Japan pledges loan to help Myanmar improve communication network

Japan has pledged to provide 10.5 billion yens (105 million U.S. dollars) in loan to Myanmar to help the country improve communication network linking major cities of Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw, state media reported Sunday.
The low-interest loan, aimed at meeting the growing demand for mobile phones and internet in the country, was offered by Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida during talks with his Myanmar counterpart U Wunna Maung Lwin on the sidelines of ASEAN-related meetings in Nay Pyi Taw Saturday, the report said.
Japan is also helping Myanmar in development of postal sector by providing technical support to the latter in postal services. Staff training is being conducted with those in the three cities.
Myanmar has received the biggest aid from Japan in the second half of the fiscal year 2013-14 among foreign governments and international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) for development of various sectors.
According to Myanmar's Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development, the Japanese assistance amounted to 199.04 million U.S. dollars during the period.