<div>A traditional Burmese umbrella planted in the white sands of an empty beach offers shade to a couple on deck chairs. The first ever TV ad of brand Myanmar begins with this image. The ad spot takes the viewers through the history, culture of Myanmar. It offers glorious visuals of its pristine countryside untouched by development. The spot closes with fascinating images of Schwedagon Pagoda and the diversity of its cheerful people. The line for Myanmar: "Let the journey begin."<br /><br />This clever line invites not just travellers, but also foreign investors, financial giants, friendly neighbours and voluntary groups to start exploring a country that was closed for almost six decades. <br /><br />At the World Economic Forum on East Asia in capital Nay Pyi Taw, delegates are in awe of the rapid pace of change. Many are also concerned whether this change is too fast. Myanmar's iconic Aung San Suu Kyi was asked whether process of political reform was irreversible. Her answer, "The question is whether the mindset for change is irreversible." <br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><strong>Read Also</strong></span><strong>: </strong><a href="http://www.businessworld.in/en/storypage/-/bw/myanmar-transforms/925216.37507/page/0"><strong>Myanmar Transforms</strong><br /><br /></a>She declared her willingness to run for President in next elections but seeks changes to constitution that disallowed citizens with foreign spouse and children be eligible. <br /> <br />For her making changes in constitution is the first priority. "Unless the constitution is amendable, lasting change can't happen," she says. For Aung San Suu Kyi, the pace of change can't be fast enough. <br /><br />President Thein Sein, who surprised the world by freeing Suu Kyi and ushering in political and economic reforms two years ago, reassured the delegates, " We are working hard to move from military rule to democracy in Myanmar." <br /><br />This statement met a great applause from global investors including many from India. Harshpati Singhania of JK Corp, Hari Bhartia of Jubilant Group and Sunil Mittal of Airtel spent busy days planning their future in Myanmar. <br /><br />India is working hard to increase transport links with Myanmar. Highway projects to connect north east india to Myanmar are critical for economic ties. One strategy is to see north east India and Myanmar as a common market of over 100 million people; about 60 million in Myanmar and rest in northeast. The cultural and ethnic links make it a ideal common market. <br /><br />Investment plans are not just for Myanmar. Most companies are planning for region now. Myanmar is in talks with ASEAN countries to have a common visa like the Schengen visa for Europe. <br /><br />Bridging gap between ASEAN and Myanmar would require urgent steps on financial inclusion. Several models including micro finance and mobile banking are being discussed by financial institutions like Standard Chartered that are stepping up their presence here. <br /> <br />The government on its part has not announced any new grand plan or project. Most ministers are attending all sessions ànd listening patiently. <br /><br />They realise that the first step to connecting with the world economy is to understand how it works to and develope internal capability to manage the transition. <br /><br />Listening before acting is perhaps the best approach for government of Myanmar. Let the journey begin.<br /><br />(<em>Pranjal Sharma is a senior business writer. He can be contacted at pranjalx@gmail.com</em>)</div>
