Myanmar

CHAPTER 6. Conclusion
As Myanmar implements its most significant economic
and political reforms in decades, it faces the challenge
of determining appropriate policies to promote private
sector development, which must be the engine of
growth. However, the lack of information on prevailing
conditions was found to be a serious impediment to
this process; this resulted in the present business
survey being conducted throughout Myanmar from
October 2013 to April 2014.
This ESCAP-OECD-UMFCCI business survey provides
much-needed information on the characteristics of
firms in Myanmar, the conditions they experience and
the obstacles they face. This information has proved
to be very useful in determining appropriate policies
to address the obstacles highlighted in the survey.
Several aspects of the business environment were
considered, including the business climate, regulations,
external market and supply conditions, innovation
and technology management, human resources
management, access to financing, firm productivity
and the degree of corruption. A sectoral case study
of the agribusiness and food industries, which form a
key strategic sector for Myanmar, was also reviewed.
Each of these aspects was first discussed briefly to
provide relevant context. The analyses of the survey
data followed and provided in-depth information on
each of the key aspects of business. This information
was then used to develop policy suggestions for
addressing the issues and concerns raised in the
survey. In addition, the limitations of the survey and
possible future research were presented.
The Government of Myanmar has to recognize the
challenges faced by firms as highlighted in this
publication. The Government will therefore need to
develop a plan to address these issues and create
a more favourable business environment. Several
policies are suggested in this report with the aim of
assisting the Government in determining its response.
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