Pandemic sparks free-speech demonstrations
The COVID-19 pandemic is fueling Myanmar’s ongoing free-speech debate. Recent protests and statements from advocacy organizations have condemned what activists call state suppression amid a national crisis. A joint statement from 264 organizati
Myanmar may take IMF, World Bank pandemic loans
Myanmar is considering taking advantage of emergency loans from global organizations to help ease the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We may seek emergency funds in the future, if things lead to the need for that,” U Aung Naing Oo, wh
Cancelled forums threaten FDI
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the cancellation of four regional investment forums that would have introduced prospective investors to opportunities throughout the country. Forums scheduled for Yangon, Bago, Sagaing and Mandalay have been called of
First round of companies receive emergency pandemic funds
As the COVID-19 pandemic begins to take its toll on domestic markets, the Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) has approved more than 400 soft loans from its new “COVID-19 fund.” Recipients of the one-year, one percent interest loans mostl
ICG: Pandemic will stall Chinese infrastructure
The International Crisis Group (ICG) believes the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic will slow down Chinese-backed infrastructure projects. According to a recent report by the organization, the spread of the coronavirus has caused and will continue to cause u
