Myanmar

In the wake of sweeping reforms undertaken since 2011, Myanmar’s banking sector has been advancing at a rapid pace to become safer, sounder and better regulated. The majority of banking institutions are rising to the challenge by adopting international best practices, especially in terms of accountancy, and investing in systems that promise to...

With the historic general election in November 2015 followed by the new government’s official takeover in March 2016, Myanmar turned a key corner in its modern history. Unsurprisingly, this event also brought with it a wave of expectations for major and rapid change, with government ministries also outlining a series of 100-day plans, which gave an insight into many of the new...

Can you discuss the main challenges that banks might encounter in their efforts to drive a profitable mortgage market here in Myanmar?

REGIME CHANGE PROGRESSING: Changes in Myanmar’s tax regime continued to make progress in FY 2015/16 and 2016/17. Of all these changes, the new Special Goods Tax Law (SGTL), which was promulgated on January 18, 2016, is the most remarkable. Now the SGTL will regulate taxation on 16 items termed “...

While tourism has been identified as a crucial component of Myanmar’s future economic development, the government faces an enormous challenge in realising its ambitions. Not only must it modernise its creaky infrastructure and develop tourism products to attract and encourage travellers to return, it must also address a talent shortage that...

While at an early stage, development of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) is a key part of Myanmar’s education reforms. In a country where 59% of 25-year-olds have not completed middle school, the TVET segment is crucial in ensuring more citizens have the skills and competencies needed to work in the rapidly changing...