President U Win Myint : Viewpoint

Our country is still in poverty and should develop every sector of the economy, which is why we must persevere with our efforts in all sectors. We are currently witnessing the transformation of an era and a system, in accordance with democratic principles. This is just the beginning of the transition. To make the process smooth and successful, it is very important for our people, government employees and civil servants to change their dogmatic mindset as well as their habits. Government institutions which are lagging behind will need to be put under tight management controls. The weak judicial system also needs to be strengthened. More efforts need to be exerted to stamp out corruption, prevent human rights violations and crack down on the illegal drugs trade. We need to properly manage public funds to avoid wastage. In the international arena we are facing pressure, criticism and misunderstandings from some Western nations. However, Myanmar stands strong with its many allies and partners in ASEAN. They share a long-standing tradition of cultural and historical links. These affiliations, though diverse, bind the nations together, bridge their differences and make ASEAN more united in dealing with the challenges that arise.

When ASEAN was established on August 8, 1967, there was scepticism about its existence, as the group was unique in its diversity and thus faced myriad challenges. Nevertheless, it is the spirit of ASEAN – as well as shared aspirations and strong commitments – that has made it more united, vibrant and stronger than ever. The spirit of mutual respect, trust and cooperation forged since 1967 has created a consensus-based approach that contributes to the regional peace and stability we enjoy today. We should not forget the vision of ASEAN’s founders, who signed the Bangkok Declaration and paved the way for a promising regional organisation. We should applaud their wisdom, vision and courage, and use them as a source of future aspirations. The association has a common goal and strong commitment to enhancing peace, security and stability in the region; building vibrant, sustainable and highly integrated economies; and raising the living standards of its people; 51 years after its inception, it has successfully transformed from a loose regional grouping into a rules-based organisation with its own legal personality. ASEAN has progressively evolved into a politically cohesive, economically integrated, socially responsible, people-oriented and rules-based community.

We have many opportunities as well as challenges in today’s global economic agenda. It is therefore imperative that we seize opportunities while collectively addressing the challenges. ASEAN has been growing steadily to emerge as one of the world’s fastest-growing markets. It is the sixth-largest economy in the world and aims to become the fourth-largest single market by 2030. Furthermore, ASEAN has the world’s third-largest labour force, providing greater opportunity for trade, investment and regional prosperity. With a target of realising an inclusive, united, resilient and innovative community, ASEAN is working together to improve the quality of life of its people. Strategies include the implementation of various cooperative activities in education, health, human resource development, environmental protection, disaster management and the sustainability of natural resources. It also prioritises the promotion of cultural cooperation and people-to-people engagement in order to forge a stronger sense of identity. As a responsible member state, Myanmar has cooperated with other countries in the implementation of blueprints, regional integration and community building. I would encourage all our citizens to redouble efforts to promote socio-economic development and to actively participate in the ASEAN community-building process, as this will contribute to peace, stability and prosperity in our region as well as the wider world.

This viewpoint was adapted from a speech at the ceremony to take the oath of office at Pyidaungsu Hluttaw on March 30, 2018, and a message on the occasion of the 51st anniversary of ASEAN’s founding, in August 2018.