Behind the euphoria that Burma appears to be emerging from its isolation and end its pariah state status in much of the world, there are lingering doubts about how safe it will be for foreign firms to invest in the country.
Last week, yet another economic study on Burma added a note of warning.
“Years of isolation and military rule have meant that infrastructure and institutions are underdeveloped,” said risk assessment research company Maplecroft of Britain.
“Corruption, a weak legal system and judiciary, continuing human rights abuses and a lack of protection for investors are significant risks that may take some time for Myanmar [Burma] to fully address,” said Maplecroft chief executive Alyson Warhust in the study.
“Business will have to monitor and manage risks in the country very carefully to take advantage of the significant opportunities that are on course to open up.”