CNI News
June 19, 2026
Political and business figures state that although both China and India invest in projects related to trade, mining, and the energy sector in Myanmar, China remains indispensable to the Myanmar economy.
China is the largest investor in Myanmar, with investments spanning trade, manufacturing, electricity, mining, transport and communications, oil and gas, agriculture/livestock, and tourism.
During President U Min Aung Hlaing's recent visit to China, 18 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed regarding cooperation in various sectors, including the economy.
Furthermore, political analyst U Htet Aung Kyaw told CNI News Agency that China plays a vital role not only in Myanmar's economy but also in its peace process.
"The primary number one is China. China is not only Myanmar's most important economic partner, but its participation and assistance regarding Myanmar's peace process also appear to be crucial. Therefore, China, which is directly relevant to Myanmar, is indispensable. You could even say it is the number one most important," U Htet Aung Kyaw said.
Indian Prime Minister Modi and Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing seen together.
Although China is the largest investor, armed conflicts following the 2021 political transition have caused China-Myanmar border trade to decline, resulting in Chinese investment falling by more than half.
In the 2020 fiscal year, China's investment exceeded US$443 million. However, due to the 2021 political transition, only over US$146 million entered the country—a decrease of over US$297 million.
Currently, China-Myanmar border trade is suspended, leaving maritime trade as the only active channel, a situation that similarly applies to India.
Nevertheless, a business owner from northern Shan State told CNI News Agency that China remains crucial for the flow of goods because northern Shan State shares the longest border with China and possesses the highest number of border trade checkpoints.
MCITP welcoming President U Min Aung Hlaing.
"Our northern Shan State is a border region with China. For us, China is vital. The flow of Chinese goods is more vibrant here. Specifically, China is a key country in the flow of goods via the Union Highway, making China more essential for our northern Shan State," the businessman said.
Meanwhile, during President U Min Aung Hlaing's visit to India last month, Indian business owners were invited to invest in Myanmar’s pharmaceutical, agricultural, and manufacturing industries, alongside efforts to promote bilateral trade.
India has invested a total of US$782.385 million across 39 investment projects in Myanmar. These include the manufacturing sector, oil and gas, transport and communications services such as the Kaladan River Project, as well as the agriculture, livestock, and fisheries sectors. India stands as the 11th largest investor in Myanmar.
Comparative Key Figures
China's Existing Investment: Over US$21 billion (Ranking 1st in foreign investment).
India's Existing Investment: US$782.385 million across 39 projects (Ranking 11th).
Future Target: The Myanmar-China Investment and Trade Promotion Association (MCITP) aims to bring US$500 billion in investment and trade volume from China to Myanmar within the current five-year period.
