Myanmar to create new middle class

Myanmar to create new middle class

YANGON (Reuters): Myanmar's ruling military junta aims to create a new middle class in the country which is vital for economic revival and for democracy to flourish in coming years, a government spokesman said yesterday.

The State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) believed that a middle class was necessary before people could engage in a multiparty democratic system that was envisaged for Myanmar in the future, the spokesman Colonel Hla Min told Reuters.

The SPDC came into being late last year, after the former government called the State Law and Order Restoration Council changed its name following a reshuffle of key military personalities in government.

"We believe that in the coming phase, our new constitution will be drafted and we will concentrate on our economy. We hope we may be able to create a strong middle class and in order to do that we have to have a stable and strong economy," he said.