All Countries and All Sectors

The energy sector is the great, untapped potential on which much of Myanmar’s hopes are pinned. One of the world’s first oil producers, Myanmar is emerging in the 21st century as a key producer of natural gas. The country’s vast rivers are also well suited to hydroelectric dams. The lion’s share of sector investment has been aimed at the export market as low electric tariffs and an inefficient...

After being nationalised in 1963, Myanmar’s financial system was liberalised in 1988, allowing for the emergence of several private banks. The government’s strategy for developing the sector includes a three-phase plan that emphasises an independent central bank and adequate regulation. Foreign banks are lining up at the country’s doorstep to tap into this potentially major market in the heart of...

A new foreign investment law, an open telecommunications license tender and the exchange rate float, all in the past two years, have shown the government’s focused interest on developing the necessary legal, financial, and policy measures for attracting foreign investment and boosting the economy. A budding young labour force, abundant natural resources and a strategic geographic position at the...

Wedged between the world’s two most populous countries, India and China, Myanmar has a young and growing population of more than 60m people and a total of 135 ethnicities. Burmese is Myanmar’s official language, but studies suggest there are as many as 100 different languages spoken within the country. The end of the military junta and the rule of Senior General Thn Shwe brought about the easing...

The hydrocarbons sector accounts for about 80% of all government revenues in the UAE. However, the sector’s GDP share varies substantially, from over 50% in Abu Dhabi to less than 6% in Dubai. Given its modest hydrocarbons endowment, Dubai continues to import most of its energy feedstock. The emirate is working to diversify its energy mix on both the supply and demand side. With 70% of...

Vast mineral resources have served as a primary driver of Ghanaian economic growth in recent decades, and 2012 was another banner year for the mining industry. Ghana was the world’s eighth-largest producer of gold in 2012. At the same time, production of bauxite, a key aluminium property, increased, while deposits of diamonds and manganese continued to attract international investment. Overall,...