INSIDE Vol 2 : Jun-Jul 2013 profiled and PUBLISHED b y FOREWORD 2 INSIGHT 3-4 PERSPECTIVE 5 BUSINESS 6 INVESTMENT 7-8 NATION 9 WORLD 10 ENVIRONMENT 11-12 INFRASTRUCTURE 13-14 SOCIETY 15 INNOVATION 16 CONNECT 17-18 UPCOMING EVENTS 19-20 MESSAGE 21

photo – hsdejong.nl The Young Tiger of the Irrawaddy Myanmar’s sudden reversal of years of diplomatic a stable financial system remain as strong isolation in 2011 has left leaders and investors challenges holding back growth. Organizations around the world scrambling to adjust to the new like the IMF can play a role in helping to establish status quo. As Southeast ’s second largest systems that guide social reforms and also build country, with vast resources and a history as an investor confidence in institutions there. agricultural exporter, Myanmar has the clear An important bellwether will be the country’s potential to join the ranks of the boom economies chairmanship of ASEAN in 2014 and the 2015 of the 21st century. Avoiding the pitfalls of national elections, which represent a test of inequality will require Myanmar to learn from the government’s commitment to . its neighbors’ past mistakes and encourage institution-building and transparency from the outset of its integration into global affairs. However, challenges that stem from structural and underlying conditions will not change for some time. Investors would be wise to weigh these obstacles moving forward, but there are also opportunities. Myanmar’s neighbors are well-positioned to continue benefiting as the economy develops, especially China, even as resentment towards the Chinese government remains high. The U.S., Japan and other countries such as and have a role to play, as well. There is indeed a calling for leadership from these developed nations in helping Myanmar develop. Even for the US, determined as it is to seek Aung San Suu Kyi speaks on Asian women as the future pastures in the East to graze in, there are benefits photo – flickr.com, www.weforum.org sikarin thanachaiary in developing strong ties and alliances with countries like India who understand the region Myanmar’s political transition was swift and may better and have shared history to fall back on and yet prove to be lasting, but those seeking to take ongoing experience in doing business. advantage of concurrent GDP growth will need to Historical underinvestment in infrastructure be patient as the country’s economic and social and education in Myanmar, along with building systems play catch-up. more ulation only. c ir ulation F or private study. and private resear c h sour c es for non- ommer ial and edited from various c ompiled Content 1 JUNE-JULy 2013 Foreword Managing Compliance

Good governance must surely be a priority for an economy such as Myanmar that is in the process of embracing a plethora of new players seeking to entrench themselves within the warp and weft of socio-economic fabric. Laying down systems and a framework of law is one of the most important and fundamental tasks for defending Myanmar’s position and priorities, and becoming globally compatible at the same time. Myanmar has been the bastion in which British laws have traditionally prevailed. But now it is time for a reassessment to seek to adopt the best legal framework from what is available and relevant. India can be a good reference point, if not an inspiration for Myanmar. India too has been anchored in the old British system. But its laws have evolved in a very intrinsic and customised manner to be contemporary, unbiased and democratic. Myanmar can study and analyze what the legal system of India offers to pick out what it needs to have. The legislative laws that India has adopted are particularly relevant to ensure the evolution of parliamentary democracy in Myanmar. Myanmar’s government also has the onerous responsibility of ensuring that the opening up process does not lead Ranjit Barthakur, to any possibility of foreign elements plundering, pillaging or raping of its Founding Chairman Globally Managed natural resources. A strong and purposive legal framework would set the rails Services, in Tamu, for systems to prevail in addressing commercial opportunities, the process of near the Moreh border fairness and natural justice to be ensured among its people, and the political machinery to be relied upon to deliver balanced progress conducive to the environment. The government has a duty to protect its people against rights violations, be they workers, consumers, landholders or “A strong and purposive indigenous folks. Myanmar may, in the short run, be facing shortages in adequate number of legal framework would trained lawyers, judges and others who may be entrusted to monitor violations. This is where a set the rails for systems skill development program may form part and to prevail in addressing parcel of an integrated legal reform policy. At the end of the day, Myanmar’s compliance commercial opportunities” management system should be a two-way street, wherein foreign investors follow strict “Myanmar can study and operating guidelines that are subservient to national objectives, and equally, the country, its analyze what the legal government and citizens also stay accountable to the promises made to investors and service their system of India offers to pick expectations of doing good business, the global out what it needs to have.” way. – Ranjit Barthakur, Publisher.

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2 JUNE-JULy 2013 Insight Could Myanmar be the next emerging market miracle?

Workers count Burmese kyat currency at a bank in Rangoon. | photo – independent.co.uk In Rangoon’s hotel lobbies anticipation is high. of Vriens and Partners, advising multinationals Brash Australian miners rub shoulders with entering Burma. Burma also sits at a key hard-nosed American private equity investors. geographic junction. “Just look at the map Indonesian infrastructure specialists and and you’ll see the location is strategic, at the Japanese salesmen scout out the terrain. crossroad between India, China, Thailand, in the Everyone here is eager to be first out of the middle of one of the fastest growing regions in starting blocks as the economy of Burma, the world,” he says. a previously isolated country, opens up for business. Piles of cash The opportunities abound, in raw materials such After 50 years the generals who governed Burma as gems, timber, rubber and gas, but also in have stepped back and handed power to a catering for a population of 55 million in need of nominally civilian government. They have also everything from healthcare to smartphones. begun the first tentative steps in reforming the “I think this is the last virgin market left in the economy. And they have been rewarded with world, the last untapped market,” says Vinod the suspension of sanctions by the West. But 50 Chugani, an American-educated Singaporean. years of isolation from the global economy has “Twelve years ago, when I was in China, I felt taken its toll, above all on the financial system. the same rush.” Vinod Chugani is here to sell At the main Rangoon branch of Yoma bank, Panasonic’s range of multi-line phones, rice customers wander in with plastic bags full of cookers and projectors. bank notes. Their voices are barely audible above “There is a massive race going on. It’s intense,” the whirring and clicking of mechanical counting he says. “This is one of last frontiers, along with machines, lined up like washing machines in a North Korea and to some extent Iran,” says launderette.A dozen staff work their way through Romain Caillaud, who heads the Rangoon office the stacks piled high on the tables. ulation only. c ir ulation F or private study. and private resear c h sour c es for non- ommer ial and edited from various c ompiled Content 3 JUNE-JULy 2013 Insight American financial sanctions and a home-grown An Asian tiger? banking crisis have undermined Burma’s banking So, can Burma grasp the opportunity now system, so that now most people simply keep unfolding? their money in cash. Burma’s domestic industry - hampered, but also If you want to buy a car you go to the showroom sheltered, by the years of isolation - now faces the with a box full of notes. chill wind of competition. If you want to buy a house you drive over a car At Myint Soe’s garment factory on the outskirts full of money. of Rangoon, rows of women hunch over sewing machines and irons under neon lights, pressing, “The biggest concern folding, hemming, in stifling heat. This factory used to supply Kmart and Walmart is that Burma lacks the in the United States. After sanctions were imposed two-thirds of the workforce were laid human resources to cope off. with this tidal wave of “I think we can restore our contracts which we lost after the sanctions,” says an upbeat Myint change at every level.” Soe. “Foreign investors will bring markets with them and technology.”Clearly, Burma will have to There are a handful of cash machines now in compete primarily on the price of labour. Rangoon, but none that work for foreigners. “We compare with but are lower than Credit cards can be used, for a stiff fee, only at a Cambodia wages, so we can compete,” says Myint few top-range hotels. Soe.International business entrepreneur Serge All this may soon change, with the lifting of Pun owns property developments across Asia as American financial sanctions. But the rudimentary banking system is not the only obstacle to doing business.

Capacity The word on everybody’s lips is “capacity”. The biggest concern is that Burma lacks the human resources to cope with this tidal wave of change, at every level from the government administration to secretarial staff. Peter Thein founded Myanmar Yellow Pages 20 years ago and now also runs a fast-growing market research company. He says newcomers can get a shock on arrival due to the high price of property and the lack of qualified staff. “Most of the people with any brains have left,” he says. Myanmar garment factory Hence, although he has 10,000 potential photo : whispersfromburma.blogspot.in employees on his recruitment database, he says well as his Burmese investments from banking to only 10-15% of them are employable. golf courses. He is also convinced Burma’s future “One of the most difficult things is to try to get is bright. my staff to think,” he says. “I have no doubt that Myanmar will be a new “There’s no initiative because the education tiger,” he says. “Burmese people are very system has never taught the meaning of entrepreneurial.” But in answer to the question thinking.” of how long it take Burma to catch up, Romain On top of all that, there is the lack of clarity over Caillaud says: “A very long time. the rule of law, an intermittent electricity supply, “Maybe in 20 years it will be at the level of crumbling infrastructure and what Mr Thein calls Vietnam today in terms of infrastructure, the practice of paying “tea money” - small bribes telecommunications, financial services. to expedite the cumbersome bureaucracy. “Companies that come shouldn’t expect to make money quickly.” more ulation only. c ir ulation F or private study. and private resear c h sour c es for non- ommer ial and edited from various c ompiled Content 4 JUNE-JULy 2013 perspective India & Myanmar Knowledge Corridor other partnering institutions. The development of the North Eastern part of India is integral to India’s policy on Myanmar. The North East could be used to enable a knowledge corridor and a transit route to South East Asia, especially with Myanmar. The context for the next phase of an Indo- Myanmar relationship needs to be understood in the backdrop of India’s ongoing dialogue with Myanmar, over the past 15 years, which has promoted the concept of an inclusive process of national reconciliation, and transition to

Photo : partnersasia.org/education-policy-key-to-myanmar- democracy. futur “The development of the Myanmar’s educational system is based on the North Eastern part of India ’s own system, due to close to a century of British colonial presence in that is integral to India’s policy country. It is operated by the government’s Ministry of on Myanmar.” Education. The Universities and professional India also attaches significant importance to institutes from upper Myanmar the role it can play in the area of and lower Myanmar are run by two technology and skill development. separate entities, the Departments While the development of physical of Higher Education (Upper infrastructure is very important for Myanmar and Lower Myanmar), Myanmar, it is equally important whose office headquarters are that there is equal emphasis on based in and Mandalay investments in the technological as respectively. well as the social infrastructure in Today, Myanmar lags behind in that country. This is a space where educational standards. Once a India’s own experiments, successes significant educational force in and lessons learnt from failures could the region, Myanmar today has prove to be invaluable to Myanmar. well-trained qualified teachers, but Mr. S. Ramadorai In recent years robust bilateral few resources, and dated content Advisor to Prime cooperation has taken place, suitably material and standards. Minister on National Skill supported by a number of high-level As the rest of the world increasingly Development Council. visits on both sides. Our relations moves towards a knowledge-based with Myanmar today encompass a economy, Myanmar’s growth is being essentially number of important areas like security, trade driven essentially by the industrial and service and investment, energy, capacity-building, health sectors. It therefore needs to catch up, and do and education, science and technology, as well as so quickly. Whether in terms of student-intake infrastructure development. capacity, or skilled teacher mobilisation, or As these engagements intensify in the future, and providing modern facilities, curricula and content we enable more physical connectivity between to students, new models that involve private our two countries through road, rail air and other sector participation should be examined. trade links, we expect to see further momentum Another move could be for the government to in building mutual ties. encourage student exchange programmes with Indian educational institutions and with those of – S. Ramadorai ulation only. c ir ulation F or private study. and private resear c h sour c es for non- ommer ial and edited from various c ompiled Content 5 JUNE-JULy 2013 Business Thai Bev takes aim at Myanmar Thai Beverage Plc (ThaiBev) is seeking a greater presence in Myanmar through its partnership with Fraser and Neave Ltd (F&N), the Singaporean firm acquired earlier this year by the Thai drinks giant. Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi, ThaiBev’s president and chief executive, said the company is also considering importing Myanmar beer into Thailand, where many migrant workers from Myanmar live. F&N _ which was taken over by ThaiBev, led by the Thai billionaire Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi in a deal worth Scopy3.8 billion (327 billion baht) _ owns a stake in Myanmar Brewery Ltd. Green Hill Hotel in Yangon | photo – emg “Myanmar is the rising star of Asean, the one everyone is looking at, and the market there Joint venture with is similar to Thailand’s,” Mr Thapana said on the sidelines of last week’s Asean Economic Green Hill Hotel Community (AEC) seminar US-based Best Western, which is one of the world’s largest Hotels in Bangkok hosted by KPMG group, has already agreed to going into a joint venture with the Thailand. more Green Hill Hotel in Myanmar, according to Best Western Hotels ACE to underwrite Group. Green Hotel with 189 rooms is located in Tamwe Township, Insurance in Myanmar Yangon. NEW YORK--(BUSINESS The hotel requirements are rising after increasing the number of WIRE)--The ACE Group tourist arrivals. announced today that it has For that reason, the group is now looking for their partner and received provisional approval cooperating with a joint venture with Green Hill Hotel. from Myanmar’s Directorate The group becomes the first US-based hotel in Myanmar’s Hotels of Investment and Company and Tourism sector. Administration to establish The group is one of the advance hotels opened 4000 hotels a representative office in providing 300,000 rooms in over 100 countries. Myanmar. The company is now At present, the group has established the Green Hill hotel as their completing the registration ninth investment in Myanmar among the ASEAN countries and it process with the relevant will establish the next hotel in Brunei. Myanmar authorities with the The US invested over US$ 243 million in 15 projects at the end of intention of opening the office April, standing at 13th position in the investment of Myanmar. in the city of Yangon later this more year. more ulation only. c ir ulation F or private study. and private resear c h sour c es for non- ommer ial and edited from various c ompiled Content 6 JUNE-JULy 2013 Investment Transparent Governance in Myanmar’s Energy Sector The text of the following statement was released by His Excellency Union Minister of Energy U Than Htay of Myanmar and Special Envoy and Coordinator for International Energy Affairs Carlos Pascual. Begin Text: The energy sector plays a vital role in the economies of both our Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz opens the first community store outside the countries. If properly managed, United States on Lang Suan Road on Monday. | photo : by wisit tham-ngern oil and gas revenues can make an important contribution to economic development, and Starbucks, Heineken to the sector can help supply the electricity needed to grow the economy, including to enter Myanmar Market run businesses, schools, and Howard Schultz, Starbucks CEO, said during a visit to Thailand to hospitals. Managing the energy celebrate the 15th anniversary of its founding in the country, that sector transparently and in Myanmar was one of the targetted countries for the firm to expand line with international best its business, which includes more shops in China and India. practices is an objective of both “Within the next couple of years, I’d say,” Mr Schultz said of the our governments. Transparency plan to enter Myanmar. reduces the risk of corruption, The company plans to boost the number of Starbucks stores in and helps citizens to hold their China to 1,500 stores by 2015, up from the current 850 stores in governments accountable for 70 cities after enter. spending natural resource ”We’ve built the kind of business that has garnered a fair amount revenues. Transparency also of trust from multiple constituencies in China,” Mr Schultz said. “I helps companies operate think the market is large enough for many people, and I think we with the free, prior, and have a unique opportunity to maintain our leadership position.” informed consent of affected “Success is not an entitlement anywhere in the world,” he said. communities, which can “Certainly not in China. You have to earn it, and earn it every day.” improve the operating Starbucks plans to open more stores in India, where it operates 12 environment for industry, shops. It has one outlet in Vietnam. and help reduce the risk of The company plans to double its size in Thailand to 320 branches conflict associate with resource within the next five years, he added. development. Mr Schultz on Monday announced the opening of the firm’s first Both our governments also community store outside the United States in Bangkok. strive to ensure international The first three Starbucks community stores are in its hometown best practices are used in safety Los Angeles, New York and Texas. and environmental stewardship A portion of the revenues earned at the Starbucks store on Lang in the energy sector. Protecting Suan Road will be directed toward farming communities in our citizens and our countries’ northern Thailand that grow coffee for the Seattle-based chain. natural environment are The money will be directed to the Integrated Tribal Development critically important priorities. Programme to support education, health and irrigation projects. more more ulation only. c ir ulation F or private study. and private resear c h sour c es for non- ommer ial and edited from various c ompiled Content 7 JUNE-JULy 2013 Investment Ngapali Hotel Zone to be Service centre for expanded Authorities will expand the BMW cars to be opened Ngapali Hotel Zone this October and allow new hotels to be built by Max Myanmar, in Yangon Edin, Minzarni and Fortune A service center and spare parts showroom for BMW cars will be companies, a seminar held last opened in Yangon at the end of September. week was told. The car service center will check BMW cars with computer system Hotels and Tourism Minister and will employ skillful foreign technicians of BMW. The centre Htay Aung met with hotel will also sell spare parts. operators from the zone at the The Taiwan based “Inspiration De Formosa Group” is to open Amazing Ngapali Resort on the BMW car service center in Yangon and it has already been May 3 to discuss expansion, permitted as authorized dealer of German based BMW car beautifying and sanitation work company. Plans are underway to open the showroom. around the beach as well as the “There are a few giant auto companies opening car service centers. construction of new roads for Therefore, I have chosen to provide this kind of service as a easy access. more forerunner. I have planned to open BMWs car service center and spare parts showroom at the end of September. We are discussing about the opening of car showroom by the year end. We have been Myanmar Microfinance recognized as authorized dealer for opening car service center,” Bank to be launched Andrew Li, board of directors of Inspiration De Formosa Group Myanmar Microfinance Bank said. A news article on opening of BMW car showroom and its (MMB) offering half the current service center was published in Weekly Eleven Journal on May 6, interest rate for small loans 2013 but BMW Asia Pte Ltd of Singapore informed Eleven Media will be launched some time this Group that they object some facts in the report. year, according to the banking The Taiwan based “Inspiration De Formosa Group” is a registered communities. company in Myanmar. more A private bank, MMB will be targeting to low-income households. Interest rate will be less than commercial banks and Joint Venture for financing plan will be suitable for low-income borrowers. Garment Industry : The microfinance bank has been permitted to run by the Central Bank of Myanmar and Korea and Myanmar the government. It will offer Korean firm Inno Company and the military-owned Union of regular banking services as Myanmar Economic Holding Ltd (UMEHL) have formed a joint well,” the managing director Pe venture to run a garment factory in Mingalardon township, Myint from the Co-operative Yangon, according to the Ministry of National Planning and Bank (CB) said. Economic Development. “For the establishment of The joint venture named Myanmar Inno International Ltd will MMB, the shares are being sold operate the garment factory with cutting, making and packing at 100,000 per shares. Bankers system in Pyinmabin Industrial Zone. are buying the shares. Our bank Myanmar Investment Commission approved the business under (CB) is also buying the shares,” the foreign investment law on May 10. In fact, this is the third he added. business the commission has approved for UMEHL this year. Three new banks are preparing more to launch in this month. more ulation only. c ir ulation F or private study. and private resear c h sour c es for non- ommer ial and edited from various c ompiled Content 8 JUNE-JULy 2013 Nation

Thank you for everything that you gave to us, and that you have allowed us to have today, to study books and meet new very good friends. You truly opened a new world to me. I can’t stop myself from thinking that all of us, if we didn’t have your help, what sort of state we would be in. –Tankee, at age 13 The Nobel Peace Laureate intervenes for the first time in defense of the Muslim minority: it is a violation of human rights. The opposition leaders challenge Burmese Refugees President Thein Sein: the desire for change “is not enough”, concrete reforms Using participatory models and equality are needed. to empower Shan Burmese refugees living in northwest Thailand, we have been launching initiatives in Aung San Suu Kyi education, mental and reproductive health, water, and against Myanmar legal rights for over ten years now. The Shan Burmese we work with are stateless, lacking Minority Policy citizenship to any country Yangon (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Aung San Suu Kyi, the Burmese which puts them in a precarious opposition leader, has strongly criticized the bill recently and unstable situation. introduced in , which imposes a family planning Without any government to program for Rohingya. Accused in the past of failing to defend the hold accountable to ensure Muslim minority, for the first time the Nobel Laureate - on behalf their human rights, they face of her party, the National League for Democracy (NLD) - said constant exploitation. more that if confirmed, the imposed limit of two children is “a flagrant violation of human rights.” She added that she was opposed to Myanmar Govt - Peace the entry into force of the controversial law, introduced at first by Talks with Kachin Rebels the previous military junta and confirmed by the authorities of MYITKYINA, Myanmar — Rakhine “to contain sectarian violence.” Myanmar’s government and The measure, which is part of a framework of measures targeted ethnic Kachin rebels have to reign in polygamy and the growth of the minority, will cover the ended three days of peace talks district of Maungdaw, in Rakhine State, which includes the towns with a tentative deal to de- of Maungdaw and Buthidaung. Both are located along the border escalate fighting and continue a with Bangladesh, in an area inhabited largely by members of the political dialogue. Rohingya Muslim minority, the only ethnic group to which the The two sides signed a seven- “two children law” applies. point agreement Thursday Speaking at the conclusion of an NLD meeting in Yangon, the in the Kachin state capital, “Lady” told reporters she could not confirm if the law was already Myitkyina, in an effort to end in force, but added that it was “illegal.” more nearly two years of fighting. more ulation only. c ir ulation F or private study. and private resear c h sour c es for non- ommer ial and edited from various c ompiled Content 9 JUNE-JULy 2013 World China - Myanmar Oil and Gas Pipeline Project NAYPYIDAW, Myanmar, May 30 (UPI) – China’s $2.5 billion oil and natural gas pipeline in Myanmar will mutually benefit both countries, said Myanmar President Thein Sein. Thein Sein’s remarks of support for the project – being built jointly by China National Petroleum Corp. and Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise – followed a meeting President Barack Obama shakes hands with Burma’s president, Thein Sein in with CNPC general manager the Oval Office. Until two years ago the former general was on a US blacklist. Liao Yongyuan earlier this photograph: shawn thew/epa week, Chinas’ official Xinhua News Agency reports.In what is seen as a gesture to appease Myanmar President opposition to the pipeline, CNPC has donated $12.5 visits US million for the construction Former general Thein Sein became the first Burmese president of 45 schools and 24 health to visit the White House in almost 50 years on Monday – a visit clinics and other projects along human rights groups protested was premature, citing alleged its route in Myanmar. Liao, in ethnic cleansing and civil rights abuses. his meeting with Myanmar’s Barack Obama, talking to the press alongside Thein Sein, president, cited those projects acknowledged the human rights abuses but also praised him for as an example that CNPC has the progress he had made towards democracy in the last two years. fulfilled its social responsibility In a symbolic moment, Obama became the first US president to in the course of the pipeline talk about Myanmar rather than Burma. The US has long resisted construction. more the change, in part because of pressure from opposition groups and human rights organisations who said Myanmar was a name used by the military junta and was not inclusive of all the country’s India and Myanmar ethnic groupings, unlike Burma. - Armed Forces Earlier, the White House press secretary, Jay Carney, anticipating Cooperation the use of Myanmar, said it was not a change in policy by the US, which continued to view the name of the country as Burma, The political transition towards and there were no plans to officially adopt Myanmar. But there a democratic system in were times when its use as a courtesy was appropriate in certain Myanmar has acted as a catalyst settings, Carney said. and provided an opportunity The visit underlines the extent to which Burma’s status has for India to engage its changed. Two years ago it was still viewed as an international neighbour more intimately. pariah, run by a military junta. Since then, there has been a partial In the recent past, there have transfer to civilian rule, with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi been several high level being allowed to enter parliament and the release of hundreds of engagements between the political prisoners. political leadership of the two Obama, anxious to encourage reform and trade, visited Burma countries; the Indian Prime in November. It has been one of his few foreign policy successes, Minister visited Naypyidaw in courting the country and shifting it away from China’s sphere of April 2012 after a hiatus of influence. more nearly 25 years. more ulation only. c ir ulation F or private study. and private resear c h sour c es for non- ommer ial and edited from various c ompiled Content 10 JUNE-JULy 2013 environment Central Myanmar faces Global warming water shortage As temperatures rise, drought activists turn up the has taken hold in much of central Burma, with residents in several villages saying heat on government they fear for their health and As a water shortage hits several townships in Burma’s commercial livelihoods. capital and farmers nationwide anxiously await the upcoming “It’s very difficult to fetch water. rainy season, environmentalists are calling for more government The village’s lakes have dried support in the fight against climate change in this country of 60 up, so we have to go to the million people. streams and a river, which are While Burma’s nominally civilian government has earned quite far away,” a resident from international praise for its program of political and economic Ta Gunn Dine village in Magwe reforms after decades of military rule, environmentalists say Division’s Natmauk Township climate change is a told The Irrawaddy. “Not only pressing issue that the people, but also our cattle has been pushed will suffer if we do not get rain to the back burner in the next few days.” for too long by the In some parts of Magwe and nation’s leaders. Mandalay divisions, rain and “The new heavy winds in recent days have government is trying improved the situation. to solve poverty “As rain poured down in the and civil war, but last two days, our village’s lake photograph: bbc.co.uk unfortunately filled up again,” said Aung Khin climate change has never been well acknowledged by our decision- Win. more makers,” meteorologist Dr. Tun Lwin said on Saturday in Rangoon at roundtable discussion about global warming in Burma, as Italian Thai Dam temperatures in the country’s biggest city soared to 38 degrees Celsius. Project Stopped over Tun Lwin, the founder of Myanmar Climate Change Watch, a Environmental Concerns private nonprofit that monitors climate change in the country and Yangon -- The government has shares weather information with the public, said global warming reportedly halted a hydropower had contributed to the water scarcity in Rangoon and droughts dam project with Italian-Thai farther north. Development Plc in Taninthayi “If it [climate change] continues, it will continue to have region of lower Myanmar, citing consequences in the coming years,” he said. “That’s why we’re its possible environmental and asking for more government support, because we can’t handle this social impacts. issue alone.” Ital-Thai’s dam project located The country’s monsoon season has also been affected by global near Myeik township was warming. Since the late 1970s, Tun Lwin said, Burma has lost expected to generate at least about 40 days from the historic average duration of its rainy 800 megawatts of electricity season, usually about 145 days from May to September. upon completion, but is “The rains come late and leave early,” he said, adding that believed to pose flood risks to deforestation and excessive logging had also disrupted monsoon the thousands of hectares of patterns. farmland in the area. Burma was rated the second-worst country, only behind Environmental and social Bangladesh, among seven Asian countries in a “Global Climate impact analysis reports suggest Risk Index” by the climate change watchdog Germanwatch. more the dam project should not continue. more ulation only. c ir ulation F or private study. and private resear c h sour c es for non- ommer ial and edited from various c ompiled Content 11 JUNE-JULy 2013 environment Indo Myan Carbon Sink

photograph: tree-nation.com

Developing World’s First Natural Carbon Geographic Location, India Sink at Eastern Himalayan Biodiversity 1. Namdapha National Park, Arunachal Pradesh Hotspot 2. Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagaland A carbon sink is a natural or manmade reservoir Total Area in India – 1991.42 Sq Km that accumulates and stores carbon containing chemical compounds for an indefinite period. Myanmar Consequently, any reservoir can act as a sink for 1. Indawgyi Lake Wildlife Sanctuary carbon, provided it soaks up more carbon than it 2. Khakaborazi National Park emits. 3. Pitaung Wildlife Reserve The concept of a carbon sink when coupled with a 4. Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park bio-diversity park would yield a region that helps 5. Chatthin Wildlife Sanctuary create an ecological hot spot for various species of 6. Hukawng Valley Tiger Reserve flora and fauna and it will also provide a carbon 7. Minwun Hill (Taung) Wildlife Sanctuary sink owing to the carbon absorptive capacity of 8. Tamanthi Wildlife Reserve the forest. 9. Mount Victoria National Park Total Area in Myanmar – 33,673.24 Sq Km The proposed Biodiversity Park should fulfill the Total Area under the scope of the Proposal following requirements: – 35,664.66 Sq Km • Maintain the integrity of the natural processes • Protect natural landscapes and ecosystems Action Plan: • Protect outstanding, unique, rare and • Confirmation from both the governments of vulnerable natural features India and Myanmar to sign off on this proposed • Reference points to determine the effects of Biodiversity Park. human activity on the natural environment • Develop a GIS Map of the region • International Cooperation between India and • Declare the defined area as World’s first Myanmar which will strengthen ties between contiguous International Natural Carbon Sink both the countries. Biodiversity Park • Protect and provide opportunities for scientific • Host a joint meeting of the two forest reserve research. team to develop a joint cadre to protect and • Promote public consultation and community preserve this area. stewardship. • Develop the operational and financial structure • Biodiversity conservation should benefit to manage the park specifically households • Identify key partnerships with governments, • Establish local community representatives local community, private players , etc.. required to make this a success ulation only. c ir ulation F or private study. and private resear c h sour c es for non- ommer ial and edited from various c ompiled Content 12 JUNE-JULy 2013 infrastructure The Buses of Myanmar With so many travel Myanmar Buses companies plying the same routes at the same time, for the same price with the same kind of travel Myanmar buses. It is rather tricky to make the right choice in Myanmar. Sticking to those with the largest fleet is usually a safe bet: a Myanmar company with travel Myanmar buses only will have little time for technical controls. Some Myanmar buses companies have a big fleet but they alternate old & new Myanmar buses. The good thing about Myanmar old buses is that Myanmar driver had time to develop a Doing the rounds: Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Myanmar President close relationship with them: Thein Sein inspect the honor guard at the Presidential Palace on Sunday in if Myanmar buses brake down, Naypyitaw. | ap they can usually be fixed. New modern travel Myanmar buses might be technically Japan pledges aid for more challenging in Myanmar. Anyway, you sometimes have no choice as popular Myanmar Myanmar companies fill up fast. You should always try to reserve as NAYPYITAW – Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Sunday pledged early as possible in Myanmar. ¥91 billion in fresh aid to Myanmar while waiving another ¥190 Ask your Myanmar GH to call billion in debt, to support the democratizing Southeast Asian country’s growth. During the first visit by a Japanese prime minister in 36 years, Abe and Myanmar President Thein Sein agreed to lay “a new foundation for mutual friendship” by boosting cooperation in economic, political and security areas, as well as interpersonal and cultural exchanges. Abe called for “jump-starting” bilateral ties, which had been somewhat “frozen” until the country decided to shift from military rule to a democratic government in March 2011, and taking the relationship to a higher level, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiroshige Seko said. photo: guideformyanmar.com Unlike its Western allies, Japan maintained trade ties with for you. Seats can usually be Myanmar during the military junta’s rule, which ended in 2011, booked over the phone but you saying that taking a hard line on sanctions might push it closer will have to pick up the ticket to Beijing. After the summit, the two leaders exchanged notes at least a few hours before on Tokyo’s waiver of the remaining debt and the provision departure, which is not too of some ¥51 billion in fresh loans to help develop Myanmar’s convenient if the Myanmar infrastructure, as well as up to ¥40 billion in grant and technical buses station is far away from assistance in fiscal 2013. more the town center. more ulation only. c ir ulation F or private study. and private resear c h sour c es for non- ommer ial and edited from various c ompiled Content 13 JUNE-JULy 2013 infrastructure AIRPORTS IN MYANMAR International airports in Myanmar are based in Yangon and Mandalay. Currently, construction is underway at the Yangon International Airport to further increase its capacity from 2.7 million passengers a year to more than 3.8 million annually. Moreover, some domestic airports in Myanmar will be also be transformed into international airports to serve the growing foreign interest in the country. It is being planned to invest $4 million into the Dawei Airport to convert it into an international facility. http://www.freeimageslive.co.uk/free_stock_image/mandalaypointjpg | Three domestic companies photo: seaquestds are currently providing international service: Air Mandalay, Yangon Airways and The Sea Ports of Myanmar Airways International The schedule for domestic Myanmar flights is quite limited, but this is the most efficient way Myanmar has a total of 9 ports in the country. They are in : to move about such a large Yangon, Sittaway (Sittwe), , , Pathein, country. Myanmar has over 60 Mawlamyine, Dawei, Myeik and Kawthaung cities. These ports are airstrips with 46 local airports vital in connecting the world’s most dynamic economies. in every state except in Chin. A summarizedreport on Myanmar’s industrial development can be The government intends to found below: privatize all of these airports to • Thailand is creating a new international trade route by promote future growth. developing ports and industrial complexes in Dawei. Their deep- sea port project will allow 40 million tons of finished goods to be IMPORT CARGO TO BE exported yearly. 5 million tons of rice, sugar, corn, tapioca, and other grains will flow through the port every year while 25 million PRIVATIZED tons of coal will be imported yearly. The port will see 50 million Yangon International Airport’s tons of general cargo, 35 million tons of chemical and 36 million authorities are planning to tons of crude oil trade. allow privatization of import • China is investing in the KyaukPhyu port to create a logistic cargo services.The Public Service Capacity Assessment route to supply energy. The port has a 480-meter-long quay, a Committee made the decision 150-meter-long jetty allowing 5,000-ton vessels to berth, a 29.7 to privatize the services after km-long waterway, a 600,000-m3 water storage tank, machine inspecting the airport. The facilities, and construction facilities. Ministry of Finance and • India is developing the Sittaway (Sittwe) port to connect Revenue and Ministry of north-eastern India via the Kaladan River. Land-locked Indian Transport are also negotiating commodities passing through the Sittaway port will be exported to the making of privatization for other Southeast Asian nations. the import services. ulation only. c ir ulation F or private study. and private resear c h sour c es for non- ommer ial and edited from various c ompiled Content 14 JUNE-JULy 2013 Society People Profile Myanmar is one of the most ethnically diverse Mon are Myanmar’s earliest settlers of the countries in the world, the outcome of three Ayeyarwaddy delta, , and Karen state. mass migrations from Central Asia and Tibet. The Mon were vital in shaping the ’s 60,280,000-person population is modern Myanmar. Their script became a part divided into 135 officially recognized ethnic of the Burmese , and, perhaps most groups. These 135 ethnic groups are subsets of 8 importantly, they brought Theravada major national ethnic races grouped by region as to both Myanmar and Thailand. opposed to language or actual ethnicity. Kachin can be found in northern Myanmar. Bamar are the ethnic majority in Myanmar. They are subsistence farmers practicing They make up 68% of the total population rotational cultivation of hill rice. This race is and dominate both the government and the known for its expertise in fighting, herbal healing military. Because they and jungle survival. drastically outnumber The entire race is said every other ethnic race to share a common in the country, their ancestor in Madai, a language (Burmese) is man they worshipped the official language. as a god. Today, as The Bamar live in the a result of American central plains near the missionaries, most of Irrawaddy and Sittang the are rivers. Christians. Shan are Myanmar’s Kayah live in the second largest ethnic Karenni state, which race, live in the river was independent until valleys of the Shan the British colonization plateau and most of Myanmar in 1886. survive on their The Karenni, or the farming abilities. Kayah, are a subset While most members of the Kayin people. of this race are The Kayah themselves Theravada Buddhists, include nine different the is ethnic subsets. One home to a number of ethnic groups that practice subset of the Kayah, the Padaung tribe living on . It is also rich in natural resources, the Myanmar-Thailand border, are famous for such as silver, lead, gold, tungsten, rubies, the neck rings worn by the women of this group. sapphires and teak. inhabit both the Chin and Rakhine Kayin or the Karen, are the third largest state on the Myanmar-India border. They arrived ethnic race in Myanmar and live in tribal in Myanmar late in the 9th century A.D. Chin mountain villages as well as along the Myanmar- villages were once self-governed municipalities Thailand border. The majority of Kayin are run by chiefs and councils of elders. Missionaries Theravada Buddhists, while approximately 15% managed to convert about 80% of these people are Christian. to Christianity, but many still practice traditional Rakhine or Arakenese people live along tribal beliefs and Theravada Buddhism. Myanmar’s western coast. They are very closely Many unrecognized ethnic groups still exist. related to the majority Bamar race differing only The Burmese Chinese and the Panthay are two slightly in language. Though not a subset of the of these groups. Together they make up 3% of , the Muslim Ronhingya people of Myanmar’s population while Indo-Aryan race reside in Rakhine state. make up 2%. ulation only. c ir ulation F or private study. and private resear c h sour c es for non- ommer ial and edited from various c ompiled Content 15 JUNE-JULy 2013 INNOVATION Myanmar communications gets boost from Japan Myanmar’s notoriously under develope communications infrastructure is to get a boost following the signing of a contract between three Japanese companies— Sumitomo Corporation, NTT Communications and NEC Corporation— and the Ministry of Communications last week. In a statement released on Tuesday, Sumitomo and NEC announced that they would be supporting Myanmar’s Solar projects in Myanmar will help the country meet electricity demand in “emergency communications rural communities| photo : power-technology.com network improvement plan” by building a high speed optical World’s third largest “The cables will provide more Solar Plant to be set up than 1.5 million Myanmar has not always had the greatest of reputations, but fixed-telephone Thailand-based company Green Earth Power (GEP) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the country’s Ministry lines.” of Electric Power to construct a $275 million solar power plant in cable to link the country’s the city of Minbu in the , close to the capital of Nay biggest cities. Pyi Taw. The cables will enhance the The 210 MW power plant is claimed to be the “world’s third largest cities’ internet connectivity, as solar plant” and is expected to be finished within 18 months. To well as provide more than 1.5 be developed in three phases — 50 MW, 70 MW, and 90 MW — million fixed-telephone lines 70% of the cost will be paid through loans while the remaining when they are completed at the financing will come from equity. Paul Bernard Yang, president and end of 2013. chairman of GEP, told the Bangkok Post the company is expected The project has been made to sign a power purchase agreement with the Ministry within the possible by a grant of 1.71 next 90 days. billion yen (US$16.6 million) “We are also in negotiations for a second MoU, [for a plant that] provided by the Japan could be in Mandalay or Yangon, and to have capacity of more International Cooperation than 200 MW,” said Yang. “The second MoU with the Ministry of Agency to assist in Myanmar’s Electric Power is expected to be finalised this year.” communications’ network Development of renewable energy anywhere in the world is big development last December. news, especially on such a large scale. The appeal of such a project Japan has made no secret of only grows once you consider that not only is Myanmar not one of its bid to be the champion of the stereotypical nations to develop renewable energy, but that the Myanmar’s development on the country currently only provides electricity to 26% of the country, international scene. more while only 4% of rural areas have access to power. more ulation only. c ir ulation F or private study. and private resear c h sour c es for non- ommer ial and edited from various c ompiled Content 16 JUNE-JULy 2013 MYANMAR CONNECT LEGAL SERVICES IN MYANMAR

photo : globalnews.ca Economic Laws Practice, Advocates & approvals. Solicitors (“ELP”) is an advisory, litigation and • Advising clients in relation to issues transactional law firm having offices in , concerning protection of intellectual New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Pune and Bengaluru. property rights. With 19 partners and over 90 lawyers and • Advising clients in relation to foreign professionals, ELP consistently provides high investment and exchange control issues. quality and commercially relevant legal advice • Assisting in relation to day-to-day corporate by combining specialist legal skills and industry commercial matters, including issues relating to experience. Clients benefit from ELP’s in depth company law, employment law and land related understanding of the applicable laws and policy matters. framework. ELP has over the years successfully • Advising and assisting clients on securities law represented interests of various industry related issues. associations before the concerned authorities. • Providing transaction related assistance such With the growth of the Myanmar economy as legal and tax due diligence, capital structuring and evolution of its legal system, ELP would and repatriation, entry and exit strategies, advice be effectively and efficiently assisting various on foreign direct investment, company law and organizations in relation to the following practice other applicable regulations. areas: • Assisting in regulatory filing and regulatory 1. Corporate & Commercial, Private compliance, reporting and ongoing monitoring Equity & Venture Capital, Capital Markets issues and governance. & Securities law • Advising clients on structuring of transactions, 2. Competition Law and Policy in line with applicable laws. • Delivering result-oriented solutions to its • Reviewing, drafting, negotiating and executing clientele, both national and international and transaction documents. advising sovereign governments on competition • Advising and assisting in relation to regulatory policy issues. ulation only. c ir ulation F or private study. and private resear c h sour c es for non- ommer ial and edited from various c ompiled Content 17 JUNE-JULy 2013 MYANMAR CONNECT

• Providing clients with practical and effective 5. Taxation (including direct tax, indirect guidance on the competition and regulatory tax and transfer pricing) aspects of acquisitions, mergers and joint • International tax advisory, with specific focus ventures. on handling of cross border tax / withholding tax issues, transfer pricing, etc. 3. Banking and Finance • Domestic tax advisory services which include • Regulatory and structuring advice. advising corporations in relation to tax efficient • Drafting and negotiating various financing structures. documents such as fund and non fund facility • Comprehensive litigation support in relation to agreements, common terms agreements and inter taxation issues. creditor-agreements. • Drafting and negotiating various security and 6. Government Initiative / Policy ancillary transaction documents. Formulation • Issuing transaction closing legal opinions on • Representing industry bodies before the the Indian law documents and capacity of Indian relevant government authorities for policy parties. formulation, specifically in relation to taxation • Advising Indian banks in setting up issues. representative offices. 7. Infrastructure (including real estate & construction, hospitality & leisure) • Providing comprehensive legal solutions covering all areas of an infrastructure project, from the inception of a project through award of the project, financial close, design, investment, construction, operation and management. • Drafting and negotiating transactional documentation which would include bidding documents, concession agreements, joint venture agreements, shareholders agreements, etc. • Due diligence reviews, covering transactional, financial, environmental, tax and compliance related issues.

A man counts US dollars and Myanmar kyats at a money changer in Yangon March 21, 2012. photo : reuters, ivcpost.com

4. Litigation and Dispute Resolution • Offering comprehensive litigation support Contact Details: services with expertise in various sectors such as taxation, energy, construction, infrastructure, Economic Laws Practice international trade, government contracts, 109, Dalamal Towers, A Wing, Nariman admiralty, insurance, and product liability. Point, Mumbai 400021, India • Representing clients in proceedings before Tel: +91 22 66367000, Dir: +91 22 66371977, various arbitration forums such as the ICC, LCIA, Fax: +91 22 66367172 LCIA India, SIAC, LMAA, GAFTA, KLRCA, etc. Email: [email protected]; and in Ad-hoc proceedings around the world. [email protected] • Anticipating, preventing, and minimizing Contact person: Mr. Nishant Shah; Ms. exposure of clients to potential disputes thereby Prajacta Jadhav significantly reducing costs and increasing operational efficiency. ulation only. c ir ulation F or private study. and private resear c h sour c es for non- ommer ial and edited from various c ompiled Content 18 JUNE-JULy 2013 Upcoming events Myanmar Conferences and Trade Shows Calendar Date: 13 - 15 June 2013 unite international oil & gas services. General health Trade Shows companies for a two day administration will find its way Global engineering strategic conference that to enhance their standard of Myanmar will examine developments, public services. Location: Hall, strategies and opportunities Myanmar Phar Med Expo Yangon with Myanmar’s fast-evolving will help in building network This event will be designed to oil & gas markets. among other industries and emphasize on the advances leading medical professionals. made in the field of engineering Date: 19 - 21-Jun-2013 Commercial advancement equipments. The exhibitors of Conferences and global reputation will be Global engineering Myanmar Investment & Technology ensured through this popular will include distributors and Summit 2013 health and wellness exhibition manufacturers. Construction Location: Yangon / on better and healthy lifestyle. materials and equipment, air Myanmar conditioning systems, heating This All-Myanmar Summit is systems, refrigeration systems, organised with the support of Date: 12 - 15 July 2013 lighting, building management the Myanmar Rice Federation Trade Shows systems, professional services and many other agricultural Electricals Motor and fittings, green and associations in and outside Machinery Auto Parts Fair alternative energy, eco products, Myanmar. Buyers, sellers, Location: Tatmadaw Hall, water technology, pumps and brokers, farm owners, bankers, Yangon valves and waste management, insurers, region & township The primary objective of this oil and gas products are some of farming leaders can meet with international trade show is the products and services that the world’s top agro traders, to make the technical and will be exhibited in the event. investors and agricultural professional experts related to This event will offer networking experts. electrical, motors machinery opportunity to the participants and auto parts manufacturing that will help them in earning Date: 04 - 05 July 2013 industry aware of the latest high profits for their business Trade Shows techniques which are badly on international level. Myanmar Phar-Med Expo needed for making this sector Location: UMFCCIs more advanced. Manufacturers, Date: 17 - 19-Jun-2013 Building, Yangon Suppliers, Engineers from all Conferences It is a global exhibition that over the world related to this 2nd Myanmar Oil & Gas is intended to promote the field will attend this event and Summit 2013 medical and pharmaceutical will get a scope to gather useful Location: Yangon industry of the world. It information. Following political reform and is a business event that Electricals Motor Machinery the ending of international will generates progressive Auto Parts Fair is a must attend sanctions, Myanmar has development in the various event for the like Business become a highly attractive respective fields of health and Owners, Distributors, Retailers, destination for investment medical management sector. Government Agencies and from the international oil & This trade show will ensure Professionals. gas industry. The Myanmar the development of national Oil & Gas Summit 2013 health and hospital industry is a unique event that will and Ambulatory health care ulation only. c ir ulation F or private study. and private resear c h sour c es for non- ommer ial and edited from various c ompiled Content 19 JUNE-JULy 2013 Upcoming events World Economic Forum Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, 5-7 June 2013 Courageous Transformation for Inclusion and Integration The programmes related to issues on Myanmar are listed below : 5th June 2013 | 09.15 - 10.30 the country build the foundations The Business Mandate in of an inclusive and robust financial Myanmar system? Dimensions to be addressed: Dimensions to be addressed: • Exploring the role of anti- • Deepening and broadening access corruption and transparency to capital and financial services in promoting competitiveness, • Addressing risks and fighting growth and public trust corruption • Implementing business practices • Providing incentives for low- to reward a long-term mindset income bank accounts • Empowering the bottom of the 7th June 2013 | 11.00 - 12.15 pyramid by scaling indigenous Thinking Ahead with Young Global solutions Leaders - Inclusive Development 5th June 2013 | 11.00 - 12.15 In these times of great possibility Myanmar: What Future? for Myanmar, it is crucial that Aung San Suu Kyi speaks during the As Myanmar undergoes government, civil society, “One-on-One Conversation with a democratic reform and economic media and business leaders Leader” event as part of the World liberalization, what are the come together to ensure the Economic Forum on East Asia in opportunities and challenges country’s inclusive development. Bangkok on 1 June 2012. ahead? Young Global Leaders give four photo : dvb.no • Furthering political reforms to short talks on the importance transition to full democracy of inclusive development in • Supporting the rights of Myanmar. minorities and culture of dissent 7th June 2013 |12.15 - 13.15 Gems Expo • Building sustainable markets and Meet Myanmar Parliamentarians Myanmar is hosting for the financial systems Join this informal lunch to meet first time the International This session was developed in with members of the National partnership with the BBC. Assembly of Myanmar. Gems Expo-2013 at the 6th June 2013 | 15.15 - 16.30 7th June 2013 |13.45 - 15.00 Convention Center in Yangon. The Long-term View Taking Myanmar to Work Over 40 companies from local As Myanmar undergoes rapid As Myanmar opens up to new and abroad, including the political and economic reforms, business and investment, what US, Germany, Spain, Italy how can it balance the inflow of steps are needed to match the Cambodia have put their gems, foreign interests with domestic demand for skilled workers and jewellery items and equipment capacity-building? foster innovation? Dimensions to be addressed: Dimensions to be addressed: in making finished gems • Strengthening governance • Engaging with interactive products on display at the expo, institutions and civil society technology and online education which lasts four days starting • Enabling an environment for • Promoting multiple tracks of from May 9. entrepreneurship success through vocational courses The foreign Companies • Improving employability of • Creating strong incentives for on- exchanged technical views workforce the-job training with the local entrepreneurs. • Prioritizing the environment and This session was developed in sustainable practices partnership with NHK The local gems companies are This session was developed in 7th June 2013 | 15.15 - 15.45 also displaying Myanmar’s partnership with CNBC. A Special Conversation mineral resources such as ruby, 6th June 2013 | 16.45 - 18.00 Join a special conversation with U sapphire, emerald, pearl and Moving from a Cash to a Banked Thein Sein, President of Myanmar, gold, including value-added Economy. With less than one-fifth who will share his perspectives on gems products at the expo. of Myanmar’s population using Myanmar’s transformation. formal financial services, how can ulation only. c ir ulation F or private study. and private resear c h sour c es for non- ommer ial and edited from various c ompiled Content 20 JUNE-JULy 2013 message It is my pleasure to learn that Globally Managed Services will continue to publish For More information about Myanmar Matters newsletter to promote investing in myanmar, contact: greater understanding between the people and INDIA: trade relations of the two countries. The first Kolkata: Prabudha issue of the Myanmar Matters newsletter was E: [email protected] informative and impressive. Therefore, I am T: +913366261201; +913365007258 M: +919830096413; +919831100656 KyawSwe Tint confident that the forthcoming issue will be Consulate General Mumbai: Sangeeta Menezes even better. I hope the newsletter can inspire E: [email protected] of the Republic of the Indian businessmen to understand Myanmar T: (+91)22-67060881; F:(+91)22-67060001 Union of Myanmar, and the prospects of doing business in the M: +919819941600 Kolkata country. I am pleased to encourage Mr. Ranjit Delhi: Alisha Debara E: [email protected] Barthakur, founder of Globally Managed Services, to publish such T: +91 11 2372 1234 newsletters regularly. I wish him all the best in his endeavours. M: +91 9910122458

I would like to congratulate the entire team MYANMAR: of Globally Managed Services (GMS) and its Maung Shwe founder Shri Ranjit Barthakur for bringing E: [email protected] T: (+95)01394375/6 out an in-depth informative newsletter titled Akash Chandra “Myanmar Matters”, not only to celebrate the E: [email protected] historic bonds that India and Myanmar share T: (+95)0195113770 but also to further strengthen the bilateral Yi Yi relations and fraternity between the people of E: [email protected] T: (+95)01255796,389652 Y.K. Sailas Thangal India and Myanmar. Charge d Affaires a.i India and Myanmar are linked not only by Embassy of India, geography, but also by the shared historic, THAILAND: Yangon. Bangkok: Kalpesh Popat cultural, religious and economic ties. Today, E: [email protected] as Myanmar stands at the threshold of political and economic T: (+66)0896696699 transition to a democratic system and market economy, our relations are set to move to a higher plane, acquiring new depth EMBASSIES and substance. This has also provided us an opportunity to The Republic of the Union of Myanmar work together as equal partners to revive the ancient links and 3/50 F, Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri, rediscover the immense possibilities of cooperation that exist New Delhi 110021, India between our two Countries. T: +91 11 2467 8822 My best wishes to GMS for their endeavour which, I am sure, will The Republic of India, Yangon, Myanmar be a medium for people to enrich themselves in realms of India- 545-547 Merchant St, Kyauktada Township, Post Myanmar relations. Box No.751,Yangon T: 00-95-1-391219, 00-95-1-243972, Editor’s note: The article by Dr. V.S.Seshadri in our April-May issue appeared 00-95-1-388412 originally in The Hindu. We are grateful for his permission. more GOVERNMENT OF INDIA Ministry of External Affairs Jawahar Lal Nehru Bhawan, Opposite National Museum, Rajpath, New Delhi 110001, India T: +91 11 2338 3371

GOVERNMENT OF MYANMAR Ministry Of Commerce Building 3, Nay Pyi Taw, The Republic of Union of Myanmar. T: 067 - 408002, F: 067 - 408004 E: [email protected], [email protected] Ministry Of Foreign Affairs The Launch of Myanmar Matters, Delhi April 25, 2013 Office No. 9, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar ulation only. c ir ulation F or private study. and private resear c h sour c es for non- ommer ial and edited from various c ompiled Content 21 JUNE-JULy 2013