Since the military junta stepped down in March 2011, the new Myanmar president has conducted a series of reforms toward liberal democracy and a more open economy. Besides releasing the political prisoner, Aung San Suu Kyi, and welcoming Hillary Clinton in December 2011, the government also drafted a new foreign investment law. Foreigners will no longer require a local partner to start a business in the country and will be able to legally lease (but not own) property.
Developed countries have seen this as a golden opportunity to expand their investment portfolios.