Although still one of Asia’s poorest nations, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, or Burma, has began to forge links with its neighbours and the rest of the world since 2011. Last October, the country’s government relaxed restrictions on new vehicle imports, opening the door to overseas manufacturers. Tyre makers are establishing a presence in Myanmar, too: On 8 July, Bridgestone Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. announced the official opening of its Myanmar branch office in former capital Yangon. The office’s main function will be to gather information on the truck, bus, car manufacturing industries and tyre markets, as well as conduct related activities on behalf of the regional head office.