Introduction: INVESTING IN MYANMAR
Myanmar has a geographically unique and strategic location. The country is situated at the crossroads between the world’s two most populous nations of China and India and reaches deep into Southeast Asia where it also shares borders with Thailand, Laos and Bangladesh. A natural hub with a low population density and a rich supply of arable lands and natural resources, Myanmar has the potential to become the fastest growing economy in the region and to once again take up its role as a Southeast Asian trading center.
In recent years Myanmar has been hailed as the “final frontier” for investors in Asia. Foreign direct investment has increased significantly since the nation’s return to a civilian government in 2011 after sixty years of military rule and failed economic policies. The United States, which once imposed severe trade restrictions against the country, has since become an enthusiastic trading partner with US companies investing US$612 million in Myanmar since 2012. The Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) has received around US$ 500 million a month so far for the fiscal year.
In order to maintain an attractive investment climate the government has embarked on an ambitious series of reforms and incentives; and Myanmar has become an active member of international and regional investment organizations.