17 February
Q: Yes, Excellency. We have learnt that you’ve served as the chief of the World Food Program in Myanmar from 2003 to 2006. And you were appointed as the Nepalese Ambassador to Myanmar in 2017, so congratulations. And we want to know your impressions about the changes in Myanmar during your term.
A: Yes, during that period the country was ruled by the military government, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was under house arrest, economic sanction was imposed by the west and poverty was widespread. Though the situation was calm and outside security was good but people were living in fear.
First thing I have observed is the change in people’s face. People look relaxed, they are smiling, talking freely and confidently. I see more people in the street and in shopping malls which means they have jobs and earning. In Yangon, I see many tall buildings, new hotels and apartment buildings which were not there before. The roads are wide and big, at the same time, traffic is quiet busy. There were few traffic lights those days.
Quality of daily life has improved than before, in terms of, education, health, drinking water, electricity, gas and so on. The main thing is there is no fear in their faces. Those days very few young people could speak English. Now, many young people speak the language and they are open. Almost everybody is carrying mobile phone and that’s a big change. That wasn’t allowed freely in the past. Hardly few people could use it- some people in the government, UN agencies and NGOs. Mobile chips were very expensive. I remember, I paid about 2,000 dollars or so. This time, I paid only 1 dollar for a chip. This is a revolution, it has changed in people’s mindset, behavior and innovation. They are able to broaden their knowledge and know the world better. With their little 4 by 6 inches mobile phone they can see and read the whole world. They can talk to their friends and family wherever and whenever they want, as if, the whole world is open for them.
This is the direct, immediate and important result of democracy in Myanmar.
Q: Thank you your Excellency for your very insightful view. So, what do you think of the present situation in Myanmar?
A: The present situation is encouraging. Transition from military to civilian government has been peaceful. The new government came in power through the election process. Democracy is in transition but, it is up to people to make it stable and sustainable. Peace and democracy are key to development. People want a better life which comes from education, income and good health.
The government has set five priorities for sustainable development. Peace, reconciliation, job creation, economic growth, social development and usage of natural resources prudently. Recently, the military (Tatmadaw) has announced unilateral ceasefire, General Administration Department (GAD) has been moved under the Presidents’ office and 8-party northern alliance is eager to negotiate with the government. These are the significant progresses on the road to national peace conference and federal union.
In last November, I witnessed by-elections in Yangon. I saw how people were happily and enthusiastically casting their votes. It is a good sign that people want democracy and they are aware of their rights.
Q: So, Excellency, what do you think are the biggest challenges for our country in the transition to democracy, and do you have any suggestions for facing these challenges?
A: Obviously, there will be challenges when you transform the whole political and governing system. In democracy, people look for their rights and that creates hope and expectations. They want quick results and when they do not get it they lose patient and start complaining. But one should keep in mind that there is no quick fix when you follow the rules and regulations. And, rule of law is basic for prospering democracy. I have observed in several countries how the governance in young democratic countries failed mainly, due to big hopes, little results, lack of experience, non-delivery of service and corruption.
The good thing in Myanmar is people love democracy and the government is committed to peace process, social development, service delivery and have zeal for prosperity. However, there are some challenges for development, such as, slow economic reforms to attract foreign investors, lack of energy for major infrastructure development, lack of confidence and slow progress in peace negotiation. Some of these challenges have been addressed by the new company law, banking and insurance facilities and new investment policies. Reforms in policies and changes of regulations should be a continuing process based on needs and demands.
The current government came in power two years before. In the meantime, Rakhine problem erupted as a big shock. They have two more years left to address socio-economic challenges.
Q: So, you’ve mentioned about the consistency of the policy and rule of law.
A: Yes, it is important for confidence building and trust for doing business and it should be continued. The rule of law will encourage people towards healthy competition in business. The current government has emphasized in competition and not confrontation for attracting foreign investment.
Q: So, the sustainable development of the people is vital and relating to the future of Myanmar, please elaborate your thoughts about that.
A: Sustainable development starts from people. Nutritious food, drinking water, health, drinking water are basic for people’s physical and mental development. People’s innovation, resources, skills, knowledge and use of modern technology are important. Myanmar has abundant natural resources and fertile agricultural land. The government has prepared Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan (MSDP) and identified project banks. Implementation of projects are key to success. The good part is people are peace loving, simple, sincere and humble. You have young population and labour cost is cheap. So, people are the greatest asset of Myanmar’s prosperity, development and democracy.
Geographically, Myanmar is best located for market having two giant neighbours- China and India. It is in between ASEAN and South-Asian countries. Myanmar is a member of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectorial Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and has Observer status in South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Such opportunity is not available to any other country in Asia.
Q: Thank you for suggestions, your Excellency. As we all know, your country has successfully transformed to federalism from absolute monarchy, with not much difficulty, within a short period. Could you please tell us if you have any lessons or experience to share with us for our peace process?
A: Definitely. Nepal got democracy in February 1951 (68 years ago). India and Burma supported in our fight for democracy for which Nepal is always grateful to Myanmar.
At that time, the King had announced to make a new constitution for Nepal through the constituent assembly. It took Nepal 65 years to establish the constituent assembly through the election process in 2008. The first meeting of this assembly decided to abolish 240 years old monarchy and Nepal became a republic. The constituent assembly endorsed the new constitution in September 2015. During the constitution making process, Nepali leaders decided to have a federal system. Thus, Nepal is now a federal democratic republic. That process went smoothly because there was a commitment to achieve peace from all sides.
The second was building trust and confidence. Trust should come from each other. Engage in continuous dialogue and negotiation respecting each other’s position is essential. Dialogue should be conducted at higher, middle and lower levels in order to build confidence and consultation on a regular basis. It helps keeping everyone in the loop and avoid confusion and misunderstanding. It will also ensure knotting opinions of all the stake holders.
In case of Nepal, the international community also played a positive role from their own perspective. Our leaders were in regular consultation with international community, including our neighbours. While recognizing each and everyone’s advise and suggestions our leaders decided to employ home grown solution that suited ,Nepal’s national interest.
Q: Thank you your Excellency. Nepal has become a popular attraction for Myanmar tourists because as the birthplace of Buddha is located there. We understand ,that there used to be direct airlinks between Nepal and Myanmar; do you have any chances of restoring these direct airlinks between us in the interest of both countries?
A: Thank you for asking this question. There was a direct air link between Yangon and Kathmandu during 1970s. It was suspended due to internal strife and democratic movement in Myanmar in 1988. In 2017, Himalayan Airlines started flying between the two cities but it didn’t last long unfortunately. Despite this problem, more than 30,000 pilgrims visited the birthplace of Lord Buddha in Lumbini last year.
Tourists want cheap and fast travel. They want to save time and money for travel. In direct flight, it takes 2 hours 30 minutes from Yangon to Kathmandu and the price was reasonable. Now, people have to travel either via Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur and spend between 6 to 12 hours and pay higher airfare. It is not convenient at all.
However, pilgrims from Myanmar travel from Yangon to Bodhgaya in a chartered flight and then visit to Lumbini by land for a short time. They want to spend more time in Lumbini for meditation but that choice is not available at the moment. Gautam Buddha International Airport in Lumbini will be operational from September this year, and pilgrims can directly fly from Yangon or Mandalay at a lower cost to begin pilgrimage from Buddha’s birthplace and spend more time in Lumbini.
Q: Yes, it’s very encouraging. Myanmar leaders also paid a State visit very recently. Could you please tell us the present situation of bilateral trade between our two countries, and do you have any suggestions for improving it?
A: You are right. From December 2017 to December 2018, four historic high-level official visits were made last year. From Myanmar side, President HE U Win Myint made a milestone visit in August. State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi made a historical visit in November 2018. Similarly, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing made a first ever visit by any Commander-in-Chief in December 2017. In response, Chief of Nepal’s Army General Rajendra Chhetri paid a visit to Myanmar in July 2018. All those visits were landmark in bilateral relations between Myanmar and Nepal.
These visits attributed to significance increase in bilateral trade between the two countries. Last year, Myanmar exported at least 70,000 tons of beans and pulses to Nepal through different channels. Business environment this year is equally favourable. Apart from beans and pulses, Myanmar is also exporting veneer and other wooden materials to Nepal.
Q: So, there are a considerable number of Myanmar Nepalese citizens living across our country. Would you like to send a message to them?
A: Yes, there are about 150,000 people of Nepali origin (PNO) living in Myanmar. The record shows that Nepalis entered Myanmar first time in 1885. Many of them fought for the independence and sovereignty of this country in 1940s, and some of them lost their live. Now, they have integrated into Myanmar society very well and living in peace and harmony together with other ethnic groups. They have been contributing to economic progress and development of Myanmar. Having said that, they have preserved Nepali language, culture, traditions and custom while respecting other’s. I think they are the bridge in bilateral relations between our two countries.
The message I want to send them is: Myanmar is their motherland but they should also remember Nepal as their fatherland. They should continue to play constructive role in enhancing bilateral and people-to-people relations. They must not forget the bravery, loyalty and sincerity that their forefathers have taught them in this golden land.
Q: Do you want to add any comments to the people of Myanmar?
A: Well, my best wishes to the people of Myanmar. I hope the peace process will be completed soon and Myanmar become a federal union bringing all the ethnic armed organizations together. I believe, the democracy in transition will be stable and sustainable. Myanmar people deserves peace and prosperity as they have been the largest private donors in the world. I have seen people willing to donate more and more, which demonstrates their generosity and simplicity. Myanmar has the longest history of civil conflicts in the world- time has come to change the course.
I salute Myanmar people.
GNLM
