Thein Sein woos Chinese

In an exclusive interview with China Daily, the president dismissed reports that Chinese enterprises are less welcome in the quickly developing nation. “Chinese investment in Myanmar has not only benefited Chinese investors but also helped Myanmar people,” he said.

Thein Sein, who took office in March 2011 after winning his country’s first elections in 20 years, made a state visit to China from Friday through yesterday. He was scheduled to attend the annual Boao Forum for Asia in Hainan province yesterday.

As reform in Myanmar continues, several Chinese projects in the Southeast Asian nation have faced challenges.

“We very much welcome big Chinese enterprises and projects, which can create jobs ... to come and invest in Myanmar,” he said.

President Xi Jinping met with Thein Sein on Friday upon Xi’s arrival in Hainan. The meeting was the first between the two since Xi was elected as president in March. During the talks, both confirmed they would enhance their cooperation on major projects.

A joint statement issued after the talks said China supports Myanmar in “independently pursuing its domestic reform and choosing the development path in line with its conditions with the intention of maintaining stability”. According to Thein Sein, despite the rapid inflow of Western capital, China remains Myanmar’s largest foreign investor.

The Myanmar president has significantly improved his country’s ties with the United States and European countries since taking office. The West has largely alleviated two-decade-long sanctions it imposed on Myanmar because of its previous military rule.

Last year, Myanmar enacted a Foreign Investment Law, and it is developing special economic zone legislation.