From auto sector to startups, Japan companies see green shoots in Myanmar

BANGKOK/YANGON -- Japanese companies are exploring new business ties in civil war-torn Myanmar, as they look beyond the barriers put up by the current military government and lay the groundwork for potential long-term growth.

A young employee of Japanese auto parts maker Yazaki recently traveled from one of the company's facilities near Tokyo to Myanmar to participate in training. At the training session in the Thilawa Special Economic Zone near Yangon in May, the employee told local staff that the company wants to propose and implement best practices suited to the region.