Myanmar’s Strategic Location Unlocks Vast Global Markets

Chinese entrepreneurs can create a mutually beneficial value chain for both countries by engaging in joint investments in Myanmar’s agriculture and livestock sectors, said President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar U Min Aung Hlaing at the opening of the Myanmar-China Investment and Trade Networking Summit (MCITP-2026) Shanghai.

Aimed at increasing the largest number of foreign investments from China to Myanmar within the five-year term from 2026 to 2030 and promoting the trading of Myanmar products to China, the summit took place at the Radisson Collection Lingang Shanghai Hotel in Shanghai yesterday morning.

As the President arrived at the venue where the ceremony was to be held, hotel officials presented flower bouquets, and traditional Chinese lion and dragon dances were performed. Officials and members of the Myanmar-China Investment and Trade Promotion Association (MCITP), leaders and representatives of Chinese business organizations, major entrepreneurs, as well as Myanmar-China businesspersons warmly welcomed and greeted him by waving the flags of both countries on either side of the red carpet.

The President launched the Myanmar-China Investment and Trade Networking Summit” (MCITP – 2026) Shanghai and interestingly observed the exhibitions of Myanmar and Chinese companies.

The ceremony was also attended by the Myanmar Ambassador to China, the Myanmar Military Attaché (Army, Navy and Air) and officials, officials from MCITP, and businesspersons, totalling some 600.

A total of 35 booths are displayed at the summit to showcase products of both countries in order to expand trade and investment between the two countries.

The President met Myanmar and Chinese businesspersons who attended the summit at the Dishui Lake Ballroom.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that Myanmar lies between the world’s populous countries such as India, China, and Bangladesh. It is situated in a strategically important position with access to a vast market and at the centre of the rapidly developing ASEAN region.

He noted that Chinese entrepreneurs are also now more aware of the market conditions in our country, consumer demands, and the relevant standards set by the respective authorities. They can create a mutually beneficial value chain for both countries by engaging in joint investments in Myanmar’s agriculture and livestock sectors.

He added that there are many opportunities for investment in medical equipment manufacturing and healthcare services as part of cooperation between the two countries.

The President emphasized that Myanmar is participating in China’s Belt and Road Initiative. In particular, Myanmar is involved in both land and maritime routes, including the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) Economic Corridor and the China-Indochina Peninsula Economic Corridor. Under these initiatives, the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC), which is expected to bring significant benefits to both countries, is being established and implemented. As a key component of CMEC, the Kyaukpyu Special Economic Zone and deep-sea port project is also being carried out.

Along these economic corridors, he continued that there are good investment opportunities in Special Economic Zones (SEZs), industrial zones, and logistics hubs.

He underscored that regulatory procedures are being reviewed, and processes are being made simpler and faster through digital transformation. In this regard, the Myanmar Digital Roadmap 2030 is being developed and implemented. At the same time, the Yadanabon Cyber City project is being implemented in the central mountainous region of Myanmar, covering an area of approximately 10,000 acres. Given that China already has strong e-commerce and digital service sectors, there are also good opportunities for business investors to come and invest in these areas.

He recounted that in order to further promote the export and sale of agricultural produce between the two countries, both sides are coordinating and negotiating the signing of SPS protocols. Likewise, to promote trade and ensure the smooth and efficient flow of goods between China and Myanmar, the yuan was officially permitted in 2021 to be traded at licensed banks and currency exchange counters in Myanmar. In addition, the Myanmar-China border region has been allowed to use and settle transactions directly in both the Myanmar kyat and the Chinese yuan.

Starting from 16 March 2026, the President stressed that Myanmar has begun accepting foreign investment not only in US dollars but also in Chinese yuan. Therefore, he would like to inform that it will be more convenient and easier for Chinese investors to invest in Myanmar.

He spotted that a bilateral agreement on the promotion and protection of investment has been signed between Myanmar and China.

He stated that in order to further promote investment between Myanmar and China, a special invitation will be extended to Chinese entrepreneurs to invest in Myanmar in sectors such as agriculture, livestock-based value-added manufacturing, medical equipment production, electrical equipment manufacturing, power generation, electric vehicle production, oil and petroleum product manufacturing, as well as e-commerce and digital services.

He explained that emphasis is placed on a sustainable ecosystem and balanced economic development when inviting investment, and we will protect responsible Chinese investment in accordance with domestic laws and regulations. Therefore, Myanmar will also support and facilitate the smooth operation of Chinese investors, while placing importance on promoting trade and investment between the two countries.

He added that Chinese market access and advanced technologies, together with Myanmar’s strategic geographic location, natural resource base, and human resources, can be effectively combined in suitable sectors for investment in Myanmar. Through this meeting, he would like to invite investment from China to further enhance bilateral economic cooperation, trade, and investment. Myanmar also has a market that can re-export goods to neighbouring countries and other regions. In addition, through the Kyaukpyu deep-sea port project, trade and investment activities can be further promoted and expanded.

At the separate meetings, the President and businesspersons discussed efforts to boom businesses in trade and investment sectors between Myanmar and China.

After the meetings, the President had luncheon together with businesspersons and enjoyed dancing performances of Myanmar culture.

The President and party who left the summit were seen off by officials from MCITP and Myanmar and Chinese businesspeople.

MNA/TTA

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