Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, used to be one of the wealthiest countries of south-east Asia. Then came decades of military rule. While other Asian countries furiously modernised, Myanmar stagnated. In the past few years, the country has begun to open up and many international sanctions have been lifted.

But what is it like for home grown businesses and new entrepreneurs? Peter Day talks to those who are setting up businesses despite a number of challenges, such as a lack of funding and poor infrastructure. In the capital, Yangon, he meets people who went abroad for education and have now returned to seek business opportunities at home. And he visits rural Myanmar and sees how micro-financing is working in the countryside.

(Photo: Village shop in Myanmar. BBC copyright) Show less