On a rare visit to Rakhine, Suu Kyi emphasised responsible business practices as she addressed an investment fair sponsored by Japan in the coastal state's tourist hotspot of Ngapali beach. Her government recognised the "grave challenges" it faced in Rakhine and was doing its utmost to address them, she said. Domestic and foreign investment could play a crucial role in the state, Suu Kyi said, but warned against irresponsible investments like "unchecked expansion of commercial fishery projects" that could damage Rakhine's coastal mangrove forests. Some experts warn a focus on economic solutions to Rakhine's problems could cement the marginalisation of the mostly stateless Rohingya. Myanmar says it has been ready to accept returning refugees since January and denies discriminating against Muslims who remain in Rakhine.

Source: bd News24 February 22, 2019 06:45 UTC