The Economist's Myanmar Summit 2016

While Myanmar faces tremendous obstacles on its road to development, the opportunities are greater still. The leaders of its new government have a tall order to fill: to build economic capacity—jobs and physical and financial infrastructure—and create wealth and opportunity for its 51m people. Ideally, Myanmar’s economic and social transformation will coincide with a political one that allows the country to dismantle generations-deep systems of cronyism and makes all levels of government more accountable. Yet there are currently more promises than concrete solutions. Reversing that ratio will require the country’s citizens, leaders and foreign partners to develop a much greater appetite for risk.

Over the last 15 months, Myanmar has seen huge political changes: the historic election win by the National League for Democracy (NLD), a ceasefire agreement with many of the nation’s armed groups, and initial dialogue to explore constitutional reforms which could recast Myanmar as an inclusive, multi-ethnic federation. All this is part of Myanmar’s final push to end over half a century of political and economic isolation, and has secured the foundations for a new, vibrant and potentially very different country.

Myanmar has been afforded a “last-mover advantage” unique among Asia’s developing economies. It can learn from the successes and failures of its neighbours’ struggles to grow and modernise, as well as benefit directly from their infrastructure and financial investment. Myanmar has a chance to choose new modes of development and to form relationships with foreign investors in ways that allow it to build its economy inclusively, sustainably and equitably.

Myanmar’s next generation of leaders has promised to take responsibility for creating a clear and distinctive path to growth. Join the Economist Events as, 100 days into the new government, it convenes its second Myanmar Summit, where the nation’s decision-makers, advocates, entrepreneurs and investors will discuss how to build and maintain that path in the years to come.

US-ASEAN Business Council is the official supporting organisation for this event. Members are invited to enjoy a 20% discount off any individual ticket by quoting 3324USABC at the check-out. A further group ticket discount is available.

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