The Influence of Political and Economic Transition on the Development of Entrepreneurship in Myanmar

International Journal of Economics and Management Studies
© 2019 by SSRG - IJEMS Journal
Volume 6 Issue 2
Year of Publication : 2019
Authors : May Oo, Kihwan Kim
pdf
How to Cite?

May Oo, Kihwan Kim, "The Influence of Political and Economic Transition on the Development of Entrepreneurship in Myanmar," SSRG International Journal of Economics and Management Studies, vol. 6,  no. 2, pp. 12-19, 2019. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23939125/IJEMS-V6I2P103

Abstract:

With the recent political and economic reforms, Myanmar, a southeast Asian nation previously known as Burma, has entered a new era of liberalization. The people of Myanmar are ready to seize the opportunity to develop the country, enjoy their liberty and re-engage with the international communities. There is an unrealized potential of entrepreneurship in Myanmar that has been hindered by the military cronies for decades. This paper explores how the political and economic transition facilitates the development of entrepreneurship in Myanmar. The country shows exponential growth mainly in internet access and mobile phone usage. The paper also discusses the growth potential of e-commerce and the challenges the country faces as an underdeveloped nation, such as inadequate infrastructures, lack of technology and human capacity. The cooperation between government and development partners will be the main support that can unlock the potential of entrepreneurship in Myanmar. Therefore, this paper aims to promote entrepreneurship and attract foreign investors by analyzing the new economic policy, the business environment, entrepreneurial characteristics, and focusing on the impact of mobile connectivity on the five prominent sectors; e-commerce, manufacturing, international entrepreneurship, rural entrepreneurship, and education.

Keywords:

Mobile connection. Entrepreneurship, Myanmar

References:

[1] A. C. Wynn, “MPU, 2C2P Launch Myanmar’s First E-commerce Payments Platform,” Myanmar Business Today, vol. 3, no. 9, February 23, 2013. [Online]. Available: https://www.mmbiztoday.com/articles/mpu-2c2p-launch-myanmar-s-first-e-commerce-payments-platform
[2] Asian Development Bank. Myanmar Transport Sector Policy Note: Summary for Decision Maker, Manila, Philippines: Asian Development Bank, 2016. [Online]. Available: https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/publication/184794/mya-transport-policy-note-es.pdf
[3] EIC, “Unlocking F&B opportunity in Myanmar,” SCB Economic Intelligence Center, March 2016. [Online]. Available: http://www.foodfti.com/Files/Name2/CONTENT723883163918.pdf
[4] F. Zhang and D. Li, “Regional ICT access and entrepreneurship: Evidence from China. Information and Management, vol. 55, no. 2, 188-198, 2018.
[5] G. S. Bankosz and J. Kerins, “Mobile technology-enhanced asset maintenance in an SME,” Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, vol. 20, no. 2, pp.163-181, 2014.
[6] H. L. Aung, C. M. Htwe, T. K. Ko, H. Shine and Y. Y. Myint, “Five Sectors Driving Myanmar’s Economic Growth in 2018-19.” Myanmar Times, September 24, 2018. [Online]. Available: https://www.mmtimes.com/news/five-sectors-driving-myanmars-economic-growth-2018-19.html [Accessed October 19, 2018].
[7] “Huge growth in eLearning in Asia, market report says,” University World News, September 26, 2014. [Online]. Available:https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20140925164018658
[8] ILO, “Report on Myanmar Labour Force Survey-2015,” Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, International Labour Organization, 2016. [Online].Available http://www.mol.gov.mm/mm/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2017/02/LFS-English-Report-_17-11-2016.pdf
[9] International Monetary Fund & Asian and Pacific Dept, Myanmar, Washington, D.C.: International Monetary Fund, 2017. [E-book]. Available: ProQuest Ebook Central
[10] International Monetary Fund, Myanmar: selected issues, Washington, D.C.: International Monetary Fund, 2018. [E-book]. Available: ProQuest Ebook Central
[11] ITU, “Mobile-cellular telephone subscriptions, International Telecommunications Union (ITU), September 2018. [Online]. Available: itu.int
[12] J. Schellhase and L. Sun, “The banking sector in Myanmar: an assessment of recent progress,” Milken Institute, pp. 9-26. [Online].Available:https://assets1c.milkeninstitute.org/assets/Publication/Viewpoint/PDF/083117-MyanmarBanking.pdf
[13] K. Nyunt, “Master plan needed for e-Government Committee,” Myanmar Times, February 23, 2018. [Online]. Available: https://www.mmtimes.com/news/master-plan-needed-e-government-committee.html
[14] K. Y. Nam, M. R. Cham, and P. R. Halili, “Developing Myanmar’s information and communication technology sector toward inclusive growth,” ADB Economic Working Paper No. 462, November 2015. [Online]. Available: https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/publication/176518/ewp-462.pdf
[15] Luther, “Myanmar news: companies law,” Luther News, July 2018.[Online].Available:https://www.luther-lawfirm.com/fileadmin/user_upload/PDF/Newsletter/Myanmar/Luther__News_Alert_Myanmar_July_2018_-_Implementation_of_the_Companies_Law_2017_.pdf
[16] M. Aung. “Myanmar Economic Policy 12 Point Outlines Releases,” ResearchGate, July 7, 2016. [Online]. Available: doi:10.13140/RG.2.1.1319.7042 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305723658_MYANMAR_ECONOMIC_POLICY_12_POINT_OUTLINES_RELEASES_29-7-2016_EFFECTS
[17] M. Bunte and J. Dosch. “Myanmar: Political Reforms and the Recalibration of External Relations,” Journal of Current Southeast Asian Affairs GIGA, vol. 34, no. 2, 2015.[18] M. Crouch and T. Lindsey, Eds, Law, society and transition in Myanmar. London, England: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, 2014. [E-book]. Available: ProQuest Ebook Central.
[19] M. M. Kyi, “Online shopping gains traction in Myanmar,” Myanmar Business Today, vol. 4, no. 7, February 17, 2016. [Online].Available:https://www.mmbiztoday.com/articles/online-shopping-gains-traction-myanmar
[20] McKinsey Global Institute, “Myanmar’s moment: unique opportunities, major challenges,” New York City, NY, McKinsey & Company, June 2013. [Online]. Available: https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/McKinsey/Featured%20Insights/
[21] Mizzima, “Myanmar encourages young entrepreneurs, the engines of growth,” Mizzima, December 9, 2017. [Online]. Available:http://www.mizzima.com/businessdomestic/myanmar-encourages-young-entrepreneurs-engines-growth
[22] “Myanmar Investment Law (The Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Law No, 40/2016),” The Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, October 18, 2016. [Online].Availablehttps://www.dica.gov.mm/sites/dica.gov.mm/files/documentfiles/myanmar_investment_law_official_translation_23-1-2017.pdf
[23] OECD, “Multi-dimensional review of Myanmar: volume 2. In-depth analysis and recommendations,” Paris, France: Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, 2015.[Online].Available:https://doi.org/10.1787/9789264220577-en
[24] P. Johnson, “New data plans attempt to level the playing field,” Myanmar Business Today, vol. 6, no.37, September 12,2018.[Online].Available:https://www.mmbiztoday.com/articles/new-data-plans-attempt-level-playing-field
[25] Phyo, “Yoma Bank, GIZ train local SMEs,” Myanmar Business Today, vol. 4, no. 19, May 26, 2016. [Online]. Available:https://www.mmbiztoday.com/articles/yoma-bank-giz-train-local-smes
[26] S. Kemp, “Everything you need to know about the state of digital in Asia-Pacific in 2017.” The Next Web (TNW), September28, 2017. [Online]. Available: https://thenextweb.com/contributors/2017/09/28/everything-need-know-state-digital-asia-pacific-2017/
[27] S. Y. Nanda, “Telecommunications sector a bright spot for economy in 2018-19,” Myanmar Times, September 27, 2018. [Online].Available:https://www.mmtimes.com/news/telecommunications-sector-bright-spot-economy-2018-19.html
[28] T. H. Htway, “Myanmar and Vietnam militaries launch MyTel mobile carrier,” Nikkie Asian Review, June 11, 2018. [Online].Available:https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Companies/Myanmar-and-Vietnam-militaries-launch-MyTel-mobile-carrier
[29] T. M. Oo, “Telenor Offers $50,000 for Startup Programs,” Myanmar Business Today, vol. 4, no. 14, April 8, 2016. [Online].Available:https://www.mmbiztoday.com/articles/telenor-offers-50000-startup-programs
[30] T. M. Than, “ Introductory overview: Myanmar's economic reforms,” Journal of Southeast Asian Economies, vol. 3, no. 2, pp.165-172, 2014. [Online]. Available: EBSCOhost.
[31] Teacircleoxford, “Why education reform is so important for Myanmar,” Tea Circle, May 2, 2017. [Online]. Available https://teacircleoxford.com/2017/05/02/why-education-reform-is-so-important-for-myanmar/
[32] Telenor Group, “Realising Digital Myanmar,” Telenor, February2018.[Online].Availablehttps://www.telenor.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Telenor-Realising-Digital-Myanmar-Report-06-February.pdf
[33] The CEIC website. [Online].Available: https://www.ceicdata.com/en. [Accessed December 28, 2018].
[34] The CIA website. [Online]. Available: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bm.html. [Accessed August 11, 2018].
[35] The DICA website. [Online]. Available at https://www.dica.gov.mm/en/topic/foreign-investment-sector. [Accessed October 9, 2018].
[36] The export.gov website, [Online]. Available: https://www.export.gov/article?id=Burma-Consumer-Goods. [Accessed November 27, 2018].
[37] “The Global Competitiveness Report 2015-2016,” World Economic Forum, 2015. [Online]. Available: http://www3.weforum.org/docs/gcr/2015-2016/MMR.pdf
[38] The International Labour Organization in Myanmar website. [Online]. Available: https://www.ilo.org/yangon/lang--en/index.htm. [Accessed August 14, 2018].
[39] The International Trade Centre website. [Online]. Available: http://www.intracen.org/country/Myanmar/Infrastructure/
[40] The Internet Live Stats website. [Online]. Available: http://www.internetlivestats.com/internet-users/myanmar/. [Accessed October 22, 2018]
[41] The Myanmar Youth Entrepreneurs Association (MYEA) website. [Online]. Available: https://myea.org.mm/en/our-history-en/. [Accessed September 23, 2018].
[42] “The rising middle class in Myanmar,” Inter Group, October 31,2018.[Online].Available:https://www.intergroup.asia/blog/the-rising-middle-class-in-myanmar
[43] The Solidiance Team, “Riding the wave of consumerism in Myanmar,” Myanmar Times, February 7, 2018. [Online]. Available:https://www.mmtimes.com/news/riding-wave-consumerism-myanmar.html
[44] The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development website.[Online].Available:https://unctad.org/en/pages/aldc/least%20developed%20countries/un-list-of-least-developed-countries.aspx. [Accessed November 27, 2018].
[45] The World Bank Data website. [Online]. Available: https://data.worldbank.org/country/myanmar. [Accessed October 22, 2018].
[46] The World Inequality Database (WID) website. [Online]. Available: https://wid.world/country/myanmar/
[47] Thiha, “Competition among telcos leading to better pricing in Myanmar,” Consult Myanmar, October 31, 2018. [Online]. Available: https://consult myanmar.com/2018/10/31/competition-among-telcos-leading-to-better-pricing-in-myanmar/
[48] UNCTAD, “Myanmar Rapid eTrade Readiness Assessment,” United Nations, 2018. [Online]. Available: https://unctad.org/en/PublicationsLibrary/dtlstict2018d1_en.pdf
[49] “Viettel signs up two million subscribers with Mytel within one month in Myanmar,” Vietnam Investment Review, July 21, 2018. [Online]. Available: https://www.vir.com.vn/viettel-signs-up-two-million-subscribers-with-mytel-within-one-month-in-myanmar-61155.html.
[50] V. L. Tinio, ICT in Education, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: UNDP-APDIP, 2003. [Online]. Available: www.unpan.org.
[51] W. Cunningham and R. Munoz (Eds). “Myanmar’s future jobs: embracing modernity main report,” World Bank Group. [Online].Available:http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/958621536141390299/pdf/129754-Myanmar-Future-Jobs-Main-Report-Final.pdf
[52] W. L. Kway, “E-commerce thrives in Myanmar,” Myanmar Business Today, vol. 3, no. 16, April 27, 2015. [Online]. Available:https://www.mmbiztoday.com/articles/e-commerce-thrives-myanmar
[53] World Bank Group, “Myanmar Public Expenditure Review 2017: Fiscal Space for Economic Growth,” The World Bank Myanmar,2017.[Online].Available: https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/bitstream/handle/10986/28392/119855-PER-P159067-PUBLIC-v2-main-report-PERSepcleanwithnewcover.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
[54] Xinhua, “Mobile phone usage rate increases to over 110 pct in Myanmar,” Xinhua News, May 22, 2018. [Online]. Available:http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-05/22/c_137197777.htm
[55] Xinhua, “Myanmar launches new companies law to adapt to current age,” Xinhua News, August 1, 2018. [Online]. Available:http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-08/01/c_137361001.htm
[56] Y. L. Wai, “Myanmar Online Education Platform “LaeLar” now available on App Store and Google Play Store,” June 20, 2018.[Online].Available:https://medium.com/@yelinnwai/myanmar-online-education-platform-laelar-now-available-on-app-store-and-google-play-store-68d17ce7f576. [Accessed December 27, 2018]
[57] Y. Wai, “Myanmar customers’ trust lean in online shopping,” Myanmar Business Today, vol. 4, no. 34, September 10, 2016.[Online].Available:https://www.mmbiztoday.com/articles/myanmar-customers-trust-lean-online-shopping
[58] Y.Y. Din, “Digital marketing 101 (in Myanmar),” Frontier Myanmar, April 22, 2018. [Online]. Available: https://frontiermyanmar.net/en/digital-marketing-101-in-myanmar
[59] J. Breckling, Ed., The Analysis of Directional Time Series: Applications to Wind Speed and Direction, ser. Lecture Notes in Statistics. Berlin, Germany: Springer, 1989, vol. 61.
[60] S. Zhang, C. Zhu, J. K. O. Sin, and P. K. T. Mok, “A novel ultrathin elevated channel low-temperature poly-Si TFT,” IEEE Electron Device Lett., vol. 20, pp. 569–571, Nov. 1999.
[61] M. Wegmuller, J. P. von der Weid, P. Oberson, and N. Gisin, “High resolution fiber distributed measurements with coherent OFDR,” in Proc. ECOC’00, 2000, paper 11.3.4, p. 109.
[62] R. E. Sorace, V. S. Reinhardt, and S. A. Vaughn, “High-speed digital-to-RF converter,” U.S. Patent 5 668 842, Sept. 16, 1997.
[63] (2002) The IEEE website. [Online]. Available: http://www.ieee.org/
[64] M. Shell. (2002) IEEEtran homepage on CTAN. [Online]. Available:http://www.ctan.org/texarchive/macros/latex/contrib/supported/IEEEtran/
[65] FLEXChip Signal Processor (MC68175/D), Motorola, 1996.
[66] “PDCA12-70 data sheet,” Opto Speed SA, Mezzovico, Switzerland.
[67] A. Karnik, “Performance of TCP congestion control with rate feedback: TCP/ABR and rate adaptive TCP/IP,” M. Eng. thesis, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India, Jan. 1999.
[68] J. Padhye, V. Firoiu, and D. Towsley, “A stochastic model of TCP Reno congestion avoidance and control,” Univ. of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, CMPSCI Tech. Rep. 99-02, 1999.
[69] Wireless LAN Medium Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) Specification, IEEE Std. 802.11, 1997.