The statement warns of the “possible reputational impact in the international community and view of Myanmar as a responsible investment destination” being wrought by the internet-shutdown.

It says the internet blackout negatively affects the local economy and society. “Especially in light of human rights concerns expressed by the UN and concerned governments, we hope that internet access is quickly restored.”

Signatories include the Myanmar-Norway Business Council, CCI France Myanmar, German Myanmar Business Chamber, EuroCham Myanmar and the British Chamber of Commerce Myanmar.

It has been more than three weeks since the area was plunged into an information blackout on June 21. The Ministry of Transport and Communications on June 20 ordered the four telecommunications companies to suspend mobile internet services to nine townships in northern Rakhine and southern Chin states.

Rights groups have criticised that the shutdown puts the safety of civilians who are trapped in the conflict zone at risk.

Twenty-one Myanmar-based civil and digital rights organisations last month released a statement demanding the authorities to lift the existing restrictions on internet access.

“The current internet shutdown will further reduce availability of information about the armed conflicts and its impacts on civilians. This increases our concerns for their safety as the ability of the government to protect them will be reduced,” it says.

Source: https://www.mmtimes.com/news/business-groups-call-myanmar-end-internet-shutdown.html