FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 17, 2020
U.S. Presents Research on Domestic Market Opportunities for Myanmar Agricultural Products
YANGON — The U.S. Government’s Feed the Future Burma Agriculture and Food Systems Development Activity shared an analysis of the food preferences of over 700 consumers in Myanmar on December 17. The analysts made practical recommendations for Myanmar farmers and agri-businesses. One recommendation was to build on the existing markets for livestock and agriculture that have higher value added. A second recommendation was to explore wellness uses of traditional products such as ginger and turmeric. The report also included sector-wide recommendations such as how to enhance quality across the value chain to meet market expectations and opportunities to improve seed and quality assurance systems.
Deputy Director General U Myo Thu, MyanTrade, Ministry of Commerce and Dr. Ye Tint Tun, Director General of Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Irrigation, joined USAID’s Director of the Office of Economic Growth, Paul Pleva in a webinar on Domestic Market Opportunities for Myanmar Agricultural Products.
“USAID is ready to support these upgrades. USAID sees agriculture as an ideal entry point on many of the issues that are important to both Myanmar and the U.S. USAID supports agriculture because strong economic links between communities promote social cohesion. Agriculture growth is a fast route to increased prosperity and poverty reduction. If we can increase incomes in agriculture, the result is a widespread increase in wealth. A strong agriculture sector promotes food security,” said Paul Pleva, USAID Economic Growth Office Director.
USAID oversees the five-year Agriculture and Food Systems Development Activity, which began in October 2019.
The researchers interviewed dozens of supermarkets, hotels, restaurants, grocery stores and more to better understand end market buyers. The results of the research on “Domestic Market Opportunities for Myanmar Agricultural Products” were presented during a webinar. The webinar offered information on competition and how to meet buyers’ requirements to enter and expand into new markets.
This is one of several market studies conducted by the Agriculture and Food Systems Development Activity focusing on the vegetable and fruit, oilseed, bean and pulses, maize/corn, spices, coffee and tea sectors. These studies contribute to data-driven, evidence-based investment decisions of the private sector, government, donors and civil society organizations.
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