Although turmeric is not on the list of major top ten lists of export crops, it is cultivated in many areas of Myanmar.
Will the Dawei Special Economic Zone benefit the people of Myanmar?
The Dawei Special Economic Zone (SEZ) project in Myanmar will establish large-scale industrial estates for export-led industrialization. Japan has recently expressed interest in investing in the Dawei SEZ. Japan’s economy has been built on this model of industrial development. This development model has caused enormous environmental and health impacts. Minari Tsuchikawa questions whether it is appropriate for Japan to impose this type of “development” model on Myanmar rather than allow the people of Myanmar to find their own path of sustainable development.
Chasing dreams against the tide
Millions of Myanmar people have migrated to Thailand while a number of Thais have found what they first thought would fulfill their dreams. But deteriorating environment presents a harsh reality.
Integration for whom: The ASEAN Economic Community
The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), to be launched in 2015, aims to create a single market and production base. Dorothy Guerrero examines whether this advances socio-economic development in the ASEAN region, or results in damage to people’s general well-being, human rights and environmental security.