Myanmar's first modern stock exchange, the Yangon Stock Exchange (YSX), officially opened for business on Friday (Mar 25).

However, only one company - the First Myanmar Investment (FMI), headed by Serge Pun, was listed on the exchange for trading. FMI currently has more than 6,700 shareholders, and the last trading price about two weeks ago was 35,000 kyats (US$30). 

Pun told Channel News Asia that the first trading day in YSX is a significant occasion, but it also marked the start of a "very long road". He hoped that the new exchange will be a significant contributor to the Myanmar economy and offer an avenue to firms looking for access to capital. 

He added that better regulatory framework and investor education are still needed for YSX to truly take off.

(Channel News Asia)