MYANMAR ECONOMIC WATCH AND MYANMAR BUDGET 2017-2018
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Myanmar Economy Watch
Updates on the development of the Myanmar economy, including public and private investment and growth
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MYANMAR ECONOMIC WATCH AND MYANMAR BUDGET 2017-2018
1. 4/4/2018 About – Myanmar Economy Watch
https://myanmareconomywatch.com/about/ 1/2
Myanmar Economy Watch
Updates on the development of the Myanmar economy, including public and private
investment and growth
About
This site aims to track and summarise the latest news, publications and events to do
with the development of Myanmar’s economy. This includes an extensive resource
library, as well as collections of surveys and economic data about Myanmar.
It is not linked to any university or institution.
Please send any questions or content suggestions to: myanmareconwatch[at]gmail.com
2. 4/4/2018 IMF’s Article IV 2017 released – Myanmar Economy Watch
https://myanmareconomywatch.com/2018/04/01/imfs-article-iv-2017-released/#more-422 1/3
Myanmar Economy Watch
Updates on the development of the Myanmar economy, including public and private
investment and growth
IMF’s Article IV 2017 released
This week the International Monetary Fund (IMF) released its Article IV 2017 staff
report for Myanmar. This is the view of IMF economists on the economic and financial
policies of the country, following their annual consultation.
Article IV is one of the most useful snapshots of the country’s economy, alongside those
of the World Bank and Asia Development Bank (see our macroeconomic trends page).
What does it say?
The IMF are broadly positive about Myanmar’s economic prospects. Growth is
expected to rebound to 6.7% this financial year, compared to a drop to 5.9% last
year. In the medium term they estimate a potential growth rate of 7-7.5%.
3. 4/4/2018 IMF’s Article IV 2017 released – Myanmar Economy Watch
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What’s changed since last year?
Many of the headline messages haven’t changed much since last year (i.e. growth has
slowed a bit post-election but medium-term prospects are strong). There is perhaps
more stress on the pressing need for a second round of economic reforms.
Whilst this year’s press release focuses on the positives of 2017/18 compared to the
previous fiscal year, the IMF’s growth forecasts for Myanmar continue to fall each year
(see chart).
In particular, macroeconomic imbalances are stabilising. There has been a
fiscal consolidation to about ~2.5% of GDP deficit in 2016/17 from ~4.5% the
previous year. Inflation has moderated to 6.8%, and the current account deficit has
fallen to 3.9% of GDP from 5.1%.
A more detailed strategic reform plan and higher infrastructure investment
provide potential for additional growth. The IMF recommend a second wave of
reforms focusing on further opening the economy up to foreign trade and
investment.
But significant risks remain to this favourable outlook. This include: the impact
the humanitarian crisis in Rakhine may have on investor sentiment; the need for
the banking sector ro adjust to new prudential regulations; the potential volatility
of global commodity prices; and the risk of natural disasters.
4. 4/4/2018 IMF’s Article IV 2017 released – Myanmar Economy Watch
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Article IV Growth Forecasts (baselined)
Each year, the IMF also publishes a Selected Issues Report alongside Article IV. This
year the special issues it considers are:
Related parts of this site
April 1, 2018 admin report finance, macro, poverty
Banking sector developments: with a particular focus on the evolving regulatory
environment and a short summary of the 2003 banking crisis.
Poverty dynamics and Sustainable Development Goals: covering trends in
poverty rates, regional disparities, causes of poverty, and strategies to achieve the
SDGs.
Integrating into the Global Value Chains: analysing Myanmar’s participation in
GVCs and the role of FDI, as well as regional experiences and lessons for the
country.
Macroeconomic trends resource page, for more analysis of the overall economy
and poverty
Business environment and private sector resource page, for more on FDI and trade
Sector-specific resources page, which includes a sub-section on the finance sector
5. 4/4/2018 Inclusive and sustainable economic development – Myanmar Economy Watch
https://myanmareconomywatch.com/key-resources/economic-inclusion-in-myanmar/ 1/4
Myanmar Economy Watch
Updates on the development of the Myanmar economy, including public and private
investment and growth
Inclusive and sustainable economic
development
On this page
1. Women’s economic empowerment
2. Ethnic minorities, business and economic development
3. Disability and business
4. Economic development and the environment
Women’s economic empowerment
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Specific themes and sectors
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Gender Equality and Women’s Rights in Myanmar: A Situation Analysis (ADB 2016):
Situation analysis of the progress and challenges in Myanmar for gender equality.
Covers gender equality and women’s rights to: poverty reduction; right to an
education; right to good health; right to freedom from violence; rights in political
processes; and rights in the peace process.
Raising the Curtain: Cultural Norms, Social Practices and Gender Equality in
Myanmar (GEN 2015): A detailed exploration of cultural and religious gender
norms and practices in Myanmar, as well as analysis of gender equality in work,
education, sport, health and media.
Gender (In) Equality in the Governance of Myanmar (TAF 2016): Research report
discussing the importance of gender equality of participation in governance
participation in Myanmar. Also includes actions for government and non-
government actors to address these disparities.
Census 2014 Thematic Report on Gender Dimensions (UNFPA 2017): Census report
focusing on female-headed households, which confirms the disadvantages that
women in Myanmar face in all aspects of society.
Women, Business and the Law 2018 (WB 2018): The World Bank’s biennial
measurement of legal and regulatory barriers to women’s entrepreneurship and
employment. Includes research on Myanmar, which scores very poorly for
categories such as ‘protecting women from violence’ and ‘building credit’, but
highly for ‘accessing institutions’.
Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security (GU 2017): The Georgetown
Institute for Women, Peace and Security Index on women’s wellbeing and
empowerment. Myanmar currently ranks 119th out of 153.
A Review of Women and Ethnic Nationalities’ Engagement with the Tourism Sector
(MoHT and LuxDev 2017): A report looking at the engagement of women and
ethnic groups in Myanmar’s tourism industry. Includes a situation analysis for
both themes, as well as recommendations (e.g. for training programme
design). (Research strand 7 of the Myanmar Tourism Human Resource
Development Strategy and Action Plan 2017-2020, from the sector-specific
resources page).
The Mobile Gender Gap Report (GSMA 2018): Report into the gender gap in mobile
internet use in low and middle-income countries. And highlighting disparities in
mobile ownership and barriers to ownership for women, including in Myanmar.
Gender in Myanmar News: News Context Analysis from a Gender Perspective
(MWJS 2017): A study, with plans to be replicated annually, tracking instances of
females and male voices in Myanmar news. The results offer assistance for
building media professional capacity and supporting institutions to promote
gender equality.
7. 4/4/2018 Inclusive and sustainable economic development – Myanmar Economy Watch
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Ethnic minorities, business and economic
development
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Disability and business
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Economic development and the environment
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Indigenous People’s Rights and Business in Myanmar (MCRB 2016): How
international standards for indigenous people’s rights apply in the Myanmar
context.
The Review of Women and Ethnic Nationalities’ Engagement with the Tourism
Sector (MoHT and LuxDev 2017) described above also looks at the engagement of
ethnic minorities in the tourism industry.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Disability: A Guide for Companies in Myanmar
(MCRB 2014): A tool for companies that want to integrate people with disabilities
into their corporate social responsibility activities.
Census 2014 Thematic Report on Disability (UNFPA 2017): Disability analysis of the
2014 Myanmar Population and Housing Census.
Safeguarding Myanmar’s Environment (ADB 2018): Short background document on
what Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) are, and Myanmar’s
environmental impact system.
Biodiversity, Human Rights and Business in Myanmar (DRAFT, MCRB 2018): MCRB’s
working draft on biodiversity, human rights and business. Links closely to the need
for an effective system of environmental regulation.
Myanmar Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (GoM 2017): The Government’s
sustainable development vision for Myanmar, including strategies for climate-
smart responses.
Overview of Environmental Impact Assessment Procedure SEA and SDGs in
Myanmar (ECD 2016): Overview of Environmental Impact Assessment Procedure
SEA and SDGs in Myanmar.
The responsive business section of the private sector page also has some relevant
resources.
8. 4/4/2018 Macroeconomic trends in Myanmar – Myanmar Economy Watch
https://myanmareconomywatch.com/key-resources/myanmars-economy/ 1/4
Myanmar Economy Watch
Updates on the development of the Myanmar economy, including public and private
investment and growth
Macroeconomic trends in Myanmar
On this page
1. Macroeconomic trends
2. Political economy analysis
3. Poverty data and analysis
4. Aid flows into Myanmar
5. Related parts of the site
Macroeconomic trends
Top resources
9. 4/4/2018 Macroeconomic trends in Myanmar – Myanmar Economy Watch
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Other useful publications on the macro-economy:
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Political economy analyses
Myanmar Economic Monitor (World Bank, six monthly): The WB published an
update on Myanmar’s economy around twice a year. It includes a range of outturn
data and forecasts, including for GDP, growth and inflation, alongside descriptive
analysis. Each edition includes a variety of special topics. Recent topics include:
regional growth convergence, jobs and SMEs (October 2017); firm survival and
jobs, informal trade and gas revenue management (December 2016); and energy
and reforming State-Owned Banks (May 2016).
Article IV (International Monetary Fund, annual): The IMF’s annual article IV
typically has a stronger focus on the financial sector. Selected issue reports are
published concurrently, recent releases have included: banking sector
developments, poverty dynamics, and integrating into global value chains (2018);
priorities for reform, distributional impacts of financial reform, and challenges of
climate disasters (2017); and managing natural resources, role of foreign banks,
and developing a competitive export sector (2016).
Asia Development Outlook (Asia Development Bank, annual): The ADB publishes a
yearly regional update which includes a section on the Myanmar economy.
Forecasts are updated halfway through the year for some countries, but typically
not for Myanmar.
The Government of Myanmar’s 12-point Economic Policy Statement (2016) gives a
broad overview of the direction the NLD wants to take with the economy. A more
detailed list of actions is expected imminently.
ASEAN+3 Regional Economic Outlook (ASEAN+3 Macroecononomic Research
Office). AREO have also completed a Myanmar Country Report (2017, pdf).
Myanmar Country Report (Economic Intelligence Unit), which requires purchase to
access.
Long-term scenarios for sustained macroeconomic growth (Roland-Holst and Park
2015): One of the few papers to look at what macroeconomic scenarios are likely to
sustain growth going forwards.
Myanmar’s moment: Unique opportunities, major challenges (McKinsey 2013):
Now rather dated, but provides some welcome suggestions on where productivity
improvements will arise.
Multi-dimensional Review of Myanmar (OECD 2013): an assessment of the various
requirements for sustainable development and inclusive growth.
The Political Economy of Myanmar’s Transition (Jones 2014): A political economy
analysis of Myanmar’s transition to 2013, with a particular focus on military
involvement in the private sector, national entrepreneurs and cronies, and
ceasefire capitalism in the border regions.
10. 4/4/2018 Macroeconomic trends in Myanmar – Myanmar Economy Watch
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Poverty data and analysis
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Aid flows
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Myanmar: A Political Economy Analysis (Vakulchuk, Stokke and Overland
2018): One of the most recent political economy analyses of Myanmar, which
attempts to map power relations in a variety of sectors and reigons.
Whilst not really strictly a political economy analysis, the BTI Transformation
Index Country Report on Myanmar (BTI 2018) transformation towards democracy
and a market economy, as well as the quality of political management. The latest
Myanmar country report (BTI 2018) shows that it scored best on the governance
index (92nd out of 129), compared to political transformation (104th) and economic
transformation (114th).
The World Bank has recently published the Myanmar Poverty Assessment 2017
via two reports. The second of these is most relevant for understanding the nature
of poverty in the country ‘today’ (actually 2015), whilst the first focuses on
methodological issues and recent trends: Part 1: Examination of trends from
2004/05 to 2015, and Part 2: Poverty profile using new poverty measure.
The Article IV Selected Issues paper (IMF 2018) includes a chapter on poverty
dynamics and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It covers trends in
poverty rates, regional disparities, causes of poverty, and strategies to achieve the
SDGs.
The UK Department for International Development’s Inclusive Growth Diagnostic
(DFID 2015) prioritises the constraints to growth and poverty reduction in
Myanmar, with a particular focus on ensuring it is inclusive.
An older World Bank Country Diagnostic (2014) looks in detail at constraints to
poverty reduction and potential intervention areas.
Supporting the Transition: Understanding Aid to Myanmar Since 2011 (TAF
2018): The Asia Foundation (TAF)’s analysis of the characteristics of aid to
Myanmar over the last seven years. Includes a useful summary of the history of aid
to Myanmar, as well as analysis of current aid trends and themes.
The World Bank’s Country Programme Snapshot (WB 2016) summarises the Bank’s
current strategy and activities.
Foreign Aid and Economic Growth: Panel Cointegration Analysis for Cambodia,
Lao, Myanmar, and Vietnam (Moolio and Kong 2016): Econometric analysis of the
impact of foreign aid on economic growth in South East Asia. Includes some useful
data on historic aid flows to Myanmar.
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Related parts of this site
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Public investment and financial management
Peace, conflict and the economy
Inclusive and sustainable development, including gender, disability and ethnic
groups
Economic surveys and data sources
12. 4/4/2018 Myanmar economy resources library – Myanmar Economy Watch
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Myanmar Economy Watch
Updates on the development of the Myanmar economy, including public and private
investment and growth
Myanmar economy resources library
This site has a variety of pages aggregating useful reports and research, categorised by:
Macroeconomic trends in Myanmar, including GDP, growth, poverty and foreign
aid
Myanmar’s private sector and business environment, including business
characteristics and the ease of doing business in the country
Public finances and investment, at national and sub national levels
Sector specific resources, from agribusiness to manufacturing to tourism
Conflict, peace and the economy, including ceasefire capitalism and ‘cronies’
Sustainable and inclusive economic development, including gender, disability and
ethnic groups
13. 4/4/2018 Myanmar economy resources library – Myanmar Economy Watch
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Economic surveys and data
14. 4/4/2018 Myanmar’s private sector and business environment – Myanmar Economy Watch
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Myanmar Economy Watch
Updates on the development of the Myanmar economy, including public and private
investment and growth
Myanmar’s private sector and
business environment
On this page
1. The business environment
2. Business characteristics
3. The labour market
4. The Government’s private sector strategy
5. Trade
6. Investment
7. Industrial zones and SEZs
8. Responsible business and social enterprise
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9. Related parts of the site
Myanmar’s business environment
Top reports
Other general resources on the business environment
Doing Business (World Bank, annual): The WB ranks all countries annually on their
ease of doing business. Myanmar currently ranks 171 out of 190 countries, with
considerable variation among sub-components (ranging from 73rd for dealing with
construction permits to 188th for enforcing contracts). A Myanmar economy
profile (pdf) is available to download and key data is also displayed online
Myanmar Investment Climate Assessment (WBG, 2015): Whilst now slightly dated,
a detailed analysis of Myanmar’s investment climate and key constraints to
business.
White Book (Euro Chamber Myanmar, 2017): Includes a useful timeline of recent
business environment reforms, and clear recommendations. Sector focus:
construction and infrastructure; corporate social responsibility; energy; health;
logistics and transport.
Oxford Business Group Myanmar Report 2017: OBG produce an annual report
covering a range of key sectors, based predominantly on interviews with key
people in business and government. The full report must be purchased, but
highlights are available on the OBG website.
Doing Business in Myanmar (PwC, 2016): PwC’s take on how easy it it to do
business in Myanmar. Includes particularly useful sections on taxes, human
resources and employment law, and accounting and audit regulations.
Myanmar Consumer Report (USAID 2017): A study by the Myanmar Consumers
Union in 8 states and regions, reporting that most consumers have a poor
awareness of consumer rights and are unfamiliar with complaints systems.
Myanmar Investment Climate Statement (US State Department, annual): Brief
overview of Myanmar’s investment climate, including stats on trade and
investment from/to the United States.
Overcoming Constraints to Growth (Mekong Business Initiative, 2017): A drill-down
into six of the key constraints to private sector-led growth in Myanmar: access to
electricity; legal and regulatory environment, access to finance; the state’s role in
business enterprise; human capital; enabling environment for trade and
investment.
Pyitawtha Redux (First Rangoon 2018): Summary of a range of interviews carried
out in 2015, detailing policy implications for Myanmar’s economy.
Some of the resources below, including the enterprise and business surveys, also
report key constraints to businesses in the country.
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The rule of law in Myanmar
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Business characteristics
Reports on specific business characteristics:
Business confidence surveys
Rule of Law Index 2017-2018 (World Justice Project 2018): The WJP Rule of Law
Index measure rule of law adherence in 113 countries using household and expert
surveys. The 2017-18 report finds a weak rule of law in Myanmar, which ranks
100th overall.
Making better laws in Myanmar (New Mandala 2017): This article provides
a helpful summary of the current state of law-making in Myanmar.
Judicial Strategic Plan 2018-2022 (Supreme Court of the Union 2018): The Supreme
Court of the Union’s five-year judicial plan to enhance public trust and confidence
in the Judiciary. Accompanied by an action plan for 2018.
The Ānanda have an interactive page explaining how laws are made in Myanmar.
Myanmar Enterprise Survey (World Bank, 2016): This annual WBG survey covers
key business characteristics (sector, size, location) as well as the biggest obstacles
that firms experience. A downloadable country profile (pdf) is also available.
Myanmar Business Survey (Central Statistics Organisation and UNDP,
2017): Conducted in 2015, this survey covers the characteristics of businesses and
workers in Myanmar. Including breakdowns by sector, size, and state and region.
Background documents on crony-led companies and their impact on their
economy are mostly on our peace, conflict and business page.
The Global Entrepreneurship Index (GEDI, 2018): Currently ranks Myanmar 127th
out of 137 countries. The country does much better for the entrepreneurial
qualities of people, and less well for quality of entrepreneurial support.
Enabling SME access to finance in Myanmar (Adelphi, 2016): An overview of
finance trends and barriers in Myanmar.
Next-generation family businesses (Deloitte, 2017): Uses interviews to analyse the
risks and opportunities for family-run businesses.
Myanmar Business Survey #2 (Roland Berger 2017): Roland Berger’s second
Myanmar business survey found strong, but decreasing, optimism amongst
international and domestic businesses.
European Business Confidence Survey 2017 (Euro Chamber 2017): Euro Chamber’s
second business confidence survey in Myanmar, with a focus on European
businesses. Key finding is that the majority of businesses remain optimistic, but
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Myanmar’s labour market
Several resources focus on the related themes of migration and slavery:
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Government strategy
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that has been a drop in sentiment. The report also provides background on the
main activities of European businesses in Myanmar.
Myanmar Labour Force Survey (ILO, 2015): An overview of Myanmar’s workforce,
child labour and school to work transition in 2015. A separate report on child
labour is also available.
Census Thematic Report on Labour Force (UNFPA, 2015): Census data analysis of
the characteristics of the labour force, including projections and a focus on
vulnerable groups. Dataset also available.
Some of the resources in other sections on this page (e.g. the Myanmar Business
Survey) also have sections on the workforce in Myanmar.
A country on the move: domestic migration in two regions of Myanmar (World
Bank 2016): Focusing on the Ayeyarwady and Magway Regions, this assesses how
migration affects the livelihoods of rural households in Myanmar.
Census Thematic Report on Migration (UNFPA, 2015): Dataset also available to
download.
Global Slavery Index 2016 (GSI 2017): The Global Slavery Index estimates that half
a million people in Myanmar least in modern slavery, nearly 1% of the population
and in the World’s 20 worst countries.
Private Sector Development Strategy and Action Plan (GoM, 2016, pdf): This
strategy and plan was accompanied by the formation of the cross-government PSD
committee, and working groups for each of the key themes: legal and regulatory
reforms; trade and investment; human capital; access to finance; the state and
private enterprise (including public private partnership).
The Government of Myanmar’s 12-point Economic Policy Statement (2016) gives a
broad overview of the direction the NLD wants to take with the economy. A more
detailed list of actions is expected imminently.
Also see thematic strategies below (e.g. the Medium Term Programme for Trade)
and on the sector-specific resources page (e.g. the Agricultural Development
Strategy and the Myanmar Tourism Strategy and Action Plan)
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Trade
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Investment
Myanmar Diagnostic Trade Integration Study (WB 2016): A World Bank diagnostic
of the key reform priorities for trade. Part of the analytical underpinning of the
MTP. Includes chapters on the relationship between trade and poverty , and trade
and peace.
Medium Term Programme for Coordinated Aid-for-Trade (GoM 2017): The Ministry
of Commerce’s prioritisation of trade reform activities for coordination between
the Ministry of Commerce and aid programmes. Includes mapping of various
‘clusters’, and an M&E framework.
Myanmar SMEs’ Participation in ASEAN and Regional Integration (CESD 2016): A
study into the extend of Myanmar SMEs’ participation in ASEAN and East Asian
economic relations, with a particular focus on processed food and apparel
manufacturing. Offers various policy options to improve regional integration.
Confronting Complexity: Lessons learned from engagement with Chinese
enterprises (CDA 2016): Examination of engagement with Chinese businesses,
particularly in Cambodia, with some potential lessons for Myanmar.
Foreign Direct Investment and Economic Transformation in Myanmar (ODI 2017):
Comprehensive study of FDI in Myanmar, with a focus on four sectors (agriculture
and agri-processing, garments, construction and tourism). Also includes a helpful
overview of investment and trade data sources and known issues.
Myanmar Investment Policy Review (OECD 2014): In 2014 the OECD produced a
comprehensive review of investment policy in Myanmar, outlining which policy
areas needed most attention (including SEZ governance, the tax system and
agricultural regulation). Due to be updated soon.
The Article IV Selected Issues paper (IMF 2018) includes a chapter on integrating
Myanmar into Global Value Chains (GVCs), covering: GVC participation and the role
of FDI, where Myanmar stands in GVCs, regional experiences, and lessons for
Myanmar.
Chinese Investments in Myanmar: A scoping study (GEI 2016): An attempt to map
Chinese investments in Myanmar, broken down by sector: mining, hydropower,
agriculture, infrastructure, and tourism.
World Investment Report 2017 (UNCTAD 2017): UNCTAD’s annual report on world
investment, which in 2017 included a specific focus on the digital economy. Time
series data of investment flows by country (including Myanmar) is published in
tandem.
The Pending EU-Myanmar Investment Protection Agreement: Risks and
Opportunities (ACT Alliance EU 2017): A report warning that the EU IPA whilst
stimulating investment, may also lead to human rights violations and hinder future
development.
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Industrial policy
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Industrial Zones (IZs) and Special Economic Zones
(SEZs)
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Responsible business and social enterprise
For resources on Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) see public investment and
financial management page.
Strategic Directions for Industrial Development (UNIDO and MoI 2017): A forward
look at which industries Myanmar should develop and how. Includes a focus on
‘short-term priority industries’ of: textiles and garments; food processing and
packaging; plastic processing; construction materials; labour intensive CMP;
machinery, tools and parts; chemical; rubber and tire; pulp, paper and paper
products; pharmaceuticals.
Special Economic Zones in Myanmar (IGC 2016): A discussion of the state of
Myanmar’s industrial sector in comparison to neighbouring countries, and analysis
of the the potential impacts of SEZ policy on the economy. A key finding of the
report is that even relative to other comparable countries Myanmar’s economy is
dominated by commodity and natural resource sectors. Its manufacturing sector is
characterised by low levels of productivity and attracts only a fraction of the
foreign investment into the country.
Special Economic Zones in Myanmar and the State Duty to Protect Human Rights
(ICJ 2017): The International Commission of Jursists’s assessment of the laws
governing Myanmar’s SEZs. Headline finding si that the current legal framework is
not consistent with the State’s duty to protect human rights.
Responsible Investment in Myanmar: Lessons from SEZs (Oxfam 2017): Lessons for
SEZs in Myanmar from the experience of other countries in the region.
Industrial Zones in Myanmar: Diagnostic review and policy recommendations
(FNT 2015): A review of industrial zone characteristics, the operating environment
for IZs, and push and pull factors. Concludes with policy recommendations.
Rapid Assessment on Child Labour in Hlaing Thar Yar Industrial Zone in Yangon,
Myanmar (ILO 2015): Research report into child labour in one of Yangon’s biggest
industrial zones.
ASEAN Social Enterprise Structuring Guide (British Council 2018): Regional review
of how social enterprise models are currently structured and could be improved
through reformed regulation. Includes a chapter dedicated to Myanmar.
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The MCRB website also includes a range of guidance for businesses operating in
Myanmar, including:
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Related parts of this site
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Pwint Thit Sa Project (MCRB 2018): The Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business’
annual rankings of the transparency of major Myanmar companies, based on
information on their websites.
The World Giving Index (CAF 2017) ranks Myanmar as the most generous country
in the World out of 139.
The Doing Good Index 2018 (CAPS) examines the enabling environment for
philanthropy and private social investment across 15 Asian countries, and ranks
Myanmar as ‘not doing enough’.
Social Enterprise Landscape in Myanmar (MCRB 2013): A mapping study of the
social enterprise sector in Myanmar, including key success factors and
recommendations for development. An updated version was being produced in
collaboration with the Myanmar Young Entrepreneurs Association, but not (yet)
publicly available.
Safeguarding Myanmar’s Environment (ADB 2018): Short background document on
what Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) are, and Myanmar’s
environmental impact system.
Children’s Rights and Business in Myanmar (2016) on the role of businesses in
Myanmar in supporting and respecting children’s rights.
Good Governance Toolkit for Myanmar Businesses (2016): a handbook for resisting
corruption and working with integrity aimed particularly at SMEs.
Briefing paper on Land and Business (2015): A briefing paper for businesses
planning to conduct due diligence on land in Myanmar. Covers the major
challenges for firms, the legal framework for land acquisition, key risks areas
(including SEZs and land in ethnic minority areas), and recommendations on how
to approach these issues.
Business and Human Rights Guide for Companies in Myanmar (2015).
The data and news sources page includes a variety of relevant links, including
surveys that touch on the business environment (such as the Global
Competitiveness Index and Corruption Perceptions Index).
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Myanmar Economy Watch
Updates on the development of the Myanmar economy, including public and private
investment and growth
Peace, conflict and business
On this page
1. Cronies, military business and ceasefire capitalism
2. The illicit economy
3. General conflict resources (that link to economic development)
4. Specific issues and areas
Cronies, military business and ceasefire capitalism
From Cronyism to Oligarchy? Privatisation and Business (Ford, Gilan and Thein
2015): A paper on Myanmar’s two phases of privatisation (first on SMEs and then
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The illicit economy
consolidating well-connected business people ), arguing that Myanmar’s business
elite is best conceived as a nascent form of oligarchy rather than simply consisting
of cronies.
The Political Economy of Myanmar’s Transition (Jones 2014): A political economy
analysis of Myanmar’s transition to 2013, with a particular focus on military
involvement in the private sector, national entrepreneurs and cronies, and
ceasefire capitalism in the border regions.
Ceasefire Capitalism: military-private partnerships, resource concessions and
military-state building in the Burma-China borderlands (Woods 2011): The paper
where Kevin Woods coined the phrase ‘ceasefire capitalism’ to describe the process
of military-state formation, land control and securitisation, and primitive
accumulation in the Burma-China borderlands.
Gilded Gatekeepers: Myanmar’s State-Owned Oil, Gas and Mining Enterprises
(NRGI 2017): An overview of the role of Myanmar’s State-owned Economic
Enterprises (SEEs) in the extractives sectors. Finds that SEEs typically have strong
influence over public revenues and increasing financial autonomy, but lack
transparency.
In 2016 Frontier Magazine did a two–part article guide to tycoons in Myanmar.
Fortifying or Fragmenting the State? The political economy of the Opium/Heroin
Trade in Shan State, Myanmar, 1988-2013 (Meehan 2015): An examination of why
establishing control of Shan State was so important to the Burmese government,
and an analysis of the state’s engagement in the drug trade as an attempt to
consolidate control. Argues that these strategies form a ‘negotiated statehood’
whereby the state’s growing control is defined by its attempts to manage (rather
than monopolise) the means of coercion and extraction.
Myanmar Opium Survey (UNODC 2017): Report on the UNODC’s 2017 opium
survey, estimating the extent of poppy cultivation and opium production.
National Drug Control Policy (GoM 2018): The Government’s strategy for drug
control policy, including activities on: supply reduction and alternative
development; demand reduction and harm reduction; international cooperation;
research and analysis; and compliance with human rights.
A Grand Bargain: What it is and why it is needed (Proximity Designs 2016): A paper
arguing that a ‘Grand Bargain’ is needed between the military, government, EAOs
and large jade producers. This would entail a tax rate of around 50% and
negotiation in advance of how the proceeds of jade revenues would be spend.
Jade: Myanmar’s “Big State Secret” (Global Witness 2015): An investigation into the
size of the illicit jade market in Myanmar.
Further reports on the legal and illicit trade in extractives are available on the
sector-specific resources page.
23. 4/4/2018 Peace, conflict and business – Myanmar Economy Watch
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General conflict resources with relevance to economic
development
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Specific issues and areas
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The Contested Areas of Myanmar: Subnational Conflict, Aid, and Development (TAF
2017): TAF’s thorough analysis of Myanmar’s subnational conflict and their
relations with broader political and economic development. Also includes cross-
reference to aid flows and recommendations for development partners.
International Crisis Group website and reports: One of the go-to resources for up-
to-date analysis of peace and conflict in Myanmar. Hasn’t typically focused on the
relationship of the private sector and economic stakeholders with conflict.
Final Report of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State (RAC 2017): The final
report of the Rakhine Advisory Commission (RAC), chaired by Kofi Annan. Includes
a section on the economic and social development of Rakhine State, summarising
the situtation in 2017 and recommendations for government and other
stakeholders.
Beautiful Wods, Ugly Actions: The Asian Highway in Karen State (KHRG
2016): Report from the Karen Human Rights Group highlighting human rights
violations surrounding the Asia highway project, and discussing the role of the
ADB and Ministry of Construction in detail.
China and Myanmar’s Peace Process (USIoP 2017): A Special Report from the
United State Institute of Peace into China‘s role in Myanmar’s peace process.
Includes some discussion of China’s business interests in the country and their
relationship with peace negotiations.
Land Policy Brief (Banerjee 2016): Part of the Oxford-Myanmar Policy Brief Series,
summarises the issues around the legal framework for land in Myanmar.
Putting Violent Armed Conflict in the Center of the Salween Hydropower Debates
(Suhardiman, Rutherdord and Bright 2017): A paper arguing that hydropower
development plans in the Salween River basin are closely interlinked with human
rights issues, and if not handled carefully could contribute to re-occurrences of
violence.
24. 4/4/2018 Public investment and financial management – Myanmar Economy Watch
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Myanmar Economy Watch
Updates on the development of the Myanmar economy, including public and private
investment and growth
Public investment and financial
management
On this page
1. National public financial management
2. State-owned Economic Enterprises and Public-Private Partnerships
3. Sub-national PFM and decentralisation
4. Sector-specific PFM
National public financial management
25. 4/4/2018 Public investment and financial management – Myanmar Economy Watch
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Tax-specific resources
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State Economic Enterprises and Public-Private
Partnerships
Myanmar Public Expenditure Review 2017: Fiscal Space for Economic Growth (WB
2017): The most recent WB review of Myanmar’s public finances, discusses key
structural challenges (dependency on commodity receipts, narrow production
base, prone to natural disasters) and policy and institutional constraints. Also
analyses the allocative efficiency of expenditure and the fiscal impact of state
economic enterprises (SEEs).
Realigning the Union Budget to Myanmar’s Development Priorities: Public
Expenditure Review (WB 2015): Myanmar’s first ever Public Expenditure Review
recommends ways to further align budget policies to development priorities for the
country.
Fiscal Management in Myanmar (ADB 2015): ADB paper providing
recommendations on how to strengthen long-run fiscal discipline. Based on
analysis of Myanmar’s present and past fiscal situation.
Myanmar Citizen’s Budget 2017-2018 (MOPF 2018): A summary of the Myanmar
Budget written in an accessible way for citizens to engage with. Also available in
Burmese.
Open Data Inventory 2017 (ODW 2017): The Open Data Inventory (ODIN) assesses
the coverage and openness of official statistics across the World, to promote open
data policies and improve access. In 2017, Myanmar came 81st in the Global
rankings, doing much better for openness (67th) than for coverage (124th). A
country profile for Myanmar is available online.
The Asia Foundation also has helpful glossaries of key PFM terms in both English
and Burmese.
Attitudes Towards Taxation in Myanmar: Insights from Urban Citizens (TAF
2018): Analysis of the first City Life Survey in Myanmar, conducted by TAF and the
Yangon School of Political Science. This report explores findings from responses,
including citizen’s attitudes to the tax system.
Managing the Challenges of Rapid Urbanisation: A review of the Property Tax
System in Myanmar (Renaissance Institute 2017): A review of property taxes across
five Myanmar cities. Key findings include that there is a functioning system in
place, but it plays a small role. Recommendations for building a stronger, fairer
property tax system are provided.
Unfortunately a lot of reports on SEEs and PPP in Myanmar are not publicly
available. The Government of Myanmar’s PSD Framework and Action Plan (2016)
includes a chapter on the ‘The State and Private Enterprise’ which covers both of
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Sub-national public financial management and
decentralisation
these themes at a broad level, and the WB’s 2017 Public Expenditure Review
includes a chapter on SEEs.
Gilded Gatekeepers: Myanmar’s State-Owned Oil, Gas and Mining Enterprises
(NRGI 2017): An overview of the role of Myanmar’s State-owned Economic
Enterprises (SEEs) in the extractives sectors. Finds that SEEs typically have strong
influence over public revenues and increasing financial autonomy, but lack
transparency.
Myanmar Public-Private Partnership Policy Document: Draft for consultation
(MOPF 2016): A government draft report clarifying the objectives of supporting
PPPs in Myanmar, and seeking to develop an implementation roadmap to support
the emergence of future PPP projects.
In March 2018 the European Chamber and GIZ held an event on investment
promotion and PPPs, which included policy notes on the healthcare and tourism
sectors.
The September 2017 update to the ADB’s Asian Development Outlook includes a
chapter on regional public-private partnerships. Little focus on Myanmar, but
some useful examples of infrastructure investment planning and procurement
elsewhere in the region.
Both JICA (2016) and UNESCAP (2014) have presentations available about PPPs in
the country.
Local Resource Mobilisation: Key principles and options for reform (IGC 2017): An
IGC note drawing on previous analysis of state and region public finances from
TAF and others, to provide key principles and recommendations for fiscal
decentralisation in Myanmar.
The Renaissance Institute is producing Citizen’s Budgets for a number of states
and regions, so far they have completed Bago, Kayin and Kayah.
RI have also produced ‘Budget Briefs’ for Ayeyarwaddy, Bago (part I and II), Kayin
(part I and II) and Tanintharyi, which include comprehensive budget analysis.
Some are also available in Burmese.
Fiscal decentralisation and national reconciliation in Myanmar (IGC 2016): Paper
outlining the current form of fiscal decentralisation in Myanmar and associated
priorities for reform. Also considers the relationship between fiscal
decentralisation and the issues of: political decentralisation, natural resources, and
conflict and the peace process.
State and Region Public Finances in Myanmar (TAF, IGC, MDRI 2015): Detailed
examination of subnational public finances in Myanmar, including the structure of
the state, which responsibilities lie with subnational government, and trends in
state and region revenues.
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Public financial management in specific sectors
Agriculture
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Mapping the State of Local Governance in Myanmar: Background and methodology
(UNDP 2015): UNDP’s mapping of local governance across Myanmar. Includes
useful sections on service delivery, accountability and transparency, and planning
and budget execution. A separate report is available on trends in Yangon.
Sectoral Policy Recommendations for Building Future Federal Democratic Union
(ENAC 2016): ENAC’s draft policies for a federal union, including the themes of
taxation, trade and investment, land, agriculture and natural resources.
Many of the extractives reports on the sector-specific resources page also relate to
PFM at a sub-national level.
Myanmar Agricultural Public Expenditure Review (WB 2017): Myanmar’s first
agricultural expenditure review analyses budgets of MOALI, the MADB, selected
States and Regions, and development partners. It focuses on allocative and
implementation efficiences of spending.
28. 4/4/2018 Sector specific resources – Myanmar Economy Watch
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Myanmar Economy Watch
Updates on the development of the Myanmar economy, including public and private
investment and growth
Sector specific resources
On this page
1. Primary sectors
Agriculture
Extractives
Forestry
Fishing and aquaculture
2. Secondary sectors
Manufacturing
Construction
Agri-processing and agri-business
29. 4/4/2018 Sector specific resources – Myanmar Economy Watch
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3. Tertiary sectors
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Energy
Finance
Tourism
4. Multi-sector resources
Primary sectors
Agriculture
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Extractives (metals, minerals, mining, etc.)
Key resources
Myths and facts: The Impact of Financial Regulations on Agriculture in Myanmar
(ADB and MBI 2017) Thorough overview of the regulatory environment and
informal practices that influence agricultural finance.
The Draft Agriculture Development Strategy and Investment Plan (GoM 2016):
Provides a description of the key issues in the sector and the the policies and
strategies to address these. Unclear if this has now been finalised.
Analysis of Myanmar Farm Production economics (Word Bank 2016): Analysis of
crop diversification and farm production economics, including productivity of
agricultural land and labour and crop profitability.
From Rice Bowl to Food Basket: Three Pillars for Modernising Myanmar’s
Agricultural and Food Sector (LIFT 2016): A White Paper outlining how Myanmar
can move from ‘rice bowl to food basket’ by empowering farmers, improving
technical knowledge and inputs, and connecting better with urban and global
markets.
Agriculture Guide (Euro Chamber 2018): Summarises the sector including types of
products, geographic distribution, legal structures and future outlook.
The Livelihoods and Food Security Trust (LIFT) website has a wider range of
relevant publications and research on the agricultural sector.
Natural Resource Federalism: Considerations for Myanmar (NRGI 2018):
Framework for policy-makers of how subnational institutions can be included in
natural resource governance.
Natural Resources of Myanmar (Burma): Ownership, Management, Revenue
Sharing and Impacts (ENAC 2017): The Ethnic Nationalities Affairs Center’s analysis
of the links between natural resources and peace, and governance issues in
Myanmar. Accompanied by international and domestic case studies. Includes
policy recommendations on ownership, management and revenue sharing.
30. 4/4/2018 Sector specific resources – Myanmar Economy Watch
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Other general reports
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Testing Transparency: The Political Economy of the Extractives Industries
Transparency Initiative in Myanmar (DLP 2016): A paper exploring the political
economy dynamics of extractives in Myanmar, in particular the difficulties of
implementing the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).
Myanmar Mining Sector-Wide Impact Assessment (MCRB 2018): The MCRB’s fourth
‘sector wide impact assessment’ (SWIA) outlines the main challenges in Myanmar
for responsible mining, alongside recommendations for government, companies,
EAOs, civil society and development partners.
Sharing the Wealth: A roadmap for distributing Myanmar’s Natural Resource
Revenues (NRGI 2016): Report considering the decentralisation of natural
resources revenues in Myanmar, including principles for resources revenue
transfers and the steps need for designing a revenue-sharing regime.
Natural Resources and Subnational Governments in Myanmar: Key considerations
for wealth sharing (TAF 2014): Includes an attempt to map resources, revenues and
responsibilities, and includes considerations for Myanmar in comparison to
evidence from other countries.
Developing Disparity: Regional investment in Burma’s borderlands (TIBCN 2013): A
report looking a foreign investment in Myanmar’s Ethnic Areas, especially in
extractive sectors and agriculture. Also outlines challenges for development,
including the issues of environmental degredation and land grabbing.
Creating a Future: Using Natural Resources for New Federalism and Unity (Dapice
and Xuan Thanh 2013): A paper proposing a set of policies to help transform
Myanmar by combining greater tax revenue from mineral resources with better
governance.
Various resources on the public financial management resource page also touch
on extractive industries, particularly under the SEE section (e.g. NRGI’s report on
SEEs in oil, gas and mining industries). Some of the illicit economy reports on the
peace, conflict and business resources page are also relevant.
A Grand Bargain: What it is and why it is needed (Proximity Designs 2016): A paper
arguing that a ‘Grand Bargain’ is needed between the military, government, EAOs
and large jade producers. This would entail a tax rate of around 50% and
negotiation in advance of how the proceeds of jade revenues would be spend.
Jade: Myanmar’s “Big State Secret” (Global Witness 2015): An investigation into the
size of the illicit jade market in Myanmar.
Myanmar Oil and Gas Sector-Wide Impact Assessment (MCRB 2014): The MCRB’s
SWIA on the oil and gas sector, detailing the potential impacts of the sector with
recommendations for key actors.
31. 4/4/2018 Sector specific resources – Myanmar Economy Watch
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Forestry
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Fishing and aquaculture
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Secondary sectors
Manufacturing
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Construction
Organised Chaos: The illicit overland timber trade between Myanmar and China
(EIA 2015): A report by the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) based on
undercover investigations into the illicit timber trade in China and Myanmar. It
documents organised corruption, and in particular how various parties profit in
Kachin State.
Timber Trade Flows and Actors in Myanmar: The Political Economy of Myanmar’s
Timber Trade (Kevin Woods 2013): A political economy analysis of timber in
Myanmar, including where it originates from, who is involved in trade flows,
export mechanisms (and their legality), and land rights issues.
Community Forestry in Myanmar: Some field realities (Pyoe Pin and UEA
2011): Case studies of community forestry approaches across Kachin, Mandalay,
Shan and Ayeyarwady.
Aquaculture in transition: value chain transformation, fish and food security in
Myanmar (Michigan State University 2016): A study into Myanmar’s aquaculture
industry and its contribution to rural wages, alongside recommendations to
increase inclusive growth.
Exporting sweatshops? Evidence from Myanmar (Tanaka 2017): Based on a 2013-15
survey of manufacturing firms, this study estimates the impact of exporting on
working conditions and wages.
Euro Chamber Manufacturing Guide 2018: Overview of the sector including
investment opportunities, key rules and regulations, and challenges and future
look.
From Boycott to Boom? A socio-environmental map of Myanmar’s garment
industry (C&A Foundation 2016): Research report discussing key issues for the
garment industry. ‘Red’ issues are: the right to free and secure employment,
reasonable remuneration, and forming and joining trade unions. Includes a
discussion on the way forward to address these.
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Agri-processing and agribusiness
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Tertiary sectors
Information and Communication Technology
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Energy
General
The Oxford Business Group report (2017) includes a detailed chapter on
construction and real estate (paid for access required).
Myanmar report: Construction market update (Rider Levett Bucknall
2017): Concise summary of trends in the construction and property markets. Also
includes average supply rates of construction materials and average development
prices. Updated regularly.
Construction in Myanmar (Ipsos 2013): Provides a, now dated, summary of the
sector as well as touching on urbanisation, energy, telecoms and industrial zones.
NB: Some of the agriculture resources above also cover agri-processing and
agribusiness
Agribusiness country diagnostic (CEPA 2016): Detailed overview of the agribusiness
sector, including the agri-inputs supply chain, logistics, and analyses of eight
sectors (rice, beans and pulses, horticulture, coffee, sesame seed, milk, livestock,
poultry).
Market Snapshot: Information Communication Technology (British Chamber
2016): Outlines key business opportunities and challenges in Myanmar’s ICT sector.
ICT for Democracy and Active Citizenship (OneWorld 2014): Brief overview of the
ICT sector, and recommendations on how to use it as a channel to promote active
citizenship.
Sector-Wide Impact Assessment of Myanmar’s ICT sector (MCRB 2015): The
Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business’ assessment of human rights risks and
opportunities in the sector.
Energy in Myanmar (IGC 2016): A useful briefing note by Tim Dobermann
summarising options for expanding (and supplying) Myanmar’s national grid, off-
grid options, energy pricing and tariff considerations, renewable energy potential,
and governance issues.
33. 4/4/2018 Sector specific resources – Myanmar Economy Watch
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Hydropower-specific
Government strategy
Euro Chamber Energy Guide 2018 (Euro Chamber): Sector overview including
investment opportunities, rules and regulations and future outlook.
Electrifying Myanmar: Challenges and opportunities for planning national access
to electricity (World Bank 2016): Detailed analysis of the electrification challenges
in Myanmar, the objectives of the National Electrification Plan (more on this
below), and the agenda for future reforms in the sector.
Myanmar’s Energy Challenge: Drivers, Outlook and Policy Options (Kirchherr and
Denruyter 2016): Analysis and recommendations on Myanmar’s energy mix, part
of the Oxford-Myanmar Policy Brief Series.
Myanmar Sector Assessment Summary: Energy (ADB 2015): A, slightly dated, road
map for the sector. Including a useful ‘problem tree’ for the sector (page 5).
Regulatory Indications for Sustainable Energy indicators (RISE): International
indicators on sustainable energy, for which Myanmar currently scores 59 out of
100 for energy access, 13/100 for energy efficiency and 43/100 for renewable
energy.
Universal Electricity Access in Myanmar (Energypedia): This wiki provides a
summary of lots of energy projects in Myanmar.
To Build or Not to Build: Designing Sustainable Hydro Projects in Myanmar (Dapice
2016): A paper making the case for the development of a transparent and
meaningful review process for hydropower projects, to balance national and local
interests and ensure comprehensive assessments.
Hydropower in Myanmar: Moving Electricity Contracts from Colonial to
Commercial (Dapice 2015): Argues that hydroelectric projects in the past decade
have been on exceedingly disadvantageous terms for Myanmar, and that the
approval processes and distribution of revenue benefits is of huge importance for
national unity.
Putting Violent Armed Conflict in the Center of the Salween Hydropower Debates
(Suhardiman, Rutherdord and Bright 2017): A paper arguing that hydropower
development plans in the Salween River basin are closely interlinked with human
rights issues, and if not handled carefully could contribute to re-occurrences of
violence.
There are two master plans for energy in Myanmar: the Myanmar Energy Master
Plan (ADB and GoM 2015) and another master plan developed by JICA (not
available online). The ADB plan is supported by an Energy Sector Assessment,
Strategy and Road Map (ADB 2016).
For electricity, most documentation is related to the National Electrification
Project (WB), including a Myanmar National Electrification Programe Roadmap
and Investment Prospectus (Castalia 2014).
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Infrastructure, transport and urban planning
Reports on specific cities
Myanmar Transport Sector Policy Note Summary (ADB 2016): A note to inform
decision makers in government and and elsewhere on the sector’s current
situation and which investment and initiatives would have the highest impact. This
note (also summarised in an ADB blog) is a summary of several more Transport
Sector Policy Notes from the ADB, including:
How to Reduce Transport Costs (ADB 2016): Covering demand patterns,
demand patterns (road, rail, river) and competitiveness estimates.
Myanmar Transport Sector Policy Note: Urban Transport (ADB 2016): A
detailed description of urban transport, and short and medium-term actions,
in Yangon and Mandalay.
Urban Myanmar (IGC 2016): IGC policy note on the economic potential of cities in
Myanmar.
Infrastructure in Myanmar (KPMG 2013): Now several years old, summarises key
modes of transport (roads, ports, railways, airports) as well as a focus on energy,
special economic zones and telecommunications.
The GI Hub, a G20 Initiative, estimates the investment gap in Myanmar to be
$112billion. Additional data is available to compare globally.
The Survey Program for the National Transport Development Plan (JICA MoT
2014): The National Plan for transport is apparently being re-done but a new
version does not appear online.
Political Economy of Urban Transport in Yangon (IGC 2017): Report into why
traffic congestion is undermining Yangon’s economic growth potential. The key
findings is that this is caused by a dysfunctional transport system and lack of
coordinated policy. Recommendations include: a dedicated transport agency for
Greater Yangon; resurrecting plans for a Bus Rapid Transit system; and developing
pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.
Towards Urban Growth Analytics for Yangon (IGC 2017): LSE Cities’ research
methodology (‘Urban Growth Analytics’) applied to Yangon, in comparison with
Bangkok. Findings focus on data availability, population, economy, urban form,
transport infrastructure, mobility and urban governance.
Developing Yangon’s Periphery (IGC 2017): A policy brief by Tim Dobermann,
outlining the importance of peri-urban development for Myanmar’s transition..
Waste Management Strategy and Action Plan for Mandalay (2017-2030) (IGES
2017): A strategy on waste management for Mandalay, developed with IGES and UN
Environment.
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Financial sector
General resources
Banking
Insurance
Capital markets
Fintech
Collection of Papers on Myanmar’s Financial Sector (GIZ and Thura Swiss
2016): This diverse pack of briefings includes papers on on public finance, capital
markets and banking.
Framing the Issues: Financial Sector Development and Expanding Access to Credit
in Myanmar (Milken Institute 2017): A paper setting out key priorities for financial
sector development in Myanmar, including in the banking sector and beyond
(fintech, microfinance, capital markets).
Myanmar Banking Sector 2025: The Way Forward (Roland Berger 2016): The most
comprehensive overview of Myanmar’s banking sector (alongside the Milken
summary), covering state owned banks, domestic commercial banks and foreign
banks. Includes priorities for sector transformation.
The Banking Sector in Myanmar: An Assessment of Recent Progress (Milken
Institute 2017): Broad overview of the banking sector in Myanmar, including a
useful annex running through the history of recent reforms in the financial sector.
The Article IV Selected Issues paper (IMF 2018) includes a chapter on recent
developments in the banking sector, with a particular focus on the evolving
regulatory environment and a short summary of the 2003 banking crisis.
Myanmar’s Insurance Sector moving forward with Confidence (Oxford Business
Group): Brief overview of the recent history of Myanmar’s insurance sector and
recent steps to reform regulation.
ASEAN Insurance Markets: Integration, regulation and trade (Global Consel
2015): An assessement of the state of the insurance services trade in ASEAN
alongside a description of some of the drivers of insurance policy making. Includes
a comparative analysis of Myanmar against its neighbours.
Yangon’s New Stock Exchange: A Comparative Analysis (Rhonden 2016): A
comparative analysis of the Yangon Stock Exchange (YSX) in the context of stock
markets in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Lao and Cambodia.
ASEAN+3 Bond Market Guide: Myanmar (ADB: 2018): An update for domestic and
international stakeholders on the development of the Myanmar securities market.
36. 4/4/2018 Sector specific resources – Myanmar Economy Watch
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Financial inclusion
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Tourism
Realising Digital Myanmar: Leapfrogging to an Inclusive Digital Economy (Telenor
2018): Mobile operator Telenor’s take on ‘the journey to a digital Myanmar’,
including key roles for government, civil soceity and the private sector. Includes a
proposed roadmap to 2023.
Mobilizing Myanmar: A smartphone Revolution Connects the Poor with Economic
Opportunity (Partner Asia 2017): A country fintech diagnostic using data from the
Central Bank, Ministry of Communications, the three telecommunication
companies operating in Myanmar, Facebook, Viber, a nationally representative
Information and Communication Technology survey of 7,500 households, and
recent census data from the UNFPA.
Supporting Digital Financial Services in Myanmar (Enclude 2015): Analysis of the
opportunities for digital financial services in Myanmar, with particular focus on
agriculture.
Making Access Possible Myanmar (Cenfri, UNCDF, FinMark 2014): The Making
Access Possible (MAP) methodology of a diagnostic and stakeholder dialogue was
last completed in Myanmar in 2014. It summarises the key drivers of financial
inclusion and actions in Myanmar, and links directly to the National Financial
Inclusion Road Map. The MAP analysis includes several documents: diagnostic
report, synthesis note, roadmap presentation, qualitative research report, and
agricultural finance summary note.
Myanmar Financial Inclusion Roadmap 2014-2020 (GoM, MAP 2014): Produced by
the Making Access Possible consortium (UNCDF, Cenfri, Finmark, LIFT and UNDP)
this roadmap details a vision for financial inclusion in Myanmar. It is based on the
MAP country diagnostic, and additional interviews, group discussions and data
collection. An additional Synthesis Note focuses on demand, supply, policy and
regulation.
Myanmar Global Financial Inclusion: Global Findex 2014 (WB
2015): Internationally comparable indicators for how people in Myanmar save,
borrow, make payments and manage risk.
Myanmar FinScope survey 2013 (UNCDF 2013): UNCDF and FinScope survey of
financial inclusion in Myanmar. A recent
FinScope Survey 2013 (UNCDF 2013). the UNCDF also have a financial inclusion
dashboard summarising the key findings summarises main findings. Currently
being re-run.
Afford Two, Eat One: Understanding Motivations for Spending and Saving
(Proximity Designs 2014): A mapping of the changing financial lanscape in
Myanmar, including the nuances of income and loan cycles. It identifies thirteen
findings including opportunities for new financial products and services.
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Multi-sector resources
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Myanmar Tourism Human Resource Development Strategy and Action Plan 2017-
2020 (MoHY, LuxDev 2017): The Ministry of Hotels and Tourism’s master plan for
the sector. Includes: description of the tourism sector at present; a vision for
human resource development; three strategic programmes (public sector,
education and training, private sector); and steps for implementation and
monitoring.
Nine separate research reports (on the same website) support the above strategy:
public sector governance issues; human resource managers; tourism enterprises;
MSME tourism enterprises; representative and professional bodies; education and
training providers; women and ethnic nationalities’ engagement with the sector;
institutional capacity of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism; and MSMEs in the
handicraft and souvenir sector.
Do No Harm: A Toolkit for the Tourism Industry (BIF 2017): A toolkit for businesses
in Myanmar to ensure responsibility in the tourism sector.
Tourism Sector-Wide Impact Assessment (MCRB 2015): MCRB’s assessment of the
impacts on individuals and groups from tourism in specific location, alongside
recommendations for government, businesses, civil society and tourists. An
additional download summarises initiatives to promote responsible tourism in
Myanmar.
Oxford Business Group produce an annual report covering a range of key sectors,
based predominantly on interviews with key people in business and government.
The full report must be purchased, but highlights are available on the OBG website.
Strategic Directions for Industrial Development (UNIDO and MoI 2017): A forward
look at which industries Myanmar should develop and how. Includes a focus on
‘short-term priority industries’ of: textiles and garments; food processing and
packaging; plastic processing; construction materials; labour intensive CMP;
machinery, tools and parts; chemical; rubber and tire; pulp, paper and paper
products; pharmaceuticals.
White Book (Euro Chamber Myanmar, 2017): Includes a focus on the environment
for businesses in these sectors: construction and infrastructure; corporate social
responsibility; energy; health; logistics and transport.
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Myanmar Economy Watch
Updates on the development of the Myanmar economy, including public and private
investment and growth
Surveys and data
On this page
1. Myanmar economic surveys
2. Global indexes that survey Myanmar
3. Data sources
Myanmar economic surveys
Business characteristics and confidence
Myanmar Business Survey (UNDP 2017)
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People and the labour force
Investment, trade and the illicit economy
Other useful surveys
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Global indexes that survey Myanmar
Myanmar Enterprise Survey (World Bank 2016)
Roland Berger Business Survey #2 (2017)
European Business Confidence Survey (Euro Chamber 2017)
Small and Medium Enterprise Survey (Imprint 2015)
Myanmar Labour Force Survey (ILO 2015)
Census 2014 Thematic Report on Labour Force (UNFPA 2015)
Census 2014 Thematic Report on Migration (UNFPA 2015)
World Bank Poverty Survey (2017)
Myanmar Global Financial Inclusion (FINDEX) index (WBG 2015)
Myanmar FinScope Survey 2013 (UNCDF 2013). the UNCDF also have a financial
inclusion dashboard summarising the key findings
Myanmar Opium Survey (UNODC 2017)
Survey of Burma/Myanmar Public Opinion (IRI 2017): Covers perceptions of
priority issues, democracy and rights, assessment of institutions, state and region
autonomy, political parties, and the media.
Doing Busniess (WB 2017): Myanmar currently ranks 171 out of 190.
Global Entrepreneurship Index (GEDI 2018): Myanmar currently ranks 127 out of
137.
BTI Transformation Index (Bertelsmann Stiflung 2018): Myanmar currently ranks
111 out of 129 on the ‘status index’ (as well as 92 for governance, 104 for political
transformation, and 114 for economic transformation).
Open Data Inventory 2017: Myanmar ranks 81 out of 180, doing much better for
openness (67th) than for coverage (124th).
The World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index 2016 ranks Myanmar 113 out of
160.
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Data sources
Government data
Other data sources
The World Giving Index (CAF 2017) ranks Myanmar as the most generous country
in the World out of 139.
The Doing Good Index 2018 (CAPS) examines the enabling environment for
philanthropy and private social investment across 15 Asian countries, and ranks
Myanmar as ‘not doing enough’.
Regulatory Indicators for Sustainable Energy Indicators: Myanmar scores 59 out of
100.
Global Slavery Index 2016 (GSI): Myanmar ranks in the World’s 20 worst
countries for proportion of labour force estimated to be living in modern slavery
(half a million).
The World Bank Group’s Global Investment Competitiveness Report 2017/18 also
covers Myanmar, but does not provide an index or ranking.
The ODI SET paper on FDI and Economic Transformation in Myanmar (2017)
includes useful guidance on interpreting trade and investment data on Myanmar
from government and other sources.
Ministry of Planning and Finance publishes headline economic data
Ministry of Commerce provides border trade data and export set prices
Central Bank of Myanmar including foreign exchange rates
Directorate of Investment and Companies Administration which includes data on
foreign and domestic investment
Ministry of Information website
Central Statistical Organisation
2014 Census Data
World Bank data page on Myanmar, including download options
Asia Development Bank data library on Myanmar
International Monetary Fund page on Myanmar
UNCTAD trade profile on Myanmar, and their World Investment Report 2017 time
series data covering Myanmar
OECD investment statistics
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The Observatory of Economic Complexity entry on Myanmar
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Myanmar Economy Watch
Updates on the development of the Myanmar economy, including public and private
investment and growth
Useful links
The Myanmar Information Management Unit
International Growth Centre Myanmar page
Mohinga aid database
Online Burma/Myanmar library
Myanmar Development Effectiveness Tea Shop (Facebook group)
Oxford Forum Tea Circle Blog
Renaissance Institute
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Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business