Industry & Retail
From The Report: Myanmar 2015
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While much ground remains to be covered in Myanmar’s industry and retail sectors, its progress to date is remarkable, given the country’s history and the challenges it faces in a highly competitive neighbourhood. Figures from the end of November 2014 show manufacturing coming in third, behind the oil and gas and power sectors, in terms of total investments received. Strong international support and investment, together with the efforts of a hard-working, young, highly literate and motivated population, are paying increasing dividends, as Myanmar opens up to the world and progresses towards joining the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). With robust economic growth expected to continue, paralleling continued investor interest, industry and retail are likely to see further expansion in 2015 and beyond. While almost all manufacturing areas offer major upsides, an awareness of changing local conditions and the ability to adapt to political dynamics will be key for sustained growth.

This chapter contains interviews with Stuart Dean, CEO, General Electric ASEAN; and Rehan Khan, Managing Director, Coca-Cola Myanmar.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Peer review: International interest and investment are driving development
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Thanks to the recent acceleration of investment in manufacturing and retail, alongside other industries, Myanmar has been making rapid progress in its effort to catch up with regional peers. While much ground remains to be covered, its achievements to date are remarkable, given its history and the challenges it faces in a highly competitive neighbourhood. Strong international support and investment, together with the efforts of a hard-working, young, highly literate and motivated population, are…

Analysis

Rising incomes and public expenditure raise market expectations
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With double-digit growth widely predicted and indeed being realised by many new market entrants, Myanmar’s pharmaceuticals sector has been attracting a great deal of attention of late – particularly from companies able to offer low-cost products in this still largely lowincome market. At the same time, international companies are positioning themselves to take advantage of relatively low production costs by establishing pharmaceutical manufacturing centres in the country. Nonetheless, as with…

Interview

Stuart Dean, CEO, General Electric ASEAN: Interview
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Interview: Stuard Dean What were the deciding factors that led to entering the Myanmar market? How does it differ from other emerging economies? STUART DEAN: Myanmar is a market with huge opportunity for growth given the need for infrastructure development, advancements in transport, better health care facilities and power generation in urban and rural areas. Though pleased with our encouraging market position, we are focused on expanding our investments and contributions as the government continues…

Interview

Stuart Dean, CEO, General Electric ASEAN: Interview
OBG
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Interview: Stuard Dean What were the deciding factors that led to entering the Myanmar market? How does it differ from other emerging economies? STUART DEAN: Myanmar is a market with huge opportunity for growth given the need for infrastructure development, advancements in transport, better health care facilities and power generation in urban and rural areas. Though pleased with our encouraging market position, we are focused on expanding our investments and contributions as the government continues…

Interview

Rehan Khan, Managing Director, Coca-Cola Myanmar: Interview
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Interview: Rehan Khan What should be the top priorities for companies engaged in responsible investment in Myanmar? REHAN KHAN: Multinational companies entering the market should ensure that their efforts lead to meaningful, measurable progress for the country and the people of Myanmar. Responsible investment comes in many forms and should be embedded in the core of operations. Entering the market is not just about expanding the business; it must create opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs. Companies…

Analysis

Easing of legal restrictions sees influx of used cars and foreign players
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Myanmar’s automotive sector is widely tipped for takeoff in the year ahead, with strong growth expected and a range of international giants recently making some of their first, concrete moves into the country. In late 2013 market researcher Frost & Sullivan predicted compound annual growth of 7.8% for the sector from 2012 to 2019, due in large part to greater ASEAN integration. This figure may be conservative, as Japan’s Nikkei Asian Review stated that there were already around 400,000 passenger…

Analysis

Wealthier consumers and international forays bode well for the market
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As the country emerges from a protracted period of isolation from the global economic mainstream and with its economy experiencing strong growth, Myanmar’s retail sector looks set for major expansion in the years ahead. The arrival of modern retail formats and outlets, along with the shifting consumption patterns of a youthful and increasingly internationally oriented population, are poised to transform the sector, creating major opportunities for investors. Population Profile Myanmar’s predominantly…