As doors open, businesses face a formidable frontier
The civilian government is coming out of decades of isolation, but along with a wealth of opportunities investors are faced with several challenges in overcoming the rot of military rule
- Published: 29/01/2012 at 02:56 AM
- Newspaper section: Spectrum
As Myanmar trades political reforms in return for an end to economic sanctions, businesses big and small are queuing for access to the region's last closed economy. Entry will be dictated by political connections, financial clout, further reforms and necessity.
Chief among those necessities will be food and infrastructure _ roads, ports dams, electricity and access to clean water _ but areas like health are also in dire need of investment. Myanmar was ranked 190th among other countries in terms of its health care, the worst in the world. Access to capital and appropriate partners are the biggest stumbling blocks to development in these areas.
"Burma [Myanmar] is one of the few frontier or 'reservoir' countries left _ Cuba is another example _ that have serious economic potential due to their resources and proximity to large developed or developing markets," said Gavin Greenwood, a risk consultant with Hong Kong-based Allan & Associates.
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About the author
- Writer: Luke Hunt
- Position: Writer
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