Showing 1 - 10 of 24
Myanmar looks east again in search of legitimacy
Oped, Larry Jagan, Published on 17/04/2026
» Myanmar understands it needs to reach out to the world if it is to end its isolation and roll back the sanctions much of the West has levied against it. To this end, the men in green, now in civilian clothes, are seeking the support of traditional allies -- China and Asean, especially Thailand -- as well as Bangladesh and Pakistan, in an effort to reset foreign policy and regain international acceptance.
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.
Myanmar maps out recovery and reform
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 23/11/2020
» The Myanmar government is putting the finishing touches on an ambitious new economic recovery and reform plan. To be announced during the current transition period following the Nov 8 elections, it will be part of the strategic plan for the next five years.
Vote vs Virus
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 05/10/2020
» Myanmar's national elections are set to go ahead in just over four weeks even though the country is reeling from a second wave of Covid-19 that shows no signs of abating any time soon.
China and Myanmar launch new era of relations
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 17/01/2020
» China's president Xi Jingping will today kick off a two-day state visit to Myanmar which is likely to set the course of their future bilateral relations. While the visit is highly significant for Beijing, Myanmar is more hesitant, fearing it is becoming over-dependent on its northern neighbour, according to analysts and diplomats. But the visit certainly is a public endorsement of the special relationship that has formed between the two countries, and may herald a new era of strengthened relationship.
Time to deliver
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 25/11/2019
» The Myanmar government knows it needs to improve the country's economic performance and extend the benefits of development more evenly across society. With elections only a year away, the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) needs some big wins to prove to the country's entrepreneurs and the urban middle class that it is pro-business.
China's fast-track solutions in Myanmar fail to take off
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 07/09/2019
» The stand-off between Myanmar and Bangladesh over the planned repatriation of tens of thousands of Rohingya refugees continues. But things have just got a bit more complicated with China's intervention. Beijing -- with all good intentions -- is now trying to soothe the troubled waters, in part, a result of their earlier misjudged involvement, having proposed a trilateral meeting of foreign ministers in New York in the coming weeks -- sponsored by the UN secretary-general -- to try to find a way out of the growing impasse.
Selling 'Suukyinomics'
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 02/09/2019
» A delegation led by Thaung Tun, Myanmar's economic tsar, hit the road to Bangkok recently to talk up the unique and refreshing government approach that they hope will persuade Thai investors to participate in the country's fast-growing development.
The final stage of Myanmar's path to democracy
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 16/08/2019
» Last week was the anniversary of Myanmar's mass pro-democracy demonstrations in August 1988, which brought the country to a standstill after its military leaders brutally reacted, resulting in heavy loss of life, and a coup. But 31 years on, the country's long struggle for democracy is far from over, as the country enters, perhaps, the final stage of transition.
Paying for power stability
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 08/07/2019
» The government of Myanmar has substantially increased electricity prices with immediate effect as it seeks to reduce its deficit -- electricity subsidies alone cost US$500 million a year -- and finance new power projects to end chronic blackouts.