Myanmar’s economic gains during the last fiscal year have been largely unnoticed as the United Nation’s (UN) call to free political prisoners receives global support. Suffering sanctions imposed both by the United States and UN due to widespread human rights abuses and suppressive governance, the resource-rich country has found new trade partners in Russia and China. Plans to erect a Russian-built and funded nuclear research facility in Myanmar have also raised international concerns.
Economic Growth and Nuclear Activity
After a 40 percent increase in last fiscal year’s trade volume to US$7.93 billion, Myanmar officials have projected that international trade will surpass US$8 billion by March 2008. Commerce Ministry officials attribute the gain to a combination of high natural gas exports and a crackdown on smuggling and illegal trade. In spite of economic sanctions imposed by the EU and the US, Myanmar has found willing trading partners in countries like Russia, China, Iran, and Thailand.
Last week Russia announced it had reached an agreement with the Myanmar government to provide it with designs for a research facility and a light-water reactor dedicated to nuclear energy exploration. Atomstroiexport, a Russian subsidiary, is slated to operate the project under the auspices of the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The United States has expressed concern over Myanmar’s nuclear development.
Imprisonment of Aung San Suu Kyi
Aung San Suu Kyi has been a political prisoner of Myanmar’s junta government since her party won a landslide victory in the 1990 elections. While under house arrest for nearly 11 of the past 16 years, she has promoted nonviolent resistance against the widely-criticized regime headed by Senior General Than Shwe. Several prominent groups have organized petitions to persuade the government to free Suu Kyi and institute democratic reforms, including former world leaders, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEA), and Indian Parliamentarians.
Leading up to May 27, 2007 when Suu Kyi’s house arrest terms are slated for review, the junta government has reinvigorated its campaign to arrest and imprison Suu Kyi supporters.
Outlook
Although the heavyweight economies of the EU and US are inaccessible due to current sanctions, Myanmar’s trade growth is expected to sustain current growth as the government reinforces ties with China and Russia. Exploitation of natural energy resources will likely continue to positively impact the country’s otherwise unstable economy.
Since trade limitations imposed by the West are not impacting the economy as intended, there is little chance that Suu Kyi will be released. Democratic reforms are also unlikely to be realized in the near-term.
