This refers to the article "Lest Nepal not become Myanmar" (July 8 ) by Prateek Pradhan. The references made to Myanmar in the article were not only prejudiced but also misleading.
Since the assumption of State responsibilities, the government of the Union of Myanmar has engaged itself in reconciliation efforts. The problem of armed insurgency that had plagued the nation since the time of the regaining of independence is now almost resolved. Also, the government has implemented national plans based on market economy and human resources development that has enabled sustainable development of the economy.
In energy sector, for instance, crude oil and natural gas have been exploited to meet domestic consumption. Whereas in 1988-89, natural gas production was a mere 39085 million cubic feet, it increased 9-fold in 2003-04 with the production of 349771 million cubic feet. In 1991-92, the country's total foreign trade amounted to US$ 1317 million. By 2003-04, export has increased to US$ 2357 million and import to US$ 2240 million.
The government has formed 24 development zones to carry out development tasks throughout the country. While there were 33747 basic education schools in 1988, the number has increased to 40521 by December 2004. Although there were only 32 universities and colleges in the country in 1988, 122 more colleges and universities were opened by December 2004.
The government has also designated the establishment of a democratic nation as one of the objectives in its 7-step policy programme of the State. It is regrettable that Pradhan wrote the article on the basis of facts reported in a certain magazine without knowing the truth about Myanmar.