TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese trade minister Yukio Edano visited Myanmar pro-democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi in Yangon on Thursday and conveyed Japan's readiness to support the country's economy as a way to promote its democratization process.
Edano told Suu Kyi at her home, "Stabilizing the economy can improve the life of citizens...We hope to cooperate (to that end)."
The Japanese government plans to help Myanmar improve its electric power system and other infrastructure and to expand trade.
In response to Suu Kyi's concern about the possible environmental effects of such moves, Edano said, "Our country has experience of overcoming water pollution and other problems, as well as advanced technologies" to deal with such problems. He said Japan can cooperate for Myanmar's economic expansion while paying heed to the environment.
Edano's visit to Myanmar is the first by a Japanese trade minister in nearly 12 years. The last was in 2000 when Takashi Fukaya, minister of the then International Trade and Industry Ministry, visited the country to attend an international meeting.
Edano's visit comes just weeks after Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba visited Myanmar, becoming the first Japanese foreign minister to visit there in nine years.
The Japanese Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry plans to promote Japanese public and private sector cooperation with Myanmar in developing energy and mineral resources in the resource-rich country.
Edano is scheduled to hold talks with senior government officials on Friday in Naypyitaw, Myanmar's capital, to discuss energy and other issues.
(Mainichi Japan) January 13, 2012
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