Industry & Retail

Myanmar’s recent economic growth, low wages and favourable tax exemptions have spurred the arrival of international manufacturers. To support this trend, the government has enacted a range of policies to promote the development of special economic zones (SEZs) and industrial clusters. Manufacturing capacity is on the rise as a result, helping to diversify the economy away from its traditional reliance on agriculture. Maturing consumption patterns have likewise captured the attention of some of the world’s leading consumer brands, which now occupy retail shelves across the country. Real annual sales growth reached 4.3% between 2013 and 2015, higher than that of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. This chapter contains interviews with U Khin Maung Cho, Minister of Industry; Takeshi Minakata, Managing Director, Myanmar Brewery; and Daw Marlar Win, Chairperson, UMG Myanmar.