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Myanmar jade industry controlled by cronies
Published on Thursday, 10 January 2013 16:33
The lucrative production of jade remains largely in the hands of cronies of the former military regime, a Myanmar MP said.
During the Parliament session on January 9, MP Hla Swe said 60 per cent of jade permits are awarded to high ranking officials of the then ruling junta, under the name of their children.
“I assumed that the reason of the US government restricting the export of jade was because people behind the operations have been blacklisted, including the Myanmar Jade and Jewellery Association. I urge the authorities to withdraw the involvement of cronies in the association to make way for job opportunities for locals,” he said.
In Myanmar, converting black money from narcotics is easily done through the purchase of jewellery like jade. Hla Swe said the government needs to review permits granted to companies blacklisted for selling narcotic drugs.
The parliament agreed to discuss the MP’s proposal to put an end to US sanctions on jade and jewellery products.