Myanmar Monthly Business Brief, July 2026

Economy

President U Min Aung Hlaing Reports on Government’s 100‑Day Progress at Pyidaungsu Hluttaw

President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar U Min Aung Hlaing delivered an address emphasizing the report on 100-day progress of the government at the Third Pyidaungsu Hluttaw on 31 July.
The President delivered his remarks on the State’s advancement. The salient points of speech are seen as below;

• The government has, since assuming office, accelerated the implementation of its two priority objectives: ensuring national peace and stability and promoting the country’s development.
• The present time is a crucial period in which agriculture, livestock breeding, and industrial economic sectors – the fundamental pillars for improving the socioeconomic development and livelihoods of the people – must be promoted in a balanced and integrated manner.
• It is necessary to shift from traditional farming systems to modern mechanized agriculture in order to achieve targeted yields, increase multiple cropping, and enhance overall productivity. In line with the vision of ushering in a new era for Myanmar’s Pawsan rice, the government is taking measures in the first phase to expand the cultivation and production of high-quality rice varieties that meet market requirements, to export three million tonnes of rice annually. It is also implementing plans to expand paddy cultivation by an additional 350,000 acres with suitable varieties. In the second phase, the government aims to increase annual rice exports to five million tonnes.
• Regarding domestic edible oil sufficiency, the government stated that special zones have been designated for oilseed crops such as groundnut, sesame, and sunflower in 12 areas, with measures being implemented to increase per-acre yields and achieve targeted production levels. As edible oil has to be imported from abroad, a large amount of foreign currency is being spent. A total of 550,000 tonnes was imported in 2024 and 640,000 tonnes in 2025. Myanmar has to reduce edible oil consumption.
• At present, around 550,000 acres of various cotton varieties are being cultivated, and plans are underway to increase cotton cultivation and production to 600,000 acres in the 2027-2028 crop season. Efforts can be made to increase the cotton yield to the target level of 700 viss per acre from current yield averages only 499 viss per acre.
• Based on the annual consumption rate of the population of 51.4 million people, it has been found that in most regions and states, the production of chicken and pork, as well as basic food items such as chicken eggs and duck eggs, is insufficient to meet local demand. The significant gap between consumption and production has also contributed to high commodity prices. Therefore, it is necessary to further promote and expand the livestock sector to ensure food sufficiency. At present, Myanmar’s actual fish production consists of 30 per cent from aquaculture and 70 per cent from capture fisheries. It has been found that the aquaculture sector remains far lower than that of neighbouring countries in the region.
• As Myanmar imports fuel worth around US$5 billion annually, it is necessary to implement fuel-saving measures as a national policy to ensure energy security and overcome these challenges. Fuel consumption has been reduced by implementing measures such as allowing vehicles to operate on designated odd and even days and introducing work-from-home arrangements on Wednesdays. Through these fuel-saving measures, approximately 1.2 million gallons of fuel have been saved per day, resulting in savings of about US$7 million per day and around US$210 million per month. A total savings has exceeded US$1 billion within 4 months.

In conclusion, the country is moving forward rapidly in all sectors while upholding two priority objectives: “achieving stability and peace in the country” and “achieving national development”.
The government will take two years to lay the groundwork and gain momentum for building the new nation, and a further three years will be devoted to carrying out rapid development and construction efforts.

Myanmar-Japan Business Forum highlights investment, business opportunities

Myanmar Japan Business forum, jointly or­ganized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Asso­ciation of Myanmar Japan Socio-Economic Develop­ment Cooperation, and INGO PEACE of Japan was held in Yangon on 28 July. President U Min Aung Hlaing un­veiled the Myanmar-Ja­pan business forum in morning session.

The Myanmar-Japan Business Forum contin­ued where par­ticipants discussed in­vestment prospects and business opportunities in Myanmar. During the forum the following topics were presented;

• Myanmar’s agricultural sector, in­vestment potential, and business opportunities
• Services on labours to Japanese business­es planning to invest in Myanmar
• outlined ex­port and import sectors
• Myanmar’s investment environ­ment and opportunities
• Myanmar’s business en­vironment and econom­ic prospects
• Investment opportunities in the Thil­awa Special Economic Zone
• and Mr Akihito Sato of Japan’s Eco System Collaborator Earth Co Ltd briefed a presentation on invest­ment-related matters.

Japanese business representatives took part in discussions, followed by the signing ceremony of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Dr Soe Tun of Wakema Trading Co Ltd and Mr Abe Hideyuki of Japan’s Fruit World Foundation PTE Co Ltd, Dr Min Min Kyaw of Double Island MS Co Ltd and Mr Take­hi Kokonuma of Japan’s Green Carbon Co Ltd, U Khin Myint of Myanmar Paddy Producer Asso­ciation Co Ltd and and Mr Takehi Kokonuma of Japan’s Green Carbon Co Ltd, U Yan Win of My­anmar Tourism Bank Co Ltd and Mr Yano Kensuke of Japan’s Fruit’s World Foundation PTE Co Ltd.

Also present at the event were Union Minis­ters U Aung Kyaw Hoe, Dr Kan Zaw, Dr Charlie Than, U Khin Maung Soe and U Tun Ohn, directors-gener­al of ministries concerned, the UMFCCI President and officials, Myanmar business people, Japan INGO PEACE Chair Mr Nakazawa Hiroyuki and Japanese business peo­ple.

Finance

FE market rate stabled; Gold Prices Fluctuate

The kyat value was K4,400 per US dollar on average at market selling rate in July. The Central Bank of Myanmar (CBM) intervened throughout the month, selling millions of US dollars, yuan, and baht to stabilize the exchange rate and support imports of essential goods. According to available data, online trading amount US dollars 57 million into the edible oil, fuel, and CMP sectors was recorded in July.

16 Peye Gold price was as same as 9.6 million kyats at end of July.  Domestic fuel prices were at K 3,640-3,685 per litre in Octane and K 3,985-4,830 in diesel at the end of July which were increased than June prices.

Trade

Myanmar Targets $1B Rice Export Windfall

Myanmar expects to generate over US$1.179 billion from rice and broken rice exports in the 2026-2027 financial year (from 1 April to 31 March). Myanmar aims to achieve export targets of 1.8 million tonnes of rice and 1.2 million tonnes of broken rice through sea and border trade routes this FY, totalling three million tonnes.

Myanmar’s rice export in the financial year 2025-2026 (April-March) exceeded 2.7 million tonnes, bagging US$861 million, MRF’s data showed. Myanmar generated income of over $1.129 billion from 2.48 million tonnes of rice and broken rice exports in the financial year 2024-2025 (April-March).

2025-26 Fruit Exports Miss Target

Myanmar’s fruit exports in the 2025-2026 financial year reached only 63.98 per cent, falling short of the target, according to data from Myanmar Fruit, Flower and Vegetable Producers and Exporters Association.
​Nearly 800,000 tonnes of fruits were targeted for exports in the previous FY, with an expected export value of US$344.63 million. The actual fruit export was approximately 400,000 tonnes, generating $220.53 million.
​Myanmar primarily exports tissue-culture bananas, mangos, watermelons, muskmelons, avocados, konjac, ginger, turmeric, roselly cardamom, tamarind and cashew nuts. Of them, konjac and cashew nut topped the list with the highest export volume and earnings.
MFVP urged the growers and MSMEs to sort out fresh produce systematically for exports and to make value-added products rather than raw materials. Fruits are being processed at the value-added processing factory of Myanmar Golden Produce Co Ltd in Nay Pyi Taw.

Myanmar-Language Snack Labels Mandatory, Violations Face Legal Action

The Department of Consumer Affairs has announced that under the Consumer Protection Law, all pre‑packed snacks must carry labels in the Myanmar language, and failure to provide clear labelling in both the local language and another language will face legal action under Section 73.
Lack of labelling in the Myanmar language might pose health risks to the consumers as the ingredients might be an allergy to some consumers and trigger life-threatening attacks. Therefore, it is necessary to have product labels in the Myanmar language to ensure food safety for consumers and protect them from harmful things.
The Department of Consumer Affairs is monitoring and conducts weekly and monthly inspections at shopping centres, markets, stores, and school canteens in regions and states.
Consumers who experience any losses or damages can file complaints at the Consumer Information & Complaint Centre (CICC) in their respective regions and states, or by calling the Consumer Call Centre at 1535.

Investment

Japan Ranks Ninth in Myanmar Investment as INGO PEACE Joins Business Forum Push

Myanmar Japan Business forum, jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Association of Myanmar Japan Socio-Economic Development Cooperation, and INGO PEACE of Japan was held in Yangon on 28 July. At the forum, Myanmar President urged Japanese investors to expand their participation in Myanmar’s key sectors, including agriculture, livestock and agro based industries, renewable energy, education and healthcare, as well as technology and digital services. Japan has invested billions of dollars across Myanmar’s industrial zones, manufacturing, logistics, energy, and service sectors. Contributions from more than 50 Japanese companies account for 29.92 per cent of the Thilawa Special Economic Zone project, representing the largest share of foreign investment out of 126 companies in total which invested more than US$2.3 billion in the Thilawa Special Economic Zone. Japan is Myanmar’s ninth largest investor, with 127 projects currently underway totalling US$1,869.1 million. Around 300 Japanese companies are operating in the country, while more than 1,500 Japanese nationals reside in Myanmar.

Energy

Thanlyin No 1 Oil Refinery Set for Phase I Launch in Sept

Phase I of the modular No 1 Thanlyin Oil Refinery will produce 500,000 tonnes of fuel annually, subject to the availability and volume of raw material supplies. Depending on the availability and volume of raw material supplies, process of building the refinery in Phase I and II, laying the pipelines to transport crude oil and oil products, placing the pipeline for natural gas, production of machinery parts, and a plan to commence the operation of the Phase I of the refinery in September.

Upon the completion of Phase II, the refinery will be capable of producing and distributing 60 per cent of the country’s petroleum requirements and 50 per cent of its diesel requirements.

Mee Lin Gyaing LNG power project in Ayeyawady Region reaches 24% completion

The 1,390-megawatt liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fired power plant project at Mee Lin Gyaing in Ayeyawady Region is 24.4 per cent complete , according to the Ayeyawady Region government.
Unique Environment Myanmar has submitted the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the project’s power transmission lines, which include a 189-kilometre 500-kV line from Htantabin Township to the Hlinethaya main substation in Yangon Region and a 69.9-kilometre 230-kV line from Mee Lin Gyaing to the Athoke substation. The assessment covered air, soil and water quality, noise and vibration, biodiversity, socioeconomic conditions, environmental impacts, mitigation measures and environmental management plans.
The project also includes a new Mee Lin Gyaing-Yangon natural gas pipeline and is scheduled for completion in 2029. Backed by an investment of about US$2.504 billion, the consortium comprises Yunnan Provincial Energy Investment Group, Union Resource & Engineering, Supreme Trading and Zhefu Holding Group.