Locals in Tavoy [Dawei] in Tenasserim Division have vowed to intensify protests demanding the return of farmlands, which they say was confiscated without their prior knowledge.

Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida arrived in Burma on Sunday for two days of talks, where an announcement of further aid is expected to underscore the already strong bilateral relationship.

The Burmese currency strengthens for a fourth week running, its buying rate lowering from 968 to 962 kyat to the US dollar, while the selling rate moves from 973 to 970 kyat to the dollar.

DVB speaks to Assoc Prof Nigel Finch of the University of Sydney on transparency in foreign investment in Burma and the relationship between the extractive industry and the Burmese people.

BUSINESS in BURMA THIS WEEK: Maersk makes Burma a port of call; Timber sales rise as logging ban nears; 24 new hotels given licenses; baker & MKenzie open office in Rangoon; and VP warns Burmese firms against falling under foreign control.

Thayetchaung residents protest the 1990 seizure of more than 900 acres of farmland by the military and government to build a railroad.