Pearl and Oyster Farming: MPE undertakes with 12 pearl farming camps

Myanmar Pearl Enterprise (MPE) is undertaking pearl culture and oyster farming with a total of 12 pearl farming camps including a state-owned pearl farming camp, 8 local joint venture companies and 3 foreign joint venture companies.

Since 1964, Myanmar has been holding Pearl Auctions yearly by inviting foreign pearl traders. Starting 1992, the pearl auctions have been held twice a year. The pearl sale with Myanmar currency started for local pearl traders in 1993.

Myint Thu, General Manager, Myanmar Pearl Enterprise said "Normally, the sales were held thrice a year. 135 pearl emporiums have been held till today. In March 2013, the sale was held in Hong Kong of the People’s Republic of China and gained success. So far, the auction was held once a year in Hong Kong and has been held 7 times up to 2019. The total sale amount was over 52.4 million USD from the seven auctions. The pearl sales have not been held in China since 2020 because of COVID-19 pandemic. In June 2017, the pearl emporium was held in Las Vegas in America and 2,422 pearls weighing 2,029.80 mommes valued at 816.006 USD were sold."

The pearl culture and oyster farming are being undertaken by an enterprise-owned pearl farming camp and 2 local joint venture companies in Boke Pyin Township, 3 local joint venture companies and one foreign joint venture company in Kawthaung Township, 2 local companies and 2 foreign joint venture companies in Kyunsu Township of Myeik District and one local joint venture company in Palaw Township of Myeik District in Myanmar.