Written by Mekong Institute

This study examined the effect of trade liberalization on Myanmar foreign trade with selected Asian countries namely Singapore, Thailand and China from 1989-2010. The paper also analyzed trends of foreign trade volume between its major trade partners and the effect of trade liberalization on trade flow with ASEAN Member States (AMS), particularly Singapore and Thailand.

The main objectives of this research are to study the status of Myanmar Foreign Trade after joining ASEAN and to analyze the effect of trade liberalization on Myanmar Foreign Trade. The impact of trade liberalization can be seen as significant and vital to overall exports and imports. Myanmar export/import and volume of trade have increased year by year due to the government practicing a market-oriented system since 1988 and is encouraging the development of the private sector. The government is facing a trade surplus after 2001 due to allowing imports and high export earnings. The government is attempting to uplift participation of the private sector by reducing trade by the government sector. The trade sector which has been liberalized has been performing very well in both exports and imports