Tourism Surge Tests Mandalay’s Endurance
Tourists flocking to the former royal capital have put a strain on a service sector not ready to cope with the influx.
Burma Business Roundup (June 8)
Burma expects tourist 700 percent surge; Rangoon businesses stuck with diesel; BASF considers investment; Indonesia helps Burma’s electricity grid; China says oil pipeline is complete.
Burma’s Tech Sector Not Yet Up to Speed for Foreign Investment: Intel
The country’s tech entrepreneurs will likely have to wait some time before attracting significant seed money from abroad, Intel’s venture capital wing says.
Unilever Plans Second Plant in Burma With First Barely Open
The consumer goods giant draws up plans for a second factory in Burma even before production starts at its first plant there.
World Economic Forum Draws Decision-makers to Burma
Burma prepares to show off what two years of reform-minded elected government has accomplished as it welcomed business titans and decision-makers from around the world.
Prepaid Payment System to Install on Circular Trains
Burma may implement an electronic payment system for train travel in Rangoon if talks between state railway firm and a private company are successful.
World Economic Forum in Burma Shouldn’t Be ‘Fooled by Fine Words’
Economic experts and activists urge forum participants to look beyond the PR jargon and remember the often-harsh realities of life for most people in Burma.
Thailand’s Dawei Port Project in Burma Not Dead Yet
Thailand’s plans to turn Dawei into a Southeast Asian gateway for international trade appear to be stuck on the drawing board. Or so it seems.
Coca-Cola Pops the Top on First Burma Bottling Operation in 60 Years
Coca-Cola inaugurates a bottling facility in Rangoon’s Hmawbi Township, pledging to employ 2,500 people directly and create some 22,000 jobs across its supply chain.
Mandalay Beer’s Legal Battle Leaves Former Owner Thirsting for Compensation
The brewery’s former owner will ask Burma’s government to repay damages incurred more than a decade ago when the former junta confiscated the company.
Burma Business Roundup (June 1)
Blacklisted tycoon scores airport contract; Chinese firm pushes Sagaing coal plant; Burma economy could quadruple by 2030; Kyaukphyu oil storage bigger than annual refining capacity.
Burma Can Quadruple Economy By 2030, Report Says
McKinsey Global Institute says Burma has the land, manpower and resources to grow its economy from $45 billion in 2010 to $200 billion by 2030.
Low Wages in Burma Threaten Thailand’s Hold on Japanese Investors
As Japan’s attention turns increasingly to Burma, Thailand promises to do more to keep its most important source of foreign investment interested.
Burma’s ‘Vital’ Stock Exchange Plans Proceeding on Schedule
Burma remains on track to establish a stock exchange in the commercial hub of Rangoon by the end of 2015.
China CNPC Nearing Completion of Key Burma Oil Storage Facility
China National Petroleum Company completes six oil storage tanks on an island off western Burma from which two pipelines will carry fuel to China.
Burma Business Roundup (May 24)
Naypyidaw’s business deals still secretive; IMF predicts 6.75 percent GDP growth; Thai top visitor numbers for Burma, fast food chains jostle for Rangoon’s main streets.
Burma’s Kyat Currency Slumps As Imports Flood In
The kyat has plunged more than 7 percent the past month to the lowest since it was floated last year, raising concern about economic stability.
NGOs Step up Pressure on Firms Bidding to Exploit Burma’s Resources
While still far from transparent, Burma’s resource sector is coming under growing international scrutiny.
Burma Business Roundup (Saturday, May 18)
Burma has world’s least transparent oil, gas industry; Thai airline flies opens small-town routes; European giants battle for Burmese beer market; Yoma opens department store
