TOKYO - Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Tuesday called on Japan to invest and provide economic to create jobs in the Myanmar economy, news reports said.
Myanmar's democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, left, shakes hands with Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida prior to their talks at the Iikura guesthouse in Tokyo on Tuesday. (AFP Photo)
The 67-year-old head of the National League for Democracy, now on her first visit to Japan in 27 years following more than 14 years of house arrest, made the request during her meeting with Japanese lawmakers in Tokyo.
"The people cannot improve their livelihood without a job,'' the democracy icon told the lawmakers, according to Kyodo News.
She also requested that Japan's government provide assistance in securing clean drinking water, as well as irrigation sources for farming, building roads, supplying electricity, and the enhancement of a medical and healthcare service.
Myanmar can put Japanese assistance to ``effective'' use, she said, according to Kyodo.
Mrs Suu Kyi, who met Crown Prince Naruhito on Tuesday, held talks with Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida late Tuesday. She is to meet Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday.
Her visit comes as Japan continues to court newly liberalised Myanmar as a trading partner.
Unlike many industrialised countries, Japan maintained trade ties and generous aid for Myanmar while it was ruled by a military junta, warning that taking a hard line could push it closer to China.
Tokyo has also gently pressed the country's leaders to listen to the voices of those in opposition and the international community.
Since the end of military rule in 2011, Myanmar has made visible efforts to open up to the rest of the world and has lured international firms to start operations in the potentially lucrative market.
Japanese businesses in particular have been active in the country with strong backing from Tokyo, including the cancellation of 350 billion yen (104 billion baht) of debt and numerous aid grants.
On Wednesday, Mrs Suu Kyi is to address the University of Tokyo, and hold a news conference. She is scheduled to fly back to Myanmar on Friday.