Economy

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...

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...

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...

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.

With its first written records dating back to the 2nd century BC, and archaeological evidence stretching back to 11,000 BC, Myanmar has a long and distinguished history. Over the centuries, successive waves of people have moved across the mountains and plains that now constitute the country, with the Bamar, who became referred to as the...

The business environment is set for dramatic improvements after several burdensome trade restrictions were lifted in 2016. Most notable for foreign investors was the US government’s move to end sanctions on seven state-owned companies and three state-owned banks, with US President Barack Obama promising to further ease sanctions, even as a...