Suu Kyi speaks at WEF

New parliamentarian Aung Sang Suu Kyi spoke of development, gender equality and the future of Myanmar's constitution during her historic visit to the World Economic Forum in Thailand.

On Friday, Myanmar's opposition leader said one of her main goals is to attract investment that would boost job creation in her impoverished nation.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) MYANMAR'S NATIONAL LEAGUE FOR DEMOCRACY LEADER AUNG SAN SUU KYI SAYING:

"We have to try and eradicate corruption and inequality as we proceed towards greater investment. We do not want more investment to mean more, more possibilities for corruption. We do not want investment to mean greater inequality. We do not want investment to mean greater privileges for the already privileged. We want investment to mean,

quite simply, jobs."

But that is not the only issue facing the country still plagued by international sanctions and the remnants of a military junta.

Suu Kyi says Myanmar needs a strong energy policy to stem chronic blackouts across the nation.

She also called for improved education of girls and women, many of whom are the breadwinners for Burmese families.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) NATIONAL LEAGUE FOR DEMOCRACY LEADER AUNG SAN SUU KYI SAYING:

"We've got to try to push forward the political and social power of women. We have to do that because we have found that women are, shall we say more responsible members of society?"

During the conference, Suu Kyi admitted that her pro-democracy party faced an uphill battle to institute these changes as well as reform the country's constitution, which requires more than 75% support in parliament.

Jessica Gray, Reuters