Myanmar Press Freedom Center was opened at Olympic Tower in Yangon on March 24 with the aim of ensuring greater press freedom in the country.

Thar Lun Zaung Htet from Myanmar Press Council said the center was opened because journalists needed room for working freely to share news and information with civil service organizations.

"In the past, we had to hold meetings for press freedom in other offices. Sometimes, we had to hold meetings at tea shops. CSOs also need a place. This is why we have opened this center to create a place for media and CSOs," said Thar Lun Zaung Htet.

MPC member Zin Lin also said MPC was preparing to amend media-related laws as a democratic country needs press freedom.

"We are trying to have the laws that threaten our journalists amended. The problem is that parliament has to approve those laws and our plan will not work if it does not support. But the council is cooperating with parliament and the military. Soon, new media laws will emerge," said Zin Lin.

Myanmar Press Freedom Center opens daily during office hours. Reporters and CSOs alike are invited to the center for their work. The center is mainly sponsored by Swe Thahar Society. The center is also open in cooperation with the freedom of expression advocacy group Athan.