AGP Executive Report

Myanmar Oil & Gas: MOGE signed operating agreements with local private firms to develop and produce crude oil via “standard well” drilling, aiming to boost domestic output, cut environmental impact, and expand local investment and jobs. ASEAN Engagement: Myanmar’s presidential office says it will attend ASEAN meetings only if invited, while stressing it has continued participating at previous summits and related energy/food-security discussions. ASEAN Access to Suu Kyi: Myanmar denied an ASEAN special envoy permission to meet Aung San Suu Kyi, saying she is serving a sentence and meetings are not possible. Conflict & Human Cost: ACLED estimates Myanmar’s conflict deaths have surpassed 100,000 since the 2021 coup, with families in Magway describing a shrinking working-age generation. Regional Security Cooperation: Gen. Ye Win Oo met a Thai military delegation at Nay Pyi Taw, discussing border cooperation, humanitarian support after the 2025 Mandalay earthquake, and joint action against illegal trade, narcotics, and online gambling. Energy Corridor Talk (Regional): Bangladesh’s foreign minister said it is assessing China’s proposed China-Myanmar-Bangladesh economic corridor based on national interest and trade benefits.

Myanmar Conflict & Human Cost: ACLED says conflict-related deaths since Myanmar’s 2021 coup have reached 100,114, with families in Magway’s Myit Chay grieving a shrinking generation amid ongoing fighting. Myitsone Dam Consultations: Myanmar’s presidential office says the Myitsone Dam’s success depends on local support, noting consultations in Kachin State have been completed but findings are not yet released. Resistance Politics & Diplomacy: The Steering Council for the Emergence of a Federal Democratic Union (SCEF) is being tested for international legitimacy as foreign ministries weigh whether the resistance can stay coherent. Cyber Scam Fallout: Bangladesh reports continued returns of people rescued from Myanmar-linked scam operations, highlighting the cross-border scale of fraud networks. Regional Trade & Connectivity Context: Commentary points to Myanmar’s ties with India as crucial for border security, narcotics flows, refugee movement, and connectivity—while China’s influence remains a major factor. Aviation Carbon Market: Asean could gain from aviation carbon offsetting under CORSIA, with Myanmar among countries with eligible projects awaiting authorisations.

Myanmar’s Jade Safety Crisis: Monsoon rains triggered a landslide at a disused jade mine in Hpakant, Kachin State, killing five freelance scavengers and leaving around 15 missing, highlighting ongoing risks in Myanmar’s largely unregulated mining sector. Myitsone Dam Consultations: A Nay Pyi Taw spokesperson said the Myitsone Dam project can only succeed if local residents support it, with consultations in Kachin State completed but findings not yet released. Telecom Retail Expansion: YFCI announced an exclusive retail partnership with T Retail Myanmar to expand FTTX service access and customer support across Yangon. Avocado Export Checks: Myanmar is conducting quarantine pest inspections on avocado farms ahead of October exports to China, where strict phytosanitary rules apply. Talent & Hiring Focus: JobNet Myanmar held an HR Professional Series event on Gen Z, AI and employer branding, spotlighting how companies can attract and retain talent as hiring tools become more tech-driven. Cyber-Scam Warning: A major international report says scammers in Myanmar’s “Golden Triangle” use AI-enabled tools from US tech ecosystems to scale fraud and victim targeting. Regional Business Signals: Myanmar’s President U Min Aung Hlaing is set to visit Laos (3–5 July), while broader regional coverage points to growing cross-border cooperation and investment interest.

Food Security: Bangladesh says it has 2.21 million tonnes of food grains, about 860,000 tonnes above the safe stock level, and will sell rice and flour daily via OMS while arranging TCB products to reach households. Telecom Retail: YFCI and T Retail Myanmar signed an exclusive retail partnership to expand FTTX service activation and customer support across Yangon stores. Myanmar Mining Safety: A monsoon-triggered waste-heap collapse at a disused jade mine in Hpakant killed five freelance scavengers and left around 15 missing, highlighting risks in largely unregulated mining. Cross-Border Trade: Thailand’s border trade with third countries rose 26.2% YoY in May to 145.4bn baht, led by durian exports to China and faster growth in electronics imports. Anti-Scam/Drugs: India’s NCB reports 747 foreign nationals arrested in drug cases in 2025, with Nepal and Myanmar among the top sources, while a separate report flags AI-enabled scam operations using US tech. Regional Business: Business Bridge Asia expands Southeast Asia market-entry consulting for SMEs across more markets.

Myanmar’s Jade Sector Safety Alert: A waste heap collapsed at a disused jade mine in Hpakant, Kachin State, killing at least five and leaving around 15 missing after heavy monsoon rain weakened old piles, highlighting ongoing risks for scavengers in an industry with limited regulation. Border Trade Pulse: Thailand’s border trade with third countries rose 26.2% YoY in May to 145.4bn baht, led by durian exports to China (311,587 tonnes) and faster growth in electronics imports—an indirect read-through for regional demand flows affecting Myanmar-linked transit routes. Myanmar-China Economic Signals: Myanmar is set to resume China-backed mining projects, with reports of regime forces recruiting workers to restart operations at the Tagaung nickel mine in Sagaing, underscoring how investment-linked extraction can restart even amid insecurity. Seed Potato Supply Push: Myanmar continues importing 100–200 tons of disease-free seed potatoes annually due to limited domestic output, while cold storage in Shan State and key growing areas aim to cut import dependence over time. Regional Crime & Enforcement: India reported 747 foreign nationals arrested in 2025 in narcotics cases, with Myanmar among the top source countries (97), while a separate investigation highlights how AI and US tech are being abused to scale global cyber scams.

Myanmar Agriculture: Myanmar is expanding seed potato production to cut imports, with cold storage in Shan State already helping reduce volumes; still, limited domestic output means 100–200 tons of seed potatoes are imported annually, mainly from the Netherlands, India and China. MSME & Digital Economy: President U Min Aung Hlaing urged stronger MSME support at World MSME Day in Nay Pyi Taw, calling for value-added agro-based manufacturing, better access to finance and electricity, and wider use of digital payments and e-commerce. Trade & Border Reality: Thai border trade with Myanmar remains weak after Myanmar-related security issues and Thailand’s crackdown on telecom scam networks; exporters face long licensing delays in Yangon, pushing some traders toward illegal routes. Anti-Narcotics: Myanmar burned more than 50 tons of illegal drugs worth nearly US$600m, including heroin, meth and ketamine, as authorities intensify anti-narcotics efforts. Diplomacy & Aid Access: Foreign Minister U Tin Maung Swe met UN agencies to stress humanitarian assistance without discrimination and to improve Myanmar’s economic resilience while coordinating access where security allows.

MSME Push: President Min Aung Hlaing urged Myanmar’s small businesses to go digital and move toward value-added agro-based manufacturing, saying MSMEs make up about 90% of firms and provide roughly 70% of jobs, while calling for better finance, electricity, skills, and market access. UN Humanitarian Coordination: Foreign Affairs Minister U Tin Maung Swe met UN agencies to stress non-discriminatory aid delivery, access where security allows, and closer coordination for sustainable development to strengthen Myanmar’s economic resilience. Drug Crackdown: Authorities burned over 50 tons of illegal drugs worth nearly US$600m, including heroin, meth and crystal meth, as part of anti-narcotics efforts marked around UN Anti-Drug Day. Border Trade Headwinds: Thai-Myanmar border trade still hasn’t rebounded after the bridge reopening, with Thai exporters facing slow Yangon-based licensing and scam-crackdown rules that restrict key goods, pushing traders toward illegal routes. Digital Economy Angle: Myanmar also urged micro, small and medium enterprises to adopt digital transformation under the Digital Economy 2030-2031 agenda. AI Governance at the UN: Canada’s UN push highlights growing demand for safer, more equitable AI rules, with concerns that emerging countries could be left behind.

Myanmar Drug Crackdown: Myanmar destroyed seized heroin, meth and other narcotics worth about US$525–603 million, while authorities push “alternative development” to replace opium cultivation with coffee and tea for rural incomes. Regional Connectivity: Bangladesh and China elevated ties to a “Community with a Shared Future” and discussed a China–Myanmar–Bangladesh economic corridor, with a feasibility push for the Teesta River project and port modernization plans that could reshape trade routes. Rohingya Resettlement Pressure: Malaysia-based humanitarian group MAHAR urged UNHCR to speed up Rohingya resettlement, saying refugees have waited up to 15 years and Malaysia is only a transit country. Cross-Border Enforcement: Thai authorities arrested a Myanmar national for allegedly smuggling over 23 million baht across the Mae Sai border, highlighting ongoing currency-control risks in trade corridors. Myanmar Peace Process: President U Min Aung Hlaing reiterated an invitation to ethnic armed organizations to join peace talks without preconditions, linking durable peace to border development.

Myanmar Drug Crackdown: Myanmar destroyed about US$603m (RM2.5bn) worth of seized drugs, including heroin, meth and other narcotics, while urging farmers to shift from opium poppy to legal cash crops like coffee and tea. Regional Security & Trade Routes: India’s NCB says Myanmar has overtaken Afghanistan as the world’s leading illicit opium source, warning of a trafficking corridor through India’s northeast linked to arms smuggling and terror financing. China–Bangladesh–Myanmar Connectivity: China proposed a Bangladesh–Myanmar–China Economic Corridor, with talks also pointing to port upgrades and faster logistics; Bangladesh and China agreed to launch a Teesta feasibility study and discuss a 2+2 diplomacy-defence dialogue. Rohingya Resettlement Pressure: Malaysia-based Mahar urged UNHCR to speed up third-country resettlement, saying some Rohingya refugees have waited up to 15 years and Malaysia faces heavy economic and social strain. Agri-Tech Myanmar 2026: An expo in Yangon showcased advanced farming and rice milling machinery, largely from Chinese firms, aiming to boost productivity and competitiveness. Border Cash Seizure: Thai authorities arrested a Myanmar national after seizing 23.023m baht hidden in a vehicle crossing the Mae Sai Friendship Bridge. Peace Process Signal: Myanmar’s President U Min Aung Hlaing renewed an invitation to ethnic armed organizations to join peace talks without preconditions.

Drug Control & Rural Livelihoods: Myanmar urged opium poppy farmers to switch to legal cash crops like coffee and tea, as authorities destroyed illicit drugs and precursors worth about US$603m on June 26, marking International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Cross-Border Security: India’s Narcotics Control Bureau says Myanmar has overtaken Afghanistan as the world’s top illicit opium source, with a trafficking corridor through India’s northeast linked to terror and arms smuggling. Regional Connectivity (Bangladesh-Myanmar-China): Bangladesh and China agreed to launch a feasibility study for the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project, while Bangladesh’s commerce minister said linking to a China-Myanmar corridor could cut truck transport time to China to 24 hours. Diplomacy & Trade Talks: Bangladesh’s PM Tarique Rahman’s China visit elevated ties to a “community with a shared future,” including plans for foreign-minister-level strategic dialogue and a “2+2” diplomacy-defence mechanism. Humanitarian Pressure: Malaysia’s MAHAR urged UNHCR to speed up Rohingya resettlement, saying Malaysia is a transit country and refugees have waited up to 15 years. Scam-Hub Fallout: Reports say thousands remain trapped in Myanmar-linked scam compounds along the Thai-Myanmar border despite crackdowns, with victims from multiple countries.

China-Bangladesh ties: Xi Jinping met PM Tarique Rahman in Beijing and both sides announced a “China-Bangladesh community with a shared future,” while Xi reiterated support for Bangladesh’s sovereignty and rejected “foreign interference.” Regional connectivity: Beijing also proposed a Bangladesh-Myanmar-China economic corridor, with talks covering multimodal transport and port modernization for Chittagong and Mongla. Teesta push: China backed Bangladesh’s Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project, framing it as a livelihood initiative and saying cooperation is not aimed at any third party. Anti-drug drive: Myanmar burned over 50 tons of seized drugs worth about US$600 million nationwide on UN anti-drug day, including heroin, meth, ketamine and opium. Scam hub reality: Despite Thai-Myanmar crackdown efforts, about 5,300 people (including at least 18 Filipinos) remain trapped in border scam compounds, forced to run fraud operations. Business & jobs: Agri-Tech Myanmar 2026 opened in Yangon, drawing dozens of exhibitors across agriculture, livestock, food processing, SMEs and finance. Regional security cooperation: South Korea met Mekong nations including Myanmar to expand collaboration against transnational crime.

Myanmar drug crackdown: Myanmar destroyed more than 50 tonnes of narcotics worth about US$525m in Yangon, Mandalay and Taunggyi to mark the UN International Day Against Drug Abuse, with methamphetamine (“ice”) the biggest share; officials blamed rebel groups for expanding illicit trade amid conflict. Cross-border scam and trafficking risk: Despite Thai-Myanmar border crackdowns, about 5,300 people remain trapped in at least four scam compounds in Myawaddy areas controlled by DKBA, including victims from multiple countries; thousands more are believed held in nearby BGF and KNA areas. Opium market shift: UN reporting and Myanmar-linked NCB analysis say Myanmar has overtaken Afghanistan as a key opium source, raising concerns for India’s eastern border routes and the Manipur corridor. Regional connectivity push: China and Bangladesh, with Myanmar in the plan, advanced proposals for a China-Myanmar-Bangladesh economic corridor, alongside support for Teesta restoration and port modernization. Business spotlight: Agri-Tech Myanmar 2026 opened in Yangon, drawing dozens of exhibitors across farming, livestock, food processing and SMEs, aiming to connect suppliers and partners.

Small Business Support: Myanmar’s government says it will provide special funding for micro, small and medium enterprises, aiming to boost farmers and producers of cotton, bamboo, rubber, coffee and other crops. Payments & Trade Connectivity: Myanmar and India are drafting a bilateral currency swap arrangement and expanding direct payments, including plans to improve interoperability between India’s UPI/RuPay and Myanmar’s payment systems to support trade and investment. Anti-Scam Pressure (FATF): FATF has urged Myanmar to act against cyber-scam compounds and to protect trafficking victims, warning that fraud and cyber scams remain extensive despite AML steps. Drug Crackdown: Myanmar destroyed over $600 million worth of seized heroin, meth, opium and other illicit drugs in nationwide ceremonies marking UN Anti-Drug Day, with experts linking rising production to conflict conditions. Regional Humanitarian Concern: Allegations in India’s Assam transit camp claim abuse of detained Myanmar women, renewing scrutiny on refugee detention practices. Diplomatic/Legal Watch: A Thai national ex-wife of US diplomat Daniel Riva appeared in Myanmar court facing immigration-related charges tied to his killing, with murder proceedings pending.

FATF Pressure on Myanmar: The Financial Action Task Force urged Myanmar to step up action against fraud and cyber scam networks and better protect trafficking victims, warning illicit finance risks remain high despite AML steps. Cybercrime Crackdown in the Region: Interpol and Amnesty point to resilient scam ecosystems across Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and the Philippines, often tied to human trafficking, even as raids disrupt operations. Thailand Crypto Fraud Case: Thailand issued an arrest warrant for Chinese businessman Wang Yicheng over alleged $28m illegal crypto mining used to launder scam and gambling proceeds; warrants also target Myanmar-linked suspects. Rohingya Diplomacy: China pledged continued support to resolve the Rohingya crisis and assist Bangladesh in engaging Myanmar, with talks led by Premier Li Qiang. Myanmar Business-Relevant Safety & Energy Signals Nearby: Malaysia’s parliament will debate corporate renewable energy and data-centre energy costs, while Thailand continues enforcement against foreign driving misuse—both reflecting how policy and compliance shape regional business risk.

Cross-border Crypto Crackdown: Thailand issued an arrest warrant for Chinese businessman Wang Yicheng, alleging he helped launder money from online scams and illegal gambling via unauthorized crypto mining, with Thai DSI saying he fled and international partners are helping locate him. Cybercrime & Scams Pressure: Thailand also reported sharp drops in border-area scam cases and damage, while warning cooperation is still key to dismantle transnational fraud networks. Workplace Safety in Singapore: A Tuas industrial blast case ended with a director jailed 18 months and a firm fined $500,000 over safety lapses tied to the 2021 explosion that killed three workers. Myanmar-linked Enforcement in Region: Malaysia’s KL JPJ seized vehicles driven by foreigners without valid licences, including Myanmar drivers, and warned local owners against renting out vehicles or misusing licences. Myanmar Governance Signal: President Min Aung Hlaing urged officials to heed public concerns and improve coordination on development projects, including education and transport, while pushing trade and investment talks with business leaders in recent visits to India and China.

Public Administration & Economy: President U Min Aung Hlaing urged officials in Nay Pyi Taw to heed public concerns, improve fair and balanced governance, and coordinate with regional and state bodies to deliver education and transport projects in the coming fiscal year, while also pushing trade and investment discussions with India and China to strengthen Myanmar’s weak manufacturing base. Cross-Border Finance Risk: Myanmar faces tougher financial sanctions as progress on money laundering stalls, while FATF keeps Myanmar on its blacklist/grey-risk track amid ongoing fraud and cyber-scam vulnerabilities. Fuel Costs & Business Pressure: Diesel prices have surged globally since the Iran war, with Myanmar (Burma) among the biggest jumpers—an added strain on freight, agriculture, manufacturing and construction. Regional Connectivity Outlook: A study on Northeast India argues roads and highways could turn the region from a frontier into a gateway linking India with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar and ASEAN by 2047. Labour & Migration Practicalities: Incheon launched a driver’s education program for migrant workers, including Myanmar workers, to reduce accidents and improve integration. Media Freedom: RSF data shows forced journalist exile is rising worldwide since 2021, with Afghanistan the largest source and Burmese journalists among those affected.