After decades as a primarily agrarian society, over the past six years Myanmar has made considerable progress towards the development of a sustainable industrial base. Its key manufacturing sectors – which include textiles and garments, food and beverage (F&B) products, and construction materials – have attracted growing investment and, consequently, have rapidly expanded output. In 2014 the…
Sitting above the Indian, Indochina and Eurasian plates, Myanmar is divided into four geographic belts, which help to provide a rich and diverse minerals mix. While most industries have benefited from an influx of foreign investment since the opening of the economy in 2011, the mining sector has yet to catch up. This is due to several reasons, including legal inconsistencies and ongoing civil unrest…
The agricultural sector continues to play an important role in Myanmar’s economy, generating 24% of GDP and 24.6% of export earnings. The industry presents a number of industrial and productive opportunities that, if properly nurtured, could help the country regain and even surpass much of its former standing as a lead producer in the region. To do so, however, will require significant investment…
Myanmar’s construction industry has expanded rapidly in recent years. The sector’s GDP growth amounted to 7.7% in fiscal year 2014/15 and is expected to grow to 8.3% in 2015/16. Despite political risks, Myanmar’s development needs remain significant, particularly in infrastructure. With the victory of the National League for Democracy in November 2015, it is expected that 2016 will see an ongoing…
Hailed as the last true telecoms greenfield in Asia, Myanmar’s communications sector has radically evolved in recent years. An impressive number of international companies – a total of 91 – competed for two operating licenses in 2013. Telecommunications development remains a fundamental pillar in the evolution of Myanmar’s economy, and it supports the development of the other sectors, particularly…
Although it has one of the lowest electrification rates in the world, currently at about 30%, Myanmar is targeting total coverage by 2030. Despite the significant progress needed, the goal is seen as reachable, with Myanmar holding abundant hydro and solar resources, and considerable hydrocarbons potential. The country is also likely to be able to attract the capital to build the much needed generating…
Since the political reforms of 2011, a number of significant steps towards liberalisation have been taken in the banking sector. The Central Bank of Myanmar has been given much needed autonomy and ATMs are now allowed in the country. Further aiding accessibility, mobile banking services have been introduced. New private banks are being set up and foreign banks have been granted licences to open branches.…
After nearly half a century of isolation, followed by five years of reform-driven growth, Myanmar’s economy is currently expanding at a record rate. As of late 2015 rising investment, growing exports and steadily increasing foreign involvement were expected to push GDP growth to 9.3% during FY 2015/16, which ends in March 2016. The current period of economic expansion is a result of two main causes:…
With a newly elected government in power and nearly five years of growth in foreign trade and inward investment under its belt, Myanmar is widely expected to become increasingly integrated into the regional and global economy in the coming years. In the fiscal year (FY) through to April 2015, the nation reported total foreign trade receipts of $29.16bn, up from $18.17bn in the same period in 2011/12/…
Myanmar is currently passing through a crucial period of political reform, against the background of rapid economic growth and international openness. The successful November 2015 parliamentary elections capped a landmark year for the country. Myanmar has undergone changes that only a few years ago might have seemed unlikely, if not impossible. These events took place just over a decade since the government…
