Showing 1 - 10 of 10
Free fall
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 22/03/2021
» Yangon is burning: Plumes of smoke rose into the skyline in the north of the city every day last week. Large parts of Myanmar's biggest city and main commercial centre resembled a battle zone after the military junta imposed martial law in several neighbourhoods.
Myanmar is 'ready' for the return of Rohingya
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 24/10/2019
» Myanmar wants the Rohingya refugees to return, and preparations have been made to receive them, according to the minister in charge of the process. "We will accept them back anytime," said Dr Win Myat Aye, Myanmar's Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement.
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."
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.
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.
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.
Myanmar powers up
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 11/12/2017
» The government of Myanmar has made energising the power sector an urgent priority, aiming to provide electricity to the whole country by 2030 at the latest. While hydroelectric dams will provide most power needs, new gas-powered plants and liquefied natural gas (LNG) will increase the supply in the medium term. International finance and expertise are being sought, with abundant business opportunities for foreign firms.
Can the NLD deliver?
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 07/09/2015
» With campaigning for Myanmar's forthcoming elections about to start officially in a few days, the main parties are putting their finishing touches on their policy platforms.