• News & article

  Myanmar confident of economic take-off this year

  Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 08/01/2018

  » After nearly two years in power, Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and her government face a crucial year ahead. Apart from significant political problems -- resolving the troubles in violence-torn Rakhine state and reviving the stalled peace process -- the government needs to show dramatically improved performance on the economic front.

• News & article

  Foreign banks head for Myanmar

  Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 24/03/2014

  » Myanmar’s government is preparing to allow foreign banks to operate independently within the country before the end of the year. Already a “fast track” process for the selection of up to 10 banks has begun, according to sources in Myanmar’s Central Bank. But there is already resistance from local banks.

• News & article

  'Suukyinomics' taking hold

  Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 04/02/2019

  » Myanmar's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi has relaunched the government's drive for economic development based on attracting foreign investment, streamlining bureaucratic procedures, improving infrastructure and utilising the enthusiasm and skills of the country's youth.

• News & article

  China's grand vision

  Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 10/02/2020

  » Chinese President Xi Jinping's historic state visit to Myanmar last month was aimed at drawing the country ever closer and persuading the world of the importance of Beijing's new international approach. It was an exercise in strategic diplomacy, rolling out China's grand vision for the region and encouraging the creation of a loyal and supportive neighbourhood.

• News & article

  Back in Beijing's orbit

  Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 17/09/2018

  » The Beijing-backed China Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) took a major step forward last week with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two countries. While it signals a commitment to strengthen economic cooperation and lay the foundation for greater interconnectivity, the devil is in the details.

• News & article

  Anti-coup crackdown takes fatal turn

  News, Larry Jagan, Published on 01/03/2021

  » Myanmar's security forces have unleashed a concerted crackdown on the country's peaceful protesters leaving 23 dead and thousands injured throughout the country in the last two days. In planned pre-emptive strikes, the police moved ruthlessly to disperse and arrest protestors preparing to join yesterday general strike. "They used teargas, stun grenades and fired live ammunition indiscriminately into the crowds," said Soe Soe, a young university student at a protest site told the Bangkok Post.

• News & article

  Minister on a mission

  Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 09/07/2018

  » Soe Win has been in his post for less than two months, but already there are significant signs that Myanmar's new finance minister is ready to deliver on the government's commitment to boost economic growth.

• News & article

  Myanmar renews SEZ push

  Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 02/10/2017

  » Myanmar's special economic zones (SEZs) are a central part of a revitalised economic strategy in which increased manufacturing activity will play a key role. And breathing renewed life and energy into stagnant or stalled SEZs has moved to the top of the government's agenda.

• News & article

  Myanmar reaches a political impasse

  News, Larry Jagan, Published on 07/02/2022

  » Myanmar is engulfed in a civil war that is growing daily leaving diminishing options available to try to resolve it in what is a growing political impasse. For the past year, since the Myanmar military, or Tatmadaw, seized power, the country has been overwhelmed by violence and mayhem that is continuing to escalate, bringing civilian administration to a standstill throughout the country, disrupting the economy and leaving the majority of its people increasingly in danger of malnutrition and starvation. Hundreds of thousands of civilians have been displaced by the Tatmadaw's military campaigns and face a torrid and uncertain future.

• News & article

  Getting Myanmar moving

  Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 22/10/2018

  » Myanmar's economic outlook is extremely bleak, say many regional experts, and local business sentiment continues to slide downward. And with foreign investment down substantially from last year, future growth is likely to fall short of government targets.

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