Despite top-down economic and political shifts in recent years, Myanmar’s health sector still has significant ground to cover, particularly in rural communities that lack access to basic services. The government has pledged to ramp up efforts by dramatically increasing health expenditures, building new facilities and strengthening the talent pool. As a result of political strife in certain geographically…
Aside from a few major investments, the Myanmar mining sector has lain largely dormant for decades, due to a combination of economic and political factors. To revive interest in the sector, the Ministry of Mines (MoM) has long been pressed by local mining companies and international prospectors to amend outdated mining laws which, in light of increasing global competition, have deterred many would-be…
Often described as wedged between India and China to illustrate its growth potential, Myanmar’s proximity to the two resource-hungry giants has not always been a blessing. For a long time, the state has fostered the interests of smugglers of various resources, creating a black market that grew to some $100bn between 1960 and 2013, according to the US-based research and advocacy group Global Financial…
This section offers facts for visitors, a list of recommended hotels and contact information for airlines, foreign embassies, hospitals, business and trade associations, and other institutions. It also contains a feature piece about the popular tourist destination, Inle Lake.…
This chapter examines new developments in Myanmar’s tax code, including the Union Tax Law 2015 and the self-assessment system. It also contains a viewpoint from U Win Thin, Chairman, Win Consulting.…
This chapter examines Myanmar’s legislative climate for foreign investment as well as new regulations for the foreign exchange market and updates to legal codes. It also contains an interview with Cheah Swee Gimm, Director, Kelvin Chia Yangon.…
Over the last few years, gradual progress has been made in the overhaul of Myanmar’s medical framework, and for the first time many rural communities are benefiting from the expansion of the nation’s health care budget. The government is focusing on health care development in an effort to reach the ambitious national goal of achieving universal health coverage by 2030. As the country’s health…
Hundreds of thousands of foreign tourists have visited Myanmar since 2010 when relations with the West thawed and the country began to open up to the outside world. While some are eager to experience the South-east Asian nation’s rich culture and heritage, others are simply curious to see the once isolated country before it changes forever. At the same time, economic development is expanding the…
Once a sleepy city where cars were rare, Yangon is now a bustling urban center. The spike in activity has been very positive for economic growth, but has placed pressure on infrastructure. Myanmar’s government has recognized the need to modernize transport capacity and update the legal framework that governs the sector. To that end, international experts have gathered in Yangon to plan and guide…
