Thursday, March 08, 2012

10 arrested after returning home to Myitsone dam village


7 March 2012
More than 10 Kachin civilians including a local Catholic nun were arrested 
Tuesday evening for returning to Tang Hpre, a village forcibly relocated in 
2010 to make way for the Myitsone mega dam, according to eyewitness 
in Kachin state.

British Companies Eye Burmese Markets


7 March 2012
Europe's largest construction equipment company, J. C. Bamford (JCB), 
has revealed it is eying entry into the Burmese market.
The UK firm hopes to gain a foothold by the middle of the year, but 
much may hinge on the removal of EU sanctions—contingent upon the 
April by-elections being deemed legitimate.
The company's regional head, Rajen Nair, told The Irrawaddy, “I think 
Myanmar [Burma] has very good potential for growth in the coming years. 
We are new to that market but I have explored many options.”

New Zealand develops business ties with Burma


7 March 2012
(Mizzima) – The New Zealand foreign minister is on an official visit to 
Burma to cement closer bilateral development ties, official media 
reported on Wednesday.
New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully and Burma Foreign Minister 
Wunna Maung Lwin met in Naypyitaw on Tuesday, The New Light 
of Myanmar reported.

Chinese companies ‘overexploiting’ jade mines


7 March 2012
Chinese-run enterprises in the Kachin state region of Hpakant have illegally 
increased operations at jade mines, according to locals who warn that 
environmental degradation from heavy mining has worsened.

Jade processing bill approved by Kachin State Assembly


7 March 2012
Chiang Mai (Mizzima) – A bill that will allow local processing, cutting and 
polishing of jade has been passed by the Kachin State Assembly. When 
enacted, lawmakers say many new jobs will be created in the state.