Problems relating to Trade and Investment on Myanmar

26. Others
Issue	Issue details	Requests	Reference

(1) Inadequate Power / Communication Infrastructure	- Fragile infrastructure of electric power/communication infrastructure. - Blackouts frequently occur. A member firm was forced to prepare connecting the high voltage wire to its own plant.	- It is requested that GOM takes step to: -- assure planned stable electric power supply, and -- overhauls communication trunk network. - It is requested that GOM takes step to: -- overhauls power generation infrastructure, and -- provides incentive measures on connecting high voltage line at user's cost.
	(Action) - In March 2014, Assembly of the Union approved the raise in the electricity tariff, segmentalised into business and individual home usage.

(2) Inadequate Transportation Infrastructure

- (Roads) Due to heavy traffic congestion, it takes much time for delivery, due to poor overhaul of public roads, few traffic lights, poor driving manners, few pedestrians overpasses, etc.
- Heavy traffic congestions, poor driving manners, etc.

- It is requested that GOM takes step to:
-- overhauls infrastructure.
-- improves manners in traffic.
- It is requested that GOM tightens the traffic control.

(3) Appreciation of Office Rental Charges and Hotel Accommodation Fees	- Absolute shortage of housing and hike in expatriates' rental housing fees time after time.	- It is requested that GOM takes step to: -- construct large scale housing property by captivating on unused land property. -- introduce the ceiling price system.
	(Action) - Transfer of Immoveable Property Restriction Act 1987 strictly prohibits foreigners and foreign funded enterprises from owning land in Myanmar. While Notification No.39 [2011] has enabled use of private enterprise's owned land property by lease, the rapid advancement in democratization under the new Administration has invited rush of entries by foreign funded enterprises, and has pushed up the land rental/lease fees. - In January 2016, condominium act passed the Myanmar union parliament. It enables alien's ownership of certain degree of condominium in the development areas in Naypyidaw union territory, and Yangon and Mandalay regions.

(4) Infrastructure Overhauls in Thilawa SEZ Vicinity	- While overhaul of infrastructure in the vicinity of Thilawa SEZ is under consideration by Yen loan, focused public investment in other area is also necessary, such as a bridge over Bago River. On the other hand, projects under ODA are not on schedule, due to the delays in negotiation after the successful bidding, and in completion of the subsequent preparation of the requisite formalities.	- Further accelerated preparation of infrastructure is required to have the infrastructure ready on power, communication, road, water, etc.
	(Action) - On 30 January 2015, GOJ agreed to participate, by way of fund/technical assistance, in the project for development of Dawei special economic zones (DSEZ), led by Thai and Myanmar governments. - On 14 December 2015, three countries (Japanese, Myanmar and Thailand) signed the agreement for the formal start-up for the development of Dawei special economic zones (DSEZ).

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