• BUSINESS

  Myanmar banks feel the heat

  Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 23/09/2019

  » The fragile state of Myanmar's banking industry remains a problem for the government as it strives to liberalise the financial sector and create a genuine market-based economy. A mini-run on local banks earlier this month underscored how shaky public confidence is.

• BUSINESS

  China's grand vision

  Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 10/02/2020

  » Chinese President Xi Jinping's historic state visit to Myanmar last month was aimed at drawing the country ever closer and persuading the world of the importance of Beijing's new international approach. It was an exercise in strategic diplomacy, rolling out China's grand vision for the region and encouraging the creation of a loyal and supportive neighbourhood.

• BUSINESS

  Time to deliver

  Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 25/11/2019

  » The Myanmar government knows it needs to improve the country's economic performance and extend the benefits of development more evenly across society. With elections only a year away, the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) needs some big wins to prove to the country's entrepreneurs and the urban middle class that it is pro-business.

• BUSINESS

  Myanmar's new investment push

  Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 14/01/2019

  » The government of Myanmar is hoping this year will be a watershed for the country's investment and development plans. The emphasis is firmly on liberalisation and attracting foreign investors, as well as involving the local business community in the expected economic resurgence.

• BUSINESS

  Myanamar reforms gather pace

  Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 09/04/2018

  » Myanmar has reached a critical crossroads with the start of a new financial year as the National League for Democracy (NLD) government enters its third year in office. But concrete plans for accelerated economic and political reform are in the pipeline. They mark a return to the NLD's traditional, populist principles, stressing land rights and economic fairness but with an emphasis on economic liberalisation.

• BUSINESS

  Myanmar business mood darkens amid Rakhine outrage

  Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 24/09/2018

  » Myanmar is stepping up efforts to attract foreign investment and spur economic development. A diplomatic offensive to improve the country's tarnished international image is part of the campaign, but western companies are not being swayed.

• BUSINESS

  Game changer

  Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 06/08/2018

  » Myanmar's new Companies Law has come into force amid widespread acclaim. It will eliminate layers of bureaucracy and streamline the company registration process, which will also offer greater investment opportunities for foreign businesses.

• BUSINESS

  Shining a light

  Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 17/06/2019

  » "Responsible business" has become the new buzzword in Myanmar, heightened by international investors' concern about weak governance in the country's private sector, a problem that is even more worrying in state-owned enterprises.

• BUSINESS

  Myanmar looks West

  Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 25/03/2019

  » Myanmar has embarked on a campaign to revive flagging interest among European investors, after focusing mainly on Asian countries -- the source of almost all the country's foreign investment in the last two years.

• BUSINESS

  All roads start leading to China

  Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 19/11/2018

  » Myanmar and China have finally signed an agreement on a controversial deep-sea port project on the Bay of Bengal, allowing Beijing to press on with its strategic plan to gain access to the Indian ocean. It signifies a strengthening of bilateral ties between the two neighbours, and places Myanmar firmly in China's orbit.

1 2 Next Last