Trade, Trust, Transition: Myanmar Perspectives of the Social Economics of Myanmar

The workshop on Myanmar Perceptions of the Social Economics of Myanmar took place in Yangon on November 25 and 26, 2011. The participants were organised in a Burmese speaking junior session (80 participants) and an English speaking senior session (50 participants). Both sessions were divided into five working groups. Each of them discussed different topics regarding the past, present and future of Myanmar's economics and the impact of the current developments in the country. Background of the discussions was the shift from a military dominated political regime to a more democratic and liberal society. The deliberations focused on changes in the economic realm and how to deal, therefore, with two risks After the country suffered from a period of self-imposed isolation followed by the infliction of sanctions by Western countries, it will be difficult to achieve economic growth without neglecting the needs of the people. Furthermore, Myanmar's entrepreneurs could not be able to create a counterbalance to the powerful international business community. For a sustainable and reasonable development the social impact of change will be of crucial importance. For steering the developments in Myanmar on the right track policy makers on all sides involved in the transition process face great responsibilities.
After several discussions and the formulating of theses each working group prepared policy and research recommendations. The results of the discussions partially overlapped and complemented each other. The recommendations provided concerned institutions and individuals with some guidance for further actions.