Brussels, 15/11/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 14-15 November, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton and Burmese Minister U Soe Thane launched the EU-Burma task force. “The task force is the most visible expression of the strong partnership between the EU and Myanmar, and our joint commitment to taking forward reform in Myanmar”, they said in a joint statement.
For 2014-2020, Burma/Myanmar “is expected to be one of the leading beneficiaries of EU development co-operation in Asia”, Ashton and U Soe Thane announced. Thus, subject to final programming decisions and EU budgetary approval, this amount should be around €90 million per annum - a 20% increase from current levels (see EUROPE 10963). There is also an agreement in principle to extend the lending operations of the European Investment Bank to Burma/Myanmar as of 2014 and lending volumes could fluctuate between €30-100 million per year (subject to final legislative approval). The loans will focus on infrastructure projects (transport and energy), environmental projects and credit lines for selected local banks for loans to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Ashton and U Soe Thane also welcomed the signature of letters of intent in the areas of SMEs, tourism, and raw materials and the mining sector. The task force also decided to set up an EU-Myanmar Business Council to advise the government on ways to facilitate business links (see EUROPE 10963). In order to boost investment in the country, the task force recognised the importance inter alia of reducing administrative burdens, of improving access to finance, of protecting property rights, of stabilising electricity supply, and of supporting the development of SMEs in Burma/Myanmar. The task force confirmed its resolve to continue their respective preparatory work towards the launch of negotiations for an investment agreement in the first half of 2014.
The key role of agriculture in Burma/Myanmar was also discussed.
Making progress in political transition. The EU and Burma/Myanmar underlined their support for the “ongoing efforts to transform Myanmar into a modern democracy”, stating that an important part of this is the constitutional review that is under way, as well as credible, transparent and inclusive elections in 2015 (see EUROPE 10947). The release of all prisoners of conscience by the end of this year will be an important landmark, Ashton and U Soe Thane stated. On 15 November, Burma/Myanmar announced the release of 69 political prisoners.
Stressing “the importance of defending human rights and the rule of law” for all, the task force decided to set up a dialogue between Burma/Myanmar and the EU on human rights in 2014. It noted the importance of setting up an inclusive political dialogue in order to achieve lasting peace, and it backed the efforts to address the root causes of inter-communal violence and to promote peace and reconciliation.
In addition, the Burmese Parliament and the European Parliament agreed to develop an institutional partnership covering political and administrative issues. (CG/transl.fl)