On March 8, The Irrawaddy’s editorial team invited US Ambassador Scot Marciel to our office in Yangon to participate in a conversation on a range of issues, particularly the many challenges Myanmar is facing. The ambassador offered his frank views in response to questions from senior editors. Here are excerpts from the interview: The Irrawaddy: […]
First Tourists Arrive on New Free-Visa System, 21 Western Countries to be Added
October 9, 2018 by
As an initial phase of implementing its new tourism strategy, the tourism ministry launched a free-visa system for tourists from Japan, South Korean and China’s Hong Kong and Macau on Monday. The move is likely to be followed in the coming years by the lifting of visa requirements for citizens of another 21 countries—especially western […]
Bumpy Ride for Tourism Seen in 2018
January 2, 2018 by
The tourism industry this year went beyond expectations despite the sudden outbreak of violence in the northern Rakhine State that gave the country a negative image, but the sector is expected to face a more challenging environment next year. Tourist arrivals in the first 11 months this year was 20 per cent higher compared with the […]
Myanmar Says U.S. Sanctions Against General Based on ‘Unreliable Accusations’
January 1, 2018 by
(Reuters) – Myanmar “feels sad” over a U.S. decision to sanction a military general, a government spokesman said, after Washington linked the commander last week to abuses against the Rohingya Muslim minority. “This targeted sanction is based on unreliable accusations without evidence, as we have repeatedly said, so we feel sad for that,” Zaw Htay, […]
DICA Advocates for Investment in Conflict Zones
September 15, 2017 by
By the end of the month, the Myanmar Investment Commission will open a branch office in Sittwe to “provide a solution to regional conflict,” U Than Aung Kyaw, Deputy Director General of Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (DICA) told Myanmar Business Today. Both the Union and State governments have expressed their desire to achieve […]
Myanmar better off in good graces with the West
Two developments stood out in Myanmar’s international relations landscape in 2017: The increasing Chinese influence in the country and the immense diplomatic pressure from international community on the government’s handling of the Rakhine crisis. Analysts cautioned Myanmar against overdependence on China for its development and urged the country to mend ties with the West to […]