Burmese industry and exports were on the decline in the 1990s as a result of progressive attempts by the United States to tighten economic sanctions on the nation, protesting against its suppression of democracy. But the effort to pressure its rulers has been vastly undercut by the enthusiasm of other countries, especially Burma's Asian neighbors, to tap its cheap workforce and abundant natural resources, ranging from precious gems and teak to nickel and natural gas...[The] Indian government has been negotiating with Bangladesh to build a pipeline to transport gas [from Burma]. Daewoo International...is the largest investor in the gas development...