Myanmar

Myanmar is a country in transition with great opportunities but also with many challenges. It is one of Asia’s poorest and least developed countries. Since independence, the history of the country has been characterized by civil war, military dictatorship and oppression of democratic forces as well as international isolation. In 2011, Myanmar initiated a comprehensive reform process aiming to achieve a transition towards a more democratic, market-based and socially equal society with prosperity for all in tandem with an ongoing peace effort.

Denmark has for decades supported the democratic forces in the country and provided humanitarian assistance to the many refugees and internally displaced people in the country’s border areas. By making Myanmar a priority country for Danish development cooperation and opening an embassy in August 2014, Denmark has confirmed its support to the ongoing ambitious and long-term transition process. At the same time, Denmark will continue its humanitarian support in conflict areas as needed. An element in the new long-term partnership with Myanmar is a more active political dialogue both bilaterally and together with the EU and other development partners.  The ongoing transition in Myanmar also holds promise for much stronger commercial cooperation between Denmark and Myanmar in the years to come.

Through its partnership with Myanmar, Denmark aims at supporting the government and people of the country in implementing their own priorities and plans. At the same time, Denmark will work in close coordination with other relevant partners, including international partners. The country policy acknowledges that Myanmar is in a long-term transition process towards a peaceful and more democratic society with equitable, sustainable and inclusive growth. Key challenges are likely to remain unsolved for some time to come and this calls for a realistic and pragmatic approach. The risk of setbacks in the reform process cannot be ruled out.  The policy therefore allows for a flexible application of instruments and adaptation of prioritised interventions.