The Canadian Press - ONLINE EDITION

Myanmar parliament endorses presidents' decision to end use of special tourist currency

YANGON, Myanmar - Myanmar's parliament has endorsed a presidential decision to abandon the use of so-called Foreign Exchange Certificates, a special currency primarily used by tourists.

The director of President Thein Sein's office, Zaw Htay, says parliament unanimously agreed Wednesday with a presidential letter announcing the plan.

The Foreign Exchange Certificates were introduced in 1993 in an effort to stop tourists from exchanging currency on the black market, where the value of the dollar was considerably higher than its official rate against the kyat. It was mandatory until 2003 for tourists to buy at least $200 worth.

Last year, however, President Thein Sein's reformist government abandoned the two-tier exchange system that kept the official value of the kyat artificially high, and instituted a managed floating exchange rate system.

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.

Have Your Say

New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

Have Your Say

Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscribers only. why?

Have Your Say

Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press Subscribers only. why?

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.

letters

Make text: Larger | Smaller

LATEST VIDEO

Roland Delorme wins at UFC 161

View more like this

Photo Store Gallery

  • Carolyn Kavanagh(10) had this large dragonfly land on her while spending time at Winnetka Lake, Ontario. photo by Andrea Kavanagh (mom0 show us your summer winnipeg free press
  • A pelican comes in for a landing Wednesday afternoon on the Red River at Lockport, Manitoba - Standup photo- June 27, 2012   (JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS)

View More Gallery Photos

Poll

What do you use to take photographs?

View Results

View Related Story

Ads by Google