The Irrawaddy

Myanmar’s coup‑leader‑turned‑president Min Aung Hlaing has spent months touring foreign capitals, urging investors to back ambitious infrastructure projects. Yet analysts say his glossy pitch is hopelessly at odds with the country’s collapsing economy and ongoing civil war.

Since April, Hlaing has promoted Myanmar at business forums in India, China, Laos, Thailand, Russia, Belarus, Vietnam and Cambodia. He has trumpeted opportunities in deep‑sea ports and special economic zones, pledging to raise trade and complete stalled cross‑border highways. But on the ground, power shortages, volatile exchange rates, poor infrastructure and armed conflict have left even garment factories struggling to survive.

In India, he promised to boost bilateral trade to US$5 billion by 2030 and revive the Kaladan transport project. Yet much of the route lies in territory controlled by the Arakan Army and Chin resistance forces. Similar obstacles face the India‑Myanmar‑Thailand highway, which cuts through Sagaing and Karen State strongholds.

China remains one of Myanmar’s largest investors, but Beijing’s Ministry of Commerce continues to warn of “huge challenges” for businesses operating there. The flagship Kyaukphyu port project sits in Rakhine, now torn by fierce battles. Northern Shan towns along the China‑Myanmar corridor are under rebel control.

Hlaing has also courted Russia, promoting the long‑delayed Dawei deep‑sea port. Former deputy finance minister Set Aung dismissed the plan as “building a house without foundations”, pointing to the lack of infrastructure, supply chains and political stability.

Despite the regime’s optimism, foreign companies have fled since the 2021 coup, with energy, telecoms, real estate and retail sectors hollowed out. The World Bank warns growth is stagnant and risks mounting.

Hlaing insists he is laying the foundations for nation building, even telling reporters he prayed at Bodh Gaya for prosperity. But with factories closing, borders contested and investors wary, Myanmar’s economic reality remains starkly at odds with the president’s sales pitch.

-2026-09-22

The result of this will be even greater swathes of Myanmar becoming de facto China. Land is the only thing he has to bargain away.

An evil pile of rubbish is still that regardless of how much makeup you put on it... a pig is still a pig however you try to hide it.

49 minutes ago, Sir Dude said:

An evil pile of rubbish is still that regardless of how much makeup you put on it... a pig is still a pig however you try to hide it.

Lipstick ?

Any better to buy oil from Saudia ? or deal with China and other nations that consider themselves "models of democracy ?" The world in far to dependant and interconnected with one and other.