Myanmar, Japan-linked consortium reach agreement on new airport plan

[Aepsilons]

Actually, Myanmar in the past is one of the most economically developed among British Raj provinces and had the best infrastructure and educational institutions in the region (that's why one can explain why the first Asian to become UN Secretary of General is a Myanmar citizen). But after independence, they had several issue regarding discrimination against minority and political unrest because some issues. And unfortunately those issues still pervasive and lingering in Myanmar politics and society until today at large.

Yes, you're correct.

Myanmar (or Burma as it was called back then) was the breadbasket of the British Indian Raj, actually. It had provided rice and wheat to the Indian Empire and after Burma's loss to the Imperial Army in 1942, this led to the great Indian Famine that led to millions in India to starve. India was so heavily dependent on Burma's rice and wheat exports. This is a framework for us to consider in regards to Myanmar's role and potential in being a major exporter to a lucrative market (India's 1.2 billion, China's 1.4 billion and Asean's some 450 million).

Naturally after the collapse of the British Indian Empire, Burma became an independent power (afterall it did not join the Indian Empire willingly, rather fought 3 wars of resistance against the British Empire, a la the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Anglo-Burmese Wars of the mid 19th century). Reclaiming national sovereignty after almost a century of forced assimilation by the British was a prime importance for the Burmese people. So we have to bear in mind nationalistic sentiments of the day during the era of post-colonialism.

I will say one more thing. The finance sector is a massive drag factor, too. US sanctions don't help and the strict capital control laws are a hindrance. For example, foreign companies with licences can only directly repatriate 1/3 of their profits and have to find creative ways to move their money out. On top of that they have to partner with a local company though that requirement is getting relaxed. It's a real headache for these companies to come in and invest. What's encouraging though is that FDI jumped from $1B to $8B in 5 years and even before a true civilian government has come in. But yeah, the banking sector is still very primitive and accounting too as so many businesses want to keep their activities under the table.

There are various structural reforms needed in Myanmar, my friend, however what we have seen in the past 10 years is incredible in regards to growth of Myanmar's sovereign wealth and national growth. This is just the beginning , i suppose, of an economic revolution for your nation. In my view, as Myanmar grows wealthy, these ethnic and religious vagaries will be reduced. I am glad that almost every corner of ASEAN has now seen the light in .... progress-oriented development.

 

[Nike]

Yes, you're correct.

Myanmar (or Burma as it was called back then) was the breadbasket of the British Indian Raj, actually. It had provided rice and wheat to the Indian Empire and after Burma's loss to the Imperial Army in 1942, this led to the great Indian Famine that led to millions in India to starve. India was so heavily dependent on Burma's rice and wheat exports. This is a framework for us to consider in regards to Myanmar's role and potential in being a major exporter to a lucrative market (India's 1.2 billion, China's 1.4 billion and Asean's some 450 million).

Naturally after the collapse of the British Indian Empire, Burma became an independent power (afterall it did not join the Indian Empire willingly, rather fought 3 wars of resistance against the British Empire, a la the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Anglo-Burmese Wars of the mid 19th century). Reclaiming national sovereignty after almost a century of forced assimilation by the British was a prime importance for the Burmese people. So we have to bear in mind nationalistic sentiments of the day during the era of post-colonialism.

their inclusion and closing the country policy from the rest of the world during much period of after independence era doesn't help much either. To build back Myanmar needs enormous efforts, and money.

Although i known some businessman in which had link to Astra, Ciputra, Lippo group and other had their eyes toward Myanmar and usually they will use their finance holding in Singapore or Hong Kong (like the Jardin corps) to made major investment in Myanmar the same kind of method they had used in Vietnam today.

 

[Aepsilons]

their inclusion and closing the country policy from the rest of the world during much period of after independence era doesn't help much either. To build back Myanmar needs enormous efforts, and money.

Absolutely. A closed door policy is definitely anti-historical. The PRC experienced this also immediately after their independence, and look at unprecedented growth after Deng Xiaoping's implementation of Open Door Policy. Purist closed door policies results, ultimately, in national failure and civilizational collapse: case in point the USSR, the Ming Dynasty of China and even Tokugawa Bakufu (Shogunate). Closed door policies inhibits national growth and promotes unprecedented corruption and favoritism a la nepotism.

The fact that Myanmar's Leadership has taken an open door policy approach is a shift in national strategy. This is a healthy one for Myanmar , for their government and most importantly their people.

 

[Abacin]

Absolutely. A closed door policy is definitely anti-historical. The PRC experienced this also immediately after their independence, and look at unprecedented growth after Deng Xiaoping's implementation of Open Door Policy. Purist closed door policies results, ultimately, in national failure and civilizational collapse: case in point the USSR, the Ming Dynasty of China and even Tokugawa Bakufu (Shogunate). Closed door policies inhibits national growth and promotes unprecedented corruption and favoritism a la nepotism.

The fact that Myanmar's Leadership has taken an open door policy approach is a shift in national strategy. This is a healthy one for Myanmar , for their government and most importantly their people.

China closed the door in Mao's era because China wanted to build a complete and independent industrial system, not like Japan which heavily relies on United States. When China opened the door, the industrial level of China had significantly improved although Chinese industry was well below Western level. Even though China still under Western sanctions now, limited introduction of Western technologies quickly improve Chinese industry beyond the imagination. China's open door policies may be copies by countries such as Vietnam and North Korea, but it may be difficult for Myanmar.

If Myanmar thinks that it can give the airports to the West and Japan to balance the Sino-Myanmar railway, this will be a great news for China. This can link Chinese railway network to the Indian Ocean. You will see the flood of Chinese to enjoy Indian Ocean beach, which can significantly boost the Myanmar economy. However, this project has been delayed again and again for the sake of balance.

Sino-Myanmar railway and Sino-Myanmar highway are much more important to the development of Myanmar economy. However, Myanmar is so afraid of its reliance on China and the projects are blocked by the current president. But as rumors I heard, during Aung San Suu Kyi's June visit to China, She would actively push for these projects while China will also actively help her solve Northern minority problems. During the election, all of those Chinese tribes were ordered by China to vote for her party NLD. Economic and political success will shape her status as Deng XiaoPing of Myanmar. Hopefully she will realize this and this will be extremely beneficial to both China and Myanmar.

 

[Tshering22]

we don't have that kind level of separatist to taken over your provincial capital city and undermine economic progress in large swath of area.

Actually most of these so-called separatist movements even in Myanmar seem to get sponsored by churches and NGOs from USA and Europe. We have the same problem although now it is greatly reduced since last year when our government ruthlessly shut down NGO after NGO (more than 9,000 of them) were affiliated to some Church in the US or Europe or other regions.

@alaungphaya before you transition into a full fledged democracy, you need to uproot these groups otherwise CIA will do everything to weaken you through its 'charitable and rights' groups sponsoring your enemies.

Development will take place simultaneously.

 

[alaungphaya]

Actually most of these so-called separatist movements even in Myanmar seem to get sponsored by churches and NGOs from USA and Europe. We have the same problem although now it is greatly reduced since last year when our government ruthlessly shut down NGO after NGO (more than 9,000 of them) were affiliated to some Church in the US or Europe or other regions.

@alaungphaya before you transition into a full fledged democracy, you need to uproot these groups otherwise CIA will do everything to weaken you through its 'charitable and rights' groups sponsoring your enemies.

Development will take place simultaneously.

I absolutely agree Tshering. I hate these separatist groups. But getting rid of them is not easy and it's not pretty.

 

[Tshering22]

I absolutely agree Tshering. I hate these separatist groups. But getting rid of them is not easy and it's not pretty.

Brother, first you need to target anything that US funds which includes those agencies hidden as 'welfare organizations' which are mostly christian missionary groups who finance separatists with false promises of recognition and help in separating.

My country is also plagued with these foul creatures. What UK did in olden days is done now by USA. The more I research about their neo-racio-religious imperialist agenda, the more I am convinced who is dividing us all as 'different countries and different cultures'.

 

[mike2000 is back]

Brother, first you need to target anything that US funds which includes those agencies hidden as 'welfare organizations' which are mostly christian missionary groups who finance separatists with false promises of recognition and help in separating.

My country is also plagued with these foul creatures. What UK did in olden days is done now by USA. The more I research about their neo-racio-religious imperialist agenda, the more I am convinced who is dividing us all as 'different countries and different cultures'.

LOL

 

[Aepsilons]

LOL

What's so funny , Mike? Calling a spade a spade is funny?

 

[Tshering22]

What's so funny , Mike? Calling a spade a spade is funny?

Typical Anglo-Saxxon arrogance, until humbled.

LOL

Won't be laughing for long when your pet Suu Kyi is dealt with. We know what she is all about.

 

[mike2000 is back]

What's so funny , Mike? Calling a spade a spade is funny?

LOL Evil west trying to divide loving Asian countries. lol. I always find it hilarious wwhen peeople put all their ills/problems and conflicts on 'OTHERS', reminds me of some delusional Islamists who think they can do no.wrong and they also put all the blame on the 'evil' west and Jews.