As an Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) “candidate” country, Myanmar’s first report on its extractive industries is due within the next 18 months, but it has yet to agree on which extractive industries and which tender processes will be included in the report, an EITI implementation group said.
“Since we can’t decide on the scope of this report, we will need to cooperate with specialised international organisations and observe the local enterprises,” said U Tin Thint from the multi-stakeholder group on EITI implementation.
Accepted as a candidate country for EITI on July 2, Myanmar is now tasked with disclosing agreements between the government and companies, as well revenue received and management of these earnings from the extractive sector.
Additionally, the report has to cover which blocks or fields are approved and on what basis, why the operation permits are issued, what procedures and technology are awarded for company’s use, how much is produced and lastly, how the resources are allocated amongst the central and peripheral governments.
“The report will analyse both private and state-run enterprises’ management of income and provision for the development of local areas,” U Tin Thint said.
After the first report is submitted, Myanmar will be evaluated in order to become fully compliant with the scheme. According to the EITI website, validation must commence within a two-and-a-half year time frame.
