Myanmar’s Civilian Govt Dissolves National Business Federation For Funding War Crimes

Staff Reporter

Dec 26, 2023, 11:31 AM2 min read

Myanmar’s Civilian Govt Dissolves National Business Federation For Funding War Crimes

Photo : Collected

In a significant move on Sunday, Myanmar's civilian National Unity Government (NUG) announced the dissolution of the Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the country's largest business group. The NUG accused the federation of funding the military junta's war crimes and genocide.

Established over a century ago in 1919 as the Burmese Chamber of Commerce during colonial rule, the federation celebrated its centenary in 2019 under the ousted National League for Democracy government. The NUG had previously blacklisted businesses and owners supporting the regime. It asserted that the federation, representing the private sector at the national level, had failed in its duty to serve the public interest and had instead collaborated with the junta in human rights violations, war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity.

The NUG also accused the federation of violating labor rights in cooperation with the regime, justifying its decision to dissolve the organization. The shadow government warned that business owners and staff continuing to participate in the federation would be treated as junta supporters, with potential action taken against them under the Counter-Terrorism Law. The NUG cautioned against the use of the federation's assets and funds to benefit the regime.

The move comes amid revelations that the federation, whose members include owners of leading businesses in Myanmar, made significant donations, including 100 million kyats (over US$30,000), for the construction of the Maravijaya, a colossal Buddha statue in Naypyitaw initiated by junta leader Min Aung Hlaing.

Notably, the Myanmar Automobile Manufacturer and Distributor Association, a partner of the federation, faced criticism for a controversial networking dinner at The Secretariat in Yangon on December 16. The venue, where Myanmar independence hero General Aung San and his colleagues were assassinated, became the center of attention on social media due to reports of a drunken revelry. Federation president Aye Win was present at the event.

This dissolution follows the NUG's previous action in September against the Myanmar Gems and Jewelry Entrepreneurs Association and its regional chapters, accusing them of legitimizing the regime and contributing to it through tax revenue. Additionally, the NUG blacklisted two military-run conglomerates, Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited and Myanmar Economic Corporation, in November 2021.

Last year, the NUG also blacklisted businesses owned by individuals considered cronies of the junta, accusing them of serving as arms-brokers and frontmen for junta-related activities. The latest move underscores the NUG's commitment to curbing support for the military junta within Myanmar's business community.