Japan-Burma relations
Websites/Multiple Documents
Description:
4,040 results for a Google search for "Burma OR Myanmar" (August 2017)
Source/publisher:
"Japan Times"
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
Grouping:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Category:
News - Burma/Myanmar news sources in English (current sites), Japan-Burma relations, News - International sources
Language:
English
more
Description:
About 889,000 results (August 2017)
Source/publisher:
Various sources via Youtube
Date of entry/update:
2017-08-22
Grouping:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Category:
Japan-Burma relations
Language:
English, Burmese (မြန်မာဘာသာ)
more
Description:
Documents in Japanese and English:
General Information; Sanctions against Burma;
Health Problems;
Economy;
Forced Labor in Burma;
Ethnicity;
Guns and Drugs;
Gender and Sexualities;
Human Rights and Freedoms. Also, "Burma Today Weekly" (Japanese edition). Very useful site.
Source/publisher:
Burmainfo (Japan)
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
Grouping:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Language:
Japanese, English
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Description:
Home page
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
Grouping:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Category:
Japan-Burma relations
more
Description:
Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs 1995-1997. Includes "Japan's Position Regarding the Problem of Massachusetts State Government Procurements"
Source/publisher:
MOFA, Japan
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
Grouping:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Category:
Japan-Burma relations
more
Description:
Diplomatic Relations, Number of Japanese Nationals residing in Myanmar, Number of Myanmar Nationals residing in Japan,
Trade with Japan (1998) Direct Investment from Japan,
Japan?s Economic Cooperation, List of Grant Aid - Exchange of Notes in Fiscal Year 2002, VIP Visits. Statements by Japanese officials, Press Secretary?s Press Conference on Myanmar
Source/publisher:
Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
Grouping:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Category:
Japan-Burma relations, Japanese economic development assistance, Development assistance: Japan
Language:
English
more
Description:
Site entirely in Japanese
Date of entry/update:
2011-01-12
Grouping:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Category:
Burma Action Groups, Expatriate Groups, Round Tables etc., Japan-Burma relations, Burma democracy movement's international supporters, Japanese
Language:
Japanese
more
Individual Documents
Sub-title:
Join Targeted Economic Sanctions, Global Arms Embargo; Review Aid
Description:
"The Japanese government should take urgent action to pressure the leaders of the military coup in Myanmar to restore the democratically elected government and respect human rights, Human Rights Now, Human Rights Watch, Japan International Volunteer Center, Justice For Myanmar, and Japan NGO Action Network for Civic Space said today.
In a letter to Japan Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi on February 25, 2021, the organizations urged the Japanese government to take joint action with other countries, including imposing targeted economic sanctions against the Myanmar military and companies that it controls, supporting a global arms embargo, and triggering human rights-based conditionals enshrined in Japan’s Official Development Assistance programs and charter. “As a major and influential donor, the Japanese government has a responsibility to take action to promote human rights in Myanmar,” said Teppei Kasai, Asia program officer. “It should urgently review and suspend any public aid that could benefit the Myanmar military.”
The organizations also said in their letter that Japan should join other concerned governments in imposing targeted economic sanctions against the military-affiliated companies, including Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited (MEHL) and Myanmar Economic Corporation (MEC), while assisting Japanese companies with direct or indirect ties to the military to terminate their business relationships responsibly..."
Source/publisher:
"Human Rights Watch" (USA)
Date of entry/update:
2021-02-28
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Freedom of opinion and expression: - the situation in Burma/Myanmar - reports, analyses, recommendations, Political role of the Tatmadaw, Political role of the Tatmadaw, Politics, Government and Governance - Burma/Myanmar - general studies, The 2020 General Elections in Burma/Myanmar, Human Rights Watch Reports on Burma/Myanmar, Japan-Burma relations
Language:
Local URL:
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Summary:
"Japan-based Kirin Holdings Company, Ltd. should publish its investigation report on the military-owned Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd. (MEHL) and swiftly cut ties with the company, Human Rights Watch...
Sub-title:
Japanese Beverage Giant Should Release Investigation Report
Description:
"Japan-based Kirin Holdings Company, Ltd. should publish its investigation report on the military-owned Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd. (MEHL) and swiftly cut ties with the company, Human Rights Watch said today. Kirin announced the conclusion of an investigation by Deloitte Tohmatsu Financial Advisory LLC on January 7, 2021, but declined to publish the report for confidentiality reasons.
“Kirin should regain some trust of consumers, investors, and rights groups by releasing the details of its investigation into the operations of its Myanmar military business partner,” said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “Kirin’s business association with MEHL raises serious human rights concerns that need urgent action, not further obfuscation behind an investigation whose results are kept secret.”
In its January 7 statement, Kirin said the investigation by Deloitte was “inconclusive as a result of Deloitte being unable to access sufficient information required to make a definitive determination.” Kirin said the investigation aimed to determine the “destination of proceeds received by” MEHL from Myanmar Brewery Ltd. (MBL) and Mandalay Brewery Ltd. (MDL), and that it would provide a “further update” on its business activities in Myanmar by the end of April.
Kirin owns a majority stake in Myanmar Brewery Ltd. and Mandalay Brewery Ltd. in partnership with the military-owned-and-operated MEHL. In 2015, Kirin bought 55 percent of Myanmar Brewery Ltd., 4 percent of which it later transferred to the military-owned firm. In 2017, Kirin acquired 51 percent of Mandalay Brewery Ltd. in a separate joint venture with the firm.
Myanmar’s armed forces, the Tatmadaw, have been responsible over many years for numerous grave violations of human rights and war crimes against the country’s ethnic minority populations. These abuses culminated in the August 2017 campaign of ethnic cleansing against the ethnic Rohingya population in Rakhine State, including killings, sexual violence, and forced removal. Human Rights Watch found that Myanmar’s security forces committed crimes against humanity and genocidal acts in those 2017 operations against the Rohingya..."
Source/publisher:
"Human Rights Watch" (USA)
Date of entry/update:
2021-01-09
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Human Rights Watch Reports on Burma/Myanmar, Burma's economic relations with Japan, Discrimination against the Rohingya, Economic activities of the Myanmar Military, Japan-Burma relations, Arakan (Rakhine) State - reports etc. by date (latest first)
Language:
Local URL:
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Description:
"An agreement was signed between Myanmar and Japan on July 6th for the Human Resource Development Scholarship Program, according to the announcement of the Japan Embassy in Myanmar.
On behalf of the Myanmar government, Bharat Singh, Deputy Minister for Investment and Foreign Economic Relations and Japanese Ambassador to Myanmar Maruyama Ichiro signed and exchanged the agreement.
The Japanese government will be providing cash assistance of Yen 627 billion for human resource development in the education sector.
Moreover, the Japanese government will provide scholarships for post-graduate studies, 44 Master degree students and four Ph.D students, in the 2020-21 academic years.
From the beginning of Japanese Grant Aid for Human Resource Development Scholarship in Myanmar in 2001, totaling 545 Myanmar young and highly capable government officials and private sector participants had been dispatched to Japan under this program.
The Japanese Embassy also announced that the Japanese Ambassador and Bharat Singh, Deputy Minister for Investment and Foreign Economic Relations also signed agreements on three projects in Nay Pyi Taw on July 2nd. The assistance of US$20.5 million was earmarked for upgrading of waterway indicators in Yangon River and then it would provide water distribution programs in Yangon and Mandalay Regions and upgrading of wireless devices..."
Source/publisher:
"Eleven Media Group" (Myanmar)
Date of entry/update:
2020-07-09
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Japan-Burma relations, Education abroad
Language:
Local URL:
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Sub-title:
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has delivered COVID-19 testing kits to Myanmar’s National Health Laboratory (NHL) to help with the rapid detection of the virus, the Japanese aid agency said in a statement on Tuesday.
Description:
"The kits, which contain primer and testing reagents, worth ¥400,000 (K5.21 million/US$3600) will boost the country’s ability to prevent entry of the deadly disease. JICA officials said they handed over the first batch of the kits in response to an urgent request from the NHL. The aid agency said Japan will do its best to help Myanmar in the fight against COVID-19.
“Myanmar has had relatively higher rates of infection from major infectious diseases compared to other ASEAN counties, which requires it to strengthen its capacity to respond to and diagnose such diseases,” the statement said.
“Since 2005, through Japan’s development assistance, JICA has provided technical cooperation to enhance the country’s capacity to handle major infectious disease.”
The NHL has been designated by the Ministry of Health and Sports as the lead institution to perform diagnosis of suspected COVID-19 cases.
The laboratory performed parallel testing for COVID-19 with the World Health Organization’s designated laboratory, with consistent results.
The NHL began independent testing for COVID-19 last Thursday. As of Monday, 40 people suspected to have the disease had tested negative, and Myanmar had no confirmed cases..."
Source/publisher:
"Myanmar Times" (Myanmar)
Date of entry/update:
2020-02-26
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Tuberculosis and other lung/respiratory tract diseases, Public Health, Japan-Burma relations
Language:
Local URL:
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Sub-title:
Kirin has stakes in two breweries and donated directly to the military, which the UN says is ‘indefensible’
Description:
"Japanese beverages giant Kirin – parent brewer of a suite of Australian beer brands such as XXXX, Tooheys, and James Squire – could pull out of the brewery it co-owns with the Myanmar military, after facing international condemnation for its business partnership with an army accused of genocide.
The company’s president and chief executive, Yoshinori Isozaki, said in a statement the company recognised the “challenges of operating in frontier markets” and was working to improve its practices.
“Human rights is fundamental to all of our business activities … we are reviewing strategic options for our operations in Myanmar.”
Kirin’s review of its partnership with the Myanmar military is being led by its international advisory board, whose members include Australians Sir Rod Eddington and Paula Dwyer. Kirin owns a little over half of both Myanmar Brewery and Mandalay Brewery in partnership with Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd (MEHL), a conglomerate of the Myanmar military, accused of committing genocide in its persecution of the Rohingya ethnic and religious minority.
The business partnership with Kirin provides not only much-needed foreign currency for the isolated Myanmar military – which is subject to global arms embargoes – but also, crucially, is a source of international legitimacy..."
Source/publisher:
"The Guardian" (UK)
Date of entry/update:
2020-02-16
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Arakan (Rakhine) State - reports etc. by date (latest first), Discrimination against the Rohingya, Genocide, Japan-Burma relations
Language:
Local URL:
more
Description:
"Past the numerous izakaya bars and chain restaurants flanking Takadanobaba’s Sakae-dori street, there’s a simple brown building with a signboard reading “Swe Myanmar.”
Although Swe Myanmar is one of many Myanmar restaurants in Takadanobaba, known to many as Tokyo’s “Little Yangon,” one aspect makes it unique: The owner, Than Swe, 56, is a foreign national who has been granted refuge in immigrant-averse Japan, where only one in 250 applicants are granted asylum status.
While Than Swe and his wife, Than Than Kyaing, 56, are happy to operate the restaurant, the business was more of a last resort than a lifelong desire. In 1989, Than Swe fled to Japan when he was just 26 in fear of government persecution for his role leading student democratic protests against the military dictatorship. Before leaving, Than Swe had worked closely with Aung San Suu Kyi as a member of the initial group that directed the popular uprising, simultaneously working as a university geology instructor.
“Seeing Aung San Suu Kyi and many protesters arrested one after another, I made up my mind to flee the country,” Than Swe says, recalling the harsh military crackdown.
At that time, Than Swe was one of a small number of people in the country, then called Burma, to hold a valid passport. Such documents were only issued to those scheduled to go abroad on approved business trips, and Than Swe had been issued his in anticipation of a future trip to Japan..."
Source/publisher:
"Japan Times" (Japan)
Date of entry/update:
2020-02-02
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Language:
Local URL:
more
Summary:
"Myanmar and Japan have signed four loan agreements worth about US$1.1 billion (120.915 billion yen, or 1.61 trillion kyats) to fund sewerage, urban development, power distribution and infrastructure...
Description:
"Myanmar and Japan have signed four loan agreements worth about US$1.1 billion (120.915 billion yen, or 1.61 trillion kyats) to fund sewerage, urban development, power distribution and infrastructure improvement projects in seven regions and states in Myanmar.
The four Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan agreements were signed on Tuesday between Japanese Ambassador Maruyama Ichiro and U Maung Maung Win, Myanmar’s deputy minister for planning, finance and industry, with the aim of improving living standards and economic and social development in Myanmar, the Japanese Embassy in Yangon said in a statement.
About 45.9 billion yen will go towards developing Yangon’s sewerage system. The funds will be used to renovate and expand wastewater treatment plants, lay sewer pipes and improve living standards in the central business district of Yangon.
Currently, much of Yangon’s human waste and domestic and industrial wastewater flows into the Yangon River untreated, resulting in poor water quality..."
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy" (Thailand)
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-23
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Burma's economic relations with Japan, Foreign Debt, Japan-Burma relations, Rural development in Burma/Myanmar, Urban development
Language:
Local URL:
more
Sub-title:
Japan announced yesterday that it is providing loans totalling ¥120.9 billion (US$1.1 billion) to Myanmar for four infrastructure projects.
Description:
"Japanese Ambassador to Myanmar Ichiro Maruyama and Myanmar’s Deputy Minister for Planning, Finance and Industry U Maung Maung Win signed agreements for the loans in Nay Pyi Taw on Tuesday. The projects that the loans will be used for are the Yangon sewerage system development, urban development for the reduction of traffic congestion and the damage caused by flooding in Yangon, power distribution improvement in Yangon and Mandalay, and regional infrastructure improvement in Chin, Rakhine, Mon, Kayin, and Tanintharyi.
The ¥45.9 billion sewerage system development project in Yangon will provide funds to renovate and expand waste water treatment plants, to construct sewer pipes and to improve the living environment of local residents in the central business district of Yangon, where about 10 percent of Myanmar›s population reside. Currently, most of human waste, domestic wastewater and wastewater from businesses flows into rivers untreated, causing water quality deterioration.
By implementing this project, the capacity to treat wastewater will be increased up to about seven times by 2030 (two years after project completion), and the amount of wastewater treatment is expected to be about 130 times the current amount.
Estimated to cost ¥24 billion, the project to reduce of traffic congestion and the damage caused by floods in Yangon will involve work to improve drainage, take measures against traffic congestion at level crossings on main roads and upgrading of the Yangon Circular Railway Road..."
Source/publisher:
"Myanmar Times" (Myanmar)
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-22
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Language:
Local URL:
more
Description:
"Tokyo-based human rights activists on Wednesday decried recent remarks by Japan's ambassador to Yangon, who told local media he did not think the Myanmar military committed genocide on the Rohingya Muslim minority in the country.
More than 730,000 Rohingya fled the Southeast Asian nation to Bangladesh in 2017 after a military-led crackdown. The United Nations has said the campaign was executed with "genocidal intent" and included mass killings and rape.
The military offensive has sparked a series of ongoing legal cases filed in recent months at courts across the globe, including the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ), both based in the Hague.
Zaw Min Htut, vice president of an advocacy group, Burmese Rohingya Association in Japan, said the ambassador's remarks were "disturbing".
"I am very disappointed and appealing again to the Japanese government. Please try to help Rohingya people and don't side with criminals," Zaw Min Htut told foreign correspondents in Tokyo..."
Source/publisher:
"Japan Today" (Japan)
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-16
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Arakan (Rakhine) State - reports etc. by date (latest first), International Court of Justice (ICJ) - Myanmar, Discrimination against the Rohingya, Japan-Burma relations
Language:
Local URL:
more
Description:
"The opening ceremony of the Japan-Myanmar Aung San Vocational Training Institute (JMASVTI) was held in conjunction with the stake-driving ceremony at the institute in Singu Ward, Insein Township, Yangon, yesterday morning.
The JMASVTI project is funded by the Japanese government and is being built on the grounds of the former technical high school (Aung San) and equipped with necessary apparatuses.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) had signed an agreement with Myanmar in December 2018 to establish JMASVTI.
Present on the occasion were Upper House’s Deputy Speaker Aye Tha Aung, Education Minister Dr Myo Thein Gyi, Yangon Region Chief Minister Phyo Min Thein and his cabinet members, Regional Parliament Speaker Tin Maung Tun, the Japanese Ambassador, appointed officials from JICA and JMASVTI..."
Source/publisher:
"Eleven Media Group" (Myanmar)
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-11
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Language:
Local URL:
more
Sub-title:
Strategic competition between Tokyo and Beijing moves into a new realm
Description:
"The Japanese government announced in late December that it will launch an aid program to help internally displaced people in a conflict zone in Myanmar's northern state of Kachin to return home.
China has strong influence in northern Myanmar, including Kachin. Countrywide, Japan and China are tussling for diplomatic sway by helping with various infrastructure projects. Their rivalry is now spilling over into Myanmar's sensitive internal ethnic conflicts.
The Japanese program aims to assist people displaced by Kachin's decadeslong ethnic conflict, and is due to begin in the first half of 2020.
The Japanese government, together with the nonprofit Nippon Foundation, will contribute $5 million to help 3,000 people return to their villages who were forced to flee due to fighting between Myanmar troops and the rebel Kachin Independent Army..."
Source/publisher:
"Nikkei Asian Review" (Japan)
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-05
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Japan-Burma relations, Internal displacement/forced migration of Kachin, Armed conflict in Kachin State - displacement and the humanitarian situation
Language:
Local URL:
more
Description:
"Japan will launch a 390 million yen ($3.6 million) project in May in Myanmar to boost irrigation and agricultural management as part of efforts to increase productivity and eradicate poverty in the Southeast Asian country.
Development of the agriculture promotion system, the improvement of the rice value chain, among other things, will be conducted in six townships in the Shwebo district of the Sagaing region, home to some of the largest irrigated farmland in Myanmar.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Myanmar government signed an agreement for the project in the Myanmar capital Naypyitaw last week.
The two sides also aim to secure a stable water source by establishing a water management organization for farmers and improve profitably by obtaining a geographical indication tag for Shwebo Pawsan, a high-end variety of local rice.
The project, designed to improve the income and management skills of farmers, runs from May 2020 to November 2024, according to JICA..."
Source/publisher:
"Japan Today" (Japan)
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-05
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Japan-Burma relations, Sustainable agriculture - global and regional, Burma/Myanmar's relationship with the Global Economy
Language:
Local URL:
more
Description:
"A ceremony was held in eastern Myanmar to mark the completion of 2,900 homes built under a reconstruction support project by the Nippon Foundation, a Japanese charity group, for refugees and other victims of ethnic conflicts in the Southeast Asian country.
The ceremony took place in the village of Lay Kay Kaw in the state of Kayin on Wednesday to celebrate the completion of the second stage of the reconstruction project in Kayin and the neighboring state of Mon.
The support project has been carried out at the request of the government of Myanmar and ethnic armed groups, including the Karen National Union, which have agreed on a ceasefire with the government.
Besides the homes, 34 schools, 11 medical facilities and 33 wells were built using ¥3.6 billion in funds provided by the Japanese Foreign Ministry in the first stage of the project that started in March 2016 and the second stage from November 2017.
In the third stage launched in October this year, ¥2.5 billion will be used to build homes and a job training facility aimed at helping local residents become financially independent.
“Myanmar can exert its potential for development if it overcomes the challenges it faces,” Ambassador to Myanmar Ichiro Maruyama said at the ceremony..."
Source/publisher:
"The Japan News" (Japan)
Date of entry/update:
2019-11-29
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Language:
Local URL:
more
Description:
"A consecration ceremony was held Monday for a Buddha statue donated by Myanmar for victims of the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami that hit northeastern Japan.
Monks from the Southeast Asian country, which also suffered damage from the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, offered prayers in front of the 5-meter-high marble statue.
It was placed last month on a hill overlooking Shizugawa Bay in the town of Minamisanriku, Miyagi Prefecture. The hill is in a forest park created by the operator of Minami Sanriku Hotel Kanyo to commemorate the disaster that left more than 15,000 people dead.
A Myanmar trading house gave the statue to the hotel operator, which had shown officials of the company around the disaster-hit area.
"While this may be minuscule for the rebuilding, I hope it will be a tourism resource to bring about exchanges between people," said Maung Htet Myat Oo, the 52-year-old co-head of Tomosada International Trading Co..."
Source/publisher:
"The Mainichi" (Japan)
Date of entry/update:
2019-11-25
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Language:
Local URL:
more
Description:
"The establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in December 2015 was a notable milestone in the economic integration of Southeast Asia. However, despite the AEC’s ambitious vision, the on-the-ground reality of Southeast Asian regionalism continues to raise some concerns. One such concern is the vast income gap among the ASEAN member states, which might become an obstacle to developing a true sense of regional solidarity and unity. Per capita income in the region’s richest country, Singapore, is over six times higher than in the poorest, Myanmar. ASEAN member states regard the vast income gap as a ‘matter of urgency’. To enable equitable development, the AEC requires that older ASEAN member assist newer members (known as the CLMV countries: Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam) in their efforts to enhance their economic capacity. Since 2000, when ASEAN leaders adopted the Initiative for ASEAN integration, the older six member have been supporting CLMV countries in five key areas: food and agriculture, international trade, small and medium-sized enterprises, education, and health and wellbeing.
According to a recent study, the CLMV countries are divided by a two-layer economic structure: Cambodia and Vietnam have been successful in bringing down the income gap with their older and richer ASEAN peers while Laos and Myanmar have lagged behind..."
Source/publisher:
"East Asia Forum" (Australia)
Date of entry/update:
2019-11-23
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
ASEAN-Burma relations, Japan-Burma relations, Burma's economic relations with ASEAN, Burma's economic relations with Japan
Language:
Format :
pdf
Size:
41.51 KB
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Sub-title:
China’s endeavor to strengthen its influence in Myanmar’s northernmost state of Kachin has caused spreading discord in the region.
Description:
"Myanmar’s dependence on China is easy to see. Brightly colored Chinese company signs and billboards are prominent, Chinese-looking businessmen stroll along the streets of Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city, and Chinese tourists seem to be everywhere. While I was visiting, a Chinese crew happened to be filming in Yangon, disrupting traffic and causing general confusion. Native residents looked resigned, their expressions appearing to say that there was nothing they could do.
Where Chinese influence is most pervasive, however, is not in the city but in a region populated by ethnic minorities far from Yangon. I went to see for myself, traveling by plane from Yangon via Mandalay to make my way to Myitkyina in Myanmar’s northernmost state of Kachin which shares a long border with China’s Yunnan Province. There, I found China’s local activities a disturbing reality for the people who live there..."
Source/publisher:
nippon.com (Japan)
Date of entry/update:
2019-11-22
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Burma's economic relations with China, Burma's economic relations with Japan, China-Burma relations, Japan-Burma relations
Language:
Local URL:
more
Sub-title:
While Western investors have shied away due to human rights violations related to the northern Rakhine crisis, Chinese and Japanese investors showed visible interest in the state at the Rakhine Investment Fair on February 22.
Description:
"State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who attended the fair, said economic development could be the answer to much of Rakhine State’s woes, where communal conflict in recent years has turned away investors and damaged growth.
With a political solution difficult to achieve under the circumstances, the government believes that developing the state’s economy may be one way of lessening the conflict between communities and eventually ending it.
Rakhine Chief Minister U Nyi Pu said at the fair that economic development supported by local and foreign investors was “the best solution for sustainable peace and development in the state”.
More than 700,000 Muslims fled northern Rakhine to Bangladesh since late 2017 after a crackdown by the military, which followed attacks by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army. Almost all of those who fled are still living in border refugee camps.
In light of the alleged atrocities in the region, the UN-mandated Fact-finding Mission on Myanmar (UNFFM) recommended that companies ensure their operations are compliant with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) when conducting business in Rakhine..."
Source/publisher:
"Myanmar Times"
Date of entry/update:
2019-11-22
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Chinese investment, Japanese investment, Burma's economic relations with Japan, Burma's economic relations with China, China-Burma relations, Japan-Burma relations
Language:
Local URL:
more
Sub-title:
US, EU and Japan are all mounting economic, financial and strategic counters to China’s peaceful rise narrative
Description:
"Days before China started to celebrate the 70th anniversary of its people’s republic, communist leaders issued a policy declaration entitled “China and the World in the New Era” which hailed “a development path with Chinese characteristics.”
Reporting on the document’s release on September 27, the state-run Global Times newspaper opined that “China has grown into a giant” that has taken aim at “Western logic – that a country is destined to seek hegemony after becoming strong.”
That, according to the Global Times, “does not apply to China” and its strictly peaceful, not confrontational, rise. China is only interested in global development and “win-win cooperation”, the paper asserted.
While no one would dispute that China’s people’s republic has emerged into an economic and political superpower on its 70th anniversary, the paper’s other conclusions are not generally shared by rival powers..."
Source/publisher:
"Asia Times" (Hong Kong)
Date of entry/update:
2019-11-19
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma/Myanmar's relationship with the Global Economy, European Union-Burma relations (commentary/analysis), China-Burma-US relations, Japan-Burma relations
Language:
Local URL:
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Description:
"Myanmar is a country of rich ethnic and religious diversity which has struggled for many years with issues of ethnic conflict. Two Japanese men have gained attention for their concerted behind-the-scenes efforts to attain peace in these complex circumstances. Armed Resistance by Ethnic Minorities
There are said to be as many as 20 ethnic minority groups in Myanmar, and many minority forces in the country continue resistance against the rule of the central government. Relations between groups are delicate, with certain ethnic groups experiencing division due to divergence of opinions. The military strength of some is a source of embarrassment for the government. Pivoting this extremely complex ethnic antagonism towards resolution is the greatest challenge facing the country.
The failure to achieve peace with ethnic minorities has for many years provided justification for military control and the suppression of democracy. Despite the county’s great potential, this has been a cause of economic stagnation. The country is making steady progress towards realizing peace, although it tends to be overshadowed by the Rohingya crisis.
Two Japanese men have acted as mediators behind the scenes in the peace process: Imoto Katsuyuki, head of a nongovernmental organization retrieving human remains, and Sasakawa Yōhei, as a special envoy of the Japanese government..."
Source/publisher:
nippon.com (Japan)
Date of entry/update:
2019-11-11
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Peace processes, ceasefires and ceasefire talks (websites, documents, reports and studies), Armed conflict and peace-building in Burma - theoretical, strategic and general, Japan-Burma relations
Language:
Local URL:
more
Description:
"Japanese culture, including anime and movies, is currently enjoying a wave of popularity in Myanmar, particularly among the youth, and there is a sharp rise in people learning Japanese.Japan enjoys favorable relations with many countries worldwide. Due to its proximity to China and the Korean Peninsula, it is easy to gain an impression of anti-Japan sentiment, resulting from historical and territorial issues. But in fact, Japan has positive relations overall with the great majority of countries.
Among these countries, one that stands out in particular for me is Myanmar, which I was recently able to visit. Now, the two countries are linked with daily direct flights, and there is much interest in investment by Japanese companies. But coverage of Myanmar in the Japanese media mainly relates to State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and the Rohingya crisis. The pro-Japan sentiment of the Burmese people receives little attention.
In January and February 2019, a Japanese film festival was held in Yangon, Myanmar’s commercial capital, and Mandalay, its cultural capital. It screened recent Japanese films including an entry in the Chihayafuru series, Her Love Boils Bathwater, Honnōji Hotel, and the hit anime In This Corner of the World. Event organizers were surprised at the popularity, with over 20,000 attending, double the numbers from last year..."
Source/publisher:
nippon.com (Japan)
Date of entry/update:
2019-11-11
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Language:
Local URL:
more
Description:
'Drowned out by the noise of the Rugby World Cup and overshadowed by the deadly devastation wrought by Typhoon Hagibis was a meeting between Japan’s leaders and an alleged war criminal, which went largely unreported by the media and unnoticed by the public.
Myanmar military commander-in-chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing – whom a United Nations-backed fact-finding mission found should be “investigated and prosecuted” for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide against the Rohingya Muslim minority in Rakhine state – visited Tokyo this month at the invitation of Japan’s Defense Ministry. There he met with government ministers, including Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Abe reportedly told Min Aung Hlaing that the Myanmar military should address the allegations of human-rights violations in Rakhine state by implementing proposals from the government-created Independent Commission of Inquiry. Abe apparently did not mention ongoing efforts by the UN and concerned governments to carry out a genuinely independent and impartial investigation into the atrocities, according to a Defense Ministry press release..."
Source/publisher:
"Asia Times" (Hong Kong)
Date of entry/update:
2019-11-10
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Arakan (Rakhine) State - reports etc. by date (latest first), Japan-Burma relations, Discrimination against the Rohingya, Burmese refugees in Bangladesh, About Aung San Suu Kyi
Language:
Local URL:
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Description:
"Japan is keen on businesses for the development of the whole Taninthayi Region including Dawei Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and are now carrying out research into the project, says Aung Htoo, Deputy Minister of Commerce.
Despite plans that have been in development regarding the implementation of Dawei SEZ over a decade ago, it was delayed.
Among the extant SEZs in Myanmar, Thilawa SEZ see the most development and is being implemented together with the Japanese government.
“Dawei SEZ was implemented over 10 years ago by joining hands with the Italian-Thailand Company. But, it was long-delayed project and the company’s budget is weak. On the other hand, we need to fulfill basic requirements for success in implementing the project. There have been many facts. For example, we are going to rent the land plot and provide secure transportation access. Moreover, we are going to approve the environmental conservation, EIA and SIA reports,” said Aung Htoo.
Delays were reportedly due to the infrastructural weaknesses, particularly with the roads and electricity supply.
“Both governments recognized that there have been challenges to the implementation of Dawei SEZ. For Dawei SEZ, such as the Ministry of Electricity by their electricity distribution. Moreover, both sides are going to review their policy concerning the Special Purpose Vehicle-SPV,” said Assistance Secretary Khin Maung Lwin of the Ministry of Commerce..."
Source/publisher:
"Eleven Media Group" (Myanmar)
Date of entry/update:
2019-11-08
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Other Special Economic Zones, Dawei (Tavoy) Special Economic Zone, Burma's economic relations with Japan, Japan-Burma relations
Language:
Local URL:
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Description:
"The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a grant agreement worth of 444 million Japanese yen to spend on implementing the project for provisions of agriculture and construction equipment in the rural areas in Myanmar, according to JICA Myanmar Office.
The grant agreement signing ceremony between The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) took place at the office of the ministry in Nay Pyi Taw on November 4.
Also present on the singing ceremony were Deputy Minister Hla Kyaw of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation, Permanent Secretary Kyaw Min, Director-General Kyaw Swe Lin of Planning Department, Director-General Soe Hlaing of Mechanized Farming Department, Director-General Khin Thet of Rural Road Department of the Ministry of Construction, and CEO Mr. Masayuki KARASAWA of the JICA.
The grant agreement was signed with the financial aid by Japanese government. This financial aid is intended to local people from Ayeyawady Region and Chin State, said an official of JICA Myanmar Office..."
Source/publisher:
"Eleven Media Group" (Myanmar)
Date of entry/update:
2019-11-08
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Language:
Local URL:
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Description:
"Japan is playing a central role in assisting Myanmar’s ongoing financial reforms and attempts to achieve industrialisation. Japan is interested in Myanmar from both an industrial and a financial perspective, while Burmese officials see Japan as a natural partner for financial cooperation. Japan’s public–private assistance for financial development in Myanmar emerged in a Financial Services Agency (FSA) working group specialising in ‘international expansion’ in 2012. The working group proposed a collection of policy suggestions such as offering technical assistance for financial development and support for financial deregulation in Asia to promote the internationalisation of business activities by Japanese firms and financial institutions.
Reflecting on these policy suggestions, the Japanese cabinet approved Japan’s Revitalization Strategy in 2013, where it articulated that ‘by taking in the growth of Asia, the government will vitalise stock markets and improve asset management markets to build a No. 1 financial/capital market in Asia’. In 2014, the revised growth strategy further pledged that ‘the government will also support Japanese firms’ and financial institutions’ activities in Asia’.
In recent years, Southeast Asia has become a key foreign direct investment (FDI) destination for Japanese firms, partly because of rising labour costs in China. Since 2013, the ASEAN–4 nations — Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand — have attracted more FDI from Japan than China.
Japanese financial institutions, particularly banks, are also shifting their weight towards Southeast Asia. Japanese bank claims on Asia have grown 105 per cent since the end of 2008, as Japanese banks expand their client base from Japanese firms to local entities and even individual customers overseas. The IMF predicts that this expansionary trend is likely to continue over the medium term.
There is new empirical evidence that banking FDI precedes and promotes manufacturing FDI. Indeed, coupled with the overseas re-expansion of Japanese banks, Japanese companies are eager to hold stakes in local companies or even proceed with mergers and acquisitions. This will enable them to enhance their market shares in Southeast Asian economies..."
Source/publisher:
"East Asia Forum" (Australia)
Date of entry/update:
2019-11-07
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Burma's economic relations with Japan, Other Special Economic Zones, Japan-Burma relations, Japan-Burma relations
Language:
Format :
pdf
Size:
39.12 KB (4 pages)
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Sub-title:
Carmaker chases Suzuki, Ford and Hyundai in Southeast Asia's final frontier
Description:
" Toyota Motor began work Friday on an auto assembly plant in Myanmar, becoming the sixth automaker to venture into production in a country seen as the last untapped growth market in Southeast Asia.
The $52.6 million plant in the Thilawa Special Economic Zone outside Yangon will produce Hilux pickup trucks. It is slated to go online in February 2021.
"Through local production, we'll supply high-quality vehicles in a timely manner," said Susumu Matsuda, deputy head of Toyota's China and Asia operations, at the groundbreaking ceremony.
The move fills the last gap in Toyota's Southeast Asian production map and solidifies its position in a country of 50 million where auto manufacturing is just starting to take root.
Suzuki, which found success as an early mover in India, and Hyundai Motor affiliate Kia Motors began making cars in Myanmar in 2013. Nissan Motor and Ford Motor followed later, and Hyundai started up an assembly plant here this past February..."
Source/publisher:
"Nikkei Asian Review" (Japan)
Date of entry/update:
2019-11-03
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Other Special Economic Zones, Burma's economic relations with Japan, Japan-Burma relations
Language:
Local URL:
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Description:
"Myint Thu, Myanmar ambassador to Japan, expressed thanks for Japan’s stance of voting on the draft resolution on “Situation of Human Rights of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar” tabled by the European Union (EU) and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on 26 September 2019 at the 42nd Regular Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, during his meeting with Mr. Wakamiya Kenji, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan at the latter’s office on September 30.
The draft resolution tabled by the EU and the OIC was put to a vote at the 47-member Human Rights Council held in Geneva where seven countries including Japan did not support the resolution and abstained in the voting.
At the session of the United Nation Human Rights Council, the representative of Japan felt disappointed at the insufficient time for scrutinizing the draft resolution. Transparency is needed in the draft resolution. Japan’s recommendations have not been found in the draft resolution. Therefore, Japan did not support the draft resolution and abstained in the voting, according to the report of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on September 27..."
Source/publisher:
"Eleven Media Group" (Myanmar)
Date of entry/update:
2019-10-29
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Japan-Burma relations, European Union-Burma relations (commentary/analysis), Burma/Myanmar's Foreign relations, general
Language:
Local URL:
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Description:
"Toyota Motor Corp is planning to build an automobile factory in Myanmar, The Yomiuri Shimbun has learnt.
An official announcement could come before the end of the month, with construction on the plant to start this year.
The plant would be located in the Thilawa Special Economic Zone on the outskirts of Yangon and would assemble pickup trucks through so-called knockdown production, in which parts imported from Japan and other nearby nations are put together at the new plant.
Myanmar has a population of about 50 million people, on a par with South Korea and Spain. It is also a young nation, with an average age of 27.9. While it is one of the poorest countries in Asia, it has seen strong economic growth recently and is expected to grow at annual rates of 6 to 7 per cent.
Though only about 17,500 new automobiles were sold in the country in 2018, the figure more than doubled compared to the previous year. Toyota currently exports about 2,000 passenger and commercial vehicles to Myanmar per year and sees the market as one with strong growth potential..."
Source/publisher:
"The Straits Times" (Singapore)
Date of entry/update:
2019-10-26
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Burma's economic relations with Japan, Economic Development, Other Special Economic Zones, Japan-Burma relations
Language:
Local URL:
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Description:
"Japanese companies are becoming interested in the local industry which will manufacture products in Myanmar and export them to India, China and Thailand, said Japanese Ambassador to Myanmar Mr. Ichiro Maruyama, at Japan-Myanmar Resource, Trade and Investment Expo 2019 at Inya Lake Hotel in Yangon on October 19.
“There are many Japanese companies which are very interested in the local market as Myanmar has many populations. Myanmar borders Thailand, India and China. That’s why, many Japanese companies are interested in exporting Myanmar-made products to neighbouring countries,” Mr. Ichiro Maruyama said.
“Japanese companies are also interested to import raw materials from neighbouring countries and produce the products using these raw materials. Then, they want to sell these products in the local market,” he added.
From 1988-89 FY till September 30, 2019, Japan’s total investments in 117 businesses exceeded 1.2 billion US dollars, according to the figures from the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (DICA)..."
Source/publisher:
"Eleven Media Group" (Myanmar)
Date of entry/update:
2019-10-21
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Burma's economic relations with Japan, Other Special Economic Zones, Japan-Burma relations
Language:
Local URL:
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Sub-title:
Oppose Investments Harming Ethnic Rohingya, Benefiting Military
Description:
"The Japanese government should publicly hold Myanmar to account for military atrocities committed against Rohingya and other ethnic minorities, Human Rights Watch said today. It should discourage Japanese investment that would benefit the military or at the expense of minority groups.
On October 21, 2019, Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar’s de facto leader, is slated to speak in Tokyo at a conference sponsored by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) to promote investment and business opportunities in Myanmar. When she has spoken at previous investment forums in Japan, Aung San Suu Kyi has downplayed or ignored the military’s serious abuses against the Rohingya. “The Japanese government has been pitifully reluctant to speak out against abuses by Myanmar’s military, so officials should use Aung San Suu Kyi’s visit to raise these issues directly,” said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “Japan’s recent re-election to the UN Human Rights Council should encourage the government to improve its human rights foreign policy, including by calling on Japanese companies not to contribute to rights violations in Myanmar.”..."
Source/publisher:
Human Rights Watch (USA)
Date of entry/update:
2019-10-21
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Arakan (Rakhine) State - reports etc. by date (latest first), Human Rights Watch Reports on Burma/Myanmar, Discrimination against the Rohingya, Japan-Burma relations
Language:
Local URL:
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Description:
"Japanese investment in Myanmar reached an all-time high of about $1.48 billion in fiscal 2017 following the nation’s transition from military to civilian rule in 2011, boosted by large-scale commercial complex and steel manufacturing projects.
According to Myanmar’s Ministry of Planning and Finance, Japanese investment in fiscal 2017 through March this year more than quintupled from a year earlier, topping the previous record of $1.02 billion in fiscal 2014.
Japan became the fourth-biggest foreign investor in fiscal 2017 after Singapore, China and the Netherlands, according to the Japan Desk in the ministry’s Directorate of Investment and Company Administration.
The investments consisted of those from Japan or via third countries such as Singapore, endorsed or approved by the ministry or Myanmar’s Special Economic Zone authorities.
Investments through third countries accounted for nearly two-thirds of the total.
The sharp increase was attributable to a $333 million real estate project in Yangon, the nation’s commercial capital, by construction firm Fujita Corp. and its Japanese and Myanmar partners, and a $400 public-private partnership project led by major general contractor Kajima Corp..."
Source/publisher:
"The Japan Times" (Japan)
Date of entry/update:
2019-10-18
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Language:
Local URL:
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Sub-title:
If Japan and China focus on different rail systems in Myanmar, can their division of labor create a new pattern for cooperation?
Description:
"Myanmar Railways (MR) has been variously criticized for its low efficiency and increasing costs. Solutions are needed. Since the country’s independence, the British colonial era meter gauge rail system has not been modernized much. Antiquated semaphore signals and manual blocking systems are still broadly in service, suggesting both the limited capacity of lines, and the poor maintenance of tracks. Rolling stock operates at significantly reduced speed, only 40km/hr on average. It takes trains about 15 hours to complete the 620 km journey between Mandalay and Yangon, much slower than buses, which can make the trip in as little as 8 hours depending on the type of bus in question.
Unsurprisingly, then, MR’s share of land transport in Myanmar has been dropping in the last three decades and the company faces rising deficits. Naypyidaw is aware of the challenge, but it has the same dilemma other Southeast Asian countries face: whether to upgrade the existing meter gauge system for practicality’s sake, or to establish an entirely new standard gauge system for higher speed connection with China. Based on Myanmar’s financial capacity, upgrading the existing system is already a difficult ask, not to mention building an entirely new rail network.
However, thanks to Japanese and Chinese capital, upgrades to the existing system are ongoing, and a standard gauge system is likely to be built.
Tokyo has financially and technologically modernized the MR network, mainly the Yangon circle line and the trunk line between Yangon and Mandalay, in addition to improving five MR maintenance sites. These projects are scheduled to be finished by 2024, after which MR passenger services will reach a top speed of 100 km/hr, and more than double of the amount of service. Furthermore, more efficient freight services will contribute to Myanmar’s blooming inland dry port projects, a considerable factor for import and export costs..."
Source/publisher:
"The Diplomat" (Japan)
Date of entry/update:
2019-10-18
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Burma/Myanmar's relationship with the Global Economy, Burma's economic relations with China, Burma's economic relations with Japan, China-Burma relations, Japan-Burma relations
Language:
Local URL:
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Description:
"The Japan - Myanmar Vocational Training Institute, funded by the Japanese government, will now accept the first batch of trainees,, according to the Ministry of Education.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) had signed an agreement with the government in December last year, aiming to establish Japan-Myanmar Aung San Vocational Training Institute.
The three-year course in Automobile Maintenance and Industrial Electrical Engineering for an AGTI Diploma will start in December.
Each course will accept 20 trainees who will be selected depending on the marks of English and Maths Subjects in the matriculation exam.
“Firstly, Japanese teachers together with Myanmar teachers who were trained in Japan will be teaching the trainees,” said unidentified officer from Technology, Vocational and Practicing Department..."
Source/publisher:
"Eleven Media Group" (Myanmar)
Date of entry/update:
2019-10-17
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Language:
Local URL:
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Description:
"About 3.85 million people studied Japanese at a record 18,604 institutions overseas in fiscal 2018, with the number of institutions soaring in Asia, including in Myanmar, according to a survey released this week, the Mainichi reported.
The number of Japanese language institutions jumped 3.7-fold to 818 in Vietnam from the previous survey in fiscal 2015 and nearly tripled to 400 in Myanmar, said the survey by the Japan Foundation, a government-backed organization conducting international cultural exchange programs.
"The increase in Vietnam and Myanmar reflects our cooperation with local governments over language education measures, as well as the entry into these countries by Japanese companies," a Japan Foundation official said..."
Source/publisher:
"Mizzima" (Myanmar)
Date of entry/update:
2019-10-13
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Japan-Burma relations
Language:
Local URL:
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Description:
"Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has called on Myanmar's military chief to address allegations of human rights violations against minority Rohingya Muslims.
Some 700,000 Rohingya have fled to neighboring Bangladesh since Myanmar's security forces launched a massive sweep operation against Rohingya militants in 2017.
On Wednesday in Tokyo, Abe held a meeting with the Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar's Defense Services, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
Abe said Japan hopes efforts by Myanmar's military will improve the situation. He also recognized the commander-in-chief's decision to halt military action against the minority people..."
Source/publisher:
"NHK WORLD-JAPAN"
Date of entry/update:
2019-10-10
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Japan-Burma relations, Arakan (Rakhine) State - reports etc. by date (latest first), Discrimination against the Rohingya, Burmese refugees in Bangladesh
Language:
Local URL:
more
Sub-title:
The Embassy of Japan in Myanmar, Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), and consultancy company Synergy Focus International will be organising the Japan-Myanmar Resource,Trade and Investment Expo 2019 for the first timeat the Yangon Convention Centre
Description:
"The event will largely cover sectors like real estate, banking, insurance, tourism, and SMEs.
The organisers say the event will feature 160 booths by up by large companies from Myanmar and Japan, among them tour, construction, industrial, banking, and insurance companies. Another 60 booths will be occupied by members of SME associations.
The event will feature introductions and business matching sessions with participants of in the event.
“We will make arrangements to hold this kind of event where local companies can get models for product manufacturing and best services from international companies. This is not only for product sales but also for partnership, technological discussions, exchanging notes on Japanese tradition and culture, and business data. I hope those who attend the event will be able to build connections and gain opportunities to explore foreign markets for their products,” said Synergy Focus International CEO U Lin Kyaw Tun.
“Myanmar companies can connect with international companies, especially Japanese companies, and expand their market at the event and from there, they can cooperate with Japanese companies for Myanmar’s reforms,” said U Thaung Han, the CEO of Max Myanmar Group, one of the event’s main sponsors..."
Source/publisher:
"Myanmar Times" (Myanmar)
Date of entry/update:
2019-10-04
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Language:
Local URL:
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Sub-title:
Two steel manufacturing companies in the Thilawa Special Economic Zone near Yangon are ramping up production and set to expand their markets and products.
Description:
"JFE Meranti Myanmar Co Ltd (JMM) announced last week that it is set to introduce its first locally produced coated-steel products under the brand ALZU this December.
JMM says the products are intended for both local and export markets.
The company is a joint venture between Japanese companies JFE Steel Corp, JFE Shoji Trade Corp, Marubeni-Itochu Steel Inc, and Hanwa Co Ltd, and Singapore-based Meranti Steel Pte Ltd.
JMM. is a US$85 million subsidiary owned by a Singapore-based holding company whose largest stakeholder is Japan-based JFE Steel Corp.
According to JMM, its ALZU brand will provide premium aluminum-zinc alloy-coated and colour-coated steel products. The products are designed and manufactured by JMM in Myanmar for use in roofing, walling, and other related applications for a variety of industrial, commercial, residential, and institutional projects.
“Myanmar’s economy is evolving rapidly and has huge growth potential, but the country needs good infrastructure and building materials to support it,” said JMM CEO Sebastian Langendorf.
“Many new buildings will need to be built, and old ones will need to be renovated or replaced. In order to play a key role in building the Myanmar of the future, JFE MERANTI is introducing ALZU, a durable coated-steel product that is suitable for the Myanmar climate, so developers can create buildings with long-lasting integrity.”
“We believe that leading the way with coated steel in Myanmar will allow the industry to develop into a powerful force for the nation’s development. And we plan to help secure Myanmar’s bright economic and industrial future. For us, for the industry, and for Myanmar, the launch of ALZU is just the beginning,” Langendorf, said..."
Source/publisher:
"Myanmar Times" (Myanmar)
Date of entry/update:
2019-10-01
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Other Special Economic Zones, Burma's economic relations with Japan, Japan-Burma relations
Language:
Local URL:
more
Description:
"Myanmar Railways has been variously criticised for its low efficiency and increasing costs. Solutions are needed. Since the country’s independence, the British colonial era Meter Gauge Rail System has not been modernised much.
Antiquated semaphore signals and manual blocking systems are still broadly in service, suggesting both the limited capacity of lines, and the poor maintenance of tracks. Rolling stock operates at significantly reduced speed, only 40km/hr on average. It takes trains about 15 hours to complete the 620 km journey between Naypyidaw and Yangon, much slower than buses, which make the trip in eight to ten hours.
Unsurprisingly, then, MR’s share of land transport in Myanmar has been dropping in the last three decades and the company faces rising deficits. Naypyidaw is aware of the challenge, but it has the same dilemma other Southeast Asian countries face: whether to upgrade the existing meter gauge system for practicality’s sake, or to establish an entirely new standard gauge system for higher speed connection with China. Based on Myanmar’s financial capacity, upgrading the existing system is already a difficult ask, not to mention building an entirely new rail network..."
Source/publisher:
"Belt & Road News" (China)
Date of entry/update:
2019-09-28
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, Burma's economic relations with Japan, China-Burma relations, Japan-Burma relations
Language:
Local URL:
more
Description:
"Myanmar Railways has been variously criticised for its low efficiency and increasing costs. Solutions are needed. Since the country’s independence, the British colonial era Meter Gauge Rail System has not been modernised much.
Antiquated semaphore signals and manual blocking systems are still broadly in service, suggesting both the limited capacity of lines, and the poor maintenance of tracks. Rolling stock operates at significantly reduced speed, only 40km/hr on average. It takes trains about 15 hours to complete the 620 km journey between Naypyidaw and Yangon, much slower than buses, which make the trip in eight to ten hours.
Unsurprisingly, then, MR’s share of land transport in Myanmar has been dropping in the last three decades and the company faces rising deficits. Naypyidaw is aware of the challenge, but it has the same dilemma other Southeast Asian countries face: whether to upgrade the existing meter gauge system for practicality’s sake, or to establish an entirely new standard gauge system for higher speed connection with China. Based on Myanmar’s financial capacity, upgrading the existing system is already a difficult ask, not to mention building an entirely new rail network..."
Source/publisher:
"Belt & Road News" (China)
Date of entry/update:
2019-09-28
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, Burma's economic relations with Japan, China-Burma relations, Japan-Burma relations
Language:
Local URL:
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Description:
"Myanmar has officially permitted the use of the Chinese and Japanese currencies in cross-border payments, as the Asian giants vie for dominance in one of the region’s last frontier markets.
The directive means that the yuan and yen join the euro, the US Dollar and the Singaporean dollar as designated currencies for settling international trade in Myanmar, where the central bank is desperate for foreign investment after years of economic sanctions and financial mismanagement.
China, which shares a 2,200km (1,360-mile) border with Myanmar, has been keen to draw its southern neighbour into the “Belt and Road Initiative”, Chinese President Xi Jinping’s grand infrastructure plan for Eurasia.
China is Myanmar’s biggest trading partner, with bilateral trade topping US$700 million last year, according to Myanmar’s Ministry of Commerce.
Japan is also a big trade and investment partner, with Japanese companies maintaining a steady presence in the country since the end of British colonial rule in the 1940s, right through its economic isolation due to Western sanctions from 2003..."
Source/publisher:
"South China Morning Post" (Hong Kong)
Date of entry/update:
2019-09-22
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Burma's economic relations with China, Burma's economic relations with Japan, Border Trade - general, China-Burma relations, Japan-Burma relations
Language:
Local URL:
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Description:
"Myanmar is proving to be a major test of strategic economic cooperation between the United States and Japan one which reveals wider foreign policy differences between the allied nations.
Those differences make substantial collaboration towards realising a “free and open Indo-Pacific” (FOIP) in specific countries difficult, despite joint strategic interests and aligned high-level political visions.
In Japan’s pursuit of a policy response to China’s infrastructure Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), economic cooperation with partners in third countries to beef up the financing on offer has emerged as a key component.
Strategic commercial cooperation is arguably most opportune and necessary in Myanmar because the country is at a fraught stage in its democratisation, set into motion in 2010 when it pivoted to form closer ties with countries like the United States and Japan in order to reduce economic over-dependence on China..."
Source/publisher:
"Belt & Road News"
Date of entry/update:
2019-09-04
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Other Special Economic Zones, Burma's economic relations with Japan, Burma's economic relations with the USA, Japan-Burma relations, USA-Burma relations
Language:
Local URL:
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Description:
"On this day in 1943, Dr. Thein Maung was appointed first Myanmar ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to Japan.
Dr. Thein Maung earned a medical degree in Kolkata, India before making his name as a politician and lawmaker during British colonial rule in Myanmar. He served as finance minister in 1943 in Dr. Ba Maw’s government under Japanese rule. Less than one month after he became finance minister, he was appointed ambassador to Japan.
Taking the helm of the Myanmar embassy in Japan’s capital, Tokyo, he helped Myanmar scholars studying in Japan amid bombings by the Allies during World War II.
After Japan lost the war and surrendered to the Allies, he was detained as a war criminal in Sugamo Prison in Tokyo. A few months after detention, the ailing ambassador managed to leave Japan for Myanmar with the help of his Japanese friends.
Unfortunately, he died on the ship bound to Myanmar. The 55-year-old first Myanmar ambassador to Japan was buried at sea..."
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy"
Date of entry/update:
2019-08-31
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Japan-Burma relations
Language:
Local URL:
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Sub-title:
Myanmar continues to woo Japan and the US as a source of investments even as the global growth outlook dims considerably with investors preferring to stash their money in safe-haven assets such as US Treasuries and gold.
Description:
"State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who gave the keynote speech at the Myanmar-Japan-US Forum on Fostering Responsible Investment held on August 20, held up Myanmar’s strategic location between South Asia, China and the rest of ASEAN, a growing economy as well as reforms that were underway as reasons why US and Japanese investors should look to the country as an investment destination.
“Myanmar, positioned at the crossroads of Asia, constitutes a key bridge between East and West; a link between India and China, a doorway to ASEAN. Myanmar seeks to capitalise on this favourable position by connecting these rising geo-economic regions, offering a strategic trade conduit, providing a gateway to the Indian Ocean, and thus benefitting the country and the region broadly,” she said.
Her speech comes at a time when foreign direct investment (FDI) commitments, an indication of future FDI flows, has slowed down according to the December 2018 edition of the Myanmar Economic Monitor published by the World Bank.
The Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (DICA) expects US$5.8 billion in FDI for the current fiscal year between October 1, 2018 and September 30, 2019, little changed from the $5.7 billion that was received in fiscal 2017/2018, which began on April 1, 2017 and ended on March 30, 2018. DICA data showed that for fiscal 2016/2017, the country received $6.6 billion of investments..."
Source/publisher:
"Myanmar Times"
Date of entry/update:
2019-08-21
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Burma's economic relations with the USA, Burma's economic relations with Japan, Japan-Burma relations, USA-Burma relations
Language:
Local URL:
more
Sub-title:
Japan-backed Thilawa Special Economic Zone is one of nation’s few economic and infrastructure success stories
Description:
"Every morning hundreds of cars, trucks and other vehicles carrying factory workers squeeze into a two-lane bridge across Yangon’s Bago river.
The buzz of industrial activity results in often nightmarish traffic jams, a rare phenomenon for Myanmar’s still nascent and in many ways hamstrung manufacturing sector.
Initiated by then-president Thein Sein in 2013, the Japan-backed Thilawa Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is widely viewed by business leaders as Myanmar’s foremost economic success story.
It also has advocates in high political places, with de facto national leader Aung San Suu Kyi repeatedly hailing Thilawa as a “crowning success” that “highlights the type of positive partnership that can be achieved between our respective public and private sectors.”
The 2,500-hectare Thilawa has so far secured over US$1.6 billion in approved investment, including from multinationals such as German retail group Metro AG, US aluminum can manufacturer Ball and Japanese automaker Toyota..."
Source/publisher:
"Asia Times"
Date of entry/update:
2019-08-20
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Other Special Economic Zones, Burma's economic relations with Japan, Burma's economic relations with China, Japan-Burma relations, China-Burma relations
Language:
Local URL:
more
Description:
"THILAWA, Myanmar: A Japan-backed special economic zone in Myanmar is expanding as an alternative production hub for China and Vietnam, attracting growing numbers of Japanese and other foreign firms to the outskirts of Yangon.
More than half of the total developed area of 5.83 million square metres in the Thilawa Special Economic Zone is already occupied, said Tomoyasu Shimizu, president of Myanmar Japan Thilawa Development Ltd, or MJTD, the operator of the economic zone.
Since its opening in 2015, 105 companies have moved into the zone or signed tenancy contracts through last month, with 90 firms under full foreign ownership and 13 foreign-Myanmar joint ventures..."
Source/publisher:
"Bangkok Post"
Date of entry/update:
2019-08-10
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Burma's economic relations with Japan, Other Special Economic Zones, Japan-Burma relations
Language:
Local URL:
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Summary:
"Japan’s foreign minister, Taro Kono, should raise critical human rights issues during his visit to Bangladesh and Myanmar from July 29 to July 31, 2019, Human Rights Watch said in a July 26 letter...
Sub-title:
Foreign Minister Taro Kono Should Use Trip to Raise Rohingya’s Plight
Description:
"Japan’s foreign minister, Taro Kono, should raise critical human rights issues during his visit to Bangladesh and Myanmar from July 29 to July 31, 2019, Human Rights Watch said in a July 26 letter to the foreign minister.
“Foreign Minister Kono should press the Bangladeshi government about arrests under its draconian digital security laws and online censorship that is stifling peaceful criticism and dissent,” said Kanae Doi, Japan director. “While in Myanmar, Foreign Minister Kono should urge the government to ensure that humanitarian agencies, human rights groups, and independent media have access to ethnic Rohingya and other at-risk minorities.”
Kono should press the Bangladeshi government to drop politically motivated charges against critics and the opposition. Bangladesh should also amend the Digital Security Act to ensure the right to freedom of expression, investigate enforced disappearances, and ensure that any repatriation of Rohingya is voluntary.
In Myanmar, Kono should urge Aung San Suu Kyi’s government to end the arbitrary arrest and detention of government critics, reform or repeal the Media Law and other abusive legislation to eliminate restrictions on basic rights, end institutionalized discrimination against the Rohingya, and fully cooperate with international fact-finding mechanisms..."
Source/publisher:
Human Rights Watch
Date of entry/update:
2019-08-01
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Arakan (Rakhine) State - reports etc. by date (latest first), Burmese refugees in Bangladesh, Internal displacement/forced migration of Rohingyas, Japan-Burma relations
Language:
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Description:
"Located 20 kilometres north of Dawei, capital of Tanintharyi Region in Myanmar's southeast coast bordering Thailand, the Dawei SEZ comprises 20,000 hectares of land and includes industrial as well as port facilities.
Italian-Thai Development pcl (ITD), a Thai construction firm, was to take the lead in the project with the initial memorandum of understanding between the Myanmar and Thai governments signed in 2008. After the project stalled in 2013, both governments remained committed to completing it, but efforts to woo other investors after sidelining ITD has been unsuccessful.
Ministry of Commerce assistant secretary U Khin Maung Lwin said Japan will participate fully in the project and that ministerial-level meeting will be held where matters concerning ITD's role will also be discussed.
Japan is no stranger to developing SEZs in Myanmar, as Japanese companies were involved in the development of the Thilawa SEZ, south of Yangon. Myanmar officials in particular prefer the Japanese to take part due to their reputation for quality and trustworthiness while U Khin Maung Lwin said the government wanted the project to start as soon as possible.
"It would better with Japanese participation, and the Japanese government has also expressed interest," he said. Both the Myanmar and Thai governments have tried to involve Japan before this but unsuccessfully. However, this time around the Japan International Cooperation Agency has carried out a survey of Tanintharyi Region's coastal strip and will be releasing a report soon.
The SEZ, it is believed, will have positive effects for Dawei and its surrounding areas, with electricity supply and better transportation among them. The manufacturing industries will benefit, and so will tourism, fisheries and agriculture.
U Kyi Soe, a regional hluttaw member of parliament for Yephyu township said Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand can return and work in the Dawei SEZ because with Japanese involvement, there will also be Japanese factories setting up that can provide jobs.
Dawei SEZ management committee vice-chair U Myint San said critical infrastructure such as a two-way road and electricity has been left uncompleted and needed to be ready. "A loan will be obtained from the Thai government for the infrastructure, tenders will be called after that and we hope to construct the road by mid-2020," he said.
Myanmar government officials said with the environmental impact and social impact assessments have been conducted, the land-lease will be sent to Thailand. "Myanmar's part required to start the project will be done," U Khin Maung Lwin said.
Initially, ITD was promised a 75-year lease for the SEZ. It is understood that ITD will then have to resume the project and will have to provide reasons if the company cannot continue.
Meanwhile, U Myint San said given the deadline of 2015 has passed for the completion of the project, the delay and implementation showed that ITD has not been following the contract. "There must be clear policy for this," he added.
U Myint San said the initial forecast was for the project to be completed within eight years. Because construction of the basic infrastructure has not begun, the SEZ's management committee has proposed that both the basic infrastructure and the first phase of the project be implemented simultaneously.
The Dawei SEZ's troubles include land appropriation by the government that has created controversy as no compensation in cash or land has been given to the owners. Speculators who bought land also suffered when the project floundered. ITD is also mired in the compensation issues as local politicians alleged that there was no adequate compensation and now want the land compensation issues to be settled first before the project starts.
U Than Win, a local activist, said the assessments need to be done thoroughly and locals need to be informed..."
Source/publisher:
Myanmar Water Portal via "Myanmar Times"
Date of entry/update:
2019-07-25
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Dawei (Tavoy) Special Economic Zone, Burma's economic relations with Japan, Japan-Burma relations
Language:
Local URL:
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Description:
Abstract: "Myanmar and Japan have had an important shared history since the Pacific War, when Japan occupied the British colony of Burma and established the country?s first postcolonial state and army. The period from 1941 to 1945 also witnessed the ?militarization” of Myanmar as the country was turned into a battlefield by the Japanese, the Allies and indigenous insurgents. After independence from Britain in 1948, the Union of Burma continued to suffer insurgency and became a deeply conflicted society, especially under the isolationist socialist regime of General Ne Win (1962?1988). However, Japan played a major role in Myanmar?s economic development through its allocation of war reparations and official development assistance (ODA), especially yen loans. During the period of martial law from 1988 to 2011, Tokyo exercised some self-restraint in giving aid due to pressure from its major ally, the United States, with its human rights agenda. However, with the transition from junta rule to constitutional government in 2011 came a dramatic increase in Japanese ODA, as Tokyo forgave large amounts of debt and invested in ambitious new special economic zones (SEZ). Japan will no doubt benefit from Myanmar as close ties are expanded: Not only will Japanese companies profit, but Japan will have access to Myanmar?s raw materials and gain ability to compete more effectively with an economically expansive China. On Myanmar?s side, though, it is unlikely that anyone other than the military and crony capitalist elites will benefit from the flood of new yen loans and infrastructure projects. This paper argues that without a political resolution of Myanmar?s many conflicts, including the establishment of genuinely open political institutions, the aid of Japan (and other countries) is likely to make these deep-rooted social and ethnic conflicts even worse."
Donald M. Seekins
Source/publisher:
Journal of Current Southeast Asian Affairs , 34, 2
Date of publication:
2015-09-04
Date of entry/update:
2015-10-07
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Japan-Burma relations
Language:
English
Format :
pdf
Size:
232.55 KB
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Description:
Introduction: "Myanmar has been receiving international business attentions since 201
1. Strong growth potential
and expectation for the transformation of the Myanmar?s political situation and foreign relations are
attracting large foreign direct investment (FDI) from Japan as well as many developed countries.
Industrialization is an import
ant issue for developing countries for economic development. Myanmar
urgently requires industrial competitiveness by catching up with technological capability. Human
resource development plays a crucial role in building skills and technological capability,
and for
realizing a nation?s industrial competitiveness. Myanmar as the latest comer in ASEAN for
industrialization, investing in broad human capital development is fundamental to develop into a
modern industrial
economy. Developing
countries can maximum utilize the late comers? advantages
during the process of industrialization.
This paper aims to analyse the current human resource development in manufacturing industry and
strategies of Japanese government and industries in investments for it. This paper tries to analyse
the case of Japanese technology transfer in manufacturing industry. Especially, it focuses on the
implementation process of the effective production
system from
Japan to Myanmar.
Each country has each development
process. When Japan started
initial
phase of
industrialization,
Japan tried several strategies to catch up developed
countries. The Japanese development path and
the Japanese human resource development strategies over yeas
are
studied for leaning evolutionary
process over years. For
this,
this paper focuses
on the innovative aspect of Japanese human resource
development practices and its transfer to Myanmar.".....Paper delivered at the International Conference on Burma/Myanmar Studies: Burma/Myanmar in Transition: Connectivity, Changes and Challenges: University Academic Service Centre (UNISERV), Chiang Mai University, Thailand, 24-26 July 2015.
Yuri Sadio, Than Than Aung
Source/publisher:
International Conference on Burma/Myanmar Studies: Burma/Myanmar in Transition: Connectivity, Changes and Challenges: University Academic Service Centre (UNISERV), Chiang Mai University, Thailand, 24-26 July 2015
Date of publication:
2015-07-26
Date of entry/update:
2015-09-06
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Development assistance: Japan, Japan-Burma relations, International Conference on Burma/Myanmar Studies (ICBMS) 23-26 July, 2015
Language:
English
Format :
pdf
Size:
461.02 KB
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Description:
Introduction: "
Over
the
past
decade,
there
has
been
a
substantial
change
in
Japan?s
foreign
policy
position
on
democracy
support.
Its
1992
Official
Development
Assistance
(ODA)
Charter
committed
the
country
to
provide
foreign
aid
in
a
manner
that
promotes
democracy
abroad
(MOFA,
10992).
The
second
Abe
administration,
which
came
to
power
in
December
2012,
has
taken
Japan?s
policy
of
democracy
support
a
step
further.
The
2012
ODA
white
paper,
which
was
released
in
March
2013,
not
only
expressed
Japan?s
intention
to
strengthen
democracy
abroad
but
also
prioritized
it
above
traditional
focuses
of
Japanese
foreign
aid
such
as
human
security
and
hard
infrastructure
assistance.
In
Burma,
Japan
has
a
vital
interest
in
nurturing
friendly
relations
to
increase
its
political
and
economic
clout
in
the
country.
This
is
principally
true
because
Burma,
which
is
undergoing
a
process
of
democratic
reform,
is
currently
attempting
to
restrain
Chinese
influence,
long
a
dominant
force
in
the
country.
Furthermore,
Japan
is
investing
a
significant
amount
of
ODA
in
rebuilding
Burma?s
economic
infrastructure.
After
the
liberalization
process
began
in
2011,
Japan
started
assisting
Burma
on
the
rule
of
law
and
economic
reform
through
a
series
of
seminars,
and
in
November
2013
it
initiated
a
legal
capacity
building
project..."...Paper delivered at the International Conference on Burma/Myanmar Studies: Burma/Myanmar in Transition: Connectivity, Changes and Challenges: University Academic Service Centre (UNISERV), Chiang Mai University, Thailand, 24-26 July 2015.
Khen Suan Khai
Source/publisher:
International Conference on Burma/Myanmar Studies: Burma/Myanmar in Transition: Connectivity, Changes and Challenges: University Academic Service Centre (UNISERV), Chiang Mai University, Thailand, 24-26 July 2015
Date of publication:
2015-07-26
Date of entry/update:
2015-08-08
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Japan-Burma relations, International Conference on Burma/Myanmar Studies (ICBMS) 23-26 July, 2015
Language:
English
Format :
pdf
Size:
184.94 KB
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Description:
"Myanmar on Wednesday announced its first round of licenses to foreign banks, with Japan?s three biggest banks, Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ (BTMU), Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp and Mizuho Bank winning three of the nine licenses on offer. This was more than any other country, with Singapore the only other country to be awarded more than one license. The news comes as both the Japanese government and major companies are investing in infrastructure and building industrial parks in what is referred to as a ?final frontier” for Southeast Asian investment."
Clint Richards
Source/publisher:
The Diplomat
Date of publication:
2014-10-02
Date of entry/update:
2015-01-19
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Japan-Burma relations
Language:
English
Local URL:
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Description:
SUMMARY: "On March 25 Ambassador met with visiting
Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister Tanaka to discuss Tanaka?s
recent official visit to Burma. Tanaka said he delivered "a
strong message" to the SPDC on democracy and the release of
ASSK. Tanaka reported that Prime Minister Soe Win did not
show any flexibility, blaming the NLD and outsiders for the
lack of progress. Tanaka said that Japan was increasingly
concerned with the situation in Burma, especially in light of
China?s growing regional influence. Tanaka urged continued
close U.S.-Japanese cooperation, along with engagement with
ASEAN." END SUMMARY
Source/publisher:
US Embassy, Bangkok, via Wikileaks
Date of publication:
2005-03-30
Date of entry/update:
2011-09-07
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Japan-Burma relations
Language:
English
Local URL:
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Description:
"...The book looks at Burma?s ?tragedy? as being a result of both internal and
external factors, thus placing the country?s history in a global context. It
demonstrates that Japanese attitudes and actions towards the country
throughout different periods were mainly guided by Japanese self-interest and
lacked a deeper understanding of Burma?s ?real? problems. Japan did not liberate
Burma in 1942, nor did it do so later. This thesis might also be applicable
to the relations of other countries with Burma. The country was and is a fine
projection screen for fantasies about what Burma ?is? in connection with
practical self-interests of varying kinds – economic as well as humanitarian.
The book also provides detailed facts and figures on Japanese investment
in Burma, as well as the cultural background behind Japanese perceptions
of the country and its protagonists. What is missing, however, is an
evaluation of the activities of the many Japanese NGOs working in post-1988
Burma; these provided help for many projects in the country and thus
contributed to the emergence of segments of civil society in Myanmar..."
Hans-Bernd Zöllner
Source/publisher:
Journal of Current Southeast Asian Affairs 1/2009
Date of publication:
2008-11-30
Date of entry/update:
2011-08-21
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Japan-Burma relations
Language:
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Description:
"Support Commission of Inquiry in UN Resolution on Burma "
"Establishing an international Commission of Inquiry would be a significant step to end impunity in Burma. As one of the few Asian member states of the International Criminal Court and a major Asian democracy, Japan is in the unique position to take the lead in reaching out to other Asian neighbors to join this critical movement to seek justice for Burma?s people..."
Source/publisher:
Human Rights Watch
Date of publication:
2010-09-22
Date of entry/update:
2010-09-24
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Japan-Burma relations
Language:
English, Japanese
Local URL:
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Description:
"While few Japanese take more than a passing interest in Burma, a dedicated handful try to understand a country in some ways connected to their own..."
Neil Lawrence
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy" Vol. 14, No. 5
Date of publication:
2006-04-30
Date of entry/update:
2010-09-24
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Japan-Burma relations
Language:
English
Local URL:
more
Date of publication:
2010-09-21
Date of entry/update:
2010-09-24
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Japan-Burma relations
Language:
English
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Description:
The Dispute Settlement Body (DSB), on 21 October, established a panel to examine complaints by the European Communities and Japan that a Massachusetts law had violated provisions of the plurilateral Agreement on Government Procurement..."
Source/publisher:
WTO NEWS
Date of publication:
1998-10-29
Date of entry/update:
2010-08-18
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Sanctions, Japan-Burma relations, Japanese investment
Language:
English
Local URL:
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Description:
Executive Summary:
"Myanmar, also known as Burma, is an exception to many of the success stories of countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Throughout the postwar period the country has pursued a foreign policy line that has been obstinately indepen-dent, with a basic stance towards the outside world pervaded by a sense of noli me tangere. Once it was one of the key Asian countries convening the 1955 Bandung Conference at which the non-aligned movement was launched, but policies pursued since have made the country a peripheral member of the international community. One of the country?s key relationships in the postwar period has been with Japan. The beginning of this bilateral relationship goes back to the Second World War period. In December 1941, Japan began a mili-tary campaign into Southeast Asia and a puppet government for Burma under the Burmese nationalist Ba Maw was set up on August 1, 1942, which replaced British colonial rule. In May 1945, the British Army returned to Rangoon and the colonial masters regained power but two years later they agreed to hand over the ruling of the country to the Burmese, and Burma became independent in January 1948. In 1954, an agreement on war reparations was reached be-tween Japan and Burma totalling US$200 million over ten years, which began to be paid out the following year. Not only was aid from Japan forthcoming but it was increasing, from about US$20 million in the 1960s to around US$200 million in the 1970s. The aid amounted to a total of US$2.2 billion during 1962?1988. Japan became the largest aid donor to Burma. For Japan, the agreement with Burma was important in that a window of opportunity opened for Japan?s diplomacy towards Southeast Asian countries that had been at a standstill since the end of the Second World War.
After a military coup in 1988, Japanese ODA to Burma was suspended in principle,‛ and new aid was limited to projects that were of an emergency and humanitarian nature.‛ Nevertheless, Japan was soon again accounting for the lion?s share of aid to the country. General elections took place in Myanmar in May 1990 and resulted in a serious setback for the military junta. The oppo-sition National League for Democracy (NLD) secured a landslide victory. The
outcome did not result in a new government, since the ruling military ignored the election result of the NLD and refused to hand over power.
In 1992 a shift of Japan?s ODA policy was announced with the adoption of Japan?s ODA Charter, which prescribed that decisions on ODA should be tak-en after taking into account the recipients? record on military spending, de-mocracy, moves towards market economy, and human rights. From this pe-riod a carrot and stick policy as codified in the ODA Charter has been applied to Myanmar which represented a clear break with Japan?s previous hands-off‛ stance. A bifurcated Myanmar policy pursued by the Japanese govern-ment emerged, resulting from its efforts to relate to the two important political forces confronting each other in Myanmar. Nevertheless, there has been a strong bias on part of the Japanese government towards favoring relations with the ruling military.
Relations between Japan and Myanmar have been receding ever since the military junta took power in 1988 and Japan instituted its policy of carrots and sticks. For Myanmar?s ruling junta, Japan?s carrot and stick policy was unwel-come news when it was first introduced, and has been seen ever since as an attempt by Japan to interfere in what the junta considers Myanmar?s internal affairs. With the junta in Myanmar facing international isolation after its sup-pression of democracy, China?s exchanges with Myanmar increased drastically. Soon after the 1988 coup, China had become the main external supporter of the Myanmar junta.
In order to coming to grips with the situation around Myanmar a proposal has been launched focusing on the formation of an international coalition strong and viable enough to institute change. Due to its strong historical ties and good relations inside and outside Myanmar, Japan is one candidate for playing a key role in such an endeavor. With its strong links with all major forces, Japan occupies a pivotal position with a viable chance of bringing to-gether critical actors into a process of dialogue and reform. Two recent devel-opments increase the possibility that Japan and China would cooperate in such an endeavor. During Prime Minister Abe Shinzō?s visit to China in 2006 after only one week in office, he admitted that China played the key role in the negotiations with North Korea and expressed hope that China would exercise its influence. It was in realization of the fact that, in dealing with North Korea,
Japan?s strong-handed policy of dialogue and pressure‛ had not worked, which made the Japanese government conclude that united international ac-tion was needed if negotiations were to progress, and that chances were great-er to reach results if the Chinese could be persuaded to use their influence to talk the North Koreans out of their provocative policies. The second move that has a bearing on Japan?s Myanmar policy are the events surrounding the cold-blooded killing of the Japanese photographer Nagai Kenji during demonstra-tions in Yangon on September 27, 2007. An important step taken by Japan was the fact that Prime Minister Fukuda Yasuo brought up Myanmar in talks over the phone with Prime Minister Wen Jiabao of China the day after the fatal shooting, and asked that China, given its close ties with Myanmar, exercise its influence and Premier Wen said he will make such efforts.
Abe?s visit to Beijing broke the ice between China and Japan, and a series of top-level meetings have followed. The two countries have clarified that they seem themselves to bear a responsibility for peace, stability, and development of the Asia-Pacific region and have agreed to together promote the realization of peace, prosperity, stability, and openness in Asia. Not only that, the two governments pledged to together forge a bright future for the Asia-Pacific re-gion. If Japan and China see themselves as bearing a responsibility for the peace, stability, and development of the Asia-Pacific region, it is hard to see how they can avoid being annoyed by the existence in their immediate neigh-borhood of a country that is widely treated an international outsider, especial-ly if they want to live up to their declared aim of aligning Japan?China rela-tions with the trends of the international community."
Bert Edström
Source/publisher:
Institute for Security and Development Policy (Sweden)
Date of publication:
2009-09-30
Date of entry/update:
2010-02-19
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Japan-Burma relations
Language:
English
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Description:
Two Japanese foundations active in Burma have a past linked to World War II far-right war criminals..."From the very beginning, Burma was one of the countries where the Sasakawa Foundation and its sister organization, the Nippon Foundation, were especially active. Apart from being an associate of Kodama, Sasakawa was also close to Nobusuke Kishi, the Japanese prime minister from 1957 to 1960—and, in the late 1940s, also a prisoner in Sugamo. Kishi led the once influential Burma Lobby in Japan, and the Japan-Burma Association counted among its members 11 trading companies allowed to operate in various aid projects in Burma prior to 1988.
In more recent years, the Sasakawa and Nippon foundations have supported seminars organized in Rangoon by the Myanmar [Burma] Institute of Strategic and International Studies on ?Research on International Economy in Myanmar? as well as various health projects. The Sasakawa Foundation has also in part financed the Myanmar Times, a weekly newspaper established in March 2000, which the Australian monthly The Diplomat in its November-December 2007 issue quoted critics as describing as ?little more than a cheerleader for the junta.?..."
Bertil Lintner
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy" Vol. 15, No. 12
Date of publication:
2007-11-30
Date of entry/update:
2008-04-28
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Japan-Burma relations
Language:
English
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Description:
The shooting of a Japanese cameraman by Burmese security forces shocked the Japanese public and government, but what about official foreign policy?
Yamamoto Munesuke
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy" Vol. 15, No. 12
Date of publication:
2007-11-30
Date of entry/update:
2008-04-28
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Japan-Burma relations, Events of 2007 and their consequences: "The Saffron Revolution" and its aftermath
Language:
English
Local URL:
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Description:
Japan?s historical influence over Burma has waned since the days it helped Aung San in his independence struggle. Donald M Seekin explains Japan?s "frequently ambiguous" foreign policy
Donald M. Seekins
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy" Vol. 15, No. 12
Date of publication:
2007-11-30
Date of entry/update:
2008-04-27
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Japan-Burma relations
Language:
English
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Description:
ABSTRACT:
"Independent Myanmar and Japan had long held the strongest ties among Asian countries, and they were often known as having "special relations" or a "historically friendly relationship."Such relations were guaranteed by the sentiments and experiences of the leaders of both countries. Among others, Ne Win, former strongman throughout the socialist period (1962-1988), was educated and trained by the Japanese army officers of the Minami Kikan, leading to the birth of the Burma Independence Army (BIA). Huge official development assistance provided by the Japanese government also cemented this special relationship. However, the birth of the present military government (SLORC/SPDC) in 1988 drastically changed this favorable relationship between the two countries. When the military seized power in a coup, Japan was believed to be the only country that possessed sufficient meaningful influence on Myanmar to encourage a move toward national reconciliation between the junta and the opposition party led by Aung San Suu Kyi. In reality, Japan failed to exert such an influence due to its sour relations with the military government and reduced influence in the new international and regional political landscape. What is worse, Japan seems to be losing its say on Myanmar issues in the international political arena, as it has been wavering in limbo between the sanctionist forces, such as the United States and the European Union, and engagement forces, such as China and ASEAN."...
Keywords: Myanmar (Burma), Japan, China, ODA, Foreign Relations, Cold War
JEL classification:F14, F35, N45
Toshihiro Kudo
Source/publisher:
Institute of Developing Economies (IDE Discussion Paper 118)
Date of publication:
2007-07-31
Date of entry/update:
2008-04-22
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Japan-Burma relations
Language:
English
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Description:
"There was a flurry of articles last week about how Japan plans to suspend, or in fact suspended, economic aid (ODA: Official Development Assistance, which is comprised mainly of yen loans, grants and technical assistance) to Burma, thereby stepping up the pressure on the military junta to release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Most news reports say that the aid that is being frozen is further, or new, ODA. Given that Japan has long pursued an engagement policy with Burma, and is the largest provider of economic aid to Burma (2.1 billion yen of grants-in-aid was provided in fiscal year 2002), a suspension would carry a certain weight with the military regime. ...Japan?s engagement policy with Burma has always been based on a �gcarrot and stick�h approach, which traditionally has involved far more "carrots" than �gstick.�h Notwithstanding the uncertainties surrounding the suspension of new ODA, Japan?s freeze is a rare, and probably short-term, application of a �gstick.�h The Japanese government�fs preference has been, and will continue to be, for �gcarrots,�h a posture that is due in part to apparent concern about China replacing Japan as a likely source of economic assistance to, and political influence on, Burma. In this context, therefore, it is essential that governments and non-governmental groups monitor Japan?s Burma policy -- and be wary of overly optimistic or inaccurate news accounts concerning that policy. There is little doubt that, without pressure from other countries (notably the U.S.) and interested citizens, even a decision to suspend new ODA would likely have been much slower in coming. Such pressure must continue."
Yuki Akimoto
Source/publisher:
Burma Information Network - Japan
Date of publication:
2003-06-28
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-30
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Language:
English
Format :
htm
Size:
17.51 KB
Local URL:
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Description:
Contents: "Human resource development for industrial research in Myanmar", by Sein Zaw Than; "Koizumi met Special Envoy of UN" by Isao Koga (unofficial translation); "Citizen groups in Japan continue action on Suzuki"; "Symposium on Alternatives of Opium in Burma" (unofficial translation); "First Westerner headed for Diet".
Source/publisher:
Burmainfo (Japan)
Date of publication:
2002-02-10
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Japan-Burma relations
Language:
English
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Description:
Chapter 1: ODA and Foreign Investment p7;
Chapter 2: Japanese Policy Towards Myanmar p14;
Chapter 3: Baluchaung Hydropower Plant No 2 p19;
Chapter 4: Tasang Dam and Yadana Gas Pipeline p22;
Chapter 5: The UNOCAL Case p26;
Chapter 6: Panel Discussion p30;
Chapter 7: Development in Other Countries 40;
Chapter 8: Reviewing Development p43;
References: p45.
"...One objective of the symposium was to examine how
development has affected people and the environment
in Burma. Another objective was to examine the roles
of the Japanese government, of private companies, and
of individuals in development in Burma. Each speaker
had his or her own ideas about what is best for Burma.
Does Burma need development? If so, what kind of
development does it need? For development, is it
necessary for other countries to give Official
Development Assistance (ODA)? Should ODA be
given under the current military regime? Should
companies invest in Burma now? Do ODA and
investment help the people of Burma? ..."
(Speakers): Ms. Taeko Takahashi, Mr. Teddy Buri, Ms. Hsao Tai, Ms. Yuki Akimoto, Mr. Nobuhiko Suto, Mr. Shigeru Nakajima
Source/publisher:
Mekong Watch, Japan
Date of publication:
2001-12-15
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Development assistance: Japan, Japan-Burma relations, Japanese economic development assistance
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In recent years Japan has attempted to assert itself as a major player on the Asian political stage, only to have its efforts rebuffed by its neighbors and its major strategic partner, the United States. But, writes Neil Lawrence, Asian countries struggling out of a major economic crisis may finally be ready to give Japan the leading role it has long coveted. But doubts remain about Japan?s political values.
Neil Lawrence
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy", Vol. 8. No. 4-5
Date of publication:
2000-03-31
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
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Japan-Burma relations, Japanese investment
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English
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Officials in Japan, historically Burma?s largest creditor, have been left shaking their heads over the SPDC?s latest efforts to tap into the wealth of Asia?s richest nation.
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy", Vol. 8. No. 2 (Business section)
Date of publication:
2000-01-31
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Development assistance: Japan, Japan-Burma relations, Japanese investment, Japanese economic development assistance
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English
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Burmese dissidents living in Japan face an uncertain future, as the countryremains an inhospitable haven for political asylum-seekers.
Neil Lawrence/Tokyo
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy", Vol. 8. No. 10
Date of publication:
2000-09-30
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
[field_licence]
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Japan?s resumption of ODA to Burma?s junta begs questions about its motives and what its political values really are.
LJN
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy", Vol. 6. No. 2
Date of publication:
1998-03-31
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
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Japan-Burma relations, Japanese investment
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English
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Japanese trading company Mitsubishi Corporation has announced that it will provide US $70 million to build a floating storage offloading FSO facility for the Yetagun offshore oil and natural gas project in Burma by the end of July. [Nippon Oil, holder of 20% in Yetagun, merged with Mitsubishi Oil in April 1999 to form Japan?s biggest oil company, the Nippon-Mitsubishi Oil Corporation(NMOC) known also as Nisseki Mitsubishi Oil Corp.]
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy", Vol. 8. No. 7
Date of publication:
2000-06-30
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Yetagun Field (Petronas, JX Holdings, Inc. -- formerly Nippon Oil Corp., PTTEP, MOGE ), Japanese investment, Japan-Burma relations
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English
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"Japan?s response to the political crisis in Burma after the establishment of the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) in September 1988 reflected the interests of powerful constituencies within the Japanese political system, especially business interests, to which were added other constituencies such as domestic supporters of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi?s struggle for democracy and those who wished to pursue ?Sun Diplomacy,? using positive incentives to encourage democratization and economic reform. Policymakers in Tokyo, however, approached the Burma crisis seeking to take minimal risks--a "maximin strategy"--which limited their effectiveness in influencing the junta. This was evident in the February 1989 "normalization" of Tokyo?s ties with SLORC. During 1989-1998, Japanese business leaders pushed hard to promote economic engagement, but "Sun Diplomacy" made little progress in the face of the junta?s increasing repression of the democratic opposition."
Online publication with kind permission of the author and the Journal of Burma Studies
Donald M. Seekins
Source/publisher:
Journal of Burma Studies, Vol. 4 (1999)
Date of publication:
1998-11-30
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Development assistance: Japan, Japan-Burma relations, Japanese economic development assistance
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English
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Burma-Japan relations go back to before World War II, and the opinions of Japan?s "old Burma hands" are often better informed about internal conditions than those of Western observers, even if one doesn?t entirely agree with them. But a new Japanese perspective on Burma has emerged, which could be described as "Aung San Suu Kyi-bashing" or "hitching one?s wagon to the star of Asian values."
Donald Seekins
Source/publisher:
"Burma Debate", Vol. V No 1
Date of publication:
1998-11-30
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Japanese investment, Japan-Burma relations
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English
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The wife of former dictator Ne Win was in Tokyo recently to conduct research for a project to "rewrite modern Burmese history," according to a report from Radio Free Asia?s Burmese-language service. Ni Ni Myint, who is also the director of the Historical Research Center in Rangoon, was accompanied by several other historians on her trip to meet Japanese experts on Burmese history. This was her second visit to Japan in two years.
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy", Vol. 8. No. 10 (Intelligence section)
Date of publication:
2000-09-30
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
[field_licence]
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Individual Documents
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Tokyo has sent its strongest signal yet that it is not going to allow opponents of Burma?s military regime to obstruct the Japanese Way to Democracy.
Neil Lawrence
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy", Vol. 8. No. 9
Date of publication:
2000-08-31
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Japan-Burma relations
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English
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Description:
Traslated Statements by the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Yoriko Kawaguchi) and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan, regarding the situation in Burma (after the incident of 30 May, 2003)
BurmaInfo (Japan)
Source/publisher:
Burmainfo (Japan)
Date of publication:
2003-05-31
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
[field_licence]
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Japan-Burma relations
Language:
English and Japanese
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