2018-缅甸_电子贸易准备度评估（英文版）-1mb

Myanmar Rapid eTrade Readiness Assessment Summary

Core Content

The Myanmar Rapid eTrade Readiness Assessment is a comprehensive analysis of the country's preparedness for e-commerce development. Conducted by UNCTAD as part of the eTrade for all Initiative, the assessment highlights both the opportunities and challenges that Myanmar faces in building a robust e-commerce ecosystem. The report is structured around seven key policy areas that are critical for e-commerce readiness and is aimed at supporting Myanmar's integration into the digital economy and its participation in the ASEAN Work Programme on Electronic Commerce (AWPEC).

Main Findings and Recommendations

1. E-commerce Readiness Assessment and Strategy Formulation

• Main Findings: Myanmar is experiencing rapid growth in mobile penetration and a booming tech start-up scene. However, the e-commerce ecosystem is still underdeveloped, and a proper strategy is urgently needed to coordinate efforts across government ministries and promote a shared vision.
• Recommendations: Enhance public-private dialogue and align with ASEAN agreements like ATISA and RCEP. Formalize inter-ministerial cooperation and recognize e-commerce as a key driver of economic development and job creation.

2. ICT Infrastructure and Services

• Main Findings: Myanmar is a mobile-only and "Facebook-first" country. The entry of foreign telecom operators has led to a significant drop in SIM card prices and a shift from basic phones to smartphones. However, broadband remains limited, expensive, and unevenly distributed.
• Recommendations: Support the deployment of mobile Internet (4G) in urban areas and faster broadband in Nay Pyi Taw. Ensure the government can leverage e-government services for trade-related activities.

3. Trade Logistics and Trade Facilitation

• Main Findings: Myanmar lacks a proper postal code system and has outdated customs procedures for small parcels. Door-to-door delivery to households is monopolized, and the postal system is underdeveloped.
• Recommendations: Accelerate Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to support growing e-commerce delivery needs. Upgrade Myanmar Posts and Telecommunications (MPT) to serve rural areas and expand postal codes nationwide. Implement the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and join the Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Cross-border Paperless Trade.

4. Payment Solutions

• Main Findings: While mobile money and cashless solutions are available, the population remains largely unbanked. Trust in electronic payments is low, and cash on delivery (COD) accounts for 95% of e-commerce transactions.
• Recommendations: Develop awareness campaigns on the benefits and ease of use of e-payment methods. Support the upgrading of domestic bank e-payment services and the development of solutions for import and export procedures.

5. Legal and Regulatory Framework

• Main Findings: E-commerce supportive laws and regulations are not yet in place. Cybersecurity and e-transaction laws are outdated. Banking regulations are also outdated due to past sanctions.
• Recommendations: Streamline legal development across government agencies. Engage the Private Sector Development Committee to prioritize and sequence legal reforms in line with e-commerce needs.

6. E-commerce Skills Development

• Main Findings: There is a lack of e-commerce skills in universities and training providers. Tech start-ups are relying on skills imported from the Burmese diaspora and on-the-job training.
• Recommendations: Assess current skill gaps and develop ICT-related curricula that align with e-commerce industry needs. Enhance dialogue with chambers of commerce and business associations.

7. Access to Financing

• Main Findings: E-commerce is seen as a high-risk industry. SMEs rely on personal and family finances, donor-supported initiatives, and a growing number of venture capitalists. However, access to financing remains constrained due to an unsupportive legal and tax environment.
• Recommendations: Better market SMEs financing programs through business associations and federations. Encourage dialogue between the government and tech start-ups to foster mutual understanding and attract investments.

Key Information

• Myanmar's Economic Context: The country is undergoing a triple transition – from military to democratic governance, from centrally planned to market economy, and from conflict to peace.
• Digital Leapfrogging: Myanmar has leapfrogged to smartphones and mobile Internet, with 95% of e-commerce transactions being cash on delivery (COD).
• eTrade for all Initiative: Aims to support developing countries, especially LDCs, in leveraging e-commerce for development. It includes seven policy areas for readiness assessments.
• Partnerships: The assessment was conducted in collaboration with the Myanmar Ministry of Commerce, UNCTAD, and eTrade for all partner agencies.
• Data Sources: The report is based on 38 survey responses and 30 focus group participants from both public and private sectors.
• Rankings: Myanmar ranked 123rd out of 144 economies in the UNCTAD B2C E-commerce Index and 135th out of 175 economies in the ITU ICT Development Index (IDI), showing progress but still lagging behind regional peers.

Conclusion and Way Forward

Myanmar has made significant strides in digital adoption, particularly in mobile technology and e-commerce. However, systemic challenges remain in areas such as legal frameworks, payment systems, ICT skills, and financing access. The eTrade for all Initiative offers a valuable framework for addressing these challenges through policy reforms, capacity building, and multi-stakeholder engagement.

The Action Matrix outlines specific steps that the government, private sector, and development partners should take to enhance Myanmar's e-commerce readiness. These include improving legal and regulatory frameworks, supporting ICT infrastructure, and fostering public-private partnerships.

Annexes

• Annex I: Myanmar Country Profile on eTradeForAll.org
• Annex II: Bibliography and Websites Used

References

• UNCTAD/DTL/STICT/2018/1
• ITU (IDI 2017 report)
• UNCTAD (2017 B2C e-Commerce Index)
• Myanmar's eTrade Readiness Assessment
• eTrade for all Initiative (etradeforall.org)
• ASEAN Work Programme on Electronic Commerce (AWPEC)

Key Partners and Institutions

• Myanmar Ministry of Commerce
• Myanmar Computer Federation (MCF)
• Myanmar Computer Industry Association (MCIA)
• Myanmar ICT Development Organization (MIDO)
• World Bank
• International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
• Universal Postal Union (UPU)
• Private Sector Development Committee (PSDC)
• Development Partners (DPs), including the Government of Sweden

Future Outlook

With its young and tech-savvy population, Myanmar has a unique opportunity to leapfrog into the digital economy. The report emphasizes the need for policy coherence, legal reforms, and investments in infrastructure and skills to fully realize the potential of e-commerce. Continued support from development partners and engagement with the private sector will be essential to build a safe, inclusive, and business-friendly e-commerce ecosystem in Myanmar.