The Government of Japan, under its Grant Aid Scheme, granted 1.71 billion Japanese Yen (approximately 17 million US dollars) for “Urgent Improvement of Communication Networks Project”.

The project aims 1) reinforcement of Backbone Network between Yangon, Nay Pyi Taw and Mandalay, 2) reinforcement of Metro Network in the above three cities, (including the double link), 3) construction of the Radio Broadband Access (LTE: Long Term Evolution) Environment in the above three cities, 4) improvement of the Internet Access Environment, and 5) reinforcement of the International Gateway.

The handover ceremony of the Communication Networks took place at Network Operation Center(NOC), Nay Pyi Taw on 4 December 2013. It was attended by H.E. Mr. Mikio Numata, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, H.E. U Myat Hein, Minister for Communications and Information Technology and other responsible officials from respective organizations.

Telecommunication facilities improvement in Yangon, Nay Pyi Taw and Mandalay are already procured before the 27th SEA Games in December 2013.

In order to contribute to development in Myanmar, the Government of Japan will continue to provide ODA to support Myanmar’s democratization and social and economic development as well as its poverty reduction.

It is expected that this assistance will develop ICT sector in Myanmar and further strengthen the existing friendly relations between Japan and Myanmar.