Myanmar is undergoing a major transformation. And the country is willing
to show the world what years of reform-minded government have
accomplished. In a DW interview the nation's president vows to step up
reforms.
Myanmar's presidential palace in the capital city of Naypyitaw is
monumental (main picture). It makes even the White House look like
modest by comparison. It is located on a hilltop; its white columns are
discernable from a distance. The former military rulers of the Southeast
Asian country, formerly known as Burma, must have been thinking big
when they commissioned its construction. Inside the palace, there is an
abundance of shiny gold plating.
Exclusive interview
The home's current resident is President Thein Sein. He has been using
the magnificent building since he took office in March 2011. The palace
was also the location for an exclusive DW interview with the former
general during the ongoing Asian edition of the World Economic Forum in
Myanmar's capital.
DW journalists were joined by five camera teams from state TV during the
encounter. The president himself was joined by four of his ministers,
including the foreign and information minister. Diligent workers wrote
down every single word the 68-year-old said in the interview.
Thein Sein seems to be keen on pushing for reforms the Burmese people
can benefit from. "We strongly believe that with economic development we
will have the ability to provide better education, better health
services and that we can uplift the life of the majority of our people,"
he said.
Looking for German investors
But the Burmese leader added that he is upset that some people still
don't believe in the country's development. The 68-year-old has been
introducing reforms for the past two years and believes now is the time
to for investors to come. "Germany is very famous for its small and
medium enterprises," he said, stressing that his government would like
those companies to invest more in Myanmar.
The Asian nation desperately needs to create jobs. Three million Burmese
work abroad because they can't find employment in their homeland. There
are no official unemployment figures in Myanmar, but one third of its
population lives below the poverty line. This is one of the main reasons
why the government is calling for long-term-investment by foreign
companies.
Tackling poverty
Thura Ko, managing director of the consultancy firm YGA Capital,
believes nonetheless the country must be selective and not rush to the
first partner available. "The people must not be afraid of this foreign
investment coming in; we should learn from it and adapt to it," he
stated, adding that those who do no adapt "will suffer in the long run."
The young Burmese manager, who is also taking part in the World Economic
Forum, is also concerned about growing income inequality in his
country. "Myanmar's middle class may still be small, but these mostly
well-educated people play a key part in the development of the country."
Issues surrounding the fight against poverty and improvements in
education also top Thein Sein's agenda. Meanwhile, opposition leader
Aung San Suu Kyi urged government leaders in a press conference to
"finally make good on their promises."
Later this evening Thein Sein will be hosting a gala dinner for his
forum guests. By that time Suu Kyi is expected to have left the event.
It seems she has more important things to do.
source: Deutsche Welle
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