Myanmar’s open economy won’t hurt China, Chinese Deputy Minister says

Published on Sunday, 20 January 2013 22:29

Myanmar’s open economy will not hurt the ties with China, Chinese deputy minister Chen Jian Commerce told a press conference in Yangon last Thursday.

Japan penetrating into Myanmar’s open economy would not have an effect on China. Myanmar economic reforms signal a good sign to those wishing to expand business in Myanmar, he said, adding, if a country wanted to make progress, there was a need to practice the open door policy.

Jian expected that more foreign companies would come to invest in Myanmar.

In his meeting with the government officials, he held discussions on micro-credit program for Myanmar farmers as well as the construction of hospital and other infrastructures and SEA Games.

Both sides also placed emphasis on Chinese projects in Myanmar.

“China-Myanmar economic cooperation is going very well. The currently prevailing difficulties are not difficult to be addressed,” the deputy minister said.

China faced opposition from Myanmar people over a US$3.6 billion Myitsone dam and Letpadaungtaung copper mine project.

Moreover, a more crucial scheme - twin oil and gas pipelines being built at huge expense across Myanmar and into China - appears safe despite unhappiness among some residents who live along its route and conflict with ethnic minority rebels close to the Chinese border.