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Here’s a list of companies directly and indirectly associated with Myanmar’s military junta. These companies are either owned or controlled by the military or its affiliates, benefiting from military power, control of resources, and monopolistic practices. Many of these companies are also involved in key sectors such as natural resources, construction, banking, telecommunications, and manufacturing.
Directly Associated Companies:
- Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited (MEHL)
- Description: One of the largest military conglomerates, MEHL is controlled by the Myanmar military (Tatmadaw). It operates across various sectors including banking, construction, mining, trading, tourism, and manufacturing.
- Key Sectors: Mining (jade, gold, and gems), Manufacturing, Construction, Hotels, Banking.
- Myanmar Economic Corporation (MEC)
- Description: Another powerful conglomerate controlled by the military. MEC is involved in a wide range of industries, including mining, energy, construction, and manufacturing. It also has significant investments in jewelery and timber industries.
- Key Sectors: Timber, Mining, Energy, Construction, Telecommunications.
- Star Sapphire Group of Companies
- Description: Known for mining and processing precious stones, including sapphires and rubies. The company is closely linked to the military elite.
- Key Sectors: Gemstones, Mining.
- Htoo Group of Companies (Led by Tay Za)
- Description: Founded by Tay Za, a prominent Myanmar business tycoon with close military ties. The group operates in various sectors, including aviation, construction, tourism, and energy.
- Key Sectors: Aviation, Tourism, Construction, Energy.
- Max Myanmar Group (Led by Zaw Zaw)
- Description: Another conglomerate with significant military ties. It is involved in construction, telecommunications, tourism, and energy. The company is also linked to the jade and timber industries.
- Key Sectors: Construction, Telecommunications, Energy, Manufacturing, Tourism.
- Yoma Strategic Holdings
- Description: A major player in Myanmar’s construction and real estate sectors, often associated with the military elite. Although partly involved in joint ventures with foreign companies, it has maintained strong ties with the junta.
- Key Sectors: Real Estate, Construction, Agriculture, Tourism.
- International Gateways (Myanmar)
- Description: A key telecommunications company involved in internet and phone services. The company operates under military control and provides services crucial for maintaining state surveillance.
- Key Sectors: Telecommunications, Internet Services.
- Asia World Company (Owned by U Aung Thaung’s family)
- Description: A large conglomerate with extensive military ties, Asia World is involved in construction, shipping, and port management. It controls several key infrastructure projects.
- Key Sectors: Infrastructure, Shipping, Construction, Ports.
- Myanmar National Airlines (MNA)
- Description: The state-owned airline, which has strong military connections, especially with the Htoo Group. The airline has continued operations under military control, serving both civilian and military purposes.
- Key Sectors: Aviation, Transportation.
- Myanmar Brewery Ltd.
- Description: A subsidiary of Heineken, Myanmar Brewery is a major producer of alcoholic beverages. Despite foreign investment, it operates under close surveillance and influence of military-backed businesses.
- Key Sectors: Beverage Production, Brewing.
Indirectly Associated Companies:
- Heineken (Myanmar Brewery)
- Description: Although Heineken operates Myanmar Brewery through a joint venture, it has come under scrutiny due to its indirect association with the military, especially after the coup.
- Key Sectors: Beverages (Beer).
- Telenor Myanmar (Norwegian company)
- Description: Telenor operates in Myanmar but has faced challenges due to military interference, especially regarding government-imposed internet shutdowns. It has since announced plans to exit the country due to the political and financial instability.
- Key Sectors: Telecommunications.
- Korea’s Hyundai Engineering & Construction
- Description: Hyundai has been involved in construction projects in Myanmar, some of which are in cooperation with companies linked to the military.
- Key Sectors: Construction, Engineering.
- China’s Sinopec
- Description: Sinopec, a Chinese oil and gas company, has maintained operations in Myanmar. Sinopec is involved in natural resource extraction and infrastructure projects that benefit both the junta and China.
- Key Sectors: Oil & Gas, Energy.
- China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC)
- Description: Another Chinese state-owned company heavily involved in Myanmar’s oil and gas industry. It operates in joint ventures with military-controlled companies.
- Key Sectors: Oil & Gas, Energy.
- Thai Beverage
- Description: Thai Beverage, a major company in Southeast Asia, operates in Myanmar through a local joint venture, but its business in Myanmar has often been linked to military-controlled industries.
- Key Sectors: Beverage Production (Alcohol).
- Japanese Marubeni Corporation
- Description: Marubeni, a major Japanese trading company, has also invested in Myanmar’s infrastructure and energy sectors, where the military holds significant influence.
- Key Sectors: Infrastructure, Energy.
- Indian Company Hindalco
- Description: Hindalco, part of the Aditya Birla Group, is involved in the production of aluminum in Myanmar, in areas where military companies also have mining interests.
- Key Sectors: Metals (Aluminum).
How the Military Junta Benefits from These Companies:
- Control of Natural Resources: Many military-controlled businesses dominate the extraction and trade of natural resources such as jade, timber, oil, gas, and precious gems. The junta profits from these sectors, often circumventing sanctions by operating through military-linked companies.
- Monopolistic Practices: The military ensures monopolies in key sectors like telecommunications, energy, and construction, enabling military-controlled companies to monopolize major industries and enrich the military elite.
- Sanctions Evasion: Several military-backed companies have been accused of evasion tactics to avoid international sanctions, often using front companies or operating in less regulated sectors to continue generating wealth for the junta.
- Civilian Displacement: Military-linked companies often operate in conflict zones, where civilians face displacement and human rights abuses, benefiting from land grabs and exploitation of local populations.
International Response:
Many of these companies have been sanctioned by Western countries for their direct or indirect links to the military junta. However, they continue to operate with support from China and Russia, two countries that have been vocal in supporting the military regime and have been accused of helping Myanmar evade sanctions.
Conclusion:
The military junta controls a significant portion of Myanmar’s wealth through various military-backed companies, spanning industries from natural resource extraction to telecommunications. These companies continue to operate with varying levels of international scrutiny and sanctions, providing the military regime with the financial resources necessary to maintain power despite widespread resistance and poverty among the population.