Yangon (AsiaNews)
- A strategy for the short to medium term to support the process of reform of
the Burmese government and promote economic growth, opening the doors to new
foreign investments. This is contained in a study prepared by the World Bank
(WB, click
here to read the entire document), in response to calls advanced in recent
weeks by representatives of civil society and leaders of ethnic groups, on
future prospects for international development and investment in Myanmar. It
has three primary objectives: to support the process of transformation of
institutions, lay the foundation for greater confidence and pave the way for
future investments, relying on the cooperation of other institutions such as
the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The World Bank plan covers an 18 month period and examines, first, the three
major changes initiated by the new civilian government of Burma: the transition
from a military regime to a democratic system, the transition from a
centralized to open market, an end to decades of wars against minorities in
border areas. It will promote these three major reforms, also looking to the
objectives set by the Naypyidaw executive, including agricultural development,
a balanced and inclusive growth, improving quality standards.
The first of the big three "pillars" for development in Myanmar
regards the "transformation of the institutions", which will lead to
the improvement of government, the creation of jobs, development of the private
sector with greater public transparency .
Secondly, building an atmosphere of "trust" around the country, so
the path of reforms can help strengthen economic and social development. Thus
peace must be brought to areas still subject to conflict and measures put in
place to support the population, giving more and more power to civil society
and its representatives.
Finally, the "preparation of a future path" with particular attention
on the census to be carried out by 2015 and the preparation of a serious
investigation on household spending.
Finally, the experts of the World Bank recall the risks associated with the
project of reform and that can slow down - or stop - the growth of the country.
Among these is the "fragility" of the system, the "resumption of
conflict," the "instability" of the banking system, the risk
that expectations are "frustrated" and "non-optimization"
of reforms, limited to the scope of the social context in relation to
government expectations.
The flow of foreign investment and the objectives of the major international
institutions concern Burmese exiles, however, for years engaged in the struggle
for democracy and respect for human rights in Myanmar. In a recent interview
with AsiaNews Aye Chan Naing, editor
of the dissident website Democratic Voice
of Burma (DVB), said that "no one can stop the flow of
investment," but he hopes that the entry of Western companies can bring
"a greater level in terms of workers' rights." Previously Tin
Swe, a representative of the National League for Democracy (NLD) in India,
said that material wealth "is not the only aspiration" because what
really matters for Myanmar is "the prosperity of the whole population and
a life lived with full dignity. "