Developing Myanmar’s Information and Communication Technology Sector toward Inclusive Growth

Abstract

Myanmar is expected to grow at least 6.8% per year in the coming years. Accompanying this growth will be an increase in demand for infrastructure services, including ICT-related services, both for consumption and production uses.

Myanmar’s recent socioeconomic and political reforms have signaled a readiness to reintegrate into the world economy. To leapfrog the economy and accelerate growth, the country should take advantage of digital technology. This paper assesses Myanmar’s information and communication technology sector, identifies constraints the sector faces, and recommends policies that will help the government overcome them. Given limited public resources, Myanmar will need help translating its information and communication technology infrastructure needs into financially viable and bankable projects that can attract private sector financing.

This paper assesses Myanmar’s information and communication technology sector, identifies constraints the sector faces, and recommends policies that will help the government overcome them.