Myanmar is confident that its competitiveness will improve next year as it capitalises on its reforms and its assets such as human resources, according to presidential economic adviser Zaw Oo.

The challenge, however, is not how to make a big jump in its global competitiveness ranking, but how to sustain the progress it has made, he said.

Among Myanmar’s advantages are its strategic location, connected to two major economies, China and India, while its people are hard working, sincere and competitive, he said. These are among the things the country will fully utilise to boost its competitiveness.

Adding to these qualities, the government is implementing constructive policies with the support of many international organisations. All these will enable Myanmar to improve competitiveness quickly.

The country will also provide opportunities for its people to enhance their efficiency and productivity, Zaw Oo said on the sidelines of a seminar titled “Assessing Asean’s Readiness by Country: Opportunities, Concerns and Preparedness towards the AEC in 2015” co-hosted by Krungthep Turakij newspaper, Siam Commercial Bank, Thammasat University and the Thailand Research Fund. It was held at the Dusit Thani Hotel. According to the “Global Competitiveness Report 2013-2014” of the World Economic Forum, Myanmar is ranked 139th among 148 economies. After decades of political and economic isolation, the March 2011 elections have brought profound changes to the country, the WEF noted. more…