Four years into its transition to democracy, Myanmar has progressed rapidly, whether in terms of implementing much-needed reforms, attracting foreign investments or achieving development milestones. But the nation of 54 million still has a long way to go — and the next 12 months can be a crucial turning point.
“This year, 2015, poses a challenging year for Myanmar,” President Thein Sein said in a speech during the opening of the country’s third Development Cooperation Forum held this weekend in Naypyitaw. “This government fully understands and remains committed to successfully overcoming [the] challenges.”
Some of these challenges include the conduct of the country’s upcoming general election late this year — marking the first time since its transition where “all political stakeholders will contest freely and fairly” — the signing of a nationwide cease-fire agreement to put a stop to ethnic conflicts in the country, furthering the government’s administrative reforms to include greater cooperation and transparency, and “reconciling the wide range of views regarding amendments to the constitution.”
About the author
Lean Alfred Santos@DevexLeanAS
Lean Alfred Santos is a former Devex development reporter focusing on the development community in Asia-Pacific, including major players such as the Asian Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. He previously covered Philippine and international business and economic news, sports and politics.
