SPP NETWORKING EVENT
Introduction to National Urban Policyin Myanmar
BIJAY KARMACHARYA, COUNTRY PROGRAMME MANAGER
UN-HABITAT MYANMAR

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Urbanisation in Myanmar• World is 55% Urban and by 2050 –70% people in the cities. In Myanmar
29.6% in cities (2014)- 35 % by 2030
and 40% by 2040.
• It is critical that urbanization process
is guided, managed and madesustainable.
• National Urban Policy as theframework document for Balanced
Spatial Planning
Myanmar is at opportune juncture to manage its urbanization process and lead tobalanced distribution of its people across the country

Myanmar’s system of urban centres
Myanmar has a good spatial distribution of its cities• 367 Cities and towns• 3 major cities over 1 million population• 18 cities above 100,000 population•

Balanced, inclusive and proportionate growth potential

Possibilities of strengthening inter-linkages between
rural and urban areas providing better services
opportunities for rural population

Towards National Urban Policy in Myanmar
As entry point to Implementation of NUA
Vision : To create a spatially integrated and orderly development of urban settlementswith adequate infrastructure, efficient institutions, effective legal framework and a soundliving and working environment to support the socio-economic development of Myanmar.

For proper urbanization to occur, an effective and relevant National Urban
Policy is as necessary as good urban planning and design at local level.
2014

2016

2017

2017

2017-19

NationalUrban Policy
NoteNational Housing
Policy WhitePaper

Rapid Urban
Diagnostic
ReportNational Housing
Policyand Strategy

National Urban
PolicyFramework

Myanmar’s NUP• 6 Goals• 8 Principles• 8 Thematic areas• 58 Policy interventions

NUP integration with NationalPriorities
1. Sustainable Development Goals
2. 5 goals of Myanmar SustainableDevelopment Plan
3. Sectoral plans and policies such asMyanmar Climate change policy, housingpolicy, transport masterplans, urban andregional development law

NUP’s Thematic areas – National Level
1. Balanced Spatial Distribution of cities, town and human settlements- theirconnectivity
2. Urban Legislation. (Urban and Regional Planning Law)
3. Socio-Economic

Development: by tapping potential of ongoingurbanization process. (Inclusive and Proportionate growth)
4. Infrastructure and service provision: Integrated Network of National and regional
express way, railways and waterways.

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NUP’s Thematic areas – City Level
1. Municipal Governance and Finance,
2. Housing being at the centre of urban development and liveability of a city, is a

key policy theme addressed in the NUP.
3. Land Governance: Modernize urban land administration and management

system; Spatial Planning at the Cities/ town. Land conversion, land value capture.
4. Environment and climate change Myanmar’s cities and towns are exposed tovarious climate hazards such as cyclones, heavy rain, floods, periods of extremetemperatures and drought.
(Urban Design supported by Planning Process, Finances and Legislation : )8Thematic Area- Balanced Spatial Distribution
Establishment of National Spatial Development Frame work

proposes hierarchy of centers
Primary level - national strategic (growth) centers: Stimulate bipolar
economic development of Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw in themiddle
Secondary level - regional cities: Develop NPT as the strategic centerof the country and connect with secondary cities as strategic nodes oftransportation activities supported with interconnections of highways,
railways, and/or rivers.
Tertiary level - agro-industrial centers :This type of settlement
encompasses major concentrations of population predominantly engaged
in agrarian activities and industrial activities related to farming.
Lowest level – border towns / special function settlements:

Thank you10