Showing 1 - 10 of 18
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 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.
After the Covid election
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 16/11/2020
» Myanmar's "Covid election" has dominated the local psyche for more than a month now. The coronavirus crisis changed the nature of campaigning for the Nov 8 polls, severely affected the voting process and delayed the second stage of the government's pandemic recovery plans. While everyone was preoccupied with the polls, the country was virtually on hold.
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'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.
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.
Myanmar banks feel the heat
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 23/09/2019
» The fragile state of Myanmar's banking industry remains a problem for the government as it strives to liberalise the financial sector and create a genuine market-based economy. A mini-run on local banks earlier this month underscored how shaky public confidence is.
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.
Myanmar powers up
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 10/06/2019
» Desperate for increased power supplies, Myanmar is speeding up efforts to call international bids to get more electricity flowing into the national grid within 12 months. Authorities are also considering importing power from China and Laos.
Charter challenge
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 18/02/2019
» Pro-democracy forces in Myanmar have launched a new bid to change the country’s constitution. With 18 months left before the 2020 elections, the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) has initiated a process in parliament that it hopes will amend the military-drafted charter — and give the party an appealing campaign issue. It is the latest evidence that the country has been plunged into “Syndrome 2020” in the lead-up to the elections.