Myanmar (Burma) has the potential to be the next economic power in Asia

A few years ago, when Japan was doing well economically, the world focus on the management of Japanese companies, and studied the success factors that contributed to Japan being the economic power of Asia.

Right now, the world is watching China growing its wings to become the economic superpower in Asia.

I believe that Myanmar (Burma) has the potential to be the next economic power in Asia. Right now, Myanmar (Burma) is a poor country because its government does not appear to know anything about economy. However, given the opportunity to grow, Myanmar (Burma) can grow rapidly, and become the next economic power in Asia within a few years.

Myanmar (Burma) is a country with resources, such as oil and minerals. According to the CIA Fact Sheet on Myanmar (Burma) on the oil reserve as of January 2008, the proven reserve of oil is 50 million bbl. That figure is just an estimate.

If Singapore, a tiny little country with no natural resource, can grow into an economic power in a generation, Myanmar (Burma) can do better. The only factor that is stopping Myanmar is the lack of a capable person to lead the country. Myanmar (Burma) needs a capable leader to grow. Singapore grew from a poor country under the leadership of Lee Kuan Yew. China opened its door under the leadership of Deng Xiaoping.

Who will lead Myanmar (Burma) into the economic power in Asia? Only time will tell.

It is best that this person comes from the midst of the current government. If only someone in the current government emerges and spears Myanmar (Burma) in the right direction, Myanmar (Burma) can have a peaceful transition from a poor country to an economic power.

Should this person come from outside the existing government, there will definitely be bloodshed, and many people will die.

China was fortunate to have Deng Xiaoping, so that it was able to open its economy without suffering a change in government. I hope there is someone like Deng Xiaoping in the current government of Myanmar (Burma).

The people of Myanmar (Burma) are hungry and angry. Hungry and angry people are powerful. Hungry and angry people will work hard, work as if they are being possessed to provide a better living for their families. They will work hard, work long hours to provide food, shelter, and education for their families.

If the current government of Myanmar (Burma) is able to channel this powerful people to build up the economy, Myanmar (Burma) can become an economic power in Asia in less than ten years. After all, Myanmar (Burma) has the advantage of its strong neighbor, China. The people of China were hungry, still are hungry, for progress. The people of Myanmar (Burma) are in the same stage of eagerness and hunger. They need an outlet for their frustrations.

We had a glimpse of the hungry and angry people in 2007, when the monks took to the street. No government wants the hungry and anger to express in this manner. It is the job of government to channel the hunger and anger into productive effort of country building.

For a country with oil and other natural reserves, Myanmar (Burma) does not need to fear seeking aid from other countries. Many countries will offer their expertise in building up the infrastructure, and advise in managing the economy.

Many companies will eagerly court Myanmar (Burma) to offer expertise in oil exploration, oil production, construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing. Myanmar (Burma) is next to China, and has such a long coastal line. Myanmar (Burma) is an ideal country for manufacturing companies to start up a factory there.

The moment Myanmar (Burma) opens its door, the Myanmese (Burmese) from overseas will return home to participate in country building. Like China, many Chinese educated overseas are flocking back home. Similarly, Myanmar (Burma) will see an influx of Myanmese who are currently working or studying overseas, when its economy booms.

The foundation of Myanmar (Burma) was strong. Before 1962, Myanmar (Burma) had the best educational system in South East Asia. Education is the key to the long-term progress of a country. The generation benefited from the educational system before 1962 could impart the love of knowledge to their descendants.

Many young Myanmese are receiving education in developed countries. Some young Myanmese from poorer family background are working as laborers in developed countries, and saving up for an education for themselves or their family members.

Myanmar (Burma) has the potential to become the next formidable economic power in Asia. The people of Myanmar (Burma) are ready. They are hungry and angry, eager for a change. Is the government ready?