Kyaw Win was speaking at an economic forum sponsored by the Japan External Trade Organization and others in Tokyo on Tuesday. About 350 attendees included those from Japanese trading houses and financial institutions, as well as Myanmar companies.

The event came after the US government completely lifted its economic sanctions against Myanmar last month.

The finance minister said business opportunities exist in Myanmar in variety of fields, including infrastructure and finance. He added that all companies and investors have a fair opportunity there.

He encouraged vigorous participation by Japanese investors, saying that Myanmar's business environment has greatly improved with the introduction of a new law that eases restrictions on foreign firms.

Before the lifting of the US sanctions, Japanese companies were reluctant to do business with Myanmar firms and individuals whose transactions with the United States were banned.

But it is now hoped that trade and investment between Japan and Myanmar will become active.

An official from a Myanmar company that was dropped from the US sanctions list expressed hope for business with Japanese firms that have technologies and experience in infrastructure-related fields.