Key facts
- Myanmar's junta chief turned president, Min Aung Hlaing, criticised ASEAN's Five Point Consensus peace plan.
- He announced plans for by-elections in 2027 and stated the government would enhance military and police capacity.
- The government is prioritising infrastructure projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand highway and Mandalay-Muse railway.
- Plans include 10 power generation projects, the Myitsone dam, and a nuclear power plant.
- The education sector budget will increase to 15% by fiscal year 2028-2029.
- Min Aung Hlaing acknowledged a significant youth exodus impacting economic development.
Myanmar's junta chief turned president, Min Aung Hlaing, has criticised the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for its handling of the country's peace plan, known as the 'Five Point Consensus'. Speaking to parliament, Hlaing stated that the bloc had discriminated against Myanmar and that the country would respond to non-constructive actions on a case-by-case basis.
His administration outlined a national agenda that includes holding by-elections in 172 constituencies in 2027 where voting was not possible during recent polls due to unrest. The government also plans to enhance the capacity of its military and police forces and continue implementing a conscription law. Hlaing noted that his government has invited rebel groups for talks without preconditions and has met with 13 ethnic armed organisations (EAOs).
Key economic priorities include infrastructure development, such as the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway and the Mandalay-Muse railway, aimed at facilitating low-cost exports. The government is also working on 10 power generation projects, including the controversial Myitsone dam, and plans to build a nuclear power plant. Budgetary allocations for education are set to increase, reaching 15% by the 2028-2029 fiscal year.
Hlaing acknowledged that a significant number of young people are leaving the country, impacting economic development, a trend previously linked to the military's conscription law. He set a timeline of two years to build momentum for constructing a new nation, followed by three years of full-speed execution.