"Critique of Japan International Cooperation Agency’s Blueprint for Development in South-Eastern Burma(Myanmar) Full Report (English)”, September 2014 

The Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has recently issued a blueprint that proposes industrial development in Southeast Burma/Myanmar, purportedly to aid in the return and settlement of refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Karen and Mon States...It is intended to guide Japanese investment in Karen and Mon States. However, KPSN [Karen Peace Support Network], a network of nearly 30 ethnic Karen organizations in Burma/Myanmar, warns JICA that this JICA's blueprint for infrastructure development such as roads and industrial estates in the war-torn southeast is premature and flawed, potentially exacerbating conflict in the region. This report provides KPSN's deep analysis on JICA's blueprint and calls on the Japanese government to reform its plan and way of doing business, offering concrete recommendations for engaging with the people of Southeast Myanmar...