The American Stake in Myanmar and Sri Lanka

[Jonathan Fairfield]

The American Stake in Myanmar and Sri Lanka

By Admiral Dennis C. Blair

Although many Americans would have a hard time finding Sri Lanka or Myanmar on a map, these two Asian countries are in the midst of major political transformations with important and uncertain outcomes.

Sri Lanka’s parliamentary election on August 17 will determine whether the reforms of President Maithripala Sirisena, himself elected to the surprise of most observers in January, will continue. Myanmar’s parliamentary elections three months later on November 8 may well bring Aung San Suu Kyi’s party to power and will determine whether the transition away from a military dictatorship remains on track.

Election outcomes in both countries are important for the region and the world.

In a rapidly developing region, both are becoming key transportation hubs for South and Southeast Asia. Coming out of political isolation, both represent profitable investment opportunities; their annual GDP growth rates are over 6 percent. Probably most important, both have chosen democracy and open markets for their futures, at a time when authoritarianism and centralized economic systems are claiming superiority.

Read more: http://thediplomat.com/2015/07/the-american-stake-in-myanmar-and-sri-lanka/

[Katipo]

"Although many Americans would have a hard time finding Sri Lanka or Myanmar on a map" - Chuckle

[zaphod reborn]

"Election outcomes in both countries are important for the region and the world."

Doubtful and that's why Americans don't care - they have a much more critical election battle at home.

[simple1]

The author of the article is the CEO of Sasakawa USA which is a Japanese funded organisation representing Japanese interests.

[elgordo38]

"Although many Americans would have a hard time finding Sri Lanka or Myanmar on a map" - Chuckle

Look under cheap labor countries with little or no labor or pollution laws. Big business has no trouble finding them. But then big business is not in the majority. Their numbers are thinning out due to the fact that they are M & Aing. Soon they will be such a close knit group that they can charge whatever they want for their products all competition will be gone.

[elgordo38]

The author of the article is the CEO of Sasakawa USA which is a Japanese funded organisation representing Japanese interests.

I rest my case.