With the change in the political scenario, Myanmar is establishing itself as a leading manufacturing hub. The ongoing quest for low cost production has drawn manufacturers’ attention to the clothing industry in Myanmar. The country has a long history of making yarn, fabric and garment. Currently, there are over 200 garment factories in Myanmar, reached employing about 20,000 people. Most of these factories are privately held.

Myanmar recently opened up its market for import of goods including textiles. Total import of man-made fibre by Myanmar in 2013 was around $690 m of which $539.84 m was fabrics, $83.91 m was yarn, $57.20 m was Made-ups, and $8.96 m was fibre. Export of Indian MMF textiles to Myanmar during 2013 was $0.63 , accounting for 0.09 per cent of total import of textiles by Myanmar.

Countries Myanmar imported MMF textiles from were China, Republic of Korea, Japan, Taipei, Indonesia, Thailand, etc. Due to cost advantage, Myanmar has attracted significant foreign investments in the textiles industry. Currently, there are 19 foreign companies in the garment industry. Recently, Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) gave approval to several foreign businesses to invest in the country’s garment manufacturing sector.

Myanmar, offers huge opportunities to India, being the largest man-made fibre producing and exporting neighbour. Moreover, the long friendly political relationship that both countries share will be an additional advantage for doing business.