The Asia Foundation has published the Myanmar Business Environment Index 2019 (MBEI), with support from the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID) through the DaNa Facility. The report is a diagnostic tool for government and the private sector to better understand the local business environment. It aims to provide the authorities at different levels with evidence to pursue decentralised economic governance reforms. Six key findings were high-lighted by the report which includes the issue of formalisation, difficulty of bureaucratic proce-dures, businesses’ concerns, and challenges. Based on a nationwide survey of 4874 businesses in the services and manufacturing sectors, the MBEI reflects the feedback from private enterprises across the country. The study measures ten components of good economic governance and provides insights and analysis that government may use to further improve Myanmar’s business environment. Inclusive economic … [Read more...] about First Myanmar business environment index published
Environment
Nation loses consumer and environment icon
GEORGE TOWN: Any mention of S. M. Mohamed Idris (pix) will conjure up his appearance in a black songkok, a sarong and white kurta as well as his iconic beard. Many have looked to him as a consumer and environment champion for being vocal with criticisms and views on such matters. Sadly yesterday, at 5pm, the nation lost this very iconic figure who was not only known in Malaysia but also in the international arena. Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister (KPDNHEP), Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail described the death of the Penang Consumer Association president as a big loss to the country and his stature was irreplaceable. “Uncle S. M. Idris, is a big name and is also an institution. He is synonymous with environmental sustainability, healthy food, protector of the marginalised, consumer rights and defender of the country in world trade. “For certain this is a huge loss for the nation and a man who would be difficult to replace. Mohamed is a figure and an … [Read more...] about Nation loses consumer and environment icon
The Ford government takes another step back on the environment
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By Star Editorial Board Fri., May 10, 2019 With all the crisis-level cuts and changes the Ford government has made to everything from public health to daycare to education in communities across Ontario, it’s understandable that its plans for the environmental assessment system have received little attention. So far, anyway. The process that determines the potential environmental impact of a proposed highway extension or a new garbage dump is pretty dry stuff — especially when compared to the problems of larger classes for high school students or the loss of daycare subsidies for struggling families. But down the line, if you happen to be deeply for or against a particular project, it will become a lively topic indeed. So it’s troubling that the Ford government seems to be headed down its now awfully well-trodden path of dismantling environmental protections while claiming it’s making things better. The government says its latest reforms are … [Read more...] about The Ford government takes another step back on the environment
SIIC Environment Q1 profit jumps 47.3% to $30.3m
SINGAPORE - Mainboard-listed SIIC Environment Holdings posted a 47.3 per cent rise in first quarter net profit to 150.1 million yuan (S$30.3 million), from 101.9 million yuan a year ago. This was from higher water treatment and supply sales volume contributed from existing entities, the wastewater treatment firm said on Thursday morning (May 2) before the market opened. For the three months ended March 31, earnings per share rose to 5.76 fen, from 3.91 fen a year ago. No dividend has been declared, unchanged from the year before. Shares of the company closed at 31 cents on Tuesday, down one cent. Revenue rose 13.4 per cent to 1.33 billion yuan, from 1.18 billion yuan in the prior year after revenue across all categories increased. Construction revenue rose 1.9 per cent to 509 million yuan, from 499.6 million yuan a year ago from a higher amount of construction activities compared with the previous year. Operating and maintenance income from service concession arrangements grew 16.3 per … [Read more...] about SIIC Environment Q1 profit jumps 47.3% to $30.3m
Environment minister calls for fresh mindset to tackle new challenges in conservation work, amid speculation ov
It is still uncertain what shape the new government would take, while the military-backed Phalang Pracharat Party continues to vie to form the next administration despite placing second behind Pheu Thai in terms of the number elected MPs at the general election on March 24. However, speculation has arisen that if even Phalang Prachart manages to form the new government, Surasak – who is close to Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha – will not be back to oversee the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry. This is because the party’s executives and its potential coalition partners would themselves want to take the ministerial post, which usually rated as among the ‘Grade A’ Cabinet positions. The ministry this week is holding a series of public seminars presenting notable work from some of the departments that Surasak has been closely supervising, including the NDP. Officials said the minister wished the public to learn that during the past … [Read more...] about Environment minister calls for fresh mindset to tackle new challenges in conservation work, amid speculation ov