The launch of projects has led to the construction and development of infrastructure. This, in turn, has led to the creation of new jobs, economic development, and other positive results. Infrastructure development often depends on the environment, and can have both regional or national benefits and challenges. This is why the civilian government has been listening to the voice of the people and taking appropriate action, while aiming for sustainable development.
These words were part of a speech made by State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi at the 2nd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation held in Beijing on 27 April. At the forum, she highlighted the role of infrastructure development in bringing people closer. She said Myanmar fully acknowledges that this will bring numerous benefits to countries partnering on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The State Counsellor participated in discussions at the forum, offering the genuine perspective of a developing country. The BRI will connect regional infrastructure and create large-scale infrastructure projects that will make trade smoother, develop the economy, and create more jobs for people by way of commercial services and inter-regional travel.
The State Counsellor said we must be aware that there are bigger challenges in maintaining projects then initiating them. She said some successful infrastructure projects can change the national economy for the better and improve the employment opportunities of local residents.
As a developing country, Myanmar needs to urgently upgrade its infrastructure, said the State Counsellor. She said she hoped for people-to-people connectivity that would be as lasting as the sustainable development for infrastructure connectivity we are striving for.
Running large-scale projects in developing countries and those just beginning their democratic journey carry equally monumental challenges. While it is true that developing countries need good infrastructure to develop both their societies and economies, the implementation phase will involve taking financial risks and facing hardships. Ensuring that the development of infrastructure is sustainable will need long-term financial plans, sufficient investment, and a system to detect and prepare for regional disasters beforehand.
Both infrastructure connectivity and people-to-people connections create sustainable development in nations. We must pay heed to the State Counsellor’s remarks on establishing societal unity and relations by organizing religious exchanges, cooperating on education, and providing scholarships.
GNLM
