Showing 11 - 20 of 35
Yangon gets smarter
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 20/05/2019
» Yangon is introducing smart meters to control the electricity supply, monitor usage and bill customers in a single automated system. If a pilot project is successful, the potential for further development could be huge, says the entrepreneur spearheading the technology.
Relationship reset
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 13/05/2019
» Myanmar and China have a special relationship that was strengthened further by Aung San Suu Kyi's recent trip to Beijing. The frequency of her trips to China -- more than to any other country -- since she became State Counsellor underlines that relationship.
Cautious neighbours
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 01/04/2019
» "Good relations with China are essential," Thaung Tun, Myanmar's economic tsar, told Asia Focus recently. That relationship is the key to Myanmar's development and security, he added. "But that relationship won't supersede or override Myanmar's own national interests, though Beijing's position will always be of utmost importance."
Power play
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 18/03/2019
» Myanmar is coming under increased pressure from China to resolve the thorny issue of the Myitsone dam. Work on the massive hydroelectric project in northern Kachin state was suspended by the former government of Thein Sein in 2011 after strong protests.
'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.
Myanmar's new investment push
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 14/01/2019
» The government of Myanmar is hoping this year will be a watershed for the country's investment and development plans. The emphasis is firmly on liberalisation and attracting foreign investors, as well as involving the local business community in the expected economic resurgence.
Myanmar steps up financial reforms
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 24/12/2018
» The government of Myanmar is finally putting its long-anticipated plans for economic liberalisation into overdrive. In the past few weeks it has announced numerous reforms -- including insurance liberalisation and further easing of restrictions on foreign banks, the establishment of a credit rating bureau and the formation of a "project bank" to encourage investment, especially from abroad.
Harbouring ambition
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 03/12/2018
» Ports planned in Myanmar will provide the final link in a transport network connecting China with Southeast and South Asia and onward to the Middle East. The ports are to be linked by rail and road to China in the north and Thailand to the west.
All roads start leading to China
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 19/11/2018
» Myanmar and China have finally signed an agreement on a controversial deep-sea port project on the Bay of Bengal, allowing Beijing to press on with its strategic plan to gain access to the Indian ocean. It signifies a strengthening of bilateral ties between the two neighbours, and places Myanmar firmly in China's orbit.
Ethnic parties give wake-up call to NLD
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 06/11/2018
» Analysts are poring over the results of Myanmar's by-elections which took place on Saturday, vainly trying to read the tea leaves, and perhaps reading too much into them. But it was certainly a wake-up call for both major parties -- the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) and the previous governing party, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) -- but the lessons that can be drawn for the future are limited.