In a divisive vote between USDP and NLDP, the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw has approved the merger of the Ministry of Industry (MoI) and the Ministry of Planning and Finance on Tuesday. Initiated by the NLDP, the bill faced the opposition of the USDP, which had proposed to merge the MoI with the Ministry of Commerce.

This merger comes in the midst of some controversy after a corruption scandal forced U Khin Maung Cho, former Industry Minister, to step down back in July. The move will also allow the newly-created ministry to exert more control over State Owned Enterprises (SOEs), most of which are suffering heavy losses.

U Soe Win, current Minister of Planning and Finance and acting head of MoI, will lead the expanded entity.