Responsible Investment in Myanmar's Future

Myanmar’s still nascent reform process has emerged as one of the most promising efforts at democratization and liberalization in the world today. On the economic side, reforms have unified the country’s multiple currency exchange rates, provided initial steps toward a modern banking system, injected transparency into foreign exchange earnings, and helped to bring inflation under control. A microfinance law was completed and in late 2012 a new foreign investment law was passed.

With abundant natural resources, a bountiful labor pool, and growing interest from foreign investors, Myanmar has an extraordinary opportunity to reverse the damage wrought by decades of political and economic isolation. At the same time, major challenges abound, including creating jobs for the vast majority of the population who live in poverty, tackling corruption, and establishing the rule of law, to name just a few.

Join us as Asia Society brings together business and civil society leaders, government officials, and experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities of Myanmar’s transformation and the ways forward for fostering sustained growth and development through responsible investment. The discussion builds on Asia Society’s Myanmar Initiative, including the recently published report, Sustaining Myanmar's Transition: Ten Critical Challenges.

Speakers 

U Wunna Maung Lwin (Invited) is Myanmar's Minister of Foreign Affairs. Prior to his appointment in March 2011, he served as Myanmar’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva. He has held a number of diplomatic positions, including as Myanmar's Ambassador to Israel and France.

Zaw Oo is an Economic Advisor to Myanmar’s President Thein Sein and serves on the National Economic and Social Advisory Council. He is a Senior Research Fellow and Director of Research Programs at the Myanmar Development Resource Institute’s Centre for Economic and Social Development (MDRI/CESD).

Rajiv Shah (Closing Remarks) is the 16th Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), where he leads the efforts of more than 9,600 professionals in 80 missions around the world. During his tenure, he has overseen the U.S. response to the 2010 earthquake in Haiti and co-chaired the State Department's first review of American diplomacy and development operations. He spearheads President Barack Obama's "Feed the Future" food security initiative.

Suzanne DiMaggio (Opening Remarks) is Vice President of Global Policy Programs at Asia Society, where she leads the Society’s Myanmar Initiative. She and Priscilla Clapp co-authored Asia Society’s June 2013 report, Sustaining Myanmar's Transition: Ten Critical Challenges. She is directing the establishment of the Asia Society Policy Institute, which is set to launch in late 2013.

Richard Dobbs (Opening Remarks) is a Director of the McKinsey Global Institute (MGI), McKinsey’s business and economics research arm, where he leads research on global economic trends, including urbanization, resource markets, capital markets, and productivity and growth, with a focus on Asia. He co-authored MGI's June 2013 report entitled, Myanmar's Moment: Unique Opportunities, Major Challenges.

Tune in to AsiaSociety.org/Live at 4:00 pm ET for a free live video webcast. Viewers are encouraged to submit questions to moderator@asiasociety.org.

source: Asia Society

http://asiasociety.org/new-york/events/responsible-investment-myanmars-future