Myanmar’s ‘Frontier’ Investor
Temples in the ancient city of Bagan, Myanmar. (Photo: Wiki Commons)
After a two-week tour of the US, Aun San Suu Kyi is heading back to Myanmar.
The Burmese opposition leader gave her final speech in Los Angeles.
And it was about her hopes for democracy in Myanmar.
The last year has seen rapid – even mind-boggling – transitions in the country also known as Burma.
Myamar’s military rulers opened the door first by freeing Suu Kyi from house arrest.
Then they allowed elections.
For a country that was one of the world’s most closed, the changes are dizzying.
Now, the US has lifted a number of sanctions on Myanmar.
And it’s opening up to foreign business.
Alisher Ali is one of the first to take advantage of that.
The young Uzbek entrepreneur has set up the country’s first investment bank, using his own money.
He’s also managing the country’s first venture capital and private equity fund.
Ali is aware of the risks — Myanmar has no legal framework for investment banking.
But he adds that such ‘frontier’ investment climates also present great opportunities.
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