ArrowArtboardCreated with Sketch.Title ChevronTitle ChevronIcon FacebookIcon LinkedinIcon Mail ContactPath LayerIcon MailPositive ArrowIcon Print
Myanmar Crisis

Myanmar parallel government to challenge regime with $700m budget

Shadow finance minister takes aim at military generals on economic battlefield

Anti-coup protesters march in Mandalay on Aug. 8, the anniversary of a 1988 uprising. Myanmar's parallel government is preparing to subsidize 250,000 people who have joined the civil disobedience movement.   © Reuters

BANGKOK/YANGON -- Myanmar's shadow National Unity Government has stepped up its revenue generation and fundraising efforts to channel hundreds of millions of dollars into opposing the military regime that seized power on Feb. 1. It is also tapping international supporters, including wealthy overseas Burmese, and lobbying to cut funding flows to the military regime, known as the State Administration Council, while pressing foreign investors to divest from military-linked businesses.

The NUG is preparing its first budget, which will amount to about $700 million and will be unveiled in the coming weeks, according to the group's economic advisers. The funds, held mainly in accounts outside the country, will support humanitarian relief, COVID-19 vaccinations and striking workers inside Myanmar, as well as the NUG's operations at home and abroad.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.

Nikkei Asian Review, now known as Nikkei Asia, will be the voice of the Asian Century.

Celebrate our next chapter
Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

Find out more