Myanmar, Yangon, October 3, 2019 —IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is promoting meat industry modernization in Myanmar by improving an enabling business environment and adopting sustainable farming practices along the supply chain. This will help expand production and exports, thus improving incomes for farmers and contributing to economic growth.
Poultry and pork are the main sectors in the country — supplying 85 percent of its animal protein consumption — projected to double in the next 10 years. Though the meat industry is capable of meeting the nation’s growing domestic and exports demand, it is deterred by several issues including lack of scale and poor biosecurity. Especially, the current African swine fever - a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs with mortality rates of 90 to 100 percent and no vaccine – is threatening small farms, which account for 87 percent of pork production in Myanmar.
In partnership with the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI), Myanmar Livestock Federation, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia, and the Department for International Development of the United Kingdom, IFC held two conferences in Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw on October 1 and 3, respectively to discuss the need to modernize the nation’s meat industry amid the spread of African swine fever.
Drawing from earlier experiences in Asia, the conferences addressed issues related to upgrading the pork supply chain, current regulations, and procedural bottlenecks. Around 100 participants including farmer representatives, meat processors and traders, government officials, and members of the UMFCCI, took part in the events. Stakeholders also worked on a Myanmar Pork Industry Emergency Plan to help reduce losses and quickly rebuild the industry. On a positive side, the ASF is creating an $800 million opportunity to build new modern farms and upgrading the pork supply chain infrastructure.
“While ASF poses a serious and acute threat to Myanmar’s pork sector, it also presents the country with an opportunity to establish a modern pork supply chain and industry,” said Dr. Ye Tun Win, Director General of Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department, Ministry of Agriculture Livestock and Irrigation. “The need of the hour, therefore, is to take urgent and adequate measures to develop an ASF-free pork industry, which will contribute to more jobs and enhance food security in Myanmar.”
However, the country’s regulatory framework — with requirements for multiple licenses and recommendations — is a deterrent. So the events aim to play a catalytic role and support the government in creating an enabling environment for local pig farmers and investors, and streamlining the process.
“IFC is well-positioned to support the government by facilitating more investments in Myanmar’s pork and poultry industries through providing solutions to existing and potential clients along the pork value chain,” said Rana Karadsheh, IFC Asia Director for Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Services. “With IFC’s extensive global experience, we can further work with the government to design a contingency plan to speed up farm and infrastructure establishment.”
IFC fosters sustainable economic growth in the country by financing and mobilizing capital for private sector projects. In Myanmar, agribusiness is one of IFC’s priority because of its potential for broad development impact and strong role in poverty reduction.
About IFC
IFC—a sister organization of the World Bank and member of the World Bank Group—is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work with more than 2,000 businesses worldwide, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities where they are needed most. In fiscal year 2019, we delivered more than $19 billion in long-term financing for developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. For more information, visit www.ifc.org
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