Myanmar's Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has called for meaningful contribution from India in development assistance and infrastructure upgradation of the country slowly embracing political and economic reforms.
In a meeting with Commerce & Industry Minister Anand Sharma on Thursday, the National League for Democracy Chief discussed cooperation in a number of areas including education, upgradation of hospitals, textiles, handloom and infrastructure.
“We discussed development related economic and social issues. She (Suu Kyi) talked about her concerns, particularly those related to people's progress and empowerment, and how India can make meaningful contribution in development assistance and infrastructure upgradation,” Sharma told Business Line.
Sharma assured Suu Kyi that India stands ready to extend all necessary assistance to the people of Myanmar in their developmental efforts as Myanmar is a vitally important neighbour.
Suu Kyi, who along with 43 members of her party is part of the country's Opposition, was critical of what the country had achieved since the military made way for a democratically elected Government in 2010. “This is the third year of reforms and it is time that we see real change in the lives of common people,” she said speaking at the World Economic Forum for East Asia on Thursday.
The pro-democracy leader, who was under house arrest for several years under the military's five decades long rule over the country, reiterated her wish to be President. “If I pretended I did not want to be President, I would be dishonest,” she said. The country's Constitution, however, would not allow her to contest for the post as her spouse is an overseas citizen. Her party is hopeful that the Constitution would be amended and she would be allowed to contest in the Presidential polls in 2015.
In her meeting with Sharma, Suu Kyi expressed keen interest in building linkages with the textiles sector of India. Stressing the preference of the people of Myanmar for natural fiber, Suu Kyi said that the handloom sector of India had immense potential for the country.