Project outlined by planners, officials and entrepreneurs gathered at the 2013 Urban Development Conference. From decadent reality to symbol of Burmese development, while maintaining the historic areas. However, lack of foreign investment and increasing conflicts over land.

Yangon (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Yangon, Myanmar's "commercial" capital will change face in the coming decades and by 2040 it will become a megalopolis of 10 million inhabitants, doubling the current population of a little more than five. This is according to projects outlined by government officials, experts in urban planning and large contractors, gathered in recent days in the city to participate in the 2013 Urban Development Conference. The goal is to change the face of an old and decadent town into a modern Asian metropolis, thanks to foreign investment, industrial areas and housing projects targeted for the middle class, while safeguarding the historic buildings and symbolic "ancient Rangoon" (British colonial name for Yangon, ed.)

Toe Aung, deputy head of the Development Committee for the city of Yangon, has confirmed that the goal over the next 30 years is to become a "mega city". To achieve this, the government has launched a long-term collaboration plan with the Japanese Agency for International Cooperation Agency (JICA), laying the foundations for a "strategic development plan for Greater Yangon." It provides for new roads, railways and a new airport, combined with green areas and residential areas that will extend - greatly - the city perimeters.

The development massive plan should transform the current commercial heart of Myanmar into a modern urban center used for development and growth, able to compete in the coming decades with major Asian and global markets. According to the forecast, it will create at least 200 thousand new jobs by giving accelerated boost to internal production.

The government will support the work of the Japanese industry and construction has already started a campaign to search for funds and investors, taking advantage of the contribution of a consortium of 24 Burmese companies. The government wants to "attractive foreign capital," but this is the sore point of the futuristic project. Despite having opened its doors to foreigners, the current leadership headed by reformist President Thein Sein has not so far failed to meet investment expectations. Foreign investment must be rapid and continuous, experts warn, and so far they have been arriving in slow motion.

Among the bigger obstacles, the most urgent is the need to resolve the issues related to the land ownership rights and areas involved in the development plan. Disputes relating to ownership are still common, as well as clashes and protests over forced expropriation like in other areas of the country to make way for development projects or energy systems (e.g. Myitsone dam in the northern Kachin) . Local communities often lack the strength to assert their rights and claims, in the presence of industry giants who enjoy government support as well.

 

• myanmar
• yangon
• megacity
• plan
• dvekopment
• land
• ownership
• rights
• foreign
• investment