Asia Society Urges IMF, World Bank Support in Burma

WASHINGTON—Observing that Burma’s fragile political transition is still in its infancy, and reformers face major challenges to their efforts, the prestigious Asia Society on Thursday urged the US and its global partners to empower the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank to help Burma's leaders with macroeconomic reform and economic development strategy.
In addition, the US and the international community must provide a rapid infusion of assistance to higher education and technical training to fill the capacity gaps created by the decades of neglect and the deliberate dismantling of Burma’s higher educational institutions, said the Asia Society report “Advancing Myanmar’s Transition: A Way Forward for US Policy.”
Co-authored by Priscilla Clapp, the former chief of mission at the US embassy in Burma, and Suzanne DiMaggio, Asia Society’s vice president of Global Policy Programs, the report assesses the nature of changes that are under way in Burma and the challenges and vulnerabilities being faced by it.
Asia Society said the report is result of its delegation’s recent visit to Burma to engage in a Track II dialogue with the Myanmar Development Resources Institute, a newly created, independent think-tank based in Rangoon.
The eight-page report says that the new Burmese government urgently needs advisory assistance to support the policy and legislative reforms that are under way. For example, a mechanism that could provide ready access to information on international experience and best practices across the spectrum of changes being contemplated should be a priority, it noted.
Observing that presidential advisors are seeking international assistance to build an independent capacity for research and analysis, the Asia Society said it plans to marshal private resources in the US and internationally to assist with the immediate task of developing a pool of international expertise to advise on policy and legislative best practices.
“The United States should respond positively to requests from Myanmar’s parliament for inter-parliamentary exchanges and discussions to help the country develop effective structures and procedures to strengthen the legislative branch,” the Asia Society said.
Not only would such exchanges give them the benefit of US legislative experience, they would also provide a rare opportunity for direct interaction with an important element of the country’s new governing mechanism, including former military leaders, it said.
Given the poor economic condition of Burma, Asia Society urged the Obama administration to urgently address its myriad financial sanctions on Burma to ensure that they are not working at cross-purposes with public and private assistance efforts.
Although trade with the US was not of significant economic importance to Burma before the sanctions, easing the trade sanctions gradually could help develop certain sectors of the economy as they begin to expand. “Investment sanctions should also be eased gradually as the macroeconomic structures are reformed and anti-corruption measures are put in place,” Asia Society said.

REF: http://irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=23052