nkh's jim kobayashi reports.fir exhibition of japanese products was held in march. some 45 japanese companies showcased products, including motorcycles, household appliances, and cosmetics. >> translator: japanese products are a lot better than those from other countries. >> reporter: until now, few western brands have been able to secure a foothold in this market of 60 million consumers. but myanmar's moves toward democratization are giving many foreign companies hope. a japanesemaker for machinery used in mill works, the regional manager bid the company in myanmar. >> this market has great potential. we are treating it as a significant opportunity to invest. >> reporter: the company already holds a top spot among worldwide manufacturers of large scale mill. experts are betting that exports from myanmar will grow significantly boosting demand for their equipment. until the 1960s, myanmar was the world's largest exporter of rice. producing an estimated 5 million tons a year. but it has since been overtaken by thailand and vietnam. in 2011, myanmar claimed top spot i