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Trade Policy Review Body    
 
* In Original language only/ En langue originale seulement /En el idioma original solamente . 
  
MYANMAR  
DRAFT MINUTES  OF THE MEETING* HELD ON 15 AND 17 FEBRUARY 2021  
Delegations are invited to submit factual corrections, if any, on their own statement to the 
Secretariat ( Mrs Barbara Blanquart: barbara.blanquart@wto.org , or to  tprd@wto.org ) no later 
than 19 March 2021 . 
 
Organe d'examen des politiques commerciales  
 
MYANMAR  
PROJET DE COMPTE RENDU DE LA RÉUNION* TENUE LES 15 ET 17 FÉVRIER 2021  
Les délégations sont invitées à soumettre  leurs éventuelles corrections factuelles concernant leurs 
propres déclarations au Secrétariat ( Mme Barbara Blanquart: barbara.blanqu art@wto.org , ou 
tprd@wto.org ) le 19 mars 2021  au plus tard.  
 
Órgano de Examen de las Políticas Comerciales  
 
MYANMAR  
PROYECTO DE ACTA DE LA REUNIÓN* CELEBRADA LOS DÍAS 15 Y 17 DE FEBRERO DE 2021  
Las delegaciones pueden enviar a la Secretaría (Sr a. Barbara Blanquart: 
barbara.blanquart@wto.org , o tprd@wto.org ) a más tardar el 19 de marzo de 2021  las 
correcciones fácticas que deseen introducir en sus propias declaraciones.  
 
 
_______________  
 
  WT/TPR/W/ 187 • Myanmar  
 
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  TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
 
MYANMAR  
DRAFT  MINUTES OF THE MEETING  
Chairperson: H.E. Mr. Harald Aspelund (Iceland)  
CONTENTS  
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ ......................  3 
2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF MYANMAR  ................................ .. 5 
3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT  ................................ ................................ ...............  8 
4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS  ................................ ................................ .......................  11 
5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF MYANMAR AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS  ..... 32 
6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ ........................  35 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies provided 
by Myanmar are reproduced in document WT/TPR/M/405/Add.1 and will be available online at 
http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm.  WT/TPR/W/ 187 • Myanmar  
 
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  1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
1.1.  The second Trade Policy Review of Mynamar was held on 15 and 17 February 2021. The 
Chairperson, H.E.  Mr. Harald Aspelund (Iceland), welcomed the delegation of Myanmar, headed by 
Mr. Minn Minn, Director General, Department of Trade, Ministry of Commerce ; H.E. Ambassador 
Mr. Myint Thu, Permanent Representative of Myanmar to the WTO; the rest of the delegation from 
Nay Pyi Taw and Yangon; and the discussant H.E. Ms Kirsti Kauppi (Finland).  
1.2.  The Chairperson was pleased that, in addition to physical presence, the  meeting also benefited 
from the Interprefy online connection, allowing for a wider participation of the Membership, in 
particular of officials who could not make the journey from Nay Pyi Taw given the current 
circumstances.  
1.3.  The Chairperson recalled the p urpose of TPRs and the main elements of procedures for the 
meeting. The report by Myanmar is contained in document WT/TPR/G/405, and that of the WTO 
Secretariat in documents WT/TPR/S/405 and WT/TPR/S/405/Corr.1 . 
1.4.  Questions by the following delegations were submitted in writing before the deadline: Chile; 
Canada; United States; Malaysia; European Union; Brunei Darussalam; and Thailand. The following 
delegations submitted written questions after the deadline: United Kingdom; Japan; Philippines; 
Republic of Kor ea; Singapore; China; Turkey; Indonesia; and Brazil.  
1.5.  In 2014, Members had commended Myanmar for, inter alia , opening up its economy and 
re-integrating into the global economy. At that time, Members had encouraged Myanmar to continue 
addressing its macroeco nomic challenges, improve the transparency and predictability of its 
regulatory and institutional framework, use tariff and non -tariff measures in a WTO -consistent 
manner, continue reforming its state owned enterprises, and improve IPR protection.   
1.6.  The Ch airperson focused on developments since the previous Review. According to the 
Secretariat report, between fiscal year (FY) 2013/14 and FY 2018/19, Myanmar's economic growth 
averaged a robust 7.1% annually. It made progress in reducing poverty and inequalit y, and its per 
capita GDP grew to over USD 1,300. However, the COVID -19 pandemic significantly impacted the 
growth rate, which was expected to decline to 1.5% in FY 2019/20. The current account deficit was 
expected to widen to 4% of GDP in FY 2019/20, up f rom 2.6% in FY 2018/19. The figure reflects a 
projected decline in exports and lower intermediate imports, as well as a decline in tourism receipts 
and a weakening in remittances. To mitigate the impact of the pandemic, the authorities 
implemented a number  of measures, including budgetary support, preferential loans, tax waivers 
and deferments, and credit guarantees.  
1.7.  Myanmar progressed with economic reforms, amending and adopting a number of trade - and 
investment -related laws. Regarding trade policies, the  import and export regimes underwent 
significant changes. In 2016, the Myanmar Automated Cargo Clearance System was launched for 
both imports and exports, while in 2017, the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement was implemented. 
During the review period, the num ber of tariff bands were reduced from 15 to 11. Additionally, the 
import and export licensing regimes were reformed considerably, moving from a positive list regime 
to a negative list regime. Under the Union Taxation Law of 2019, export taxes on all produc ts except 
timber were rescinded. In February 2017, the new Competition Law entered into force. Myanmar 
recently reformed its intellectual property right (IPR) legislation, including the Industrial Design Law, 
the Trademark Law, the Patent Law, and the Copy right Law.  
1.8.  Agriculture is the main pillar of the economy, as farming is the principal livelihood for most of 
the population. The manufacturing sector grew by almost 10% annually since the last Review. While 
the services sector had been generally characteri zed by state involvement through SOEs and 
restrictions on private -sector and foreign participation, since the last Review, Myanmar significantly 
liberalized foreign investment.  
1.9.  In its Government report, Myanmar indicated that a key element of the Government's vision 
for the future includes further reform in trade policy, including the reduction of non -tariff measures, 
advancement towards further bilateral engagement, regional integration, and proactive integration 
at the multilateral level. Members  wished to know more about these policies through their 
discussions.  WT/TPR/W/ 187 • Myanmar  
 
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  1.10.   In addition, a quick survey of the advance questions submitted for this Review showed the 
wide range of topics of interest to Members regarding Myanmar's trade and investment regimes, 
such as import licensing, state -owned enterprises and privatization, SPS measures, government 
procurement, and the protection of IPRs.  
1.11.   In total, Myanmar received 278 advance written questions from 16 delegations for this 
Review. Out of the 148 advance writte n questions submitted before the deadline of 11 January 2021, 
Myanmar responded to the majority on 8 February 2021. Nevertheless, there were several 
outstanding replies to advance questions submitted by Members within the established deadline, 
and the Chai rperson looked forward to hearing Myanmar's updates on these issues.  
1.12.   This meeting was a good opportunity for Members to discuss in greater detail issues of interest 
to them and of systemic importance to the multilateral trading system. It was also an oppo rtune 
moment for Myanmar to update the Membership on the impact of COVID -19 on its economy, and 
measures it had taken in response. The Chairperson looked forward to a fruitful exchange.  
1.13.   He closed his introductory remarks by wishing Myanmar a very successfu l second Trade Policy 
Review.  
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF MYANMAR (MR. MINN MINN)  
2.1.  Good afternoon from Myanmar. Good morning and good evening to those who are outside of 
the region.  
2.2.  It is great honour and privilege to be here today for the second Trade Policy of Myanmar. My 
name is Minn Minn, I am the Director -General at the Ministry of Commerce. It's great to be back 
here six years after our first Trade Policy Review in 2014. Much has happened in my country since 
we last had the chance to r eview its trade -related policies together. It will be rich and rewarding 
experience, I am sure, to do so again over the coming days.  
2.3.  It comes as no surprise if I say that this Trade Policy Review was and is conducted under rather 
challenging circumstances . Over the past year, the Covid -19 pandemic has disrupted production 
processes, trade routes, value chains and consumption, and, not least, policy making. Throughout 
this time, however, our multi -stakeholder team in NyiPyiTaw and across the country has eng aged 
with admirable energy in a broad and deep process of analysis and soul -searching. While it is clear 
that much remains to be done, and multiple reform processes are under way and have yet to 
conclude and develop their full effect, we are here today loo king back at the achievements with 
some satisfaction.  
2.4.  This Trade Policy Review also comes at a crucial time for this Organization. Multiple challenges 
have kept us Members rather busy, and to some extent on edge, over the past few years, and many 
challeng es lie ahead. Allow me, however, to express our great satisfaction that the conclusion of the 
all-important process to select and appoint a new Director -General appears to be coming to a 
successful close now. We are looking forward to working with the new Director -General on 
revitalizing the WTO and meeting the challenges of our times.  
2.5.  Before we get to the substance before us, I must express gratitude to those on whose work 
rests this exercise. Our thanks go to the Secretariat which had to operate under dif ficult 
circumstances. We were grateful for the intensive exchanges we had in the preparation of the 
Secretariat report. Let me also thank in advance the discussant, Her Excellency Ambassador 
Ms. Kirsti Kauppi, the Permanent Representative of Finland, for h er engagement and support. We 
are looking forward to your comments and observations, Excellency.  
2.6.  Lastly, let me thank the Members who have taken the trouble to engage in -depth with both 
the the Secretariat and the Government reports. We have received to da te 278 advanced written 
questions from 16 delegations, out of which 148 reached us before the initial deadline on 
11 January  2021. We have managed to provide written answers to 161 questions. We are working 
on the written responses to the remaining questio ns, and plan to submit them well within the 
required timeframe. But we are here this week, of course, to engage on all questions received, and 
our delegation stands ready to provide answers and explanations as best as we can.  
2.7.  Over the past decade Myanmar has undergone significant developments on all fronts. Much 
progress and reform has happened across virtually all areas of relevance for this Review. Trade has 
been mainstreamed into Myanmar's development policy, and the increased transparency of 
legislatio n, regulation and administration and improved stakeholder engagement are part and parcel 
of the progress made. Our improved notification record at the WTO is also a reflection of that 
development.  
2.8.  But there is also a lot of substance that has been reforme d, or built up anew. This includes, 
among many other elements, a revised tariff structure, reformed customs valuation in compliance 
with the Customs Valuation Agreement, moves from positive to negative lists for both export and 
import licensing, progressiv e liberalization of import licensing, multiple reforms under the customs 
reform and modernization strategy embedded in the WTO and ASEAN Trade Facilitation frameworks 
and WCO instruments – such as the Myanmar Automated Clearance System (MACCS), a source of  
pride for us in Myanmar, advance ruling, and an Authorized Economic Operator programme, among 
others.  
2.9.  Important developments also include autonomous trade opening and regulatory reform across 
multiple services sectors – including for example financial, d istribution and telecoms services –, as 
well as opening and reform in investment regulation, including on market access for foreign WT/TPR/W/ 187 • Myanmar  
 
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  investors. Digitalization and electronic commerce figure on top of Myanmar's domestic and trade 
agenda, and we attach value to our engagement in the E -commerce JSI here in the WTO, among 
other related international initiatives.  
2.10.   Important to mention here are further far -reaching reforms in industrial policy, competition 
law and policy, consumer protection and intellectual proper ty. A suite of new or revised IP laws has 
been enacted during the review period and will shortly enter into force. Much work remains to be 
done here, but we are proud of what has already been achieved.  
2.11.   Agriculture, forestry and fisheries, as well as mining  and minerals, remain key anchors of our 
economy. Here in particular reforms are driven by the overarching importance of sustainability. The 
drive towards diversification and structural transformation towards more manufacturing and services 
is not a move a way from these sectors, but one towards a stronger, more diversified and more 
sustainable economy that includes strong, viable and sustainable agriculture, extractive industries, 
forestry and fisheries sectors. The protection of our natural environment as well as climate change 
mitigation and adaptation figure highly on the list of guiding concerns.  
2.12.   Several Members have made the effort to share their questions, many of which touch on areas 
that I just mentioned. Allow me to pick out some of the main themes raised in Members' questions.  
2.13.   Several questions concern import licensing and related measures, from the operation of 
approval processes and sustainability -related restrictions to product specific regulation, for example 
on alcoholic beverages and health su pplements. We have tried to provide as much clarification as 
possible in our answers, including on the context of and reasoning behind these measures. As on 
other fronts, Myanmar strives for full WTO compliance in this context.  
2.14.   Another theme that has attra cted much attention, understandably, is intellectual property. 
The legislative reforms I mentioned a little earlier are still, in fact, not yet in force, and implementing 
regulations are designed as we speak. Here we need to ask for Members' patience, whil e nonetheless 
providing what we hope are clear indications of a modern IP regime in the making. An example of 
early progress is the 'soft opening' of the trademark registration. The move of the IP administration 
to the Ministry of Commerce and its upgrade to a full department reflects the importance attached 
to this area.  
2.15.   Several questions concerned financial services, from insurance and re -insurance to banking. 
The opening of, and scope for, the operation of branches and subsidiaries of foreign providers,  
thresholds for investment in local banks and other, mostly Mode 3 -related issues were raised. In 
this and other services areas Myanmar is proud of its autonomous liberalization efforts and 
regulatory modernization. We expect foreign capital and know -how i n financial and other key 
infrastructure services sectors to play a crucial role in the further development of our economy.  
2.16.   Members also expressed interest in public procurement in Myanmar. While the reform and 
upgrade of the rulebook may appear to lead to a de jure slightly less open regime than before, the 
opposite is true in reality. Myanmar is moving towards more and more secured and better framed 
engagement of foreign bidders. Myanmar is developing its domestic legal framework in this regard 
and is planning to seek observership in the Government Procurement Agreement in the future.  
2.17.   Members have also touched on cybersecurity, data protection and other e -commerce -related 
issues. Here Myanmar sees itself on a clear path to a modernizing and ambitiou sly digitalizing 
economy, with the progressive development of the required soft and hard infrastructure being a 
priority for the Government and stakeholders alike.  
2.18.   Multiple other issues, of course, have been raised and, we hope, answered or will be answer ed 
soon.  
2.19.   We look back at a decade of progress, including in many trade -related areas, but it is clear 
that Myanmar still has some way to go. We appreciate the opportunity to engage critically and 
constructively with Members this week and more generally during this TPR.  
2.20.   Myanmar is highly committed to the Multilateral Trading System, of which this transparency 
exercise is a key element. Myanmar is equally committed to its progressive regional integration, not WT/TPR/W/ 187 • Myanmar  
 
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  least among the ASEAN members, and appreciates the critica l support of its regional and 
international partners. The WTO, ASEAN, and other initiatives, including most recently RCEP, are 
most catalysts for reform for us.  
2.21.   Myanmar is an LDC but is looking forward to achieving its graduation shortly. While we may 
ask for Members' indulgence and flexibility as we make this step, Myanmar will move forward with 
both determination and pride. As we do so, our engagement here in the WTO will be our tool and 
compass when it comes to trade and trade -related development of poli cy and regulation. Thank you, 
Mr. Chairman.  
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT  
3.1.  The Trade Policy Review Mechanism is an important tool aimed at contributing to the smoother 
functioning of the multilateral trading system by achieving greater transparency in and 
understanding of the trade policies and practices of Members. I was honored to agree to serve as 
discussant in this Mechanism.  
3.2.  I would like to thank all who contributed to the preparation of the Review and the reports and 
all who have submitted questions.  
3.3.  This second Trade Policy Review of Myanmar takes place under unprecedented and regrettable 
circumstances caused not only by the COVID -19 pandemic, but also the recent political events in 
Myanmar that have prompted, inter alia , the UN Security Council to ex press its deep concern.  
3.4.  My remarks are based on the Report of 21 December 2020 submitted by Myanmar - before the 
mentioned events - as well as that of the Secretariat of the same date.  
3.5.  The first Trade Policy Review of Myanmar in 2014 can be described as a  success. It resulted in 
identifying key areas where reforms were needed and where international assistance could play an 
important catalyzing and capacity -building role.  
3.6.  It is ten years since Myanmar started to reintegrate into the global economy. Since then, the 
country witnessed strong economic growth that averaged a robust 7.1% annually between fiscal 
year 2013/14 and 2018/19.  
3.7.  Myanmar has found itself in a process of development and reform, accelerating the transition 
to digital economy, supporting th e SMEs and liberalizing trade, not forgetting environmental 
sustainability and reducing poverty and inequality.  
3.8.  The ambitious reform programme alone has been challenging but it is indeed not the only 
challenge.  
3.9.  The global impact of the COVID -19 pandemic h as been severe. Furthermore, it is uncertain if 
and when the virus - which continues to mutate - is brought under control. The situation poses huge 
challenges for Governments, businesses and individual households in all countries, as well as for the 
global  economy and the international trading system.  
3.10.   In the reports, the negative consequences of the COVID -19 in Myanmar are noted. The growth 
rate was expected to decline to 1.5% in FY 2019/20. The current account deficit was expected to 
widen to 4% of GDP, up  from 2.6% in FY 2018/2019.  
3.11.   Assessments vary on the aggregate and longer -term impact on growth, trade, investment 
and state finances, not to speak of the informal economy – which accounts for the majority of 
employment and for over 80% of businesses - and the overall socio -economic impact.  
3.12.   In that kind of an unpredictable situation, it was commendable that the Government 
reconfirmed in its report the commitment to the reform agenda towards greater trade openness, 
diversification of the economy, and the dev elopment of manufacturing, services and agriculture, 
including also enhancing the competitiveness of the financial sector and increasing financial 
inclusion.  
3.13.   Further reform plans were stated in trade and trade policy, including relaxation of trade rules 
and reduction of non -tariff measures, further bilateral engagement, regional integration and 
proactive integration at the multilateral level.  
3.14.   The Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan (MSDP) adopted in 2018 was aiming to create a 
more resilient economy and to facilitate the emergence of a more prosperous, peaceful and 
democratic Myanmar.  
3.15.   According to the 2016 Economic Policy, Myanmar considers environmental sustainability as a 
key, overarching goal, which guides policy making across all areas, including trad e and investment.  WT/TPR/W/ 187 • Myanmar  
 
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  3.16.   The record of a wide range of regulatory and institutional reforms to open the country's 
economy and boost its development was impressive. Staying the course would be important for 
Myanmar to improve its relative position in the dynamic and competitive regional context.  
3.17.   Confidence in the Government's commitment to reform policy and its implementation is 
always important for longer -term perspectives related to trade and investment. Broader outlook on 
political and socio -economic developme nt are also matters that the international partners in trade 
and investment pay close attention to.  
3.18.   The Secretariat report describes important progress in achieving the regulatory and 
institutional reform goals: the Competition Law in 2015, the Investment Law in 2016, reformed 
intellectual property rights legislation in 2019 and changes to import and export regimes aimed at 
liberalization and trade facilitation.  
3.19.   A new SME law and development policy as well as policies and structures that support the 
develo pment of an inclusive digital economy looked very promising. Capacity building and training 
given to SMEs is an important aspect in the SME Development Policy.  
3.20.   This challenging reform agenda requires capacity at various levels. It was positive that 
Myanmar 's Ministry of Commerce secured support from UNCTAD to develop the National 
E-Commerce Strategy. This was just one example of how the various international capacity building 
support mechanisms had been utilized.  
3.21.   Some of the progress made was evident in improved rankings in international indicators such 
as Corruption Perceptions Index (172 in 2012, 130 in 2019) and World Bank Doing Business ranking 
(182 in 2014, 165 in the most recent, where starting a business category improved from 189 in 
2014 to 70 in 2019).  
3.22.   Myanmar is member in ASEAN and has signed several bilateral regional trade and investment 
agreements; most recently the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. In addition to 
Myanmar's integration in the region, the country also participated co nstructively to the multilateral 
trade system.  
3.23.   Myanmar has been able to attract Foreign Direct Investment, which increased significantly 
during the review period. FDI has been concentrated in infrastructure projects. Liberalization and 
investor friendlines s as well as confidence in the overall direction of the country are important to 
keep the FDI inflows high.  
3.24.   Myanmar's desire for free and fair international trade as stated in the Government report was 
consistent with Myanmar's profile in the WTO. Myanmar is part of the on -going Joint Statement 
Initiative negotiating processes of e -commerce, investment facilitation for development and the 
MSMEs. Myanmar also joined the Buenos Aires declaration of Women and Trade.  
3.25.   Myanmar, a founding member of the WTO, was an active and committed participant in the 
fisheries negotiations as part of the LDC group.  
3.26.   The fact that Myanmar was one of the top five LDC beneficiaries to WTO capacity building in 
2017 also demonstrated Myanmar's active and concrete approach to its Me mbership.  
3.27.   Myanmar stated in the Report graduation from LDC status as a medium -term goal and was 
about to begin developing the trade aspects of its LDC graduation strategy. This would be an 
important step in Myanmar's path of development.  
3.28.   While progress h as been made in advancing the reform agenda, the Secretariat's report shows 
that significant gaps that remain, in particular in implementation and enforcement.  
3.29.   Some examples mentioned in the Report include the State -Owned Enterprises. In total, the 
SOEs a ccount for over 40% of the economy. Consequently, improving their productivity, efficiency 
and performance is very important. Measures increasing competition, corporatization and 
privatization of the SOEs are key to reach that target.  WT/TPR/W/ 187 • Myanmar  
 
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  3.30.   The Secretariat repor t also states that the telecoms regime changed from a government 
monopoly to a fully liberalized sector, which led to a substantial improvement in telecoms 
connectivity. This is an excellent example of how the improvements reached through liberalization 
also contribute to better business environment and eventually may have far -reaching impacts to the 
entire economy.  
3.31.   Myanmar has no specific legislation governing public procurement, but it has stated its 
interest to join the Government Procurement Agreement a s an observer. The observer status would 
be a coherent step forward.  
3.32.   Anti-corruption efforts have yielded some results, but there is room for more improvement. 
In the Government report, examples were stated of digitalization of certain services, including  in 
foreign trade area. The transparency that the digitalization entails could also serve the purpose of 
reducing corruption further.  
3.33.   Transparency is a key word in the multilateral trading system. Some WTO notifications remain 
outstanding, including in rel ation to the reformed IPR legislation. The Secretariat report also notes 
that the implementation of the IPR legislation is yet to start and points to a lack of data regarding 
IP enforcement.  
3.34.   According to Secretariat report, Myanmar supports trade liberali zation, and it desires free and 
fair international trade. The Trade Policy Review can be an important tool to support that 
development.  
3.35.   Finally, let me wish that this Trade Policy Review produces results that benefit the people of 
Myanmar.  
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS  
CANADA   
4.1.  Canada had welcomed the opportunity to participate in the Trade Policy Review of Myanmar, 
but given the recent circumstances, we can only express our unequivocal condemnation of the 
overthrow of Myanmar’s democratically elected Government by the Tatmadaw.  
4.2.  Canada has joined with the international community in calling for the restoration of the 
democratically elected Government, release of detainees and de -escalation. Claims of electoral fraud 
are not borne out by evidence, and have been rejected by internat ional observers. Recent events 
have put at risk the significant gains the country has achieved in recent years, including those in 
relation to the work of this Organization. Progress made towards liberalization of trade and 
investment, increased foreign in vestment, and expanded engagement at regional and multilateral 
levels will be reversed should Myanmar, once again, be subject to sanction and isolation.  
4.3.  We stand with the people of Myanmar who expressed clearly in November 2020 their 
aspirations for a demo cratic future. Until democracy has been peacefully restored and the will of the 
people upheld, there can be no meaningful progress in these areas.  
UNITED  STATES  
4.4.  The United States condemns the 1 February 2021 military coup and supports the immediate 
and ful l restoration of the democratically elected Government in Burma. As President Biden has 
stated, “The military must relinquish the power it seized and demonstrate respect for the will of the 
people of Burma as expressed in their November 8th election.”  
4.5.  For almost a decade, the people of Burma have been steadily working to establish elections, 
civilian governance, and the peaceful transfer of power. Burma’s democratic progress has been the 
foundation of its economic growth and reform efforts, which is part o f the focus of today’s WTO 
Trade Policy Review. However, the military coup and the alarming developments that have followed 
the coup threaten the progress that the people of Burma have worked so hard to achieve. All 
individuals in Burma have rights to free doms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly, 
including for purposes of peaceful protest. The United States is deeply concerned with the impact on 
worker rights in Burma, including freedom of association and forced labor, in light of reports of 
allegations of trade union intimidation and abuses against workers perpetrated by the military. We 
also remain very concerned with the military’s repeated shutdowns of the internet and other forms 
of telecommunications that limit the free and open access to  information. We have heard additional 
troubling reports that the military plans to impose a new cybersecurity law that would further stifle 
the freedom of expression and undermine services vital to Burma’s people and economy.  
4.6.  The Burmese military must recognize that these actions will have consequences. The coup has 
already eroded confidence in Burma’s trade and investment climate. Businesses from around the 
world are reexamining their investments and operations in Burma. President Biden is taking concr ete 
actions to hold those responsible for the 1 February coup to account, and to reaffirm the United 
States’ support for the democratic aspirations of the people of Burma, including by signing the 
Executive Order on Blocking Property with Respect to the Si tuation in Burma on 11 February. 
Together with allies, partners, and international Organizations, we will stand with the people of 
Burma as they reaffirm their support for democracy through peaceful protest. The United States 
reiterates our calls for the m ilitary to relinquish power, restore the democratically elected 
Government, release those unjustly detained, lift all telecommunications and internet restrictions, 
and refrain from violence.  
MALAYSIA  
4.7.  At the outset, Malaysia wishes to associate ourselves wi th the ASEAN Statement.  
4.8.  Malaysia is pleased to take part in the Second Trade Policy Review of Myanmar and would like 
to extend a warm welcome to U Minn Minn, Director General, Department of Trade, Ministry of 
Commerce and his delegation. We would also lik e to thank the discussant, Her Excellency 
Ambassador Kirsti Kauppi of Finland, for providing the insightful analysis.  WT/TPR/W/ 187 • Myanmar  
 
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  4.9.  Myanmar is Malaysia’s 33rd largest export destination and 43rd largest source of imports, and 
the largest trading partner among the CLM co untries. Despite the ongoing pandemic, Malaysia’s 
trade with Myanmar increased by 4.2% to USD0.89 billion for the period of January to November 
2020. Malaysia’s exports to Myanmar also increased by 11.1% to USD0.69 billion while Malaysia’s 
imports decrease d by 14.3% to USD0.2 billion.  
4.10.   In 2019, major exports to Myanmar were chemicals and chemical products (22.8% of 
Malaysia’s total exports), followed by processed food (12.3% of Malaysia’s total exports), petroleum 
products (8.5% of Malaysia’s total exports) , palm oil and palm oil -based agriculture products (7.9%) 
and machinery, equipment and parts (5.5% of Malaysia’s total exports). Meanwhile, major imports 
from Myanmar included natural rubber (18.7% of Malaysia’s total imports), textiles, apparels and 
footw ear (16.7% of Malaysia’s total imports), manufactures of metal (12.4% of Malaysia’s total 
imports) and seafood (7.4% of Malaysia’s total imports).  
4.11.   Malaysia’s stock of direct investment abroad to Myanmar is valued at RM1.62 billion in the 
third quarter of 2 020, mainly in the sectors of mining and quarrying, manufacturing and services.  
4.12.   At the multilateral front, Malaysia applauds Myanmar’s participation in the session negotiating 
issues and hopes that Myanmar will continue to work responsively with WTO Membe rs to further 
facilitate trade and development. We also hope that our bilateral economic cooperation will be further 
strengthened in the years ahead for the betterment of both countries.  
4.13.   To conclude, we thank Myanmar’s response to our questions and we wis h Myanmar a 
productive Trade Policy Review.  
BRUNEI  DARUSSALAM  ON BEHALF  OF ASEAN  
4.14.   I deliver this statement on behalf of ASEAN, and extend a warm welcome to the delegation 
from Myanmar, led by Mr. U Minn Minn, Director General, Department of Trade, Ministry of 
Commerce, to the second Trade Policy Review of Myanmar.  
4.15.   I would also like to thank the Government of Myanmar and the WTO Secretariat for the 
comprehensive reports, and to the discussant, H.E Ambassador Kirsti Kauppiof Finland, for leading 
today’s discus sions and sharing her insightful analysis.  
4.16.   We commend Myanmar on its commitment to global and regional trade integration and note 
with appreciation the significant developments and reforms to Myanmar’s trade and investment 
regimes as reflected by growing importance of trade to its GDP during the review period.  
4.17.   Myanmar has been an ASEAN Member State since 1997 and has been actively contributing to 
the development of all three pillars of the ASEAN Community building efforts.  
4.18.   In 2014, Myanmar assumed the ASEA N Chairmanship, which adopted the Nay Pyi Taw 
Declaration on realization of ASEAN Community in 2015, and Nay Pyi Taw Declaration on the ASEAN 
Community’s Post -2015 Vision, paving the way towards a politically cohesive, economically 
integrated, and socially  responsible ASEAN Community.  
4.19.   In 2019, Myanmar’s exports to ASEAN Member States accounted for 23.8% of its total 
exports, while ASEAN accounted for 43.5% of Myanmar’s imports in the same year. Over the years, 
spurred by the ASEAN Economic Community, Myanma r has achieved healthy macroeconomic 
growth, with an average annual economic growth rate of 7,1% from 2014 to 2019.  
4.20.   The global community has witnessed Myanmar’s remarkable progress on economic growth 
and improved living standards. ASEAN commends Myanmar on  its economic development and the 
achievement of wide -ranging economic and trade reforms during the review period, and firmly 
believes it is capable of sustaining this progress if it continues along the same path - to deepening 
the reforms and distributing  economic benefits widely.  
4.21.   ASEAN has been working together on a continuous journey towards greater regional economic 
integration. We commend Myanmar’s support of a free, open, transparent and integrated trade and 
investment regime in the ASEAN region throu gh its participation in regional trade agreements to WT/TPR/W/ 187 • Myanmar  
 
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  enjoy growth and shared prosperity together. Myanmar together with all ASEAN Member States 
recently signed the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement, which reflects 
ASEAN’s testame nt towards deepening regional trade and economic integration as well as upholding 
the multilateral trading system.  
4.22.   As Myanmar is a founding Member of the WTO, ASEAN commends Myanmar for reiterating its 
commitment to preserving and strengthening the rules -based multilateral trading system, especially 
at these testing times.  
4.23.   As highlighted in the Secretariat report, Myanmar improved its WTO commitments by ratifying 
the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in 2015. Myanmar’s National Trade Facilitation 
Commi ttee was established for the implementation of, and compliance with, its obligations and 
commitments under the TFA.  
4.24.   We note with appreciation Myanmar’s submission of a number of WTO notifications to enhance 
transparency in the areas of import licensing, cu stoms valuation, sanitary and phytosanitary 
measures, and technical barriers to trade to enhance transparency.  
4.25.   ASEAN appreciates Myanmar’s response to mitigating the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic 
by putting in place additional relief measures and acceler ating trade and investment facilitation 
reforms. In addition, Myanmar together with other ASEAN Leaders have endorsed the ASEAN 
Comprehensive Recovery Framework (ACRF) during the 37th ASEAN Summit in November 2020. 
The ACRF will serve as a guide to ASEAN t o provide sustainable solutions for economic recovery. 
Myanmar’s support on the ACRF will indeed help intensify intra -ASEAN trade and investment as well 
as accelerate the region’s digital transformation to boost economy and improve societal well -being, 
post- COVID -19. 
4.26.   ASEAN notes Myanmar’s commendable engagement in various initiatives to boost 
e-commerce and enhance the digital economy, such as the JSI on E -Commerce at the WTO.  
4.27.   ASEAN also welcomes Myanmar’s contribution to the ASEAN Work Programme on Electr onic 
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. The implementation of the ASEAN e -Commerce Agreement, in particu lar, would bring 
systemic improvement and enhancement to the digital economy ecosystem as well as corroborative 
facilitation to the ASEAN cross border goods and services trade. We believe that these efforts will 
contribute to an inclusive digital economy a s a key goal of the Myanmar Sustainable Development 
Plan (2018 -30) to strive and achieve country’s full potential in the age rapid transformation of digital 
trade.  
4.28.   ASEAN Member States are closely following the current developments in Myanmar and we all 
share the view that political stability in ASEAN Member States is essential to achieving a peaceful, 
stable and prosperous ASEAN Community.  
4.29.   Some ASEAN Member States have submitted written questions to Myanmar and we would like 
to express our appreciation in a dvance for Myanmar’s written responses.  
4.30.   We would also like to thank the delegation in Myanmar for their constructive engagement and 
commend the contribution of H.E. Ambassador Myint Thu and the members of the Permanent Mission 
in Geneva for their hard work . We wish Myanmar a successful second Trade Policy Review.  
BRUNEI  DARUSSALAM  
4.31.   Brunei Darussalam is pleased to participate in Myanmar’s second Trade Policy Review and 
warmly welcomes the delegation from Myanmar led by Mr. U Minn Minn, Director General, 
Department of Trade, Ministry of Commerce, and thanks them for their presentation.   
4.32.   Thank you also to Her Excellency Ambassador Kirsti Kauppi (Finland), the discussant, for her 
insightful remarks, and the Secretariat for their comprehensive report.  WT/TPR/W/ 187 • Myanmar  
 
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  4.33.   Brunei Darussalam and Myanmar established diplomatic relations on 21 September 1993, and  
as mentioned Myanmar became a fellow ASEAN Member in 1997.  
4.34.   As such, Brunei and Myanmar share friendly relations, both bilaterally, including in the health 
and education sectors, energy cooperation, defence security and people -to-people exchanges at the 
highest level, and through its regional integration efforts under ASEAN.  
4.35.   In terms of bilateral trade and economic relations, trade flow is minimal and trade remains in 
favour of Myanmar. Imports from Myanmar have more than doubled in the period between 
2015-2019, whilst exports to Myanmar have fluctuated with export figures of 2019 decreasing by 
30% compared to 2015. Trade flow has decreased due to reduced imports from Myanmar of live 
animals and animal products and wood products.  
4.36.   Main imports have comprise d of live animal and animal products; vegetable products and 
wood. Exports to Myanmar have mainly comprised of machinery and electrical equipment; metals 
and artwork and antiques.  
4.37.   Brunei Darussalam and Myanmar are both original Members of the WTO and are c ommitted 
to the rules -based multilateral trading system. Brunei is encouraged to see Myanmar continuing its 
economic reform efforts which has shown important progress leading to tangible outcomes most 
notably reductions in poverty and inequality in that co untry.  
4.38.   During the period under review, Myanmar’s real GDP growth has averaged 6.6% annually, 
and although this has decreased for the fiscal year 2019/20 due to the COVID -19 pandemic, GDP 
growth has been forecasted to pick up again to reach 6% in 2020/21.  
4.39.   In this regard, Brunei Darussalam welcomes more positive initiatives for the further 
development and progress of Myanmar’s economy and for the further benefit of the country and its 
people.  
4.40.   In closing, Brunei Darussalam takes this opportunity to recognize the contributions of 
Ambassador Myint Thu and his team at the Permanent Mission here in Geneva, and we wish the 
Myanmar delegation a successful second Trade Policy Review.  
THAILAND  
4.41.   At the outset, Thailand would like to associate itself with the ASEAN stat ement delivered by 
the Ambassador Mazlizah Mahalee of Brunei Darussalam.  
4.42.   Thailand is pleased to participate in the second Trade Policy Review (TPR) of Myanmar. We 
would like to extend our warmest welcome to the delegation of Myanmar led by Mr. U Minn Minn , 
Director General, Department of Trade, Ministry of Commerce to this virtual TPR.  
4.43.   We would like to thank you, Mr. Chair, and the discussant, H.E. Ambassador Kirsti Kauppi of 
Finland, for their in -depth perspectives. We also thank the Government of Myanmar  and the WTO 
Secretariat for their insightful and comprehensive reports.  
4.44.   Thailand and Myanmar have stood side -by-side and enjoyed a growing bilateral trade and 
cooperation at all levels. With more than 70 years of diplomatic relations, we believe that our trade 
relationship will be further strengthened through the strong connection, cultural ties, and shared 
values.  
4.45.   Economic and commercial linkages form an important aspect of Thailand’s partnership with 
Myanmar. We are pleased to highlight that Thailand is the second largest trading partner of Myanmar 
and the first among ASEAN members in 2019. Likewise, Myanmar is Thailand's 19th largest trading 
partner in the world and the 7th among ASEAN members.  
4.46.   In 2019, total trade between the two countries amounted to USD 7.6 billion, increasing by 
16.5% from 2016 amid unprecedented challenges in the past few years. Most of the exports from 
Thailand to Myanmar are mineral fuels and oils, beverages, spirits and vinegar, as well as machinery 
and mechanical appliances. Mea nwhile, Thailand largely imports mineral fuels and oils, fish and WT/TPR/W/ 187 • Myanmar  
 
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  crustaceans, copper and articles, and cereals from Myanmar. We are optimistic that our bilateral 
trade will continue to grow and lead towards shared prosperity together in many years to come .  
4.47.   We note that Myanmar has continued its gradual liberalization of its international trade and 
investment regime with firm commitments and substantial efforts. Thailand commends Myanmar’s 
endeavors in a range of reform initiatives which contribute to rema rkable economic growth. This 
sets forth a solid foundation for future generations and balances country development across many 
dimensions. Thailand stands with Myanmar and encourages it to promote even better trade relations 
as well as to unleash the count ries to their full potential.  
4.48.   In the multilateral trading system, Myanmar has increasingly integrated itself through its 
active participation in various facets of WTO negotiations.  
4.49.   We hope that Myanmar will continue to play a constructive role for collect ive interests.  
4.50.   In this review, Thailand have put forward some questions in writing to clarify a few points of 
concerns. We take the opportunity to thank Myanmar for its timely responses and will study them 
in detail with great interest.  
4.51.   In closing, Thaila nd would like to express our appreciation to Myanmar for cooperation. 
Thailand looks forward to further strengthening our partnership in all areas of mutual interest. We 
wish Myanmar every success in its second Trade Policy Review.  
UNITED  KINGDOM  
4.52.   Like othe r Members who have spoken this morning, the United Kingdom is gravely concerned 
by the current situation in Myanmar. The United Kingdom condemns the military coup in Myanmar 
and the arbitrary detention of members of the democratically elected civilian Gove rnment and civil 
society, including President Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.  
4.53.   Both the Secretariat and the Government reports prepared for this Trade Policy review note 
a number of initiatives since the first review, such as efforts to im prove the climate for business and 
to encourage investment, which aim to facilitate the emergence of a more prosperous, peaceful and 
democratic Myanmar. More open and transparent international trade has contributed to the 
economic progress we have seen in Myanmar in the last 10 years, but is dependent on the rule of 
law and good governance. The current situation undermines these efforts and creates uncertainty 
for trade partners and investors alike, threatening to compound the economic damage caused by 
the pandemic and limit Myanmar’s economic growth and development.   
4.54.   Similarly, it creates uncertainty for this review. In its Government report, Myanmar expresses 
its intentions to undertake further reform work in the area of trade and trade policy, to support  small 
and medium -sized enterprises, to accelerate the transition to a digital economy, and to improve 
environmental protections, including taking action against environmental crimes such as the illegal 
trade, poaching and trafficking of protected flora an d fauna. Laudable though these objectives are, 
it is not clear how they will now be advanced and how domestic and international stakeholders will 
be able to provide input into the development of relevant policies.  
4.55.   We submitted several advance written questions, including on the importance of applying 
realistic criteria, both technical and logistical, in future energy tenders, to ensure that bids from 
international companies, including British firms, are not preclude d. To this end, we welcome 
Myanmar’s interest in obtaining Observer status to the WTO Government Procurement Agreement. 
The United Kingdom strongly supports this Agreement, which ensures open, fair and transparent 
conditions of competition as well as value  for money on public procurement.  
4.56.   The United Kingdom appreciates the responses provided by the delegation of Myanmar, led 
by the Honourable U Minn Minn, Director General of the Department of Trade, to the advance written 
questions of the United Kingdom.]  
4.57.   The human rights situation continues to deteriorate. We are extremely concerned by the 
reports and images of violence emerging from Myanmar perpetrated by the police and military.  WT/TPR/W/ 187 • Myanmar  
 
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  4.58.   We stand with the people of Myanmar who are now bravely exercising their de mocratic right 
to protest this coup. Their wishes, and the result of the November 2020 General Election, must be 
respected.  
JAPAN  
4.59.   Let me first extend a warm welcome to this second TPR meeting to the distinguished 
delegation of Myanmar headed by Mr. U Minn  Minn, Director General, Department of Trade, Ministry 
of Commerce. We truly appreciate the great flexibility shown by the Myanmar delegation in agreeing 
to hold this TPR meeting via a virtual format. We also sincerely appreciate the dedicated efforts 
made  by Myanmar and the WTO Secretariat to prepare the insightful reports shared with the 
Members in advance of today's review.  
4.60.   Myanmar is an important trading partner for Japan. In 2019, trade between our two countries 
reached a value of USD 2 billion in tota l. Our FDI amounted to USD 2.6 billion in 2019, including 
investment in the Thilawa SEZ (Special Economic Zone).  
4.61.   While major industries like tourism have been hard hit due to COVID -19, we look forward to 
seeing Myanmar recovering quickly and building back better through its ongoing economic policy 
measures.  
4.62.   As an ASEAN member, Myanmar has concluded EPAs with seven Members, including our 
ASEAN -Japan EPA. The signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) on 15th 
November 2020 was a positi ve recent development. We commend the steps taken by Myanmar 
towards greater trade liberalization and we believe that Myanmar’s efforts and cooperation under 
these RTAs will complement reinforcement of the Multilateral Trading System.  
4.63.   Japan appreciates Mya nmar’s joining of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in 2015 and 
its participation in the Joint State Initiative (JSI) on e -commerce and MSMEs towards further trade 
facilitation. We expect Myanmar to continue actively engaging in both multilateral and plurilateral 
frameworks under the WTO to further strengthen the Multilateral Trading System.  
4.64.   Japan commends the considerable change made to import licensing requirements with the 
introduction of the negative list regime, which exempts items other than thos e listed from import 
license requirements. Currently 3,931 tariff lines are subject to the import license requirements, 
including items of interest to Japan such as food and vehicles. We look forward to seeing these 
regulations further relaxed going forwar d. 
4.65.   In terms of customs procedures, Japan welcomes the progress Myanmar has been making 
toward ensuring the acceleration of customs clearance and appropriate taxation using the MACCS 
(Myanmar Automated Cargo Clearance System), which was introduced in 2016. We are happy to 
have played a part in the introduction of this system.  
4.66.   Japan commends Myanmar on its action during the period under review to adopt and reform 
trade - and investment -related laws such as the Investment Law and the Companies Law, which have 
contributed to liberalizing the market for foreign investments in service sectors such as banking, 
insurance, telecommunications, and retailing. At the same time, Japan expects Myanmar to further 
increase market access, given that foreign capital stor es under 929 m2 in size are still not allowed 
to enter the market. With respect to foreign investments, Japan also places importance on 
intellectual property rights and welcomes Myanmar’s amendment of the relevant laws.  
4.67.   In conclusion, Japan positively eval uates Myanmar’s efforts towards improvement of its trade 
environment since the previous review. Last, but not least, we wish Myanmar a successful and 
productive TPR.  
THE PHILIPPINES  
4.68.   At the outset, the Philippines associates itself with the ASEAN Statement delivered by Brunei 
Darussalam highlighting the important contributions of Myanmar in ASEAN and the WTO.  WT/TPR/W/ 187 • Myanmar  
 
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  4.69.   The Philippine delegation warmly welcomes and congratulates the delegation of Myanmar led 
by Director General U Minn Minn of the Ministry of Commerce a nd Ambassador Myint Thu of the 
Permanent Mission of Myanmar to the WTO on their second Trade Policy Review. We also thank 
Ambassador Kirsti Kauppi of Finland for her insightful comments as discussant, and the WTO 
Secretariat for a comprehensive report.  
4.70.   The Philippines has a longstanding bilateral relationship with Myanmar which was formally 
established in September 1956. As we mark the 65th anniversary of the Philippines -Myanmar 
relations this year, we continue to witness a steady growth in f mutually bene ficial cooperation 
between our two countries on a broad range of issues. Through the creation of the Philippines -
Myanmar Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) in April 2004, we have expanded our 
bilateral relations in the areas of trade, invest ment, agriculture, forestry, tourism, culture, education, 
health, and air services.  
4.71.   Trade between the Philippines and Myanmar, albeit modest, has grown over the years. In 
2019, total bilateral trade between our two countries amounted to USD 198 Million. P hilippine 
imports from Myanmar significantly increased by 464.52% from USD 25.35 million in 2018 to 
USD 143.13 million in 2019 due to increase in inward shipment of agriculture products such as rice, 
maize, and beans, and the importation of vessels for tra nsport of goods from Myanmar Similarly, 
Philippine exports to Myanmar grew by 33.59% from USD 41.15 million in 2018 to USD 54.97 million 
in 2019 due to the increase in outward shipment of tobacco, cartons, and polypropylene from the 
Philippines.  
4.72.   The Phili ppines recognizes the relevant updates and reforms in Myanmar’s trade and 
investment policies, including its initiatives in further liberalizing its trade and investment regimes. 
We also note the progress in Myanmar’s efforts in reducing poverty and inequa lity, which reflected 
in its GDP per capita growing to over USD 1,300. We acknowledge these developments and look 
forward to learning more about these new policies and initiatives through this trade policy review 
process.  
4.73.   Further, we commend Myanmar’s stro ng support to improving and strengthening the 
Multilateral Trading System, including its support to the new initiatives, namely the Joint Statement 
Initiatives on MSMEs, Electronic Commerce, Investment Facilitation, and Gender and Trade. The 
Philippines al so appreciates the importance given by Myanmar to progressive regional integration as 
a significant element of its national economic policy, which was demonstrated in several agreements 
and instruments it is a Party to, including the recently concluded Reg ional Comprehensive Economic 
Partnership Agreement or RCEP.  
4.74.   The Philippines has submitted some written questions on the TPR reports and we thank the 
delegation of Myanmar in advance for their prompt replies.  
4.75.   In light of the current developments in Myanma r, the Philippines wishes to echo the ASEAN 
statement expressing the importance of political stability in ASEAN Member States to achieving a 
peaceful, stable and prosperous ASEAN Community. Further, the Philippines notes that it has been 
supportive of Myan mar’s progress towards a fuller democracy, and we believe the realization of this 
democratic process can only be achieved through the complete restoration of the status quo ante.  
4.76.   In closing, the Philippines looks forward to further enhancing the mutually b eneficial economic 
relations with Myanmar in the bilateral, regional, and multilateral fora.  
REPUBLIC  OF KOREA  
4.77.   I would like to join other speakers in welcoming the delegation of Myanmar, let by Director 
General U Minn Minn to its second Trade Policy Review . Our thanks also go to Ambassador Kauppi 
of Finland for her role as discussant and the Secretariat for its informative report.  
4.78.   The eports by the Secretariat and the Government of Myanmar both document in considerable 
detail the wide range of reforms that Myanmar has been undertaking since the previous TPR in 2014. 
The record shows that Myanmar’s reform efforts have been bearing fruit. Annual economic growth 
has averaged 7.1% for most of the review period. FDI inflows have risen from 1% of GDP in 2013 WT/TPR/W/ 187 • Myanmar  
 
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  to 4 percent in 2019. Most recently, according to the Government’s report, Myanmar has been listed 
among the top 20 reformers in the 2020 World Bank Doing Business Report.  
4.79.   These reform efforts reinforce the rule of law – a critical pillar of sustained development. 
Indeed, the quadrupling of FDI inflows in Myanmar is emblematic of the growing rule of law and 
market economy, both of which are important considerations for forei gn investors. We take positive 
note of the fact that the Government’s Report also acknowledges the significance of the rule of law 
and market economy principles.  
4.80.   We believe that, now more than ever, the rule of law and market economy principles should 
continue to be upheld. Doing so will ensure that foreign investment continues to flow into Myanmar 
and help fuel its development.  
4.81.   We welcome the fact that Myanmar is relying on guidance from multilateral and regional 
instruments to advance its own reforms, a s indicated in the Government’s report. Myanmar’s 
participation in the JSIs on E -commerce, Investment Facilitation and MSMEs will help accelerate its 
digital transformation, increase FDI inflows, and make MSMEs a more resilient backbone of its 
economy. Thi s TPR could also be an occasion to encourage continued and steadfast reforms.  
4.82.   The RCEP Agreement as well as Myanmar’s investment agreement with Korea, both of which 
were concluded during the review period, should also serve as regional and bilateral instru ments 
that help build a more predictable regulatory environment. We hope they will also help strengthen 
non-discriminatory treatment between foreign and local investors  
4.83.   Korea wishes to take this opportunity to encourage the Government of Myanmar to addres s 
a few specific challenges. We hope that Myanmar would consider these issues as part of its broader 
reform efforts.  
4.84.   First, under Section 51(c) of the Myanmar Investment Law, only Myanmar nationals may be 
employed in unskilled work, as pointed out in parag raph 2.51 of the Secretariat’s report. We believe 
this requirement has the unintended effect of creating significant hurdles. This is especially so for 
companies that are newly investing in Myanmar, since even unskilled work in a new enterprise would 
require additional training costs. We believe that easing the mandatory requirement to only hire 
locals for unskilled work would facilitate new investment flows.  
4.85.   Second, the stamp duty levied by Myanmar often amounts to a dual burden for foreign 
investors. It w ould be appreciated if Myanmar could shed light on whether it plans to revise this duty 
as part of the tax reform efforts highlighted in paragraph 2.52 of the Government’s report.  
4.86.   Last, we believe that the growing number of disputes between Korean investo rs and their 
local partners in Myanmar is unconducive to a healthy economic relationship. We would appreciate 
the Government’s continued interest in helping to find reasonable settlements.   
4.87.   I thank the delegation of Myanmar for the extensive work they put  into preparing for this 
meeting. We look forward to Myanmar’s responses. Let me conclude with the hope that the progress 
which the people of Myanmar have worked so hard to achieve throughout the review period is not 
turned back  
SINGAPORE  
4.88.   The Singapore del egation warmly welcomes Mr. U Minn Minn, Director General from the 
Department of Trade from the Ministry of Commerce. We thank Myanmar for its Government Rreport 
and statement. We also thank the TPRB Chair, Ambassador Harald Aspelund, the Secretariat, and 
the discussant, Ambassador Kristi Kauppi of Finland for their invaluable insights.  
4.89.   Singapore and Myanmar share longstanding and warm relations and our economic ties are 
growing. Bilateral trade volumes have increased steadily and reached USD 3.5 billion i n 2019, which 
was a 14% year -on-year increase from 2018. Singapore has also been the largest investor in 
Myanmar since January 2019, with cumulative investment at USD 22.7 billion as of January 2020. 
This comprised 27% of all foreign investments into Myanm ar. As of November 2020, there were 
319 Singapore enterprises in Myanmar, with most of their investments concentrated in Yangon.  WT/TPR/W/ 187 • Myanmar  
 
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  4.90.   More importantly, these strong economic ties have the potential to grow further. Despite the 
COVID -19 pandemic, the interests o f Singapore businesses in Myanmar have not waned. And last 
October, we welcomed the entry into force of the Singapore -Myanmar Bilateral Investment Treaty 
(BIT) on the Promotion and Protection of Investments. The Bilateral Investment Treaty will create a 
more conducive environment for investors from both Singapore and Myanmar, and increase the level 
of protection for bilateral investments.  
4.91.   As Myanmar looks ahead to its next phase of growth, allow me to highlight three points.  
4.92.   First, Singapore commends Myanm ar for its strong support of the rules -based multilateral 
trading system as embodied in the WTO. Myanmar’s efforts to improve the transparency of its trade 
regime are welcome. For example, during the period under review, Myanmar submitted first -time 
notifications for import licensing, customs valuation, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and 
technical barriers to trade. Myanmar has also been a constructive WTO Member, and has co -
sponsored joint statements on Ensuring Supply Chain Connectivity amidst the C OVID -19 pandemic 
and Prohibiting Export Restrictions Relating to Purchases by the World Food Programme. Myanmar 
has also joined the Joint Statement Initiatives on e -commerce, investment facilitation and MSMEs. 
In addition, Myanmar said in its Government re port that it is considering the possibility of becoming 
an observer to the Agreement on Government Procurement, which we would welcome. We would 
like to encourage Myanmar to maintain the momentum of its reform agenda, and work towards 
greater trade opennes s and the diversification of its economy, so that it may reap greater benefits 
from its integration into the multilateral trading system.  
4.93.   Second, we welcome Myanmar’s ongoing efforts to improve its trade and investment regime 
under the review period. Singa pore welcomes the introduction of Myanmar’s competition law in 
2017, which will provide a good foundation to create a competitive and level playing field for 
businesses operating in the country. Myanmar improved its ranking in the World Bank’s Doing 
Busine ss 2020 report by six positions, moving from 171st to 165th place out of 190 countries. 
However, there is still room for improvement, and we would like to urge Myanmar to continue to 
streamline its bureaucratic processes and enhance the transparency and co nsistency of its rules and 
regulations.  
4.94.   Third, we look forward to working together with Myanmar and the rest of the region to respond 
to the economic impact of the COVID -19 pandemic, including through boosting economic linkages 
and maintaining supply chain  connectivity, so that we can emerge stronger and seize opportunities 
to boost economic growth. Singapore would like to commend Myanmar’s commitment in promoting 
trade facilitation. Myanmar is an active participant of the ASEAN Single Window, has committed  to 
accept the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement’s electronic Certificate of Origin at all ports and points 
of entry, and will participate in the ASEAN Customs Transit System. We will continue to work with 
Myanmar and other ASEAN Member States in the timely i mplementation of such initiatives.  
4.95.   Before concluding, we note the latest political developments in Myanmar, and are concerned 
about the potential impact on Myanmar’s economy and trade. We hope that the situation stabilizes 
as soon as possible.  
4.96.   We wish Myan mar every success for this TPR.  
CHINA  
4.97.   China warmly welcomes the delegation of Myanmar headed by U Minn Minn, Director General, 
Department of Trade, Ministry of Commerce, to this Trade Policy Review and would like to express 
the appreciation to Ambassador Kirsti Kauppi for the excellent discussant comments. My thanks also 
go to the Chair and the Secretariat for your great efforts and contributions to this Trade Policy 
Review.  
4.98.   China would like to commend Myanmar’s good economic performance with a strong econ omic 
growth during the period under review, averaging 7.1%. We agree with Myanmar’s opinion in the 
Report that a wide range of regulatory and institutional reforms taken by Myanmar over the past 
years, in particular the lifting of restrictions on investmen t and the liberalization of trade in goods 
and services, greater integration into the region, have played a key role to such positive outcome. 
We encourage Myanmar to continue such efforts.  WT/TPR/W/ 187 • Myanmar  
 
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  4.99.   China also commends Myanmar's firm commitment to the rules -based m ultilateral trading 
system. During the review period, Myanmar ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement and notified 
its category A, B and C commitments to the WTO. Myanmar also participates actively in multilateral 
negotiations and supports new initiative s, namely the Joint Statement Initiatives on MSMEs, 
E-Commerce and Investment Facilitation.  
4.100.   For the regional cooperation, China acknowledges Myanmar’s significant progress in the FTA 
negotiations and regional integration. Myanmar is a signatory to the Regional Comprehensive 
Economic Partnership (RCEP), and also a party to other regional negotiations and cooperation 
initiatives including the Greater Mekong Sub -region (GMS) and Mekong Initiatives. We believe that 
deepening regional integration through var ious agreements and initiatives will further support the 
economic growth and sustainable development of Myanmar.  
4.101.   As to the bilateral trade, China is Myanmar’s largest trading partner. During the review 
period, the bilateral trade increased significantly fr om USD 5 billion in 2013 to USD 18.9 billion in 
2020. It is worthy to note that given the world trade fell sharply in 2020 caused by the COVID -19 
pandemic, the bilateral trade still maintained a positive growth in 2020. The good performance of 
trade well r eflected strong trade potential between China and Myanmar, which we believe could be 
further unleashed by improving infrastructure connectivity and efficiency of custom clearance. In 
this regard, China looks forward to working with Myanmar to enhance our t rade and economic 
cooperation to benefit the development and people of our two countries.  
4.102.   For the purpose of this Review, China has submitted questions to the Myanmar and looks 
forward to Myanmar’s early responses.  
4.103.   Finally, we wish this Trade Policy Revie w a great success.  
TURKEY  
4.104.   We would like to join previous speakers in extending welcome to the delegation of Myanmar, 
headed by Mr. U Minn Minn, Director General of Ministry of Commerce.  
4.105.   We took note of his introductory remarks and we thank the delegation of Myanmar for their 
comprehensive Report. We also would like to thank the Secretariat for its report as well as our 
discussant Ambassador Kirsti Kauppi of Finland for her substantial contribution to the review.  
4.106.   Let me touch open first on recent  developments in Myanmar. We condemn the military 
takeover of the Government by Myanmar Armed Forces. Turkey is against any kind of military 
intervention.  
4.107.   We believe that the convening of the new parliament at the earliest and the prompt removal 
of all res trictions placed on the elected leaders and democratic institutions will be highly beneficial 
for the overall stability in the country.  
4.108.   Myanmar had an average economic growth of 7.1% annually during the review period. This 
strong growth since its reintegra tion into the world economy has resulted in a reduction in poverty 
and inequality and its GDP per capita grew steadily.  
4.109.   We are pleased to see that Myanmar's ranking in the World Bank Doing Business Ranking 
(for the category "starting a business") 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 with regard to the level of restrictions on foreign investments.  
4.110.   These improvements were possible thanks to the comprehensive reforms and new policies 
implemented by the Government during the democratic transition period. A number of trade - and 
investment -related laws were amended and new laws were adopted. These reforms, s upported by 
FDI and public investment, paved the way to significant progress in terms of growth.  
4.111.   Turkey sees Myanmar as a valuable partner in Southeast Asia. In line with our “Asia Anew” 
initiative, we wish to tap the great potential in our bilateral relat ions to the mutual benefit of both 
countries.  WT/TPR/W/ 187 • Myanmar  
 
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  4.112.   Turkish companies are keen to take part in the infrastructure and investment projects in 
Myanmar. We would like to cooperate in Myanmar’s priority sectors such as electricity generation, 
transportation, vocati onal training and tourism. For this, access facilitation to Turkish investors 
through the “online business visa system” is crucial.  
4.113.   In concluding, we express the importance of Myanmar’s democratic transition, efforts to 
build peace and national reconciliat ion and economic development across its diverse states and 
regions.  
4.114.   We wish Myanmar a successful completion of its second Trade Policy Review.  
INDONESIA  
4.115.   Indonesia wishes to warmly welcome the delegation of Myanmar, led by Mr. U Minn Minn, 
Director Genera l, Department of Trade, Ministry of Commerce, to the second Trade Policy Review of 
Myanmar.  
4.116.   Indonesia appreciates and thanks Myanmar for providing a comprehensive Government 
report. We see that the report provides key information on Myanmar’s trade, trade -related, and 
investment policies; as well as Myanmar’s trade engagement with the world through multilateral, 
regional and bilateral forums. We would also like to commend the WTO Secretariat for providing 
members with an excellent report, which gives more insights into this review process.  
4.117.   We also extend our appreciation to the discussant, Her Excellency Kirsti Kauppi of Finland, 
for her contribution to this trade policy review.   
4.118.   Indonesia applauds the intensive development and reform that has been done b y Myanmar 
government. These actions made progress in reducing poverty and inequality as well as Myanmar's 
per capita GDP grew to over USD 1,300. Indonesia also acknowledges Myanmar’s efforts in the lifting 
of restrictions on investment and the liberalizati on of trade in goods and services, greater integration 
into and embeddedness in the region, and intensified engagement at the multilateral level.  
4.119.   Today’s review is an important avenue for Indonesia in terms of trade relationship with 
Myanmar. From Indones ia’s point of views, we see a substantial opportunity for Indonesia and 
Myanmar to strengthen our mutually beneficial trade with a more engagement and room to improve.   
4.120.   Myanmar is one of Indonesia’s most important trading partners which is reflected from the 
increase of bilateral trade since the last Myanmar’s review. The year 2019 witnessed that more than 
USD 1 billion worth of products were traded between the two nations.   
4.121.   Indonesia’s major export products to Myanmar are palm oil, vehicles, uncoated pap er and 
paperboard, waffles and wafers. On the other hand, Indonesia’s imports from Myanmar are 
dominated by cereals, broken rice, copper, dried beans, unwrought lead, and tobacco.   
4.122.   From the regional cooperation perspective, as a member of ASEAN since 1997 , Myanmar 
chaired the ASEAN in 2014 and has successfully hosted its annual summit. Myanmar also participated 
in six ASEAN's preferential agreements.  
4.123.   On the multilateral front, Myanmar’s active participation and its engagement in the WTO 
fisheries subsidie s negotiations has enriched the negotiation process. Indonesia also takes note on 
of Myanmar’s participation as a co -sponsor in the Joint Statement Initiatives on ecommerce, 
investment facilitation and MSMEs.   
4.124.   Despite all the progress and positive develop ment between the nations, please allow us to 
underline some of our interest and concerns on trade and trade -related policies and practices of 
Myanmar, which are also reflected in our written questions.  
4.125.   First, regarding import restrictions on honey orange,  durian, rambutan, pomegranate, 
dragon fruit, Sunkist fruit (orange), mangosteen, and jackfruit, we would like to ask Myanmar to 
explain the aforementioned import restriction and prohibition with the WTO consistency, particularly WT/TPR/W/ 187 • Myanmar  
 
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  in terms of GATT Art. XI a nd the Import Licensing Agreement. Indonesia would also request on the 
update on Myanmar’s target to abolish the import of beans prohibition.  
4.126.   Second, on recommendations for import, there are several products and commodities that 
require a veterinary healt h certificate to obtain import recommendations. Indonesia asks for 
explanations in detail procedures for obtaining the certificate in question and the on -site review 
implementation during the COVID -19 pandemic.  
4.127.   Third, on anti -dumping, countervailing, and safeguard measures, Indonesia would like to 
know what actions has Myanmar performed with regards to protecting its domestic industry against 
unfair trade since Myanmar does not have any anti -dumping and countervailing legislations. We also 
appreciate if My anmar could provide a timeline for the implementation of Safeguard Law as well as 
a brief information on the provisions.  
4.128.   Lastly, on regional agreement implementations, Indonesia would like to seek clarification 
from Myanmar when will the remaining 6 ports  in Myanmar can accept e -form D as we need to 
minimize physical contact in -process manual documents, especially during this pandemic COVID -19. 
We also would like to know whether Myanmar has an online verification system for tracking e -form D.  
4.129.   Indonesia has submitted an advanced number of written questions related to these concerns, 
and we are waiting for the responses provided. We are going to take a careful look at them and will 
accordingly follow -up if needed.   
4.130.   Indonesia believes that this T PR process can serve as a forum to address these concerns; 
with a hope that in the future it could enhance trade and economic cooperation between Indonesia 
and Myanmar.  
4.131.   Before concluding my remarks, I would like to express our concern over the current political 
situation in Myanmar. Indonesia hopes the Government of Myanmar will be able to address its 
difficulties appropriately and finding solutions to the challenges, thu s it would not disrupt trade 
activities.  
4.132.   Finally, I would like to commend H.E. Myint Thu and all the Myanmar delegation in Geneva 
for their hard work in this second Trade Policy Review.    
EUROPEAN  UNION  
4.133.   On behalf of the European Union, I would like to we lcome the delegation of Myanmar led by 
Director General, Ministry of Commerce U MINN MINN. I would also like to thank the WTO Secretariat 
and the Government of Myanmar for their reports, and the discussant, H.E. Ms Kirsti KAUPPI 
(Finland) for her remarks.  
4.134.   Although political developments are normally discussed in international fora other than the 
WTO, they do impact on the economic and trade situation of countries. The European Union wishes 
to put on record our grave concern regarding the recent development s in Myanmar. Therefore, we 
would like to refer to our recent statement in which the EU strongly condemns the coup by the 
Tatmadaw in Myanmar. This is a clear attempt by the military to overturn the will of the Myanmar 
people with their strong attachment t o democracy, as expressed in the November 2020 general 
election. The EU also calls for restraint by the military, the immediate restoration of the legitimate 
civilian Government in Myanmar.  
4.135.   During period under the review and before these unfortunate event s, Myanmar underwent 
a clear economic transformation, gradually making its economy more open to trade and foreign 
investment.  
4.136.   Growth has resulted in a decline in poverty, which fell to 25% in 2017 (48% in 2005). The 
EU supports Myanmar’s efforts in reduci ng poverty as well as inequality. Different economic plans 
have been prepared to combat the impact of COVID -19 on the country and to support economic 
development in the longer term. However, we encourage Myanmar to promote reforms that will 
further enable inclusive growth and address inequality.  WT/TPR/W/ 187 • Myanmar  
 
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  4.137.   The EU commends Myanmar's commitment to the multilateral trading system and its support 
for a rules -based system. The EU welcomes Myanmar's ratification of the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement in 2015 and the notificat ion of its Category A, B and C commitments under this 
Agreement. To enhance transparency and predictability, the EU urges Myanmar to submit its 
outstanding notifications as required under the WTO and to consider becoming a Party of the 
plurilateral Agreeme nt on Government Procurement.  
4.138.   Finally, the EU would also like to highlight a few trade policy related challenges. We urge 
Myanmar to proceed with deeper structural reforms and increase liberalization in strategic sectors 
that can strengthen its position i n the global economy. Finally, we encourage Myanmar to strengthen 
its attempts to combat fraud, corruption and illicit trade.  
BRAZIL  
4.139.   Let me start by stating that the Brazilian Government follows closely the developments of 
the state of emergency decreed in  Myanmar. Brazil expects a rapid return of the country to 
democratic normality and maintenance of the rule of law.  
4.140.   Allow me now to welcome the delegation of Myanmar and to thank the Mission of Myanmar 
to the WTO, headed by Ambassador Myint Thu, for its ef forts and contributions to this important 
exercise.  
4.141.   I would also like to thank Myanmar and the WTO Secretariat for their reports, as well as the 
discussant, Ambassador Kirsti Kauppi (Finland), for her insightful observations, and you, Chair, for 
your openi ng comments.  
4.142.   The opportunity to review the trade policies of Myanmar is a demonstration of the relevance 
of WTO’s monitoring pillar. Brazil, as always, attaches great importance to this exercise of 
transparency.  
4.143.   We highlight Myanmar’s positive economic pe rformance in recent years. Between 2011 and 
2019, foreign investment grew by 12% per year on average. Burmese exports increased by 87% 
between 2010 and 2017, while imports grew 362% in the same period. GDP grew, on average, 7% 
per year, in the pre -pandemic  period. The proportion of Burmese citizens living below the poverty 
line fell from 48% to 25% between 2007 and 2018.  
4.144.   Myanmar has made important progress in reforming legislation and institutions, facilitating 
the development of the private sector and the creation of jobs, attracting foreign investment and 
integrating the country to the main regional markets.  
4.145.   We congratulate Myanmar for adoption of investment -friendly laws; creation of the Thilawa 
Special Economic Zone; adoption of an electronic system for  expediting exports and imports; 
standardization of the tax system; and opening of the financial market.  
4.146.   Normative and institutional advances in consumer protection in Myanmar should also be 
underscored.  
4.147.   Brazil commends Myanmar’s regional and global trade  integration initiatives. An ASEAN 
member since 1997, Myanmar has access to important markets such as Australia, New Zealand, 
China, India and South Korea. Despite the efforts in favour of trade openness, the country has 
maintained some protectionist pract ices, such as the Law of Protection from Increased Imported 
Volume, that hinders consumers access to imports.  
4.148.   On WTO related issues, Brazil notes that, since its last trade policy review in 2014, Myanmar 
has made progress in a number of areas. Brazil comm ends the efforts towards the implementation 
of the Trade Facilitation Agreement. However, work still remains in this area. Brazil looks forward to 
constructive engagement by Myanmar on trade facilitation issues with a view to further reduce 
customs barrier s. 
4.149.   With regard to trade relations with Brazil, bilateral flows are still modest but have potential 
for expansion. Exports from Brazil to Myanmar were USD 86.918 million in 2019 and WT/TPR/W/ 187 • Myanmar  
 
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  USD 40.20  million in 2020, mainly concentrated in soybean meal, meat produc ts, coffee and 
footwear.  
4.150.   In 2020, Myanmar approved sanitary and phytosanitary certificates presented by Brazil, 
which should favor exports of dairy and animal products.  
4.151.   In closing, we congratulate Myanmar on its efforts to confront constraints and implemen t 
reforms compatible with WTO rules. Brazil has submitted questions related to regulation of 
communication services and thanks Myanmar for consideration of these issues.  
4.152.   We hope that Myanmar will maintain the policies that were in course for economic and 
commercial opening and avoid resuming protectionist measures. As Myanmar’s role in the world 
economy evolves, Brazil is counting on the country to continue to be a force for strengthening the 
multilateral trading system.  
4.153.   We wish Myanmar a successful Trade Policy Review.  
LAO PDR 
4.154.   On behalf of the Lao delegation, I wish to extend our warmly welcome to distinguished 
delegation of Myanmar to its Trade Policy Review led by Mr. Minn Minn, Director General, Department 
of trade, Ministry of Commerce.  
4.155.   I would like to thank the Government of Myanmar and the WTO Secretariat for the excellent 
preparation of comprehensive report for this review, especially under the circumstances of the 
COVID -19 pandemic.  
4.156.   My thanks also go to H.E. Ambassador Ms. Kirsti Kauppi, Permanent Representative of 
Finland, the discussant for insightful observations and introduction.  
4.157.   Lao PDR associates itself with the ASEAN Joint Statement delivered by Brunei Darussalam 
and we would like to share some points as follows.  
4.158.   Lao PDR shares the same view with Myanmar that the further enhanced trade and 
investment liberalization is among the best pathways and welcome Myanmar’s strong commitment 
to the multilateral trading system.   
4.159.   Lao PDR commends Myanmar's strong GDP growth, averaging 6.6% annually between 
2015/2016 and 2018/2 019. We also recognize and appreciate the improvement of economic reforms 
by amending a number of Trade and Investment -related laws with respect to the regimes of import 
and export such as Myanmar Automated Cargo Clearance System and other regimes aiming t o 
facilitating its import and export.  
4.160.   For our bilateral trade relations, Myanmar is the key trading partner of Lao PDR due to our 
geographical situation, religion, culture and traditions. Although the volume of our trading is still 
insignificant, we can s ee the total two -way merchandise trade between two countries gradual 
increasing every year.  
4.161.   From regional co -operation perspective, Lao PDR would like to thank Myanmar for a closed 
co-operation with Lao PDR and other ASEAN Member States as well as with the  5 partner -countries 
in concluding the negotiations and signing of the RCEP Agreement on 15 November 2020, which is 
a strong message on our region’s support to the rule -based multilateral trading system.  
4.162.   Lao PDR commends Myanmar as a strong supporter of t he multilateral trading system and 
an active participating in the WTO negotiations and Lao PDR is of the view that Myanmar has played 
outstanding role in contributing for an importance of a rules -based multilateral trading system.  
4.163.   Lao PDR is of the view th at this TPR will provide an important opportunity for Myanmar to 
review its trade policy in making a great achievement for the international trade and also to provide 
an important platform for Lao PDR to explore the possibility in improving bilateral trade  relation with 
Myanmar.  WT/TPR/W/ 187 • Myanmar  
 
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  4.164.   Lao PDR is confident that with maintaining the momentum of its reform agenda, Myanmar 
will achieve its target to reach the economic expansion and we believe these priorities will be on 
track with Myanmar's efforts to succeed from LD C to developing country status.  
4.165.   Our delegation would also like to take this opportunity to thank H.E Ambassador Myint Thu, 
Permanent Representative of Myanmar and his staff for their active participation and close 
cooperation between our two Missions here in Geneva.  
4.166.   Finally, we wish Myanmar a great success of its Trade Policy Review.  
THE SEPARATE  CUSTOMS  TERRITORY  OF TAIWAN,  PENGHU,  KINMEN  AND  MATSU  
4.167.   On behalf of the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, let me 
extend our warm welcome to the delegation of Myanmar for its second Trade Policy Review. I also 
thank the discussant H.E. Ms. Kirsti Kauppi for her insightful remarks, and the WTO Secretariat for 
its comprehensive report.  
4.168.   My delegation is pleased to note that Myanmar's ec onomy has continued to register robust 
growth since 2014. A GDP growth at a real average of 7.1% annually from fiscal year 2013/2014 to 
fiscal year 2018/2019, which resulted in a great degree of improvement in the living standard and 
poverty reduction for the people of Myanmar. We also noted Myanmar’s cognizance of effects caused 
by COVID -19 in 2020 on its economy, and took various relief and related trade measures to mitigate 
the impact of the pandemic. In this regard, we are pleased to see that the econom y maintained 
positive growth of GDP in fiscal year 2019/2020. We therefore commend Myanmar on its successful 
economic performance over the past few years.  
4.169.   As the Secretariat’s report confirms, the trade policies of Myanmar are guided by the rules -
based mul tilateral trading system. Myanmar grants most -favored -nation (MFN) treatment to all its 
trading partners. On its transparency obligations, Myanmar made a number of notifications during 
the review period concerning, import licensing, customs valuation, sani tary and phytosanitary 
measures, as well as technical barriers to trade, among others. This shows its recognition of the 
crucial importance of transparency. However, we also note that Myanmar still has outstanding 
notifications, including those concerning state trading. We encourage Myanmar to complete fulfilling 
its notification obligations.  
4.170.   In terms of foreign trade, we recognize Myanmar's efforts on launching an Automated Cargo 
Clearance system, automating a number of customs procedures, risk management and cargo control 
systems. My delegation also recognizes that Myanmar ratified the WTO Agreement on Trade 
Facilitation on 16 December 2015. Furthermore, the Myanmar National Trade Facilitation Action Plan 
was endorsed by the co -chairs of the National Trade  Facilitation Committee in 2018, and was updated 
in February of 2019, showing Myanmar's endeavor in the field of trade facilitation. On Customs 
Valuation, we recognize Myanmar has implemented the Customs Valuation Agreement to determine 
customs value of im ported goods. It’s vital that Myanmar gradually increases the low percentage of 
imports from its current portion of 50% to a greater portion subject to the transaction value to 
comply with the Customs Valuation Agreement.   
4.171.   With respect to Myanmar’s tariff  regime, the bands of applied MFN tariff have been reduced 
from 15 in 2013 to 11 in 2020, so as to reduce the complex of the tariff. We also observe that the 
simple average applied MFN tariff rate had an increase from 5.5% in 2013 to 6.1% in 2008 due to 
the reduction of tariff bands and changes in nomenclature. Furthermore, the number of tariff lines 
exceeds the bound rates by more than doubled, from 32 at the time of previous Review in 2013 to 
70 in 2020. We would encourage Myanmar to avoid increasing tari ffs while simplifying tariff bands 
or changes in nomenclature to avoid interrupting trade.  
4.172.   On our bilateral ties, we are pleased to see that our bilateral trade has been increasing 
steadily from USD 173 million in 2010 to USD 312 million in 2019. We hope t o see a continuous 
trend of such positive development.  
4.173.   In conclusion, we strongly encourage Myanmar to continue its structural reforms to further 
improve its business and investment environment and look forward to strengthening our trade and 
investment re lations with Myanmar.  WT/TPR/W/ 187 • Myanmar  
 
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  4.174.   We wish Myanmar a successful Review.  
INDIA  
4.175.   My delegation is pleased to participate in the second Trade Policy Review of Myanmar. On 
behalf of India, I would like to welcome the delegation of Myanmar led by Mr. U Minn Minn, Director 
General, Department of Trade, Ministry of Commerce of Myanmar and Myanmar’s delegation to the 
WTO in Geneva led by its Ambassador and Permanent Representative H.E. Mr. Myint Thu and his 
team for the TPR. We thank H.E. Mr. U Minn Minn for his comprehensive op ening statement, 
Ambassador H.E. Kirsti Kauppi of Finland, for her insightful observations as a discussant, and the 
Secretariat and the Government of Myanmar for the reports prepared for the Review.  
4.176.   We note from the Secretariat’s report that Myanmar witnes sed robust growth of 7.1% per 
annum during the Review Period and made progress in reducing poverty and inequality. We also 
note that the COVID -19 pandemic has had significant impact on the growth last year, but remain 
hopeful that the magnitude of economic  contraction could be limited due to the sound 
macro -economic management and relatively moderate level of exposure of Myanmar to the global 
economy. India hopes that the people of Myanmar will quickly overcome the health and economic 
setback caused by the COVID -19 pandemic and the economy will bounce back to a higher positive 
growth trajectory.  
4.177.   India-Myanmar relations are rooted in shared historical, ethnic, cultural and religious ties. 
As the land of Lord Buddha, India is a country of pilgrimage for the p eople of Myanmar. India and 
Myanmar relations have stood the test of time. The geographical proximity of the two countries has 
helped develop and sustain cordial relations and facilitated people -to people contact. It is the only 
ASEAN country adjoining Ind ia and, therefore, is a gateway to South East Asia. Myanmar is an 
important part of India’s ‘Act East’ and ‘Neighborhood First’ Policies.  
4.178.   India has been a major trading partner of Myanmar for ages. Currently, India is the 5th 
largest trade partner of Myanmar. The bilateral trade has grown steadily over the years and stood 
at USD 1.52 billion in 2019 -20. The growth is, however, not commensura te with the potential and 
also has witnessed uneven swings often, similar to the trade during the last year (2019 -20) when it 
witnessed a decline of -11.93%. The huge potential for bilateral trade, investment and other forms 
of economic cooperation with My anmar still remains to be utilized. India is also one of the largest 
investors in Myanmar, with more than 35 major Indian companies being active in the country. They 
are playing an active role in the development of several key sectors including oil and gas , 
infrastructure development, energy including renewable energy, transportation etc.  
4.179.   India is an important development partner of Myanmar and our development assistance and 
humanitarian aid is aimed towards improving the lives of the people of Myanmar. In dia’s 
development assistance portfolio in Myanmar is over USD 1.8 billion. The bulk of this assistance is 
grant -funded. The developmental projects being executed by India in Myanmar are in the area of 
transport and connectivity, IT, agriculture, skill deve lopment, health, education, women 
empowerment, preservation of cultural and heritage sites etc. India is also undertaking 
developmental projects in the Rakhine State, under a bilateral Rakhine State Development Program 
of about USD 25 million and is commit ted to support earliest return of displaced persons to their 
homes in the Rakhine State in a manner that is safe, secure and sustainable.  
4.180.   We are also happy to inform the Members that India has been able to extend a helping hand 
to the people of Myanmar by providing COVID related assistance consisting of medicines and medical 
equipment, in two tranches, worth over USD 1 million. Further, India has also undertaken COVID -19 
pandemic management related capacity building programs, through virtual modes. Recently , India 
gifted to Myanmar a consignment of 1.5 million doses of Made in India COVISHEILD vaccines. India 
is committed to its COVID assistance for the benefit of the people of Myanmar.  
4.181.   As world’s largest democracy, the recent developments in Myanmar are a m atter of deep 
concern. India has always been steadfast in its support to the process of democratic transition in 
Myanmar. We believe that the rule of law and the democratic process must be upheld and that the 
issues may be resolved in a peaceful manner kee ping in mind the welfare of the people of Myanmar.  WT/TPR/W/ 187 • Myanmar  
 
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  4.182.   Before I conclude, I wish to acknowledge the importance of Myanmar at the WTO, as India’s 
close neighbour and a fellow developing country. India looks forward to working closely with 
Myanmar, both bilatera lly and at the multilateral fora, including here at the WTO, to advance our 
shared interests. I wish our friends from Myanmar a productive and successful TPR.  
CAMBODIA  
4.183.   My delegation would like to express our warmest welcome the delegation of Myanmar led by  
Mr. U Minn Minn, Director General of the Department of Trade, Ministry of Commerce, to this second 
Trade Policy Review. We thank Ambassador Kirsti Kauppi of Finland for her insightful assessment 
reflecting the current trade policies and economic performan ce of Myanmar. We also thank the Trade 
Policy Review Division and Myanmar for their reports available for the Review.  
4.184.   Cambodia associates itself with the statement made by Brunei on behalf of ASEAN Member 
States.  
4.185.   We acknowledge the important and active ro le of Myanmar in the ASEAN region especially 
the role of ASEAN chairmanship in 2014.  
4.186.   We commend Myanmar for its good performances and efforts including the reform and the 
forthcoming Myanmar Economic Resilience serve to mitigate the economic impact of the  COVID -19 
pandemic as mentioned in the report of Myanmar.  
4.187.   We would also like to congratulate Myanmar for maintaining its remarkable economic growth 
at annual average of 7.1% from 2014 to 2019.  
4.188.   On the bilateral context: Cambodia and Myanmar ha ve establish ed diplomatic relations since 
1955. Last year, on 12 July, we joint memorial activity to celebrate the 65th Anniversary of the 
relations.   
4.189.   As mentioned in the secretariat report, Cambodia and Myanmar has signed agreement on 
air service on 17 October 1996,  and CLMV Multilateral Agreement in 2003 and 2005, respectively. 
The JCBC meeting held on 1 February 2019 agreed to deepen the cooperation in many important 
areas including trade and investment, tourism, civil aviation, culture and religion, education, 
agriculture, forestry, environment and natural resources, finance and banking, and establishment of 
sister cities.   
4.190.   The increased coordination and cooperation can also be seen at both regional and 
international platforms such as ASEAN, CLMV, Mekong sub -regional, the WTO and UN.   
4.191.   Trade between the two countries was around USD 28 Million in 2020, increased by 103% 
compared to 2019.   
4.192.   In 2019, export of Cambodia to Myanmar was about USD 3 Million and import was around 
USD 10.5 million. While in 2020, the import  rose to about USD 24.5 Million which was increased by 
134%.   
4.193.   We would like to take this opportunity to encourage investors of Myanmar to invest more in 
tourism and agricultural sectors in the post pandemic.  
4.194.   In the multilateral context: we thank and appr eciate the delegation of Myanmar in Geneva 
led by Ambassador Myint Thu for their friendship and good cooperation. We commend Myanmar for 
putting its efforts and for supporting the rules -based multilateral trading system. We particularly 
appreciate Myanmar for its active participation and contribution to the LDC issues. We also 
appreciate Myanmar for fulfilling its WTO obligations including the notifications as mentioned in the 
ASEAN statement. And we would like to encourage Members to provide necessary assi stance to 
Myanmar as an LDCs especially in the process of its graduation.   
4.195.   Finally, we commit to working closely with Myanmar to further strengthen the cooperation 
including the works of the WTO. We wish Myanmar a successful of its second Trade Policy Rev iew. WT/TPR/W/ 187 • Myanmar  
 
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  VIET  NAM 
4.196.   On behalf of Viet Nam’s delegation, I would like to express our warm welcome to the 
distinguished delegation of Myanmar led by Mr. U Minn Minn, Director General, Department of Trade, 
Ministry of Commerce, to the second Trade Policy Review.  
4.197.   I would like to thank the Government of Myanmar and the WTO Secretariat for the 
preparation of comprehensive reports for this review, especially under the circumstances of the 
COVID -19 pandemic.  
4.198.   My thanks also go to Discussant H.E. Ms Kirsti Kauppi, Ambassador of Finland for insightful 
observations and introduction.  
4.199.   Viet Nam associates itself with the ASEAN Joint Statement delivered by Brunei and would 
like to emphasize the following points.  
4.200.   Viet Nam noted with appreciation that the Myanmar’s economy has seen impressive 
development since its accession to the WTO. The country’s economic growth averaged a robust 7.1% 
annually during the review period, and per capita GDP grew to over USD 1,300. As a result of this 
growth, Myanmar made progress in reducing  poverty and inequality. Structural reforms in key 
sectors such as trade, investment, and finance have significantly contributed to the stabilization of 
the economy and brought about positive outcomes. We congratulate Myanmar on this success.  
4.201.   Viet Nam com mends Myanmar as it has actively participated in regional integration. In 2020, 
Myanmar and other ASEAN Member States together with Australia, China, Japan, the Republic of 
Korea, and New Zealand completed the negotiation process and signed the Regional Co mprehensive 
Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) - a milestone of regional trade cooperation.  
4.202.   We are pleased to emphasize some highlights of the bilateral trade and investment 
relationship between Viet Nam and Myanmar.  
4.203.   The bilateral relations between our two countries have been elevated to Comprehensive 
Partnership. Viet Nam is currently one of the 10 major trade and investment partners of Myanmar. 
The two -way trade reached nearly 1 billion USD in 2019 and over 850 milli on USD in 2020 in spite 
of challenges posed by the COVID -19 pandemic.  
4.204.   In terms of investment, as of December 2020 there are 18 projects of Vietnamese 
enterprises operating in Myanmar, and nearly 200 Vietnamese enterprises doing business and 
investing in t he country in various areas, with a total investment of USD 2.16 billion.  
4.205.   Viet Nam wishes to continue promoting the current excellent economic, trade, and 
investment cooperation with Myanmar.  
4.206.   In conclusion, I would like to take this opportunity to thank and commend Ambassador Myint 
Thu and his able team for the excellent preparation for this review as well as their proactive 
contribution and engagement in the WTO activities. We wish Myanmar a successful Trade Policy 
Review.  
CHAD  ON BEHALF  OF THE LDC GROUP  
4.207.   On behalf of the LDC Group, we would like to congratulate Myanmar on the occasion of its 
Trade Policy Review. We have reviewed the documents prepared by the WTO Secretariat for this 
review and those submitted to the WTO Secretariat from the Government.   
4.208.   Myanmar has registered an annual GDP of 7.1% between 2018 and 2019; growth was driven 
notably by manufacturing. However, the COVID -19 pandemic significantly impacted the growth rate, 
which declined to 1.5% between 2019 and 2020. Thanks to sound macro -econo mic management, 
Myanmar is expected to avert a full -blown economic contraction.  
4.209.   Myanmar made significant efforts to mitigate the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic by 
announcing an ambitious Economic Relief Plan (CERP) in April 2020, which outlined immediate  and WT/TPR/W/ 187 • Myanmar  
 
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  short-term actions to be taken with the objective of improving the macroeconomic environment. 
Myanmar made a precise effort to support its crisis response with its longer -term trade policy.  
4.210.   Myanmar is undergoing a significant transformation for the b enefit of international trade in 
goods. In the past, Myanmar 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 the sec tor. As a result, foreign investment is increasing, and the sector 
grew by 8% in 2019. Liberalization efforts in wholesale and retail services include a reduction of 
market access restrictions on mode 3 and allowing foreign providers of retail and wholesal e services 
to offer their services.  
4.211.   Furthermore, investments in the services sector, including construction activity; electricity, 
gas, and water supply; information and communications services; and financial and insurance 
activities fueled Myanmar’ econo mic growth. This approach has supported economic diversification 
for which we congratulate the government of Myanmar.  
4.212.   We commend Myanmar for efforts in complying with WTO rules, notably investor -friendly 
regime, offering incentives to various sectors. Mya nmar has adopted and amended various trade 
and investment related laws, including the Myanmar Investment Law.   
4.213.   Also, Myanmar developed and implemented various initiatives during the review period that 
aim to accelerate its transition to the digital econom y and to build a secure and business -friendly 
e-commerce ecosystem. Therefore, progress in enhancing connectivity and digitalizing financial 
services was established, including through the adoption of the Myanmar National Payment System 
Strategy and the in troduction of CBM -Net2. At the international level, Myanmar is involved in various 
initiatives to boost e -commerce and enhance the digital economy.  
4.214.   Myanmar has also demonstrated a keen interest to promote international trade at the 
regional level in mappi ng out its interests within the ASEAN bloc and seeking to actively increase 
trade with its neighbours. As a result, in taking part in regional trade agreements, Myanmar wants 
to support a free, open, transparent, and integrated investment regime in the ASE AN region, with 
the goal of achieving an ASEAN economic community.  
4.215.   Myanmar’ current priorities and reform agenda are outlined in the Sustainable Development 
Plan (2018 -30), adopted in August 2018. It, inter alia , outlines the government's long -term vision  
for a prosperous nation, and advocates further reforms.  
4.216.   The LDC Group takes this opportunity to renew to Myanmar its congratulations for its 
initiatives and the reforms undertaken. We wish Myanmar full success in the future and as part of 
its Trade Polic y Review.  
AUSTRALIA  
4.217.   Australia welcomes this opportunity to comment on Myanmar’s WTO Trade Policy Review. 
Myanmar is, of course, an original Member of the WTO and it joined in 1995.  
4.218.   Australia wishes to take this opportunity to register our serious concerns  about the military 
coup in Myanmar. We strongly urge the military to engage in dialogue to support a return to civilian 
rule, to refrain from violence, and to reconvene the National Assembly the Myanmar people so clearly 
want.  
4.219.   Australia is also deeply con cerned about the detention of democratically elected leaders, as 
well as the detention of an Australian citizen, respected economist Professor Sean Turnell. We call 
for his immediate release so he can return home to his family and for the release of all th ose who 
have been detained.  
4.220.   Current instability will have a significant impact on international confidence, and trade and 
investment with Myanmar. It is for these reasons we raise these issues.  
4.221.   Myanmar is an LDC and one of the poorest countries in South Ea st Asia. It can ill -afford to 
take backward steps. Prior to the coup, reforms had begun to open and rejuvenate Myanmar’s WT/TPR/W/ 187 • Myanmar  
 
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  economy. Rising exports, consumption, and investment had fueled growth over recent years, with 
goods and services trade representing ar ound 48% of Myanmar’s GDP. Customs duties have been 
reduced, and Myanmar’s average applied tariff is now 4.2%.  
4.222.   We were concerned by Myanmar’s decision to impose export restrictions on rice in response 
to COVID -19, but recognize that this measure was tempor ary, targeted and transparent. Economic 
growth, however, and a parallel decline in poverty rates will slow in light of the impact of COVID -19 
and recent political developments.  
4.223.   Foreign investment supports employment and economic growth which directly helps  the 
long-suffering people of Myanmar. A stable Myanmar and swift return to democracy will be essential 
to retain existing foreign investment, attract new foreign investment and underpin future economic 
growth.  
4.224.   We continue to engage with Myanmar across the  broad range of WTO negotiations as MC12 
approaches.  
NEPAL  
4.225.   I would like to associate with the statement delivered by Chad on behalf of the LDC Group.  
4.226.   First, my delegation would like to welcome the delegation of Myanmar led by Director 
General of the Depart ment of Trade Mr. U Minn Minn and appreciate his comprehensive opening 
remarks.  
4.227.   My delegation thanks H.E. Ms Kirsti Kauppi, Ambassador of Finland for her insightful remarks 
as a discussant.  
4.228.   Let me congratulate the Government of Myanmar for its comprehensive report and also 
commend the Secretariat for the detailed report of the trade policy review of Myanmar.  
4.229.   We appreciate Myanmar’s continuous commitment to rule -based, just and predictable 
multilateral trading system.  
4.230.   While going through the reports, it is evident that Myanmar has taken significant reforms to 
improve its trade and economic policies over the review period.  
4.231.   My delegation notes that Myanmar’s annual economic growth of 7.1% achieved during the 
review perio d would contribute in its path to graduating from the LDC status in near future.  
4.232.   Similarly, significant progress has also been made in reducing poverty and inequality, rising 
of manufacturing sector, growth in both export and import, institutional reform in trade and 
investment regime, and support to trade liberalization, free and fair international trade.  
4.233.   Measures adopted for combatting the pandemic such as budgetary support, preferential 
loans, tax waivers and deferments, and credit guarantees are highly  commendable.  
4.234.   Furthermore, significant improvement in combatting corruption with progress in CPI, reforms 
in trade - and investment -related laws with positive changes to its import and export regimes, 
changes in telecom regime from a government monopoly to  a fully liberalized sector are also 
appreciated.  
4.235.   Nepal and Myanmar have been enjoying cordial relations since date back some 150 years. 
Buddhism is the common factor that has brought our two countries even closer.  
4.236.   Bilateral relations between Nepal and M yanmar are based on goodwill, friendship and mutual 
understanding.  
4.237.   Such relations have been further strengthened after Nepal and Myanmar have established 
diplomatic relations in 1960 at Ambassadorial level.  WT/TPR/W/ 187 • Myanmar  
 
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  4.238.   Our bilateral relations are bound by history, eco nomic cooperation, socio -cultural bond, and 
people -to-people contacts.  
4.239.   With the passage of time, our ties have been advancing with increased interactions and close 
cooperation.  
4.240.   Exchanges of high -level visits from both sides have further contributed to wid ening the 
relationship in different dimensions.  
4.241.   Nepal’s partnership with Myanmar in the areas of trade, tourism and investment is a matter 
of utmost importance to Nepal.  
4.242.   Trade data shows that Nepal imported various goods from Myanmar worth of about 4 bil lion 
Nepali rupees while exported to Myanmar worth of only about 88 million Nepali rupees in the year 
2020, translating to a huge trade gap in our bilateral trade in goods.   
4.243.   Such trade gap with Myanmar underlines the need for enriched collaboration and pa rtnership 
between both the countries in the areas of trade, tourism and investment for our mutual benefit.  
4.244.   Besides the bilateral cooperation, both the countries have been deeply engaged in the 
regional cooperative frameworks of BIMSTEC for harnessing coll ectively the potentials and 
complementarities available in the region.  
4.245.   My delegation wishes a successful Trade Policy Review of Myanmar.  
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF MYANMAR AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS  
5.1.  Today is the last session of the second Trade Policy  of Myanmar. As my opening statement on 
Monday was rather lengthy and expressed our performance in trade and trade -related areas, my 
reply today will be relatively short.  
Introduction  
5.2.  I would like to start by thanking the discussant, Ambassador Kirsti Kaup pi, the Permanent 
Representative of Finland, for her thoughtful analysis and valuable observations about Myanmar's 
trade policies.  
5.3.  Let me also convey our gratitude to the WTO Members who participated in our second TPR and 
shared their views. We welcome their feedback and take note of their concerns.  
5.4.  We are pleased to see that many Members remarked positively on Myanmar's achievements 
over the past years, taking note of the wide ranging regulatory, institutional and policy reforms to 
develop our t rade and investment regimes.  
5.5.  We appreciate the comments from many Members on progress made to developing our 
intellectual property regime, competition and consumer protection regime and on our efforts to 
facilitate trade and reform our customs regime.  
5.6.  We noted Members' interest in the development of Myanmar's digital economy and in the 
development of our services economy including the further liberalization of infrastructure and 
strategic services sectors.  
Response to questions and concerns  
5.7.  Several recurrent themes arose in the questions received from Members over the past weeks 
and in statements made in the first session of our TPR meeting. I will attempt to respond to the 
most recurrent themes.  
Transparency  
5.8.  Several Members raised concerns regarding  the transparency of our trade and investment 
regimes and Myanmar's notification obligations.  
5.9.  Myanmar wishes to share with Members that enhancing the transparency of its trade and 
investment regime was a key goal that guided our efforts in developing the N ational Trade Portal 
and enhancing the online information sharing function of the agencies' websites, in addition to our 
steady notification to the WTO over the past years of changes and developments to our trade regime. 
Digitalization and automation of tr ade procedures including customs clearance procedures also led 
to enhanced transparency.  
Import Licensing and Import Restrictions  
5.10.   A number of Members raised concerns regarding Myanmar's import licensing regime and 
restrictions to imports.  
5.11.   Myanmar made sign ificant progress in reforming its import licensing regime as remarked by 
the discussant and several Members. We still have some way to go. Myanmar will review its current 
import policies with the aim to bringing these policies in compliance with its multil ateral 
commitments.  
Trade Facilitation and Customs  
5.12.   On trade facilitation and customs reform, some Members asked about compliance with the 
Customs Valuation Agreement while others asked about trade facilitation, especially in regard to the 
acceptance of e -Form D and the online tracking of Form D.  WT/TPR/W/ 187 • Myanmar  
 
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  5.13.   ASEAN made progress in implementing the Customs Valuation Agreement with the intention 
to adopt the transaction value as the guiding method in the valuation of customs as mandated by 
the Customs Valuation Agreement . 
5.14.   Within its limited capacity, ASEAN made significant progress in automating its customs 
procedures. In December 2019, the National Single Window -Routing Platform (NSW -RP) system was 
launched to facilitate the electronic exchange of the ATIGA e -Form D amon g the ASEAN Member 
States. ASEAN is currently in the process of integrating the Electronic Preferential Certificate of 
Origin system (https://onlineco.myanmartradenet.com) – where ASEAN traders can file their Form 
D application – with the NSW -RP for the fu ll exchange of e -Form D with other ASEAN Member States.  
Tariff Reform  
5.15.   Some Members raised concerns about Myanmar's tariff regime.  
5.16.   Let me assure Members that it was not the intention of Myanmar to increase its tariffs in the 
process of simplifying and refo rming its tariff regime.  
5.17.   Myanmar transposed its Harmonized Systems for tariff schedules following ASEAN 
Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature and World Customs Organization rules. The transposition of the 
Harmonized Systems codes is a complex process which was c onducted by Myanmar based on the 
principle of not impairing the country's tariff concessions under the existing trade commitments.  
5.18.   We once again thank Members for their feedback on our trade policy and for their 
well-considered questions. Myanmar will pro vide answers to the remaining questions within the 
timeframe.  
5.19.   The objective of making this trade policy review exercise is to actively participate in 
multilateral trading system in line with WTO principles, rules and commitments. This TPR exercise 
shows ou r strong commitments to support the WTO multilateral trading system and the progress of 
the reporting Member's trade policy regime and measures as per the technical nature, rather than 
the political issues.  
5.20.   Myanmar reiterate that the best endeavor efforts to comply with the WTO's multilateral 
trading system will be made to reaffirm its trade policy and measures to be predictable for Members 
of the WTO through binding and transparency which is the fundamental principle of the WTO's 
multilateral trading syste m. 
5.21.   Myanmar strongly supports to improving and strengthening the WTO's multilateral trading 
system. With the rule -based and consensus decision in nature of this system, every single member 
has the opportunity to deal and engage with trade rules at the global level to be fair and to share 
trade benefit. In this regard, Myanmar firmly believes that the WTO has played and will continue to 
play a crucial role in promoting economic growth, poverty reduction, and supporting our goal on 
development. In this co nnection, we reaffirm our strong supports of the WTO's Multilateral Trading 
System.  
5.22.   Before concluding my closing remarks, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to the 
Chair for your able leadership in this meeting, as well as to the discussant f or her insightful analysis 
and views about Myanmar's trade policies. We are glad to know that WTO Members made history to 
select with consensus basis Her Excellency, Ms. Ngozi Okonjo -Iweala of Nigeria, as the 
Organization's seventh Director -General. We con gratulate the new DG of the WTO.  
5.23.   In conclusion, I thank you for your patience and for attending this second session of the 
second trade policy review of Myanmar. I hope we will walk together under the WTO regimes and 
we will implement the multilateral trad ing system according to the WTO. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.  
DISCUSSANT  
5.24.   Thank you Chair for the opportunity to give my concluding remarks.  WT/TPR/W/ 187 • Myanmar  
 
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  5.25.   I would like to thank the participants to this second Trade Policy Review of Myanmar for the 
period since the first Review and till the end of 2020.  
5.26.   Over 20 delegations took the floor on Monday. Important statements were made.  
5.27.   Several delegations thanked  the Secretariat and Myanmar for the reports of December 2020, 
and for the thorough work done in preparing them and the Review.  
5.28.   Several Members noted their bilateral economic relationship with Myanmar. The progress of 
Myanmar's regional integration and the  trade agreements Myanmar had signed during the review 
period were also mentioned in a positive light.  
5.29.   Members commended the role Myanmar had had in the rules -based multilateral trading 
system. Myanmar's participation in the negotiations at the WTO was no ted.  
5.30.   The robust economic growth over the review period was noted several times, as well as the 
improvement in corruption and doing business indexes. Myanmar's efforts over the past years in 
reducing poverty received support.  
5.31.   Members noted the importance o f the liberalization of trade and investment framework, the 
inclusive growth policy and the structural reforms. Members expressed hopes that the reform and 
liberalization processes would continue. The confidence in the rule of law was mentioned several 
times as a prerequisite.  
5.32.   Many delegations noted the challenging circumstances created by the pandemic and 
commented on the measures taken.  
5.33.   Trade policy concerns that Members raised include protectionist measures, illicit trade and 
corruption.  
5.34.   While discuss ing political developments is unusual in WTO, in this Review several Members 
expressed their concern over the recent political developments in Myanmar. Several delegations also 
cited the foreseen negative repercussions of the recent events on trade and inv estments, as well as 
on the reform process. Members noted that the uncertainty and instability created by the current 
situation affects the investor confidence as well as trade and business climate.  
5.35.   Finally, let me express my gratitude for the opportunity  to serve as discussant during this 
Trade Policy Review.  
5.36.   May I conclude my statement by wishing peace and prosperity to the people of Myanmar.  
  WT/TPR/W/ 187 • Myanmar  
 
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  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
6.1.  The second Trade Policy Review of Myanmar has offered us an opportunity to deepen our 
understanding of developments in, and challenges to, its trade and related policies since its first 
Review and up to November 2020; this has been achieved despite the constraints posed by the 
COVID -19 pandemic on the preparation of the report s and on our deliberations. Our discussion has 
clearly benefited from the active participation of the Myanmar delegation, led by Mr. Minn Minn, 
Director General, Department of Trade, Ministry of Commerce. I would like to thank the participation 
of our disc ussant H.E. Ambassador Kirsti Kauppi of Finland for her insightful remarks, and the 
23 delegations that took the floor for their valuable contributions for this Review. Myanmar 
responded to the majority of around 280 written questions posed by Members befo re the start of 
our meeting.  
6.2.  Overall, Members recognized the significant reforms undertaken during the review period, 
which had resulted in robust economic growth and consequently reduced poverty and inequality and 
improved living standards in the country . While Members commended Myanmar on its response to 
the COVID -19 pandemic, several Members expressed deep concern about recent political 
developments in Myanmar and noted that these would seriously undermine recent achievements 
and negatively affect trade rs and investors. Members emphasized the continuation of the reform 
process for Myanmar to achieve its potential and graduate from the LDC status.  
6.3.  Members welcomed Myanmar's commitment to, and support for, the rules -based multilateral 
trading system. Many Members invited Myanmar to consider joining the plurilateral Agreement on 
Government Procurement. Members appreciated its ratification of the Agreement on Trade 
Facilitation and notification of its Category A, B and C commitments. Members recognized Myanma r's 
participation as a co -sponsor in the Joint Statement Initiatives on e -commerce, investment 
facilitation and micro - small- and medium -sized enterprises, and welcomed its active engagement 
in the WTO fisheries subsidies negotiations. Members welcomed not ifications Myanmar had 
submitted in the areas of import licensing, customs valuation, technical barriers to trade, and 
sanitary and phytosanitary measures. They encouraged Myanmar to continue to enhance 
transparency, and endeavour to fulfil its notificatio n obligations, notably in the areas of trade 
facilitation, state -trading enterprises, and agriculture. Some Members enquired about the public 
consultation process before adopting new rules and regulations, Myanmar's trade policies in relation 
to the United  Nation's Sustainable Development Goals, and efforts to address corruption.  
6.4.  Some Members welcomed Myanmar's economic integration agenda, such as its participation in 
the ASEAN single window, commitment to accept the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement's electr onic 
Certificate of Origin, and expected participation in the ASEAN Customs Transit System, and with 
other economic partners through the conclusion of RTAs, such as the Regional Comprehensive 
Economic Partnership.  
6.5.  Referring to specific trade policies, Mem bers noted that Myanmar had adopted and reformed 
various trade and investment -related laws, including the Myanmar Investment Law. Members sought 
further clarification regarding Myanmar's investment regime, as well as policy changes and business 
opportuniti es in the manufacturing, mining and energy sectors. Members appreciated Myanmar's 
implementation of the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement and making the customs procedures more 
efficient through the Myanmar Automated Cargo Clearance System. They also commend ed the 
establishment of the National Trade Facilitation Committee. While acknowledging the reduction in 
the number of tariff bands, concerns were raised regarding the applied MFN tariff rates exceeding 
corresponding bound rates for 70 tariff lines. Concern s were also expressed regarding import 
restrictions on certain fruits, and procedures concerning import recommendations. While welcoming 
significant changes made to the import licensing regime, Members urged further liberalization of the 
import licensing r egime. Questions regarding the Law of Protection from Increased Imported Volume 
were also raised. Further clarification was sought regarding anti -dumping, countervailing and 
safeguard measures including a timeline for the implementation of the Safeguard La w. Myanmar 
was urged to combat fraud, corruption, illicit trade as well as improving environmental protections 
through taking action against poaching and trafficking of protected flora and fauna. Members 
welcomed the implementation of the Myanmar Competiti on Law, and advances in consumer 
protection. It was noted with appreciation that the COVID -19 related export restrictions on rice were 
temporary and had been lifted. Members praised Myanmar for the lifting of investment restrictions 
and the liberalization of the financial services sector. Questions were raised about the liberalizing WT/TPR/W/ 187 • Myanmar  
 
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  measures in the banking and insurance sectors, the re -insurance regime, and plans for further 
reform and liberalization of the services sector.   
6.6.  The above points are some of th e key issues that emerged from our discussion. I hope that 
the Myanmar delegation will take into account and further reflect on these issues and on the many 
constructive comments, both broad and detailed, that it has received during this Review. Members 
look forward to receiving written answers from Myanmar to any outstanding questions or follow -up 
questions within one month, at which point the Review will be successfully concluded.  
__________