August 14, 2016

Myanmar eases foreign investment rules to clear housing glut

MYANMAR has taken steps to reduce an oversupply of high-end residential property units by relaxing rules on foreign investment, according to a recent report by real estate services firm Jones Lang Lasalle (JLL).

JLL explained that with the liberalization of the economy and transfer of political power from the military to civilian control, the focus of developers has been on lucrative luxury units over the past few years, encouraged in large part by Myanmar’s rapid economic growth after the lifting of global sanctions.

The economy is expected to grow at a rapid 8.4-percent pace this year. (Courtesy of manilatimes.net)

Three Chin parties to combine

The Chin Progressive Party, Chin National Democratic Party and Chin League for Democracy are going to unify with the name to be announced later this month, according to the Progressive secretary Salai Shein Tun.

Salai Shein Tun said: “We will meet again to choose a name and draft principles and rules. The chairs, secretaries and members of executive committees of the three parties will attend the meeting. After we have approved the unification, a name will be chosen and the executive committee will be announced.”

The Chin ethnic parties have been discussing unification since the 2015 election.  (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)

Chinese diplomat meets NLD bosses

Song Tao, head of the International Liaison Department of the Communist Party of China, has met leaders of the National League for Democracy (NLD) at its Yangon headquarters on August 13.

NLD patron Tin Oo and executive committee members Nyan Win and Hanthar Myint attended the meeting to discuss the peace process and how to improve bilateral relations.

Song Tao met State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and former president Thein Sein, chairman of Union Solidarity and Development Party, separately in Nay Pyi Taw on August 11. He also met Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing in Nay Pyi Taw. (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)

Non-ceasefire signatories invited to join Panglong preparations

Dr Salai Lian Hmung of the preparation committee for the so-called 21st Century Panglong conference says non-signatories of last October's ceasefire will be invited to help set up this month's summit.

The decision would be approved on August 15, he said. The event is due to be held on August 31.

Salai Lian Hmung said: “We agreed to reform the preparation committee for Panglong to involve the non-signatories. We believe the Union Peace Summit [Panglong] will be successful. It is satisfying that it involves ceasefire signatories, non-signatories, political parties, the government and military. Discussions of the political framework are almost complete. Discussions will continue after the event.” (Courtesy of elevenmyanmar.com)