Myanmar

Myanmar possesses vast assets and opportunities that enable it to modernise the agricultural sector and to pursue a potentially structural economic transformation towards a modern economy. This chapter focuses on measures to modernise the agricultural sector and promote the transformation towards a manufacturing and services-based economy. Importantly, while services can become important drivers of growth in developing countries, this can only be achieved in tandem with growing the manufacturing sector. Moreover, modernising the agricultural sector by building linkages to complementary non-agricultural activities can initiate a structural transformation towards a more manufacturing and service-based economy.

Myanmar is in need of a structural transformation from an agrarian economy to one based more on a mix of modern activities, including manufacturing and services. Modernising the agricultural sector by building linkages to complementary non-agricultural activities – an “agricultural value chain” approach – could set in motion this process of structural transformation. Furthermore, given Myanmar’s level of economic development, its large rural population and the weight of agriculture in the economy, a development strategy that puts agriculture and rural development at its core has the potential to make a significant positive impact for millions. This third report of the Multi-dimensional Review of Myanmar synthesises the findings and recommendations from the first two reports according to the following priorities as defined by stakeholders in Myanmar: supporting the agri-food sector’s ability to respond to market demand for quality products; introducing innovative models of delivering extension services and training to upgrade agronomic and technical skills; providing the conditions for a vibrant financial system that meet the needs of rural areas; strengthening land rights; engaging citizens in the policy making process; and managing and maximising the benefits of emigration from rural areas.