“Though one can say e-business is improving, it hasn’t reached a satisfactory position,” said Ko Kyaw Htet Soe from www.foreverspace.com.mm, which has been selling e-books and digital versions of journals and other periodicals since May 2003.

“Few of our businesses are enjoying the preferential trade arrangements offered through AFTA by the more developed ASEAN members,” said U Maung Maung Yi, a former director general of the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration who retired in late 2006.

“We are waiting for the parts we need from abroad and we expect that all work will be finished within two or three months,” said factory owner U Tun Aye, referring specifically to his Shwe Yamon Company’s processing plant at the Hlaing Thar Yar Industrial Zone.

PUBLIC transportation has an important role to play in the development of Yangon’s property market, according to real estate agents, who say the ease of travel in a city where most do not own a car can make or break new housing initiatives.

“Prices are high compared to last rainy season, when (handmade) bricks cost about K44 each. Now they are K54 and are expected to remain high until the end of December,”...