Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Stéphane Dion, along with the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, made an official visit to Myanmar between April 6 to April 8. During Minister Dion’s three-day visit to Myanmar, he hold talks with Htin Kyaw, the president and Aung San Su Kyi, Minister of Foreign Affair and President’s office. Canada also announced a $44 million assistance, to help build inclusive democratic governance in Myanmar and improve opportunities for the country’s most vulnerable people.
Canada will support reform initiatives in Myanmar that will help to create a stable and inclusive democratic system, as well as strengthen accountability and transparency through better government management and data analysis. Support is also being provided to improve the income and well-being of women small business owners by increasing access to credit, new technologies and market expertise.
Dion stated “As the first democratic government in over 50 years assumes power in Burma, Canada commends the Burmese for courageously moving forward with reforms to build an inclusive democratic system of governance. With the support announced today, Canada will help Burma establish the foundation for a more peaceful and prosperous future.”
Marie-Claude Bibeau said “The projects announced today will help to promote greater participation of the most vulnerable communities in Burma. They will help to strengthen the country’s democratic institutions and enable women to develop profitable businesses that they own and control.”
Starting from couple of years ago, trading volume has been increasing between Canada and Myanmar. For 2015 fiscal year, it was at $ 51.27 million.
