PepsiCo could be next into Myanmar

Last month, the United States Department of State put out notice it was relaxing restrictions on American businesses conducting operations in Myanmar. Coca Cola ( KO , quote ) promptly announced it would re-enter Myanmar after a six decade absence.

With Coca Cola and global oil countries entering Myanmar , it seems logical for PepsiCo ( PEP , quote ) to follow. That would create an opening for Yum Brands ( YUM , quote ), the fast food restaurant giant which was spun off from PepsiCo in 1977.

With its tremendous success in China and strong relations with the government there, YUM is well positioned to move in Myanmar. The People's Republic has long had a close relationship with Myanmar. As with Apple ( AAPL , quote ), China is a major market for the future growth of YUM Brands.

Coca Cola and Big oil entering Myanmar are an important part of the rise of a consumer class in the Asian country. It was not that long ago - just late last year - that Myanmar was under the rule of a repressive military junta. Now the 60 million citizens of (what was formerly known as) Burma are increasingly joining the emerging consumer class around the globe. There are lots of benefits to this change.

There are now only two countries where Coca Cola does not do business: Cuba and North Korea. It is no surprise this short list includes one of the most dangerous countries in the world. Lack of trade is at the heart of North Korea's problems.

Frédéric Bastiat was a 19th century French economist who said that, "When goods cannot cross borders, armies will." All that is left is for the governments of Cuba and North Korea to realize this, as literally every other country in the world has, and open up for businesses so all of their citizenry can join in the gains .

STRATFOR's Vice President of Strategic Analysis Rodger Baker discusses the United States' warming relations with Myanmar

The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.