The project's main objective is to support Myanmar's integration into the international trading system in order to reduce poverty and promote sustainable development.

Results

• The third meeting of the Trade Sector Working Group (TSWG) was held on 15 September 2015 in Nay Pyi Taw and was attended by 70 representatives of Government ministries and 34 representatives of Myanmar’s Development Partners (DPs). TSWG’s meetings were very important for the development of the trade sector, especially for effective donor coordination.

• In November 2015, the World Bank provided the Preliminary Draft of the Diagnostic Trade Integration Study (DTIS) for relevant ministries to provide feedback. Once all inputs are updated, the DTIS will present an action plan for reforms, including a proposal for a Medium‑term Programme, together with a detailed Action Matrix. Key highlights in Myanmar's DTIS will include: (1) Trade as a strategy to reduce poverty and promote inclusiveness; (2) Policies in trade in goods and services; (3) Trade Facilitation and Logistics, corridor development; and (4) Trade and poverty, trade and peace process.

• Additionally, under the leadership of the Ministry of Commerce, a series of sector strategies were developed as part of the National Export Strategy which target export competitiveness in seven sectors, among them are beans and pulses, fisheries, rubber and forestry products.

• The NIU participated in the 5th NIU Exchange programme with Cambodia and Lao PDR in Cambodia in December 2015.

• The 3rd Myanmar Development Cooperation Forum was held on 7 February 2015.

• The Trade Development Program (TDP) was initiated in February 2015. The TDP is supporting in the areas of Trade Promotion; Trade Facilitation; Food Safety and SPS Measures; National Quality Infrastructure; Consumer Protection; and Competition Policy.