Singapore leads FDI list

Singapore leads FDI list
Coca Cola factory in Myanmar. (Photo-Zeyar Nyien)
Coca Cola factory in Myanmar. (Photo-Zeyar Nyien)
Published 19 February 2019

Singapore has topped the list of foreign investments with over 20 billion USD, which accounts for more than 26 per cent of the total foreign investment, according to Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (DICA).

From 1988-89 to 2018-19 fiscal year, the total foreign investment hit nearly 79 billion USD.

Since taking office in 1988, the Tatmadaw-led government invited foreign investments. A total of 49 countries have made investments in Myanmar. In that time, China was a top investor. Since the Thein Sein administration, Singapore has led the list of FDI after overtaking China.

In the time of President Thein Sein from 2011 to 2015, the inflow of FDI into the country was the highest. After the removal of economic sanctions, the direct investments by the western countries are still limited. Singapore stands first as entrepreneurs make investments in Myanmar via Singapore.

The total FDI hit over 4.6 billion USD in 2011-12 FY, over 1.4 billion USD in 2012-13 FY, over 4.1 billion USD in 2013-14 FY, over eight billion USD in 2014-15 FY and over 9.5 billion USD in 2015-16 FY.

From October 1 to February 4 in 2018-19 FY, the total FDI reached 1,598.768 million USD.

Singapore stands first with over 20.6 billion USD (26 per cent of the total FDI), China, second with over 20.3 billion USD (25 per cent FDI), Thailand, third with over 11.1 billion USD (over 14 per cent), Hong Kong, fourth with over 7.9 billion USD (over 10 per cent) and the UK, fifth with over 4.5 billion USD (over five per cent), according to the DICA.