Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Two special economic zones have brighter prospects


17 January 2012
(Mizzima) – The Burmese government and Karen National Union (KNU) 
cease-fire last week has renewed attention on two special economic zones
in Myawaddy and Hpaan, says Burmese government peace committee
member and Industry Minister Soe Thein.

Chinese Company Pledges Aid to Pipeline Communities in Burma


17 January 2012
China's South East Asia Pipeline Company Ltd (SEAP) signed a US $1 million
pledge for funding 25 development projects in Arakan State and Magway
Division last Saturday. The projects entail the construction of 21 schools, 
two clinics and two kindergartens, according to a press release on Monday.

Report documents child abuse cases near Dawei economic zone


17 January 2012
Chiang Mai (Mizzima) – More than 150 child soldier and child labour cases
have been documented in Yephyu Township, Taninthayi Region, in southern
Burma, according to the Human Rights Foundation of Monland. 

Thai company plans to enter Burmese water market


17 January 2012
(Mizzima) – A Thai company, Hydrotek, an engineering firm, says it is planning 
to enter the water-management business in Burma, which is underdeveloped 
and will grow in the near future. Chief executive officer Slib Soongswang told 
The Nation newspaper in Bangkok the company will focus on Burma and Laos,
because they are similar to Thailand 30 years ago.

Japan and Burma sign business deals


17 January 2012
(Mizzima) – Japan has signed MoUs with Burma involving investments in
renewable energy and environmental conservation during talks last week, 
according to the state-run newspaper New Light of Myanmar.

Activists demand gas for Arakan electricity


17 January 2012
(Mizzima) – People in two townships in Arakan State are protesting, calling for 
the Burmese government to supply more gas to the region as a fuel to provide
more electricity to the state which lacks sufficient electrical power.