(CPV) - Myanmar could follow Asia’s fast growing economies and expand at 7% to 8% a year, become a middle income nation, and triple per capita income by 2030 if it can surmount substantial development challenges by further implementing across-the-board reforms.

So said a new Asian Development Bank (ADB) study titled “Myanmar in transition: Opportunities and challenges”.

The report, is ADB’s first major assessment of the country since it began political and economic reforms last year, noting that there is much work to be done: only a quarter of people in Myanmar have access to electricity and only one in five of the country’s roads are paved to all-weather standard.

According to Mr Stephen Groff, ADB’s Vice President for East Asia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific, Myanmar’s strategic location, rich natural resources and abundant labor force leave it perfectly positioned to prosper from Asia’s dynamic economic growth. The nation could also be Asia’s next rising star, but for this to happen there needs to be a firm and lasting commitment to reform.

A meeting at the Assembly of the Union of Myanmar on April 23, 2012.

Growth will depend on the country maintaining macroeconomic stability – including measures for low (under 6%) inflation and sustainable budgets, encouraging domestic savings, and investing in human capital and infrastructure. However, the report warns that the country may also face risks associated with economic liberalization if the process is not managed prudently. Vulnerability to climate change and environmental degradation, as well as ongoing tension from internal conflicts could also derail the country’s future growth.

“Concerted efforts are needed to increase transparency and enhance public services”, report stressed.

To strengthen social cohesion and cut poverty rates, greater investments are needed in education, health and social services. Although more than half of Myanmar’s people rely on agriculture for a living, less than 20% of the country’s crop land is irrigated. The report notes that investment in irrigation and other inputs could dramatically expand crop yields and boost incomes.

Myanmar shares borders with the People’s Republic of China, India, and other South and Southeast Asian nations, thus leaving it poised to benefit from rising regional trade, tourism and investment, and growing demand for energy and natural resources from its wealthier neighbors.

“To fully realize its potential, the country must focus on strengthening connectivity - via infrastructure in transport, power and telecommunications services, as well as modernizing its financial sector. Its economic base must also broaden beyond agriculture to the manufacturing and service sectors to meet a growing demand for jobs”, ADB suggested.

The Bank recently established an office in the capital of Yangon, and is currently studying the possibility of resuming operations in Myanmar, which were halted in 1988./.