Published May 19, 2021, 2:38 PM
Given the worsening civil strife tearing down Myanmar, Ayala-led firm AC Energy Corporation indicated that it is temporarily slowing down on its renewable energy ventures in that country.
“Regarding Myanmar, we will have to wait until the situation stabilizes before we can expand,” AC Energy President and CEO Eric T. Francia said.
Eric Francia, president and CEO of AC Energy Inc. of the Ayala group
He nevertheless qualified that despite the conflict-ridden situation of Myanmar these days, “we remain hopeful and still recognize the country’s long term potential.”
It was in October 2019 when the Ayala firm made pronouncements on the joint venture deal it cemented with Yoma Strategic Holdings Ltd., its partner for that specific offshore market.
Games of the Generals Iris Gonzales
The time difference between Myanmar and other countries in the region including the Philippines, is one and a half hours. But in reality, visitors to this Southeast Asian country must set their timepieces 50 years back.
After half a century of military rule, Myanmar has dramatically fallen behind its peers. Today, it is again back in military rule as the country’s armed forces refuse to acknowledge the results of a recent democratic election that affirmed the civilian leadership of Aung San Suu Kyi.
At first glance, Myanmar glimmers with golden hues – from its multitude of age old stupas in the ancient city of Bagan to the thousands of tiny Buddha souvenirs sold in its bustling markets; from its monks roaming in saffron tunics to its famed gilded Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon which glistens under the golden sun. The friendly smiles of its people shine, too, all the way to a visitor’s heart.
(Feb 10): Myanmar’s political upheaval is prompting global companies from Japan to Thailand to dial back operations in the country, spurring concern about a widening business fallout.
From beer maker Kirin Holdings Co to an early backer of gaming firm Razer Inc, companies and investors are weighing the impact of a military coup that’s thrust the once-thriving nation into a state of emergency. The turmoil is prompting multinationals like Thailand’s biggest industrial developer to delay investment plans, a harbinger of things to come should the chaos deepen.
Western nations are applying pressure on the newly installed military government of the Southeast Asian country, once regarded as greenfield territory for everything from oil and gas to leisure resorts. With the US reiterating plans to renew sanctions, it could cause a rippling effect among businesses, threatening US$5.5 billion in foreign investment in a country that just a few years ago was on the path to democracy.
Myanmar’s political upheaval is prompting global companies from Japan to Thailand to dial back operations in the country, spurring concern about a widening business fallout. From beer maker Kirin Holdings Co. to an early backer of gaming firm Razer Inc., companies and investors are weighing the impact of a military coup that’s thrust the once- thriving nation into a state of emergency. The turmoil is prompting multinationals like Thailand’s biggest industrial developer to delay investment plans, a harbinger of things to come should the chaos deepen. Western nations are applying pressure on the newly installed military government of the Southeast Asian country, once regarded as greenfield territory for everything from oil and gas to leisure resorts. With the U. S. reiterating plans to renew sanctions, it could cause a rippling effect among businesses, threatening $5.5 billion in foreign investment in a country that just a few years ago was on the path to democracy.
Myanmar military stages coup; Suu Kyi urges nation to resist
Philip J. Heijmans and Max Zimmerman, Bloomberg News
Myanmar Crisis a Negative For Investor Sentiment in Near Term, Asia Frontier Capital s Desai Says VIDEO SIGN OUT
Myanmarâs military detained Aung San Suu Kyi, declared a state of emergency for a year and voided her partyâs landslide November election victory in a setback for the countryâs nascent democracy.
Army chief Min Aung Hlaingâs office said he took the action in response to alleged voter fraud and the military would hold a âfree and fair general electionâ after the emergency is over. An order by acting President Myint Swe, a former general aligned with the army, granted full authority to the army chief to run the country, saying it was necessary to act before new parliament sessions began this week.