PROCEDURES RELATING TO
THE UNION OF MYANMAR
FOREIGN INVESTMENT LAW


THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNION OF MYANMAR

Notification No. 11/88
The 14th waning day of Tazaungmon, 1350 B.E.

(7th December, 1988)

In exercise of the powers conferred under section 32 of the Union of Myanmar Foreign Investment Law, the Government of the Union of Myanmar prescribes the following procedures: -


CHAPTER I
Title and Definition

  1. These procedures shall be called procedures relating to the Union of Myanmar Foreign Investment Law.

  2. The expressions contained in these procedures shall have the same meanings as are assigned to them in the Union of Myanmar Foreign Investment Law. In addition, the following expressions shall have the meanings given hereunder: -
    1. "Law" means the Union of Myanmar Foreign Investment Law;
    2. "Form" means the form attached to these procedures;
    3. "Member" means the Chairman or member of the Union of Myanmar Foreign Investment Commission.


CHAPTER II
Formation of the Commission

  1. The Commission shall consist of the following persons: - Minister, Ministry of ConstructionMinister, Ministry of Livestock Breeding and FisheriesMinister, Ministry of Co-operative
    a. Minister, Ministry of Planning and FinanceChairman
    b. Minister, Ministry of TradeMember
    c. Minister, Ministry of Industry No.(1)Member
    d. Minister, Ministry of Industry No.(2)Member
    e. Minister, Ministry of EnergyMember
    f. Minister, Ministry of Agriculture and ForestsMember
    g. Minister, Ministry of Transport and CommunicationsMember
    h. Minister, Ministry of MinesMember
    i. Member
    j. Member
    k. Member

  2. The Secretary of the Commission shall be appointed and assigned duties by the Chairman of the Commission.


CHAPTER III
Economic Activities which may be carried out

  1. The Commission shall with the prior approval of the Government publish a list showing types of economic activities in which foreign investment may be made. In connection with this matter replies shall also be given when enquiries are made.


CHAPTER IV
Submission of Proposal

  1. A promoter shall state the following particulars in submitting a proposal: -
    1. name of promoter, citizenship, address, place of business, place of incorporation, type of business;
    2. if investment is to be made by joint-venture, particulars mentioned in sub-clause (a) relating to the persons wishing to participate in the joint-venture;
    3. evidence in support of sub-clause (a) or sub-clause (b);
    4. commercial and financial references of the promoter or persons wishing to participate in the joint-venture;
    5. particulars relating to production or services enterprise in which investment is to be made;
    6. intended form of organization in which investment is to be made in the State;
    7. if a partnership is to be formed, draft partnership agreement, the ratio and amount of capital to be contributed by the partners, the profit sharing ratio and the rights and liabilities of the partners;
    8. if a limited company is to be formed, draft contract, drafts of the Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association, authorised capital of the company, types of shares, the number of shares to be subscribed by the shareholders;
    9. name, citizenship, address and designation of the executives of the organization in which investment is to be made;
    10. the total capital of the organization in which investment is to be made, the ratio of local and foreign capital, total amount of foreign capital to be brought into the State, the value of the various types of foreign capital and the period within which such foreign capital is to be brought in;
    11. the intended term of investment, the period of construction;
    12. place or places in the State where investment is to be made;
    13. techniques and systems to be used in the production and sale;
    14. the type and quantum of energy to be used;
    15. the quantity and value of the main machineries, equipment, raw materials and similar materials required to be used during the period of construction;
    16. the type and area of land required;
    17. volume and value of annual production of the enterprise and volume and value of services;
    18. annual requirement of foreign exchange to carry on the business and the estimated amount of foreign exchange earnings;
    19. volume and value of goods to be sold locally and abroad annually;
    20. the number, category and tenure of personnel required locally and from abroad;
    21. economic justification.

  2. An application containing the above particulars shall be made in the attached From (1) and shall be signed in person by the promoter and submitted. In addition, draft contract shall also be submitted together with the said application.

  3. If it is an economic enterprise in which foreign capital to the extent of one hundred per cent is brought in to the State and invested, the promoter shall submit together with the application, draft contract to be executed with an organization determined by the Ministry concerned.


CHAPTER V
Scrutiny of Proposal

  1. The Commission shall scrutinize financial credibility in the following manner: -
    1. in cases where necessary, to examine the audited annual final accounts of the person who will bring in foreign capital;
    2. to require Myanma Foreign Trade Bank to make enquiries through its foreign correspondent banks regarding the business standing of the person who will bring in foreign capital;
    3. to call for supporting evidence and to scrutinize the same as to whether any citizen subscribing capital actually has sufficient capital or not.

  2. The Commission shall scrutinize the following particulars with regard to the economic justification of an enterprise in which investment is to be made: -
    1. estimated annual net profit
    2. estimated annual foreign exchange earnings and requirements;
    3. recoupment period;
    4. prospects of new employment;
    5. prospects of increased national income;
    6. local and foreign market conditions;
    7. requirement for local consumption;
    8. prospects of foreign exchange savings.

  3. The Commission may form technical bodies as may be necessary in order to scrutinize the appropriateness of technology.

  4. The Commission shall scrutinize application containing the proposal and the draft contract after obtaining the opinion of departments or organizations concerned.


CHAPTER VI
Issue of Permit

  1. On approval of the proposal by the Commission, a permit in the attached Form (2) shall be issued.


CHAPTER VII
Termination of Business before the Expiry of its Term

  1. On submission of a desire to terminate the business by mutual agreement before the expiry of the term of the contract, the Commission may, based upon the following particulars scrutinize as to whether or not it is correct and justified, and allow the termination: -
    1. substantial and continuous losses in the enterprise;
    2. breach of the terms of contract by one of the parties to the same;
    3. occurrence of force majeure;
    4. incapability of implementing the original aims and objects of the enterprise


CHAPTER VIII
Insurance

  1. An economic organization formed under a permit: -
    1. shall effect the following types of insurance with the Myanma Insurance Corporation: -
      1. Machinery Insurance;
      2. Fire Insurance;
      3. Marine Insurance;
      4. Personal Accident insurance.
    2. may effect the following types of insurance, if so desired, with the Myanma Insurance Corporation: -
      1. Contractors' All Risks Insurance;
      2. Erection A11 Risks Insurance;
      3. Electronic Equipment Insurance;
      4. other insurance accepted by the Myanma Insurance Corporation.

  2. In effecting insurance the details shall be worked out in consultation with the Myanma Insurance Corporation.


CHAPTER IX
Appointment of Personnel

  1. An economic organization formed under a permit shall allow its personnel to enjoy, at least, the workmen's rights contained in the existing laws of the State.

  2. The Commission shall, in permitting the appointment of foreign experts and technicians, carry out the following: -
    1. prescribing the type, number and term of the required foreign experts and technicians according to the individual business organization;
    2. in cases where necessary, obtaining the opinion of the Ministry of Labour.

  3. An economic organization formed under a permit shall have the right to fix the salary and wage rates of its local personnel and foreign experts and technicians, to determine the payment of such salary and wages in kyat or foreign currency after consultation, and to terminate the services of such personnel.

  4. An economic organization formed under a permit shall make arrangements for local and foreign training so as to ensure its local personnel proficiency in their work and promotion to higher ranks of services.


CHAPTER X
Exemptions and Reliefs from Taxes

  1. The Commission may, either by notifying on its own motion or on the application of the promoter or the investor, grant exemptions or reliefs from taxes. In so granting, the type of exemption or relief shall be specified. In necessary cases the period for such enjoyment shall be stipulated. Where rates of depreciation have been prescribed and allowed on capital goods, such rates shall also be specified.

  2. The Commission on receiving the application may, after necessary scrutinization as to whether it is justified or not, grant such exemption or relief and period thereof, as may be appropriate. Such exemption or relief shall be intimated to the promoter or investor, and the departments and organizations concerned.

  3. In allowing a deduction of expenses for research and development relating to the enterprise from the assessable income, the said allowance shall pertain only to those works of research and development which cannot be conducted by any department or organization of the State.


CHAPTER XI
Evaluation and Registration of Foreign Capital

  1. In evaluating foreign capital in terms of kyat for the purpose of registration by the Commission the following shall be carried out: -
    1. to cause to be brought in foreign currency in any type of foreign currency acceptable to the Myanma Foreign Trade Bank, and to evaluate the same at the prevailing official rate of exchange;
    2. to cause the value of the types of foreign capital other than the foreign currency to be stated in any type of foreign currency acceptable to the Myanma Foreign Trade Bank and to scrutinize whether the value of the respective foreign currency so stated is appropriate or not, and to evaluate such values so scrutinized at the prevailing official rate of exchange.

  2. The Commission shall register the type of re-invested foreign capital in terms of kyat and in any type of foreign currency acceptable to the Myanma Foreign Trade Bank.


CHAPTER XII
Right to transfer Foreign Currency

  1. Foreign currency entitled to be transferred abroad under section 26 of the Law shall be transferred through the Myanma Foreign Trade Bank.

  2. In determining the net profits transferable abroad the following funds shall be deducted: -
    1. employees' bonus fund;
    2. contribution made by the employer to the employees' provident fund;
    3. employees' social and welfare fund;
    4. enterprise development fund;
    5. such other funds as are required to be reserved according to commercial practice.

  3. In deducting the living expenses of the foreign personnel and of his family, the Myanma Foreign Trade Bank shall scrutinize on the basis of the following: -
    1. cost of accommodation;
    2. cost of messing;
    3. salary and wages paid to menials such as domestic help, cook and driver;
    4. household, medical and other expenses.


CHAPTER XIII
Matters relating to Foreign Currency

  1. An economic organization formed under a permit shall, for the purpose of carrying out financial transactions such as depositing, withdrawing and transferring foreign currency and kyat relating to the business, open a foreign currency account and a kyat account in the Myanma Foreign Trade Bank.

  2. Foreigners serving in any such economic organization shall open a foreign currency account and a kyat account in the Myanma Foreign Trade Bank.


CHAPTER XIV
Meetings

  1. The Commission shall hold meetings at least twice a month.

  2. The Chairman of the Commission shall preside at the meetings. When the Chairman is unable to attend, any member assigned by him may preside at the meeting.

  3. Two-thirds of the members present at a meeting shall constitute the quorum.

  4. The Commission shall make decisions by majority vote of the members present at the meeting.

  5. The Commission may invite to the meeting such persons as are required.


By Order,

(Sd) Maung Ko
Secretary
The Government of the Union of Myanmar



Form (1)

Proposal of the Promoter to make Foreign Investment in the Union of Myanmar


To
The Chairman,
The Union of Myanmar Foreign Investment Commission,
YANGON,
The Union of Myanmar.
Reference No.
Date.

I wish to make investment in the Union of Myanmar in accordance with the Union of Myanmar Foreign Investment Law, and I herewith apply for permission furnishing the following particulars: -

  1. Promoter's -
    a. Name: .........................................................
    b. Father's Name: .........................................................
    c. National registration No.: .........................................................
    d. Citizenship: .........................................................
    e. Address: .........................................................
    f. Name of principal organization: .........................................................
    g. Type of business: .........................................................
    h. Place of organization: .........................................................
    i. Place of incorporation: .........................................................

  2. If investment is to be made by joint-venture, the particulars of the persons wishing to participate in the joint-venture with the promoter -
    a. Name: .........................................................
    b. Father's Name: .........................................................
    c. National registration No.: .........................................................
    d. Citizenship: .........................................................
    e. Address: .........................................................
    f. Name of principal organization: .........................................................
    g. Type of business: .........................................................
    h. Place of organization: .........................................................
    i. Place of incorporation: .........................................................

  3. Type of business in which investment is to be made -
    a. Production: .........................................................
    b. Services: .........................................................
    (to indicate name of goods or type of services)

  4. Form of economic organization -
    a. Sole Proprietorship: .........................................................
    b. Partnership: .........................................................
    c. Limited Company: .........................................................
    (to enclose the list of the name, citizenship, address and designation of the executives of the organization, indicating the local and foreign capital ratio)

  5. If the organization is in the form of a partnership -
    a. Capital ratio and amount to be contributed by the partners: .........................................................
    b. Profit sharing ratio: .........................................................
    c. Rights and liabilities of partners: .........................................................

  6. If the organization is in the form of a limited company -
    a. Authorised capital: .........................................................
    b. Types of shares: .........................................................
    c. Share capital to be subscribed by the shareholders: .........................................................

  7. Particulars relating to the organization in which investment is to be made -
    a. Amount of capital - Kyat.
    (1) Amount of local capital to be contributed
    (2) Amount of foreign capital to be brought in
    .........................................................
    .........................................................
    Total - .........................................................

    b. Amount of foreign capital to be brought in - Kyat.
    (1) Foreign currency
    (2) Others
    .........................................................
    .........................................................
    Total - .........................................................
    c. Period for bringing in items mentioned in sub-paragraph (b): .........................................................
    d. Proposed duration of investment: .........................................................
    e. Construction period: .........................................................
    f. Commencement of construction: .........................................................

  8. Particulars relating to the proposed economic organization -
    a. Type of business:
    (to indicate production/services etc.)
    .........................................................
    b. Proposed place(s) at which investment is to be made: .........................................................
    c. Technique of operation: .........................................................
    d. Annual fuel requirement:
    (to indicate type/quantity)
    .........................................................
    e. Annual electricity requirement: .........................................................
    f. Annual water requirement:
    (to indicate daily requirement, if any)
    .........................................................
    g. Annual equipment/raw materials requirement:
    (to enclose a list of type/quantity/value)
    .........................................................
    h. Building requirement: .........................................................
    i. Type of land and area requirement: .........................................................
    j. Goods to be produced/services to be rendered:
    (to indicate name, type, annual estimated quantity and value of the goods/ services)
    .........................................................
    k. System of sales: .........................................................

  9. Details of foreign capital to be brought in -
    Foreign Currency Estimated Kyat Equivalent
    a. Foreign currency
    (type and amount)
    ............................................. .............................................
    b. Value of machineries, equipment etc.:
    (to enclose detail statement)
    ............................................. .............................................
    c. Value of raw materials and other similar materials: ............................................. .............................................
    d. Value of rights which can be evaluated, such as licence, trade mark, patent rights: ............................................. .............................................
    e. Value of technical know-how: ............................................. .............................................
    Total- ............................................. .............................................

  10. Details of local capital to be contributed -
    Kyat
    a. Amount of cash: .........................................................
    b. Value of machineries and equipment:
    (to enclose detail statement)
    .........................................................
    c. Buildings/Land: .........................................................
    d. Value of furniture and office equipment:
    (to enclose detail statement)
    .........................................................
    e. Value of raw materials:
    (to enclose detail statement)
    .........................................................
    Total - .........................................................

  11. Particulars relating to annual production/services -
    Foreign Currency Estimated Kyat Equivalent
    a. Type and value of foreign exchange required: ............................................. .............................................
    b. Amount of foreign exchange to be received: ............................................. .............................................
    c. Amount of working capital requirement in kyat: ............................................. .............................................
    d. Value of exportable goods /services: ............................................. .............................................
    e. Value of annual local sale of goods/services: ............................................. .............................................

  12. List of personnel required for the proposed economic organization -
    a. Local personnel required:
    Serial No.
    ..................
    Type of personnel
    ..........................
    Number
    .................
    b. Foreign experts and technicians required:
    Serial No.
    ..................
    Type of expertise
    ..........................
    Number
    ..................
    Proposed period of employment
    .........................................

  13. Particulars relating to economic justification -
    Foreign Currency Estimated Kyat Equivalent
    a. Annual income: ............................................. .............................................
    b. Annual expenditure: ............................................. .............................................
    c. Annual net profit: ............................................. .............................................
    d. Yearly investments: ............................................. .............................................
    e. Recoupment period ............................................. .............................................
    f. Other benefits:
    (to enclose detail calculations)
    ............................................. .............................................
    g. To mention prospects of new employment opportunities/ local and foreign market conditions/foreign exchange savings ............................................. .............................................

  14. Supporting documents for the proposal -
    The following documents are attached for the proposed investment: -
    1. Draft contract;
    2. References for business and financial standing;
    3. Drafts of Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association.


Signature: ..................................
Name: ..................................
Designation:..................................



Form (2)



The Union of Myanmar Foreign Investment Commission

PERMIT

Permit No. ............................. Date ...................................

The Union of Myanmar Foreign Investment Commission issues this Permit under Section 10 of the Union of Myanmar Foreign Investment Law.

a. Name of Promoter: .........................................................
b. Citizenship: .........................................................
c. Address: .........................................................
d. Name and address of principal organization: .........................................................
e. Place of incorporation .........................................................
f. Type of business in which investment is to be made: .........................................................
g. Place(s) at which investment is permitted: .........................................................
h. Amount of foreign capital: .........................................................
i. Period for bringing in foreign capital: .........................................................
j. Total amount of capital (Kyat): .........................................................
k. Permitted duration of investment: .........................................................
l. Name of the economic 0rganization to be formed in Myanmar: .........................................................


Chairman
The Union of Myanmar Foreign Investment Commission






The Government of the Union of Myanmar

Notification No. 3/93

Yangon. The 1st Waxing Day of Kasone, 1355 M.E.

(2lst April, 1993)

Amendment of clauses 3 and 4 of the Procedures Relating to the Union of Myanmar Foreign Investment Law.

  1. As the State Law and Order Restoration Council has re-organized the Ministry of Planning and Finance into the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development and the Ministry of Finance and Revenue by Notification No. 12/93 of 17th February, 1993, the Government of the Union of Myanmar hereby amends clauses 3 and 4 of the Procedures Relating to the Union of Myanmar Foreign Investment Law as follows: -

  2. The Commission shall consist of the following persons: -
    a. Deputy Prime Minister Chairman
    b. Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Chairman
    c. Minister, Ministry of Industry No.1 Member
    d. Minister, Ministry of Forestry Member
    e. Minister, Ministry of Agriculture Member
    f. Minister, Ministry of Hotels and Tourism Member
    g. Minister, Ministry of Trade Member
    h. Minister, Ministry of Mines Member
    i. Minister, Ministry of Transport Member
    j. Minister, Ministry of Livestock Breeding and Fisheries Member
    k. Minister, Ministry of Energy Member
    l. Minister, Ministry of Industry No.2 Member
    m. Minister, Ministry of Finance and Revenue Member
    n. Minister, Ministry of Co-operatives Member
    o. Minister, Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development Secretary
    p. A person assigned responsibility by the Chairman Joint-Secretary

  3. The office work of the Commission shall be undertaken by the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development.


By order,

(Soe Tint)
Secretary
The Government of the Union of Myanmar


The Government of the Union of Myanmar

Notification No. 10/93

Yangon. The 7th Waning Day of Second Waso, 1355 M.E.

(9th August, 1993)

  1. The Government of the Union of Myanmar has amended clauses 3 and 4 of the Procedures Relating to the Union of Myanmar Foreign Investment Law by Notification No. 3/93 of 2lst April, 1993.

  2. The following person is hereby added as a member to the number of persons consisted in the Union of Myanmar Foreign Investment Commission under clause 2 of the aforesaid Notification.
    Minister, The Prime Minister's Office Member


By order,

(Soe Tint)
Secretary
The Government of the Union of Myanmar