This is a best prospect industry sector for this country. Includes a market overview and trade data.

Overview
Myanmar is facing significant challenges in climate change and waste management.  The key challenges facing waste management are weak infrastructure and technology, lack of awareness on sanitary practices and poor regulatory framework. According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Environmental Economics Working Paper, Myanmar ranks 164 out of 178 countries in the 2014 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) and is among the world’s least developed in environmental management and regulation.  Almost every aspect of performance related to regulation or infrastructure has scores among the lowest globally.  In addition, ecosystem vitality and protection of terrestrial biodiversity come out as particularly weak.

Most of the country’s natural resources and environmental assets are at risk due to various reasons, such as deforestation, pollution, mangrove loss and air quality deterioration.  To tackle these environmental challenges, the Government of Myanmar released the National Environmental Policy and the Myanmar Climate Change Policy in June 2019.  These new policies are in harmony with the Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan 2018-2030 and highlight the increasing risks of extreme climate change and its impacts to Myanmar’s economic and social development.  The policies intend to transform the country into a sustainable and climate-resilient society.

Leading Sub-Sectors
Wastewater and Solid Waste: The Government of Myanmar welcomes foreign investment into the country’s environmental sector.  There is strong demand for advanced wastewater and water treatment technologies.  U.S. companies that provide technologies for water supply, sanitation, drainage, and wastewater management can find tremendous business opportunities in Myanmar.

Myanmar receivess assistance and funding from various foreign aid agencies: to improve the country’s water supply, wastewater treament and sanitation; to develop nationwide wastewater treament standards and waste management strategies; to reduce pollution and improve air quality in the Hlaing River in Yangon and Dothtawady River in Mandalay; and to conduct waste management awareness campaigns and activities in serveral communities.

Energy and electricity:  As of July 2019, around 69 percent of the country’s population had direct access to electricity.  The Government of Myanmar aims to rapidly increase power generation and electrification across the country by 2030 and intends to provide affordable and reliable energy.  The proposed energy generation mix with conventional and renewable power sources is still being reviewed by various stakeholders to meet the set targets.

Environmental activists have urged the government to increase its focus on renewable energy and cleaner alternatives.  U.S. energy companies that provide sustainable energy soulutions for climate change may find business opportunities.

Opportunities
Both the Government of Myanmar and private sector players are interested in U.S. environmental solutions and technologies to mitigate the risks deficiencies in solid waste management system.  U.S. companies that focus on recycling systems and technologies will find trade and investment opportunities in Myanmar.  In addition, products and services related to microfiltration, iron & manganese removal, ultrafiltration, water softening, pumps, valves, scrapers, sludge dewatering equipment and screening machines, magnetic flowmeters, large chlorinators for water/wastewater systems, water recycling technologies, zero-discharge systems, ozonation and reverse osmosis are areas that could also provide business opportunities for U.S. companies. 

Last but not least, “smart city” projects are expected to be completed in both Yangon and Mandalay by 2021.  Environmentally friendly technologies such as multi-purpose card and payment systems, smart waste management systems, carbon reduction and air quality control systems, and traffic management and monitoring systems are in high demand for on-going “smart city” projects.

Web Resources
Ministry of Transportation and Communications - Directorate of Water Resources and Improvement of River Systems
Myanmar Engineering Society (MES)
Myanmar Industries Association (MIA)
Yangon City Development Committee (YCDC)
Yangon City Development Committee (YCDC) - Pollution Control & Cleansing Department

Contact Information
U.S. Commercial Service Myanmar
Khin Wai Yan Soe
Commercial Assistant
Email: WaiYan.Soe@trade.gov

 

 

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