THE 14th regular session of Second Amyotha Hluttaw held its 10th day meeting yesterday with raising questions and tabling a motion.
It also approved the Myanmar Insolvency Bill, after it was sent back by the Pyithu Hluttaw with recommendations.
Ten Ancient Cave Pagodas in Rakhine State
MP U Maung Kyaw Zan from Rakhine State constituency 9 asked the Union government to put ten ancient cave pagodas into the list of national cultural heritage areas in Rakhine State.
Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs and Culture replied that the caves are just ancient structures, and that they could not be recognized as the area of cultural heritages. However, these pagodas will be recorded in the list of ancient monuments and edifices conserved by the Department of Archaeology and National Museum.
Control of illicit trades
MP U Soe Thein from Kayah State constituency 9 asked the government about the control of illicit trade and conflict economy especially in drug trafficking.
Deputy Minister for Commerce U Aung Htoo said that the surge in illegal trade is due to a transition period from some unregistered businesses to registered one in private sector, and the ongoing process in rule of law and lasting peace. The Deputy Minister also said the government has formed anti-illicit trade units in nine States/Regions close to the neighbouring countries.
The Deputy Minister also said the government’s anti-drug efforts, including the 865 cases taken to the courts with the arrest of 1,320 persons from 16 June 2018 to 23 November 2019. The Union Minister for Home Affairs is leading in eradication of drug trafficking, poppy cultivation, control of prohibited chemicals, treatments, rehabilitation, disseminating knowledge and educative campaigns. He also said the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation is taking various actions against illegal trade of jades, timbers and metals, while the Ministry of Planning, Finance and Industry has set up 15 offices in States/Regions level, 26 offices in township level, 15 OSS camps and other checkpoints to control illegal trades.
The Deputy Minister also requested common people, Hluttaw representatives, media, and private business firms to join hands with the officials in fighting against the illegal trade.
Role of Myanmar commercial attaches
MP U Aung Myo Latt from Mandalay Region constituency 5 asked about the role of commercial attaches assigned duties in foreign countries to improve Myanmar export sector in expanding crop markets of the country.
Deputy Minister U Aung Htoo also replied that the commercial attaches are collecting market information, import polices and rules, economic policies and strategies of respective countries. They are also explaining economic development, investment policy, laws, bylaws, rules and procedures of Myanmar to the officials and businesspersons of those countries. They have to deliver weekly, monthly, biannual and annual reports on the business information and market data of those countries. These sorts of information are published in the Commerce Journal and some publications online. They also give Myanmar business information asked by individuals or companies of foreign countries.
Branch office of district election commission in Matupi
MP U Larl Min Htan from Chin State constituency 10 asked to open a branch office of district election commission in Matupi Town of Chin State before 2020 General Election and to allocate budget for construction of its building in nearest financial year.
Member of Union Election Commission U Soe Yal replied plans have been made to open an affiliated office with Matupi Township Election Commission Office, and its office will be constructed in nearest finncial year as the land plot has been received for it.
Projects of Zaykabar Company Limited in Thandaung Town
MP Naw Chirst Tun (a) Dr Ar Kar Moe asked about legitimacy of construction projects for roads, bridge, shops, waterfall and other sites carried out by Zaykabar Company Limited along Pathi Creek in Thandaung Town. The question was replied by Nay Pyi Taw Council Member U Nyi Tun.
Approval of Myanmar Insolvency Bill
Then Amyotha Hluttaw Deputy Speaker U Aye Tha Aung announced the Myanmar Insolvency Bill after seeking approval of the House on the recommendations of Pyithu Hluttaw.
Motion to allocate unused state-owned property
MP U Ko Ko Naing from the Sagaing Region constituency 8 tabled a motion to urge the Union government to allocate the unused state-owned property for addressing the shortage of city land in establishing public recreation places.
MP U Win Myint from the Magway Region constituency 8 supported the motion.
The Amyotha Hluttaw Deputy Speaker announced to submit the names of MPs who want to discuss the motion as it was agreed by the Hluttaw for discussion.
The 14th regular session of Second Amyotha Hluttaw will convene its 11th day meeting on 4 December. —Aung Ye Thwin (Translated by Aung Khin)
