SAFETY MUST COME FIRST IN REOPENING DOMESTIC TRAVEL DESTINATIONS PAGE-8 (OPINION)

NATIONAL NATIONAL Union minister discusses labour affairs COVID-19 committee honours volunteers, with ROK Ambassador CSOs in Magway PAGE-2 PAGE-5

Vol. VII, No. 62, 12th Waning of Nayon 1382 ME www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com Wednesday, 17 June 2020 State Counsellor discusses remedies to lessen COVID-19 impacts on economy

State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi discusses relief plan of COVID-19 impacts with ministers, UMFCCI president on 16 June 2020. PHOTO: MNA

TATE Counsellor Daw nomic Relief Work Committee, to say economic matters related Aung San Suu Kyi, Chair- Deputy Minister U Sett Aung The Union Government has to COVID; as a first step during Sperson of the National-Lev- who formulated the COVID-19 the time when COVID preventive el Central Committee on Preven- Economic Relief Plan (CERP) adopted emergency programmes measures were needed, actions tion, Control and Treatment of and U Zaw Min Win, president of were initiated in the health sec- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COV- UMFCCI to discuss remedies to to protect Myanmar on multiple tor; however, after commencing ID-19), held a videoconference lessen the impacts of COVID-19 activities in the health sector from the Presidential Palace on the Myanmar economy. fronts such as political, economic, it was soon realized that eco- in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday with The State Counsellor said nomic aspects should also be Union Minister U Thaung Tun, discussions would be about the social and health. considered. Chairman of the COVID-19 Eco- economy; by economy, she meant SEE PAGE-3

No new case of COVID-19 in Myanmar on 16 June, total figure remains at 262 Updated at 8 pm, 16 June 2020 New Persons under Investigation from the 6 Total Case 262 New Case 0 Total Death Tally past 24 hours to 12 noon of 16 June 2020 Recovery Update on 16 June 2020 after two consecutive tests New PUI 28 Discharged from Total Recovery 179 New Recovery 4 Hospital 162

INSIDE TODAY

NATIONAL NATIONAL BUSINESS Construction ministry Myanmar citizens from US$ 3.4 billion of FDI draws lots on rental units foreign countries brought pumped into Myanmar for retired civil service staff back home by special flight in current FY PAGE-2 PAGE-5 PAGE-14,15 17 JUNE 2020 2 NATIONAL THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Union minister discusses labour affairs with ROK Ambassador

UNION Minister for Labour, Immigra- tion and Population U Thein Swe held a videoconference with the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Mr Lee Sang-hwa, at 10 am yesterday. They discussed extending the time for repatriating Myanmar workers in South Korea, arranging relief flights for Myanmar workers in ROK who wish to return to Myanmar, increasing the num- ber of EPS admitted Myanmar migrant workers from 1,000 to 7,000, recalling ex- perienced and skilled Myanmar workers back to South Korea as a priority when possible, cooperating for preliminary ex- Union Minister U Thein Swe (left photo) speaks during the videoconference on labour affairs with the delegation led by Ambassador of the aminations for EPS during COVID-19 Republic of Korea Mr Lee Sang-hwa, (left photo) on 16 June 2020. PHOTO: MNA period, coordinating flights for transport- ing EPS skilled workers, and discovering pandemic. unemployment statistics but the govern- Present at the meeting were Deputy technological solutions to resolve issues They also discussed capacity building ment’s efforts to resolve such matters Minister U Myint Kyaing, the permanent between employers and employees in the initiatives, the inability to pay social secu- between workers and employers, and secretary, director-general, and other offi- garment industry caused by the current rity benefits due to not having procured reducing taxation during the pandemic. cials. —MNA (Translated by Zaw Htet Oo)

Construction ministry draws lots on rental units for retired civil service staff

THE Urban and Housing De- Dekkhinathiri Township. velopment Department under Deputy Minister Dr Kyaw the Ministry of Construction or- Lin witnessed drawing lots con- ganized drawing lots on rental ducted in a transparent manner. housing units for retired civil Present at the ceremony staff with in Nay Pyi Taw yes- were Permanent Secretary U terday. Shwe Lay, directors-general, The apartments are localt- deputy directors-general, de- ed in Thukawadi Housing in partment heads, officials from

Committee for Housing Unit Allocation under the Ministry of Construciton organizes a ceremony to draw lots on housing units for retired civil service staff in Nay Pyi Taw on 16 June 2020. PHOTO: MNA

21 ministries representing 300 servants in Mandalay with co- servants in Nay Pyi Taw for the retired civil servants, and invit- operation from the local gov- first time. ed journalists. ernment. He said it was not appropri- The Deputy Minister, who He said they have also ate to call all retired civil service also serves as Chairman of the assigned 136 housing units in staff during the pandemic and Housing Unit Allocation Com- Yangon Region for active civ- thus representatives have been A woman draws a lot for housing unit in Nay Pyi Taw on 16 June mittee, said they have assigned il servants and are assigning called in their place.—MNA 2020. PHOTO: MNA 240 housing units for rent to civil housing units for retired civil (Translated by Zaw Htet Oo)

Renovation of Bogyoke Aung San Museum set to be complete by end-June

THE renovation works to the Bo- were made to be ready for the Except Mondays and gazet- gyoke Aung San Museum (Yan- 73rd Martyrs’ Day if it is cele- ted holidays, the museum is open gon) is expected to be complete brated.” said the museum’s in- daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. On by the end of June, according to charge. the Martyrs’ Days and following the museum’s in-charge U Thet The museum’s renovation two days (20 and 21 July), it is Win Aung. works, undertaken by MIEG open from 6 am to 6 pm. Ministry of Religious Affairs Company, have begun in early On the 72nd Anniversary of and Culture’s Archaeology and April. It was also renovated last Martyrs’ Day last year, more National Museum Department year, restoring its handrails and than 30,000 locals, and over 100 has supervised the museum’s painting. This year’s renovation foreigners visited the museum. renovation works. includes painting roofs and other The 99-year-old museum, “Renovation on Bogyoke works. built in 1921, is located in Bogy- museum is underway. Visiting Before COVID-19 outbreak, ok Museum Lane, Bo Cho (1) the museum has been banned locals were allowed to visit to Ward in Bahan Township, Yan- since 25 March. No instruction the museum free of charge, and gon Region. —Maung Sein Lwin on 73rd Anniversary of Martyrs’ foreigners were collected K 5,000 (Myanma Alinn) Renovation of Bogyoke Aung San Museum (Yangon) is underway. Day was received. Preparations per one. (Translated by Kyaw Zin Tun) PHOTO: MIN HTET 17 JUNE 2020 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR NATIONAL 3 “People are the key” State Counsellor discusses remedies to lessen COVID-19 …

FROM PAGE-1 fered the most from economic can create many employment Deputy Minister U Sett Therefore, the plan includes impacts. Loans were given to opportunities; the MIC will also Aung explained the CERP, say- key facts to foster the GDP parts; Economic matters were enterprises owned by Myanmar scrutinize and allow the busi- ing that the impacts were not stimulus plans for finance and handled beginning from Febru- nationals with 1 per cent interest ness proposals of Singapore; a very significant in the first four currency policies are enshrined ary; they had to consider how beginning from the end of the total of $4.15 billion was approved months and the second four in the CERP; there are some to confront, deal with and over- Thingyan period and up to this in 2018-2019 financial year, and months despite some losses in views to use the budgets of rel- come the ripple effects of COVID date a total of 3,000 enterprises $4.09 billion in the 8 months of the latter; it is likely to have more evant departments in the work if economic enterprises declined had been given loans up to a total 2019-2020FY up to May; Myan- impacts in the third and fourth plans; actually budget is essen- due to workplaces and factories of more than Kyats 86 billion; in mar is in the uptrend of foreign four months and the short and tial for implementing every pro- having to close down; China and assessing the loan applications, investment, and more capitals long term plan have been for- ject; however, plans are needed Thailand were closely linked with representatives from ministries, will flow into the country in the mulated to address these pos- for effective use of budgets. Myanmar economically and also and representatives from UM- post COVID-19 period; the vol- sible losses; the impact is more The plan was drawn quite share borders; they had already FCCI and the Myanmar Institute ume of investment could reach serious in health sector than any earlier, and that the amount of factored in the effects of COVID of Chartered Public Accountants $5.8 billion, the expected target other issues of the countries, so budget has not been estimated resulting from movements at participated in the assessment in this year. also in the economic sector; at present; however, the work border entry points and that they and disbursement of loans. Unemployment issue is the although Myanmar has not ex- plan will be implemented phase had to look both the short-term For immediate recovery most serious problem in the perienced severe conditions in by phase on the availability of and long-term effects. from the crisis, Myanmar has world, investments are being health sector, a certain degree budgets; for example, providing She continued by saying that adopted the COVID-19 Econom- allowed systematically to allevi- of economic impact has occurred financial assistance to the house- in the health sector, the country ic Relief Plan (CERP) which is ate its impacts; and that a total due to suspension of many busi- holds, giving low-interest loans would be able to look after the a short-term plan; in this plan of 168,000 jobs could be created nesses; impacts are expected to to SMEs in the initial phase, and health care needs of the people measures to lessen the main to offer more loans depending on only if Myanmar was developed; negative economic impacts and ... in addition to food self-sufficiency, the budget. if the country did not develop, not to achieve recovery from eco- The Deputy Minister added only the health and education nomic decline have been includ- production of agricultural export items that international organizations needs but also other needs would ed; furthermore, this has been must be promoted; as an agricultural has offered $1.25 billion loan not be fulfilled sufficiently. That aligned with the MSDP – Myan- when there are only four months was why they were giving great mar Sustainable Development country, Myanmar could supply the left in this FY; more loans have care to economic issues. The is- Plan; in addition, other Union global food demands in the post COV- been offered for the following sue of “jobs” was related to the Ministries have relaxed restric- financial years from $1.5 to 2 bil- economy. Having a “job” does not tions with respect to sectors in ID-19 period and the country has plenty lion; the CERP includes to take only mean having an income but their own ministries. of opportunities for this; ... out the most available amount also relates to a person’s dignity; The CBM — Central Bank of budget from the ministries not having a job can lead to de- of Myanmar — reduced the in- commencing 2019-2020FY; al- pression and sometimes lead to terest rate many times; private up to May of this financial year. be harder in the third and fourth though the proposed budget in mental havoc; that was why they sector banks have reduced the In the third part of the dis- four months, and that CERP was CERP was 10 per cent, it was were taking great care to make special minimum amount to be cussions, U Thaung Tun present- adopted to reduce the losses; the just the maximum amount; the sure that job opportunities were kept in Kyats from 5 per cent ed business opportunities in the plan was aimed for collaboration respective ministries have their not affected. to 3.5 per cent; medicines and post COVID-19 period. He said of relevant ministries and de- prioritized plans; the amount of Union Minister U Thaung medical equipment have been that Myanmar is a country with partments with effective guide- budgets will be discussed with Tun said that the global econ- exempted from commercial tax; food self-sufficiency, and is an lines and detailed work plans for these ministries in prioritized omy had slowed down because licence fees imposed on hotels exporter, and that the existing ensuring economic relief. manners; the amount of budget of the effects of the COVID-19 and tourism enterprises have opportunities must be used for And that the CERP was taken out is around 6.6 per cent; disease and that the majority of been exempted up to the end of the development of the country drawn urgently, it includes the the funds were also used without the world’s countries were facing this year. with the modern agricultural short-term detailed plans be- delays, the short plans of CERP economic hardships; the impact In the second part of the methods; it is required to have cause the wider plans cannot need to connect with the long of COVID has also affected My- discussion, the Union Minister multi-sector development in be implemented immediately term MSDP; additional plans are anmar to a certain extent; that continued to say about receiv- building a national-level eco- and need more comprehensive being drawn to support the con- was why the Union Government ing international loans for the nomic system; in addition to works; the relevant ministries nection as there might be some has adopted emergency pro- investment sector. He said that food self-sufficiency, production have to specify the detail plans complexities in implementing grammes to protect Myanmar for economic recovery funds, of agricultural export items must on specific time frame on the short and long term plans. on multiple fronts such as polit- Myanmar received the loans of be promoted; as an agricultural tasks. The short term plan in ical, economic, social and health. US$700 million from Internation- country, Myanmar could supply These work plans target CERP can be carried out by the With regard to efforts for al Monetary Fund, $270 million the global food demands in the both micro economic sector and departments separately, but all remedying the economic im- from Japan, $250 million from the post COVID-19 period and the more details in private sector, the departments are heading to pact of COVID-19 disease, the World Bank and $30 million from country has plenty of opportuni- direct benefits to more specific a single goal; in addition to link- Union Government established the Asian Development Bank, in ties for this; while the other coun- groups such as household, work- ing the processes of respective a committee on 13th March to total $1.25 billion. try is adopting different ways to ers and farmers; moreover the departments, all the regulations, remedy the economic impact of It was very important for control the pandemic, Myanmar GDP is an index to measure de- policies and projects of these de- COVID; this committee estab- Myanmar to receive more for- is standing on the policy of ‘Peo- velopment of a country; main partment must be linked; the lished a Kyats-100-billion fund eign investment to achieve eco- ple are the key’, which is a peo- parts of GDP are supported for silver lining of COVID19 is better to support and assist garment nomic recovery. ple-centred approach; because its development, it means at- cooperation between the gov- manufacturing enterprises, For example, Myanmar the government and the people tracting investments in these ernment and people, as well as hotels and tourism enterpris- Investment Commission has are cooperating harmoniously parts; household purchasing coordination among the depart- es and MSMEs – micro, small, approved investment proposals it might be said that Myanmar’s power must be promoted; state ments; video call and videocon- medium enterprises, the three from Thailand and Korea to es- situation was much better when expenditures must be increased ference have been widely used; main enterprises who had suf- tablish industrial zones which compared to other countries. to support the GDP. SEE PAGE-4 17 JUNE 2020 4 NATIONAL THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR State Counsellor discusses remedies to lessen COVID-19 …

FROM PAGE-3 The president of UMFCCI the country. ID-19. The Deputy Minister for in the right time. said appreciation on the K100 The second advice is to con- Planning, Finance and Industry Although Myanmar is not widespread of mobile banking billion loan programmes of the sider the recommendations of has to focus on both issues. Peo- a rich country, more help was services; cloud technology has government for the relief of im- the private sector in adopting ple are the key to the national given to the public better than been used at the departments; pacts on businesses in March; development plan for economic economy as it is for the people. developed country; collaborative the use of modern technology welcomed the CERP which recovery plans in the midterm. It is needed to know the plan effort played the most crucial should be maintained in the post helped for reducing the bank The third point is to form of how to protect people from role among the government, COVID-19 period. interest rate, relaxing banking the export promotion board with economic hardship and how to employers and employees; the U Zaw Min Win, the pres- rules for financial access; and the participation of the public adopt measures for economic Ministry of Planning, Finance ident of UMFCCI, discussed that economic results have and private sectors. recovery ever than before.” and Industry is the key ministry although Myanmar has not turned to positive trend; and The fourth idea is to cre- The State Counsellor said to help in financial problems of tested for a high number of the upcoming loan plan of K200 ate more job opportunities, to that some financial institutions the public; private sectors are COVID-19 cases and its death to 500 billion will surely support prioritize on promoting local and countries have offered working together with the gov- toll, the economic impacts are the businesses. ernment; it is not difficult to ad- very significant; restrictions on Despite some crisis in the just different views if there is business with foreign countries social and economic sector, The government always takes priori- a common good intention; the have caused many problems. some inflexible rules and prac- state departments need to do Labour-intensive business- tices become flexible, especial- ty on the rule of law which can create more cooperation. es such as CMP sector, produc- ly in digitalization sectors such a safety environment for the people, The volume of investment tion, services, hotels and tourism as online payment and e-com- is not so bad in this year; it is and MSMEs have experienced merce. not for restrictions; the rule of law is not a surprise that there was serious blows, causing a decline Taking opportunities from necessary for stability and harmony in no serious loss in the first four of demand and incomes, slow these situations, strict rules and months, and the country has en- capital a flows, higher unem- procedures should be reformed, any community; laws must be fair and tered the second four months ployment rates and a flock of re- such as the processes for land suitable for the time; which has seen some difficul- turnees from foreign countries. utilization which is the major ties; people are informed that The UMFCCI COVID-19 obstacles in the agriculture and the government has prepared Task Force was formed in livestock sector. businesses and ensure a fair loans, and they are appreciat- for the worst in the third four March, and it joined with the It is required to adopt a competitive environment for ed for this; Myanmar need to months; people do not need to affiliated groups to carry out prioritized plan for recovery of local businesses. manage the loans systematically worry for this period, but just social and health issues from businesses in a good momen- The fifth expectation is to for short and long term plans; face against it; public concern the economic perspective; tum and to support MSMEs. The hold regular meetings between the loans are not only for COV- about economy is understand- commodities were sold to the government should spend its the government and private ID-19, but also for the long term able; economy is related with workers in industrial zones; food budget more in the infrastruc- sector for business discussions plan; both plans must be linked the livelihoods; U Zaw Min Win supplies were distributed to the tural sector to support the de- amid COVID-19 crisis. correctly; it has be reminded on discussed security measures, grassroots people with irregular velopment of local businesses In response to the discus- her Facebook page about the and even foreign investors ex- incomes. and to create more employment sions, the State Counsellor dis- second wave of COVID-19; heath pect guarantee for business se- The UMFCCI raised funds opportunities. cussed the investment sector and economic issues cannot be curity, and that the government to donate medical supplies and He also suggested the col- and the current economic situ- seen differently; they are inter- always takes priority on the rule medicines to the Ministry of laboration between the govern- ation; the ongoing expectation related, and it will be difficult to of law which can create a safety Health and sports and worked ment and the private sector in on the economy this year despite implement relief plans for health environment for the people, not together with the Public Health the affairs of Myanmar migrant the COVID-19 pandemic; Myan- sector alone; people are the key, for restrictions; the rule of law Department for health aware- workers from foreign countries mar is still in the status of com- followed by the unity; strength is necessary for stability and ness campaigns at the business- and the incentives and rule of petition in the half of year due to of individual person is required harmony in any community; the investments of the previous for the unity. laws must be fair and suitable year; the country’s economy has In her concluding remark, for the time; the government’s Heath and economic issues cannot be not declined significantly yet al- the State Counsellor said that directives and regulations on seen differently; they are interrelated, though the significant unemploy- there are no huge gaps in eco- the economy might have both ment rate in the country; some nomic visions between the gov- positive and negative results; and it will be difficult to implement businesses were shut down due ernment and private sectors; changes must not be delayed to relief plans for health sector alone; peo- to the COVID-19; the pandemic both have a common goal; both convert the bad results; people is addressed with emergency sides have a good intention for must be informed preparations ple are the key, followed by the unity; plans despite the needs of long the development of the country; to overcome challenges in COV- strength of individual person is required and short term plan; although it is required to ensure sustain- ID-19. the problems must be overcome able development for the long The government’s plan- for the unity. immediately, preparations must term; all have high expectation ning, finance and investment be made to solve the following for development. sectors must be published on es and factories. law are required in attracting repercussions. She also said that there the respective websites, and It is also preparing for foreign investments. She added, “Just focusing are some different views on through the Ministry of Infor- impact assessment to realize The president of UMFCCI on the existing problems will choosing the plans; it is better mation in clear and precise economic impacts and to give also gave suggestions on the cause the future crisis. Econom- to have different ideas; a single reports to benefit people and recommendations to the govern- recovery of local businesses in ic recovery is very important. perspective will not always be the functions of ministries; the ment; the UMFCCI COVID-19 the post-COVID-19. The first one Both emergency and recovery true; a single solution is not the works of UMFCCI during the Social and Economic Stimulus is the guarantee of government plans are crucial although they right remedy for the problem COVID-19 crisis are also rec- Proposal has been submitted to for the government’s special have different approaches. The as they might be more than one ognized and appreciated for the the government in seeking the loans and international loan pro- emergency plan is aimed to options one of the best solutions constant collaboration with the directives, and the UMFCCI We- gramme for improvement in the prevent serious impacts on the can be chosen; the best method government; it is expected to binar Series will be produced to investments of local businesses people, if possible, nothing will for a certain country will not be overcome the third four months stimulate and carry out reforms and economic recovery in rapid be allowed to hit the people al- appropriate for the other; it is through collaborative efforts. with the participation of the pub- pace, and the government’s role though it is impossible. These needed to consider resources —MNA lic and private sectors during as the guarantor to get loans measures are similar to the ac- and situations of the country; it and post COVID-19 periods. from local and foreign banks in tions in the prevention of COV- is also important to do changes (Translated by Aung Khin) 17 JUNE 2020 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR NATIONAL 5 COVID-19 committee honours volunteers, CSOs in Magway

THE National-Level Central ment of Medical Services. Committee for Prevention, Con- At the quarantine centres of trol and Treatment on COVID-19 Magway Education College and presented certificates of honour, Setkatae Monastery, the Union badges, face masks and hand san- Minister handed over certificates itizers to the volunteers and civil of honour for volunteers and civil society organizations (CSOs) that service organizations to the Chief are fighting against COVID-19 Minister, and presented badges, pandemic in Magway Region face masks and hand sanitizers to yesterday. the volunteers’ representatives. The committee also provided The Union Minister also cash aids for pregnant women, gave a total of K4.05 million, K children under 5 years old and the 30,000 for each person, for 101 elderly who are receiving quar- pregnant women, 26 children un- antine after organizing handover der 5 years old, and eight elderly ceremonies at Magway Educa- persons to the in-charges of the tion College in Magway and Set- quarantine centres. katae Monastery in Minbu. The volunteers reported Union Minister Dr Win Myat Aye (centre) presents badges and face masks to a volunteer (right) at the Setkatae The ceremony was attended on their difficulties and require- Monastery’s quarantine centre in Minbu, Magway Region, on 16 June. PHOTO: MNA by the central committee’s secre- ments in fighting against COV- tary and Union Minister for Social ID-19, and the Union Minister 172 philanthropic organizations in present certificates of honour to tions in their regions. Welfare, Relief and Resettlement coordinated over the matters. 25 townships in the region. the volunteers and civil service The committee held yes- Dr Win Myat Aye, Magway Re- Officials from the Magway If there are volunteers and organizations in other regions terday’s handover ceremony in gion Chief Minister Dr Aung Moe Region government’s general philanthropic organizations that and states after officials from the Magway in accordance with the Nyo, Deputy Director-General of administration department and were not included in this batch, related region and state govern- guidelines issued by the Ministry the Social Welfare Department, related volunteers steering com- the committee will arrange ad- ments’ general administration of Health and Sports.— MNA and officials from General Ad- mittees will give the national-level ditional certificates for them, departments and volunteers ministration Department, Public central committee’s certificates according to the committee. steering committees scrutinized (Translated by Kyaw Zin Health Department, and Depart- of honour to 7,580 volunteers and The committee will also the volunteers and the organiza- Tun)

MoSWRR implements Myanmar citizens from foreign countries COVID-19 preventive brought back home by special flight measures in Kachin, Rakhine

MINISTRY of Social Welfare, detergent, 9 sheets of vinyl with Relief and Resettlement, in COVID-19 awareness informa- cooperation with relevant de- tion, 32 washbasins, and 8 sets partments and organizations, of PPE to three IDP camps in carried out COVID-19 preven- Rakhine State. tive measures at the IDP camps The ministry is not only in Kachin and Rakhine states implementing COVID-19 pre- yesterday. ventive, control and response Officials from the ministry measures but also providing provided a total of 1,152 soap psychological support in re- cakes for three IDP camps in gions and states including Nay Myitkyina Township in Kachin Pyi Taw Council Area.— MNA State. They also supplied 21,530 (Translated by Kyaw Zin soap cakes, 52 bottles of liquid Tun)

Myanmar nationals returned from foreign countries queue for immigration processes at the Yangon International Airport on 16 June 2020. PHOTO: MNA

A relief flight of Myanmar Air- Ministry of Health and Sports abroad to repatriate Myanmar ways International (MAI) car- and the Yangon Region govern- citizens stranded in other coun- rying a total of 132 Myanmar na- ment provided the returnees tries due to COVID-19. tionals stranded in South Korea proper medical examination and A total of 3,894 Myanmar cit- and other seven countries land- arranged 21-day quarantine for izens have been brought back ed at the Yangon International them. home until now. Airport yesterday. The Ministry of Foreign Af- Yesterday’s was the ninth Of them, 84 are from South fairs is working in line with the batch of repatriation from the Korea and 48 are from Brazil, guidelines set by the National Incheon International Airport Canada, Japan, Norway, Spain, Central Committee on Preven- in South Korea to Myanmar. the United Kingdom, and the tion, Control and Treatment of — MNA United States. Coronavirus Disease 2019 and An official (left) provides soap cakes to a local woman on 16 June. The Ministry of Labour, Im- cooperating with relevant min- (Translated by Kyaw Zin PHOTO: MNA migration and Population, the istries, Myanmar embassies Tun) 17 JUNE 2020 6 LOCAL NEWS THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Fewer number buys damage insurance among over 6 mln motorcyclists www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com WITH more than 6 million mo- Regarding the premiums of CHIEF EDITOR Aungthu Ya torcyclists registered in Road the motorbikes insurance, a mo- [email protected] Transport Administration De- torbike worth K500,000 will cost partment (RTAD) across the a premium of K30,000 while a DEPUTY CHIEF EDITOR country, people are not very motorbike worth K1million will Aye Min Soe much willing to buy the insur- cost K60,000. The motorbikes [email protected] ance premium for their motor- are easy to damage and lose. SENIOR EDITORIAL CONSULTANT bikes, according to the Global So, the motorbike owners Kyaw Myaing World Insurance. need to buy comprehensive The Global World Insur- motor insurance for their bike EXECUTIVE EDITOR Aung Khin ance is giving the compensation safety. If the motorbikes are for the motorbikes on 16 June damaged, the company will pay LOCAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS in Bahosi housing compound in compensation for their motor- EDITORS Wardan Street, Yangon. bike value. If the bike is lost, Ye Htut Tin At the compensation giv- [email protected] the company will open the case Aung Htein ing ceremony, Medical Action file in the police station. Then, Tun Tun Naing Myanmar (INGO) purchased the owners need to wait for a [email protected] damage insurance premium for An official from the Global World Insurance provides compensation to an year and if their bike is lost, they their 125 Kanbo motorbikes in insured at their office in Yangon on 16 June . PHOTO: MYINT MAUNG will pay compensation for the SENIOR TRANSLATOR Zaw Htet Oo last one year. In May 2019, they normal price of the motorbike lost their motorbikes in Manaw Our GWI started providing in- are less aware to keep the in- value. TRANSLATORS grounds, in Putao town, Kachin surance services in 2019. Ac- surance for their motorbikes. As of April 2020, more than Hay Mar Tin Win, Ei Myat Mon, State. After having an investiga- cording to the RTAD official The motorbikes are easy to be 7,450,000 vehicles are regis- Kyaw Zin Lin, Kyaw Zin Tun tion, the Global World Insurance statistics, more than 6 million damaged and lost. If they buy tered in RTAD. Among them, REPORTER gave compensation to the INGO motorcycles across the country the insurance premium, it will over 6,100,000 are motorbikes, Nyein Nyein Ei, which amounted to K850,000. are registered in RTAD, which be safe for their property,” said according to the Global World [email protected] “There are a lot of motor- has increased six times than the Director U Soe Win Than of Insurance. —Myint Maung bike users across the country. automobiles. However, people Global World Insurance. (Translated by Hay Mar) PHOTOGRAPHER Kyaw Zeya Win @ Phoe Khwar Kyaw Zeya 25,000-acre monsoon paddy to be grown in Naga self-administered zone COMPUTER TEAM Thein Ngwe, Zaw Zaw Aung, Kay Khaing Win, Region in 2019-2020 fiscal year, U Win Haling Oo, the regional Sanda Hnin, Zu Zin Hnin, according to the Regional Agri- head of Agriculture Department Thein Htwe, Nyi Lin Thu culture Department. in Sagaing Region. “The towns and townships In 2019-2020FY, the depart- EDITORIAL SECTION from Naga Self-Administered ment is planning to grow 5,186 (+95) (01)8604529, Fax — (+95) (01) 8604305 Zone are located on the moun- acres in Leshi township, 520 tains they are thus growing the acres in Mobaingluk town, 5,662 CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION paddy using terrace farming acres in Lahe township, 1,499 San Lwin, (+95) (01) 8604532, technology. Among other crops, acres in Htanparkway town, Hotline - 09 974424114 the local people prefer to grow 2,476 acres in Nanyun township, ADVERTISING & MARKETING the paddy year by year. The re- 4,650 acres in Donhee town and ( +95) (01) 8604530, gional department is also pro- 5,007 acres in Pansaung town in Hotline - 09 974424848 A terrace farming in Naga self-administered zone. viding the seeds suited to the Naga Self- Administered Zone. [email protected] PHOTO: WIN OO (ZAYYARTINE) region and supporting necessary —Win Oo (Zayyartine) [email protected] THE 25,000-acre monsoon paddy ships and four towns of Naga technology to the local farmers Printed and published at the Global New will be cultivated in three town- Self-Administered Zone, Sagaing by reaching their farmland,” said (Translated by Hay Mar) Light of Myanmar Printing Factory at No.150, Nga Htat Kyee Pagoda Road, Bahan Township, Yangon, by the Global New Light of Myanmar Daily under Printing Permit No. Restriction on entry visa for foreign travellers extended until 30 June 00510 and Publishing Permit No. 00629. THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs the restriction up to 30 June. lomats and the United Nations effective period of suspension [email protected] announced on 15 June that the Myanmar government has officials are allowed to enter the of operating all international www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com Ministry will not grant the visa imposed entry restriction for for- country. However, those wish- commercial passenger flights www.facebook.com/TheGNLM exemption and social visa includ- eign travellers from 15 March. ing to visit Myanmar for urgent at Yangon International Airport ing visa on arrival and electronic Also, the government has sus- missions or compelling reasons was also extended until the end visa to the foreign travellers until pended issuing of the entry visa. must follow the instructions is- of June. The diplomats and the 30 June. Regarding the foreign trav- sued by the Ministry of Health United Nations officials are al- With the issuance of all entry ellers, although the government and Sports, according to the an- lowed to enter Myanmar via re- visas suspended up to 15 June, restricted the entry visa, the nouncement of the Ministry of lief flight recently. —Aye Maung the Ministry now has extended foreign nationals including dip- Foreign Affairs. Meanwhile, the (Translated by Hay Mar)

Write for us Narcotic drugs seized in Maungtaw We appreciate your feedback and contributions. If you have any comments AUTHORITIES confiscated on 14 June, and seized 674,500 or would like to submit editorials, analyses or reports please email more than K1 billion worth of stimulant tablets together with [email protected] with your stimulant tablets from a village an Isuzu Bighorn vehicle. Po- name and title. Due to limitation of space we are only in Maungtaw Township, Rakh- lice filed charge against him able to publish “Letter to the Editor” ine State, on Sunday. Police raid- under the Anti-narcotic Drugs that do not exceed 500 words. Should you submit a text longer than 500 words ed the house of Maung Phyu, 43, and Psychotropic Substances please be aware that your letter will be in Kyain Chaung (Alae Ywar) in Law.—GNLM edited. Suspect Maung Phyu is seen together with seized illegal drugs. PHOTO: MPF Maungtaw Township at 6:15 pm (Translated by Kyaw Zin Tun) 17 JUNE 2020 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR LOCAL BUSINESS 7 Public sector manufacturing exports down by $388 mln as of 5 June

EXPORTS of finished industrial entrepreneurs are also running goods by public sector sharply away from their businesses. plunged to US$2.4 billion be- Those factories without official tween 1 October and 5 June in notification of closure will be the current fiscal year 2019-2020, inspected by a ground field in- which is a decrease of $388.79 spection team. And, the factory million compared with the cor- operators can face legal actions responding period of the previ- under the Myanmar Investment ous financial year, according to Law (MIL) if they fail to comply the Ministry of Commerce. The with notification requirements public sector’s manufacturing for the closure of factories, said exports were registered at $2.79 DICA Director-General U Thant billion during a-year ago period. Sin Lwin. Meanwhile, the private sec- The labour-intensive enter- tor exported $3.9 billion worth prises are badly battered by the manufacturing exports, which COVID-19, he added. rose from $3.7 billion in the last To deal with the shortage fiscal. of raw materials for the CMP As per figures provided by garment factories in Myanmar, the ministry, the exports of fin- the Ministry of Commerce, the ished industrial goods totalled Myanmar Garment Manufac- File photo shows textile workers sewing on production line at a garment factory in Hlinethaya Industrial Zone $6.3 billion in the current fiscal, turers Association and the Chi- in Yangon. PHOTO: PHOE KHWAR which declined from $6.53 billion nese Embassy in Myanmar, the of the same period in the 2018- China Enterprise Chamber of and suspension of the trade by previous fiscal year, according 500 members, and garment fac- 2019FY. Commerce in Myanmar (CEC- western countries. It can harm to the Ministry’s data. tories in Myanmar, employing Myanmar’s manufacturing CM) have jointly imported raw the export sector to a certain Since an outbreak like coro- more than 500,000 workers. sector is largely concentrated in materials through border trade extent, the businesspersons navirus might happen in the Investors prefer to invest garment and textiles produced channels and airlines. pointed out. future it is necessary to pre- in countries with inexpensive on the Cutting, Making, and However, import values of The CMP industry has pare for a sufficient supply of and relatively well-educated la- Packing basis, and it contrib- raw materials by CMP busi- emerged as very promising in raw materials. The public and bour such as Myanmar, along utes to the country’s GDP to a nesses dropped by $92.8 mil- the export sector. The value private sectors will cooperate with some tariff exemptions certain extent. At present, some lion compared with a year-ago of CMP exports was just $850 in setting up the supply chain and FDI incentives. However, CMP garment factories have period. million in the 2015-2016 fiscal on our own sources, including the country has other disad- shut down on the reason for the The CMP garment sector year, but it tripled within two weaving, knitting, dyeing, and vantages such as electrici- lack of raw materials due to the which contributes to 30 per cent years to reach $2.5 billion in the sewing factories. ty shortages, high transport coronavirus negative impacts, of Myanmar’s export sector is 2017-2018FY. During the last Japan is the largest market and communication costs leaving thousands of workers currently struggling because fiscal year2018-2019, incomes for Myanmar apparel, followed and administrative red tape. unemployed. of the cancellation of the order from garment exports were by the European Union. — Ko Htet Even worse, some foreign from the European countries over $1 billion higher than the The MGMA has more than (Translated by Ei Myat Mon)

Myanmar attracts domestic Coronavirus Fund grants about K50 bln investments of K9,500 bln for over 2,000 businesses under incumbent By Nyein Nyein tourism service and small and jobs for those employees who medium enterprises (SMEs). have been laid off at the factories; government A total of 2,078 businesses were The committee has been grant- conducting vocational education approved to receive K49.116 bil- ing the loan to the business to the workers; and additional By Nyein Nyein flow into the following 12 sectors; lion from the Coronavirus Fund stricken by the pandemic from measures to explore new mar- oil and gas, power, transport and in the sixth batch by a commit- the Coronavirus Fund, with K50 kets to buy raw materials for THE domestic investments of communications, real estate de- tee to remedy the economic im- billion allocated from the coun- CMP garment businesses in the over K9,500 billion made by My- velopment, hotels and tourism, pacts caused by the pandemic, try’s revolving fund and another country instead of relying on the anmar citizens have brought into mining, livestock and fisheries, the committee stated. More than K50 billion from the social wel- sole market-China. Myanmar over the four years establishment of industrial zone, 3,0000 enterprises have been fare fund. The committee was Additionally, the public and of the incumbent government, agriculture, construction, manu- granted over K86 billion from formed on 13 March and Union private sectors need to cooper- according to the Directorate of facture and other service sectors. the Fund between 9 April and Minister U Thaung Tun for In- ate in setting up the supply chain Investment and Company Ad- Of them, the real estate de- 16 June, as per the committee’s vestment and Foreign Economic on our own sources, including ministration (DICA). velopment sector has pulled the data. The applicants approved by Relations was appointed as the weaving, knitting, dyeing, and A total of 512 domestic enter- largest domestic investments, the committee will be screened chairman of the committee. sewing factories, the committee prises put investments of K9,566 followed by other service sectors in line with banking rules and The committee is responsi- urges. Furthermore, the com- billion into the country between in the second place and manufac- procedures, and they are not el- ble for measures to address the mittee will request Myanmar 2016-2017 fiscal year and 2019- turing sector in the third place. igible for the loan if they get sued negative impacts of the pandem- President office to give tax ex- 2020FY (as of May-end). MIC has been prioritizing by a bank. The remaining appli- ic situation on trade and tourism emption and reliefs depending Those domestic investments labour-intensive enterprises cations are being processed, the sectors; short, medium and long on the situations of the pandemic permitted by the Myanmar In- among proposals. committee stated. term measures to respond to the impacts on SMEs and to provide vestment Commission (MIC) and The priority sectors for the coronavirus crisis, together with loans to the domestic businesses endorsed by the respective region (Translated by Ei Myat Fund of K100 billion are CMP the private sector and related at low interest rate. and state investment committees Mon) garment business, hotels and associations; creation of new (Translated by Ei Myat Mon)

Circulation order is in easier way. Ph:0945237515 Call Thin Thin May, 09251022355 Call 17 JUNE 2020 17 JUNE 2020 8 OPINION THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR NATIONAL 9 Safety must come ICAEW: Most SEA economies to fall into recession in the Myanmar Daily Weather Report first in reopening first half of 2020, but GDP growth to rebound in 2021 (Issued at 7:00 pm Tuesday 16th June, 2020)

BAY INFERENCE: Monsoon is strong over the Andaman domestic travel OST South-East covery, although the easing will at Singapore Management Uni- Sea and Bay of Bengal. Asian economies remain targeted and modest in versity, and joined by Christopher are expected to fall size. This will contribute to a GDP Jeffery, Chairman, The British FORECAST VALID UNTIL NOON OF THE 17th June, 2020: destinations Minto recession in growth of 0.8 per cent in 2020, fol- Business Group Vietnam and Rain or thundershowers will be scattered in Lower Sagaing, the first half of 2020 due to the lowed by 8.5 per cent growth in Dean of the British University Mandalay and Magway Regions, fairly widespread in Kayah severe impact of the COVID-19 2021 as both domestic and global Vietnam; Justinian Habner, Coun- State and widespread in the remaining Regions and States with ITH formation of Destination Management outbreak, according to a new re- economies recover. try Director, Department for In- likelihood of regionally heavy falls in Rakhine State and isolated Organizations-DMOs in regions and states, the port commissioned by the Insti- Mark Billington added: “Chi- ternational Trade, British High heavyfalls in Upper Sagaing, Yangon and Taninthayi Regions, Ministry of Hotels and Tourism is planning to tute of Chartered Accountants na’s reopening is a tell-tale sign Commission; and Suhaimi bin Kachin, Kayin and Mon States. Degree of certainty is (100%). W reopen travel destinations and businesses in in England and Wales (ICAEW). that other economies in the re- Ilias, Chief Economist, Maybank efforts to revive the country’s economy hit hard by COVID-19. However, growth is expected to gion will bounce back with time. Investment Bank. STATE OF THE SEA: Squalls with moderate to rough seas Since the outbreak of COVID-19, we have seen the negative spring back to an average 8 per- However, a recovery in the second Following Mr Ilias’s econom- are likely at times off and along Myanmar Coasts. Surface wind repercussions of the spreading of the virus, and industries cent in 2021, supported by fiscal half of 2020 will not make up for ic briefing, the panellists shared speed in squalls may reach (30-35)m.p.h. Wave height will be which employ large labour forces, as well as employees in stimulus packages and monetary lost activity in the first half of the their viewpoints on the impact of about (7-11) feet off and along Myanmar Coasts. the hotels and tourism sector and related businesses, are easing. year and we expect global GDP the pandemic on the South-East bearing the brunt of the Coronavirus outbreak. The report, Coronavirus to return to pre-crisis levels only Asia economies, as well as their OUTLOOK FOR SUBSEQUENT TWO DAYS: Continuations DMOs will be formed with stakeholders from hotel and global outlook: After the outbreak by mid-2021. recovery outlook. Across the re- of strong monsoon. tourism industry and townselders in accordance with the by Oxford Economics, predicts While fast-growing emerging gion, Vietnam is poised to take Myanmar Tourism Law and they would ensure public safety that an enduring COVID-19 out- markets are more likely to re- advantage of the situation as it FORECAST FOR NAY PYI TAW AND NEIGHBOURING at the destinations. break will see world GDP shrink verse the losses in GDP than their benefits from a manufacturing AREA FOR 17th June, 2020: One or two rain or thundershow- Viet Nam will emerge from the pandemic the least affected of all countries in Southeast Asia. Containers are transferred It means DMOs need by 4.7 per cent in 2020, more than from a truck to a cargo ship at the international cargo terminal of a port in Hai Phong, Viet Nam. PHOTO : AFP slower-growing counterparts, shift by multinational companies, ers. Degree of certainty is (100%). To promote the to market their respective double the impact of the global each region will have its own although Mr Jeffery cautioned regions as safe destina- financial crisis in 2008 and the ticularly suffered because of the ages and monetary easing from region gradually ease lockdown particular experience with the against the impact of the slow- FORECAST FOR YANGON AND NEIGHBOURING AREA travel sector tions and need to burnish biggest global recession in post- pandemic, account for 20 per cent authorities across the region will restrictions and start to open crisis that will dictate the depth down in global demand that will FOR 17th June, 2020: One or two rain or thundershowers. the reputations of desti- war history. Similarly, most South- of its GDP. On the other hand, support the recovery in economic their economies, organizations of its recession and the strength continue to weigh on its supply Degree of certainty is (100%). amidst COVID-19, nations in their regions East Asian (SEA) economies will Vietnam will emerge the least af- growth, with GDP growth eventu- and businesses will have to adapt of its recovery.” chains and manufacturing sec- after containing their fall into recession in the first half fected, with its lead in unwinding ally set to rebound to an average to a ‘new normal’ for sustained At the regional Virtual Eco- tor. Mr Habner also discussed FORECAST FOR MANDALAY AND NEIGHBOURING we also need coronavirus spread and of 2020 (H1), before recording a measures as compared to other 8 per cent in 2021. growth and performance in the nomic Forum hosted by ICAEW opportunities that will emerge AREA FOR 17th June, 2020: Likelihood of isolated rain or implementing strict new 1.9 per cent contraction in 2020. countries in South-East Asia, al- Mark Billington, ICAEW Re- post-outbreak world.” on 4 June 2020, industry leaders post-pandemic, as COVID-19 has thunder showers. Degree of certainty is (60%). to ensure travel public health protocols Measures to lock down coun- though it is not immune to the gional Director, Greater China In China, the worst may have discussed the impact of COVID-19 accelerated trends and efforts such as health screening, tries and cities in the region to sharp slowdown in trade flows. and South-East Asia, said: “Be- passed as the pandemic is large- on businesses in the ASEAN re- around digital transformation costs-in prices of temperature checks upon varying degrees have substan- The adverse impact on yond a global health and econom- ly contained. Gradual growth is gion, with a focus on the long-term and innovation in areas such as arrival and enforcing the tially cut domestic demand, with South-East Asian economies is ic crisis, the pandemic is also an expected with a recovery in con- effects on productivity, and how trading, business transactions accommodation use of face masks in public many countries bringing in re- forecast to turn the corner in the important chapter of an unfolding sumption, reduced supply-side businesses can cope and adjust and more. Invitation to young spaces. strictions on exports of food pro- second half of 2020 (H2) as Chi- bigger interconnected catastro- disruptions, and improved invest- to the new normal post-pandem- Professor Annie Koh con- and Besides, measures in- duce to safeguard domestic food nese import demand and glob- phe of climate emergency, mas- ment prospects especially in new ic. The panel discussion was cluded the forum discussion with clude sanitizing surfaces supplies, further dampening ex- al trade recover at a consistent sive biodiversity loss and increas- industries and infrastructure, all moderated by Professor Annie three key takeaways for econo- writers for Sunday transportation and social distancing in port growth. Thailand is forecast pace, while a slower pace of nor- ing inequality. Our recovery will supported by strong government Koh, Vice President of Business mies and businesses to adapt to hotels, restaurants, tour to be one of the worst hit amongst malization will continue to weigh need to include sustainable solu- policies. Recent policies such as Development, V3 Group Profes- a new normal: building Trust, Special remain affordable operators and taxis. SEA economies, because tour- on tourism-dependent economies. tions that benefit nature, society cuts in taxes and interest rates sor of Family Entrepreneurship, Talent and Technology. The Global New Light of Myanmar is accepting the submission of It is important to fa- ism and travel, which have par- Coordinated fiscal stimulus pack- and economy. As countries in the will support the economic re- Professor of Finance (Practice) SOURCE: Oxford Economics poetries, opinions, articles, essays and short stories from young people for domestic cilitate travel as this will for its weekly Sunday Next Generation Platform. Interested candidates kick start the economy. To can send their work to the Global New Light of Myanmar at No. 150, travellers. promote the travel sec- Nga Htat Kyee Pagoda Road, Bahan Township, Yangon, in person, or tor amidst COVID-19, we More than 100 cases in new Beijing COVID-19 outbreak: WHO by email to [email protected] with the following also need to ensure travel information: (1) Sector you wish to be included in (poetry, opinion, costs-in prices of accom- etc.), (2) Own name and (if different) your penname, (3) Your level of modation and transportation remain affordable for domestic ORE than 100 cases of the novel coronavirus have been CHINESE-LED INVESTIGATION education, (4) Name of your School/College/University, (5) A written note of declaration that the submitted piece is your original work and travellers. officially recorded in the fresh outbreak in Beijing, the World WHO emergencies director Mike Ryan said that countries which has not been sent to any other news or magazine publishing houses, Meanwhile, we must recognize that several safety pro- Health Organization said on Monday (Jun 15). have implemented an immediate and comprehensive spread of meas- M (6) A color photo of the submitter, (7) Copy of your NRC card, (8) tocols at the destinations, accommodations and restaurants As lockdown restrictions ease and countries in Europe lifted their ures have generally been able to contain new clusters. Contact information (email address, mobile number, etc.).— Editorial need to be established before they are launched because at borders, the WHO warned countries to stay on alert for a possible "However, Beijing is a large city and a very dynamic and connected Department, The Global New Light of Myanmar the end of the day, the most important thing is to ensure safety. resurgence of COVID-19 infections. city, so there is always a concern," he said. The coronavirus will remain a problem for a long time, The UN health agency said it understood no new deaths have "And I think you can see that level of concern in the response of and it means we need to getting used to ways for living with been reported thus far in the Chinese capital but added that given the Chinese authorities, so we are tracking that very closely." it for the long term in our everyday lives. Beijing's size and connectivity, the outbreak was a cause for concern. He said the WHO had offered assistance and support to the Chi- The hotels and tourism sector is one of the sectors driving "Even in countries that have demonstrated the ability to suppress nese authorities leading the probe, and may reinforce its own team socio-economic development in Myanmar. The State is also transmission, countries must stay alert to the possibility of resurgence," in Beijing in the coming days as the investigation grows. encouraging the sector because it can create jobs for people WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a virtual "A cluster like this is a concern and it needs to be investigated living with disabilities and the aged. press conference. "Last week, China reported a new cluster of cases and controlled - and that is exactly what the Chinese authorities are According to data released by the Ministry of Hotels and in Beijing, after more than 50 days without a case in that city. More doing," said Ryan. Staff from the market supervision administration of Fengtai District inspect Tourism, there are more than 2,000 hotels with over 81,200 than 100 cases have now been confirmed. The novel coronavirus has killed at least 433,000 people and a restaurant's kitchen in Beijing, capital of China, June 16, 2020. PHOTO: rooms in our country. "The origin and extent of the outbreak are being investigated." infected more than 7.9 million since it first emerged in China last XINHUA We are confident that reopening domestic travel with The virus emerged in Wuhan in China in late 2019. It since drove December, according to a tally from official sources compiled by AFP. national health guidelines would open door to jump-starting local transmission down to near-zero as the crisis hammered the rest Tedros said it had taken more than two months for the first 100,000 said, mostly in the Americas and South Asia. tourism with regional countries. of the world. Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO's COVID-19 technical lead, cases to be reported - but for the past two weeks, more than 100,000 However, there were increasing numbers of cases in Africa, told the news conference in Geneva: "My understanding is that there cases have been been reported to the WHO almost every day. eastern Europe, central Asia and the Middle East, he added. are no deaths associated so far" with the Beijing outbreak. Nearly 75 per cent of recent cases come from 10 countries, he SOURCE: AFP 17 JUNE 2020 10 NATIONAL THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Republic of the Union of Myanmar Office of the President Press Release 23/2020 10th Waning of Nayon, 1382 ME (15 June 2020) Additional statistical bulletin on drug seizures, acting on information

1. In order to prevent and eradicate the dangers of narcotic drugs and psychotropic drugs, the Office of the President has formed the Drug Activity Special Complaint Department on 26 June 2018 to systematically accept and respond to reports on drug abuses and other related cases from the general public. 2. With orders from the Office of the President, the Drug Activity Special Complaint Department relayed information on reports on drug-related offences up to 13 June 2020 to the Ministry of Home Affairs to take action, as displayed below:

Sr Nature of report Detail on seizure and legal action taken 6. Information received of Nyein On 8 June 2020, police searched the house of Nyein Chan Oo 1. Information received of My- On 8 June 2020, police searched the house of Myint Ngway, 39, Chan Oo who lives in Sintngu (a) Nyein Chan (a) Phargyi, 32, son of U Hla Phaw, who lives int Ngway who lives in Thila son of U Tun Tin, who lives in Thila Village, Indaw Township Ward, Insein Township, Yan- in Sintngu Ward, Insein Township and arrested him together Village, Indaw Township, and arrested him together with heroin. gon Region, using, distribut- with ‘WY’ stimulant tablets and marijuana. Sagaing Region, using, dis- A case has been opened against him with MaMaSa (Indaw) ing and selling illegal drugs. A case has been opened against him with MaMaSa (Insein) tributing and selling illegal MaYa(pa)90/2020 under Section 19(a) of the Narcotic Drugs MaYa(pa)101/2020 under Section 19(a) of the Narcotic Drugs drugs. and Psychotropic Substances Law. 2. Information received of Nay On 8 June 2020, police arrested Nay Min Soe (a) Soe Ko Oo, 25, 7. Information received of Thuya On 9 June 2020, police inspected a motorcycle driven by Thura Min Soe who lives in Cheik- son of U Than Tun, who lives in Cheikthin Village, Htigyaing Zaw (a) Baygon who lives in Zaw (a) Baygon at the top of Bayintnaung Street, No 2 Ward, thin Village, Htigyaing Town- Township, together with ‘WY’ stimulant tablets at the junction No 1 Ward, Khayan Town- Khayan Township. Police arrested Thura Zaw (a) Baygon, 44, ship, Sagaing Region, using, of Tonlon Village. ship, Yangon Region, using, son of U Ohn Myint, who lives in No 1 Ward, the same township, distributing and selling illegal A case has been opened against him with MaMaSa (Htigyaing) distributing and selling illegal together with ‘WY’ stimulant tablets. drugs. MaYa(pa)63/2020 under Section 16(c) of the Narcotic Drugs drugs. A case has been opened against him with MaMaSa(Khayan) and Psychotropic Substances Law. MaYa(pa)3/2020 under section 16(c) and 20(a) of the Narcotic 3. Information received of Police have opened 20 cases and arrested 20 men and four Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law. some people using, distribut- women together with stimulant tablets, stimulant tablet crash 8. Information received of Daw On 10 June 2020, police searched the house of Daw Cho Cho ing and selling illegal drugs powder and speciosa powder in the previous weeks. Cho Cho Thet who lives in 10/ Thet, 58, daughter of U Nyo, who lives in 10/south No 12 Ward, in Aungthukha Ward, Kaw- Acting on a tip-off, police arrested Van Dane (a) Myo Thet south No 12 Ward, Thakayta Thakayta Township, and arrested her together with marijuana. thoung Township, Taninthayi Tun, 35, son of U Ye Myint, who lives in Aungthukha Ward of Township, Yangon Region, A case has been opened against her with NaMaSa (Thakayta) Region. Kawthoung Township, together with ‘WY’ stimulant tablets, on using, distributing and selling MaYa(pa)27/2020 under Section 16(c) and 21 of the Narcotic Bogyoke Street, Aungthukha Ward, on 11 June 2020. illegal drugs. Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law. A case has been opened against him with MaMaSa (Kawthoung) 9. Information received of Aung On 13 June 2020, police searched the house of Aung MaYa(pa)113/2020 under Section 16(c) of the Narcotic Drugs Pyae Phyo Paing (a) Arset Pyae Phyo Paing (a) Arset, 28, son of U Aung San Kyi, and Psychotropic Substances Law. who lives in No 1 Ward, North who lives in No 1 Ward, North Okkalapa Township and Similarly, police arrested Thiha Naing (a) Narhtoo, 19, son of U Okkalapa Township, Yangon arrested him together with ‘WY’ stimulant tablets. Aung Naing, who lives in Padauk Shwewah Ward of Kawthoung Region, using, distributing A case has been opened against him with MaMaSa Township, together with ‘WY’ stimulant tablets, on Bogyoke and selling illegal drugs. (North Okkalapa)MaYa(pa)37/2020 under Section 19(a) of Street, Aungthukha Ward on 11 June. the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law. A case has been opened against him with MaMaSa (Kawthoung) MaYa(pa)114/2020 under Section 16(c) of the Narcotic Drugs 3. Out of the information sent to the Drug Activity Special Complaint Department, so and Psychotropic Substances Law. far a total of 1,179 cases have been opened files as of 13 June 2020. A total of 1,821 4. Information received of some Police have opened 11 cases and arrested 20 men together with people, including 1,525 men and 296 women had been arrested with 9,533.5314 g of people using, distributing and speciosa and stimulant tablets in the previous weeks. heroin, 1,347.42 g of ICE, 43,563.92886 g of opium, 1,367.96 g of low-quality opium, selling illegal drugs on the Acting on a tip-off, police searched a motor cycle on the road of 53,263.76 g of speciosa powder, 15,097.32 g of speciosa, 2.5 liters of liquid speciosa, road of Abid-Khalaedaing vil- Abid-Khalaedaing Village near Abid Village, Mudon Township. 631,868 stimulant tablets, 10767.90 g of marijuana, 0.1 litres of opium tincture, 629.28 lage road in Mudon Township, It was driven by Win Tun Hlaing, 22, son of U Aung Naing g of opium blocks, 60 g of poppy seeds, 56.95 g of crushed stimulant tablet powder, Mon State. Myint, who lives in Kyant Khaing Yay Ward, Thanbyuzayet 0.001 g of crushed ecstasy powder, 26 firearms, different kinds of 609 cartridges Township, on 12 June, and police arrested him together with and one grenade. Efforts for fighting the drug trafficking has been stepped up and ‘WY’ stimulant tablets. the department will report on further exposed cases. A case has been opened against him with NaMaSa (Kamarwet) 4. To seize further drugs and to arrest drugs dealers, people are urged to inform MaYa(pa)34/2020 under Section 19(a) of the Narcotic Drugs the Ministry of Home Affairs, region and state governments and to inform huge and Psychotropic Substances Law. cases of drug trafficking and other suspicious cases directly to the Drug Activity 5. Information received of Chan On 7 June 2020, police arrested Chan Myae Thu, 35, son of U Special Complaint Department of the Office of the President via following contact Myae Thu who lives in south Myint Thein, who lives in Thayattaw Ward, Kyeemyindaing numbers: Thayattaw Ward, Kyeemyin- Township, together with ‘WY’ stimulant tablets at the corner of daing Township, Yangon Re- Kyun Shwewah Street and Thayattaw 5 Street, the same ward. Contacts gion, using, distributing and A case has been opened against him with MaMaSa (Kyeemyin- Landline No. — 067-590200 selling illegal drugs. daing)MaYa(pa)6/2020 under Section 16(c) of the Narcotic Fax Phone No. — 067-590233 Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law. Email Address — [email protected]

Unregistered SIM cards to be deactivated as from 1 July

THE Directorate of Communications under the Min- media on 23 February that the SIM card registration or passport (for foreigners). The extra SIM cards of istry of Transport and Communications has issued a can be obtained through online services of respective these persons or unsystematically registered SIM reminder on systematic re-registration of SIM with operators or at the sale centres. cards have been banned from outgoing call, except to the personal information of holders not later than 30 According to the law, maximum two SIM cards Call Centres, since 30 April. June. The earlier announcement has been made on have been allowed to each person, holding national The DoC has also notified unregistered SIM cards state-owned newspapers and its websites and social identity card, citizen card, certified card, scrutiny card will be totally deactivated as from 1 July. —GNLM 17 JUNE 2020 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR NATIONAL 11 Govt holds COVID-19 coordination with RCSS

THE Committee on Coordinating aid, finding contact cases, and with Ethnic Armed Organizations other general matters. on Prevention, Control and Treat- Peace Commission advisory ment of COVID-19 held a video- member U Hla Maung Shwe said conference with the Restoration the RCSS discussed about tak- Council of Shan State yesterday. ing body temperatures in about Representatives from the 30 areas. He said they gauged government’s side included com- the temperature of about 60,000 mittee Chairman and Peace Com- people including that area. He mission Chairman Dr Tin Myo said they discussed possible co- Win, PC Vice-Chairman U Thein operation with the government Zaw, committee Vice-Chairman negotiation representative group. and PC secretary Lt-Gen (retd) U Hla Maung Shwe said the Khin Zaw Oo. The RCSS were RCSS agreed to the state level led by peace dialogue head Sao ceasefire in December 2011 and Bawng Kay. the Union level ceasefire in 2012 They made discussions before signing the NCA in Octo- based on the agreements made ber 2015. He said they were nego- between the government and tiable and showed signs of better the 10 NCA-S EAOs on 8 May on results for containing COVID-19. handling COVID-19, returnees —Zaw Gyi from abroad and migrant worker (Translated by Zaw Htet Representatives of Committee on Coordinating with Ethnic Armed Organizations on Prevention, affairs, acquiring international Oo) Control and Treatment of COVID-19 hold videoconference with RCSS members. PHOTO: ZAW GYI

644 migrant workers return Myanmar foreign trade value from Thailand via Myawady hits 25 bln in Oct-May border bridge on 16 June Export (mln Period Import (mln US$)) Total (mln US$)) US$) A total of 644 migrant work- istration Department Officer 2018-2019 (up to May) 11, 280 12,123 23,403 ers came back home through U Tay Zar Aung, local officials the Myanmar-Thai Friendship helped the returnees with med- 2019-2020 11,874 13,456 25,330 Bridge (2) of Myawady border ical tests and other supplies. (up to May in temporary) town in Kayin State yesterday. A total of 28,652 Myanmar Balance 594 1,333 1,927 Among them, 45 persons migrant workers have arrived were transferred by the Im- back home through this route migration Detention Centre of from 1 May to date. Comparisons of export items in the corresponding financial years Thailand and the remaining 599 The latest group of re- (Values are in mln US$) persons came back home on turnees included 390 males Sr. Names of Products 2019-2020 (until May) 2018-2019 (until Comparison (surplus their own schedules with the and 254 females from dif- (temporary) May) or deficiency) approval of Myanmar embassy ferent regions and states. in the kingdom. —Htein Lin Aung (IPRD) 1 Agricultural products 2,784.521 2,342.939 441.582 Kayin State Hluttaw MP U 2 Animal products 61.250 298.750 -237.500 Thant Zin Aung, District Admin- (Translated by Aung Khin) 3 Fishery products 656.811 564.322 92.489 4 Mining products 1,247.157 1,078.024 169.133 5 Forest products 103.855 118.432 -14.577 6 Finished industrial 6,217.994 6,257.434 -39.440 products 7 Other products 802.805 620.190 182.615 Total 11,874.393 11,280.091 594.302

Comparisons of import items in the corresponding financial years (Values are in mln US$)

Sr. Names of the 2019-2020 (until May) 2018-2019 (until Comparison (Surplus or products (temporary) May) deficiency) Myanmar migrant workers seen at Myawady border as they return home from Thailand on 16 June. PHOTO: HTEIN LIN AUNG (IPRD) 1 Investment prod- 5,244.540 3,841.267 1,403.273 ucts

2 Raw materials 4,901.142 5,045.031 -143.889

3 Household goods 3,310.701 3,236.970 73.731

Total 13,456.383 12,123.268 1,333.115

—MNA(Translated by KZT) 17 JUNE 2020 12 ASIA & PACIFIC THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

NEWS N. Korea blows up inter-Korean liaison In BRIEF office: S. Korea Thailand’s aviation chief discusses with SEOUL—North Korea on Tues- airlines possibility of day blew up an inter-Korean liai- son office in the country’s border resuming int’l flights city of Kaesong in a major es- BANGKOK—The head of the calation of its stance toward its Civil Aviation Authority of southern neighbour. Thailand (CAAT) on Tuesday North Korean leader Kim held talks with airline repre- Jong Un’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, sentatives on partial resump- had predicted the destruction of tion of international services. the office in retaliation for an- “Priority will be given to ti-Pyongyang leaflets sent by bal- business trips, with tourists loon across the border by defector from paired “travel bubble” groups and other activists. countries being allowed in later, South Korea’s Unification said CAAT director-general Ministry said the joint liaison Chula Sukmanop, adding that office, a four-storey concrete investors are financially ready building located in the Kaesong to absorb costs related to the Industrial Zone, was blown up COVID-19 control measures at 2:49 pm. Later Tuesday, North such as a quarantine pro- Korea’s state-run media also re- In this file photo taken on September 14, 2018, South and North Korean officials attend an opening ceremony gramme. ported that the office, one of the of a joint liaison office in Kaesong. - North Korea blew up an inter-Korean liaison office on its side of the border Chula said he had dis- symbols of inter-Korean recon- on June 16, 2020, the South’s Unification ministry said, after days of increasingly virulent rhetoric from cussed with all airlines which ciliation, had been “completely Pyongyang. PHOTO: AFP operate international flights to ruined.” crimes,” the official Korean Cen- Security Council, said following He said North Korea will be ready themselves with strin- The demolition came in the tral News Agency said. an NSC meeting that Seoul “feels held solely responsible for what- gent measures implemented wake of “corresponding to the “At 14:50, the liaison office deeply regretful” over the North’s ever situation follows the demo- by the CAAT, the Public Health mindset of the enraged people was tragically ruined with a ter- unilateral demolition, calling it lition and warned that if things Ministry and the International to surely force human scum rific explosion,” it added. “an act of betraying everyone’s continue to worsen, the South Civil Aviation Organization and those, who have sheltered Kim You Geun, deputy di- hope for peace on the Korean will take strong countermeas- (ICAO) to prevent the spread of the scum, to pay dearly for their rector of South Korea’s National Peninsula.” ures.—Kyodo COVID-19. “These measures include social distancing on planes and at airports, guidelines for New Zealand records first coronavirus inflight food services and quar- antine areas aboard planes for passengers who fall sick during infections in over 3 weeks flights,” Chula said.—Xinhua SYDNEY—New Zealand con- in her 30s and the other in her firmed on Tuesday two new 40s, were allowed to leave their coronavirus cases in women isolation site in Auckland early to 3 Indian soldiers who recently arrived from Brit- visit a dying parent in the capital, killed in clash ain, ending a 24-day streak of no Wellington. with China along new infections. “A new case is something we Himalayan border New Zealand closed its bor- hoped we wouldn’t get but is also ders to almost all international something we have expected and NEW DELHI/BEIJING—Three arrivals in March in an attempt planned for,” said New Zealand’s Indian soldiers were killed to slow the spread of COVID-19, director general of health, Ashley during a “violent face-off” the illness caused by coronavirus. Bloomfield. with Chinese troops on the Overseas arrivals are re- New Zealand has recorded contested border in the Hima- Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield shows an example of a quired to be isolated at a gov- 1,506 confirmed and probable cas- layas, the Indian Army said in scan for the NZ COVID Tracer app at a press conference in Wellington, ernment-sanctioned facility for 14 es of COVID-19, and 22 deaths.— a statement on Tuesday. New Zealand, on May 20, 2020. PHOTO: KYODO days. However, the women, one Kyodo The incident on Mon- day night occurred during a de-escalation process under Virus-hit India’s overwhelmed health workers brace for monsoon way in the Galwan Valley, the statement said, adding that NEW DELHI—With hospitals already se- Vidya Thakur -- medical superintendent as Sion, undergraduates have been draft- senior military officials of both verely stretched, coronavirus-hit India is at Mumbai’s Rajawadi Hospital -- is used ed into service, medical resident Shariva sides are currently meeting now bracing for the monsoon and its dead- to managing “heavy burdens”. Ranadive told AFP. to “defuse the situation.” ly annual onslaught of mosquito-borne But now, she says, “COVID-19 has left Many experienced doctors and nurses Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign illnesses, with an overwhelmed army of us helpless... and the monsoon will make are staying on the sidelines because they Ministry spokesman Zhao public health workers the only defence. things even more difficult”. are vulnerable to the virus due to their Lijian said that on Monday, the Every year illnesses such as dengue Every bit of space at the 580-bed age or pre-existing conditions such as Indian side “seriously violated fever and malaria infect more than half a state-run hospital where she works is diabetes. our consensus and crossed million people and kill hundreds in India already devoted to dealing with the pan- “Everyone is working constantly... the border line twice for illegal as the monsoon brings much-needed rain demic. Beds crowd corridors, storage we are overwhelmed,” Thakur told AFP. activities and provoked and but also devastation and disease. rooms function as wards and staff are And now with the monsoon having ar- attacked Chinese personnel With more than three decades of ex- overworked. rived in Mumbai on its months-long jour- which lead to serious physi- perience as a doctor in India’s chronically At Mumbai’s massive Lokmanya Tilak ney northwards, she is readying for the cal conflict between the two underfunded public healthcare system, Municipal General Hospital, better known usual rush of seasonal ailments.—AFP sides.”—Kyodo 17 JUNE 2020 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR ECON / AD 13 Italy press mogul to launch Online news wins subscribers around ‘progressive’ newspaper world but trust low: survey ROME—Veteran Italian businessman and press mag- nate Carlo de Benedetti’s latest challenge is hardly his cent on average -- estab- least: launching a progressive news website and paper lishing itself as the main in the middle of an economic crisis. source of information along “Domani” (Tomorrow), a web-based publication with online media. with print editions, is to begin publishing in September, Conversely, newspa- giving voice to what De Benedetti called under-served per circulation was hard-hit “progressive, liberal and reformist” ideas. by coronavirus lockdown “We will cover politics, economics, the environ- measures. ment, international issues,” the former owner of La The survey found trust Repubblica daily told AFP. in news had fallen to its “No columns, no gossip, just facts.” lowest level since the first One of the most influential figures in Italian capi- report in 2012, with just 38 talism, the 85-year-old businessman and former boss per cent saying they trust- of electronics firm Olivetti stepped down as president ed most news most of the of all his companies in 2009. time. However, confidence in the news media varied considerably by country, While more people are subscribing to digital media, a large proportion of internet users say ranging from 56 per cent nothing could convince them to pay for online news. PHOTO: AFP in Finland and Portugal to PARIS—Increasing num- per cent in France and of internet users say noth- 23 per cent in France and bers of readers are paying Germany. ing could convince them to 21 per cent in South Korea. for online news around But between a third pay for online news, around In Hong Kong, which the world even if the lev- and a half of all news 40 per cent in the United has been hit by months of el of trust in the media in subscriptions go to just a States and 50 per cent in sometimes violent street general remains very low, few major media organi- Britain. YouGov conduct- protests against an extra- according to a report pub- sations, such as the New ed the online surveys of 40 dition law, trust in the news Tycoon Carlo De Benedetti wants to offer Italians a publication that is “against all types of populism and lished Tuesday. York Times, according to countries for the Reuters fell 16 points to 30 per cent sovereignty, against racism, in favour of the market, Around 20 per cent the annual Digital News Institute in January, with over the year. freedom and Europe”. PHOTO: AFP of Americans questioned Report by the Reuters In- 2,000 respondents in each. Chile, which has had De Benedetti said he hoped the new initiative said they subscribed to an stitute. Some readers, how- Further surveys were regular demonstrations would “last beyond my time on this earth”. And he online news provider (up ever, are also beginning to carried out in six countries against inequality, saw defended the idea of launching another newspaper in four points over the previ- take out more than one in April to analyze the ini- trust in the media fall 15 this politically fractious country -- and during a coro- ous year) and 42 per cent subscription, paying for a tial effects from COVID-19. per cent while in Britain, navirus-induced economic crisis. of Norwegians (up eight local or specialist title in The health crisis where society has been “It seems to me that after the change of ownership points), along with 13 per addition to a national news brought a revival of interest polarised by issues such of the Repubblica-Espresso group, Italy found itself cent of the Dutch (up three source, the study’s authors in television news -- with as Brexit, it was down 12 without ‘a liberal voice’, as they say in the United States. points), compared with 10 said. But a large proportion the audience rising five per points.—AFP Let’s say reformist or progressive. I think a broad public needs a newspaper as a point of reference,” he said. Uphill challenge - EU opens antitrust cases against Apple Eight years ago, De Benedetti transferred to his three sons his holdings in the GEDI press group, Italy’s BRUSSELS—The EU’s powerful antitrust authority The cases put Apple back into the EU’s crosshairs leading media group and publisher of the dailies La opened a series of cases against Apple on Tuesday, four years after Brussels ordered the California-based Repubblica and La Stampa, among others. including one brought by Spotify alleging the iPhone giant to repay 13 billion euros ($14.7 billion at current But last year, in an interview with Il Corriere della maker makes unfair use of its app store. rates) in back taxes on antitrust concerns. Sera, he sharply criticized his sons’ management, say- The European Commission also launched an in The latest onslaught came after Spotify filed a for- ing they had “neither the competence nor the passion depth investigation into Apple Pay, amid concerns that mal complaint in 2019 that took issue with restrictions required to be publishers” and tried unsuccessfully to the fast-growing and easy-to-use payment system is by Apple on apps that don’t use its payment system on regain control of GEDI.—AFP shutting out rivals. its App Store.—AFP

Bank of Japan boosts aid for coronavirus-hit firms CLAIM DAY NOTICE M.V GOLDEN BRIDGE TOKYO—Japan’s central bank Tuesday Consignees of cargo carried on M.V GOLDEN ramped up aid for businesses struggling BRIDGE VOY. NO. (01) are hereby notified that the with the fallout from the coronavirus pan- vessel will be arriving on 17-6-2020 and cargo will be demic, as it attempts to ease the recession discharged into the premises of WILMAR where it will in the world’s third-largest economy. lie at the consignee’s risk and expenses and subject to the The Bank of Japan (BoJ) expanded byelaws and conditions of the Port of Yangon. its zero-interest loan programme to firms Damaged cargo will be surveyed daily from 8 am to 90 trillion yen ($837 billion) from 55 tril- to 11:20 am and 12 noon to 4 pm to Claim’s Day now lion yen. Its total war-chest for companies declared as the third day after final discharge of cargo amounts to 110 trillion yen when corporate from the Vessel. bond purchases are taken into account. No claims against this vessel will be admitted after “Japan’s economy is likely to remain in a se- the Claims Day. vere situation for the time being due to the SHIPPING AGENCY DEPARTMENT impact of COVID-19 at home and abroad, MYANMA PORT AUTHORITY although economic activity is expected to AGENT FOR: M/S WILHELMSEN SHIPS resume gradually,” the bank said following SERVICE(S) PTE LTD. a two-day policy meeting.—AFP Japan is suffering its first recession since 2015. PHOTO: AFP Phone No: 2301928 17 JUNE 2020 14 BUSINESS THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR US$ 3.4 billion of FDI pumped into Myanmar in current FY

By Kyaw Htike Soe

HE Myanmar Invest- (DICA) under the Ministry of In- billion when compared to the ment Commission vestment and Foreign Economic same period last year, the DICA (MIC) permitted nine Relations. said. The MIC greenlighted 73 Tforeign investment The MIC also gave the nod Myanmar citizen investment projects valued at US$ 684.2 mil- to five new investment projects projects worth Ks. 1,251,224 lion and over Ks. 96,034 million worth US$ 64.594 million and million during the period from that can create up to 4,180 job Ks. 10,841 million in its month- 1 October to 30 April. The MIC opportunities for Myanmar citi- ly meeting held in late April. approved 89 Myanmar citizen pared to the same period last financial year, he added. The zens. The investment proposals The investment proposals in investment projects worth Ks. year, U Thant Sin Lwin, Direc- Southeast Asian country re- in tourism, industry, electricity service, oil and gas, and real 893917 million in the previous tor-General of the Directorate ceived an average of US$ 500 generation and service sectors estate sectors are expected financial year. of Investment and Company million per month in foreign were approved by the MIC dur- to create 344 job prospects for Foreign direct investment Administration (DICA) under direct investment in the cur- ing its regular meeting held via Myanmar citizens. Myanmar inflows into Myanmar totalled the ministry told the State- rent fiscal year, he once told the video conferencing on 22 May, citizen investment projects over US$ 3.4 billion during the run media recently. Foreign media. He continued that the according to the figure issued in the current fiscal year saw first seven month of this fiscal investments worth US$ 2.5 bil- foreign investment volume was by the Directorate of Investment over Ks. 1,200 billion, an in- year, an increase of more than lion flowed to Myanmar in the higher than domestic invest- and Company Administration crease of more than Ks. 300 US$ 900 million when com- seven months of the previous ments by Myanmar citizens.

The real estate sector stands second in Myanmar’s foreign investment with US$ 895 million of total FDI in the current fiscal year. PHOTO: PHOE KHWAR 17 JUNE 2020 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR BUSINESS 15 An inclusive and diverse workplace keeping everyone connected

By CBO, Daw Yin Yin background. Nurturing a di- While this is a week of tele- Htay @ Caroline verse and inclusive workplace is coms, June is a month of Pride. a fundamental part of Telenor’s Diversity and inclusion must ex- IVERSITY is an integral DNA and unique corporate cul- tend to all minorities. According Delement needed in our ture of Telenor Myanmar which to global statistics by Glaadv, everyday lives especially in the our colleagues take pride for more than 40% of lesbian, gay, workplace. that. and bisexual people and near- Different diversities in var- Telecommunications is an ly 90% of transgender people ious backgrounds should lead industry that is both tech-inten- have experienced employment to inclusions in our society - for sive and people-driven, phys- discrimination, some form of there is beauty in variety. (Quote ical and digital – especially in harassment or mistreatment. is by Michael Eisner, Former emerging markets like Myan- This type of misbehavior and CEO of the Walt Disney Com- mar. As a major employer, we discrimination should not be tol- pany) are mindful of crafting HR pol- erated by any business. Train- International Telecoms icies and avoiding bias in our ing, communication and policies Week for 2020 falls between recruitment policies. We need are key, but fostering inclusion June 14 to 17. Just like the better people, and they can be is a management responsibility. theme of this year #KeepingTh- of any ethnicity, gender, sexual At Telenor, we’re in the eWorldConnected, we welcome orientation or with any physical business of “reducing inequal- this week by highlighting how disability and standing out as a ities”. We connect and include. diversity and inclusion in the true Equal employment oppor- Since telecom operators invest- Electricity generation tops Myanmar’s FDI sector line-up in the workplace is important for tunity employer in Myanmar. ed in Myanmar in 2013, mobile present fiscal year, with investment of US$ 1.02 billion. PHOTO: moving forward and making Among people with disabili- technology has become acces- PHOE KHWAR our lives better, by keeping us ties in Myanmar in 2014, hardly sible to everyone. We can now all connected. half were employed. This makes stay connected and get faster In tech, diversity is critical the rate of employment in this information no matter where we The foreign investment and industry sector is rising. as it enables companies to cre- group 20 percentage points low- live in the world. Over the past projects approved by the MIC Myanmar is considered to be ate better and safer products er than the majority population. months as we’ve been fighting have created nearly 145,000 a key overseas emerging in- that take everyone into consid- This is why we earlier this year the COVID-19 pandemic, that job opportunities for Myan- vestment market for foreign eration, not just one section of introduced Telenor Open Mind connectivity and inclusion has mar citizens in seven months investors around the world society. A report recently re- in Myanmar, a program aimed at been more important than ever of the current fiscal year. With due to its consumption trends, leased by facilitating job opportunities for at the professional as well as our steady FDI inflow in the pres- abundant young workforce McKinsey shared the great people with disabilities (PwDs) personal level. ent financial year, Myanmar is and relaxed export & import insights that diverse companies in the telecoms industry. Now as restrictions are likely to meet its FDI target of related policies. The power can perform better, attract bet- Currently, we have three being lifted and life returns to US$5.8 billion, set under the sector topped the FDI line- ter talents, drive workplace team members who have joined a “new-normal”, we see that Myanmar Investment Pro- up in the current fiscal year, engagement and able to retain us through the program. This is many of the habits formed, re- motion Plan (MIPP), he said. with investments of US$ 1.02 workers better than companies an opportunity to build a career main. Myanmar’s already rapid The increase of foreign direct billion, followed by the real es- that do not focus on diversity in the corporate world and these digital evolution has accelerated investment into Myanmar at- tate sector with investments and inclusion. Still, women re- employment means they are further. tributes to the government’s of US$ 895 million, and the main widely underrepresented taking responsibility for their We would like to welcome steps to ease regulations in manufacturing sector with in Technology related industry livelihoods and contributing the International Telecoms an attempt to lure more for- US$ 544 million. and in particular IT related back to the community as tax- Week by renewing our com- eign direct investment into The largest sector of for- roles.i and Myanmar is also not payers. mitment to keep Myanmar the country. Singapore topped eign direct investment came an exception. Telenor prioritizes diversity connected. #KeepingTheWorld- the list of foreign investors to oil and gas sector, account- Telecoms is a sector tradi- in the workplace and encour- Connected is an imperative for in Myanmar during the peri- ing for 26.74 per cent of the tionally dominated by men. Ac- ages other public and private growth, development, inclusion od from October last year to total FDI, followed by the cording to “The State of Women organizations to also hire more and of course reducing inequal- date, and was followed by Chi- electricity generation sector In Tech 2020” report by Dream people with disabilities. ities. na and Thailand. Singapore with 26.07 per cent and the Host, nearly 90% of the all In- became the largest foreign manufacturing sector with formation Technology patents investor in Myanmar, inject- 14.16 per cent. Around 1,800 were made by male invention ing over US$ 22 billion into foreign firms from 51 coun- teams from 1980 to 2010. More- 312 projects of the Asia’s last tries were given permission over, it is stated that women frontier market. to pour investments into 12 are more likely to be in junior Myanmar drew up the sectors in Myanmar. Myan- positions than men. MIPP in order to attract US$ mar received US$ 9.4 billion Building Telenor Myanmar 221 billion of FDI within 20 of foreign direct investment since 2014, we started out with years from 2016-2017FY to in 2015-2016FY, US$ 6.6 billion a hypothesis similar to Eisner: 2035-2036FY to become a mid- of FDI in 2016-2017, US$ 6.11 that there is power and creativi- dle-income country by 2036. billion of FDI in 2017-2018FY, ty in diversity and management Foreign investor’s interest US$ 4.52 billion in 2018-2019, make great efforts to create di- in Myanmar’s much-need- and is estimated to attract verse workplace. We have 40% ed infrastructure projects US$ 5.8 billion in the current women in our workplace, and such as construction, tour- financial year. 30% women in our management Daw Yin Yin Htay. ism, telecommunications, team with coming from diverse 17 JUNE 2020 16 SPORT THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Key UEFA meeting AFF postpones futsal championship to 2021 to decide on way THE ASEAN Football Federation postponed this year’s It was first held in 2001 which took place every forward for suspended AFF Futsal Championship to 2021 due to the corona- two years only until 2005 when it became an annual virus pandemic, according to the federation’s meeting competition. This is one of the top futsal competitions Champions League last week. of Asia, with the top teams of Asian futsal, Thailand, The tournament, which was originally planned to Indonesia and Viet Nam. take place in November, was postponed, for about two Until now Thailand became champions in every months, to 25-30 January. The host country for this year tournament except 2010 tournament that they didn’t is Thailand. Myanmar secured second place in the 2016 take part due to the Thai 5s, which was being held tournament and third place in 2017. around the same time. Last year’s tournament, Myanmar only secured According to the AFF’s records, Thailand is at the fourth place after being beaten by Viet Nam in the top of the performance table becoming champions for third-place match 3-7. 15 times, followed by Indonesia one time. The AFF Futsal Championship or ASEAN Futsal Malaysia is in the third place becoming runners-up Championship is an international futsal competition of five times, and second runners-up five times. the Southeast Asian nations and is sanctioned by the Myanmar is in sixth place with one-time runners-up ASEAN Football Federation (AFF). and two-time second runner-ups.—Kyaw Khin

Behind the tests: Hong Kong firm puts Premier League on road to recovery The latter stages of this season’s Champions League HONG KONG — The thousands of tract to screen its players and staff. Tottenham Hotspur, Norwich City, could go ahead in August in Lisbon in a “Final Eight” format, according to reports. PHOTO: AFP coronavirus tests that have enabled The company has set up stations Bournemouth, Watford and Burnley the Premier League to return this at each of the Premier League’s 20 all revealing positive results. The PARIS — As football around Europe returns week have an unlikely source -- a clubs, carrying out testing twice screening, with results available after a long suspension, UEFA is set to announce little-known start-up in Hong Kong. a week — using partner laborato- within 48 hours, has been a major the format for the latter stages of the Champions Prenetics/Circle DNA is playing ries in Britain -- in the run-up to factor in the return of the Premier League at a key meeting on Wednesday which a key role in rebooting the world’s Wednesday’s return to play. So far, League, whose global appeal is ex- will also raise the thorny issue of the postponed, most popular football league after 8,687 deep-throat and nasal swab emplified by its huge following in pan-continental Euro 2020. landing a £4 million ($5 million) con- tests have turned up 16 cases, with Asia.—AFP The Champions League was frozen in mid- March before the last-16 stage had been completed, as the sport ground to a halt when the coronavirus pandemic began to take hold. Premier League braces for return after Initially, European football’s governing body had hoped to finish its flagship competition -- along virus shutdown with the Europa League and women’s Champions LONDON — The Premier League ling, “Project Restart” has largely but it will be impossible to mimic the League -- by the end of June. returns on Wednesday after 100 days gone smoothly, with regular test- usual vibrant atmosphere. It soon became clear that such an outcome in the deep freeze, with Liverpool ing of players and staff yielding few In total, about 300 people will be was overly optimistic, and during the peak of the on the brink of winning the title in a positives. allowed in stadiums for each match, pandemic in Europe any prospect of finishing the radically changed football universe. But when Villa and Sheffield with strict health protocols in place. season at all looked slim. The English top flight follows United kick off, the watching world There will be widespread dis- Nevertheless, UEFA has for some time been Germany’s Bundesliga and La Liga will be confronted with a jarring infection of changing facilities, dug- working on a way of completing its season in Au- in Spain in rebooting their seasons spectacle, with an eerie silence in outs, matchballs, goalposts, corner gust, which looks feasible as leagues restart and after the coronavirus lockdown, aim- the usually noisy stands. flags and substitution boards.People the European death toll from Covid-19 slows. ing to cram 92 games into six weeks Piping crowd chants into sta- other than players and coaching staff With that in mind, the Executive Committee of breathless action. diums, cardboard cut-outs of sup- on team benches must wear face meeting, to be held by videoconference, is set to Aston Villa kick off against Shef- porters and live video fan walls will coverings. The games themselves approve the idea of a “Final Eight” in Lisbon, as field United, to be followed later add colour will look different. Players have been widely reported by media across Europe in recent on Wednesday by Manchester told to maintain social-distancing days. City v Arsenal, before a cas- during goal cele- That would mean finding a way to play out cade of matches. brations and the four remaining last 16, second legs before Despite vocal com- encouraged bringing together all the quarter-finalists in plaints from some clubs not to spit.— Portugal’s capital for a series of one-off games and stars including Sergio AFP to crown the European champions. Accord- Aguero and Raheem Ster- ing to reports, the final would be on August 23. In the current context, grouping all teams togeth- er in one place and reducing travel is the wisest solution, although it remains to be seen how many fans, if any, could attend. Football in most countries is being played behind closed doors, yet UEFA’s meeting comes in the same week many EU member states -- Portugal among them -- opened up once again to foreign visitors. The final was scheduled to be played in Istan- bul on May 30 and only last week Turkey’s Sports Liverpool are 25 points clear of Manchester City at Minister, Mehmet Kasapoglu, expressed confidence the top of the Premier League. PHOTO: AFP that the city would not lose out.—AFP