Fri 7 Sep 2012
Filed under: ASEAN,International,News
NAY PYI TAW – President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar U Thein Sein received US Permanent Representative to ASEAN Ambassador Mr David L Carden and ASEANUS eminent persons group at Credentials Hall of the Presidential Palace here this morning.
Present on the occasion together with the President were Union Minister for Border Affairs Lt-Gen Thein Htay, Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Wunna Maung Lwin, Union Ministers at the President Office U Thein Nyunt, U Soe Thein, U Aung Min, and departmental heads and Mr Carden was accompanied by ASEAN-US eminent persons Mr Stapleton Roy, Mr Muhtar Kent, and US Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Derek James Mitchell.
During the meeting, the President extended warm welcome to the visitors. He revealed his pleasure to host the second ASEAN-US eminent persons group meeting in Yangon tomorrow, expressing his delight for having a chance to act as coordinator in ASEAN-US relations from 2012 to 2015.
He said he assumed that Myanmar would be able to further promote ASEAN-US ties during its assumption of responsibility and US would be able to make more frequent contacts with Myanmar during that period.
The representative and members credited the bold and far-sighted actions of the President and the government for more transparency of the country. Myanmar is at the beginning of an interested journey. Myanmar takes a crucial role in more compact and stronger future of ASEAN Community.
Washington is committed to take steps together in the process Myanmar has initiated.
Coca Cola Company is making investments in 206 countries and would also make investment in Myanmar.
The company has projected to invest 100 million USD over the coming three years, creating jobs for nearly 2000 Myanmar citizens. In addition, works would be carried out for creation of jobs opportunities in cooperation with Pact for women, providing jobs to nearly 20000 Myanmar women.
Coca Cola Company is the first US company to make investment in Myanmar. Likewise, other companies would also come and invest in Myanmar.
The President’s forthcoming visit to US is much anticipated and it is scheduled to meet US-ASEAN Economic Council during the visit. US fully support the unity of ASEAN and hope that Myanmar would play an active major role in ASEAN-US relations.
The president said that Myanmar is inviting foreign investments and would consider accepting the investment if it is beneficial to both Myanmar people and investors.
The government has not yet completed the second year of its term. There are a lot challenges in promoting democracy.
The first challenge is politics and the second economy.
However, the government have got confidence to overcome those challenges with friends like US.
Now, Myanmar has begun to enjoy the necessary assistance of a number of countries in economy, technology and human resources development. The foreign policy of the country has no separation of east and west. Currently, small and medium factories are required to produce highvalue export products. In addition, establishment of heavy industries or workshops like automobile makers and workshops would be greatly beneficial to the country.
Myanmar holds geographically strategic position for investors. As the country has a large number of sound natural foundations, it is hoped that the country would see development soon if combined with investment.