ADB-Myanmar Partnership Strategy

Myanmar is undergoing a historic transformation towards democracy, a market economy, and peace and stability. A new government took office in 2016 with strong popular support and international goodwill, and is working to enable inclusive and sustainable growth. These efforts will leverage Myanmar’s strengths and high development potential, including its strategic location within Asia. ADB has a unique opportunity to support Myanmar in this formative period, as outlined in the country partnership strategy (CPS) for Myanmar, 2017‒2021.

While Myanmar has enormous potential, significant development challenges require attention, including: 

1. meeting deficits in infrastructure and human capital to boost social and economic development; 
2. maintaining macroeconomic and fiscal stability in a challenging global economic environment; and 
3. accelerating the reform process to achieve structural and institutional change; enhance the business environment;improve capacities and governance standards; and address environmental issues and climate change.

Following reengagement with Myanmar in 2012, ADB implemented an interim CPS; undertook a range of capacity-building initiatives and knowledge work; and made investments in energy, transport, education and training, and urban and rural development.  

The CPS, 2017‒2021 aims to support the government in laying the foundations for sustainable and inclusive economic development, and job creation for poverty reduction. ADB operations will focus on: 

1. improving access and connectivity to connect rural and urban areas and markets, and to link Myanmar with the regional and global marketplace; 
2. strengthening human capital to promote a skilled workforce and increased employment, and enable the poor and disadvantaged to benefit from economic growth; and 
3. promoting structural and institutional reform to support the modernization of the economy. 

In implementing these priorities, infrastructure (energy, transport and urban development) will remain the mainstay of ADB operations.