Despite the slump in energy prices, oil and gas fields in Burma will soon be the busiest in Asia as investors begin to ratchet up their explorations.

In business this week: Burma’s flag-carrying airline will lease 10 Boeing aircraft from US- and Ireland-based GECAS and the Central Bank announces the sale of government treasury bonds beginning later this month...

For those keen to participate in Burma's uneven process of opening up, uncomfortable compromises have had to be made on all sides. Slow and steady no longer wins the race, says DVB contributor David Baulk.

Business in Burma this week: Burma now a 'candidate' for EITI; France's largest bank slapped with $9B fine for violation US sanctions; and Taiwanese shoe manufacturer invests $100M in Rangoon factory.

While the raw timber export ban is a step towards avoiding a regrettable transformation in one of Burma’s major industries, it may only work in tandem with more reforms that tackle the country’s deep-seated corruption.

Burma is singled out as the most improved country in terms of business viability, with strides taken by Thein Sein to address corruption, rule of rule, property rights and corporate governance. Nonetheless, it remains ranked alongside failed states such as Somalia and Congo.