Myanmar Wants More Philippine Investments on Energy, Agriculture

The Republic of the Union of Myanmar is looking forward to more Philippine investments on energy and agriculture.

“Philippines and Myanmar have very long standing relations since 1950s. So we want Filipino businessmen to come to Myanmar to invest particularly in energy and agriculture. We have initial discussions,” Myanmar Ambassador to the Philippines Win Naing said in an interview during Saturday’s Welcome Dinner for State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen that was hosted by former President and Pampanga 2nd district representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi welcomed this development, saying his agency would provide technical expertise particularly in the fields of electricity and renewable energy to Myanmar.

In her message during the Welcome Dinner, Arroyo cited the fruits of 60 years of the Diplomatic Relations of the Philippines and Myanmar.

“It strengthened our active cooperation on political, economic, and cultural spheres. Filipino businesses such as Liwayway, Unilab, Splash, Asia Brewery, Manila Water and Comworks already poured investments in Myanmar and are doing very well,” she said.

Arroyo added that the 2017 State Visit of President Rodrigo Duterte to Myanmar furthered strengthened the economic ties between the two countries as several bilateral agreements focusing on food security and agricultural cooperation were signed.

Suu Kyi is currently attending the 31st ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Metro Manila.

The agenda of the summit covers political and security, economic, and socio-cultural matters which ASEAN would like to address in order to bring about inclusive, sustainable, and equitable development for all peoples of the ASEAN Community.

The leaders will take up issues such as the rise of radicalization and violent extremism, global and regional economic outlook, economic integration, women empowerment, migrant workers, malnutrition, climate change, youth, and poverty.

They are expected to adopt a number of declarations and statements that will provide impetus for national and regional actions meant to address these issues. (CLJD/SFV-PIA)