doing business in myanmar – what you need to know as a singaporean
Despite COVID-19, Myanmar citizens’ investments across the regions and states for fiscal 2019-20 amounted to over K1.88 trillion, which is around K200 million higher than in the previous fiscal year, said U Thant Sin Lwin, Director General of the Directorate of Investment and Company and Administration (DICA).
Approval was given to over 130 Myanmar businesses to invest in nine sectors during the period, data showed. Yangon Region received the highest volume of investments with over K 901 billion from 50 local investors.
Mandalay Region received funds of K410 billion, while Shan and Ayeyarwady received K170 billion and K161 billion, respectively.
Investors also channeled funds into Bago, Tanintharyi, Sagaing, Mon and Kayin. They also invested in the other states and regions, including the two poorest –
The majority of the investments were in the industry, hotels and tourism and housing and development sectors. A handful of investors also channeled funds into the power supply, oil and gas and mining sectors, which is typically dominated by foreign investors. Despite the government’s plan to promote growth and value-add in agriculture, livestock and fisheries, few local firms invested in the sector.
U Thant Si Lwin said each of the local investors is evaluated for operational viability by the Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) before approval to invest is granted.
The MIC then issues a Commercial Operation Certificate which enables investors to enjoy benefits such as tax relief and exemptions and other privileges.
In fiscal 2019-20, over 23,000 job opportunities were generated as a result of Myanmar citizens’ investments, data showed. Some 22,700 locals and over 480 foreign workers were employed .
Source : Myanmar Times
