s administration ear- In his statement, Wolf said he tea or in religious Andean rituals. lier this month sent the federal and Brown had “agreed to a joint Morales passed a law in 2017 tactical teams, many wearing plan to end the violent activity Bolivian anti-narcotics police officers prepare to incinerate cocaine at La Rinconada, on the outskirts of La Paz, in December 2019 -- the country that almost doubled the legal area combat-like gear, to intervene in Portland directed at federal reported a 10 per cent increase in coca cultivation in 2019 . allowed for coca cultivation from in the western city after weeks properties and law enforcement PHOTO: AFP/FILE 12,000 to 22,000 hectares.—AFP of protests against racism and officers.”—AFP Russia jails US ex-marine for 9 years over police assault MOSCOW — A Russian court on and former marine from Texas, capital as the judge read out the AFP reporter in the courtroom. the attention of US diplomats in Thursday sentenced former US allegedly attacked police after guilty verdict, saying the police “This is completely a politi- Russia and US Ambassador John marine Trevor Reed to nine years attending a party in Moscow. officers had suffered “mental and cal case,” Reed told journalists Sullivan said he was following in prison for assaulting two police He appeared wearing a face- physical harm”. after the verdict. “I will be ask- proceedings along with the trials officers while drunk last year. mask in a cage for defendants Reed was handed nine years ing my government for political of other Americans detained in Reed, a 29-year-old student in a courtroom in the Russian in a penal colony, according to an support”. The case has caught Russia.—AFP 31 JULY 2020 16 SPORT THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR MFF, FIFA discuss football development amid pandemic

MYANMAR Football Federa- virtual conference. the pandemic, and the prepara- tion (MFF) president and Asian During the meeting, U tory process being undertaken Football Confederation (AFC) Zaw Zaw discussed the coro- by MFF for making ready to hold vice president U Zaw Zaw dis- navirus-preventative process of the football tourneys again after cussed ASEAN and Myanmar’s Myanmar Football Federation getting permission by the govern- football development along with and Ayeyawady Foundation in ment. The MFF president also difficulties during the pandemic collaboration with the Ministry stressed on the equal rights of period with Fédération Interna- of Health and Sports, launching getting COVID-19 Relief Loan tionale de Football Association quarantine centres at Myanmar by FIFA and supporting women (FIFA) president Gianni Infantino National Football Academies football tourneys nationwide. through videoconference on 29 and Myanmar National Football Next, FIFA president dis- July, according to the statement teams’ apartments to help the cussed planning to hold FIFA with the MFF. quarantined persons during the World Cup every two years in- AFC president Salman Bin pandemic period, hard times be- stead of every four years and Myanmar Football Federation president U Zaw Zaw discusses football Ibrahim Al Khalifa and presidents ing faced by players and their eight Asian countries to be in- development matters with FIFA via online on 29 July 2020. from football associations of ASE- families, and football sponsors cluded in the World Cup tour- PHOTO: MFF AN countries also attended the in most of the countries due to neys.—Lynn Thit (Tgi) AFF Suzuki Cup 2020 postponed until next year

THE ASEAN Football Federa- a meeting before reaching this Organization (WHO), Health the AFF Suzuki Cup 2020 to en- with our partners to deliver a tion (AFF) announced yester- decision and detailed fixtures Ministries, government agen- sure the safety and well-being great tournament for the fans day that the AFF Suzuki Cup for the tourney will be released cies, FIFA and AFC”. of all players, partners, staff of ASEAN next year.” 2020 will be postponed until 2021 later, according to the AFF. Adrian Staiti, president and fans. While we are disap- The AFF Suzuki Cup for safety with the coronavi- AFF president Major-Gen- of APAC at Sportfive, the ex- pointed that we are unable to Football tourney is an apple rus pandemic, according to the eral Khiev Sameth said: “Since clusive commercial partner of hold the tournament this year, of everyone’s eyes for ASEAN AFF’s statement. the onset of COVID-19, the AFF the AFF Suzuki Cup, also said, we will work closely with the region and it has possessed fan The AFF Suzuki Cup Task has been closely monitoring “Sportfive supports the deci- AFF to monitor the situation attendance of more than 750,000 Force Committee recently held guidance from the World Health sion by the AFF to postpone and look forward to working in 2018.—Lynn Thit (Tgi) No spectators for Brighton sign Ajax defender Veltman

US Open golf due to LONDON — Brighton signed “He has terrific experience er and we’re looking forward to Netherlands defender Joel Velt- from his time with Ajax including working with him.” COVID-19 man from Ajax for an undisclosed the Champions League and, of Capped 22 times by Hol- fee on Wednesday (Jul 29). course, with the Dutch national land, Veltman was part of the NEW YORK — The 120th US onship. We look forward to wel- Veltman agreed a three- team. 2014 World Cup squad and also Open will be staged without coming them again to future US year contract with the Premier “He’s an excellent defender played in Ajax’s Europa League spectators at Winged Foot on Opens.” League side. The 28-year-old who can play at right-back and at final defeat to Manchester United Sep 17-20 due to the COVID-19 The PGA Tour had planned helped Ajax win the Dutch title centre-half, but he’s also comfort- in 2017. He becomes the second pandemic, the US Golf Asso- to have fans at the Memorial three times after coming through able in possession. arrival at the AMEX Stadium this ciation (USGA) announced tournament two weeks ago the club’s vaunted academy. “He is really looking forward week after England midfielder Wednesday (Jul 29). but rising numbers of cases in “We’re delighted to welcome to the challenge of playing in the Adam Lallana joined the Seagulls The USGA consulted state Ohio prompted state officials to Joel to the club,” Brighton boss Premier League and we’re de- following his departure from Liv- officials before ruling out fans scratch that idea. Graham Potter said. lighted he is now a Brighton play- erpool.—AFP over health and safety issues. Spectators will also be The major showdown absent from next week’s PGA in suburban New York would Championship at TPC Harding have been the first to allow fans Park in San Francisco, the first since the US PGA Tour resumed major championship of a year play in June after a three-month where the regular schedule was shutdown due to the deadly vi- thrown into chaos by the virus. rus outbreak. The US Open was post- “Following months of con- poned from June to September sultation and scenario planning and staged without the usual with local and state health offi- trademark qualifying rounds, cials, we have jointly decided the field selected by rankings that hosting the US Open with- and other methods. out spectators will provide the The PGA was moved from best opportunity to conduct the May to August while the Mas- championship safely for all in- ters was shifted from April to volved,” USGA chief executive November and the British Open officer Mike Davis said. was called off altogether. “We will miss the excite- Organizers had pushed to ment of the fans and what their try and have spectators at the presence brings to the champi- US Open.—AFP Ajax’s Dutch defender Joel Veltman has joined Brighton. PHOTO: AFP/JOSE JORDAN