Myanmar: building economic foundations
Asian-Pacific Economic Literature
Published online on May 31, 2016
Abstract
Myanmar began a multifaceted economic reform process in 2011, soon after its political opening. The reform process is far from complete, and its impacts remain questionable. The paper examines progress to date and assesses opportunities and challenges for further reforms. Given the extensive list of development challenges remaining and the limited resources, careful prioritising of reforms is essential. Understanding of its strengths and weaknesses will help identify and sequence reforms and investments so as to maximise the growth dividends. This paper briefly reviews Myanmar's history and its legacy, examines the economy and some of the main policy reforms undertaken since 2011, assesses development potential and weaknesses, and outlines medium and long‐term growth strategies based on the country's specific context and international experiences and practices.