Many people describe Myanmar as the final frontier, representing a remarkable opportunity for trade and investment. With a population about the size of England, land rich in natural resources, and economic growth of 8.3 percent in fiscal 2013-14, the country is already on the road to rapid development.
Yet despite significant progress made through historic government reforms launched in 2011, Myanmar is still plagued by poverty, inequality and ethnic strife after a half-century of military rule and isolation. It is the poorest country in Southeast Asia, with the world’s widest income gap between rich and poor. Like many of its neighbors, Myanmar faces the critical challenge of ensuring that the entire population participates in and benefits from the country’s development.
In May, I visited Myanmar for the Devex Executive Forum, where I heard how others are implementing development programs in the country to address the country’s many challenges. I was inspired by the work of many of the Myanmarese business and civil society leaders who have worked to eliminate poverty and promote social justice for generations. This encouraged me to share what Chemonics has learned through our work across the region that might be adapted to this complex and unique context.
About the author
Andrew Lewis
Andrew Lewis is senior vice president for Chemonics' Asia division. Previously, he served as Chemonics’ senior vice president for both the South Asia, and the Egypt, North Africa and Yemen regions. An education, youth and workforce development specialist, Lewis joined Chemonics in 2009 as an education practice director providing technical assistance and leadership to Chemonics’ education portfolio. He has managed projects in Egypt, Georgia, and Zambia. He holds a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the University of Tennessee and has done graduate work at the George Washington University and Tulane University.
