November 23, 2012

As part of an effort for economic opportunities in Myanmar, New Zealand will set up a dairy farm in the South-east Asian country.

Prime Minister John Key became the first New Zealand leader to visit the country, which spent nearly 50 years under military rule until elections in 2010.

As democracy and democratic ties improve in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), New Zealand is angling for closer economic relations. Mr Key will formally announce a US$6 million deal to develop a dairy farm in Myanmar, to help boost its drive to becoming self-sufficient.

The country largely imports its agricultural products, particularly dairy, from New Zealand, and the herd on the new dairy farm is likely to be New Zealand cattle.

The aid announcement comes a day after Fonterra appointed a new country manager to Myanmar, where its products make up the lion's share of New Zealand's annual US$18 million exports to the country.

Mr Key will meet with President Thein Sein, a former military commander and will raise the issue of human rights and ethnic clashes, and how New Zealand can help Myanmar's development.