Myanmar-Japan Joint Initiative (3rd Meeting)
October 4, 2013
  • 1. The 3rd Meeting of “Myanmar-Japan Joint Initiative” was held today in Nay Pyi Taw, capital of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, between the representatives of both public and private sectors of Japan and Myanmar, under the Co-Chairs of H.E. Dr. Kan Zaw, Minister for National Planning and the Economic Development of the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and H.E. Mr. Mikio NUMATA, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.
  • 2. “Myanmar-Japan Joint Initiative” is a forum of discussion, among parties of both public and private sectors, to identify concrete measures for promoting investment and trade, and to lead “Quick Win” of Myanmar by way of accelerating development of investment environment. So far, they discussed, on the basis of proposals from Japanese side, a wide range of issues including visa, trade policy and investment environment, in March and May 2013.
  • 3. At today’s meeting, Japanese side proposed list of issues to discuss (Japanese draft of “Action Plan”) incorporating concrete measures and target schedule of necessary efforts in the following 9 areas:
    • (1) Visa and Stay Permit (Visa issuance rules, simplified operation)
    • (2) Trade policy (further relaxation of trade regulation, reduction of import related tax, tax exemption and speedy custom clearance)
    • (3) Investor friendly environment (legal measures for investor protection, development of financial and security market)
    • (4) Taxation (review of various tax systems)
    • (5) Infrastructure Improvement (urban transportation improvement, power supply & telecommunication, review of relevant rules of construction business)
    • (6) Abolish unfavorable treatment against foreigners and foreign companies (foreigners’ price issues, enlarge sectors of foreigners’ access)
    • (7) Appropriate insurance system and open market to foreign companies
    • (8) Ensuring resettlement scheme of labor dispute
    • (9) Improvement of other administration procedures
  • 4. Following-up the decisions made by Myanmar side, both parties will try to agree and solve the issues mentioned in the list. Also, they agreed to deepen discussion among relevant stakeholders by establishing working groups on particular issues such as visa, construction industry, trade policy and insurance.
  • 5. Japan believes discussion based on this draft Action Plan will nurture confidence in Myanmar not only in Japanese companies and investors but also those from around the world, so that it will lead to the increase of trade and foreign investment, and contribute to achievement of economic development and poverty reduction of this country. Japan, from both public and private sectors, will continue to assist strongly such reform efforts in Myanmar.