Nan Paw Gay, Karen News editor and BNI development Officer said, the book was produced with the purpose of “highlighting” economics in the ceasefire.
“We publish this report as we would like everyone to engage in economics sectors in a good way to have benefits during the peace process.”
According the press release, it examines “the role and impact of business engagement in the peace process” and “facts and data to interpret the role and impact of business engagement in the peace process”.
It also points out that “current economic engagement trends linked to the peace process have already caused serious negative impacts on communities and may threat the durability of peace agreements. Ownership, control and management of land and natural resources cannot be separated from ceasefire agreement and peace talks”.
The report was produced by BNI’s Myanmar Peace Process Monitor team. Since the start of Burma’s peace process the small team has closely analyzing and reporting latest developments on their website. Last April, they produced the “Deciphering Myanmar’s Peace Process A Reference Guide” in English and Burmese. As the title suggests the book identifies the key actors involved in the various ceasefires, compiling all the important data in one place.
Nan Paw Gay hopes that tomorrow’s press conference will not only interest the media but also civil society groups and diplomats. The report is filled with relevant information that has serious and lasting effects for everyone involved in peace.
Investment should be conducted in way that helps achieve lasting peace and not be a “barrier”, Nan Paw Gay pointed out.
BNI was founded in 2003 to provide both an online platform for exile media groups – important member stories are published on BNI’s website – and support often involving journalism training. Now that recent reforms have relaxed media laws, BNI is helping its 12- members register inside Burma.
BNI’s members include Independent Mon News Agency MNA; Mizzima News; Narinjara News; Kaladan Press Network; Karen News; Khonumthung News; Network Media Group; Independent Mon News Agency; Shan Herald Agency for News; Phophtaw News Association, Than Lwin Times; Kantarawaddy Times and Kachin News Group.
BNI‘s “Economics of Peace and Conflict” report will be launched on Oct. 28 at 2 PM at Myanmar Media Library Centre, Merchant Road, Botataung Township in Rangoon Division.
