Following the military council’s complete control over imports into Myanmar through strict foreign currency restrictions, business circles from UMFCCI (Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry) have revealed that cement, steel, construction materials, and vehicle import permits are being exclusively granted to Min Aung Hlaing’s son Aung Pyae Sone, daughter Khin Thiri Thet Mon, and their business associates as privileged beneficiaries.
After the military council restricted all foreign currency usage, they have also imposed strict controls on all imports. Importers cannot apply for import licenses at the Ministry of Commerce and Trade without approval from the military council’s Foreign Currency Supervision Committee. The Foreign Currency Supervision Committee has been prioritizing import permits for Min Aung Hlaing’s children, their business associates, military officers’ circles, and military-owned businesses.
Due to the recent earthquake, there is an urgent need for import permits for cement, steel, and construction materials. However, obtaining endorsement from the Foreign Currency Supervision Committee, headed by General Mya Tun Oo, remains difficult. Meanwhile, the army chief Min Aung Hlaing’s children and their group receive as many permits as they need. Other businesses, finding it difficult to obtain import permits directly, are forced to purchase them from Min Aung Hlaing’s children and military officers’ circles. Additionally, businesses must work through military-owned companies like MEC (Myanmar Economic Corporation) and UMEHL (Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited) to secure permits.
During the era of former military dictator Senior General Than Shwe, there was also a thriving market for import permits, with only those connected to the military receiving them. Business people had to buy import permits from military-affiliated circles, a situation that has now returned. Min Aung Hlaing’s son Aung Pyae Sone and his business representatives Dr. Maung Maung Naing and Dr. Maung Maung Lat, along with daughter Khin Thiri Thet Mon’s business representatives like Naing Phyo Kyaw and Way Min Maung, are operating various businesses throughout Myanmar with special privileges.
