Lecture: Understanding the Law of Contract in Myanmar
A lecture by Andrew Burrows given at the British Council in Yangon in February 2015
Abstract of the Lecture
What is the law of contract in Myanmar/Burma and how far does it differ from modern English contract law? These are difficult and intriguing questions. Any assumption that the general law of contract in Myanmar can simply be found and understood by reading the Myanmar Contract Act 1872 must be dispelled. The burning question is, what is Myanmar contract law where the 1872 Act does not apply or is out of date and there is no other statute in play? How far do underpinning principles of ‘justice, equity and good conscience’ (Burmese Law Acts 1898, s 13(3)) assist? Certainly an answer is urgently needed if those seeking to enter into contracts in Myanmar are to feel confident that the domestic contract law of Myanmar is fit for purpose.