InfoAnda - Spate of Myanmar privatisations raises questions

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Israeli jets hit Gaza after rocket attack | 24 February 2011
New Yorkers get fresh look at Ai Weiwei's art | | 30 June 2011
LA judge rejects Polanski bid to dismiss sex case | Entertainment | | 8 May 2009

Two China banks apply to set up Taiwan rep offices | 8 September 2010

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Spate of Myanmar privatisations raises questions

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail More Yahoo! Services Account Options New User? Sign Up Sign In Help Yahoo! Search web search Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Singapore Asia Pacific World Spate of Myanmar privatisations raises questions AFP - Sunday, March 14 Send IM Story Print Spate of Myanmar privatisations raises questions Slideshow: Full Photo Coverage: Business & Economy BANGKOK (AFP) - – Myanmar's junta has embarked on a flurry of privatisations of state firms, raising questions about whether it is reforming the economy or trying to take profits before 2010 elections. The military government, which faces strict Western sanctions because of its human rights record, is trying to sell off petrol stations, ports and state-owned buildings including cinemas and warehouses. The move has added to unease in the country, with this year's polls set to shift power within the entrenched military structure, and a history of social unrest linked to economic change in Myanmar. The government is planning to sell a network of about 250 state-owned gas stations around the country, including 53 in the commercial hub Yangon, Myanmar's privatisation commission office said in February. State newspapers called for potential buyers to submit proposals to run the stations for "smooth sales" of petrol "in the private sector in accord with the open market economy." The regime also invited private enterprises to tender for the running of four ports in the country as well as business operations on the Yangon river. Sean Turnell, a specialist on Myanmar's economy, said he thought the privatisations were sparked by some desire to reform, and were also an attempt by current members of the junta to cash out while they retain power. "I am taking a bit of comfort from the fact that, although it is bad... because resources that belong to the people are being taken, it also seems to be a signal of uncertainty amongst the groups which are in power," Turnell, of Macquarie University in Australia, told AFP. Myanmar remains one of the world's poorest nations after its economy was run down by a previous socialist but also military-run regime. The economy has previously been the catalyst for pro-democracy uprisings against the current junta, which took power in 1988 and has struggled to reform the economy. A massive and unannounced hike in fuel prices in August 2007 unleashed protests led by Buddhist monks that snowballed into the biggest threat to the ruling junta in nearly 20 years. And mass student-led pro-democracy rallies in 1988 were triggered when the regime invalidated currency notes the previous year in a bid to clamp down on the black market. Turnell said that the junta's overall motive to privatise was to boost its position ahead of this year's elections, which rights groups and the international community fear will be neither free nor fair. New election laws unveiled this month bar opposition icon Aung San Suu Kyi from standing in the polls and also force her National League for Democracy party to expel her or face dissolution. Turnell said the junta, accused by critics of enriching itself by selling off Myanmar's natural resources to Asian countries including China, India and Thailand, was also simply raising much-needed cash. Wielding economic power to win over various electoral groups is likely part of the junta's reason to privatise. "But also connected there does seem to be a big cash shortage in the place," he said. "They have a lot of money from gas revenues but very little comes into Burma itself given that it is mostly under control of generals one and two," he said, referring to junta leader Senior General Than Shwe and second in command Maung Aye. Burma is the former name for Myanmar. But behind the doubts could lie some hope for change. Than Shwe must relinquish power to a new national assembly after the elections, and although he may take on a new presidential position created by a 2008 constitution, he may be worried about rivals to his power, Turnell said. "Perhaps these guys have some doubts and that is something we have not seen there for a long time," he said. Aung Naing Oo, a Myanmar political analyst in the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai, agreed that the privatisations could be a sign of shifting sands in Myanmar. "Given the steps the military government has taken in the past six months, including privatisation, to me it indicates that things are changing," he told AFP. Recommend Send IM Story Print Related Articles China Merchants Bank rights issue take-up 98.6 pct Reuters - 42 minutes ago UAE NBAD to raise up to $1 bln with new bond-executive Reuters - 1 hour 9 minutes ago Saudi needs to invest more in power, water-bank Reuters - 1 hour 11 minutes ago "No need" for Greek bailout decision - German finance minister Reuters - 1 hour 11 minutes ago Chongqing Water Shanghai IPO to raise up to $511 mln Reuters - 32 minutes ago News Search Top Stories Inserting clip helps repair faulty heart valve: study Stock market dips 'linked to heart attack surge' Strike-hit Greece awaits EU budget verdict Fierce debate expected at Fed policy meeting Growing doubts over standard prostate cancer test More Top Stories » Related Full Coverage China Economychina economy All Full Coverage » ADVERTISEMENT Most Popular Most Viewed Most Recommended Prince Philip in strip club gaffe Stock market dips 'linked to heart attack surge' Growing doubts over standard prostate cancer test Athens reaches deal in submarine row: minister 'Britain's Fritzl' raped daughters for over 25yrs More Most Viewed » Chile quake moved Earth's axis, shortened days: scientist Experts confirm asteroid wiped out the dinosaurs Florida killer whale to stay in park after deadly attack 'Britain's Fritzl' raped daughters for over 25yrs Researchers back cancer-fighting properties of papaya More Most Recommended » Elsewhere on Yahoo! Financial news on Yahoo! Finance Stars and latest movies Best travel destinations More on Yahoo! News Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Subscribe to our news feeds Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS » More news feeds | What are news feeds? Also on Yahoo Answers Groups Mail Messenger Mobile Travel Finance Movies Sports Games » All Yahoo! Services Site Highlights Singapore Full Coverage Most Popular Asia Entertainment Photos World Cup 2010 Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Community | Intellectual Property Rights Policy | Help

Other News on Sunday, 14 March 2010
Iraq PM Maliki leads Baghdad, a big election prize
Vatican fights to distance Pope from abuse scandals
Turkey to consider constitutional changes in March
US-TECH Summary
Chinese fishing boat, 7 crew hijacked off Cameroon |
General Dynamics to win British army contract: FT
At least 27 arrested in Egypt Christian-Muslim clash
Iran arrests 30 over U.S.-linked cyber ring: report
Fake report on Russian tanks sparks panic in Georgia |
Egypt's Mubarak recovering after surgery
Explosions across Afghanistan's Kandahar; 30 dead |
Explosion rocks southern Afghan city: ministry
EU could impose sanctions on Iran
Thirteen killed in crime wave at Mexico's Acapulco |
Karzai relents to UN demand over elections watchdog
Finland moots EU sanctions on Iran
China delivers Venezuela jets for anti-drugs fight |
EU has leverage with Israel on talks
Italian court rejects Berlusconi government ballot appeal |
Iran arrests 30 over U.S.-linked cyber ring: report |
4 suicide attacks hit Afghanistan; at least 30 die
4 suicide attackers hit southern Afghanistan city
India's Central Bank To Buy $10 Billion Bonds From IMF
IRS Waiting For Claimants To $1.3 Billion Tax Refunds For 2006
Woman Jumps Off Cliff To Escape Rapist
Filipinos fear TV black-out during Pacquiao fight
Iran arrests 30 over U.S.-linked cyber ring: report |
MGM Mirage to drop Atlantic City casino
French conductor aims to brings Western music to China
Ornate, 3,000-yr-old sarcophagus returns to Egypt
Afghan police: 4 explosions occur in Kandahar
Obama delays Pacific trip over healthcare bill
China's new generation picky about factory jobs
Protesters surge into Bangkok wanting new election
Malaysia's Lee closes on badminton title dream
Ex-US Secretary of State Kissinger hospitalized
Moderate quake srikes off Japan: USGS
Woman Jumps Off Cliff To Escape Rapist
NYC Cabbies Overcharged Passengers By $8.3 Million In 2 Years
England Cuts Cheese Event Due To Health, Safety Concerns
Mississippi Man Spots Jesus Among The Nuts
Equine Artwork Going For Big Bucks
Man Feeds Devotees Mucus From Large African Snails In Religious Ceremony
"Insulted" by Israel, U.S. scrambles to save talks
Anti-Berlusconi protesters take to Rome streets
Blast kills Pakistani national in Afghanistan: police |
Lebanese Druze leader makes Syrian overture
India police arrest 2 in Mumbai for planning strikes |
Athens reaches deal in submarine row: minister
Netanyahu contacts Merkel, Berlusconi about settlement plans
Sarkozy faces heavy loss in French regional poll |
Growing doubts over standard prostate cancer test
South Afghanistan blasts kill at least 27: health official
New UN envoy to Afghanistan arrives at troubled mission
Thousands of protesters gather in Bangkok, seek polls |
Iraq PM picks up steam in bid to retain post
Thousands Without Power In Northeast As Storm Wreaks Havoc
Iran arrests 30 over U.S.-linked cyber ring
Strong quake hits off Indonesia, no major tsunami |
Lebanese Druze leader makes Syrian overture |
Economy the focus as China political session ends
China faces tough year, Wen rejects yuan pressure
Shanghai's new-look airport ahead of World Expo
US statesman Kissinger out of Seoul hospital
Thousands of protesters gather in Bangkok, seek polls
US mom: Daughter held in Ireland 'lost her mind'
Northeast storm leaves half-million without power
China's Wen blames US for difficulties in ties
China PM says still hopes to visit Taiwan one day
Irish police free fourth suspect in cartoonist plot probe
Kissinger released from S.Korean hospital
Israel orders inquiry into Biden visit upset: official
Tata Nano likely to lose much-hyped price tag
New Zealand activist brought to Tokyo prosecutors
Premier: China's yuan to remain `basically stable'
China: World might face `double dip' recession
China's parliament ends session
Ex-Disney animator brings Hollywood to Nepal
Economy the focus as China political session ends
China rejects foreign pressure over yuan: Wen
US looks to Shanghai Expo to help ease distrust
Shanghai's openness offers hope to China's gays
Ex-Disney animator brings Hollywood to Nepal
Flaming torches light up Britain's Hadrian's Wall
Disney to close Robert Zemeckis's digital studio
Ahead of visit, Obama reconsiders Indonesia military
Cynthia Nixon receives award from gay organization |
Taliban say Kandahar blasts 'a warning to Western troops'
Outrage in Georgia over fake Russian invasion report
Strike-hit Greece awaits EU budget verdict
Israel captures senior Hamas militant in West Bank
Pakistani jets kill 16 militants: official |
Stock market dips 'linked to heart attack surge'
Israel arrests top Hamas official in West Bank
Iraq PM leads in early results from oil hub Basra |
Toll in Afghan suicide attack hits 31: official
Fierce debate expected at Fed policy meeting
Netanyahu voices regret in settlement row with U.S. |
Georgia opposition accuses gov't over TV war hoax |
Colombians vote in test for Uribe allies |
Russian regional vote is mid-term test for Medvedev |
Sarkozy faces heavy loss in French regional poll |
U.N. Iran sanctions may take until June: Kouchner |
British pair faces jail time in Dubai over kiss |
7 Tibetan protesters detained in Nepal
Pakistani jets kill 16 militants
Israel's Netanyahu acts cool as US tensions boil over
Pakistani jets pound Taliban hide-outs
Protesters surge into Bangkok urging new election
Obama promise: Brighter education futures for kids
Afghan gov wants more troops after Kandahar attack
Russia-US nuclear treaty ready soon: Kremlin
2 Indians arrested in alleged Mumbai terror plot
Malaysia 'detains 93 Myanmar boat people'
China funds zoo after Siberian tigers die: reports
China PM defends assertive trade, foreign policy
Update: Major Rain And Wind Storm Continues To Pester Mid-Atlantic And Northeast
China facing tough year, PM rejects yuan pressure
Indian PM Accepts World Statesman Award
Spate of Myanmar privatisations raises questions
AirAsia pioneer plans to move into Formula 1
U.S. to roll out major broadband policy |
Islamic group protests Obama's visit to Indonesia
Website spotlights misdeeds of the rich and powerful
Rio's zoo a maternity ward for endangered species
London's Carnaby St marks 50 years since Swinging 60s
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Cynthia Nixon receives award from gay organization
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph		BlogMeter 1.01