Bangladesh, Burma and the Rohingya crisis 31 Changes to the DFID programme 59. The Committee in 2013 concluded that: DFID Burma’s programme should not roll forward whatever the situation. It should be nimble and flexible to change. [ … ] If reform in Burma does start to falter and things start moving backwards DFID and the UK Government should be strong to act, reducing or diverting funding and projects.89 60. The Minister told us recently: All things are flexible, and we would be remiss in our duty if we did not look hard at the possibility of change when it is necessary. [ … ] No one wants to carry on if it is pointless, but I will say that a decision of that nature also has consequences.90 Anthony Smith, Chief Executive of Westminster Foundation for Democracy said: Decisions about whether to step away and how to engage are incredibly important and incredibly difficult.91 Which programmes could be withdrawn? Economic Development 61. One potentially controversial area for DFID’s engagement is in its economic development work in Burma. DFID Burma says: The UK’s focus and international leadership on economic development is a vital part of Global Britain - harnessing the potential of new trade relationships, creating jobs and channelling investment to the world’s poorest countries. Throughout history, sustained, job-creating growth has played the greatest role in lifting huge numbers of people out of grinding poverty. This is what developing countries want and is what the international system needs to help deliver. Whilst there is an urgent need for traditional aid in many parts of the world, ultimately economic development is how we will achieve the Global Goals and help countries move beyond the need for aid. 62. DFID’s country profile states that it wants Burma to be in a position to “support UK interests and bilateral trade.” It also says In the future, with one of the fastest growing economies and large oil and gas reserves, Burma could offer significant investment and trade opportunities for the UK.92 89 90 91 92 Democracy and Development in Burma, Ninth Report of Session 2013–14, HC 821, para 180 Q270 Q204 DFID Burma Country Profile July 2017