ABSTRACT
The growth in Myanmar's trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) has been one of the defining characteristics of the country's political and economic transition since 2011 from military dictatorship to 'discipline flourishing democracy'. The chapter covers the key areas of Myanmar's international economic engagement – trade and FDI. It starts with a review of recent developments, including facts and figures to quantify changes in trade and investment. The chapter provides the key policy reforms introduced under the Thein Sein administration. It addresses the integral role political determinants play in shaping the country's economic prospects, and the capacity of the state to manage key economic issues. Many factors will play a role in shaping Myanmar's economic trajectory, including the international macroeconomic environment and the country's demographics. However, the ability of Myanmar's leaders to control the bureaucracy and reshape the country's economic institutions will be paramount to sustained growth of trade and investment.
