THE number of domestic travellers has dropped by 50 per cent compared with last year, transportation industry sources said.U Zaw Min, a manager at Eait-si-tan pilgrimage travel company, said that the number of domestic travel businesses has fallen from more than 40 to about 30 since last year.[Fullstory]

There are about 10 different titles dealing with astrological forecasts on the market. Some of the titles are published as 12 separate booklets dealing with each of the 12 signs of the zodiac. [Fullstory]

IMPROVEMENTS in the quality of beans and pulses have enabled Myanmar to maintain its position as one of the world’s leading exporters of the commodities in recent years, an agricultural researcher said earlier this month.[Fullstory]

A TEAM of Australian eye surgeons is in Myanmar to provide free treatment to hundreds of monks, nuns and lay people at a hospital in southern Sagaing Division.[Fullstory]

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) has established working groups to encourage cooperation in the promotion of the agricultural and tourism sectors, say leaders from regional business organizations.[Fullstory]

MYANMAR’S private and part-government owned banks, especially smaller banks, have enjoyed steady growth over the last quarter due to increased customer confidence, banking sector sources said last week.[Fullstory]

The 38-person Penang delegation included state government executives and 18 traders. They met with Myanmar traders at the Grand Plaza Park Royal on December 17, with the assistance of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry.[Fullstory]