The appointment underlines one of the main points of Peeters’ visit to Myanmar ( formerly known as Burma): the support from Flanders for democracy in the country, which is still under the rule of a military junta. By-elections are scheduled next month for 48 parliamentary seats; this would still leave the junta with a majority, but the elections are being seen as a tentative step towards democracy. Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party is taking part in the election, after their boycott of an election held in 2010.

“I am happy to see that the Myanmar government is taking steps to make its policy more transparent and to encourage an open dialogue with other governments,” Peeters said at the start of the trip, which also includes a delegation of business representatives organised by Flanders Investment and Trade. “I sincerely hope the Myanmar government will go further on the level of human rights, including freedom of speech, rights for minorities and the creation of social and political institutions. I welcome the by-elections in April and stand behind the process of democratisation in Myanmar.”

Trade sanctions

Myanmar is currently the subject of international trade sanctions, which have devastated its economy compared to other countries in the Far East. The Flemish trade delegation, which, in addition to Yangon, also visited Mandalay and the capital city Nay Pyi Taw, was there to make contacts, with a view to establishing trade relations once sanctions are lifted.

According to Peeters, the contacts made are particularly promising in the fields of health care and logistics. However the question of human rights remains an important priority. “This country is in an important phase, just weeks away from by-elections,” said Peeters. “We made it clear during our economic mission that the process of democratisation has to be pursued. And if that does not occur, there will be consequences for Myanmar itself. Contacts are not contracts.”

Peeters was due to fly from Yangon on to Vietnam to join a Belgian trade mission headed by Prince Filip. However the sudden availability of Suu Kyi forced him to fly back. As Flanders Today went to press, it was unclear when Peeters would be heading on to Vietnam, but the mission there includes meetings with Vietnamese president Truong Tan Sang, premier Nguyen Tan Dung and ministers of science and technology, investment, finance, health and education. The programme also includes a visit to the Becholat production facility, which uses chocolate imported from Belgium, as well as the Vin Mec International Hospital, designed by the VK Group, which has offices in Brussels and across Flanders.