business

The Kawkareik to Myawaddy road, a major trading route between Burma and Thailand, is still blocked by landslides caused by the recent heavy rains. The road crosses the Dawna Ranges has been blocked since July 28 and has yet to be cleared of the debris from the flooding and landslides. Speaking to Karen News, the traffic police officer in charge…

The Karen National Union’s armed wing, the Karen National Liberation Army’s 7th Brigade based in Hpa-an District, has entered a commercial venture – a trading and tour company. for the first time in its history earlier this month. The legally registered company is named as the Moe Ko San Travel and Tour Company Limited and Trading Company Limited and it…

The Karen State Ministry of Transportation and Communication will ban, from this month, all unregistered vehicles from traveling between the towns of Hpa-an and Myawaddy. Saw Khaung Pan Htaw, a staff member of the Minister of Transportation and Communication, said that the ban is necessary as ASEAN countries will begin trading in Karen State in June, and it is inappropriate…

Padoh Kwe Htoo Win, the Karen National Union’s general secretary, in an exclusive interview with Karen News explains his organization position on development and land ownership. “Everyone wants development but when there is development, there is always a price to pay. Do you want roads, if you want roads, you will have to cut down trees. Do you want electricity,…

A new trading entry between Thailand and Burma was opened this week that links both countries on their southern borders. The new trade crossing links SingKhorn in Thailand’s southern provinces of Prachuap Khiri Khan with Mawhtaung a large town in Burma’s Myeik district. Senior officials from the Karen National Union joined with Burma government ministers and Thai officials at the…

Land confiscation of property belonging to villagers by developers and government officials in Tenasserim Division has become a complicated issue for the Karen National Union (KNU) during its peace-building process with the Burma government. Ber Baw Lor, a Karen village in southern Burma, is an example where the entire population was displaced, and its residents now living in a makeshift…

Along the muddy river bank hundreds of men pack down under small plastic sheets to avoid the direct sun and to take respite from the 38 degree heat. The men cram into the small bamboo shops beside the muddy river. The valley and river littered with generators and large hoses that the miners use in their hunt for gold. It…

The Myanmar Mahar Dana Company called a meeting to discuss with Htilon villagers their plans to build an antimony processing plant near Htilon village, Hlaingbwe Township, in Karen State. Mahar Dana chairman U Tin Soe told villagers at the meeting in Htilon village on March 24, that he wanted to build a processing plant with the agreement of the villagers…

Between Thailand and Myanmar, the town of Mae Sot is experiencing rapid economic growth. But the story of success is a double-edged sword, with migrant workers struggling to live, even as the town gets richer. The border town of Mae Sot is undergoing an unprecedented boom, riding on Myanmar’s rapid opening up and its strategic position as a regional transport…

Karen villagers in the Pa-an Township area have managed to carve out a niche for themselves while stopping large construction companies from monopolizing the local quarrying business. According to villagers in the area since the government allowed residents to work the quarries in Pa-an Township, Karen State, local people are benefitting. Saw Kyaw Myint Naing, told to Karen News that…