ASEAN Rising: Myanmar Taps Singapore Expertise To Modernize Its Economy; Deal Signed

By MARTIN ABBUGAO
February 1, 2012, 2:58am
SINGAPORE (AFP) – Myanmar has signed an agreement with Singapore seeking the financial center's help as the country emerges from political and economic isolation after decades of military rule.

President Thein Sein arrived Sunday for a four-day state visit to the city-state accompanied by a top-level delegation which included business leaders and top ministers in charge of economic portfolios.

Thein Sein Monday met with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and the leaders witnessed the signing by their foreign ministers of an agreement under which Singapore will provide training for reforms in the legal, banking and financial sectors.

The pact also calls on Singapore to share its best practices in trade, tourism and urban planning.