While e-commerce has become well established in more developed markets, the segment has been slower to take off in emerging economies. Online purchasing has been held down in these markets by financing, purchasing and logistics challenges. Nevertheless, online sales are growing rapidly in many developing countries in spite of these obstacles. Some governments are changing frameworks to boost…
Interview:Jens Michel Where are the core areas of growth within the hotel, restaurant and catering sector? JENS MICHEL: The sector is already sizeable in Myanmar, and one in which growth hinges heavily on tourism and the development of the middle class. Before entering Myanmar we conducted a thorough market study and found the hotel, restaurant and catering market in Yangon to be worth about…
As recently as 2011, before economic liberalisation began to gain speed, Myanmar had no access to international brands. In strong contrast, in 2019 Yangon’s Junction City Mall had a 100% occupancy rate, hosting a number of popular restaurants, shopping and entertainment venues. The growth of such complexes is striking, as is the potential for further growth in the country’s rapidly burgeoning…
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…
As recently as 2011, before economic liberalisation began to gain speed, Myanmar had no access to international brands. In strong contrast, in 2019 Yangon’s Junction City Mall had a 100% occupancy rate, hosting a number of popular restaurants, shopping and entertainment venues. The growth of such complexes is striking. Considering the government’s current reform-minded trajectory and the lack…
One of the fastest-growing economies in South-east Asia, Myanmar has been steadily opening up to international trade and investment over the past decade. A new long-term economic development agenda, alongside ongoing liberalisation and the easing of restrictions on foreign investors – notably, within the insurance sector – and considerable growth in some manufacturing segments, is set to encou
The global economy is entering the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), or Industry 4.0, based on the application of new digital and automated technologies in production processes and service delivery. These changes are bringing emerging markets improved productivity, as well as risks – namely, reshoring and the displacement of human labour by automation. Wealthier emerging markets, such as…
Myanmar’s retail segment has boomed in the years since the economy was liberalised, with foreign goods hitting the market and local sellers making their offer more sophisticated. Legacy retail conglomerates are investing in Western-style upgrades to supermarkets and malls, and foreign investors are entering into joint ventures to bring technical know-how. Foreign loans and investment in the…
Myanmar’s manufacturing sector reached a turning point in 2018 as liberalisation, tax reforms, infrastructure improvements and the development of special economic zones (SEZs) helped turn the country from a low-cost regional production base to a rising manufacturing destination with capacity on the rise. The sector has an advantage due to the country’s relatively low operating costs, favourable…
Interview:U Win Aung What benefits have been generated so far by the Thilawa SEZ, and what are the main priorities for its development in the future? U WIN AUNG: The Thilawa SEZ is at a turning point. In recent years, Thilawa has faced a shortage of certain utilities, particularly electricity. However, thanks to Japan’s Official Development Assistance, power supply was secured in the industrial…