In recent years trade and investment in Myanmar have soared, buoyed by ongoing efforts to liberalise the economy and a successful political transition in November 2015 that saw the National League for Democracy (NLD) become the country’s first civilian-led government elected to power in modern history. Political reforms have brought significant economic benefits, as the US government moved to lift…
The successful development of the capital markets in Myanmar amid a period of sweeping reforms is a significant achievement. After decades without a full exchange and years with little more than over-the-counter (OTC) trading, the country now has a robust platform for fundraising and trading in the Yangon Stock Exchange (YSE). It also has the market infrastructure in place to support it. Amid…
After its historic transition to civilian rule following years of incremental reforms, Myanmar is enjoying a period of exceptional growth. The country’s potential is being unlocked. Once an outlier in the region, Myanmar now has the fastest-growing economy in ASEAN, and is seen as a source of regional strength and a destination of opportunity. Further liberalisation is planned, international investment…
With massive infrastructure upgrades in the works and industrial demand rapidly expanding, the energy market in Myanmar is currently one of the more promising ones in the world. The country is in great need of electricity generation capacity and must completely overhaul its transmission and distribution systems. A raft of investment opportunities are available throughout the energy value chain,…
The country’s IT segment continues to attract investors from around the globe. Driven by the rapid success achieved by international operators in the telecoms sector, foreign sponsors are eager to take part in the country’s evolving tech industry. In a matter of only a few years, the majority of Myanmar’s young population has gone from little or no access to internet services to a breeding ground…
The construction industry is set to become a major growth driver of Myanmar’s economy, as investors flock to capitalise on economic liberalisation and a major public infrastructure programme. The sector has expanded rapidly since 2012, although growth moderated in 2016 as a result of election uncertainty and regulatory reforms. Residential real estate, particularly the affordable housing segment,…
Interview:Takashi Nagashima How would you assess the development of human capital within the telecoms industry since the liberalisation of the sector? TAKASHI NAGASHIMA: It’s well known that the telecoms industry has significantly changed since the market was liberalised, and we ourselves have undergone a major restructuring. MPT is now into its third year of joint operation with our Japanese…
The expansion of Myanmar’s telecoms market continues to live up to its early promise, with the reform of the industry viewed as the biggest economic success since the military ceded power in 2011. The dramatic surge in network coverage has empowered local businesses and provided remote villages with the opportunity to connect to the outside world. While the growth of mobile penetration since the…
After years of rapid growth following the start of the transition to civilian government in 2011, Myanmar’s real estate sector slowed in 2015 and 2016 as a supply surge of new office space weighed on rents and occupancy. Condominiums and high-end residential property also saw growth slow, with some stakeholders arguing rents have been overinflated by a lack of supply and are set for a correction. The…
The immense wealth that lies beneath Myanmar’s soil continues to entice prospectors from around the globe, and recent structural reforms are expected to bolster the sector and attract much needed capital. Until recently, Myanmar’s long history of civil instability and unfavourable production agreements had dissuaded investors from financing the country’s large number of projects. However, the…
