All eyes on Myanmar's ASEAN chairmanship

[SeaVisionBurma]

From Nikkei Asian Review - MOTOKAZU MATSUI, Nikkei staff writer

BAGAN, Myanmar -- Myanmar is making a triumphant return to the global stage as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, but hosting major events could prove a challenge for a nation that lacks sufficient infrastructure and trained personnel.

The country has pursued pro-democracy efforts to win back international trust, and clinching the long-sought Asean chairmanship is symbolic of its progress. It will host a series of major multinational gatherings for the first time in half a century and will be given the authority to issue joint statements and handle other matters.

This year's events include Asean leader summits in May and November. Myanmar will also host an East Asian summit in November, which includes Japan, the U.S., China and Russia. In all, the country is expected to provide venues for at least 280 conferences.

Asean foreign ministers are currently holding an informal session in the city of Bagan. Senior working-level officials met for a dinner event Wednesday, while an official foreign minister summit will be held Friday.

Myanmar had been scheduled to chair Asean in 2006, but stepped aside amid international criticism over its human rights record under a military junta. Since Myanmar President Thein Sein took office in spring 2011, the government has worked to improve its international standing. The president's meeting with pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other reconciliation efforts paved the way for Myanmar's selection as the Asean chair.

Read the full article here: http://asia.nikkei.com/Politics-Economy/International-Relations/All-eyes-on-Myanmar-s-Asean-chairmanship

[SeaVisionBurma]

ASEAN Chair Goes to Myanmar

From TTR Weekly.

NAY PYI DAW, 16 January 2014: Myanmar begins its first international political role in decades this week as host of Southeast Asia’s regional bloc, with experts warning against “over-inflated” expectations as the group grapples with territorial disputes and ambitious economic integration plans.

The country will host foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for an informal meeting this Friday in the ancient capital Bagan — the first major gathering of the group under Myanmar’s debut year-long stewardship.

The long-isolated country has won international praise and the removal of most Western sanctions for wide-ranging reforms since the end of junta rule nearly three years ago, raising the promise of an investment boom.

Full article here: http://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2014/01/asean-chair-goes-to-myanmar/

[IDL]

Good luck to 'em, and may they steer this ship into a prosperous future. They and other neighboring countries should be capitalizing on Thailand's current shame. That could be the kick-up-the-Arse that Thailand needs; the sooner the 'Thainess' gets addressed, the better for all.

[MyFriend You]

Thailand was in the same boat in the Seventies, and look what happened to them in the last forty years - and they are considered the Friendly Asians, wait till a bunch of greedy Burmese Bad Ass'es get a taste of easy money and see how fast that country sprials out of control again. Just Sayin...................

[IDL]

Thailand was in the same boat in the Seventies, and look what happened to them in the last forty years - and they are considered the Friendly Asians, wait till a bunch of greedy Burmese Bad Ass'es get a taste of easy money and see how fast that country sprials out of control again. Just Sayin...................

...perhaps, one just can't tell. However, it is possible that 'others' capitalizing on current weaknesses [of others], may just use that as a lesson not to do the same. Thailand clearly believes it is impervious to any losses by withdrawal of foreign investment, foreign manufacturing, or declining tourism. But hey, if they were proven wrong, 'others' might just take heed, and be less anal about their own standing [in the grand scheme of things]. A pipe-dream perhaps, but surely this part of the world isn't wholly full of Numpties!

[trihent]

Cambodia was in the same boat in the 70-90's, I had to wait years to do any cultural studies (save from those that fled from the Kymer into Issan). As an researcher I'm very much enthused about getting long term visa's into Burma as travel restrictions should be relaxed for folks that have "proper" "countryside" residence. I would be glad to talk to anyone also interested that is there already or planning to go. Central (OLD) Burma (I don't mind swamps) (not interested in north)