Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business

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MCRB Stakeholder Survey – thank you!

MCRB would like to thank all those that responded to our stakeholder survey and apologise for any difficulties in answering it, caused by internet connectivity or other problems.

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Comments on the Draft Myanmar Investment Rules

MCRB together with EarthRights International, Oxfam International, and WWF, have submitted written comments on the ‘third tranche’ of the Draft Rules for the Myanmar Investment Law. The comments follow on from earlier written comments and also inputs made in the public consultation process. The draft Rules are expected to be considered by the Myanmar cabinet shortly.

Universal Access Consultation

Post and Telecommunications Department (PTD), with the assistance of the international consulting firm, Intelecon, is developing a Universal Service Strategy (USS), framework for Universal Service Funding mechanism and pilot projects. A second consultative workshop was held in Yangon on 16^th February 2017, with support from MCRB, to seek opinions on the draft Universal Service Strategy.

Intelecon will submit the draft Universal Service Strategy, Draft Guide for establishing Universal Service Fund (USF), Draft Operation Manual for USF to the government in April. It is intended that a further public consultation will be held in May before the draft documents are finalized in June.

Mini-Pwint Thit Sa – First company benchmarked

Irrawaddy Green Towers (IGT) became the first company to volunteer to be benchmarked under MCRB’s ‘Mini Pwint Thit Sa’ initiative. ‘Mini’ Pwint Thit Sa is a new addition to the Pwint Thit Sa/Transparency in Myanmar Enterprises (TiME) project from MCRB, targeted at large medium-sized enterprises who are not included in the main report, but wish to have their transparency and website disclosure rated according to the same 35 criteria as for the annual Pwint Thit Sa survey.

Companies who are interested in being benchmarked please contact Phyu Phyu Zin at phyuphyu.zin@myanmar-responsiblebusiness.org or 09 799 667713.

Collaborating in the fight against corruption

Programme and Communication Officer Phyu Phyu Zin participated in the regional conference on “Fast-tracking Implementation of the UNCAC for Economic and Social Development in Southeast Asia” prior to which MCRB brought together civil society organisations with an interest in the topic. Vicky Bowman also participated in a panel on corruption organised by the UK Chamber of Commerce. We would like to hear from companies, civil society organisations and others who are interested in building coalitions to combat corruption.

Sustainable Tourism in Tanintharyi Region

MCRB together with Fauna and Flora International (FFI) and Tanintharyi Tourism Development Committee are collaborating on sustainable tourism in Tanintharyi, and working closely with the Chief Minister and relevant Ministries, as well as the Tanintharyi Tourism Development Committee of businesses chaired by Serge Pun. Follow-up work includes a draft zoning plan to identify conservation areas and appropriate tourism activities and controls, as well as specific environmental and social standards for tourism infrastructure in the area. If you have an interest in this topic, please contact theinthan.htay@myanmar-responsiblebusiness.org

Contact Thein Than Htay

Palm-Oil Sector Assessment

Building on the Fauna and Flora International (FFI) extensive research on the environmental impacts of the palm-oil sector and the work OMM is doing on mapping oil palm concessions, MCRB, FFI and One Map Myanmar (OMM) have agreed to collaborate on an assessment of actual and potential environmental, social and human rights impacts of the oil palm sector in Myanmar. Based on the findings of the assessment, recommendations will be developed for relevant stakeholders, including the Union and regional governments and palm oil companies to ensure good practices in the sector in line with international standards.

MCRB is interested in hearing from companies, international organisations, NGOs and civil society who are interested in the oil palm sector. Please contact anna.ayenyeinmay@myanmar-responsiblebusiness.org

Contact Anna

Coming soon - grievance mechanism training for companies

MCRB will be offering Human Rights policy and Grievance Mechanisms training for companies. The workshops will focus on what grievance mechanisms are, international standards and good practice, examples from other companies, working together with different stakeholders and meeting their needs. If you or your company is interested in participating, please contact Monica Su Myat Nwe at monica.sumyatnwe@myanmar-responsiblebusiness.org or 09 799 667713.

Contact Monica

“Do’s and Don’ts for businesses”

MCRB is working on a booklet on the “Do’s and Don’ts for Businesses” with a targeted focus on responsible business etiquette in Myanmar for foreign companies. While we will refer readers to Myanmar workplace laws in this booklet, the main focus will be on respect for Myanmar culture in a business setting. We hope this booklet will serve as a comprehensive, easy to read guide on responsible business for all foreign employees entering Myanmar and aim to prevent cultural conflicts through educating foreign businesses about local culture.

MCRB is interested in hearing from Myanmar and foreigners on advice on how to avoid culture clashes in the workplace and with stakeholders in the community. Please contact liya.mo@myanmar-responsiblebusiness.org

Contact Liya

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