The Irrawaddy Magazine

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• Peace Process ‘On Track,’ Thein Sein Tells Political Parties
• ‘We Have Always Supported the Democratic Process’
• Resettlement of Meikhtila IDPs Stalled by Funding Shortage
• ‘Women Have Courage and Power That Is Kept Hidden’
• Malaysia’s Thriving China Ties Tested by Missing Plane
• The Irrawaddy Business Roundup (March 29, 2014)

Peace Process ‘On Track,’ Thein Sein Tells Political Parties Posted: 29 Mar 2014 08:23 AM PDT President Thein Sein, at lectern, speaks to 179 representatives from 63 of Burma's political parties on Saturday in Rangoon. (Photo: JPaing / The Irrawaddy) RANGOON — During a landmark meeting with Burma's political parties, President Thein Sein warned over the weekend that the country's peace process would continue to be fraught with difficulties, given the many ethnic armed groups and their respective interests, while insisting that his government's three-year-old push for peace is on the right track. Though the president has met with select political parties three times previously, Saturday's gathering at the Rangoon Divisional Parliament was the first time that the president has met representatives from every political party in Burma, including the main opposition party, the National League for Democracy (NLD). In his meeting with 179 representatives from 63 political parties, Thein Sein said 14 out of 16 ethnic armed groups that are in negotiations with the government had agreed to ceasefires, while discussions with the holdouts were ongoing. "Were it not for your collaboration, the situation today would not have been possible. But we all need to work together to see more [peace process] development in future," he said. Most of Burma's armed groups have signed bilateral ceasefire agreements with the Burma government in recent years, but Naypyidaw is pushing for a single, nationwide agreement signed by all the country's rebel groups. The president's speech comes amid concerns voiced by some over the past few months that the peace process is stalling. Formal talks have been repeatedly delayed and some ethnic armed groups—an ethnic Palaung militia, the United Wa State Army and the Restoration Council of Shan State, among them—are not fully participating in the process. The government has said, nonetheless, that it plans to hold a meeting to sign the nationwide ceasefire agreement next month. Thein Sein said a framework meeting for political dialogue is slated to be convened immediately following the signing of a nationwide ceasefire agreement. After that, a political dialogue held among all interested parties would take place to discuss the reconstitution of Burma as a federal union. Among other priorities, the nation's ethnic minority groups are expected to demand greater autonomy and equal rights under an amended—or entirely new—Constitution. The sought-after nationwide ceasefire is seen only as a means to a more lasting peace in Burma, and not an end in and of itself. "That's why we are heading to a peace process based on political dialogue, where you could discuss anything apart from something that would harm the country's sovereignty, or secession from the Union," the president said. Thein Sein's government, which took office in 2011, has made peace talks with Burma's government a central focus of his reform drive. Over the same period, however, at times intense fighting between the Burma Army and rebels in Kachin State and northern Shan State has displaced tens of thousands of civilians. In his 18-minute long speech on Saturday, the president also affirmed that constitutional amendments would be open for discussion during the political dialogue to come, while stressing that changes to the charter should be for the betterment of the whole country and its political, economic and social needs. "I would not want restrictions being imposed on the right of any citizen to become the leader of the country. At the same time, we will need to have all necessary measures in place in order to defend our national interests and sovereignty," he said, echoing a sentiment expressed two months ago. The Constitution was drafted by Burma's former military government and approved by a referendum in 2008 that was widely seen as rigged. A campaign is now underway, led by NLD chairwoman Aung San Suu Kyi, to amend it ahead of elections in 2015. The current Constitution guarantees the military a role in politics, including by granting a quarter of parliamentary seats to members of the military, as well as bars Suu Kyi from becoming president. The charter is also widely opposed by Burma's ethnic minorities. After the president's speech, leaders and representatives from the assembled political parties were allowed to speak for five minutes each to express their opinion on matters ranging from national reconciliation to constitutional amendments, the upcoming 2015 elections and the military's continuing influence over the country's political system. Khin Maung Swe from the National Democratic Force party said he was satisfied with the chance to express his opinions and suggestions before the president on Saturday. The NDF politician discussed national reconciliation, and prospects for reducing military appointees within government ministries and in other positions of power. "The president's speech today was just mediocre," he said. "He said nothing objectionable, while he didn't promise anything." Tin Oo, the NLD patron, confined his five-minute remarks on Saturday to the peace process, urging all parties to work together for peace and stability in ethnic minority regions. "Since independence, our country has been a long way from peace. So, I strongly urge you all, try to work hard for peace," he said. The post Peace Process 'On Track,' Thein Sein Tells Political Parties appeared first on The Irrawaddy Magazine.

‘We Have Always Supported the Democratic Process’ Posted: 28 Mar 2014 08:52 PM PDT Karel Schwarzenberg, a former deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs for the Czech Republic, right, meets with Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi during a visit to Burma in 2012. (Photo: Czech Republic Ministry of Foreign Affairs) PRAGUE — Karel Schwarzenberg, a former deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs for the Czech Republic, has long supported Burma's pro-democracy movement, together with his former President Vaclav Havel, who was the first to nominate opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi for a Nobel Peace Prize. Schwarzenberg, a candidate for the presidency in 2013, spoke recently to Kyaw Zwa Moe, editor of The Irrawaddy magazine's English edition, at his office in Prague. He shared his views on Burma's reform and explained the Czech Republic's dedicated support to the country's democracy process. Question: When you met with Burma's President U Thein Sein and Lower House Speaker U Shwe Mann in Naypyidaw in 2012, what kind of promises did you hear from them, regarding the country's reform process? Answer: They spoke quite openly, saying they needed to start with rule of law and democracy, and they have been partially successful in this, but not fully. Of course, the main problem seems to be that these things are impossible as long as you have wars with ethnic armed groups and conflicts between Muslims and Buddhists, as is the case in the western part of the country. It's important to end all this fighting in different states. It's impossible to have it [rule of law and democracy] as long as soldiers and armed conflicts dominate. Q: In the two years since you visited, have you seen any political progress in Burma? Last year you said the reform process was moving slower than expected. What's your assessment now? A: The reform is rather slow. They are making some progress, but it's too little. Q: Ahead of Burma's 2015 election, Aung San Suu Kyi and other political leaders are trying to get the 2008 undemocratic Constitution amended. Do you think it will likely be changed? A: It's necessary to change the Constitution and to remove privileges for the armed forces, which are really extraordinary. But it's clear to me that it will be very difficult as long as there are existing armed conflicts in Burma. Of course there is always a danger that some people are interested in prolonging armed conflicts, which justify the strong presence of the army and the special privileges granted in the present Constitution. Q: What role did the armed forces play in the Czech Republic after the Velvet Revolution in 1989? A: Not a special role. There were civil commands, and ministers were not members of the armed forces. Ministers of defense have not been members of the armed forces since the 1970s. There were only two exceptions. Normally our defense ministers are civilians. And we don't have such a big armed force because we are not facing any armed conflicts at the moment. Our armed forces are perfectly integrated into the democratic state. Kyaw Zwa Moe, left, editor of The Irrawaddy magazine's English-language edition, speaks with Karel Schwarzenberg, a former deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs for the Czech Republic, in Prague. (Photo: The Irrawaddy) Q: Aung San Suu Kyi contested the by-elections in 2012 and became a parliamentarian. It is believed that her mission is to collaborate with the government and military. Is she on the right track? A: She has to cooperate with them. Otherwise, things could turn again in the wrong direction. I think we need to see the military slowly give up its special privileges, which again is always difficult as long as you have armed conflicts. Q: The European Union has offered a lot of support to Burma, including by supporting the government's peace process. What kind of policy should the European Union take against the Burmese government if they don't keep their promises for the reform process? A: Well, first of all, the European Union has problems which are more urgent than the situation in Burma. That's why we have to have a good relationship with Burma, for economic and security reasons. Burma is an important country and has economic potential. Of course, the EU would prefer democracy and rule of law in Burma. But they know, anyway, that they have much less influence than big powers that are neighbors of Burma. Burma is not so much economically dependent on the European Union. That means, compared with China, India and then the United States, the EU has less influence. Q: Currently, in which areas and sectors does the Czech Republic support Burma? A: Thanks to our former President Vaclav Havel, we have supported Aung San Suu Kyi. As you know, it was Havel who nominated her for the Nobel Peace Prize. We have always supported the democratic process in Burma. It's quite clear we are still trying to help. That's our position. Q: Vaclav Havel and the Czech Republic, as you said, have been quite supportive of Burma's pro-democracy process, perhaps more so than other countries. Why is that? A: Haval was convinced that when we achieved a free and democratic country at the end of 1989, it was our duty to help other nations which didn't yet have that privilege. It was our duty, for the other people who were still under dictatorial regimes. That was a conviction of Vaclav Havel, and it's my conviction, too. Q: You were in exile for more than 40 years. Burma also has a large diaspora community across the world. What kind of experiences or message do you want to share with them? A: Never give up. I was outside for 41 years. All that time, I always hoped to get back and was always very interested in what was happening in the country. You never should give up the fight for democracy and freedom. Q: In 2015, we will have general elections. The past general elections in 2010 were rigged and the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) won by landslide. What's your take on the upcoming elections? A: I think it will be better than the last time. It probably won't be perfect yet—that would be a miracle. Q: In the past, Czechoslovakia and socialist Burma had a business relationship. Do you think the Czech Republic should start doing businesses now in Burma, like some other foreign countries have? A: Of course. I've always said they [Czech businesses] should urgently compete in Burma. I know Chinese [businesses] have a very strong position in Burma. Also, Japanese and other European countries are in strong positions. We were there in the '70s. But I still think it's worth fighting for. So they [Czech businesses] should be there today. Q: The Czech Republic has started establishing its diplomatic mission in Rangoon. What should be at the top of the agenda for the Czech government and its mission? A: To travel more around the country so they can know the whole country, not only Rangoon and the capital [Naypyidaw]. They also can and should encourage Czech businessmen, entrepreneurs and industries to enter Burma and see their opportunities to invest there. Because Burma, if it is wisely ruled, has a great future. Q: Aung San Suu Kyi has publicly said she wants to be president in 2015. Can you comment on that? A: She is the best candidate and hopefully she will make it. Fingers crossed for her. The post 'We Have Always Supported the Democratic Process' appeared first on The Irrawaddy Magazine.

Resettlement of Meikhtila IDPs Stalled by Funding Shortage Posted: 28 Mar 2014 08:35 PM PDT Rebuilding efforts have not yet begun in Thiri Mingalar Quarter, in the downtown area. (Photo: Samantha Michaels / The Irrawaddy) MEIKHTILA, Mandalay Division — A funding shortage has slowed efforts to rebuild homes for thousands of people who remain displaced in Meikhtila one year after communal violence hit the central Burma city. A project began in late December to build 403 new homes in the Chan Aye Tharyar Quarter, one of three quarters wrecked by anti-Muslim riots in the city in March 2013. Foundations have been laid for 273 one-story homes, and brick walls have been erected for some of them, but construction supervisors say they lack the resources to finish these buildings or to begin constructing the remaining 130 homes. "The office has no more money," Myint Htway, chief of the administrative office that manages the budget and supplies for the project, told The Irrawaddy last week on Saturday, exactly one year after Buddhist mobs set fire to homes in the quarter. He said the rebuilding effort was funded by donations from Muslims around the country, with MM mosque (also known as Youn Net) in Rangoon as the main sponsor. Construction is moving forward with permission from the Ministry of Construction, he added, but the government has not contributed any funding. "Because the government is very poor," he said. He said 5 billion kyats (US$5 million) would be needed to finish the entire project, but that the construction team had only received about 250 million kyats thus far. In Chan Aye Tharyar, located outside the main downtown area, none of the original homes are still standing, though a Buddhist pagoda and a mosque remain from before the violence. Construction workers—including some who once lived in the quarter and are now staying in temporary shelters—hammer away at half-finished homes, while goats wander on empty plots where new buildings will go up. "There is space for houses here, but we cannot build yet because we have no money," said Myat Pai Soe, an engineer from Rangoon who is volunteering at the project site for one year. He said the construction team would not be able to finish the project in April, as planned, and that he doubted the homes would be completed by the end of this year. "Now the supervisors are very disappointed because they do not have money, so we are building very slowly. If we had money, we could build much faster," he said, adding that 273 homes would not be enough for the "many, many refugees." More than 4,000 people are still living in five camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Meikhtila, while others are staying at a shelter in Yin Daw. People from four of the five camps in Meikhtila will return to Chan Aye Tharyar Quarter, according to construction supervisors. The new quarter will include 403 one-story homes for residents, including Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and Christians, as well as 23 three-story structures that may be used as apartment blocks. It will also include a school, a park, a police station and a fire station, according to Thant Zin, the chief engineer and site manager. He said all the homes would need to be finished before any families could move back. Other IDPs are from Thiri Mingalar and Mingalar Zayone quarters, both predominately Muslim quarters in the downtown area. Due to the funding shortage, plans have not yet been drafted to build new homes in either quarter, the construction supervisors said. For the most part, downtown Meikhtila shows little sign that it was hit by riots one year ago, with busy traffic and shops open for business, but Thiri Mingalar Quarter appeared as a largely barren dirt expanse during a visit by The Irrawaddy recently. The quarter is located near a main road behind a mosque, which locals say has been closed since the violence. Nearby Mingalar Zayone Quarter is where an Islamic boarding school was attacked during the riots last year, leaving dozens of students dead. The quarter now consists of an empty square plot of grass, surrounded on three sides by Buddhist homes that were left standing after the fighting. This quarter's mosque also remains closed. According to local residents, there were about 1,200 homes in Thiri Mingalar and about 800 homes in Mingalar Zayone that were destroyed. Still displaced In total, more than 40 people were killed during the riots, which were initially sparked by an argument on March 20, 2013, between the Muslim owners of a gold shop and Buddhist customers. A crowd of Buddhists arrived at the shop and started throwing rocks, destroying the building and surrounding businesses. Later that day, a group of Muslim men killed a Buddhist monk, and mobs of Buddhists responded with anti-Muslim riots. The Islamic boarding school was attacked on March 21, and Chan Aye Tharyar Quarter on March 22, while the violence continued to spread to more than 10 townships. Among the displaced in Meikhtila was Min Soe, a 45-year-old Muslim who now lives with about 1,700 others at a camp run by the Ministry of Transport. He said water and electricity supplies were adequate at the camp but poor nutrition was a problem. "We're hungry," he told The Irrawaddy, adding that IDPs received donations of cooking oil and white rice but no meat or vegetables. Moe Kyaw, a 25-year-old living at another camp run by the Water Resources Utilization Department, said his family earned money to buy extra food by selling betel nut, but added that sometimes they and others at the camp did not have enough to eat. Hundreds of schoolchildren in the camps continued to attend classes over the past year, according to Myint Lwin, a 55-year-old who serves as a supervisor at the Ministry of Transport's camp. He added, however, that most of the IDPs wanted to return home as soon as possible. "There is no tension. The Buddhists and Muslims don't want to fight, they want to live peacefully together," he told The Irrawaddy, while standing on the plot of land in Chan Aye Tharyar where his former home was located before it was burned to the ground. He said he believed the riots were the work of instigators outside Meikhtila. "Here they lived in peace. Outsiders came and burned this quarter," he said, adding that he believed fighting would not break out again. "The Rakhine case was reflected here, it came here." Since 2012, communal violence in Arakan State, also known as Rakhine, has left scores dead and over 140,000 people displaced. A majority of these victims are Rohingya, a Muslim minority that is accused of illegally immigrating to the country from Bangladesh, although many trace their family roots in Burma back for generations. Unlike Muslims who were displaced in Meikhtila, the Rohingya are largely denied citizenship by the government. Police officers guarding the IDP camps in Meikhtila did not allow The Irrawaddy to enter during a visit last weekend. Htay Aung Zaw, a district immigration officer in the city, said all of the camps were restricted areas. Like other residents in the town, he agreed that relations were friendly between local Buddhists and Muslims today. "There is no problem between different races, they have lived together peacefully up until now," he said. "This was not a religious problem, just a personal argument that escalated. All together we need to stay peaceful and cooperate." The post Resettlement of Meikhtila IDPs Stalled by Funding Shortage appeared first on The Irrawaddy Magazine.

‘Women Have Courage and Power That Is Kept Hidden’ Posted: 28 Mar 2014 08:18 PM PDT Prominent Burmese activist Zin Mar Aung spoke to The Irrawaddy in Rangoon. (Photo: Sai Zaw / The Irrawaddy) RANGOON — Zin Mar Aung, 38, is a prominent Burmese activist who was recently honored as one of the Young Global Leaders 2014 by the World Economic Forum (WEF). Each year, the forum recognizes around 200 people under the age of 40 for their professional accomplishments and commitment to society. This year, WEF chose 214 Young Global Leaders from 66 countries. Zin Mar Aung, a board member at the Yangon School of Political Science and founder of Rainfall Gender Study Group, is working to promote democracy, women's empowerment and conflict resolution in Burma. She was imprisoned for 11 years following her involvement in the 1996 and 1998 pro-democracy uprisings. She was awarded the International Women of Courage Award by former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2012, which honors women around the world since 2007 who have exemplified exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for human rights, women's equality, and social progress, often at great personal risk. In an interview with The Irrawaddy, she spoke out about Burmese society's attitudes to women and the youth, and the challenges the country faces. Question: When did you start Rainfall Gender Study Group and the Yangon School of Political Science? Answer: I started working two years ago after I was released from prison in 2009. Q: When did you become involved in political affairs and what inspired you to become a political activist? A: When I was university student, I became active in politics. But I contributed to the political movement that started in 1996. The '88 uprising inspired me to become involved in political movements. On the day after the 8888 uprising, I marched together with the crowd from morning to evening. I witnessed the incidents that happened that day. I was in seventh grade at that time. That urged me to become a political activist later. Q: Why were you detained in prison for 11 years? A: In 1998, I was involved in the movement on the 10-year anniversary of the '88 uprising. We handed out pamphlets to remind people about the political situation in the country and released a statement urging political changes that the government opposed. So I was detained. Q: You were arrested aged 22 and you passed most of your young life in prison. What were the difficulties for a woman in prison? A: The men were more often tortured and physically inspection. For the women in prison, we faced more difficulties when our menstruation periods came because we were neglected. Other difficulties were the same as with men. Q: You were given the international women of courage award by Hillary Clinton in 2012. Tell me why you won that award? A: I really tried hard to fit in with the society after released from the prison. I went to the meditation center and attended training. After that, I went to refugee camps in Kachin State together with my friends, provided assistance to ex-political prisoners' families and raised public awareness about peace and civil war. The International Women of Courage award is given to at most 10 women from across the globe annually on International Women's Day. US embassies all over the world, mainly in developing countries, nominate a woman who matches with the criteria for the award. I was nominated for 2012 and chosen. Q: What do you think about women's participation in politics in the country? A: Women participate in politics a lot. But the amount of participation by women in decision-making is less. And I also assume the numbers of qualified women who can talk in political affairs internationally are still small because we shaped our fields of interest not to be related with politics for a long time. But now many women are interested in politics. Q: What advice do you have for Burmese women? A: Everyone has different skills. But women have courage and power that is kept hidden. So I want to tell them not to keep it hidden and to show that power. So this power from each woman will be gathered as strength for both their individual lives and for the society. And I also want to urge the society: don't underestimate women who have such hidden power. Sometimes, they act like they are protecting women, but actually they are overprotecting us, and that pushes women behind. Q: You were selected for Young Global Leader 2014. How do you feel about that? A: I feel I have more responsibility not to step back. Q: How can it benefit your work? A: I get a chance to do more networking with world leaders. And also the local connections will be better. But the challenge is we need to develop the capacity that can apply that network efficiently. We also need to build the abilities, opportunities, and also the trust among youths. Q: Do you see differences between Burmese youth and international youth? A: The main difference between Burmese youth and international youth is opportunity. People are saying that youths in the country don't want to do jobs. If you are saying that, how many job opportunities do you have for them? Without creating job opportunities for them, it is unfair to say youths don't want to do jobs. And some blame youths, saying that young people are only wasting their time with fun. But there are not enough libraries and government plans to motivate them. When I visited to countryside, there are many alcoholic drinks shops along the way to schools, but there are no libraries or other places for them to study literature. Those are needed nationwide. If we can't give good opportunities to young people, they will go the wrong way. The post 'Women Have Courage and Power That Is Kept Hidden' appeared first on The Irrawaddy Magazine.

Malaysia’s Thriving China Ties Tested by Missing Plane Posted: 28 Mar 2014 08:07 PM PDT Two relatives of passengers aboard Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 shout as they and other relatives make an early exit from a briefing by Malaysian government officials at Lido Hotel in Beijing on Friday. (Photo: Reuters) KUALA LUMPUR/BEIJING — A torrent of criticism from China’s government and people over Malaysia’s handling of the search for a missing jetliner is threatening to cast a chill over one of Beijing’s closer relationships in a region fraught with geopolitical rivalries. Since Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 disappeared three weeks ago, the Southeast Asian country has faced verbal attacks from China’s government, media and passengers’ families angry at its perceived muddled response and poor communications. Several Chinese celebrities have now taken up the cudgels on social media, urging their millions of followers to boycott Malaysia, threatening to worsen what seems likely to be a heavy fall in lucrative Chinese tourism. In Malaysia, China’s reaction is increasingly viewed as high-handed, excessively harsh and hypocritical as Kuala Lumpur grapples with what it sees as an unprecedented crisis. “Do they think they are the only ones grieving over the missing plane?” wrote Malaysian Facebook user Pei Ling Gan. “I wonder if they would speak up against their government for Tibet and Taiwan in the name of truth and justice, too.” Several high-profile Chinese celebrities, including actress Zhang Ziyi, star of the movie “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”, have lashed out at Malaysia and urged Chinese not to visit. Grief-stricken relatives cursed and screamed at the Malaysian ambassador and other government and airline officials at news conferences in Beijing this week, accusing them of murdering their loved ones. Most passengers on the flight were Chinese. Passengers’ relatives tried to storm the Malaysian embassy in Beijing on Tuesday and were provided with buses by police afterwards, reinforcing suspicions that China’s government has encouraged the outbursts in order to channel discontent over the so-far fruitless search towards Malaysia. “The relationship between the Malaysian government and the Chinese government is quite strong. So I don’t know why they are acting like this, maybe it’s convenient,” said Nur Jazlan Mohamed, a member of parliament for Malaysia’s ruling party. Chinese leaders have several times “demanded” action from Malaysia, while state-backed media have taken an even harsher line, going so far as questioning Malaysia’s ambitions to become a developed country. Social media campaigns have struck a threatening tone, with conspiracy theories gaining popularity. Analysts say China’s leaders are mindful of domestic opinion that expects China to stand up for its citizens’ interests abroad with a robustness that matches its growing clout as the world’s second-largest economy. Awkward Anniversary A long-term deterioration of ties is unlikely – both countries have too much to lose from an otherwise thriving economic relationship, analysts said. But the bad blood generated by the crisis could linger, adding to wariness in Malaysia and other Asian nations over China’s rising regional power and leadership pretensions. Beijing has a fraught relationship with many of its Southeast Asian neighbors and is party to a string of territorial disputes, particularly in the South China Sea. “There’s a lot of public relations to be done, a lot of re-engagement. There will be a dramatic dip in the relations in that sense,” said Tang Siew Mun, a foreign policy specialist at Malaysia’s Institute of Strategic and International Studies. Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak plans to go ahead with a visit to China in May, part of a series of exchanges that had been planned to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties. But other events are falling victim to the outpouring of rage against Malaysia. The Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce would postpone some events it has been planning to mark the anniversary, said its vice president Tan Yew Sing. Malaysian Tourism Minister Nazri Aziz said on Monday that “Visit Malaysia Year” roadshows in China would be halted until the MH370 case is closed. Chinese travel agents have reported a slump in bookings for Malaysia. The China Daily reported on Wednesday that one large travel agency, Beijing-based China Youth Travel Service, had cancelled all existing bookings with Malaysia Airlines. Malaysia, with a Chinese ethnic minority that makes up more than a quarter of its population, has seen itself as having a special relationship with China ever since it became the first Southeast Asian country to establish diplomatic ties in 1974. Malaysia’s economic and investment ties have never been stronger with China, its largest trade partner. Najib and Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to triple two-way trade in four years to $160 billion during Xi’s visit last year, when he also bestowed coveted “strategic partner” status on Malaysia and announced plans for their first joint military exercises. “This adverse affect should be short-term,” said Tan of the chamber of commerce. “It is not to the advantage of the Chinese government to let this carry on.” The post Malaysia’s Thriving China Ties Tested by Missing Plane appeared first on The Irrawaddy Magazine.

The Irrawaddy Business Roundup (March 29, 2014) Posted: 28 Mar 2014 07:55 PM PDT Norway's Statoil Hints at 250 Million Barrels Potential in Offshore Block Norwegian government-controlled oil company Statoil has estimated that the Burmese offshore deep-water block it has won a license to develop has more than 250 million barrels of oil or gas equivalent. The 2,000-meters deep AD-10 block in the Bay of Bengal the Norwegians have acquired in a joint venture with US company ConocoPhillips has "high-impact potential," Statoil senior vice president Erling Vågnes told the industry newspaper Upstream. "Statoil defines a 'high impact' discovery as bigger than 250 million barrels of oil equivalent," Upstream reported this week after the Naypyidaw government awarded licenses to foreign firms to explore and develop 20 new blocks. "This is a large and virtually unexplored area in a basin with a proven petroleum system and thick sedimentary deposits," Vågnes said of the AD-10 block which is about 200 kilometers off Burma's coast. Foreign Private Education Businesses to Open Fee Schools in Burma Burma is attracting investment from high-fee private international school businesses that see great potential in catering for the children of returning rich Burmese and the families of foreigners working in the country. "Leading international schools have launched a flurry of ventures in [Burma] in a bet that the political risks of the fast-opening country's transition will be outweighed by an economic boom and surging foreign arrivals," said a report by London's Financial Times. Interest has come from the British International School (BIS), Dulwich College and Harrow International, the newspaper said this week. BIS plans to open the first stage in August of what will become a 1,000-pupil school with US$20,000 per year fees. The Financial Times quoted a director of the British Schools Foundation, Ola Natvig, saying large foreign firms planning to invest in Burma all face a "real problem bringing people over to staff operations…and a key challenge is schools." Dulwich College International and Harrow International Management Services are planning to initially partner with Yoma Strategic Holdings, owned by Burmese entrepreneur Serge Pun, said the paper. "The British International School plans to start in August with 100-150 pupils. It will have a purpose-built campus in two years and expects to expand to more than 1,000 students a few years after that. As well as the US$19,300 annual fees, parents will pay a US$5,000 enrolment charge," it reported. Burma Part of Mekong Region Cross-Border Tourism Routes Promotion Burma is to be part of a Mekong region joint tourism promotion being organized by the Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT). The Thai state agency said it will work with the Mekong Coordinating Office to develop and promote six land tour routes linking the four countries adjoining the Mekong River—Thailand, Burma, Cambodia and Laos, the travel trade magazine TTR Weekly said. The tours will link northern Thailand with its neighbors, highlighting historic and scenic sights and promoting hotels and other facilities. "There is still a lot of work ahead to tap the region's full potential, but we are confident that the spirit of cooperation will prevail [and] create more jobs, income and contribute to alleviation of poverty," the governor of TAT, Thawatchai Arunyik said in a statement announcing the scheme. "There is no doubt that travel and tourism will remain a major pillar of sub-regional economic, social and cultural development for many years into the future." NGOs Reject Thai Survey of Migrant Labor Conditions as Inaccurate Human rights groups and activists have rejected as inaccurate a study of the Thai seafood-processing industry which concluded there was no child abuse or forced labor among migrant workers, who are mostly Burmese. The survey by Chulalongkorn University Institute of Asian Studies in Bangkok said it found no evidence of employer misconduct or intimidation and no duping of migrant workers at 13 factories in five provinces, The Nation newspaper reported. It said children working in the industry were doing so willing by lying about their age. However, activist Andy Hall, a former researcher working for Mahidol University’s Institute for Population and Social Research, said the survey had been paid for by the Thai fishery and marine processed-food sectors and workers had been interviewed in factories within sight of their bosses. The Labour Rights Promotion Network Foundation described the study as "not entirely true." Labor rights NGOs have repeatedly alleged abuse in the industry against Burmese such as forced long hours of working, confiscation of identity documents and illegal charges taken out of wages. New Road in Karen State to Improve Border Trade With Thailand A new stretch of road in Karen State is being funded by Thailand to help improve cross-border trade with Burma and provide another segment of the so-called east-west transport corridor, a report said. The 50-kilometer road is between Kawkareik and Thingan Nyinaung linking with the border crossing at Myawaddy and Mae Sot in Thailand, said the Myanmar Engineers Council, quoted by Eleven Media. The new road, scheduled to be completed in 2015, is meant to form part of an east-west corridor intended to eventually improve trade links between the countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and India, said council secretary Aung Myint. The post The Irrawaddy Business Roundup (March 29, 2014) appeared first on The Irrawaddy Magazine.

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