RESTRICTED  
  
WT/TPR/G/405  
21 December 2020  
(20-9211) Page: 1/32 
Trade Policy Review Body   Original: English  
 
  
TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
REPORT BY  
MYANMAR  
Pursuant to the Agreement Establishing the Trade Policy Review Mechanism (Annex 3 of the 
Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization), the policy statement by Myanmar  
is attached.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note: This report is subject to restricted circulation and press embargo until the end of the first 
session of the meeting of the Trade Policy Review Body on Myanmar . WT/TPR/G/405 • Myanmar  
 
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 Contents  
1   INTRODUCTION  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  4 
1.1   Introduction  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  4 
1.2   Looking Ahead  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  5 
1.3   COVID -19: Impact and Mitigation Measures  ................................ ................................ .... 5 
2   ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TRADE AND INVESTMENT AND THE WIDER REFORM 
AGENDA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  6 
2.1   Economic Developments and Cross -Cutting Initiatives  ................................ ......................  6 
2.1.1   Economic developments  ................................ ................................ ............................  6 
2.1.2    Cross -Cutting Initiatives  ................................ ................................ ............................  7 
2.1.2.1    Adoption of key initiatives and policies  ................................ ................................ ...... 7 
2.1.2.2    Developments in the digital economy  ................................ ................................ ....... 8 
2.1.2.3    Environment and sustainability  ................................ ................................ ................  9 
2.2   Trade and Related Policy Developments and Reforms  ................................ ...................... 10 
2.2.1    Trade policy formulation and mainstreaming of trade  ................................ ................... 10 
2.2.1.1    Development of Myanmar Diagnostic Trade Integration Strategy  ................................ 10 
2.2.1.2    Trade policy formulati on ................................ ................................ ........................ 11 
2.2.1.3    Mainstreaming trade  ................................ ................................ ............................. 11 
2.2.2    Trade -related regulatory and institutional reforms  ................................ ....................... 11 
2.2.2.1    Enhancing transparency and outreach  ................................ ................................ .....11 
2.2.2.2    Tax reforms  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 12 
2.2.3    Investment regime  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..12 
2.2.4    Competition regime ................................ ................................ ................................ ..13 
2.2.5    Consumer protection  ................................ ................................ ................................ 14 
2.2.6    Special economic zones  ................................ ................................ ............................ 14 
2.2.7    Trade promotion and export strategies  ................................ ................................ .......15 
2.2.8    MSMEs  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................... 15 
2.2.9    State econom ic enterprises (SEEs)  ................................ ................................ ............. 16 
3   TRADE AND RELATED POLICIES: SECTORAL DEVELOPMENTS AND TRENDS ...............  17 
3.1   Goods  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................... 17 
3.1.1    Key cross -cutting policies relating to goods  ................................ ................................ .17 
3.1.1.1    Tariff reforms  ................................ ................................ ................................ .......17 
3.1.1.2    Customs reforms and trade facilitation ................................ ................................ .....17 
3.1.1.3    Modernizing customs valuation  ................................ ................................ ............... 18 
3.1.1.4    Streamlining of import licensing  ................................ ................................ .............. 18 
3.1.1.5    Sanitary and phytosanitary measures  ................................ ................................ ......19 
3.1.1.6    Standardization, technical regulations and conformity assessment  .............................. 19 
3.1.1.7    Industrial development  ................................ ................................ .......................... 20 
3.1.2    Mining and energy  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...20 
3.1.3    Manufacturing  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 20 
3.1.4    Agriculture, fisheries and forestry  ................................ ................................ .............. 21 WT/TPR/G/405 • Myanmar  
 
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 3.1.4.1    Agriculture  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........... 21 
3.1.4.2    Fisheries  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............. 22 
3.1.4.3    Forestry ................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 23 
3.2   Services  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................... 23 
3.2.1    Introduction: services as a centerpiece of Myanmar's development  ................................ 23 
3.2.2    Financial services  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....23 
3.2.2.1    Banking services  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...24 
3.2.2.2    Insurance services  ................................ ................................ ................................ 25 
3.2.2.3    Securities and capital market  ................................ ................................ ................. 26 
3.2.2.4    FinTech  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................ 26 
3.2.3    Distribution services  ................................ ................................ ................................ .27 
3.2.4    Telecomm unication services  ................................ ................................ ...................... 27 
3.2.5    Other services  sectors: continued reform and liberalization efforts  ................................ .27 
3.3   Intellectual Property Rights  ................................ ................................ .......................... 28 
4   MYANMAR IN THE MULTILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM  ................................ ................  29 
4.1   Trade Facilitation Agreement ................................ ................................ ........................ 30 
4.2   Myanmar's Participation in WTO Negotiations  ................................ ................................ .30 
4.2.1    Joint statement initiatives on E -commerce, investment facilitation and MSMEs  ................ 30 
4.2.2    Fisheries subsidies  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...31 
5   MYANMAR IN BILATERAL AND REGIONAL AGREEMENTS  ................................ ...........  31 
6   OUTLOOK  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  32 
 
 
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 1  INTRODUCTION  
1.1  Introduction  
1.1.  Myanmar finds itself in a process of intensive development and reform. Over the past years, 
the Government of Myanmar has embarked on a wide range of regulatory and institutional reforms 
to open the country 's economy and boost its development, inter alia through the autonomous lifting 
of restrictions on investment and the liberalization of trade in goods and services, greater integration 
into and embeddedness in the region, and intensified engagement at the multilateral level, not least 
in the WTO. The country 's ongoing process of economic transformation encompasses and builds on 
interconnected elements, including diversification, modernization, li beralization, facilitation and  
sustainability.  
1.2.  Important initiatives since the last TPR include the Myanmar Investment Law of 2016, which 
lowered entry barriers, streamlined procedures and put in place a dispute settlement mechanism, 
and the Myanmar Compan ies Law of 2017, which modernized the regulatory framework for company 
activities. The Arbitration Law of 2016 and the Insolvency Law of 2020 are further cornerstones in 
the effort to improve the business climate in the country. The Myanmar Sustainable Dev elopment 
Plan (MSDP) (2018 -2030) is the guiding document to Myanmar 's efforts to create a more resilient 
economy and to facilitate the emergence of a more prosperous, peaceful and democratic Myanmar  
while the COVID -19 Economic Relief Plan (CERP) and the fo rthcoming Myanmar Economic Resilience 
and Reform Plan (MERRP)  serve to mitigate the economic impact of the COVID -19 pandemic . 
1.3.  These reforms are underpinning significant progress in terms of growth and poverty reduction, 
supported by FDI and robust public i nvestment funded by natural resource revenues. Key avenues 
to success are the scaling up of physical and human capital, improvements in regional connectivity, 
an emphasis on good governance and transparency, and improved spending efficiency. Some of the 
progress made is reflected in international indicators. Myanmar 's ranking for the category "starting 
a business " in the World Bank Doing Business Ranking improved significantly in only a few years, 
from 189 in 2014 and 152 in 2018 to 70 in 2019. Likewise, the OECD FDI Regulatory Restrictiveness 
Index indicates notable improvements in recent years as regards the leve l of restrictions affecting 
foreign investors. Indeed, between 2013 and 2019, the level of restrictions decreased by 75% in 
overall FDI, by 78% in the manufacturing industry, and by 95% in the communications sector. In 
addition, Myanmar 's enhanced trade pe rformance is another reflection of the progress made. 
Myanmar 's trade as a proportion of GDP has increased from around 42% in 2013/14 to nearly 50% 
in 2018/19.  
1.4.  Myanmar 's goal is to foster a gradual structural transformation from the current reliance 
prima rily on agriculture and mining towards a more diversified economy with expanded industry and 
services sectors.  
1.5.  Agriculture is a major contributor to economic output, export earnings, and employment in 
Myanmar. Agricultural exports will continue to be a ke y pillar of growth for the economy; moreover, 
with its improving productivity, the sector is expected to further raise rural income. The Government 
remains committed to further developing the sector, not least through improvements in 
infrastructure, access  to financing, and strengthening the agri -food health and safety regulatory and 
institutional frameworks. Trade promotion, trade facilitation and improved connectivity to export 
markets, including through trade agreements, form part of the vision for the s ector's development.  
1.6.  However, sustainable development in Myanmar requires diversification and a structural 
transformation towards the manufacturing and services sectors. Key initiatives to promote 
manufacturing include the creation of Special Economic Zone s (SEZs) and policies to attract FDI, 
providing an enabling business environment, better access to finance, greater development and 
protection of intellectual property, better conditions for competition, in addition to promoting e -
commerce and MSME develop ment.  
1.7.  In services, the liberalization of distribution, financial, telecommunication, and tourism 
services, among others, aim to develop these sectors and to secure key inputs to the economy as a 
whole. With a modern investment framework in place and an im proved overall business 
environment, as well as the liberalization efforts undertaken, Myanmar aims to attract further FDI. WT/TPR/G/405 • Myanmar  
 
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 The Government is keen to further develop key infrastructure services such as electricity, energy, 
logistics, transport and ICT, inc luding through public -private partnerships (PPP).  
1.8.  The reform process itself has improved the partnership between government and business – 
and civil society – in Myanmar. In drafting the laws and formulating its policies, the Government 
went through thoro ugh vetting processes with the business community and the public, which further 
improved government transparency and dialogue with the private sector.  
1.9.  Myanmar has embraced and is actively relying on guidance from multilateral and regional 
instruments to fo rmulate and implement its reforms. These include the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable 
Development Goals (SDGs), as well as the WTO and regional agreements and initiatives. There has 
been important progress in aligning domestic policies with the WTO and ASEAN, A SEAN Plus and 
RCEP. Specific areas include several ASEAN agreements which were signed by/entered into force in 
Myanmar since the last TPR, such as the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Trade in Services and 
the ASEAN E -Commerce Agreement and the Regional Compre hensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) 
Agreement concluded in November 2020.  
1.10.   The Government of Myanmar supports the aim to form an ASEAN Economic Community, and 
sees its embeddedness in the region as a key element of its vision for the future, while promotin g 
its engagement, and strengthening its bilateral relationships, with its trading partners.  
1.2  Looking Ahead  
1.11.   The Government of Myanmar is committed to maintaining the momentum of the reform 
agenda towards greater trade openness, diversification of the econom y, and the development of 
manufacturing, services and agriculture. This includes, among others, enhancing the 
competitiveness of the financial sector and increasing financial inclusion.  
1.12.   Further reform work in the area of trade and trade policy is a key ele ment of the Government 's 
vision for the future. This encompasses further careful relaxation of trade rules and the reduction of 
non-tariff measures, steady advancement on the path towards further bilateral engagement, 
regional integration, and further proa ctive integration at the multilateral level.  
1.13.   Myanmar is a committed, active Member of the WTO, and the organization 's principles are 
the main guiding lights for its national trade policy. Myanmar sees itself as a contributor to the 
further evolution of th e system. It participates actively in the fisheries subsidies negotiations as part 
of the LDC Group, aiming to foster an outcome that is both ambitious and fair, and has joined the 
JSIs on e -commerce, investment facilitation and MSMEs. Myanmar is consideri ng becoming an 
observer to the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement.  
1.14.   In these times of uncertainty and rapid change (trade tensions, rising protectionism, 
challenges faced as a result of the COVID -19 crisis) Myanmar has remained committed to 
maintainin g open and connected supply chains and to upholding the principles of the multilateral 
trading system. In this spirit, in April 2020 Myanmar co -sponsored a joint ministerial statement at 
the WTO affirming its commitment to ensuring supply chain connectivit y amidst the COVID -19 
situation. Myanmar reaffirmed this commitment in the Declaration of the Special ASEAN Summit on 
COVID -19 also in April 2020 and in the Joint Media Statement of the Eighth EAS Economic Ministers ' 
Meeting in August 2020.  
1.3  COVID -19: Impac t and Mitigation Measures  
1.15.   The COVID -19 pandemic impacted all productive sectors of Myanmar 's economy, interrupting 
Myanmar 's economic growth and shifting the Government 's attention to emerging health, economic 
and social priorities.  
1.16.   The global disruption of manufacturing supply chains, and the decline in external demand that 
followed, caused a contraction of industrial production and employment in the manufacturing sector. 
Myanmar 's garment sector under CMP was particularity hit by the crisis. The services  sector − in 
particular tourism, transport, retail and wholesale, and construction services − was significantly 
impacted by the crisis. With declines in fishery and livestock output, the agriculture and fisheries 
sector was also affected. Lockdown measures, the significant slowdown of economic activity, and WT/TPR/G/405 • Myanmar  
 
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 travel bans, caused adverse effects on l abour (including migrant labour) and led to significant job 
losses and a reduction in remittances.  
1.17.   To mitigate the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic on the economy, social welfare and public 
health, the Government of Myanmar announced a set of initial measur es, followed in April 2020 by 
an ambitious COVID -19 Economic Relief Plan (CERP) which outlined immediate and short -term 
actions to be taken with the objective of improving the macroeconomic environment through 
monetary stimulus, easing the impact on the pr ivate sector through improvements to investment, 
trade and banking sectors, mitigating the impact on workers and households, promoting innovative 
products and platforms, strengthening the healthcare systems and increasing access to COVID -19 
response financ ing (including contingency funds).  
1.18.   Several initiatives have been carried out to implement the CERP, including tax relief and low 
interest short -term loans to SMEs affected by the pandemic. In addition, in May 2020 the Central 
Bank of Myanmar (CBM) reduced the interest rate by 3%, in an effort to facilitate access to credit 
and ease cash flow problems. The authorities further deferred tax payments and offered tax 
exemptions for the affected businesses and sectors.  
1.19.   The Government made a specific effort to al ign its crisis response with its longer -term trade 
policy. To facilitate social distancing, for example, the Government accelerated its trade facilitation 
reforms, offering, among others, online import and export licenses for about 1 ,420 HS lines (10  digit) 
as of October 2020 and reducing document requirements and accepting electronic copies when using 
the Myanmar Automated Cargo Clearance System (MACCS).  
1.20.   To facilitate the importation of medical supplies and products used for the prevention, control 
and tr eatment of COVID -19, the Government exempted imports of these goods from customs duties 
if recommended by relevant agencies and waived commercial taxes on these goods. In addition, 
these imports were treated as "important goods " and released soon after arr ival in line with the Risk 
Management System. To fast track the importation of essential medical supplies and products, the 
Department of Food and Drug Administration under the Ministry of Health and Sports relaxed certain 
importation requirements on these  imports.  
1.21.   Securing access to essential medicine and food to combat COVID -19 is a priority for Myanmar. 
Myanmar cosponsored the Statement made by Chad on behalf of the LDC Group at the WTO on 
4 May 2020 on Securing LDCs Emergency Access to Essential Medical  and Food Products to Combat 
the COVID -19 Pandemic.  
1.22.   In designing and formulating its response to the COVID -19 crisis, the Government conducted 
stakeholder consultations with the private sector and its institutions, including foreign chambers of 
commerce.  
1.23.   The Government is currently drafting the Myanmar Economic Resilience and Reform Plan  
which will serve as the Government 's medium to long term response to the economic impact of the 
COVID -19 pandemic with the view to reviving the national economy.  
2  ECONOMIC D EVELOPMENT, TRADE AND INVESTMENT AND THE WIDER REFORM 
AGENDA  
2.1  Economic Developments and Cross -Cutting Initiatives  
2.1.1   Economic developments  
2.1.  Myanmar has been on an impressive growth trajectory during the review period, with real GDP 
growth averaging 6.6% annually between 2015/16 and 2018/19.1 The Government estimates that 
the GDP growth rate will drop to 4.3% for the fiscal year 2019/20 due to the recent disruptions to 
supply chains, lockdown measures, reduction of external demand and travel bans associat ed with 
the COVID -19 pandemic, before picking up again to reach 6% in 2020/21.2  
 
1 Planning Department, Ministry of Planning, Finance and Industry.  
2 Planning Department, Ministry of Planning, Finance and Industry.  WT/TPR/G/405 • Myanmar  
 
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 2.2.  Services, agriculture, fisheries, mining and manufacturing are key in supporting Myanmar 's 
economic growth. Services are the largest sector of the economy, with an increasing  contribution to 
GDP that reached 40.7% in 2018/19, followed by manufacturing (24.8%), agriculture, forestry and 
fishing (21.3%) in  2018/19.3 
2.3.  Myanmar 's trade has increased in recent years, with exports of goods and services growing at 
an annual average ra te of 14.1% between 2014 and 2018.4 Data for 2019/20 shows a reduction in 
exports of goods and services, primarily due to the COVID -19 pandemic.5  
2.4.  The total value of goods exports (FOB) increased from USD 11,452 million in 2014 to 
USD 16,704 million in 2018.6 Main exports include liquefied natural gas, garment, rice and broken 
rice, jade and mineral and ores. Myanmar 's main export markets are China, Thailand, Japan, 
Singapore and India.  
2.5.  The total value of imports (CIF) increased from USD 16, 220 million in 2014 to USD 19,355 
million in 2018.7 Myanmar 's main imports are petroleum products, vehicles and spare parts, 
machinery and spare parts, iron/steel construction materials and iron and steel products, with China, 
Singapore and Thailand as ma in source markets.8 
2.6.  The recent liberalization measures and regulatory developments in the investment regime 
spurred the flow of foreign investment during the review period; the sectors attracting FDI include 
in particular energy, oil and gas, manufacturin g, transport and communication.  
2.7.  The average inflation rate during the review period was of 5.81% and was relatively stable in 
comparison to other periods. The country 's average fiscal deficit to GDP was of 3% between 2015/16 
and 2018/19, and the average go vernment debt to GDP amounted to 37.7% during the same 
period.9 
2.8.  Despite the encouraging economic performance, Myanmar 's economy still faces structural 
challenges. Even though significant efforts were undertaken during the review period, poverty and 
unempl oyment rates remain high. The total labour force participation rate in 2019 was 59.4%, and 
it was even lower (45.3%) among the youth10, while informal employment remained high (80% in 
2018).11 Despite the strong efforts made to reduce poverty, the poverty rate (24.8%) in 2017 
remains high.12 
2.1.2   Cross -Cutting Initiatives  
2.9.  The Government of Myanmar adopted several initiatives, policies and reforms during the review 
period with the objective of achieving sustainable development and economic transformation.  
2.1.2.1   Adopti on of key initiatives and policies  
2.10.   Key among these initiatives is the  2016 Myanmar Economic Policy, which aims to achieve 
inclusive and continuous development through a better public financial management , improving the 
operations of state -owned enterprises  (including through privatization), promoting human capital 
development and job creation, a rapid development of infrastructure, balancing agriculture and 
industry, fostering private sector growth in line with market economy principles, protecting 
 
3 Planning Department, Ministry of Planning, Finance and Industry.  
4 Viewed at: https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NE.EXP.GNFS.KD.ZG?locations=MM . 
5 Viewed at: https://ww w.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2020/07/07/na70720 -myanmars -economy -in-the-
time-of-COVID19 -six-charts . 
6 Central Statistics Organization, Ministry of Planning, Finance and Industry . 
7 Central Statistics Organization, Ministry of Planning, Finance and Industry . 
8 Central Statistics Organization, Ministry of Planning, Finance and Industry . 
9 Fiscal Year 2020 -2021 Citizen’s Budget Report.  
10 Viewed at: https://www.ilo.org/gateway/faces/home/statistics?_adf.ctrl -
state=w395aw5zo_4&locale=EN&countryCode=MMR . 
11 Viewed at: https://ilostat.ilo.org/topics/informality/ . 
12 Viewed at: https://www.worldbank.org/en/cou ntry/myanmar/publication/poverty -report -myanmar -
living -conditions -survey -2017. WT/TPR/G/405 • Myanmar  
 
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 intellec tual property rights and the rule of law, developing a fair and efficient tax system, and 
encouraging increased FDI flows.  
2.11.   In 2018, the Government further adopted the Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan 
(2018 -2030), which outlines the Government 's priorit ies and reform agenda. Structured around 
three pillars, five goals, twenty -eight strategies and two hundred and fifty -one action plans aligned 
with the SDGs, the 2016 Myanmar Economic Policy, and various other commitments, the MSDP 
provides an integrated s et of strategic goals and action plans to be pursued by the Government over 
the medium to long term to achieve a genuine, inclusive and transformational private sector -led 
economic growth. The MSDP Implementation Unit consists of key entities including the  National 
Economic Coordination Committee (NECC) and the Development Assistance Coordination Unit 
(DACU), both are headed by State Counsellor, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi,  
2.12.   Moreover, in 2019, the Government adopted the Financial Inclusion Roadmap (2019 -2023), 
which aims to increase the financial inclusion of adults from 48 to 60% by 2023 through five strategic 
pillars: (i) increased access to finance for the low -income segment to support household resilience 
and reduce poverty, (ii) increased access to finance for SMEs and farmers, (iii) increased savings 
mobilization across all segments to enhance household resilience and fund investments, 
(iv) exploiting the potential of digital financial services to broaden the reach of financial services 
infrastructure, including through prioritizing digital channels for government payments, and 
(v) empowering customers through enhanced customer financial literacy and consumer protection.  
2.13.   Myanmar 's national development plans are anchored in and geared towards achieving the 
SDGs. Progress was made in regard to health, education, water and sanitation. The Government is 
also keen to achieve universal access to electricity by 2030, in line with the National Electrification 
Plan. As of December 2019, Myanmar has achieved 50 percent of nationwide electrification. The 
Government encourages renewable energy generation. The Government also seeks to achieve more 
progress in infrastructure development in the near future and welcomes the support of its 
intern ational partners in helping it achieve its development goals and fulfil the SDGs by 2030, as 
outlined in the MSDP.  
2.1.2.2   Developments in the digital economy  
2.14.   Conscious of the importance of  digitalization for Myanmar 's economic transformation, the 
Government of M yanmar developed and adopted various initiatives during the review period that 
aim to accelerate its transition to the digital economy and to building a safe and business -friendly 
e-commerce ecosystem.  
2.15.   The transition to a digital economy has been mainstre amed in the MSDP under the Strategy 
3.7 which aims to e ncourage greater creativity and innovation contribut ing to the development of a 
modern economy . 
2.16.   In 2018, the Government established the Digital Economy Development Committee (DEDC) 
with the Vice Presid ent as a patron. DEDC has five sub -committees including the Digital Trade and 
E-Commerce Development Sub -Committee chaired by the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of 
Commerce (MoCOM). In 2019, the DEDC adopted the Digital Economy Roadmap , which  has four 
pillars: digital transformation, digital government, digital trade and digital society. The Roadmap 
offers concrete goals and short and long -term action plans for nine priority areas. Those are 
education, healthcare, agriculture, fishery and livestock, touris m and hospitality, manufacturing and 
SME, financial services, technology sector and startup ecosystem, digital trade and transportation 
and logistics. DEDC is currently developing a detailed action matrix to implement the Roadmap.  
2.17.   With technical support f rom UNCTAD, MoCOM concluded the Rapid e -Trade Readiness 
Assessment in 2018, a very useful stocktaking exercise across seven policy areas. It is now in the 
process of finalizing the first National E -Commerce Strategy (2020 – 2025) with funding support 
from the Enhanced Integrated Framework ( EIF). MoCOM, in its capacity as the lead government 
agency for e -commerce acceleration, has been able to mobilize resources from multiple development 
partners to support its work on the digital economy.  
2.18.   Regulatory develo pments of relevance to the digital economy include the development of IPR 
laws including on copyright (awaiting adoption), the Law Amending the Myanmar Evidence Act WT/TPR/G/405 • Myanmar  
 
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 (2015) which provides a legal framework for electronic authentication, the Mobile Financial  Services 
Regulation (2016) and a draft Cyber Security Law.  
2.19.   Progress was made in enhancing connectivity and digitalizing financial services, including 
through the adoption of the Myanmar National Payment System Strategy and the introduction of 
CBM-Net2, an  updated version of the interbank online payment infrastructure.  
2.20.   Progress was also made in enhancing e -government, including through the introduction of the 
e-visa service, which facilitated tourist arrivals, electronic cargo clearance (the adoption of the  
MACCS) and the electronic filing of income and commercial tax. These and other initiatives improved 
Myanmar 's ranking in the UN e -Government Development Index from 157 in 2018 to 146 in 2020.  
2.21.   The sharp rise in consumer demand for connectivity and digital services during the recent 
COVID -19 pandemic underscored the need to accelerate the development of the digital economy. 
This was reflected in the CERP and the forthcoming MERRP, which both prioritized the promotion of 
'innovative products and platforms ', 'e-commerce and cross -border e -commerce ' as their key goals.  
2.22.   In May 2020, amidst the pandemic, the MoCOM organized its First E -Commerce Virtual 
Conference , hosting public and private sector representatives to take stock of and assess current 
and future ini tiatives to promote innovative products and platforms (Goal 5 under the CERP). As a 
result, the E -Commerce Guidelines and the Good Practice Guides (GPGs) for MSMEs in transition 
from offline to online are under preparation and will be finalized before the end of 2020. The 
E-Commerce Innovation Challenge initiative, led by the MoCOM as part of CERP, was launched in 
November 2020 with the objective to advance four themes, namely, building resilience against 
COVID -19, MSMEs formalization, Women and E -Commerce and Consumer Rights and Online IP. 
Serveral development partners offered their support to MoCOM to implement the CERP goals related 
to e-commerce.  
2.23.   Government agencies hold regular, genuine and open consultations and private -public 
dialogue with industry r epresentatives on matters related to policy and regulatory developments in 
the digitial economy.  
2.24.   At the international level, Myanmar is involved in various initiatives to boost e -commerce and 
enhance the digital economy. They include participating in the plurilateral JSI negotiations on 
E-Commerce at the WTO, the ASEAN Work Programme on Electronic Commerce (2017 -2025), the 
ASEAN E -Commerce Agreement (2019), and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership 
(RCEP) Agreement concluded recently which inter alia covers e -commerce. In that context, the 
Government formed six interministerial focus groups in late 2020 to support the WTO JSI negotiators 
on e-commerce, to enhance the understanding among government officials on the implications of 
commitments on ec ommerce on Myanmar and to accelerate the implementation of commitments 
made during the negotiations.  
2.1.2.3   Environment and sustainability  
2.25.   Myanmar considers environmental sustainability as a key, overarching goal which guides 
policy making across all areas, incl uding trade and investment. This goal is explicitly enshrined in 
the 2016 Economic Policy.  
2.26.   The MSDP, under its Strategy 5.1 "Ensure a clean environment together with healthy and 
functioning ecosystems ", emphasizes, inter alia , the goals to strengthen the m onitoring and 
enforcement of environmental regulations and take serious action against environmental crimes 
such as the illegal trade, poaching and trafficking of protected flora and fauna; to increase the 
productivity and competitiveness of industrial sys tems through disaster and climate resilience, and 
low-carbon and green characteristics; and to support skills development in preparation for 
Myanmar 's transition to a green economy.  
2.27.   The 2019 National Environmental Policy of Myanmar reflects a strong vision  of environmental 
conservation, reduced impact of human interventions and harmony with development; of mining 
that is less harmful to the environment; and of a resilient society adaptive to climate change and 
natural disasters. Fostering environmental sust ainability is considered an inclusive, adaptive 
exercise. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) including social, health and heritage assessment WT/TPR/G/405 • Myanmar  
 
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 surveys are publicly discussed, and feedback is requested and collected via the Department 's 
platform ( https://www.ecd.gov.mm ). 
2.28.   In the same vein the 2018 Agricultural Development Strategy champions environmental and 
social sustainability, recognizing that agriculture and food production have environmental impacts, 
and that in turn agriculture is significantly affected by environmen tal impacts from other sectors. It 
also recognizes that collective decisions must be made to balance needs for growth and income 
generation across the economy relative to short and long -term environmental and social impacts; 
that any increase in productivi ty through adoption of new practices and technologies must ensure 
the sustainable use of natural resources, in particular land, soil, water, and forestry; and that 
Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) should be applied for sustainable development. A 
range of new agro -ecological approaches are currently piloted in Myanmar, including a System of 
Rice Intensification (SRI), green water management, nitrogen use efficiency, conservation 
agriculture, agroforestry, and organic agriculture.  
2.29.   Myanmar allows,  partially, the importation of non -food genetically modified crops intended 
for industrial use such as GMO cotton.  
2.30.   Environmental legislation underpins these ambitions, including with regard to trade. Under 
the Environmental Conservation Law (2012), for exa mple, import licensing measures are in place to  
implement the Vienna Convention on the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol . 
A quick tool for customs officers assists in the screening of ODS. Under the Prevention of Hazard 
from Chemical and Related Substances Law (2013) multiple substances are controlled, including – 
apart from ODS and precursors – Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) as per the Stockholm 
Convention, pesticides subject to Prior Informed Consent, and chemical prohibited un der the 
Chemical Weapons Convention.  
2.31.   The importation of recyclable clean scrap is under close watch. In the 2019 review of the 
import licensing list, the importation of the recyclable clean scrap was subject to non -automatic 
licensing. A technical regulat ion for the importation of recycleable clean scrap is currently under 
preparation.  
2.32.   Myanmar only allows the importation of the recycleable non -hazardous scraps which must be 
clean, homogenous, intended for direct -use in production processes and free from co ntamination 
and other types of waste.  
2.33.   Recycling facilities in Myanmar must have the approval of Environment Management Plan 
(EMP) or Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) or Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) 
granted by the Environmental Conservation  Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and 
Environmental Conservation.  
2.34.   Sustainability and environmental protection, including in particular climate change related 
aspects and the promotion of renewable energy, figure prominently across sectoral polici es and 
regulations including in forestry and mining.  
2.2  Trade and Related Policy Developments and Reforms  
2.35.   The Government of Myanmar has sought to enhance the competitiveness of its economy over 
the review period through a range of processes, institutional and  regulatory changes and 
developments.  
2.2.1   Trade policy formulation and mainstreaming of trade 
2.2.1.1   Development of Myanmar Diagnostic Trade Integration Strategy  
2.36.   Myanmar concluded and formally endorsed its first Diagnostic Trade Integration Study (DTIS) 
in 2016. The DTIS identified key domestic and external constraints facing Myanmar as it strives to 
leverage regional and global integration for inclusive export -led growth, provided analytical input on 
the linkages between trade and poverty and highlighted key steps to remove bottlenecks in trade 
policy and trade facilitation. The DTIS, prepared by the Word Bank with funding support from the 
EIF, serves as a framewor k for trade -related interventions.  WT/TPR/G/405 • Myanmar  
 
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 2.37.   An update to the 2016 DTIS is foreseen to start in early 2021. The update aims to develop a 
comprehensive trade strategy for Myanmar with interventions that help promote trade, international 
market expansion and its diver sification in a post COVID -19 pandemic era, contributing to a smooth 
LDC graduation and to achieving the SDGs  linked to the priorities contained in the MSDP and the 
forthcoming MERRP.  
2.2.1.2   Trade policy formulation  
2.38.   At the time of drafting, the Ministry of Commerce was in the process of developing a Trade 
Policy Framework to guide policy makers, trade officials, the pri vate sector and other stakeholders 
in designing and implementing the trade agenda.  
2.39.   Trade policy priorities that are likely to be reflected in the final document include implementing 
the WTO and ASEAN agreements (including the TRIPS Agreement), facilitating  trade and improving 
import policies and procedures, addressing non -tariff measures through enhanced transparency and 
the use of international standards, internal market and private sector development, enhancing 
competition and consumer protection, improvi ng quality infrastructure, developing e -commerce, 
enhancing access to finance, and developing special economic zones, in addition to export market 
development.  
2.2.1.3   Mainstreaming trade 
2.40.   The Ministry of Commerce, in coordination with other trade -related agencies , is tasked with 
the formulation, coordination and implementation of trade policy, and serves as the focal ministry 
for WTO negotiations.  
2.41.   During the review period, the Government of Myanmar carried out a series of institutional 
restructuring processes and  reforms to mainstream trade and improve the institutional structures 
that facilitate the trade and investment regimes.  
2.42.   In recognition of the importance of intellectual property rights in facilitating trade in 
knowledge, creativity and innovation – key bas es for the economic transformation of Myanmar –, 
the Sub -Department on Intellectual Property, previously under the Ministry of Education, was moved 
to the Ministry of Commerce and is planned to be upgraded to a (full) Department.  
2.43.   Other important steps in mainstreaming trade include the establishment of the Myanmar 
Competition Commission, the Myanmar Consumer Protection Commission and the Myanmar 
Investment Commission.  
2.44.   Various other commissions were established to facilitate the implementation of reforms, 
including the Planning Commission and the Finance Commission chaired by the President, as well as 
the Privatization Commission chaired by the Vice President.  
2.2.2   Trade -related regulatory and institutional reforms  
2.2.2.1   Enhancing transparency and outreach  
2.45.   Transparenc y and proactive outreach to stakeholders are key elements of the Government 's 
reform strategy.  
2.46.   The Myanmar National Portal offers information in English and Myanmar language about all 
government agencies and provides links to these agencies.13 Virtually a ll government agencies offer 
not only up -to-date information in English and Myanmar language about areas under their 
competence, but many also offer users the possibility to submit documents or register online.  
2.47.   In 2016, the Ministry of Commerce launched t he Myanmar Trade Portal and upgraded it in 
2019.14 The Portal offers up -to-date information on trade issues in English and Myanmar language, 
and provides links to relevant national laws and regulations, court rulings, the TBT enquiry point, 
 
13 Myanmar National Portal available at: https://myanmar.gov.mm/en . 
14 Myanmar Trade Portal available at: http://myanmartradeportal.gov.mm . WT/TPR/G/405 • Myanmar  
 
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 the SPS enquiry  point, as well as procedures and documentary requirements for importing and 
exporting. The Myanmar Trade Portal is listed in the ASEAN Trade Repository together with other 
ASEAN countries ' national trade repositories.  
2.48.   In compliance with its WTO notificat ion requirements, Myanmar made significant efforts 
during the review period to notify WTO Members about developments in its trade policies as 
envisaged by WTO Agreements. In addition, the Government notified WTO Members about 
temporary measures adopted in response to the COVID -19 crisis.  
2.49.   To enhance outreach, government agencies hold public consultations on trade -related issues 
with private sector stakeholders. The Private Sector Development Committee, established in 2016 
in the context of the Private Sector  Development Framework, is a key forum for consultation and 
coordination with the private sector. The Committee is chaired by the Vice President and meets 
every two months. Five Working Groups were established based on the five priority pillars of the 
Framework under the Committee to address the following specific issues: Legal and Regulatory, 
Access to Finance, Trade and Investment, State Economic Enterprises and PPPs and Human Capital.  
2.50.   Under the Trade and Investment Working Group, the Doing Business Refor m Working Group 
chaired by the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Commerce was formed in January 2018 and 
10 supportive teams were established to improve Myanmar 's ranking  in the World Bank Doing 
Business indicators. Significant progress was made in improv ing Myanmar 's Doing Business ranking 
which stood at 171 in 2019 and improved to 165 in 2020. Myanmar is listed among the top 20 
reformers in the 2020 World Bank Doing Business Report.  
2.51.   In addition, government agencies regularly hold consultative meetings a nd workshops with 
private sector representatives, including foreign/bilateral chambers, before adopting trade -related 
legislation, changing tariffs, or formulating policies on new issues such as e -commerce and 
digitalization.  
2.2.2.2   Tax reforms  
2.52.   Tax reforms are a  central element of the overall reform and economic transformation effort. 
During the review period, the Government of Myanmar completed the first phase and embarked on 
implementing the second phase of tax reforms. As reflected in the Public Financial Mana gement 
Reform Strategy adopted in 2018, the second phase of the tax reform journey, which was endorsed 
by the Cabinet in 2017, aim to maximize the tax collection, broaden the tax base, improve tax 
compliance, and modernize the tax administration.  
2.53.   The Internal Revenue Department is carrying out the tax reform plans, which include 
modernizing the tax assessment process from an official assessment to a self -assessment system, 
restructuring the tax administration to focus on taxpayer segments by size, and transforming the 
Commercial Tax into a Value Added Tax - which is one of the key features of the reform journey. 
This transformation aims to standardize and modernize the tax system and to ensure that tax 
exemptions are fair and equitable.  
2.54.   Accompanying regulatory developments to the tax reform processes during the review period 
include the enactment of the Specific Goods Tax Law (2016), the Income Tax Law (2016), the 
adoption of the Union Tax Law (yearly), the enactment of the Tax Administra tion Law (2019), which 
standardizes administrative procedures to support the self -assessment, and the drafting of a new 
Income Tax Law that aims to clarify income tax rules and update the tax framework to align with a 
self-assessment system.  
2.2.3   Investment regime 
2.55.   Rich in minerals and natural resource reserves, with a young and agile labour force and close 
to fast growing markets, Myanmar is an attractive destination for foreign investment.  
2.56.   Investment flows to Myanmar amounted to USD 5.7 billion in 2020. Until O ctober 2020, a 
total of 2 ,089 investment projects in 12 sectors from 51 countries with pledged investment amounts 
of USD 87.41 billion were admitted.  WT/TPR/G/405 • Myanmar  
 
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 2.57.   During the review period, the Government of Myanmar undertook several steps to reform the 
investment regim e and facilitate FDI flows. They included regulatory reforms, liberalization of 
economic activities (including retail and wholesale services, financial services and mining), the 
establishment of special economic zones, investment promotion and investment i ncentives and most 
recently the Myanmar Investor Grievance Mechanism (IGM), established through Notification 
No. 9/2020 issued in April 2020. Efforts to develop the institutional structure of the IGM (in the form 
of an Investor Grievance Mechanism Committe e) and to enhance the capacity of members of the 
committee are underway.  
2.58.   The adoption of the Myanmar Investment Law (2016) – which regulates the conduct of 
investment activities in the country − marks a milestone towards a more open and predictable 
investm ent regime. The Law allows direct and indirect investment, prohibits investments in certain 
activities, and provides the legal basis to grant incentives to investments in certain sectors (referred 
to as the promoted sectors). The Investment Law further pro vides investment protection and 
mandates the establishment of a grievance mechanism to resolve disputes.  
2.59.   The Myanmar Companies Law (2017) marks another significant milestone towards 
modernizing the corporate framework in the country. It facilitates incorpo ration, relaxes 
requirements and procedures for company registration, reduces the cost of registration, and 
enhances the transparency of the registration process. As of 2018, company registration became 
digitalized through the Myanmar Companies Online (MyC o).  
2.60.   In addition, a private company can be incorporated with one shareholder and one resident 
director, which marks a departure from previous practice.  
2.61.   The Myanmar Companies Law (2017) also encourages foreign investments in local companies, 
facilitating ac cess to foreign investments in minority shares (up to 35%) in segments of the economy 
reserved for nationals, while providing domestic companies greater access to foreign capital.  
2.62.   The Ministry of Investment and Foreign Economic Relations (MIFER) is the ma in regulatory 
agency on investment matters. The Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) is mandated by the 
Investment Law to advise the Government on investment policies, conduct investment promotion 
activities, coordinate with investors, facilitate investment , and ensure that investments are in line 
with domestic policies and rules. MIC is also the key agency responsible for issuing investment 
permits and for granting investment incentives in line with the Investment Law. The Directorate of 
Investment and Comp any Administration (DICA) of the MIFER serves as the Secretariat for MIC, and 
plays as the cooperate register roles maintaining the Myanmar Companies Online (MyCo). 
Information related to the investment regime in Myanmar (including the 2018 Investment Guid e), 
investment -related forms and procedures, and information related to investment opportunities, are 
available online.  
2.63.   Together with the OECD, the MIFER launched the second Investment Policy Review of 
Myanmar on 24 November 2020. The review assesses past reforms and remaining challenges in 
various areas including investment policy, investment promotion and facilitation, infrastructure 
connectivity, green growth, land rights and administration, special economic zones and responsible 
business conduct.  
2.64.   Curre nt efforts to further facilitate the investment regime include the ongoing efforts to 
digitalize the investment application process, allowing investors to submit their investment 
applications and monitor their applications online. In addition, the MIFER is  working on developing 
a Land Bank − a database of land available for investment.  
2.2.4   Competition regime  
2.65.   As part of the process of economic reform, and in an effort to create an enabling environment 
for businesses, encourage innovation and ensure free and fair  competition while protecting public 
interest, in 2015 Myanmar enacted a new and modern Competition Law, in line with the ASEAN 
Economic Community Blueprint. The Competition Law entered into force in 2017. It prevents acts 
that injure public interest throu gh monopolisation or manipulation of prices, prevents the abuse of 
dominance, controls unfair competition conduct, controls restrictive agreements and arrangements 
among businesses, and prohibits anticompetitive mergers and acquisitions.  WT/TPR/G/405 • Myanmar  
 
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 2.66.   The Competition L aw applies to all sectors and enterprises, including state -owned enterprises 
when conducting commercial activities in competition with private firms, and foreign firms whose 
behaviour affects competition and consumers in Myanmar.  
2.67.   The Myanmar Competition Co mmission, established in 2018, is tasked with implementing and 
enforcing the new Competition Law. Chaired by the Minister of Commerce, the Competition 
Commission is composed of 11 members representing the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of 
Planning, Finance  and Industry, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Transport and Communications, 
and the Union Attorney General 's Office, in addition to three legal experts from the private sector, 
an economist, and a representative of the Union of Myanmar Federation of  Chambers of Commerce 
and Industry.  
2.68.   In line with the Competition Commission Strategic Plan (2020 -2022), its key objectives are 
to further develop the institutional and legal framework, to create strategic alliances through 
advocacy, to effectively enforce the Competition Law, and to build capacities.  
2.69.   Over the past months, the Competition Commission conducted a series of awareness -raising 
events on Competition Law for business and relevant government stakeholders, in order to clarify 
issues related to the L aw and its enforcement, including those related to prohibitions, penalties and 
mergers and acquisitions, among others. The Commission is working on preparing the necessary 
guidelines for staff and stakeholders, raising the awareness of relevant agencies, a nd building the 
capacities of investigators, judges and others on matters related to the Law and its enforcement.  
2.2.5   Consumer protection  
2.70.   Consumer protection is another important element of the ongoing reform process. A new 
Consumer Protection Law (2019), whi ch repealed the previous law of 2014, regulates the rights and 
obligations of consumers and producers, outlines mechanisms for resolving disputes between 
consumers and business, and sets out clear roles and responsibilities for the Myanmar Consumer 
Protect ion Commission. It contains mandatory labelling requirements for goods and services, 
refining previous product labelling notifications (1/2018 and 1/2019) issued by the Central 
Committee for Consumer Protection.  
2.71.   The Myanmar Consumer Protection Commission w as established in 2019. To increase the 
transparency of the consumer protection regime and enhance consumer literacy, the Department of 
Consumer Affairs at the MoCOM  further launched a new Consumer Complaint System in September 
2020 where consumers can lod ge complaints and access relevant information online and through 
mobile application.  
2.72.   The Commission started working immediately after its establishment. Still in 2019, for 
example, it issued notification No.  2/2019, which requires that the Myanmar language  (alone or in 
conjunction with other languages) is used on the labels of eight priority goods (food, household 
goods, child -related goods, telecommunication goods, medicine and supplements, cosmetics, 
consumer goods and business goods).  
2.2.6   Special economic zones  
2.73.   The Government of Myanmar views Special Economic Zones as an important tool to unlock 
certain potentials and foster diversification towards increased manufacturing and services.  
2.74.   In an effort to attract local and foreign investments in the manufacturi ng sector, diversify the 
economy, create jobs, and expand exports, Myanmar has established three Special Economic Zones: 
(i) Thilawa SEZ in the Yangon Region, (ii) Kyauk Phyu SEZ in Rakhine State; and (iii) Dawei SEZ in 
the Thanintharyi region (in the Myan mar-Thailand border region).  
2.75.   The Thilawa SEZ is the most advanced, and has been in operation since 2015. It offers a 
ready to use infrastructure, a digitalized One Stop Service Centre to facilitate administrative 
processes and procedures for investors, and  facilitated trade related rules and regulations. In 
addition, the SEZ hosts a vocational training centre.  WT/TPR/G/405 • Myanmar  
 
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 2.76.   The Special Economic Zone Law (2014) provides the legal framework for Myanmar 's SEZ. It 
allows investment activities in twenty services sectors to be  conducted in SEZ. These include: 
trading, distribution services including wholesale and retail, hospital and health services, tourism 
and other related services, recreation and entertainment services, and culture and sport services.  
2.77.   The Law offers investors and investments minimum standards of protection, including non -
discrimination both in the form of national treatment and MFN, access to justice and "fair and 
equitable treatment "–protection from nationalization. Investments in SEZs  are entitled to exemption 
on income tax and customs duty in accordance with the Law.  
2.2.7   Trade promotion and export strategies  
2.78.   Myanmar Trade Promotion Organization (Myantrade) which is part of the MoCOM , was 
established in 2016. It is responsible for trade promotion through a host of activities ranging from 
organizing trade events and trade fairs, to training, export facilitation and dissemination of market 
and other information.  
2.79.   MyanTrade Website ( www.myantrade.go v.mm ) is an important source of trade information 
for local SMEs and international buyers. The website offers market information and research data to 
help Myanmar companies in international markets.  
2.80.   Key among the Government efforts to improve exports is th e National Export Strategy (NES), 
designed with the support of the International Trade Centre (ITC). Myantrade already implemented 
the first phase of the strategy (2015 -2019) and is currently implementing the second phase of the 
strategy (2020 -2025), which  will focus on value addition in the agriculture and manufacturing 
sectors and on fostering innovation and technology to diversify and enhance exports.   
2.2.8   MSMEs  
2.81.   The overwhelming majority of enterprises in Myanmar are MSMEs, as defined in the 
Companies Law (2 017) and the SMEs Development Law (2015).  
2.82.   In light of their central role in the economy, the Government of Myanmar adopted various 
instruments during the review period to enhance MSME development, including by improving their 
access to technical assistance  and financial and non -financial support through a number of schemes.  
2.83.   The SME Development Policy (2015) outlines efforts to develop SMEs, including capacity 
building, access to finance, infrastructure development, business development, market promotion 
and the creation of an SME agency. Several other policy documents are key instruments for SME 
development, such as the Myanmar Industrial Policy and the MSDP. Recently, Myanmar issued its 
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Masterplan (2020 -2030) to assist MS MEs in facing the recent 
and numerous changes by implementing nine goals, seven of which are the target areas of the 2015 
SME Development Policy.  
2.84.   Numerous entities work on developing and strengthening MSMEs in Myanmar, including the 
SME Development Agency  which is chaired by the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Commerce, in 
charge of collecting information on SMEs and of providing services ranging from registration, market 
and technology promotion to capacity building and advisory services. In addition, the Directorate of 
Industrial Supervision and Inspection under the Ministry of Planning, Finance and Industry (MOPFI) 
is in charge of implementing related laws, regulations and policies. It assists MSMEs in matters 
related to access to finance and capacity  building and training. As of 2020, over 70,000 MSMEs were 
registered with the Department.  
2.85.   Myanmar participates in the WTO discussions on MSMEs and cosponsored the Statement on 
Highlighting the Importance of MSMEs in the Time of COVID -19 at the WTO on 14 M ay 2020.  WT/TPR/G/405 • Myanmar  
 
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 2.2.9   State economic enterprises (SEEs)  
2.86.   State economic enterprises traditionally account for a significant part of Myanmar 's economy. 
At present, 41.31% of the economy is owned by the Union.15 The state economic enterprises sector 
is in a process of tr ansformation, as the Government has embarked on reforms on multiple fronts. 
These include improvements in operational and financial management, privatization, and 
liberalization in some reserved sectors.  
2.87.   The 1989 State -Owned Economic Enterprises Law (SEE Law), as amended, reserves – in 
principle – specified activities in twelve sectors to the Government. These are several extractive and 
related industries (teak; forestry; hydrocarbons; pearls, jade and precious stones; metals); fish 
breeding and production  in fisheries reserved to Government research; electricity generation; 
security and defense products; and certain services (postal and telecommunications; air and railway 
transport; banking and insurance; broadcasting and television services). In some case s the 
exclusivity granted also encompasses exports.  
2.88.   The law, however, qualifies the exclusive allocation to the Government in various forms, partly 
through the identification of reserved activities (e.g., "cultivation and conservation of forest 
plantation, " but not sale of wood products). Most importantly, it allows the Government to operate 
in the form of joint ventures with the private sector, and − following a 1997 amendment − also to 
allow fully private -owned businesses to operate in the designated sect ors. 
2.89.   Over the past few years, several of the sectors covered by the SEE law have in fact seen a 
significant liberalization. This is the case of financial services, for example, where local and foreign 
banks and insurances companies are allowed to operate a longside the remaining state -owned 
operations. Telecommunication, logistics, distribution and postal services provide additional 
examples where government exclusivity is now loosened as private sector players have been allowed 
to join the market.  
2.90.   While th e Government recognizes the continued relevance of the state in sectors where its 
presence is useful and productive or strategically important, it is embracing across the spectrum of 
Myanmar 's SEEs the major task of operational reform and, where suitable, privatization. The 
Government 's Economic Policy of 2016 identifies as one of the tasks: "Improving the operations of 
state economic enterprises, and privatizing those state economic enterprises that have the potential 
to be reformed, while promoting and as sisting small and medium enterprises as generators of 
employment and growth. " This is echoed in the MSDP, which states that "The GoM is encouraging 
its State Economic Enterprises to transform into non -budgeted units, and then into corporatised 
units that will eventually be privatised as the GoM focuses more on its regulatory role, rather than 
business -proprietor role. " The MSDP also includes an action plan that provides guidance for the 
ongoing efforts.  
2.91.   Both as a matter of efficiency and fiscal respo nsibility and – in sectors where SEEs operate 
alongside private players – to ensure a level playing field between SEEs and the private sector, the 
Government is progressively working towards SEEs operating on commercial principles, with 
appropriate oversig ht, transparency and accountability. It is recognized that this is a complex 
challenge, which will require significant time and effort. A major focus is on de -linking SEEs from 
the state 's budget where possible.  
2.92.   Since 2013 multiple corporatization and pri vatization processes have been undertaken. These 
include, for example, port services, where the Myanmar Port Authority (MPA) is encouraging private 
sector participation as a way to improve the performance of the public port organization. As a result, 
there  are currently four foreign -invested joint ventures with MPA and three wholly foreign -owned 
terminal operators. The fuel and oil terminals in the Thilawa Port south of Yangon are managed by 
Myanmar private investors. Other examples include the Yangon Elect ricity Supply Board, which was 
corporatized and transformed into the Yangon Electricity Supply Corporation in 2015 and now 
operates and undertakes outside the Union Budget Fund. Three cotton ginning factories under No.  3 
Heavy Industrial Enterprise which w ere part of the previous Textile Industries (now merged with 
Paper and Home Utilities Enterprise) were privatized. In addition, several long loss -making state -
owned factories have ceased operation since the last TPR, and their transformation and/or the 
 
15 This figure excludes assets owned by the CBM. The figure reaches 44.83% when assets owned by the 
CBM are included.  WT/TPR/G/405 • Myanmar  
 
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 disposal or privatization of their assets is under way. These efforts are guided by a comprehensive 
internal analysis performed by the Government to this effect.  
2.93.   Another important feature of the Government 's reform drive is the separation of operation 
and reg ulation. Multiple SEEs, or parts thereof, have been transformed into regulatory departments 
and integrated into the appropriate governmental structures. Examples include the Myanma 
Microfinance Supervisory Enterprise, which was eventually transformed into the Financial Regulatory 
Department under the MOPFI; and most recently the Myanmar Petroleum Products Enterprise, which 
in June 2020 became a regulatory body – the Petroleum Products Regulatory Department – under 
the Ministry of Electricity and Energy.  
3  TRADE AND RELATED POLICIES: SECTORAL DEVELOPMENTS AND TRENDS  
3.1  Goods  
3.1.1   Key cross-cutting policies relating to goods  
3.1.  Over the review period, a number of important reform developments impacted on the goods 
sectors, including - inbound and outbound trade in goods - from agriculture, fisheries and forestry 
to mining and manufacturing products.  
3.1.1.1   Tariff reforms  
3.2.  The Government of Myanmar recognizes the benefits of a clear, simple, up -to-date and trade -
facilitating tariff system. In this spirit, it has reduced the number of tariff bands from 15 to 11 (zero, 
1.5, 3, 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40 and 50%), recognizing t hat further simplification may be possible 
and desirable in due course. The current tariff is based on the HS 2017 nomenclature, with national 
tariff lines up to the 10 -digit level, which allows for careful calibration.  
3.3.  All tariffs are ad valorem . The ave rage tariffs applied on both agricultural and non -agricultural 
goods are very low (with a global unweighted average rate of 7.1%, and averages of 9.9% for 
agricultural goods and 6.6 for non -agricultural goods). Around half of the tariff lines are subject t o 
duties of 3% or 1.5%, and an additional 5% is duty -free.  
3.4.  It is recognized that the streamlining and updating effort has in some cases led to increased 
duties on individual goods, which resulted in a slight increase of the (unweighted) average vis -à-vis 
the earlier TPR. In a few instances WTO bindings have inadvertently been surpassed in the process; 
this situation will be addressed at the next 5 -year review of the tariff, scheduled for 2022.   
3.5.  Tariffs have been reduced, and are being further reduced, with in the regional context. As a 
member of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) and the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), 
Myanmar is committed to the Common Effective Preferential Tariff Scheme (CEPT), which aims to 
reduce tariffs on intra -ASEAN trade for a ll tariff lines. In addition, Myanmar implements its 
obligations under the ASEAN agreements with dialogue partners, namely with Australia and New 
Zealand (AANZFTA), the Republic of Korea (AKFTA), India (AIFTA), China (ACFTA), Japan FTA 
(AJFTA) and Hong Kon g, China (AHKFTA). Preferential tariffs under the ATIGA, AKFTA, ACFTA, 
AIFTA, and AANZFTA are significantly lower than the average applied MFN tariff. This effect will 
increase over the coming years, as additional staggered reduction obligations become app licable to 
Myanmar under the aforementioned agreements.  
3.1.1.2   Customs reforms and trade facilitation  
3.6.  Myanmar is firmly committed to the idea of a modern, streamlined customs management and 
trade facilitation. Its current reform efforts are guided by the MOPFI 's Customs Reform and 
Modernization Strategy (2017 -2021), embedded in the WTO and ASEAN trade facilitation 
frameworks, as well as by relevant WCO instruments.  
3.7.  Efforts in this area include the Myanmar Automated Cargo Clearance System (MACCS), 
launched in 2016. MACCS, which connects several trade -related government agencies, inter alia  
automates user registration, goods clearance, cargo management and payments, and also includes 
the Myanmar Customs Intelligence System – MCIS, which is a risk management s ystem, and a Cargo WT/TPR/G/405 • Myanmar  
 
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 Control System. As the roll -out continues, MACCS is at the moment only fully operational at Yangon 
Port and at Yangon International Airport and Special Economic Zone (since 2016), as well as at the 
Myawaddy Trade Zone on the land border with Thailand (since June 2018). The launch at the Muse 
and Chin Shwe Haw, both on the land border with China, is scheduled for February of 2021. In 2018, 
MACCS handled 99% of declarations in the Yangon and Thilawa area.  
3.8.  The operation of MACCS translates into significant facilitation for traders. Under the system, 
the importer submits the import declaration and all supporting documents electronically. The MACCS 
then assesses and classifies the consignment, performing a risk assessment. The assessed charges  
can be paid through a deposit account in MACCS. Upon payment, consignments are released 
according to their risk assessment.  
3.9.  In addition, advance rulings have been enabled since 2016 for tariff classification and customs 
valuation. The procedures on advan ce rulings on classification was issued in 2017. A decision is 
usually made available within 30 days. In 2018, Myanmar launched the Authorized Economic 
Operator (AEO) program and adopted its Standard Operating Procedures in 2019. The Program has 
been rolle d out on a pilot basis with a number of audited importers and exporters through a Trusted 
Traders Scheme. The regulation for the post clearance audit was issued in 2017.  
3.10.   In 2019, the Myanmar Customs Department issued the Customs Bonded Warehouse 
procedure  in line with international standards allowing the operation of private bonded warehouses, 
manufacturing bonded warehouses, special bonded warehouses and exhibition bonded warehouses. 
Also in 2019, an online application system for certificates of origin wa s introduced as part of the 
ASEAN e -CO reform mandate allowing the exchange of certificates of origin ( Form D) among ASEAN 
countries via the National Single Window Routing Platform.  
3.11.   In addition, efforts to enable the exchange of the ASEAN Customs Declarat ion Document 
(ACDD) are underway with end -to-end testing (with Thailand, Singapore, Camboida and Indonesia) 
and the implementation of the eSPS exchange among ASEAN is planned for 2021. Myanmar 's second 
time release study report was concluded in 2019.  
3.12.   In an effort to implement the Plan of Action of the ASEAN Rapid Alert System for Food and 
Feed (RASFF) (2018 -2023), the Department of Customs Affairs in coordination with border agencies 
is undertaking a gap analysis for the establishement of a National RASFF which will be further 
connected with ASEAN RASFF.  
3.13.   On transit, the Myanmar Customs Department made progress in implementing the ASEAN 
Customs Transit System starting with Phase A (pilot test) with Thailand planned for 2021 and is in 
discussion with stakeho lders for issuing the ASEAN Goods Vehicle Cross Border Permit. Further 
developments of note include a blueprint for a national Single Window, work on better performance 
monitoring, including time release studies, and progress in automating import and expor t licensing.  
3.1.1.3   Modernizing customs valuation  
3.14.   An important milestone in the reporting period is the modernization of customs valuation. 
Since 2018 Myanmar applies the valuation principles of the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement, 
including the cascade system o f valuation methods. Around half of all imports are now valued on 
the basis of their (declared) transaction values, the remainder based on the alternative methods. 
Myanmar has deposited with the WCO the country 's instrument of accession to the Internationa l 
Convention on the Simplification and Harmonization of Customs Procedures (Revised Kyoto 
Convention) which will enter into force on 2 January 2021.  
3.1.1.4   Streamlining of import licensing  
3.15.   Equally significant progress was made in reforming the import licensing re gime during the 
review period, leading to enhanced overall transparency, an automation of the application process, 
and a further reduction of the number of products subject to licensing requirements.  
3.16.   In 2015, the positive list of products subject to licens ing was replaced by the list subject to 
import licensing, thereby reducing the share of tariff lines for products subject to import licensing 
from 78.9% to 44.8%. The latest liberalization of the import licensing regime was introduced in WT/TPR/G/405 • Myanmar  
 
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 October 2020 with Notification No.  68/2020, increasing to approximately 64.8% the share of goods 
that are not subject to import licensing requirements. Information on products subject to licensing, 
licensing procedures and requirements is available online at the National Tr ade Portal.  
3.17.   Since 2016, the import (and export) licensing system became fully online and the system was 
integrated with MACCS, MyCo and other systems including importer and exporter registration and 
electronic payment systems. As of November 2020, applica tions for import licen ses for 1 ,339 10 -
digit tariff lines are automated, facilitating trade and easing doing business in Myanmar. The soft 
launch of the recently developed TradeNet 2.0 in November 2020 further enhanced the automation 
of import licensing an d facilitate trade.  
3.18.   The Government reflected these reforms in a 2019 notification under the Agreement on 
Import Licensing Procedures (G/LIC/N/2/MMR/1). The notification contains detailed information 
about the regulatory framework, competent authorities, an d the underlying policy objectives to be 
achieved by the licensing.  
3.1.1.5   Sanitary and phytosanitary measures  
3.19.   There are four main SPS agencies overseeing SPS related matters. The se are  the Department 
of Agriculture, the Department of Fisheries and Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department  under 
the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation and the Department of Food and Drug 
Administration under the Ministry of Health and Spo rts. 
3.20.   To date, Myanmar has adopted several SPS standards in compliance with the SPS Agreement.  
3.21.   Myanmar 's national SPS enquiry point to the WTO, established in 2018, is located within  the 
Plant Protection Division of the  Department of Agriculture.16 
3.22.   Myanmar  is making every effort to ensure that its standards are upgraded in line with 
international standards and that its products meet the SPS requirements in export markets. Notable 
progress was made recently in fishery and apiculture in addition to other area s. 
3.23.   Myanmar welcomes the support of its partners in upgrading its SPS infrastructure, developing 
the necessary technical expertise and enhancing its quality infrastructure (soft and hard).  
3.1.1.6   Standardization, technical regulations and conformity assessment  
3.24.   Notable progress was also made in the areas covered by the TBT Agreement, with more under 
way.  
3.25.   The 2014 Law on Standardization, which inter alia  established the National Standards Council 
and generally aimed to put the country on a path towards a modern m anagement of standards and 
standardization, is currently being amended. At the time of writing, a draft law is being considered 
by the Union Attorney General 's Office (UAGO). Moreover, a draft Law on Metrology has already 
been approved by the  UAGO and is i n the final consultation stage with relevant ministries before its 
submission to the Parliament . In parallel, both an overall National Quality Policy and a strategy to 
develop standardization in Myanmar (Developing National Standardization Strategy) are be ing 
prepared. In addition, a roadmap for accreditation is under development.  
3.26.   In 2015, a new National Standards and Quality Department (NSQD) was established at the 
Ministry of Education - which spearheads standardization accreditation and metrology in Myan mar -, 
replacing the previous Standards Department. The NSQD is the Focal Point of international and 
regional cooperation of Myanmar for standards and conformity assessment; it also operates as the 
TBT National Enquiry Point and Notification Authority. In addition to the National Standards Council, 
a Standards Working Committee is in operation, as are 2 5 sector -specific technical committees.  
 
16 See information at: https://ppdmyanmar.org/sps -ep/about -sps-enquiry -point/. WT/TPR/G/405 • Myanmar  
 
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 3.1.1.7   Industrial development  
3.27.   Myanmar 's 2016 Industrial Policy reflects the country 's orientation towards increased and 
more diversified value addition through manufacturing. The stated objective is to increase the 
industrial sector 's contribution to GDP to 37% by 2030 -2031. To oversee its implementation, MOPFI 
(formally Ministry of Industry) developed the Str ategic Directions for Industrial Development 
in 2017.  
3.28.   To further the industrial development in Myanmar, attention to existing challenges need to be 
addressed. These include the inadequate electricity and energy supply, poor transportation 
infrastructure, s hortage of skilled labour, and the high price of land for industrial purposes. In 
addition, the policy emphasizes the following four directions: business enabling environment, human 
resource development and technology upgrade, market expansion, and the dev elopment of a 
privatization policy.  
3.29.   Examples of initiatives to further the industrial development include the facilitation of 
registration and tax payments, and the establishment of one -stop service centres, which provide 
information on markets and busine ss, access to technology and finance, and which also can be used 
to register, apply for licenses and permits, pay taxes and get visa documentation.  
3.30.   The thinking on industrial development also reflects specific ambitions for the mining and 
energy sectors. For mining, a policy aiming at minimal environmental impact and maximum 
transparency and accountability is to be pursued, reflected inter alia  in the country 's membership in 
the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) . For energy, the policy f urther reflects the 
aim to seek energy security and to export the surplus, coupled with an alternative energy policy to 
attract investment into solar and wind power.  
3.31.   The Government is in the process of reviewing the 2016 Industrial Policy and the 2017 
Strategic Directions with the view to prioritize three industries - food processing, textile and textile 
products, and machinery – and developing concrete policy plans for these industries. The local 
economic situation, the National Export Strategy and trends in regional and international 
collaboration provide important context for the review.  
3.1.2   Mining and energy  
3.32.   Sustainability and value -addition/diversification are equally determinative of the 
Government 's policy in the mining and energy sectors. As Myanmar is r ich in natural resources such 
as oil, gas, minerals and gems, mining is a key pillar of its economy and a key export earner. In 
2017-18, mining and quarrying contributed 4.8% to Myanmar 's GDP, 5.2% of the Government 
revenue and 35% of total exports.17 
3.33.   The sector is regulated by the Mining Law, the Gemstone Law, the Myanmar Oilfield Act, the 
Petroleum Hand-dug Well Law and the Petroleum and Petroleum Products Law (2017). Since 2014, 
Myanmar has been part of the countries that implement the Extractive Industr ies Transparency 
Initiative (EITI) to improve its practices in natural resources exploitation and financial management. 
The Government takes this process very seriously and takes pride in the progress made. The country 
was admitted as an EITI candidate in 2014.  Its validation against the EITI Standard  commenced  on 
1 July 2018. On 16 October 2019, the EITI Board found Myanmar to have made meaningful progress 
in implementing the EITI Standard.  
3.34.   SEEs continue to play an important role in mining, ele ctricity and hydrocarbons – both 
extraction/production and distribution –, stabilizing markets, securing supply, and managing shared 
resources for the benefit of the country and its citizens. This goes hand in hand with liberalization 
(e.g. in energy distr ibution) and the admission and encouragement of FDI.  
3.1.3   Manufacturing  
3.35.   The Government of Myanmar considers the manufacturing sector essential to the process of 
economic transformation of Myanmar, as reflected in the MSDP and the 2016 Industrial Policy. 
 
17 See at: https://eiti.org/myanmar . WT/TPR/G/405 • Myanmar  
 
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 Togethe r with the services sector it offers the twin opportunities of increased value addition and 
diversification – without, however, subscribing to a simplistic notion of industrialization.  
3.36.   In 2018/19, the contribution of the manufacturing sector to GDP was of  24.8%18, an increase 
of roughly 5% during the review period. Efforts are underway to further increase the contribution of 
the sector to GDP including through the establishment of SEZ, the development of infrastructure, 
electrification and enhancing the ca pacities of Myanmar 's young and agile labour force. Garments, 
electronics, food and beverage, electrical machinery and automotive parts are among Myanmar 's 
key exports.  
3.37.   Among these industrial sectors, textiles and clothing continue to offer specific promis e. 
Myanmar 's National Textile Policy aims inter alia  to support a change in approach for the industry, 
away from pure contract manufacturing towards Own Design Manufacture and even Own Brand 
Manufacture, securing greater value addition and retention by the  country 's industry.  
3.1.4   Agriculture, fisheries and forestry  
3.38.   Agriculture, fisheries and forestry in Myanmar are linked by a common narrative, namely that 
of essentiality and the need to secure sustainability. Sustainability entails two needs: diversification 
and hence increased value -addition; and climate -smart, climate change mitigating approaches.  
3.1.4.1   Agriculture  
3.39.   Agriculture matters greatly to Myanmar. The country is a net exporter of agricultural products, 
including rice - the country 's main staple -, and is the world 's second -largest exporter of peas and 
beans. Other key agricultural crops include maize, cotton, palm oil, sugar cane, rubber, and tea.  
3.40.   Notwithstanding the obvious need for diversification and further value -addition, the 
agricultural sector holds  and will maintain an important role in the economy of Myanmar. Together 
with livestock, fishery and forestry, agriculture contributed 21.3% to Myanmar 's GDP in 2018/1919 
and represented 17.18% of its total exports in 2018. The share of agriculture, forest ry and fishing 
sector in total employment is 50.6% of the labour force.20 It is, obviously, key to food security.  
3.41.   Significant efforts during the review period were targeted at modernizing the sector, 
improving productivity, diversifying output and enhancing connectivity to export markets. However, 
a host of structural challenges, ranging from weak infrastructure and access to finance to weak 
logistics and transportation services continue to present challenges to the development of the sector. 
Welcom ed by the Government, private investments in the sector continue to increase, due not least 
to the new Investment Law.  
3.42.   Institutional developments of note include the 2016 merger of three separate ministries 
(Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, Ministry  of Livestock, Fisheries and Rural Development and 
Ministry of Cooperatives) into a single Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation (MOALI). This 
helped streamline and harmonize efforts. Equally of note is the creation of 33 Agribusiness Service 
Centres (ACS).  
3.43.   Regulatory developments include amendments to the Seed Law in 2015 and the adoption of 
the Plant Variety Protection Law in 2017, which aims to contribute to the development of the 
agriculture sector through protecting the right of plant breed ers, developing plant breeding activities, 
and improving investments in breeding activities. In 2020, the new Animal Health and Livestock 
Development Law was enacted. The law aims to improve and develop animal and livestock health 
through enhanced and comp etent veterinary services including prevention and control of contagious 
animal diseases, conservation of animal genetic resources and upgrading of animal breeding.  
3.44.   These efforts by the Government and other stakeholders are guided by, and enshrined in, a 
series of guidance documents and policy statements. These include the Myanmar Agriculture 
Development Strategy  and Investment Plan ( 2018-19 – 2022-23), the National Plan for Food and 
 
18 Planning Department, Ministry of Planning, Finance and Industry.  
19 Planning Department, Ministry of Planning, finance and Industry.  
20 The Annual Labour Force Study (2019) . WT/TPR/G/405 • Myanmar  
 
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 Nutrition Security and a development strategy for the rice sector. Alongsi de food security and 
economic development climate change (and sustainability in general) takes centre stage in the 
Government 's approach to agriculture, as reflected inter alia in the Myanmar Climate Smart 
Agriculture Strategy.  
3.45.   The vision Myanmar 's agricul tural policy is "An inclusive, competitive, food and nutrition 
secure and sustainable agricultural system contributing to the socio -economic well -being of farmers 
and rural people and further development of the national economy ". This vision underpins the 
Agricultural Development Strategy which is based on three pillars: governance, productivity and 
competitiveness with the principles of clearly defined public and private roles, sustainability, farmer 's 
rights and voice, smallholder farmers, the growth driv ers, inclusion, transparency, participation and 
accountability.  
3.46.   The livestock market is growing as domestic demand for meat grows, particularly in urban 
areas, and international opportunities are explored. The Government is focusing on the small -scale 
producers of livestock and dairy products and on building capacities for livestock income generation 
in rural areas. A ban on exports of livestock (cattle and buffalo) was lifted in 2017 to promote legal 
export of livestock.  
3.47.   The apiculture (bee honey) indust ry is also growing and providing primary and additional 
source of income generation for small -scale producers. The EU approved Myanmar's National 
Residue Monitoring Plan for the importation of honey produced in Myanmar in 2019 and since then 
honey  can expo rt to European markets.  
3.48.   The COVID -19 crisis required the Government to temporarily limit exports of rice, in 
accordance with GATT Article XI and Article 12 of the Agreement on Agriculture; the corresponding 
notification was shared with WTO Members. Rice c ontinues to play a central role in the country 's 
economy and psyche, and attract corresponding Government attention, both as a productive sector 
and as a staple food product.  
3.1.4.2   Fisheries  
3.49.   Fish matters equally greatly to Myanmar. With over 2 '000 kilometr e of coastline and inland 
freshwater bodies covering 8.1 million hectares, Myanmar has abundant marine and freshwater 
fisheries that contribute to its food security and generate income and employment for 2.3 million 
people.  
3.50.   As a result of successfu l efforts to meet the quality standards of export markets and an 
increased external demand, Myanmar 's exports reached USD 737.84 million in 2018.21 Today, 
Myanmar is a net exporter of fish and fish products and is among the top 20 fish producers 
worldwide,  with a total production of 3.25 million tons of fish in 2018. Main importers of Myanmar 
fish and fish products are China, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Japan, UAE, 
the U nited Kingdom  and the U nited States . The main export items are Rohu, Hilsa, Tiger and Pink 
Shrimp, White Pomfret and Crab.  
3.51.   Sustainability, especially that of marine fisheries, is a key concern. Government policies on 
fisheries aim to establish a sustainable overall balance, expanding the production of marine and 
fresh water aquaculture and upgrading the socio -economic conditions of fishing communities, while 
ensuring the sustainable development of the sector and conserving and rehabilitating (wild) marine 
fishery resources. The Government 's vision is to encourage the l egal freshwater and saltwater fishing 
and to prevent the extinction of offshore and onshore fisheries and stop illegal fishing. The 
Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation (MoALI) is the 
competent authority, resp onsible for the conservation and rehabilitation of fishery resources and 
licensing, while the Inspection and Quality Control Division implements food safety management 
systems for inspection bodies and laboratories.  
3.52.   Myanmar is an active and committed parti cipant in the WTO Fisheries Subsidies negotiations. 
As an economy dependent in significant part on fish, it has a major interest in a successful and 
ambitious outcome. The Government is determined to continue to play its part, and make any 
 
21 Central Statistics Organization, Ministry of Planning, Finance and Industry.  WT/TPR/G/405 • Myanmar  
 
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 contribution nec essary, to reach such an outcome, while securing legitimate space for sustainable 
policies, including those essential to address food security and poverty alleviation in coastal areas, 
where suitable by securing appropriate and effective special and differ ential treatment for LDCs and 
graduating LDCs.  
3.1.4.3   Forestry  
3.53.   As one of the world 's main suppliers of natural teak Myanmar has clearly defined interests in 
this sector. These include, on the one hand, the need to increase value addition and diversification, 
and, on the other hand, a focus on climate change mitigation, i.e., the need to prevent deforestation 
and forest degradation.  
3.54.   Various measures have been taken during the review period to address these twin concerns. 
The Myanmar reforestation and rehabilitatio n Programme (MRRP) implemented by the Forest 
Department aims to increase forest cover and the REDD+ programme, also implemented by the 
Forestry Department, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emission in the context of sustainable forest 
management. In terms of forest cover, the Government aims to increase forest cover considerably 
in both 'Forest Lands ' (to 30% of total land area) and 'Protected Area ' (to 10% of total land area).  
3.55.   Timber, as indicated, is specifically protected as one of the reserved sectors und er the SEE 
Law, allowing for controlled engagement of the private sector. This establishes the Myanmar Timber 
Enterprise as a central player and a force for good in the sector. Since 2014 a ban on the exportation 
of round logs, boule cut logs and baulks sq uare timber applies which serves the twin aims of 
preventing the reduction of forest cover and to securing value addition, namely to promote exports 
of processed wood (in particular teak) products and to secure supplies for the local milling industry.  
3.2  Services 
3.2.1   Introduction: services as a centerpiece of Myanmar 's development  
3.56.   Myanmar sees the progressive development of its services sectors, including increased 
inbound and outbound trade in services, as a centerpiece of its economic and social development. 
Services are important business sectors as well as facilitators of other business activities, and in 
both functions are also drivers of the needed economic diversification.  
3.57.   Services currently contribute 40.7% to Myanmar 's GDP.22 Furthermore, d espite significant 
growth in imports as a result of liberalization in sectors such as banking, insurance and 
telecommunications, Myanmar is a net exporter of services. As such, services are also part of the 
country 's efforts to foster export -led growth.  
3.58.   During the review period Myanmar undertook far -reaching reforms virtually across the entire 
spectrum of services sectors. Many of these entail the liberalization and autonomous opening of the 
market to foreign providers, for example in financial, distributi on, telecommunication, express 
delivery, education and gambling services. The role of SEEs − traditionally central in many sectors 
− is being redefined, and in many cases significantly reduced. This goes hand in hand with 
modernized and improved regulation s, including at the level of institutions, for example by creating 
or upgrading designated regulators. Multiple services sectors benefit from designated policies, 
strategies and roadmaps.  
3.59.   The following subsections thus provide only 'snapshot ' examples, alb eit some of particular 
relevance to trade. They should be read in light of the bigger picture just exposed.  
3.2.2   Financial services   
3.60.   Myanmar made substantial progress in reforming the financial sector, upgrading its legal and 
regulatory framework, modernizing t he financial infrastructure, liberalizing the sector and 
restructuring state -owned banks. These reforms reflect the objectives of the MSDP and the Financial 
 
22 Planing Department, Ministry of Planning, Finance and Industry  WT/TPR/G/405 • Myanmar  
 
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 Sector Development Strategy (2015 -2020). While the reforms are still in their early stages, progres s 
is visible and significant.  
3.61.   The Financial Institutions Law (2016) was a major step towards modernizing the sector. It 
established governing regulations for domestic and foreign financial institutions, levelled the playing 
field between private and state-owned banks, and opened the market to non -bank payment service 
providers.  
3.62.   The Central Bank of Myanmar conducts monetary policy and regulates, licenses and oversees 
financial institutions (banks, registered mobile financial service providers, FinTech companies and 
registered certificate holder non -financial institutions), in accordance with the Financial Institutions 
Law (2016) and related regulations, the Mobile Financial Service Regulation and the Central Bank of 
Myanmar Law (2013).  
3.63.   The CBM governs transactional payments in compliance with the Foreign Exchange 
Management Law (2012), the Law Amending Foreign Exchange Management Law (2015), the 
Foreign Exchange Management Regulation and the Merchant Acquiring Service Directive (2020).  
3.64.   To complement the  policy and regulatory framework for payments and ensure that such 
framework is modern and coherent, the CBM prepared the National Payment System Strategy (2020 -
2025) and a draft regulation on oversight of the national payment system is under consideration . 
3.65.   In its drive to modernize and develop Myanmar 's financial and banking sector, the CBM also 
introduced in November 2020 the Myanmar Financial Network System 2 (CBM -Net2), an advanced 
and upgraded version of the original CBM -Net. CBM -Net2 offers domestic M MK remittance with 
different banks, bulk payments such payroll transfer and automatic withdrawal of taxes and utilit y 
bills. In addition  to straight -through processing (STP) between central banks and commercial banks 
system and electronic check processing which will improve the efficiency of payments nationwide 
and will make formal remittance services more accessible to those who have previously relied on 
cash payments and high -risk informal remittance  transfer . This  development  will eventually 
contribute t o enhancing financial inclusion in Myanmar. Shift from the traditional cash -based 
economy to electronic "cashless" payment will also help in mitigating challenge s associated with 
COVID -19. 
3.66.   The National Real Time Retail Payment (RTRP) System and the QR Code  Generation and 
Repository System are in under preparation. The implementation of the Core Banking System will 
start after the conclusion of the tendering process.  
3.67.   The Financial Regulatory Department at MOPFI, regulates the insurance sector, and oversees 
state-owned banks and microfinance institutions.  
3.68.   With six listed companies, the nascent capital market in Myanmar is regulated by the 
Securities and Exchange Commission of Myanmar (SECM) established in 2014 in line with the 
Securities and Exchange Law (201 3). The Yangon Stock Exchange (YSX) was established in 2014 
and trading started in March 2016.  Foreign participation in share trading of listed companies through 
opening of a securities account has been permitted since 2019 . Myanmar welcomes foreign 
invest ment in the securities sector.  
3.2.2.1   Banking services  
3.69.   At present, under the managed float exchange rate regime in Myanmar, three state -owned 
banks, 21 private banks and 13 foreign bank branches have been granted the Authorized Dealer 
License that enables them to  conduct foreign banking business including trade financing.  
3.70.   During the review period, significant reforms and improvements in terms of banking 
infrastructure, technology and human resources, coupled with a series of autonomous liberalization 
measures too k place, leading to a significant transformation of the financial sector.  
3.71.   Foreign banks can now apply for a branch license to undertake wholesale banking activities, 
or a subsidiary license which allows them to undertake wholesale and retail banking activ ities. 
Existing foreign bank branches are entitled to apply for converting their institutional setup into WT/TPR/G/405 • Myanmar  
 
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 foreign bank subsidiaries.  With the third round of licensing of foreign banks concluded in 2020, an 
additional set of four foreign bank branches and t hree foreign bank subsidiaries had been granted 
preliminary approval to prepare for operations in Myanmar.  
3.72.   As of January 2019 foreign banks and foreign financial institutions may hold up to 35% of 
equity investment in local banks. Since 1 January 2020 exceptions to that ceiling may be granted 
on a case -by-case basis.  
3.73.   Perhaps most importantly, the modernization of the regulatory framework advanced 
significantly during the review period. Following the 2016 Financial Institutions Law, in 2017 the 
Central B ank of Myanmar issued four prudential regulations for the banking sector, followed by 
several directives in 2019, all based on Basel standards. The regulators ' agility was put to the test 
recently in the context of COVID -19-related measures, when the minim um reserve requirement for 
banks was lowered to 3.5% of deposits, the Central Bank rate was reduced from 10 to 7% between 
March and April 2020, and measures were taken to encourage mobile payments and other mobile 
financial services.  
3.74.   Other significant deve lopments during the review period include the restructuring of state 
banks, which is a priority in the Myanmar economic reform agenda, as reflected in the MSDP. In line 
with the 2016 Financial Institutions Law, s tate-owned banks − which remain an important  element 
of Myanmar 's financial infrastructure, not least for development and trade finance − are now subject 
to the same regulatory framework as private banks . The importance of the latter, however, is 
growing significantly. Between 2014 and 2019 the asse ts held by private commercial banks in 
Myanmar grew by almost 500%, while those of the state -owned banks grew by little over 10%.  
3.75.   CBM granted the Remittance Business Licenses to five companies in November 2020 in line 
with the Notification No. 21/2019 und er the Foreign Exchange Management Law to encourage the 
legal cross -border movement of money. The licensed companies can now conduct personal cross -
border money transfer.  
3.2.2.2   Insurance services  
3.76.   Equally significant are the transformations under way in the insur ance sector. These are 
guided by the Insurance Sector Liberalization Roadmap, developed by the Financial Regulatory 
Department with the assistance of the World Bank. It has long been recognized that insurance 
penetration in Myanmar is far too low, and that  the market in turn offers significant growth potential 
for the benefit of the whole economy.  
3.77.   Starting in 2013, when private sector participation was first allowed, the Government has 
carried out autonomous liberalization in the insurance sector, reducing  market access restrictions 
on mode 3 and allowing foreign providers of insurance services to establish in Myanmar.  
3.78.   All foreign insurers in Myanmar shall purchase new government treasury bonds by offering 
competitive bids for the Government Treasury bond a uction through licensed securities companies 
by Securities and Exchange Commission of Myanmar. Upon the maturity of any Government 
Treasury Bonds held, foreign insurers shall purchase new Government Treasury bonds by the next 
available Government Treasury Bond auction in order to comply with the Insurance Business Rules. 
All insurers in Myanmar shall from time to time submite to IBRB the supporting evidence that sub -
rule (b) of rule 7 of the Insurance Business Rules has been complied with.  
3.79.   The liberalizatio n of insurance services has attracted foreign investment in the sector, with 
five fully foreign owned life insurers, three joint venture general insurers and three joint venture life 
insurers currently operating in the market, as well as 34 foreign insuran ce representative offices, 
alongside eight local life insurers and five local non -life insurers. Life insurance currently accounts 
for 31% of the market, and general insurance for the remaining 69%.  
3.80.   As indicated, with only 4.9 million insured persons in M yanmar (2019), the insurance sector 
has a significant growth potential. The rising demand for insurance products (including health 
insurance), which increased with the recent COVID -19 crisis, is expected to spur investments in the 
sector and stimulate the further expansion of the range of insurance products available in the 
market.  WT/TPR/G/405 • Myanmar  
 
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 3.81.   The insurance sector is regulated and supervised by the Insurance Business Regulatory Board 
(IBRB) under MOPFI. The MOPFI is working on updating and upgrading the regulatory and legislative 
framework for the sector. A draft new Insurance Law has been prepared by the MOPFI 's Financial 
Regulatory Department and is currently under consideration in the Banks and Financial Development 
Committee of the parliament. The Law will stimulate  further opening and liberalization of the sector 
in line with the Myanmar Insurance Sector Liberalization Roadmap.  
3.82.   Recent developments reflect the dynamism of the regulatory and market evolution under way. 
Following a series of new directives issued in Ma rch 2020, the IBRB announced in May the opening 
of the reinsurance market – a move some industry observers have called a 'game -changer ' for the 
insurance industry in Myanmar. Since 1 October 2020, every Myanmar insurer/reinsurer and foreign 
reinsurer shall  cede a compulsory maximum cession up to 10% of any insurance segment business 
to Myanma Insurance, but whether Myanma Insurance agrees to take such cession limit (or any part 
thereof) or refuses to provide cover is of its own discretion. Should Myanma Ins urance refuse to 
exercise its right to retain any portion of the risk offered to it, the residual part of the risk may be 
insured with a cross border reinsurance (CBR) or series of CBRs.  
3.2.2.3   Securities and  capital market  
3.83.   Myanmar 's securities market is in its i nfancy, but a start has been made. The Securities 
Exchange Law was enacted in July 2013, while the Securities and Exchange Commission of Myanmar 
(SECM) was established in August 2014. At the time of drafting six public companies are listed at 
the Yangon St ock Exchange, their total market capitalization amounting to MMK 156.178 billion as 
of September 2020. 145 licenses have been issued to securities representatives, 6 securities 
companies and 43,128 investors participate in the Myanmar capital market.  
3.84.   In Ma rch 2019, the Domestic Bond Market Development Working Committee was established 
to further the development of the primary and secondary domestic bond markets. Already since 
November 2017, securities companies are allowed to conduct government bond trading  for the 
primary and secondary market.  
3.85.   The work continues. A pre -listing Board (PLB) has already approved to be established in the 
YSX to facilitate raising capital for public companies which do not meet the criteria of the main board 
at the YSX.   
3.86.   In its efforts to further develop the capital market, promote corporate culture and build 
capacities the SECM collaborates with regional and international partners including the International 
Finance Corporation (IFC), the Securities and Exchange Commission o f Thailand (SECT), Mekong 
Capital Markets Cooperation (MCMC) and the OECD. The SECM also participates in the ASEAN Capital 
Market Forum (ACMF).  
3.87.   Reflecting the ACMF  road map the SCEM has set up a road map for the development of capital 
markets in Myanmar, e mphasizing five priority areas: strengthening foundations, market 
development, catalyzing products, enabling access to underserved areas, and raising awareness and 
capacity building. Ongoing and future developments at the SCEM include issuing the corporate  
governance notification and the Related Party Transaction instruction.  
3.2.2.4   FinTech  
3.88.   The Government puts a special emphasis on the development and adoption of FinTech 
solutions. FinTech services are expanding fast in Myanmar, with rapid mobile growth, digitali zation 
and a strong Government commitment to promote greater financial inclusion in the country. One of 
the five pillars of the Financial Inclusion Roadmap is to promote and enhance digital financial 
services, including through promoting digital government  payments – something that was, in fact, 
underscored in the context of the COVID -19 crisis where the Government encouraged mobile 
financial services, including mobile payments.  
3.89.   Several homegrown and foreign FinTech companies operate in the country, offerin g mobile 
financial services, digital payment and lending services, financial advisory, and other services.  WT/TPR/G/405 • Myanmar  
 
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 3.2.3   Distribution services  
3.90.   The distribution sector in Myanmar is undergoing a significant transformation, not least for 
the benefit of international trade in goods. Over the past years, the Government introduced a series 
of regulatory reforms and liberalization steps, especially in wholesale and retail services, while 
working on developing and complementing the regulatory framework for th e sector. As a result, 
foreign investment is increasing and the sector is estimated to have grown by 8% in 2019.  
3.91.   Recent liberalization efforts in wholesale and retail services include a reduction of market 
access restrictions on mode 3, allowing foreign pr oviders of retail and wholesale services to offer 
their services. The recent reductions of import and export licensing requirements for goods are also 
of direct relevance for the sector 's development.  
3.2.4   Telecommunication services  
3.92.   Telecommunication services are the backbone of most economic activity, and the fundamental 
infrastructure for e -commerce and, not least, e -government. The Government therefore places great 
emphasis on their continuous and dynamic development and their accessibility.  
3.93.   Starting with t he 2013 Telecommunications Law, the Government undertook a series of 
institutional and regulatory reforms in addition to significant liberalization steps of the sector during 
the review period. The ensuing development of the sector is indeed very encouragi ng: telephone 
density has increased from 13% in 2013 to 164.15% as of March 2020; mobile connections 
(excluding the internet of things) are now of almost 70 million (about 126% of the population) with 
total number of internet user on any device of about 22  million (about 41% of the population); there 
are 19 international gateways provided by four suppliers (in 2013 there was only one); and the 
national fibre backbone is of 76,686 km (compared to 7,600 km in 2013). There are now four mobile 
operators in Myan mar, all with local and foreign participation.  
3.94.   The work continues, including the further modernization of the regulatory environment. A 
draft Communications Regulatory Commission Law is currently under discussion in Parliament. It 
aims to establish the Mya nmar Communication Regulatory Commission as an independent, 
autonomous and impartial regulator of the sector. In addition, the Ministry of Transport and 
Communications (MoTC) is currently preparing draft legislations on cyber security and personal data 
protection, postal services and on e -commerce in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce. The 
law on postal services will formalize the separation of postal and telecoms services regulation, which 
is already practiced.  
3.95.   While the numbers mentioned above ar e encouraging, access remains a key issue, especially 
across rural areas of the country. MoTC developed the Universal Service Fund regulation in 
accordance with Section 54 of the Telecommunication Law (2018), in particular with the aim of 
reaching universa l mobile coverage, and mobile operators have started contributing. Proceeds from 
the Fund are channeled to provide basic telecom services in rural areas currently underserviced due 
to logistical and infrastructure challenges. In 2020 January, MoCT issued t he Universal Service 
Strategy (2019 -2023) with the objective of increasing access to telecommunications, making 
telecommunication services affordable and developing the communication infrastructure to foster 
inclusive socio -economic growth and poverty redu ction.  
3.2.5   Other services  sectors: continued reform and liberalization efforts  
3.96.   Many more services sectors would deserve detailed attention in this report, with many 
regulatory reforms going hand in hand with increased market access for foreign services and 
providers. During the review period, the Government of Myanmar carried out autonomous 
liberalization of several other services sectors, including gambling, tourism, education, and courier 
services. Also important are the developments in the transport, logisti cs and health sectors.  
3.97.   In 2019 a new Gambling Law was enacted, repealing the previous one from 1986. The new 
Law allows licensed casinos to offer gambling services to foreign customers in selected hotels.  
3.98.   In the area of tourism, the Government eased visa requirements for tourists arriving from 
some European countries and exempted arrivals from some Asian countries in 2019. While WT/TPR/G/405 • Myanmar  
 
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 limitations aimed at fostering local value -added and local 'ownership ' of the tourism product remain 
in operation (equity caps fo r joint ventures in tour operator and travel agency services; nationality 
requirements for tour guide services), the new Tourism Law of 2018 significantly liberalizes the 
provision of hotel and other tourism services. While the impact of COVID -19 has been − and 
continues to be − overwhelming, it is hoped that certain measures and initiatives taken also have 
positive effects in the long run, such as improved online marketing and other e -commerce -related 
upgrades that may benefit the sector.  
3.99.   Under the Nation al Education Strategic Plan (2016 -2021), market access restrictions on 
foreign investments in private education services were lifted in 2018, allowing full foreign capital 
participation in private education institutions. In fact, foreign engagement in the sector is expressly 
encouraged. Several education services are among the promoted sectors for foreign investment and 
are eligible for tax exemptions and land lease privileges under the new Investment Law.  
3.100.   Also in 2018, the Government granted permission fo r five domestic and two international 
express delivery service providers to carry out their services. This also reflects the attention given 
to the logistics and transport sectors more generally. As already reflected, private – including foreign 
– investme nt in airport, maritime port, dry port infrastructure and many other sub -sectors is 
encouraged. The Government is actively involved in further developing the transport and related 
services infrastructure, including governmental services.  
3.101.   The development of  up to eight dry ports and an emphasis on improved rail links including 
the recent rehabilitation of the Yangon -Mandalay, Bago -Mawlamyine, Mandalay -Myitkyina and 
Yangon Circular Railway Lines form part of these efforts, which will significantly benefit int ernational 
trade and enhance investment opportunities in the country. In fact, two of the eight dry ports in 
Myanmar (Ywathargyi, Yangon and Myitnge, Mandalay) have been operated by private investors.  
3.102.   In addition, the Mandalay Inland Port Terminal situate d on the Ayeyarwaddy River has been 
developed to handle container cargo with inland waterways and to increase logistics performance 
and seamless cargo transport at a competitive rate.  
3.103.   The Government of Myanmar is committed to developing the services secto r as a key pillar 
of the economy and will continue its reform and liberalization efforts. Currently, the Government is 
conducting regulatory reviews of selected services sectors in collaboration with development 
partners. The results of these reviews will guide the development of services policies and services 
reforms. The Government also developed a plan to establish a Services Trade and Investment Portal 
(STIP) by 2022, which aims to offer information including regulatory developments on services. The 
Portal will enhance transparency and facilitate Myanmar 's drive to meet its obligations under the 
WTO and ASEAN Agreements.  
3.3  Intellectual Property Rights  
3.104.   The Government of Myanmar is fully committed to the comprehensive and effective 
protection of intellectual  property, and to the country 's compliance with the TRIPS Agreement. The 
2016 Myanmar Economic Policy not only mentions the strengthening of property rights, alongside 
the rule of law, but also provides specifically for policies "[e]stablishing technical s ystems and 
procedures to support intellectual property rights that can encourage innovation and the 
development of advanced technology ." 
3.105.   In this spirit, since the last TPR the Government has undertaken a major modernization of 
the intellectual property reg imes and their implementation. A cornerstone of this effort is a near -
comprehensive suite of new intellectual property laws, which were adopted in 2019 and are expected 
to enter into force during the first half of 2021.  
3.106.   The suite includes a new Trademark Law, adopted on 30 January 2019, which foresees a 
standard term of protection of 10 years (renewable) and also regulates the protection of 
geographical indications. Implementing rules and regulations are currently being prepared, as is the 
operationalizati on of the trademark registration system. An advance 'soft opening ' of the system in 
the form of a start of the collection of applications for registration started on the basis of Order 
No. 63/2020 issued by MoCOM , and a corresponding online solution has been initiated using WIPO 
business solutions (WIPO File Software).  WT/TPR/G/405 • Myanmar  
 
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 3.107.   The new set of IP laws further includes a new Patent Law (adopted on 11 March 2019), a 
new Industrial Design Law (adopted on 30 January 2019), which inter alia  provide for TRIPS -
compliant terms of protection and a new Copyright Law (adopted on 24 May 2019) . 
3.108.   A 2019 amendment to the 2016 Plant Variety Protection Law aligns the protection system in 
Myanmar with the 1991 UPOV Convention.  
3.109.   The Government recognizes that effective IP protection will require further effort, not least 
in terms of implementation and  enforcement. New challenges, such as copyright protection in the 
internet, are taken very seriously and will be addressed, taking due account of international best 
practice. The Government is aware of the relevance of IP protection for the facilitation of  
e-commerce, a clear priority for the country.  
3.110.   An important step towards a modern administration of the intellectual property regime in 
Myanmar was the recent move of the portfolio from the Ministry of Education to the Ministry of 
Commerce. This not only recognizes the economic importance of effective IP protection but also its 
place within the country 's trade and commercial policymaking and administration. It also entails the 
upgrade to a full department with a vision to 'establish an Intellectual Propert y System that promotes 
innovation and creativity and contributes thereby to the global competitiveness of the national 
economy, and to the social, scientific and cultural development of Myanmar '. 
3.111.   The new structure includes a new Intellectual Property Centr al Committee (IPCC) established 
in 2020 to design and formulate IP policies, strategies and action plans and supervise their 
implementation, enhance capacities in the area of IPR and liaise with relevant agencies on IPR 
related matters. IPCC is chaired by the Vice President of the Union of Myanmar, with the Minister 
for Commerce acting as Vice -Chair and the Deputy Minister as Secretary. It will work with all line 
agencies concerned.  
3.112.   A central feature of the efforts is education and awareness -raising within  and beyond the 
government. Multiple initiatives, supported by Myanmar 's development partners, have addressed 
and continue to address judges, customs and the police. The Supreme Court has designated specific 
judges and tasked them with acquiring the needed  specialist knowledge to adjudicate IP 
infringement cases, supported by targeted training.  
3.113.   The Government works actively with the country 's universities to enhance education and 
awareness -raising on intellectual property. This includes the training of exam iners and IP 
practitioners. In 2016, Yangon University 's law department began to offer a post -graduate diploma 
on intellectual property law, which serves 150 students each year. The fourth batch of students has 
recently completed its turn.  
3.114.   Myanmar has been  a Member of WIPO since 2001 and is a grateful recipient of its support, 
not least in the aforementioned modernization efforts. The Government intends to make further 
good use of this relationship as well as of the support of its partners on the path towar ds further 
upgrading and modernization, including effective implementation. Myanmar is not yet a party to the 
WIPO conventions referenced in the TRIPS Agreement, but work is under way to pave the way to 
the country 's accession. Translations are being prepa red to facilitate meaningful internal discussion.  
3.115.   As a member of ASEAN, Myanmar participates in the ASEAN Framework Agreement on 
Intellectual Property Cooperation to carry out the ASEAN IPR Action Plan and implement its 
commitments under the ASEAN Economi c Community. Myanmar is also cooperating and 
collaborating with local, regional and international specialized organizations for the development of 
IPR protection in Myanmar.  
4  MYANMAR IN THE MULTILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM  
4.1.  Myanmar is an original Member of the WTO and is firmly committed to the rules -based 
multilateral trading system, including and specifically in times of crisis. As such , the country inter 
alia ensured that a notification regarding temporary export curbs on rice was duly submitted and 
joined ef forts to ensure that supply chains remain uninterrupted during the COVID -19 pandemic.  WT/TPR/G/405 • Myanmar  
 
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 4.2.  During the review period, Myanmar made efforts to enhance its engagement at and cooperation 
with the WTO and to improve compliance with its WTO obligations, including in regard to trade 
facilitation, customs valuation, import licensing, and notification. It also made significant progress 
in complying with the TRIPS Agreement.  
4.3.  Myanmar participates actively in multilateral negotiations and supports new initiatives, namely 
the Joint Statement Initiatives on MSMEs, E -Commerce and Investment Facilitation in addition to 
Myanmar 's engagement in discussions on Gender and Trade.  
4.4.  The efforts also found expression in the form of events. Myanmar hosted the regional trade 
policy review  roundtable workshop in 2017 and organized a TPR Follow -Up Workshop - the first of 
its kind – with the participation and support of the WTO Secretariat and development partners in 
2015, and the national TPR Follow Up Workshop in 2018. A series of national workshops were 
undertaken during the review period including those provided with WTO technical assistance support.  
4.5.  Myanmar was one of the top five LDC beneficiaries to WTO capacity building in 2017 with the 
highest number of participants in WTO e -learning  courses.  
4.6.  Myanmar reaffirms its strong support to improving and strengthening the WTO's Multilateral 
Trading System.  
4.1  Trade Facilitation Agreement  
4.7.  Myanmar ratified the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation in 2015. In 2018 it notified its 
category A, B (with indicative dates) and C commitments to the WTO, and subsequently 
communicated the definitive dates for the category B commitments in 2020.  
4.8.  As indicated, over the review period Myanmar made significant progress in facilitating trade 
and digitalizing and aut omating the related procedures and processes while aligning its rules, 
procedures and processes with its obligations under the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation and 
the ASEAN Trade Facilitation Framework. In line with the Trade Facilitation Implementatio n Roadmap 
adopted in 2018 by the National Committee for Trade Facilitation (NCTF), steady progress has been 
made in implementing the TFA commitments including transparency (including through the 
operation of the Trade Portal), advance rulings, customs valu ation, expedited shipment and 
detention. The NCTF, in which the private sector is represented, was established in 2016.  
4.9.  Progress was also made in facilitating customs clearance processes through the operation of 
MACCS in 2016 and in facilitating post clear ance audit. In addition, adopting the AEO scheme and 
the bonded warehouse procedures in 2018 are testimony to the Government 's drive to comply with 
its trade facilitation commitments. Progress in implementing the ASEAN Customs Transit System will 
pave the way for facilitating transit more broadly in the future. Finally, with the support of the World 
Bank, Myanmar developed the blueprint for implementing the Myanmar National Single Window.  
4.10.   The National Committee  for Trade Facilitation  meets regularly and mai ntains regular liaison 
with the private sector. In 2019, four working groups were established under the Committee: 
Transparency and Communication, Single Window, Risk Assessment, and Test Procedures. The 
situational analysis of the TFA measures foreseen by  each working group was made in 2019 and the 
TACB requirements will be notified to WTO at the end of 2020.  
4.11.   The Trade Facilitation Enquiry Point is located in the Department of Trade of the Ministry of 
Commerce.  
4.2  Myanmar 's Participation in WTO Negotiations  
4.2.1   Joint statement initiatives on E -commerce, investment facilitation and MSMEs  
4.12.   Myanmar is a co -sponsor of the first and second Joint Ministerial Statement on E -Commerce 
and participates in the ongoing plurilateral negotiations on e -commerce. Myanmar hopes to see an 
outcome that facilitates the harmonization of Members ' policies and regulations affecting cross 
border e -commerce. Myanmar welcomes the support of its partners in overcoming the challenges 
faced in developing its e -commerce ecosystem.  WT/TPR/G/405 • Myanmar  
 
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 4.13.   Myanmar is also a co -sponsor of the first and second Joint Ministerial Statement on 
Investment Facilitation for Development, supporting efforts towards establishing a WTO framework 
on investment facilitation for development. Myanmar continues to engage in ongoing negotiations 
and hopes to see an outcome that facilitates the cross -border flow of investments that enhance the 
sustainable development of its economy.  
4.14.   Myanmar also co -sponsored the Joint Ministerial Statement on MSMEs and is looking forward 
to the further discussion and guidance that the process may yield.  
4.15.   Myanmar also supports the Buenos Aires Declaration on Women and Trade agreed at MC11 
in December 2017, which seeks to remove barriers to, and foster, women 's economic empowerment.  
4.2.2   Fisheries subsidies  
4.16.   As one of the world 's major fishing nations and due to the significance of fish and fishery 
products to the livelihood and food security of rural and coastal communities, Myanmar has been an 
active and regular participant in the multilateral negotiat ions on fisheries subsidies since their 
beginning, submitting proposals and actively participating in technical discussions as a member of 
the LDC Group and its Fisheries Subsidies Core Group.  
4.17.   Overfishing is a major concern for Myanmar. The alarming decli ne in fish stocks poses a 
serious challenge for Myanmar 's economy, its food security and the sustainability of its natural 
resources. As indicated earlier, the Government of Myanmar hopes to see an ambitious outcome 
that reduces the risks of depletion of f ishery resources caused by overfishing and overcapacity while 
allowing Members to sustainably develop the sector, including through effective and appropriate 
flexibilities for Developing and Least Developed Country Members.  
5  MYANMAR IN BILATERAL AND REGION AL AGREEMENTS  
5.1.  Progressive regional integration is an important element of Myanmar 's Economic Policy. 
Myanmar has been a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) since 1997 
and is committed to the ASEAN regional integration agenda as out lined, inter alia , in the ASEAN 
Economic Community Blueprint 2025. Over the past years, the country made significant progress in 
facilitating intra -regional trade, aligning its rules and procedures with its ASEAN partners in a wide 
range of areas, includin g trade facilitation, competition policy, consumer protection, and intellectual 
property rights, as well as in services trade liberalization.  
5.2.  Myanmar adopted several agreements and instruments during the review period to advance 
its integration within ASEA N, including the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Trade in Services, the 
ASEAN E -Commerce Agreement, the ASEAN Trade Facilitation Framework, the Agreement 
Implementation and establishment of the ASEAN Single Window, and the ASEAN Comprehensive 
Investment Agree ment. As an ASEAN member Myanmar is a party to the regional trade agreements 
concluded between ASEAN and dialogue partners.  
5.3.  Myanmar is a signatory to the recently concluded Regional Comprehensive Economic 
Partnership (RCEP) Agreement between ASEAN members states and Australia, China, Japan, South 
Korea and New Zealand − the five Asia Pacific partners with which ASEAN concluded FTAs. The 
agreement is comprehensive in its scope, covering goods, services, investment, e -commerce, 
competition, IP and dispute set tlement.  
5.4.  Myanmar is also a party to other bilateral and regional negotiations and cooperation initiatives 
including the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi -Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation 
(BIMSTEC), the Greater Mekong Sub -region (GMS), Mekong I nitiatives, Ayeyawady -Chao Phraya -
Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS), and the South Asia Sub -regional Economic 
Cooperation (SASEC).  
5.5.  Myanmar concluded bilateral investment treaties with Singapore, Israel, Lao  PDR, the 
Philippines, Thailand, Viet  Nam, China, India, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, Kuwait, in addition 
to a host of agreements containing investment provisions concluded between ASEAN and dialogue 
partners.  WT/TPR/G/405 • Myanmar  
 
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 5.6.  Myanmar is keen to enhance its connectivity in the region. Recent development s include 
progress in regard to the cross border transport with Thailand ( Myanmar - Thailand IICBTA) earlier 
this year, concluded plans to construct the China -Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) developed in 
the context of the Belt and Road Initiative in addit ion to efforts to advance bilateral arrangements 
for the cross border transport with China, Lao PDR and India. 
6  OUTLOOK  
6.1.  The Government of Myanmar is firmly committed to a comprehensive reform agenda. Major 
reforms have been, or are being tackled, and many m ore are under way or await their turn. In fact, 
the forthcoming MERRP, which builds on the CERP and complements the MSDP in the post COVID -19 
era, will place Myanmar even more energetically on the path to reform.  
6.2.  The Government recognizes the pertinence o f 'new generation ' issues, not least as part of its 
quest to achieve diversification, greater value addition, comprehensive sustainability and poverty 
alleviation. The central importance of e -commerce (including e -government) and digitalization in 
particul ar, not least for financial and social inclusion, rural development – 'leapfrogging ' where 
possible – is fully understood and embraced.  
6.3.  Myanmar will continue to develop trade relations with its partners and will seek to explore new 
export markets for its goods and services through preferential trade agreements with trading 
partners.  
6.4.  Myanmar approaches its future, generally and as a member of the WTO, with optimism and 
hope. Graduation from LDC status is a medium -term goal and Myanmar will develop the trad e 
aspects of its LDC graduation strategy in the context of the upcoming DTIS Update.   
6.5.  The continued support of its development partners will be an important factor for Myanmar 's 
progress. The Government is making every effort to play its part in facilitati ng this cooperation.  
6.6.  The updated version of the Myanmar Development Assistance Policy ( DAP), published in 
September 2020  and designed to facilitate a greater alignment between development assistance 
and the MSDP , provides a policy framework and clear procedures to guide and streamline the 
delivery of development assistance. The Development Assistance Coordination Unit (DACU), chaired 
by the State Counsellor, is the coordinating body for development assistance . DACU  is tasked with 
ensuring that this assistance is efficient, effective, coordinated and nationally owned.  
6.7.  Myanmar established the Project Bank – an open, interactive, web -based platform designed to 
highlight investment projects which further the implement ation of  strategies and action plans set 
out in the MSDP with financing inter alia  from development assistance. It provides a mechanism for 
the coordination and facilitation of national development projects to ensure a sound foundation for 
the long term dev elopment of the nation. Reporting  on development assistance is made publicly 
available through the Mohinga Aid Information Management System.23  
6.8.  Myanmar is a grateful beneficiary country of the EIF since 2013 and welcomes the continued 
support of its coope ration partners to carry out its ambitious reform and economic transformation 
agendas.  
6.9.  With this and other support providing both tailwind and guidance, the Government of Myanmar 
looks forward to progressive development, increasing regional integration an d active participation in 
the WTO in the years to come.  
__________  
 
23 The Mohinga Aid Information Management System is available at : www.mohinga.info .