CNI News
June 8, 2026
Given the current situation in Myanmar, meeting electricity demands is a top priority, and projects that offer technology sharing for citizens and those that boost national income should be prioritized, political analyst U Htet Aung Kyaw told CNI News.
During Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing's visit to India, discussions were held with Prime Minister Modi regarding the resumption of bilateral projects. Similarly, during meetings with the Chinese Foreign Minister, the resumption of Chinese projects in Myanmar was also discussed.
These projects were already underway before the 2021 political transition and were halted in the aftermath of those political changes.
U Htet Aung Kyaw emphasized to CNI News that when establishing government-to-government (G2G) project connections, priority should be given to those that yield greater subsequent benefits for the general public.
"We should focus more on infrastructure-related projects. Why? Because even in this highly advanced era, our country’s infrastructure remains inadequate. Nearly half of the population still lacks access to electricity. Frankly speaking, it's quite a embarrassing situation. So, we must work to increase electricity access. After that, we must prioritize projects that increase national revenue and those that provide technology to the people. We should prioritize projects that bring long-term benefits to our citizens," he said.
The Indian Prime Minister and the Myanmar President
The China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC), part of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), is a project designed to connect China's Yunnan Province to Rakhine State (Kyaukphyu) and Yangon by cutting through central Myanmar (Mandalay).
Myanmar is indispensable for China to gain direct access to the Indian Ocean without passing through the Malacca Strait. If the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and industrial zones materialize, they are expected to create hundreds of job opportunities for local residents.
Similarly, India's major projects include the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway.
Economic observers point out that because the Kaladan project connects Sittwe Port in Rakhine State to Mizoram State in India via Paletwa in Chin State, it will open up trade routes and boost local economies in Rakhine and Chin states, where transportation has historically been difficult.
Chinese projects
Furthermore, analysts believe that once the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway is completed, Myanmar will become a strategic hub connecting India with Southeast Asia by land.
Economic analyst U Thet Zaw also told CNI News that projects creating the most employment opportunities and supporting the livelihoods of citizens should be implemented.
"The number one priority is job creation for the people, and number two is implementing projects that support and ease the daily livelihood of the public. Livelihood is more urgent. Infrastructure is something that yields benefits only in the long run. I believe we should only implement projects and situations that can benefit the country immediately," he said.
Currently, Myanmar is implementing the Kyaukphyu Deep Sea Port, the Dawei Deep Sea Port, and a coastal international port in Mudon Township.
Moreover, analysts have pointed out that since these projects are being carried out with foreign investments, it is crucial to handle them with caution to ensure ease of operation for foreign nations while avoiding a debt trap for the country.
