Garment manufacturing has been the driving force behind the development of Myanmar’s manufacturing sector. The Myanmar Garment Manufacturers Association (MGMA), the primary trade association supporting the industry, estimates the segment employs 450,000 workers, more than 90% of whom are women, across its 600 member factories. Garment exports rose from $349m in 2010 to $4.6bn in 2018. The…
As Myanmar’s economy continues to expand, with GDP growth forecast at over 6% in 2019 and 2020, the country’s young urban population benefits from increasing opportunities to sample new food, beverage and entertainment options, particularly as incomes and leisure times rise. Furthermore, the government’s move to open wholesale and retail markets to 100% foreign ownership is expected to…
Shortfalls in irrigation and low rates of the use of machinery have led to low productivity in Myanmar’s agricultural sector. A 2016 World Bank report found productivity was behind that of the country’s regional counterparts. During the monsoon months, for example, one day of work would generate 23 kg of paddy in Myanmar, compared to 62 kg in Cambodia, 429 kg in Vietnam and 547 kg in Thailand.…
Gemstone mining in Myanmar is separate from mineral mining, both institutionally and legislatively. There is no connection between the gemstone permit system and the general mining permit system. Unlike anywhere else in the world, the two are independent processes. There is also an official distinction between jade and gems, wherein “gems” refers to all gemstones other than jade. Legal…
The Myanmar Tourism Master Plan 2013-20 is diversifying the sector, while also ensuring that initiatives are implemented in a way that preserves and respects the country’s culture and natural beauty. There is rapidly growing global demand for ecotourism and sustainable travel, and this segment has emerged as a key area for investment in Myanmar. With its diverse flora and fauna, and broad…
Tourism in the Asia-Pacific region has seen impressive growth in recent years, aided by cheaper air fares, an expanding consumer class and increased exposure brought about by improved internet connectivity. Although these developments have led to significant economic benefits for countries across the region, they have also had some negative consequences, particularly for the environment. Around…
Myanmar is looking to capitalise on a recent tourism rebound and stimulate more investment in the sector, following efforts to improve access to credit for smaller operators. In May 2019 the first branch of the Myanma Tourism Bank (MTB) – the country’s first bank dedicated to supporting the tourism and hospitality sector – opened in Yangon. Branches in Mandalay and Naypyidaw are also…
New legislation is paving the way for foreign investment in the education sector. This move is expected to support increased capital inflows and raise the standard of education through increased competition. While some challenges remain, investor appetite looks set to increase once regulations around quality assurance in the private sector are introduced. Liberalising the Sector Myanmar’s…
In 2015 the government of Myanmar laid out the goal to provide universal health care (UHC) by 2030. The aim of UHC is to ensure that every citizen can access high-quality services without experiencing financial hardship. The World Health Organisation (WHO) uses three metrics to measure the success of UHC schemes: coverage of essential health services; protection against financial risk; and…
Having been under UK rule in the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, Myanmar has traditionally practised the same accounting and audit principles as the UK and India. While the accounting profession in Myanmar has a long history, its development has been impacted by many years of isolation. The country gained independence in 1948 following the Second World War, and employed…
