In the mid-1980s, when MasterCard entered the market, the clearing system between banks in different cities was (and is) almost non-existent: a cheque could take up to a month to clear, and many sellers would not release goods until it did.

ECONOMIST: Who��d have credited it?

Since the demise of the old system, health-insurance coverage has been patchy and in rural areas mostly non-existent.

ECONOMIST: Getting old before getting rich

Due to non-existent infrastructure (Myanmar ranked 129th out of 155 countries on the Logistics Performance Index), an antiquated banking system, power shortages, corruption, as well as a total lack of modern equipment and skilled technicians, cost savings on labor may be offset by higher costs and delays in non-labor areas.

FORBES: Can Manufacturing Succeed In Myanmar?