2016年-世界发展银行全球_Opening_for_Business___Myanmar_Diagnostic_Trade_Integration_Study_76页_3mb

Myanmar Trade Policy and Poverty Reduction Report Summary

Core Content

This report, prepared by the World Bank Group team, focuses on the role of trade in promoting inclusive growth and poverty reduction in Myanmar. It highlights the importance of continuing trade reforms, improving infrastructure, and fostering a more open and competitive economy to ensure that the benefits of trade are shared equitably among all citizens, especially the most vulnerable and marginalized groups.

Main Objectives

• Mainstream trade and competitiveness into Myanmar's development strategy.
• Identify and prioritize key trade-related reforms.
• Provide a platform for development partners to align assistance with government priorities.

Key Messages

1. Continuing Reforms for Trade Openness is Critical for Poverty Reduction

   • Myanmar's trade potential is still underutilized.
   • Non-gas exports grew at 11% annually from 2011 to 2014, despite weak commodity prices.
   • Trade as a share of GDP remains below ASEAN average.
   • Ongoing reforms are necessary to maintain competitiveness and ensure equitable distribution of gains.

2. Diversification into Light Manufacturing, Services, and Sustainable Agri-Business

   • Diversification is essential to reduce poverty and rebalance the economy away from over-reliance on natural resources.
   • Tourism has potential as a "quick-win" sector, with receipts tripling between 2007 and 2012.
   • Export-oriented manufacturing can significantly reduce poverty, as value-added in manufacturing is 2–6 times more effective than in other sectors.
   • Sustainable agri-business can increase the market value of farming products and provide rural employment.

3. Infrastructure Development and Regulatory Reforms Can Occur in Tandem

   • Only 33% of households have access to electricity, compared to 60% in Bangladesh and 99% in Vietnam.
   • Myanmar's logistics infrastructure ranked 137th globally in 2014, the lowest among ASEAN countries.
   • Improving port connectivity and logistics infrastructure is crucial for leveraging Myanmar's position as a regional trade hub.
   • Soft infrastructure reforms, including simplifying procedures and enhancing institutional capacity, are equally important for economic efficiency.

Policy Priorities

1. Trade Policy Reforms

   • Simplify import tariff structures.
   • Rationalize and make non-tariff measures (NTMs) more transparent.
   • Harmonize trade-related data to support informed policy decisions.

2. Ensuring Inclusive Export-Led Growth

   • Address skills shortages and improve access to finance.
   • Support local economic activities and ensure fair distribution of trade gains.
   • Consult local communities in trade-related projects.
   • Promote transparency in sectors like jade mining to ensure equitable benefits.

3. Building Capacity in Quality Infrastructure

   • Establish a national accreditation body.
   • Adopt international quality standards, such as those for rice exports.
   • Develop guidelines for Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures.
   • Avoid conflicts of interest and rent-seeking by aligning technical regulations with international practices.

4. Encouraging Growth in Trade in Services

   • Address administrative and regulatory barriers.
   • Improve FDI access and reduce restrictions in tourism.
   • Enhance coordination among government ministries for better policy alignment.

5. Developing Efficient Trade Corridors

   • Improve efficiency in Yangon's port terminals and hinterland connectivity.
   • Invest in logistics infrastructure, such as bonded warehouses and container depots.
   • Connect lagging regions to markets through improved logistics, especially in border areas.
   • Ensure input from and support for conflict-affected communities and ethnic armed groups.

6. Facilitating Trade Through Better Logistics and Finance

   • Modernize trade logistics to improve cargo turnaround times.
   • Phase out restrictions on foreign companies in logistics.
   • Reform customs procedures, including valuation and risk management.
   • Improve access to trade finance through the financial system.

Key Challenges

• Weak institutions and an underdeveloped regulatory framework.
• High trade costs, including poor logistics performance and lack of infrastructure.
• Underdeveloped quality and standards infrastructure.
• Limited trade financing options.
• Persistent poverty, informality, and fragility due to decades of isolation and conflict.

Opportunities

• Myanmar's strategic location between China, India, and Thailand offers a natural hub advantage.
• Increased trade with ASEAN neighbors and beyond can drive economic openness and spread prosperity.
• Tourism and light manufacturing present significant growth potential.
• Strengthening the private sector through policy support can enhance competitiveness and reduce poverty.

Conclusion

Myanmar stands at a pivotal moment in its development journey. With the right policies and reforms, it can transform its economy through trade, reduce poverty, and promote inclusive growth. However, success depends on careful sequencing of reforms, strong political will, and collaboration with development partners and local stakeholders.