China Border

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

by TRADING

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)

by COVID

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

by Business Article

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.

CBM says no plan to change referenceexchange rate

by ECONOMY

THE Central Bank of Myanmar (CBM) has no plan to change the reference exchange rate and it will maintain USD liquidity and Kyat Liquidity providing operations, according to the CBM’s notification
released on 26 May. Additionally, the CBM will sell more foreign currencies at the FX counters of the relevant banks. To stabilize and enhance the FX market, the CBM has been providing liquidity through local banks. It helps reduce the need for US dollar liquidity and Kyat liquidity for the businesspersons and stabilize the exchange rate, the statement mentioned. However, those unscrupulous are attempting to take advantage of some people by manipulating the FX market with false rumours. This being so, the CBM announced that it has no plan to change the reference exchange rate. The CBM will continue to provide USD liquidity and Kyat liquidity. Those studying abroad, working abroad under the foreign recruitment program of the Ministry of Labour and going abroad for medical treatment are entitled to buy large amounts of foreign currencies at the banks’ FX counters and the CBM has planned to sell
the cards for international payment during the set period. The CBM warned the people of malicious rumours regarding the FX market. Investigation and prosecution of market manipulation to hike the exchange rate in the local forex market by disseminating incorrect information will be undertaken under the provisions stipulated in the Central Bank of Myanmar Law and Foreign Exchange Management Law. Tipping off about the manipulators can be done through the CBM’s email: gov.office@cbm.gov.mm.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Myanmar-China economic and trade cooperation discussion, signing ceremony held

by ECONOMY

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, are co-hosting Myanmar (Nay Pyi Taw)-China (Lancang) Trade Fair from 25 to 28 May. As part of the programme of the second day, the
Myanmar-China economic and trade cooperation discussion and the signing ceremony took place at the
Plenary Hall of the Myanmar International Convention Centre II (MICC-II) yesterday morning.
First of all, Lancang cultural dance troupes from the People’s Republic of China performed traditional
Chinese dances at the ceremony.

Afterwards, Director-General Daw Naw Muta Kapaw of the Myanmar Trade Promotion Organization, Economic and Commercial Counsellor Mr Tan Shufu from the Chinese Embassy, and Director Mr Zhou Yongzhi of the Lancang Commerce Department gave their opening speeches. Next, companies from Myanmar and China presented the conditions under which the two countries will be able to cooperate in trade. Then, 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.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Myanmar manufacturing sector attracts $3.7 mln in April

by MANUFACTURING

MYANMAR’S manufacturing sector drew over US$3.7 million in April 2023, including capital expansion by
the existing enterprises, as per the statistics released by the Directorate of Investment and Company
Administration (DICA). One enterprise listed from China put a foreign direct investment of $2 million in the manufacturing sector in April.
Myanmar attracted foreign direct investments of $1.64 billion from 87 enterprises last financial year 2022-
2023 (April-March). The majority of the investments were brought into the manufacturing sector, drawing
$271.8 million from 64 enterprises. The agriculture sector drew $3.5 million from two projects. The power sector received $820.27 million from 11 projects, while one enterprise put $29 million in the real estate sector and five other foreign enterprises made an investment of $504 million in the service sector respectively. The hotels and tourism sector attracted $2.8 million with two projects. The mining sector received $7 million from one project.
Additionally, the livestock and fisheries sector attracted one enterprise with over $2 million in investments. The manufacturing enterprises and businesses that need a large labour force are prioritized to create job opportunities for the local community. Manufacturing of fertilizer, cement, iron and steel, value-added foodstuff, electric vehicle and pharmaceutical and medical devices, agriculture and livestock farming and related industries and public transportation services will be prioritized for investment. The commission welcomes both foreign direct investment and domestic investments made by Myanmar citizens in those sectors.

Myanmar Investment Commission and the related ministries will also ensure investment facilitation.
Myanmar’s manufacturing sector is largely concentrated in garment and textiles produced on the Cutting,
Making, and Packaging basis, and it contributes to the country’s GDP to a certain extent. There are active 541 factories operated under Myanmar Garment Manufacturers Association. The majority of them are from China, followed by Myanmar and the Republic of Korea. Myanmar has drawn foreign direct investment of more than $647.127 million from 49 enterprises in the past mini-budget period (October 2021-March 2022). Of them, 40 foreign enterprises put investments in the manufacturing sector, pumping an estimated capital of $202.667 million.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

tax

e-Registration Management System launched for taxpayers

by SERVICES

The Internal Revenue Department announced that the e-Registration Management System will be launched for taxpayer registration commencing on 23 May.

The Internal Revenue Department implemented the e-Registration Management System for taxpayers, intending to make the process easier and faster for the public. By using the e-Registration Management
System, taxpayers can make the registration through the Internet without having to go to the tax office.

In addition, companies, organizations, non-profit organizations and individual private entrepreneurs are requested to use the e-Registration Management System beginning on 23 May. The e-Registration Management System have to be uniformly adopted in the taxpayer registration processes.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Pure gold price hovers at high level in domestic market

by ECONOMY

The price of pure gold remains high at around K3 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 $2,010 per ounce.
On 13 May, YGEA hiked the reference rate to over K2,368,000 per tical while the precious yellow metal was priced at K3,006,000 per tical. Consequently, there is a large price difference of about K600,000 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 K2,860 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, 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 to 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

myan- thai border trade

Myanmar-Thailand border trade crosses US$390 mln in April 2023-2024

by TRADING

Myanmar’s border trade with the neighbouring country, Thailand, totalled US$393.233 million in April during the current financial year 2023-2024.
The figures surged from $329.046 million recorded in the year-ago period, showing a significant increase of $64.187 million.
Myanmar carries out cross-border trade with Thailand via Tachilek, Myawady, Kawthoung, Myeik, Hteekhee and Mawtaung borders. Among them, the Hteekhee border performed the largest trade worth $273.366 million last month.
The trade values stood at $97.113 million at Myawady border post, $12.986 million at Tachilek, $7.189 million at Myeik, $2.491 million at Kawthoung and $0.088 million at Mawtaung.
Myanmar conducts border trade with the neighbouring countries China, Thailand, Bangladesh and India. It exports agricultural products, livestock products, fisheries, minerals, forest products, finished industrial goods and other goods, while it brings in capital goods, intermediate goods, consumer goods and raw materials by the CMP enterprises.
Thailand’s demand for Myanmar’s kitchen groceries (onion, rice powder, chilli pepper) has risen as it resumed the tourism businesses in the post-COVID period and the restaurants and food businesses widely used them.
Fishery products are directly sent to Bangkok, Thailand through Maesot. The fast and fresh delivery service is the priority. There is a timely transport arrangement for perishable green items like onions, chilli pepper and cabbage at the border.
The cloth roll, construction materials, industrial raw materials, pharmaceuticals, motorcycle parts, footwear, clothes, fruits, food products, cosmetics, gas, lubricants, household goods, feedstuff, bicycles, stationery, auto parts, tiles, feedstuff, fertilizer and electronic devices are imported. 

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar