This program aims to increase the capacity of young economic researchers in Myanmar by offering them research opportunities in the fields of industrial research, trade and investment policies and systems, and agriculture and rural development.
This year, nine young researchers in the fields of agriculture, industry, and economics were selected to form three study groups: (1) agriculture and rural development study group, (2) industrial development study group, and (3) economic development study group. In October 2006, experts from Myanmar, including Myat Thein, former president of the Yangon Institute of Economics, introduced participants to previous studies in these areas and taught them about proper research methods. In December, Japanese experts in the fields of economics and finance visited Yangon, and led intensive courses on such topics as macroeconomics and economic policies, and industrial strategy and economic development. In March 2007, meetings were held to discuss the research progress of the nine young researchers in Yangon, and questions and answer sessions were held between the researchers from Myanmar and the Japanese instructors. In coming years, the researchers will conduct research both in and outside Myanmar based on the research plan and write articles on their findings.