ADB's Work in Myanmar

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) remains deeply concerned about recent developments in Myanmar and will continue to consult with shareholders and other stakeholders on its operations in the country, which have temporarily been placed on hold since 1 February 2021.

Myanmar joined ADB in 1973. ADB did not have operations in Myanmar from 1988 to July 2012, although the country, as a member of the Greater Mekong Subregion program, participated in ADB-assisted regional activities. Since the reengagement in early 2012, ADB had supported Myanmar’s national development strategies and priority programs. ADB had supported the country with finance and knowledge to strengthen the economic foundations to ensure sustainable growth and poverty reduction.

Myanmar’s economy remains vulnerable to challenges stemming from political uncertainties and global developments. Gross domestic product contracted by 5.9% in fiscal year 2021 from 3.2% in 2020 and 6.8% in 2019. The country’s poverty rate is expected to have increased from 24.8% in 2017 to 46.3% in 2022, which is close to the 2005 level. Food insecurity is increasing with an estimated 13.2 million people—24% of the population—found to be food-insecure in 2021.

ADB had committed 120 public sector loans, grants, and technical assistance totaling $3.7 billion to Myanmar. Cumulative loan and grant disbursements to Myanmar amount to $2.18 billion. These were financed by regular and concessional ordinary capital resources, the Asian Development Fund, and other special funds. ADB’s ongoing sovereign portfolio in Myanmar includes 18 loans and 2 grants worth $2.44 billion.

From 2012 to January 2021, ADB provided development assistance to the country mainly to sustain economic growth and help create an enabling business environment, with a focus on improvements in agriculture, human capital development, rural development, energy, and transport. ADB also provided support to mitigate the health, social, and economic impacts of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Nonsovereign operations. Total outstanding balances and undisbursed commitments of ADB’s nonsovereign transactions in Myanmar as of 31 December 2021 were $702.49 million, representing 5% of ADB’s total private sector portfolio.

Operational challenges. Myanmar is classified by ADB as a conflict-affected situation country, characterized by conflict, political instability, governance issues, and weak institutional capacity. Multiple constraints and risks weighed heavily on ADB operations, particularly issues related to procurement, safeguard compliance, and portfolio administration.

A woman in red walks across Taungthaman lake on the Ubein Teak bridge in Amarapura, Myanmar. Photo: Simon Hack/Dreamstime

Knowledge Work

ADB’s knowledge work in Myanmar was carried out through focused research and analysis, policy dialogue, expert-led learning events, and knowledge development. ADB worked closely with key development partners, focusing on infrastructure, macroeconomic management, private sector development, and human capital development. ADB took an active part in the Cooperation Partners Group and regularly engaged in policy discussions, particularly those pertaining to the general management of development aid. Along with selected development partners, ADB participated in the annual joint country portfolio assessment.

  ADB Projects in Myanmar Project data sheets for loans, grants, TAs

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