The Burmese Chinese are also a well established middle class ethnic group and dominate the Burmese economy today.

The government took over the principal businesses and industries, and throughout the 1960's the Burmese economy stagnated.

In addition, the Burmese economy had relied heavily on cotton exports to China, and suddenly lost access to the vast Chinese market.

Burma's gemstone industry is a cornerstone of the Burmese economy with exports topping $1 billion.

The impact on the Burmese economy was extensive.

Despite current currency problems, the Burmese economy is expected to grow by about 8.8 percent in 2011.

This crippled the Burmese economy further still.

They have also been encouraged by the government to launder drug profits through the legitimate Burmese economy.

While the Burmese economy grew, all the power and wealth remained in the hands of several British firms and migrants from India.

The Burmese economy is run on an informal basis.