Hla Myint: Reflections on Socio-Economic thoughts in Burma from Colonial to Post-Colonial Period

Abstract

This research studies the life, thoughts, work and intellectual influence of Hla Myint (1920 - ), a prominent Burmese professor in development economics. It also examines the background of socio-economic history of Burma from the late colonial to the post-independence period. The aim of the research is also to answer the question of to what extent the background and work of Hla Myint, one of Burma’s earliest “technocrats” who received higher education abroad and who was expected to become a major driving force in the process of post-war development, reflects Burma’s politics, economy and society in the same period? It has been found that Burmese technocrats in the above mentioned period do not play a pivotal role in post-war Burmese society, owing to the government’s anticipation to lead Burma towards Socialism – that is to emphasize on the state’s role in driving the economy, rather than the private sector. Hla Myint is a progressive economist and economic advisor to the post-independence Burmese government. He believes in free trade economy according to Adam Smith’s laissez-faire economic theory, which stresses that economic development would be maximized with little government intervention or no intervention at all. However, Hla Myint’s and the government’s economic prospects differ so greatly, it leads to the undermined role of Burmese technocrats especially economic experts compared to other developing countries in Southeast Asia.