On February 4, Japan’s Finance Minister Taro Aso and senior Myanmar officials discussed bilateral economic cooperation, including how to help small Japanese businesses enter the emerging market.

The Myanmar officials, including Ko Ko Hlaing, chief political adviser to President U Thein Sein, and Aso discussed the development of the Thilawa special economic zone on the outskirts of Yangon, a project that involves the Japanese Government and private sector.

An increase in small- and medium-sized Japanese enterprises would help accelerate Myanmar industries and attract investment from larger companies, according to Set Aung, Myanmar Deputy Minister for National Planning and Economic Development.

The official also expressed his hope for Japanese economic aid and increased investment. Myanmar also needs to improve infrastructure and support domestic enterprises, he added.-VNA