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Working Toward the Development of the Mekong Region
Myanmar

March 2009

1. Politics

After the army took power in Myanmar in September 1988, Japan officially recognized the new regime in February 1989, determining that it objectively fulfilled the requirements of international law.

Based on the longstanding traditional relationship between the two countries, Japan has engaged in broad dialogue with Myanmar since the military forces assumed power. Rather than isolate Myanmar from the international community, Japan has adopted a unique policy of maintaining relationships both with the current regime and pro-democracy forces such as Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi, working patiently with both sides to promote the democratization of Myanmar and improve the human rights situation. In addition, after the cyclone disaster in Myanmar in May 2008, Japan provided tents, blankets, generators, and other emergency relief supplies, as well as sending emergency aid through international institutions and dispatching Japan Disaster Relief medical teams to the country. Including these contributions, Japan has pledged roughly 46 million dollars in assistance in the wake of the cyclone.

2. Economy

(1) Trade with Japan (2007; Government of Myanmar statistics)

A. Trade Volume
Exports: 155.2 million dollars
Imports: 109.2 million dollars

B. Principal Products
Exports: Agricultural and fishery products, forestry products
Imports: Machinery, electric devices

(2) Direct Investment from Japan
212 million dollars (cumulative total 1988 to January 2007)

3. Economic Cooperation

Japan's Assistance (fiscal 2007; yen loans and grant aid based on exchange of notes, technical cooperation based on JICA costs)

(1) Grant aid: 1.236 billion yen
(2) Technical cooperation: Figures currently being compiled

Assistance by OECD-DAC (2005; net disbursement basis)

(1) Japan (2) Australia (3) United Kingdom (4) Norway (5) Sweden
(Source: OECD-DAC online data)

Economic Cooperation Policy

In the light of the situation following the detention of Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi by the Government of Myanmar on May 30, 2003, Japan has basically refrained from implementing new economic cooperation projects. However, in the case of highly urgent, purely humanitarian projects, Japan seriously examines the details of individual projects and implements them one at a time, while paying close attention to the political climate in Myanmar.

Furthermore, following the Government of Myanmar's crackdown on protestors in September 2007, in October of that year Japan decided to further narrow down the already limited projects being implemented.

4. Culture

Japan and Myanmar have been conducting a variety of exchanges in both the public and private sectors, including mutual visits by cultural figures and young people.

5. Japanese Nationals in Myanmar

530 (as of May 2008)

6. Myanmar Nationals in Japan

5,914 (as of December 31, 2006; number of registered foreign residents)

7. Bilateral Treaties/Agreements

  • The Treaty of Peace with Japan (signed November 1954)
  • Reparations Agreement (signed November 1954)
  • Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation (signed March 1963)
  • Aviation Agreement (signed February 1972)
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