Country Profile

Undergoing profound and rapid change, Myanmar is today emerging as one of Asia’s most sought-after investment destinations. Its opening to the global economy has come after decades of military rule, during which a long period of isolation and internal conflict was followed by an era of gradual disengagement from politics by the army. This retreat took a decisive step forward in November 2015, when the country held the first openly contested elections in its modern history. The new administration now faces the daunting task of meeting the expectations of a diverse and dynamic people, conscious of their long and distinguished histories as well as their current opportunities.

This chapter contains viewpoints from Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, State Counsellor; President U Htin Kyaw; and Former US President Barak Obama, as well as interviews with Lim Hng Kiang, Singapore Minister for Trade and Industry; and Mark Garnier, Parliamentary Undersecretary, UK Department for International Trade.