Issue 316, May 17, 2018 Thura NewsViews Politics Police crackdown on protest in At least eight protestors were reportedly arrested in on May 12, during a demonstration calling for an end to violence in Kachin State, and other parts of the country. According to a local report, the organizers planned to march from Tarmwe Township to the downtown area, but were denied permission to hold the event. Despite the ban, protesters gathered outside a shopping centre in the city s east, holding signs and shouting slogans that called for an end to the violence in Kachin State in recent weeks. The report said that the protest turned physical when protestors attempted to pass a line of police holding riot shields. The protest came amid renewed fighting between the Myanmar Army and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), which has seen thousands displaced, and led to large-scale protests also being organized in Myitkyina, the Kachin State capital. Fresh fighting in Shan State Another 500 people are reported to have fled their homes in northern Shan State s Namtu Township amid renewed fighting between two ethnic armed groups, the Shan State Progressive Party (SSPP) and the Ta ang National Liberation Army (TNLA). A local administrator in a village in Namtu told a news agency that the fighting began on May 4, before fresh violence took place in the days after. Relief items such as rice, cooking ingredients, hygiene products and snacks were provided by local charity groups, the report said. Lieutenant- Colonel Sai Su, a spokesperson for the SSPP, the political wing of the Shan State Army-North, said the fighting started when TNLA troops moved into areas under SSPP control. We believe they wanted to take our positions last Thura Swiss Ltd. Economic Research Shwe Hinthar B 307 6 1/2 Miles Pyay Road 11 Qtr. Hlaing Tsp., Myanmar Phone +95 (0)1 654 730 Fax +95 (0)1 654 733 info@thuraswiss.com www.thuraswiss.com May Highlights The passing of new laws would likely mean foreign investment in the real estate sector will remain strong, U Aung Naing Oo, director general of DICA has said Tony Fernandes, the founder of Air Asia, has said discussions to open a branch inside Myanmar have ended Local martial arts hero Aung La N Sang will defend his world title against Brazilian Leandro Ataides in on June 29, it has been announced
week when they advanced, that s why we opened fire on them, he said. Both the SSPP and the TNLA are members of the United Wa State Army (UWSA) led Federal Political Negotiation and Consultative Committee (FPNCC), which rejects the government s Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA). A third Union Peace Conference (UPC) under the National League for Democracy (NLD), scheduled to take place in June, has still not been announced. Economy MICE center to be set up to boost visitors to Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein has said his regional government plans to construct new venues that will boost the city s reputation for holding major events. During a meeting with members of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI), Phyo Min Thein said the city will get a new centre for MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Conference and Exhibition), that would rival some of the larger such spaces elsewhere in Asia. He said that the economy, in particular the tourism sector, has suffered because of negative headlines regarding the crisis in Rakhine State. This is why we must move quickly to build modern, international standard exhibition halls in which to promote local products like minerals, jewellery, furniture and other services, he said. Currently, shows are typically held at Tatmadaw Hall, Myanmar Event Park and Myanmar Convention Centre, but these venues do not meet international standards when compared to venues in Thailand and Singapore, for example. Studies are currently underway to establish suitable locations for a new exhibition hall, a report in a local newspaper said. If we can build and provide space for international-standard trade shows to take place in Myanmar, this will draw more foreign traders and investors as well as tourists to our country, Phyo Min Thein was quoted as saying. Phyo Min Thein promises economic development Region Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein said he has established a vision aimed at boosting the economy in the commercial capital. Speaking at the Investment Forum in, Phyo Min Thein said one of the major priorities of his regional government this year would be to boost the economy, improve rule of law and clean up the city. At the event, Phyo Min Thein said that the major challenges that are being faced which include a lack of clear policies, poor infrastructure, red tape, high prices and regular power cuts could present opportunities for investors. Challenges are great opportunities for investors because they can get involved in developing those projects, he said. According to the chief minister, energy projects were being developed that would improve electricity supply and his government was working on cutting red tape. Companies and Investment Starbucks to open in Myanmar American coffee giant Starbucks is planning to open its first outlet in Myanmar, in, in the coming months, according to a local source. The article cited a May 12 document from the Myanmar Investment Commission endorsing Coffee Myanmar in Figures GDP (PPP): $330.88bn (2017) GDP (official ex.rate): $59.5bn (Jan 2018) GDP growth rate: 7.23% (2017) Population: 52.92 mn people (Oct 2017) Inflation: 6.5% (2017) Foreign trade: $29.2bn (2016-2017) FDI: $75bn (31/12/2017) International reserves: $5.2bn (Jan 2018) CBM rate Kyat/$ = 1345K/1$ (17/05/18) For advertising with Thura Swiss please contact us by email info@thuraswiss.com or by phone +95 (0)1-654 730 Please note that our advertisement contracts are based on a subscription of a minimum of 4 weeks. 2
Concepts Myanmar Ltd (CCM), which the report said is the operator of Starbucks in Myanmar, as being given permission to operate in the country. The article said that the first Starbucks in Myanmar would be located in Sule Square mall, in downtown. In 2013, Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz visited Myanmar, and said he hoped to open an outlet in the country within the next couple of years. However, there have previously been incorrect reports that the firm is opening inside the country. Alibaba buys Daraz The Chinese tech giant Alibaba has announced that it has purchased online retailer Daraz, which has operations in Myanmar, as well as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal. The move is seen as part of the firm s expansions into the South Asian market. Founded in 2012, Daraz was purchased by Rocket Internet, a Berlin-based incubator of online startups. Its products include consumer electronics, household goods, beauty, fashion, sports and equipment and groceries. Bangkok Airways to begin -Phuket flight Thai carrier Bangkok Airways is reportedly planning to start a direct flight between and the island resort of Phuket in November. An article in a local report quoted the airline s vice president Varong Israsena as saying that an increasing number of Thai firms are establishing operations in the neighboring country. I see great potential in Myanmar. If we didn t see any potential growth in business here we wouldn t be here, he said. There will be more jobs available for Myanmar people and more will be travelling to Thailand. The report said that plans for a direct flight between Bagan and Cambodia s Siem Reap, the site of the famed Angkor Wat temples, fell through because the Department of Civil Aviation would not accept a flight stopping over in Bangkok. Varong said that the airline is looking at potential routes to secondary cities in Myanmar. Netherlands grant programme to develop business plan for Myanmar companies Myanmar companies which have potential investment plans can invite Dutch companies to assess the technical and commercial feasibility of such investment and draft a solid business plan. Potential projects should have an envisioned investment of minimum US$ 1 million and could take place in all kinds of sectors (such as agro-food, oil & gas, automotive and logistics). There are no conditions for Myanmar companies to buy any products/services of the Netherlands companies involved in the study. Costs are taken care by the Dutch grant program. Proposals can be handed in till August 2018. Thura Swiss and its Netherlands partner can support your company with enrolment. 3
Events Name Details Organizer/Ministries Contact Information Kayah Investment Forum Venue: State Hall, Loikaw Date: 26 May 2018 Kayah State Government, Kayah State Investment Committee & DICA kayahinvestmentforum2@gmail.com +95 (0)1 658 132 Fax: 01 658 143 Retail Banking Forum 2018 Venue: Date: 01 June 2018 Charlton Media Group andrea@charltonmediamail.com +65 3158 1386 ext 212 Myanmar-EU Economic Forum Venue: Kempinski Hotel, Nay Pyi Taw Date: 06 June 2018 EuroCham Myanmar info@eurocham-myanmar.org +95 (0)9 450582 335 International Exhibition & Conference on Cosmetics, Beauty, Hair & Spa Venue: Novotel Max Date: 07-09 June 2018 ECMI ITE Asia Sdn Bhd enquiry@ecmi.com.my +603 5022 1999 +603 5022 1919 3rd Emerging Asia Banking & FinTech Summit 2018 Venue: ParkRoyal, Date: 26-27 June 2018 Magenta Global Events enquiry@magenta-global.com.sg +65 6846 2360 Argus NPK Fertilizers Conference Venue: Sule Shangri-La, Date: 27-28 June 2018 Argus Media Singapore Group Pte Ltd asiaconferences@argusmedia.com +65 649 69922 +65 649 698 99 Myanmar Supply Chain Summit Venue: Date: 29 Aug 2018 Health & Humanitarian Supply Chain Forum Venue: Date: 30 Aug 2018 Global Supply Chain Council (GSCC) Global Supply Chain Council (GSCC) info@gscc.co +852 81205321 info@gscc.co +852 81205321 Livestock Myanmar 2018 Venue: Rose Garden Hotel, Date: 26-28 Sep 2018 Minh Vi Exhibition and Advertisement Services (VEAS) info@veas.com.vn +84 28 3848 8561 International Congress of the Pacific Rim College of Psychiatrists (PRCP) and Myanmar Mental Health Conference Venue: Sedona Hotel, Date: 26-28 Oct 2018 PRCP and Myanmar Mental Health Society credential@prcp2018.org Agro Myanmar 2018 Venue: Rose Garden Hotel, Date: 06-07 Nov 2018 Minh Vi Exhibition & Advertisement Services Co., Ltd info@veas.com.vn +84 28 3848 8561~63 International Franchise & Business Opportunities (IFBO) Myanmar 2018 Venue: Sedona Hotel, Date: 08-10 Nov 2018 BizLink Exhibition Services Pte Ltd IFBO@bizlink.com.sg 6th International Exhibition & Conference on Pharmaceutical & Medical Industry Venue: Rose Garden Hotel, Date: 14-16 Dec 2018 Minh Vi Exhibition & Advertisement Services Co., Ltd (VEAS) info@veas.com.vn +84 28 3848 8561~63 4
Tenders KOICA: Open Tender I. The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Myanmar Office invites prospective bidders for the Construction of Establishing the Myanmar Development Institute (hereinafter referred to as MDI). The Project is to be constructed with the grant aid of the Government of Republic of Korea. Brief of Bidding Bid Title: Establishing the Myanmar Development Institute, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar Contract Duration: 20 months from the effective (contract) date Estimated Budget: Approx. USD 7,561,437 (Taxes excluded) Summary of Construction Services Type: New construction MDI Gross Floor Area: approx. 5,433.32 m2 Research Office, Dormitory, Residence Accommodation, Substation and etc. Construction Duration: 19 months from the commencement of construction Location: Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar 1. Bid Type: International Open Competitive Bidding with Prequalification (PQ) 2. Interested applicants should obtain the prequalification documents by visiting KOICA Myanmar Office or sending email till 5:00 p.m. on 21 May 2018. 3. Selection of the Successful Bidders: Selection by Lowest Bidding Price with Eligibility Evaluation. Only the prequalified bidders are subject to bid. Eligibility Evaluation consists of Bid Price Evaluation of Fifty (50) Points and Performance Ability Evaluation of Fifty (50) Points. Total of one hundred (100) points. Details of Selection of the Successful Bidder will be explained at Pre-Bid Meeting. 5. The Request For Proposal (RFP): RFP will be provided to the prequalified bidders at the Pre-Bid Meeting. 6. Instruction and Schedule: Prequalification Distribution of Prequalification Instructions and Application Forms: Contact KOICA Myanmar Office Submission of Prequalification Document: 4 June 2018 by 2:00 p.m. at KOICA Myanmar Office and by e-mail. Pre-Bid Meeting (Prequalified Bidders Only) Pre-Bid Meeting: 15 June 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at KOICA Myanmar Office Site Visit will not be conducted by KOICA Myanmar Office. Bid (Prequalified Bidders who attended the Pre-Bid Meeting Only) Submission of Letter of Bid Intent: 2 July 2018 by e-mail Place for Bid Submission: KOICA Myanmar Office Bid Closing (Submission): 9 July 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at KOICA Myanmar Office Bid Opening: 10 July 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at KOICA Myanmar Office 7. Currency of Financial Proposal (Bid Price): United States Dollar (USD) 8. Consortium or Joint Venture is NOT allowed for this Bid. II. Price proposal shall be equal or less than the Estimated Price and equal or more than the Minimum Price. Any bid exceeding the above limitation may result in rejection of its bid. Estimated Price will be announced at the Bid Opening by a random draw and Minimum Price will be determined based on the announced Estimated Price. 5
Details of Selection of the Successful Bidder, Eligibility Evaluation, Determination of Estimated Price and Minimum Price will be explained during the Pre-Bid Meeting. III. The announced Estimated Budget for this project is exclusive of Taxes, thus shall be levied by Tax Law and Regulation of Myanmar Union. IV. The Request for Proposal (RFP) includes following documents but not limited to: Note: RFP including below documents will be provided to Prequalified Bidders at Pre-Bid Meeting. Instructions to Bidders Conditions of Contract including Contract Form Bidding Forms Attachment (Technical Specifications, Design Drawings, Unpriced Bills of Quantity (BOQ)) V. Language of Proposal: All documents shall be in English. If the other languages documents delivered by the government administration, bank, educational, professional organization and others for the proof of Prequalified Criteria and Bid Evaluation Criteria, the NOTARIZED English translation documents shall be attached. VI. The KOICA Myanmar Office requires that Bidders and Contractors observe the highest standard of ethics during the procurement and execution of such contracts. In pursuance of this policy, KOICA: a) Will reject a proposal for award if it determines that the Bidder recommended for award has engaged in corrupt or fraudulent practices in competing for the contract in question. b) Will recognize such a Contractors ineligible, for a period determined by KOICA. VII. KOICA Myanmar Office will invite sealed bids from Prequalified bidders. VIII. All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security of amount equivalent to five percent (5%) of the Bid Price with its guarantee period from no later than Bid Closing Date (before 9 July 2018) to not earlier than Thirty Days (30 Days) after the Bid Opening Date (after 10 July 2018). Note: More information regarding the submission and restoration of Bid Security will be included in RFP and its supplementary documents. VII. KOICA Myanmar Office shall not be responsible for any costs or expenses incurred by Bidders in connection with the preparation or delivery of bids. VIII.All bidders are expected to examine all instructions, forms, terms and specifications of the bidding documents. Failure to furnish all information required by the bidding documents or submission of a bid not substantially responsive to the bidding documents in every aspect shall be at the Bidder s risk and may result in the rejection of the bid. IX. Contact Information KOICA Myanmar Office Address: No. 514 (A), 4 Ward, Waizayandar Road, South Okkalapa Township,, Myanmar Tel: +95 (0)1 850 0801, +95 (0)1 850 0803, Fax: +95 (0)1 850 0802 E-mail: odainmyanmar@gmail.com; yadanakoko.koica@gmail.com Attention: Kim Seong-Ae, Deputy Representative of KOICA Myanmar Office 6