Myanmar’s ASEAN Opportunity

New Straits Times

02 February 2014

FOR the first time, Myanmar will lead Asean this year. The country will also host the 2014 Asean summit, in addition to over 240 regional meetings, drawing thousands of diplomats, leaders and journalists to the country throughout the year.

2014 is also an important year for Asean as it is the penultimate year before the inauguration of an integrated Asean Economic Community next year.

What are the challenges and opportunities facing the country, and Asean, as Myanmar assumes this critical role?

The most obvious test for Naypyidaw is its infrastructural deficit: unreliable power supply; limited Internet connectivity; chronic shortages of hotels; and poor transportation linkages are some of the problems that continue to plague Myanmar.

… Dylan Loh Ming Hui is a research analyst at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University.

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