ASEAN chief expresses concerns about Myanmar reforms

Feb 12, 2012, 3:43 GMT

Yangon - The secretary general of the Association of South-East Asian Nations expressed concern Sunday about business exploitation of Myanmar at the expense of its people.

'I'm worried about all these people who are already gathering in Bangkok and Singapore and who are bent on exploiting Myanmar's resources and opportunities,' Surin Pitsuwan said in an interview with the Myanmar Times.

Myanmar, which was under military rule during 1962-2010, has undergone significant reforms since President Thein Sein took office in March, sparking optimism that the long-isolated country is heading toward a more democratic system and open economy.

Western governments have imposed sanctions on Myanmar since 1988, but are now considering lifting them to reward Thein Sein's reforms.

Surin, who will visit Myanmar on February 19-22, raised concerns that a rush of foreign investment might lead to unequal benefits.

'What friends of Myanmar need to do, is make sure that we remind Myanmar's leaders that it is the welfare of the people that counts most,' he said.

'The entrepreneurial spirit must not overshadow the need for schools, hospitals, utilities, clean water and so on. We do not want the opening up to bring more inequality and more disruption.'

The elected government is pro-military and packed with ex-army officers. The military establishment that has run the country for decades is well-positioned to benefit most from an influx of new foreign investments.

Surin, a former Thai foreign minister whose five-year term as ASEAN secretary general will expire this year, also noted questions about the durability of Myanmar's reform process.

'We would like to see the signal of change from the top being translated down to every government agency. It needs to be reinforced and developed, it needs to be seen,' he said.

Myanmar will chair ASEAN in 2014, for the first time since in joined the regional association in 1997. The 10-nation bloc groups Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Laos, Brunei, Singapore and Malaysia.

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