The Ministry of Commerce will allow public servants and civil servants to import cars, in two phases, according to its statement.

According to the sale of vehicle under the installment system, the government officials with the rank of Director-General and above will be allowed to import cars in the first phase and those with the rank of the Deputy Director-General and those with 25 years of service, who have got the civil service award, in the second phase.

Those included in the first phase are to submit their application forms to the commerce ministry by January 8.

For vehicle imports, the permanent secretary shall make recommendations for relevant ministries and the secretary of relevant region and state governments for region and state governments.

Dr. Soe Tun, President of Myanmar Automobile Manufacturers and Distributor Association said: “In the coming week, the car permits for the servants who can enjoy tax exemption, will come out. Tax rate accounts for between 100 per cent and 150 per cent of the vehicle values, based on customs duty, Road Transport Administration Department’s tax  and vehicle engine power. For instance, the tax rate is Ks.30-40 million if the value of a vehicle is Ks.30 million. This vehicle import permit will include tax exemption. They can save over Ks.10 million as no old-age car slip is needed for Yangon license. They will have to pay special good taxes and commercial taxes if the engine power of vehicle is above 1,500 CC. In the first year, they are not allowed to change the vehicle owner’s name. The number of government officials included in the first phase may be around 500 and thousands, in the second phase.”