Myanmar is endowed with one of Asia’s most outstanding geographic locations. Geographically, Myanmar is the Asian economy most strategically positioned to benefit from the dual economic ascension of China and India. Moreover, Myanmar is on the cusp of an industrialization process that should see it rapidly build its domestic manufacturing capacity and, given its abundant and youthful population, become a magnet for foreign direct investment.

With Myanmar’s commencement of a profound re-engagement with the global economy, we can expect the ushering in of a rapid phase of industrialization and deep economic transformations across sectors, institutions and markets. The sum of these transformations should be a purpose-built economy, designed to take advantage of Myanmar’s unique geographic and strategic location at the very heart of Asia. If this truly is going to be the Asian Century, where we witness the rise of China and India, then Myanmar is at the very geographical heart of the Asian Century.

Looking specifically at India, Myanmar occupies an important place for India's Look East policies of building up relationships with Southeast Asia. India and Myanmar share a long land border of over 1,640 km and a maritime boundary in the Bay of Bengal. Myanmar, as the only ASEAN country having a border with India, serves as a vital link between India and Southeast Asia. It is also worth noting that there are no contentious issues looming over India-Myanmar relations. This provides a stage for viable strategic partnership. And strategically, Myanmar is central to India as it looks to counter Chinese presence in Southeast Asia by creating its own sphere of economic zones. Myanmar, in short, is India’s gateway to Southeast Asia.