CNI News
February 5, 2026
Due to ongoing damage to manufacturing, import businesses, and the flow of goods in Myanmar, business owners and economic observers have pointed out that, under the new government, policies and laws that negatively affect the economic sector should be relaxed.
In order to help Myanmar’s economy recover, the Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, has been inviting international investments to Myanmar and has been making efforts to cooperate with countries such as China, Russia, Belarus, Thailand, and India.
Currently, Myanmar’s economy is declining due to political instability, weak security and rule of law, insufficient electricity supply, labor shortages, international economic sanctions, and overly strict economic policies and laws.
A businessman, U Thiha Paing, told CNI News that there are economic laws enacted over the past five years under the justification of security concerns, and among them are laws that can negatively affect the business sector.
economic regulatory laws
He said: “We need to relax some laws. Over the past five years, there have been laws enacted for security reasons. Among those laws, there are some that negatively impact the economic sector. First and foremost, we business owners need to demand that all of those be relaxed. At present, there are many laws affecting manufacturing processes, import procedures, and the flow of goods. Those are the ones that need to be relaxed as a priority. During previous governments, issues were addressed through a parliamentary system. Some matters were enforced by leaders unwillingly due to security and national conditions. However, now that the situation has changed, these restrictions should be relaxed. If they continue to be maintained, it will become very difficult to operate businesses. Border trade has also been heavily affected. Once a parliament is formed, we will be able to raise our demands again.”
Under the new government, it is necessary to create new job opportunities and enable manufacturers to expand their markets. Similarly, policies related to imports and exports should be relaxed, and sufficient fuel supply must be ensured.
As Myanmar has now transitioned to democracy under the new government, businessman U Zaw Zaw told CNI News that he hopes to see transparent and open economic reforms.
an economic discussion forum
He said: “In terms of economic policies, there are various restrictions imposed for different reasons. Import and export activities should be opened up in a transparent manner, and the state should collect fair and reasonable taxes. Matters that need to be relaxed should be relaxed. There are many areas that require reform. Although there were political conditions and restrictions previously, now democracy has been achieved. Under the new government, we want transparent relaxations and concrete actions related to the economy. Many policies need to be changed. There are many prohibitions and restrictions that should now be eased. For example, in northern Shan State, the Hsipaw Bridge has been closed without any clear explanation. These kinds of issues, even down to the details, need serious attention, especially in the tourism sector. Obstacles like these significantly hinder economic development.”
Business owners and economic analysts pointed out that it is necessary to find ways for the government and business community to cooperate effectively in order to develop and grow Myanmar’s economy.
