Country Profile
From The Report: Myanmar 2014
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Wedged between the world’s two most populous countries, India and China, Myanmar has a young and growing population of more than 60m people and a total of 135 ethnicities. Burmese is Myanmar’s official language, but studies suggest there are as many as 100 different languages spoken within the country. The end of the military junta and the rule of Senior General Thn Shwe brought about the easing of sanctions by the EU and the US, as well as the release of Myanmar’s most prominent human rights activist, Daw Aung Saan Suu Kyi, chairperson of the National League for Democracy, along with many other political prisoners. As a result, the country is gaining increasing international credibility but still has obstacles to overcome. With Myanmar taking its place as chair of ASEAN in 2014, a remarkable period of progress in its foreign relations is being acknowledged. A raft of new economic developments and agreements, such as tourism and transport projects, should help bolster Myanmar’s international standing.
This chapter contains an interview with President U Thein Sein and viewpoints from Barack Obama, US President; Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Chairperson, National League for Democracy; and Xi Jinping, President of China.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

A rapid transition: The “Golden Land” is opening up to the world
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The “Golden Land”, officially known as the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and formerly as Burma, has undergone dramatic reforms in recent years under the administration of President U Thein Sein. The rapid transition from a military junta to an open economy has surprised the global community, and will see Myanmar assume the ASEAN chair for the first time in 2014. Although the easing of sanctions has accelerated the nation’s economic growth, Myanmar still faces several significant political…

Interview

A pivotal moment: OBG talks to President U Thein Sein
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Interview:President U Thein Sein After decades of isolation Myanmar is now a frontier market for investors. In which sectors do you see the most potential for foreign participation? PRESIDENT U THEIN SEIN: Myanmar is at a very important stage in its development. The transition from an authoritarian to a democratic regime has led to the lifting of sanctions. At the same time we are moving away from a centralised economy to one based on the free market. We have abolished our old currency exchange…

Viewpoint

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Chairperson, National League for Democracy (NDL), on the possibility of democratic transition and reconciliation
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While ASEAN itself has been around since 1967, in 1947, before he died, and in one of his very last speeches, my father talked about an association of Asian nations. That was long ago, but he had this vision that one day all the Asian nations would be able to get together and form a strong, united bloc. The values that we put at the forefront of our independence are still valid today. The greatest need now, as it was then, is for national reconciliation. We achieved independence in Burma through…

Overview

Seeking a balance: As the process of shaping a new political and economic landscape continues, significant challenges remain
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A nation of over 60m people bordering five countries, Myanmar today is a place of crucial transitions. It is also a place with a long history, inhabited by a wide variety of ethnic and religious communities, many of which are currently facing major challenges, as the country goes through the process of shaping a new political and economic landscape. This recent sea change has led to the ending of Myanmar’s relative international isolation too, with this also having an impact on the domestic population.…

Viewpoint

Barack Obama, US President, on positive reforms for a new era
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When I took office as president, I sent a message to those governments who ruled by fear. I said in my inauguration address, “We will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.” And over the last year and a half, a dramatic transition has begun as a dictatorship of five decades has loosened its grip. Under President Thein Sein, the desire for change has been met by an agenda for reform. A civilian now leads the government, and parliament is asserting itself. The once-outlawed National…

Analysis

Breaking new ground: The country stands ready to take on its international responsibilities
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With Myanmar taking its place as chair of ASEAN in 2014, a remarkable period of progress in the country’s foreign relations is being acknowledged – both by Myanmar’s neighbours and by the wider world. Now, the country’s diplomats will have to help steer the 10-nation group through some challenging times in the run up to the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015. Meanwhile, tensions remain over regional maritime boundaries in particular, with the dispute between Japan…