Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who has pledged "all possible assistance" to kick-start Myanmar's long-neglected economy, went into talks with Thein Sein after touching down in Naypyidaw earlier today, according to a Myanmar government official.
The meeting with Thein Sein, a former general turned reformer, heralds a significant uptick in already warm relations between Japan and Myanmar as reforms and the removal of most Western sanctions spur investment in the former pariah state.
Abe is tipped to unveil almost USD 1 billion in development aid and a plan for a nationwide electricity grid as he looks to cement a role for his country in resource-rich and strategically key Myanmar, formerly called Burma.
Tokyo has already made huge strides, last year vowing to forgive 300 billion yen (USD 3.4 billion) of the 500 billion yen owed by Myanmar.
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"Japan's investments in Burma are truly extraordinary, and I think have taken many by surprise," said Myanmar economics expert Sean Turnell, adding he expected an announcement during the trip without giving details.
Unlike its Western allies, Japan maintained trade ties and dialogue with Myanmar during junta rule, which ended in 2011, saying a hard line could push it closer to Beijing.
Abe yesterday visited the Thilawa project -- a 2,400 hectare site which will include a port and industrial park -- as part of efforts to promote Japanese firms and infrastructure-building expertise.
The project and associated special economic zone was agreed by the two countries this year and Set Aung, Myanmar's deputy minister of National Planning and Economic Development, said it would create "quick wins" both for local people and Japanese business.