THE Chinese artichoke, a seasonal vegetable produced from Heho, has been sold well. It is the harvesting season of Chinese artichokes after the lima bean season and the trade has increased despite its high price, with nationwide orders, according to beans traders from Aung ban Township. “The Chinese artichoke season has started now, after lima bean season. Some cook it with lima bean, some make it pickled and some use it in fried vermicelli or noodle. It is a root vegetable and dug from the earth. The price has been high as it is the beginning of the season but the trade has increased too. It is mainly grown in Heho. Orders have been placed nationwide including Yangon,” said an owner of beans trading in Aungban Township. Chinese artichoke is a root vegetable and can be eaten fried, pickled, cooked or steamed. It is delicious either cooked or raw and it tastes like water chestnut if it is eaten raw in salad and can be used like potato if it is steamed, sauté, soup or steamed recipes. — Thit Taw/ZS

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing noted that if these power plants which started in 2005 achieved success, the country would have sufficient electrification.
State Administration Council Chairman Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing yesterday morning met micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) businesspeople at the city hall in PyinOoLwin to talk about regional development and promotion of manufacturing domestic products.

In his speech, the Senior General underlined that MSME businesspersons can generate electricity from solar energy on a manageable scale for their manufacturing industries as the government encourages generating electricity from solar energy. He continued that power plants are difficult to supply electricity at full capacity while terrorists destroy power plants and towers, declining supply of electricity, and adding power plant projects implemented by the State were halted due to various objections.
The Senior General explained that the government encouraged the projects of generating electricity from solar energy implemented a short term due to difficulties in the electric power sector to supply sufficient electricity upon completion of these projects.
He pointed out that the operation of MSME businesses in PyinOoLwin needs to use domestic raw materials which is essential for production as policies have been adopted for MSME products.
The Senior General stressed that farmland owners have to submit proposals for using the farmlands in other forms under laws and regulations by seeking approvals at different levels.
He urged businesspersons to improve the quality of dairy products, wine, coffee and foodstuffs which are trademarks of PyinOoLwin for local consumption and export purposes if these are surplus.
The Senior General highlighted that residents have to participate in shaping PyinOoLwin as a flower city, a green city, an education city and a healthy city with the prevalence of peace and prosperity.
Local authorities and businesspersons reported on agriculture and livestock farming processes, operation of MSME industries, development of PyinOoLwin, difficulties in operations and subsidies for the coffee industry.
Union ministers and the Mandalay Region Chief Minister discussed plans to coordinate dairy production with relevant ministries, holding the MSMAE product exhibition in Nay Pyi Taw, farmland utilization measures, implementation of the green economy in the city, 18.87 per cent forest coverage of PyinOoLwin and conservation of beauties in the city, fulfilment of the regional government for development of MSME industries.
Also present at the meeting were SAC Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo, Union Ministers Admiral Moe Aung, U Khin Maung Yi and Dr Charlie Than, senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief and officials.
After the meeting, the Senior General and party cordially interestingly viewed round the domestic coffee products and foodstuffs.
At National Kandawgyi Garden, he looked into holding the 17th flower festival to mark the 100th anniversary of the garden and cordially greeted the visitors.
After inspecting the 100-year-old Ginkgo Biloba tree, the Senior General instructed officials to systematically conserve the tree. The Ginkgo Biloba tree is a famous species in China, Japan and Western countries. Ginkgo trees are covered with yellow leaves in autumn in many provinces of China, and some of them last for thousands of years.
The Senior General and his wife planted a cherry tree to mark the centenary celebration of the garden and fed fish and geese in the lake after visiting the Kandawgyi Garden.
Chief Executive Officer U Yazar Htwe of the company as well as in-charge of the garden reported on grandly holding the flower festival, efforts for the existence of the garden and plans to build new fences. The Senior General gave guidance on systematically keeping the documentary photos of the 17th flower festival and their display at a gallery, greening of the garden and beautification, and proper flow of water at the lake.
The company CEO presented a gift to mark the centennial celebration of the garden to the Senior General. — MNA/TTA

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

THE Customs Department announced weekly foreign exchange rates to be exercised in levying Customs tariffs and a US dollar is set to be exchanged at K3,588.
The exchange rates for Customs duty from 12 to 18 January are K3,588 against a US dollar, K2,636.59 for a Singapore dollar, K105.11 against a Thai baht and K491.545 for a yuan, the Customs Department announced.
Notification 90/2024 of the Ministry of Planning and Finance stated that the Customs Department will amend the weekly exchange rate as per the online trading rate, instead of the rate based on the reference rate of the CBM, while collecting customs tariffs starting from 1 January 2025.
Moreover, the weekly exchange rate based on the online trading rate will be posted on the website and Facebook Page of the Customs Department weekly, the notification revealed. — NN/KK

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Local farmers and businesspersons from Yekyi Township of Ayeyawady Region shipped 550,000 pieces of dragon fruits to Yangon market said Daw Cherry, the owner of fruit wholesale centre in Yekyi Township.
They sent 450,000 pieces of dragon fruits in October, compared to 550,000 pieces of fruits in November. Local farmers grow dragon fruit plants in organic techniques.
Daw Cherry disclosed: “Farmers and traders dispatched a large number of dragon fruits to Yangon market in November. The fruits from Yekyi Township are quality, attracting customers and consumers.
Now, the fruits can be plucked at the farms in Yekyi Township. So, farmers send their fruits to Yangon market.” Dragon fruit fetches Ks-1,000 to Ks-2,200 at the domestic market, depending on sizes and quality. Thanks to high demand of the fruit from Yangon market, those in production chain can earn increased incomes for their families. SK

Source: Myawady Daily Newspaper

A total of 1,607 industries have been registered with the Small- Scale Industries Department under the Ministry of Cooperatives and Rural Development at the current financial year 2024-2025 beginning 1 April.

Registered small-scale industries are classified into 13 business types including food, garment, consumer goods, house-hold goods, printing, mineral, agriculture and equipment-related businesses. 

The government supports the small-scale manufacturing sector through various initiatives and relevant laws in each region and state. Laboratories are also set up to ensure food safety and product quality.

Registration can be processed in Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory, regions and states. Five licensed-size photos, three copies of the citizenship scrutiny card, ward administrator’s recommendation, six samples labelling ingredients, manufacturing date and expiration date to undertake laboratory tests for food, cosmetic and consumer goods and an application form are required.

SK

Source: Myawady Daily Newspaper

A total of 1,189 acres of onions have been planted in this year winter crops planting season in Monywa District, Sagaing Region, according to statistics from Department of Agriculture for Monywa District.

During the 2024-2025 winter crops planting season, 11,250 acres of onions are planned to be planted in Monywa District, and since October this year, 1,189 acres have been planted.

“We are working to be able to plant the targeted acres. Onion cultivation is as usual. We are helping the onion growers to connect with onion markets to get a good price,” said Daw San San Myint, head of the Department of Agriculture for Monywa District.

The onion cultivation by town-ships in Monywa District are as per following: 411 acres in Monywa Township, 238 acres in Budalin Township, 155 acres in Ayadaw Township, and 385 acres in Chaung U Township, totalling 1,189 acres.

According to onion growers, one acre of onion costs around Ks-1.8 million, and the yield per acre is 5,000 visses.

SK

Source: Myawady Daily Newspaper

SUZUKI’S newly introduced Ertiga Hybrid may affect the car market depending on the price it will be officially released in Myanmar, said U Kyaw Swa Tun Myint, general secretary of the Myanmar Automobile Manufacturers and Distributors Association (MAMDA).
Suzuki Myanmar has announced that the pre-tax and pre-license-fee price of the car is set at K 105 million, and details can be inquired at official showrooms.
“The Suzuki Ertiga was launched from the factory today (24 December). The price is affordable and reasonable, so I would like to thank and welcome Suzuki Myanmar. How it will affect the car market can only be determined after we know their sale price. It may have an impact on the car market,” he said.
If the Ertiga Hybrid model is sold at showrooms for more than K100 million, the high-trend domestic market may change to a lower one, but there won’t be any sharp rise or fall in car prices, he said.
In the current car market, transactions are normal, and cars, which are priced above their reasonable price, are being sold at a reduced price. — MT/ZN

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

MYANMAR handmade rattan products have been popular in Mandalay, according to rattan products trading market.
Currently, pillows and hats made of rattan have been sold well and the number of rattan customers have grown as rattan products have good quality.
“Rattan pillows and rattan hats are now best-seller items. Price of rattan products are high and their quality is good, making the number of customers grown. And rattan table, rattan chair and rattan flower vest shelf are now widely used by restaurants and hotels. Rattan bed and rattan throne are also bought for donation to monasteries. In Mandalay, the number of rattan product customers is large,” said a rattan products trader in Chanmyathazi Townhsip.
In Myanmar, rattan is made into consumer products, household products and decoration accessories for hotels and restaurants as Myanmar traditional handicrafts and not only in domestic market, rattan products have also gained popularity abroad, according to the local rattan industry.
Organized by Bago Region Government, a basic course on rattan and bamboo handicraft making technique was conducted in this year, aiming to help the local handicraft industry to be able produce value-added products, enhance the livelihood of families and improve job opportunities. — Thit Taw/ZS

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

YANGON Region Gold Entrepreneurs Association (YGEA) notified necessary documents for seeking a gold trading licence, including a bank statement with 25 per cent of the total assets mentioned.
Applicants must fill out the stipulated Form 2 completely, copy of citizenship scrutiny card, resume with signature, bank statement signed by bank manager, declaration of maximum trading volume in (viss, tical, grams, troy ounce) measurement, recommendation letter of the respective township’s Department of General Administration, police clearance certificate, recommendation letter of Myanmar Gold Entrepreneurs Association or YGEA mentioning that individuals are members of the respective gold associations, ward administrator’s recommendation being a resident, tax clearance certificate, business licence granted by the respective municipal office, photo of the shop owners taken in front of the gold shop and photo of the gold products displayed inside the shops.
Those who fail to obtain a licence in line with the directive 055/2024 released on 25 October 2025 by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation will face actions under Section 5 of the Essential Supplies and Services Law, declared through state-run newspapers on 30 October 2024.
Starting from 6 December, the daily gold reference price for a tical of pure gold (16.329325 grammes) with 19.25 grammes of the density of gold is announced through MRTV, MWD, the MoNREC website www.mining.gov.mm and the YGEA Facebook page.
Individuals are mandatory to apply for a licence within three months (18 November 2024-17 February 2025) and failure to do so is subject to legal action under Section 5 of the Essential Supplies and Services Law.
The Mineral (Gold) Reference Price Determination Committee sets daily gold reference prices at K5.33 million per tical of pure gold (16.329325 grammes) with 19.25 grammes of the density of gold on 18 December. — NN/KK

Source- The Global New Light of Myanmar

SENIOR General Min Aung Hlaing underlined that only when Myanmar uses cotton textiles in garment industries as well as exports them will the government reduce spending on foreign currency and earn foreign exchange.
A ceremony to inaugurate the 2/80 Thread Factory Branch of the Tatmadaw Textile Factory (Meiktila) took place at the venue yesterday morning, attended by Chairman of the State Administration Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min
Aung Hlaing.
Director Maj-Gen Win Myat of Ordnance Services of the Commander-in-Chief (Army) first reported to the Senior General on the construction of the factory branch.
The Senior General and dignitaries viewed a documentary video clip on the factory branch. Speaking on the occasion, the Senior General said that the 2/80 Thread Factory can produce 4,840 pounds of thread per day in its operation at full capacity. The thread can be used in the production of necessary textiles for the people and sell surplus threads to the market at fair prices, he added.
He unveiled that, currently, the factory manufactures necessary uniforms for Tatmadaw members and other textiles for the people. He emphasized that due to opening the 2/80 Thread Factory Branch, the Tatmadaw Textile Factory (Meiktila) will produce quality thread to meet local demand.
The Senior General noted that only when Myanmar uses cotton textiles at garment industries as well as exports them will the government reduce spending on foreign currency and earn foreign exchange. He explained that Tatmadaw Textile Factory (Meiktila) installed the necessary machinery to produce military apparel similar to international Tatmadaws.
He pointed out that Myanmar needs to systematically grow quality cotton to increase the per-acre yield of crops and produce advanced textiles.
On the other hand, he continued that cotton gins and textile factories must be upgraded to initiate the cotton-based industries.
The Senior General disclosed that Tatmadaw Textile Factory (Meiktila) manufactures military equipment for the entire Tatmadaw with the use of cotton wool while the newly-opened 2/80 thread factory will fulfil the clothing requirement of the nation.
The Senior General stressed the need to raise sown acreage of cotton and production of cotton wool. An official from China Texmatech Co Ltd handed over documents related to the factory to the factory manager.
The Senior General presented a fruit basket to an official from CTMTC Company while an official from the company presented a gift to the Senior General.
The Senior General gave gifts to the project chief engineer who supervised the machinery installation process. The Senior General viewed round cultivation of cotton crops, production of thread, and the products of the 2/80 Thread Factory Branch.
SAC Member Chief of the General Staff (Army, Navy and Air) General Maung Maung Aye, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Admiral Htein Win, Commander-in-Chief (Air) General Tun Aung, Council Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo and Council Member General Nyo Saw cut the ribbon to open the ceremony.
The Senior General sprinkled scented water on the signboard of the factory. The Senior General viewed round production line of thread
in the factory and gave necessary guidance to officials.
He presented cash awards for employees of the factory to an official. Also present at the ceremony were union-level dignitaries, union ministers, the Mandalay and Magway regional chief ministers, senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief and officials.
Tatmadaw Textile Factory (Meiktila) was built in 1966-67 under the agreement between China and Myanmar governments so as to fulfil the clothing requirements of the people and reduce textile imports. The factory was handed over to the Directorate of Ordnance Services under the Commander-in-Chief (Army) on 1 October 1991.
Tatmadaw Textile Factory (Meiktila) manufactures uniforms for Tatmadaw members and Myanmar Police Force members as well as school uniforms and other textile products. The 2/80 Thread Factory Branch will produce quality thread and textiles to meet the demand of textile industries in the country to some extent. —MNA/TTA

Source- The Global New Light of Myanmar