Yangon chief says top priority is job creation, keen to learn from S’pore

YANGON: The Chief Minister of Yangon region said the immediate development priority of his city is to create jobs.

Mr Myint Swe highlighted this when he met Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong in Myanmar on Wednesday.

He said Yangon wants to improve its electricity and water supply capabilities, as well as develop its infrastructure to attract more investments.

He added that he’s keen to learn from Singapore’s development experience.

Mr Goh, who wrapped up his two—day visit to Myanmar on Wednesday, noted that Yangon is an important gateway to Myanmar.

Singapore is Myanmar’s fourth largest trading partner with bilateral trade amounting to some S$1.6 billion last year.

Myanmar is strategically located between China and India. In addition, its own domestic market of about 55 million people provides businesses with access to more than two billion customers.

Mr Goh, commenting on the sectarian violence in western Myanmar, said it will not have an impact on investor confidence in the country.

He also believes it will not derail Myanmar’s democratic reforms.

Mr Goh said that as long as the government handles the situation firmly and fairly, it will not have any repercussion on other parts of the country.

— CNA/cc/fa