Myanmar

Since Parliament approved a long-awaited Condominium Law in January 2016, real estate stakeholders have been hoping to see sales surge, with foreigners now permitted to own property for the first time. Implementing the law is proving problematic, however: unclear regulations regarding criteria for condominiums have left investors uncertain,...

The government of Myanmar has passed a wide range of legislation aimed at economic reform since 2010. While much remains to be done, the body of new law on the books is substantial, covering areas from lighthouses to central banking. The new government under the National League for Democracy has been careful in introducing its own legislation...

In recent years trade and investment in Myanmar have soared, buoyed by ongoing efforts to liberalise the economy and a successful political transition in November 2015 that saw the National League for Democracy (NLD) become the country’s first civilian-led government elected to power in modern history. Political reforms have brought significant economic benefits, as the US...

Not only are Myanmar institutions improving in safety, soundness and accountancy, they are also expanding their use of technology. Several banks are adopting the latest systems in an effort to become modern financial services companies, while more generally the country is developing its digital strategy to allow for channels that enhance the banking...

While Myanmar has been a member of the ASEAN bloc since 1997, its capacity within that organisation – and indeed, within regional and international politics as a whole – was severely limited by the military regime of the time. Indeed, international sanctions and condemnation led to the country skipping its turn as ASEAN chair in 2006, under...

Special economic zones (SEZs) are essential to Myanmar’s development. While the country is liberalising rapidly, the process will take some time. Regulations have to be written, and infrastructure needs to be upgraded in areas with legacy issues.