Economy

Government Prioritizes Illegal Trade Crackdown and Price Stability

At Union Government Meeting 5/2025 on 19 November, the Prime Minister stressed intensified efforts to eliminate illegal trade, citing its economic and security impacts. Newly opened trade routes and strict border checks were highlighted. Authorities were urged to enforce Anti-Money Laundering laws, stabilize commodity prices, ensure smooth flow of essential goods, and strengthen rice and seasonal crop supply-chain management.

Finance

Kyat Faces Pressure Despite CBM Interventions; Gold Climbs, Fuel Falls

The kyat held around MMK 4,090/USD at month-end amid continued depreciation pressure. The Central Bank injected USD 112 million into edible oil, fuel, and CMP sectors to support imports. Domestic gold prices climbed to MMK 8.7 million per tical, while fuel prices declined across the month.

14 Private Banks Join Edible Oil Mill Development Loan Scheme

Fourteen private banks—including KBZ, AYA, MAB, MCB, UAB and others—were approved as Participating Financial Institutions for the K50 billion State Economic Promotion Fund’s oil mill development programme. The initiative aims to upgrade over 4,250 oil mills, improve edible oil quality, and reduce reliance on USD 800 million in annual palm oil imports.

Trade

Fish Exports Reach USD 200 Million in Seven Months

Myanmar exported 165,000 MT of fish from April–October, generating over USD 200 million. Shipments included rohu, seabass, shrimp, crab and eel to 40 countries via sea and land. Myanmar exported USD 421 million in seafood in FY2024–2025.

Ayeyawady Plans 100,000-Acre Rice Export Zone

The Ayeyawady Region Government is preparing a 100,000-acre rice export zone under a contract farming system focused on quality seeds, irrigation, land management and modern techniques. The initiative supports the region’s growing agro-livestock industrial ecosystem.

Myanmar Footwear Eyes Re-Entry into Bangladesh Market

Negotiations are underway to resume exports of Myanmar-made footwear to Bangladesh via sea. Demand is projected at 100,000 pairs per day, with Myanmar capable of supplying up to 200,000 pairs daily. If talks succeed, an industrial ward will be developed to produce 1 million pairs per month at market prices of MMK 3,500–5,000 per pair.

Investment

Myanmar Moves Toward Allowing Direct Yuan-Denominated Investments

The Ministry of Investment and Foreign Economic Relations (MIFER) is preparing mechanisms to permit Yuan Renminbi (CNY) for foreign direct investment, in collaboration with the China Business Association. Discussions covered yuan-kyat exchange arrangements, yuan settlement for domestic projects, opening yuan accounts, and cross-border banking channels. China remains Myanmar’s second largest investor, mainly in energy, transport, manufacturing, and agriculture.

Thilawa SEZ to Complete Jetty and Modern Warehouse by End-2025

Myanmar Agro Products and General Development Public Co., Ltd. (MAGDPL) is constructing a multipurpose jetty and large warehouse on 13.88 acres in Plot 29 of Thilawa SEZ. The facility will handle beans, pulses, maize, sesame, and general cargo. Completion is expected by late 2025, reducing logistics costs and enhancing export competitiveness.

Read more: https://www.minmyanmarrs.com/business-articles/