Although recent GDP growth has moderated from the double-digit highs of the early 2000s, it has remained above 5% for more than 25 years, supported by robust natural resource exports, steady foreign direct investment (FDI), rising incomes and private consumption, and rapid expansion of the industrial and services sectors. External headwinds and internal conflict have dampened the near-term outlook
Occupying a strategic position at the crossroads of India, China and Thailand, and now in its seventh year of sweeping economic liberalisation and political transition, Myanmar remains one of the fastest-growing economies in South-east Asia. Although recent GDP growth has moderated from the double-digit highs of the early 2000s, it has remained above 5% for more than 25 years, supported by robust…
Despite easing inflation, Myanmar is likely to maintain interest rates at the current level throughout much of 2018; however, the central bank has suggested other measures to ease lending constraints and stimulate the banking sector. In late January U Soe Thein, the deputy governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar (CBM), said the reserve would maintain its cautious monetary policy in the near term…
Co-locating with the Myanmar Franchise Expo, the Myanmar International Franchise Conference will bring together a panel of international and local speakers from the industry, sharing their knowledge on a wide range of topics related to global trends in franchising, business challenges in emerging market, global marketing, franchise management and so forth. The admission is free of charge and…
From efforts to privatize the industry and encourage more competition by the issuing of licenses, to the leasing out of the only commissioned seaborne import terminal (at Thanlyin), the government of Myanmar is driving LPG as the alternative fuel to reduce reliance on electricity and firewood for Myanmar’s energy needs. The long-awaited potential of the Myanmar LPG market has taken a major step…
Hopes are high that a move in recent weeks to clarify regulations governing the sale and development of condominiums in Myanmar will boost demand for real estate in 2018. The Condominium Rules, published by the Ministry of Construction in mid-December, ease restrictions on foreign ownership, clarify aspects of the law and provide greater safeguards for buyers. Their implementation is expected to…
On opportunities for investment in construction and the oil and gas sectors Given Myanmar’s current stage of economic development, which sectors do you consider to be ripe for foreign investment? TRANG THANH: Economic and political reform has quickly triggered the attention of foreign investors. With a young population, one of the largest landmasses in South-east Asia, vast natural resources…
Building on positive performances in recent years, Myanmar’s economy is set to continue gaining momentum in the near and medium term, despite concerns over the slow pace of economic reforms and social unrest in Rakhine state. Myanmar’s economy is expected to grow by 6.7% in the current financial year (FY), which ends in March 2018, according to an IMFforecast released in November. The…
More than one year since State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi took up the reins of a civilian-led government in Myanmar, C-suite executives surveyed by OBG remain broadly positive about the outlook for the country despite significant challenges and risks. Some 70% of participants in the second OBG Business Barometer: Myanmar CEO Survey described their outlook for business conditions in the coming 12…
OBG Business Barometer: Myanmar CEO Survey Copyright (c). All rights reserved. This survey has been designed to assess business sentiment amongst business leaders (Chief Executives or equivalent) and their outlook for the next 12 months. Unlike many surveys, the OBG Business Barometer is conducted by OBG staff on a face-to-face basis, across the full range of industries, company sizes and…
