Mizzima awarded global JTI certificate for reliable news on Myanmar

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Mizzima Mizzima, one of Myanmar ’s most prominent news outlets and a press freedom advocate, obtained the Journalism Trust Initiative ( JTI ) certification from global audit firm Bureau Veritas , JTI says in a press statement 5 January.  Operating in clandestine mode within Myanmar and supported by an exiled team, Mizzima strives to fulfil its role as reliable source of news and information for the Myanmar public. “Your Journalism Trust Initiative certification affirms what audiences already know: that principled, transparent journalism matters. Congratulations on this achievement and on your continued contribution to informing citizens about Myanmar,” says Benjamin Sabbah , director of Journalism Trust Initiative “Myanmar’s ongoing conflict has created an intensely contested media landscape, where mis- and disinformation are increasingly deployed to reinforce state propaganda and the prevailing “official” narrative. Although Mizzima is already regarded as one of the most trusted ...
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Burma officially approves use of int'l credit cards

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Monday, 22 October 2012 14:09 Mizzima News

Burma has approved the introduction of foreign credit cards, but officials did not say when the use of the cards would likely begin.

An ATM at a Kanbawzah Bank branch at Junction Square Centre in Kamayut Township. International credit cards have been officially approved by the authorities, but the date when service will begin has not been announced. Photo: Bo Bo / Mizzima

Until now, visitors to Burma have been required to do their transactions in cash.

The finance ministry reportedly gave its official approval for Visa, MasterCard, China UnionPay and Japan Credit Bureau to enter the country and do business, according to a story in the state-run New Light of Myanmar.

Washington has eased financial restrictions on Burma after reforms including the release of some political prisoners and the election of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi to parliament.

Mizzima recently reported that Visa had started training Burmese local bank employers to use electronic payment systems to help modernize the economy, but it said the full introduction of ATM machines that can use international credit cards may occur for six months.

Visa has begun training workshops aimed at upgrading facilities over the next few months.

The United States, the EU and other countries have lifted or eased sanctions against Burma after the new government took over last year and moved to implement political and economic reforms and release political prisoners.

Burmese consumers are now able to use a Myanmar Payment Union (MPU) debit card to withdraw money at ATM machines of participating banks and to buy goods at some stores.

Several banks are using the local debit cards on a trial-run basis, but the cards have not been widely available to consumers.

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