Foreign direct investments of more than US$182.6 million were pumped into Myanmar’s manufacturing sector in the previous financial year 2024-2025 (1 April 2024-31 March 2025), as per the statistics released by the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (DICA).
The Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) permitted 52 enterprises to make investments in the manufacturing sector last FY. Chinese companies primarily made investments in the manufacturing sector. The manufacturing enterprises that need a large labour force are prioritized to create job opportunities for the locals.
Myanmar Investment Commission gave the greenlight to 60 projects from 11 countries and regions including China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Republic of Marshall Islands, the Russia Federation, Japan, the UAE) to make investments of over $690 million in the past FY, including expansions of capital by existing enterprises.
The Oil and Gas sector found capital expansion of $357 million. The manufacturing sector drew $182.6 million, the transport and communication sector attracted $87.7 million, and the services sector received over $51 million. The remaining FDIs flowed into agriculture, livestock and fisheries and power, respectively.
Singapore is the leading foreign investor in Myanmar with $446 million of FDI last FY. China stood as the second largest investor this FY with an estimated capital of over $94 million made by 34 enterprises and existing ones. Thailand is ranked third in the line-up with more than $46 million from two new businesses and the existing ones.
Moreover, Myanmar’s manufacturing sector attracted two new foreign enterprises from Hong Kong SAR and China with an estimated capital of $2.8 million in April of the current FY 2025-2026.
Myanmar’s manufacturing sector is largely concentrated in garment and textiles produced on a Cut, Make, and Pack basis, contributing to the country’s GDP to a certain extent. — KK