bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

articlePageQuery

filter

article

articleBaseAdvertisingInfoArticle

articleListArticle

articleSeoArticle

helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle

hooksArticleAcknowledgementGateOverlayArticle

hooksTrackPageViewArticle

hooksContentInterestArticle

articleLinkingDataContent

articleSchemaContent

liveArticle

advertZone

sentiment

contentLock

topics

types

sections

moreOnThisArticles

urlAlias

commentCount

sponsorType

authorLocations

authors

paywallTypes

corrections

displaySlideShow

multimediaEmbed

printHeadline

seriesContainer

socialHeadline

headline

flag

firstTopic

glossary

flattenTypeIds

publishedDate

additionalInfoBoxes

images

image

relatedLinks

relatedNewsletters

__typename

createdDate

sponsor

factSheets

series

disableOffPlatformContent

published

updatedDate

summary

subHeadline

body

keywords

copyrighted

customTimezone

liveContents

Agence France-Presse in Naypyidaw

Follow @SCMP_News
Japan yesterday announced a development aid and loan package for Myanmar worth hundreds of millions of dollars as it boosts trade ties with the fast-changing nation seen as a key regional emerging market.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who has pledged "all possible assistance" to kick-start Myanmar's long-neglected economy, agreed to the plans in talks with reformist President Thein Sein in the capital Naypyidaw, according to a joint statement released by Japan's foreign ministry.
"The government of Japan considers it important to continue to back up the progress of Myanmar's reforms and will continue its support to Myanmar," the statement said.
Abe's visit, the first by a Japanese premier since 1977, heralds a further improvement in already warm relations between Japan and Myanmar, as political reforms and the removal of most Western sanctions spur investment in the former pariah state.
As part of the new deals, the Japanese premier pledged up to 51 billion yen (HK$3.9 billion) in new loans to Myanmar.
This covers countrywide infrastructure development, including road, electricity and water supplies; power station maintenance; and development of the Thilawa special economic zone near Yangon.
Japan also confirmed it would forgive 176.1 billion yen of Myanmar's debts - the final portion of the 300 billion yen that Tokyo pledged in April 2012 to cancel. The move was contingent on further reforms.
"In support of the development of Myanmar and having implemented its arrears clearance operation with Myanmar, the government of Japan decided to provide new yen loans as well as grant assistance," the statement said.
Japan also announced an aid package worth up to 2.4 billion yen for water management in Yangon and a scholarship programme for young administrators overseeing social and economic development.
On Saturday Abe visited the Thilawa project - a 2,400-hectare site which will include a port and industrial park - as part of efforts to promote Japanese firms and his country's infrastructure-building expertise.

A memorandum of understanding was also signed for the project between nine Myanmar companies and three from Japan - including Mitsubishi - according to the state-backed New Light of Myanmar newspaper.
Abe is accompanied by a delegation of 40 bosses from some of Japan's top companies, including Mitsubishi, Mitsui and infrastructure firms Taisei and JGC.
"Japan's investments in Burma (the country's former name) are truly extraordinary, and I think have taken many by surprise," said Myanmar economics expert Sean Turnell.
He said its investment push into Myanmar was both economic and geopolitical, with "rivalry with China" also driving policy. Turnell said Japan had become the "dominant player" in Myanmar, with China facing flak from communities concerned over the environmental and social impact of several major infrastructure projects.
"China has been blind-sided, and has a great hole of unpopularity to climb out of. The West is interested, but much of their money remains hovering nervously above the table," he said.


India, Japan boost defence ties in bid for ‘free, open Indo-Pacific’ to counter China: experts

Is Japan’s Ishiba too ‘weak’ to deal with Trump? Split views on when meeting should occur

How should Indo-Pacific leaders deal with Trump 2.0? Analysts suggest getting personal

Japan’s ruling coalition loses majority, election outcome in balance

Shinzo Abe

Japan unveils huge aid and loans deal for Myanmar

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (left) and Myanmar's President Thein Sein offer toasts during lunch in Naypyidaw. Photo: Reuters

Japanese PM Shinzo Abe (left) meets with Myanmar President Thein Sein during a meeting at the president's residence office in Naypyidaw. Photo: AFP/Myanmar News Agency

News

Asia

Abe writes off old debts and pledges 'all possible assistance' to boost changing nation's economy


Japan yesterday announced a development aid and loan package for Myanmar worth hundreds of millions of dollars as it boosts trade ties with the fast-changing nation seen as a key regional emerging market.


Thein Sein