World Bank May Start Lending to Myanmar

Sources:
AFP: World Bank Encouraged on Myanmar
Reuters: World Bank Says Reengaging with Myanmar After 25 Years
Wall Street Journal: World Bank Supports Reforms in Myanmar
World Bank: Myanmar and the World Bank

The World Bank stopped lending to Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, in 1987 due to the country’s lack of economic and social reform, as well as failing to make payments owed on World Bank loans. The former military government recently handed power to a new civilian government that is reopening communication with the international community. The World Bank, based on Myanmar’s recent openness, has begun discussions with the country about potentially initiating developmental programs in the near future.

Myanmar, once known as the “rice bowl of Asia” due to its strong agricultural sector, had a strong economy before economic mismanagement and civil war transformed the country into one that is now deeply impoverished. For example, the World Health Organization ranks Myanmar’s health system as the worst in the world. The military government gave up power in an attempt to reverse the country’s negative economic and social trends. This new government has initiated dialog with outside countries and organizations, began speaking with the political opposition and ethnic minorities, and released some political prisoners. Additionally, to boost economic development, Myanmar is planning to offer eight-year tax-exempt status to all foreign investors.

The World Bank is satisfied with the country’s recent political and economic decisions, and is now considering new lending programs to Myanmar. However, World Bank regulations do not allow it to provide funding to any country that is behind on debt payments. Therefore, before Myanmar will be able to receive new World Bank loans, the country must first make arrangements to pay its past due debts to the World Bank. While the World Bank has not released exact numbers, financial experts estimate that Myanmar owes $700 million in arrears to the World Bank.

If Myanmar and the World Bank solve the issues surrounding Myanmar’s past debts, new World Bank projects would likely focus on improving public services (such as education and sanitation), upgrading the antiquated banking and finance sectors, and facilitating private sector job creation (for example, by promoting open communications throughout the country). World Bank programs will also support sustained peace, especially in regions where ethnic fighting has torn communities apart since the country gained independence from Britain in 1948, by developing jobs for past combatants. If the World Bank and Myanmar can agree on financial action that will improve the lives of Myanmar’s citizens, it will provide hope to the citizens of other oppressive governments that the international community is willing to help if a peaceful government can be installed.