Gold ornament displayed at gold outlet in Yangon at high prices

The price of pure gold remains high at around K3.1 million per tical (0.578 ounce or 0.016 kilogramme) in the unofficial domestic market on 3 May as the spot gold price rallied at $1,961 per ounce and Kyat against greenback depreciates at K2,960 in the grey market. Consequently, YGEA hiked the reference rate to over K2,310,000 per tical. There is a large price difference of over K700,000 per tical between the YGEA’s reference price and the price in the unofficial market. YGEA calculated the price depending on the Central Bank of Myanmar’s reference exchange rate of K2,100, with some addition, while the US dollar is exchanged at K2,960 in the unofficial forex market.

The US dollar exchange rate weighs on domestic gold prices. The YGEA requested sellers to make gold transactions below K2.9 million per tical on 27 April when the gap between the reference price and the market price is wide. Following the bankruptcy of the US bank in early March, the gold price soared. Despite the gold gain in the global market, Myanmar’s forex market sees no movement at all. Consequently, YGEA requested its members not to buy them competitively, tracking the upward trend in the gold spot price, as per YGEA’s statement released on 20 March. Afterwards, the YGEA called for the members to make gold transactions with only immediate payment and avoid verbal transactions over calls without having any physical stocks.

The YGEA is not bound to have any responsibilities for market manipulation in the unofficial market. As a result of this, its members are asked to strictly adhere to the rules and regulations of the association while making gold transactions. At present, the authorities concerned are attempting to deal with market abuse and inspecting and prosecuting market manipulation is being undertaken.

Moreover, the Central Bank of Myanmar will inspect those manipulators who interfere with market stability through digital platforms, according to the notification dated 20 March. The soaring dollar exchanging at over K4,500 drove the pure gold price up to a record-high of K3.7 million per tical in late August 2022. For the gold price to decline, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation has been selling gold ingots under the competitive bidding system in Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw. With an aim at reducing gold prices, the YGEA and Mandalay Region Gold Entrepreneurs Association sold gold bullion supplied by the executive members and the members as well. 

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

aungbarlay

People will have easy access to buying lottery ticketsand sending payments for lottery tickets through the Aungbarlay online lottery application

PEOPLE can easily buy the Aungbarlay lottery through an online lottery application by using their mobile
phones at any time anywhere, said Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior
General Min Aung Hlaing at the launching ceremony of the Aungbarlay online lottery system at Myanmar
International Convention Centre-II in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday morning.
In his speech, the Senior General said that people criticize the weakness of the Aungbarlay lottery ticket
system, especially requesting to solve the problem of higher prices of lottery tickets than the set price.
In addition to the sale of current Aungbarlay lottery tickets, the Aungbarlay online lottery system was
arranged for people to buy them at a set price. People can easily buy the Aungbarlay lottery through an online lottery application by using their mobile phones at any time anywhere. People will have easy access to buying lottery tickets and sending payments for lottery tickets through the Aungbarlay online lottery application. SMS will be sent to the mobile phones of winners in the lottery. Small prizes for winning the lottery will be sent to winners online or to the banking accounts of winners through electronic techniques.
The Senior General said that the digital lottery platform linking digital technology and mobile payment
system was introduced to the people for launching the Aungbarlay online lottery application. It aims to increase the revenue of the State, develop the digital economic infrastructure and initiate a cashless society. The Aungbarlay online lottery system was jointly implemented by relevant ministries and departments under the leadership of the Ministry of Finance and Revenue and Telecom International Myanmar Co Ltd. The documentary video of the Aungbarlay lottery and its online system was introduced to the attendees.
Deputy Prime Minister Union Minister U Win Shein, Union Minister for Investment and Foreign Economic
Relations Dr Kan Zaw, Chairman of Myanmar Economic Corporation Lt-Gen Nyo Saw and (Mytel) CEO
Nguyen Tien Dung of Viettel Group simultaneously put gold coins into the savings bank in commemoration of the launching the Aungbarlay online lottery system. The Senior General also put an Aungmingala gold coin into the bank in launching the new lottery system. Deputy Prime Minister Union Minister U Win Shein presented the logo of the online lottery system to the Senior General.
External Relations Chief Officer Dr Nilar Aye of Mytel clarified the procedures and advantages of applying
Mobile Application Download and drawing the lottery awards of the Aungbarlay online lottery system.
A five-year documentary video clip of Telecom International Myanmar Co Ltd (Mytel) which is the
partner of the online lottery system was presented. On behalf of the Ministry of Defence of the Socialist
Republic of Viet Nam, Vice-President Maj-Gen Nguyen Thanh Nam of Viettel Group spoke words of thanks and presented a certificate of honour to officials of Mytel. The Senior General viewed applying the mobile application for the Aungbarlay online lottery system.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

57 international container ships to call at Yangon ports in June

A total of 57 container ships from 15 international container shipping lines will dock at five international ports in Yangon Port and two ports in Thilawa Terminal in June, according to the Myanma Port Authority.

A total of 10 ships from Sealand Maersk Asia, four ships from New Golden Sea (COSCO) line, eight from Samudera Shipping Line, five ships from MSC line, four ships from SITC, two from BLPL line, two from the Eve Green line, three from the IAL line, two from the PIL line, six from the RCL line, four from Ti2 Container line, one from Bay Line, two from the Land & Sea line and one from the CMA-CGM line, totalling 57 vessels will arrive at the port in June.

The ports in Yangon are operated in two parts with the export and import purposes. In export, the Myanma Port Authority allows entry with the necessary documents, and the Customs Department inspects the goods and then exports the goods.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Air KBZ introduces YangonLoikaw-Yangon direct flight

Air KBZ stated that it has introduced direct flights between Yangon and Loikaw.
The Yangon-Loikaw-Yangon direct flight started on 4 June.  It departed from Yangon at 7:30 am, arrived in Loikaw at 8:35 am, left Loikaw again at 8:55 am, and landed in Yangon at 10 am.
The flight ticket for this trip is K176,000, and there are flights on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Air KBZ also operates 11 flights for passengers such as Yangon, Mandalay, Hehoe, Tachilek, Thandwe, Kawthoung, NyaungU, Lashio, Nay Pyi Taw, Khamti, and Kalay.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

China Border

When applying for an import license from the Chinese border, You must present the account balance (RMB) purchased from a local bank

When applying for an import license from the Chinese border, either from export earnings or The Foreign Exchange Supervisory Committee has decided that the balance of the account (RMB) purchased from a local bank must be presented.

whether by sea or Obtaining a license for goods to be imported from the border or from abroad and paying from local banks or To allow payment only through the bank transfer system, either from export earnings or by purchase. When applying for an import license from the Chinese border, either from export earnings or It was decided in the meeting number (41/2023) of the Foreign Exchange Supervisory Committee to submit a bank statement showing the balance of the account (RMB) purchased from a local bank.

In the third quarter of the fiscal year 2022-2023, the five countries that imported the most imports to Myanmar were China, Singapore Thailand According to the Central Statistics Association, Malaysia and Indonesia are in the same order.

In the third quarter of the fiscal year 2022-2023, among the five countries that imported the most goods to Myanmar, China accounted for $1,537.89 million; Singapore $1,147.21 million; Thailand 543.13 million dollars; Malaysia, $237.11 million; Indonesia ranks first with $229.908 million.

In the fiscal year 2020-2021, China is among the 10 countries that import the most imports to Myanmar, more than 4647 million dollars. According to the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, Singapore has more than 2604 million dollars and Thailand has more than 1980 million dollars.

From October to the end of September in the fiscal year 2020-2021, the countries that imported the most goods to Myanmar were China, Singapore Thailand Indonesia, Malaysia, India South Korea Vietnam Japan and the United States.

In the fiscal year 2020-2021, the largest import to Myanmar was from China with 4647.10 million dollars, from Singapore with 2604.22 million dollars. 1980.89 million dollars from Thailand; 1164.51 million from Indonesia; 787.34 million dollars from Malaysia, 386.54 million dollars from India. $376.85 million from South Korea; 58 million from Vietnam; According to the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, 352.46 million dollars were imported from Japan and 227.32 million dollars from the United States.

Source: Daily Eleven

covid 19

Republic of the Union of MyanmarAnnouncement of Central Committee on Prevention, Control and Treatment ofCoronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

AS it is necessary to continuously control infection of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), it is hereby announced that requests to the public, orders, notifications
and directives (except for easing the restrictions) released by the Union-level organizations and Union ministries up to 31 May 2023 have been extended until 30 June
2023 for prevention, control and treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Monthly Business Brief, May 2023

Economy

Cyclone Mocha hit three distinct states and regions of Myanmar, Rakhine State, Chin State and Magway Region on 14th May, 2023 and destroyed home and infrastructure of local communities living there. Aftermath, it has also major impact on commodity prices such as the price of basic commodities has been very high. On top of it, there is soaring prices and being double prices in basic shelter materials such as tarpaulins, GI sheets, and iron nails. Not only being higher in commodity price but also the running out of the commodity including medicines at the current situation.

Banking and Finance Sector

Market Foreign Exchange rate has increased from MMK 1890 to MMK 1950 in official Market Exchange counter at the end of May 2023 due to the speculation. The rumor has it that the reference exchange rate will also have been increased to market rate by Central Bank of Myanmar. However, the Central Bank of Myanmar announced on 26th May that it would not change the reference exchange rate and promotes Foreign exchange currencies instead and support USD liquidity and MMK liquidity. Besides, the CBM stated that actions will be taken if the AD licensed private banks participate in speculation.

Myanmar has gained the remarkably raising Inflation rate throughout history. Myanmar Annual Rate of Inflation or (CPI) Inflation rate has climbed up to 18.25 % in the first quarter of FY 2022-23, and Year-on Inflation rate is 18.46%. Annual Rate of inflation is 27.98 % and average Inflation for Q2 (Jul-Sep 2022) was 28.14 %. Compared to the FY 2021-2022, it has gained 7 % increase of CPI and 4 % increase in annual rate of inflation.

Regulations on overseas remittance – Foreign Exchange Authorized Dealers Bank (AD) banks in Myanmar will scrutinize the companies whether they pay the personal and corporate income taxes to the government and allow the businesses to transfer above USD 10,000 remittances after checking tax bills.

According to the Myanmar Annual Tax Compliance Remainder for FY 2022-23, all taxpayers – including companies, organizations, or individuals – must file their annual tax returns especially Corporate Income Tax, Commercial Tax and Annual Salary Statement to their respective tax offices through in-person or applying through www.ird.gov.mm before the end of June, 2023.

Trading Sector

An MSME Fair 2023 was held on 7th May, 2023 in Lotte Hotel, Yangon and mainly conducted by UMFCCI (Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry) in order to promote the development of MSME sector within Myanmar. There are over 120 product shows displayed including Myanmar Traditional Costume Fashion Show.

Myanmar is the largest trade partner of Yunnan Province as well as the largest import source and export market. China and Myanmar has been closest business partners’ countries throughout ages. China-Lancang Trade Fair between the Myanmar Trade Promotion Organization under the Ministry of Commerce, and the Lancang People’s Government in Yunnan Province, the People’s Republic of China, was conducted from 25th to 28th May in NayPyiTaw. A total of 65 businesspersons, organizations and companies from Myanmar and 70 businesspersons from China have participated on the trade fair. As a part of the program, Myanmar-China economic and trade cooperation discussion and the signing ceremony was took place on 26th May 2023 at the Plenary Hall of the Myanmar International Convention Center II (MICC- II). About 17 companies from both countries signed nine agreements on cooperation and trade in areas such as agricultural products, foodstuffs, soft drinks and beverages, pharmaceutical products, household electronics, and electric vehicles.

Foreign Direct Investment Sector

India-based Adani Business Group has sold Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) Ltd, the largest port group developer of India, implemented in Yangon, to Solar Energy Companies with USD 30 Million. The business group has totally invested USD 195 million in Myanmar. In May 2022, the APSEZ had announced the signing of a Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) for the sale of its Myanmar Port. According to the Statement, the buyer will pay the said amount to the seller within three business days on completing all the necessary compliance by the seller. On receipt of the total transaction value, the APSEZ shall transfer the equity to the buyer and its exit will stand concluded.

According to a local newspaper, Myanmar Economic Holding Limited sued the HSL Group Joint Venture Company for USD 21 million and the defendant will confront witnesses in order to dispute their testimony and questions in coming June 2026.

Manufacturing Sector

By 2022-23 GDP by composition, the manufacturing sector is the second largest portion with (34%)and largely contributed toward national economy. Myanmar manufacturing sector is mainly comprised of the garment and textiles produced on the CMP (Cutting, Making and Packing). Throughout nationwide, about 541 factories are operated under the Myanmar Garment Association and mostly from China, and followed by Myanmar, the Republic of Korea. In April 2023, the manufacturing sector almost hit USD 3.7 Million investment which is mainly from a Chinese enterprise with USD 2 Million USD.

Although there was a terrible electricity shortage in hot season of this year,  Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), Myanmar Manufacturing Index has bumped up to 57.4 in April 2023 with the fastest pace since the series began in 2016 and grew the most on record  due to increasing orders and production growth in last 18 months. 

Transportation Sector

The opening ceremony of Sittwe-Kaladan Jetty International Port under the Indian-funded Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport Project was held in Sittway Township of Rakhine State on 9th May 2023. It has major achievement for transportation sector through 2022-23 because of its mutual benefits to India and Rakhine and China States in Myanmar. Besides, as it is a multimodal transport system by linking the sea route, inland waterways and road, it has major impact such as the flow of the transport and goods between Rakhine State and also promotes the socio-economic status of residents living alongside the Port

COVID

There are eight cases of Covid-19 Omicron XBB.1.16 sub variant in Sittwe, Myanmar. The Ministry of Health has also warned that the XBB.1.16 is more infectious than previous one. As of May 27,2023, there are 638,491 Coronavirus cases in Myanmar and total 617,455 have been recovered from infection out of 10 Million specimen test. In order to continuously control the infection of COVID-19, the rules and restrictions have been extended until the end of June 2023 by the Ministry of Health.