Retail

As recently as 2011, before economic liberalisation began to gain speed, Myanmar had no access to international brands. In strong contrast, in 2019 Yangon’s Junction City Mall had a 100% occupancy rate, hosting a number of popular restaurants, shopping and entertainment venues. The growth of such complexes is striking. Considering the government’s current reform-minded trajectory and the lack of tough international sanctions, Myanmar’s retail industry is unlikely to be diverted from its current path of strong and steady growth. More foreign companies are expected to enter the market as infrastructure continues to improve, with e-commerce exhibiting breakout growth if the government can strike the right legislative balance. This chapter contains interviews with Jens Michel, CEO, METRO Wholesale Myanmar; and U Zaw Win Swe, Chairman, Victory Myanmar Group.