The country's current foreign-exchange system, which involves a fixed "official" exchange rate that makes the currency, the kyat, more than 100 times as valuable against the dollar as the black-market rate, is so confusing that many foreign companies have refused to re-enter the country even if Western leaders ease sanctions against Myanmar, the country also known as Burma, as expected later this year.

WSJ: Myanmar Announces Currency Reform

Furthermore, Burma's grossly overvalued official exchange rate distorts economic activity and heightens the risks and challenges for foreign investors.

BBC: Investors eye resourceful Burma

The government has abolished jail terms for those caught dealing in foreign currency, offered extra incentives for private investment and brought the official exchange rate closer to the black-market one.

ECONOMIST: Syria