Japan confirms aid for Myanmar

Published on Sunday, 06 January 2013 11:07

Japan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Taro Aso pledged his country will provide assistance for human resource and infrastructural developments of Myanmar.

During his meeting with President U Thein Sein in Nay Pyi Taw on January 3, Mr Taro Aso said the aids of his country are intended for improvements of ethnic affairs and public lives, human resources, administrative system and basic infrastructures.

Aso also confirmed fresh financial aid for Myanmar.

The discussion included the two countries will emphasize on cooperation in industrial sector, legal firms, more investment in State-level enterprises between private  sectors and government sectors.

The assistance of Japanese government will cover the needs of ethnic groups, public transportation in Yangon, improvement of universities and hospitals, and development of small and medium-sized enterprises.

While meeting with Lower House Speaker Thura Shwe Mann and  Chief of Defence Services Min Aung Hlaing, Taro Aso conveyed the support of Japanese people to the efforts of Myanmar government in striving for the development of the country.

Min Aung Hlaing offered Taro Aso of cooperation in non-military sectors between the countries.
Aso chose the country for his first official visit abroad just a week after taking up the position.

His visit has paved the way  for Japanese firms to gain privileged access to Myanmar as Western competitors are moving in slowly after years of economic sanctions.

He also  visited Thilawa, a US$12.6 billion, 2,400 hectare special economic zone and a hub of Japan-Myanmar relations.

Mitsubishi Corp, Marubeni Corp and Sumitomo Corp will form the Japanese side of the joint development in the industrial park.

The plan is to build the first 400 hectares by 2015 and start attracting Japanese and global manufacturers.
Aso, a senior member of the Japan-Myanmar Association, had arranged the visit before taking his office.

In April 2012, Japan agreed to waive billions of dollars in debt owed by Myanmar and restart full financial aid to the country for the first time since 1987.

Japan is also investing in Dawei Special Economic Zone of southern Myanmar, which has many potentials to become the largest industrial complex in Southeast Asia.

Myanmar is still re-working its laws for special economic zones after passing new Foreign Investment Law in 2012.

Myanmar officials hope Thilawa will bring employment opportunities to the job-starved country.