Details Of Myanmar’s New Foreign Investment Law

Keywords: Foreign Investment Law, Myanmar,

We have now seen an unofficial translation of the long-awaited new Foreign Investment Law, signed into law by President Thein Sein on 2 November 2012. We highlight some of the key features of the new law.

Certain activities are designated as restricted or prohibited, and the Myanmar Investment Commission (the "Commission") may only permit these activities with the permission of the Union Government when doing so would be deemed to be in the best interest of the State and its citizens. Other than these restrictions, the Commission may allow foreign ownership of any level in its discretion. The restricted and prohibited activities include: any that would adversely affect public health or the environment or that would involve bringing hazardous or toxic waste material into Myanmar; the use or production of hazardous chemicals; service and manufacturing activities reserved for Myanmar nationals under foreign investment rules (Rules) to be promulgated within 90 days of the date of the new law (2 November 2012); the use of technologies, medicines, or accessories (as well as any activities) that are still at the testing stage or are not yet permitted to be used abroad; agriculture and livestock breeding; activities within 10 miles of the national boundary except in designated Economic Zones The new law lays down objectives and basic principles, and any activities that promote these objectives and follow these principles are more likely to be approved. Objectives include: natural resource exploitation, infrastructure development, human resource development, job creation, educational development. Principles include: the promotion of exports, import substitution, large investment projects, the development of advanced technology, energy saving, the development of modern industry, environmental conservation, the exchange of information and technology, improving knowledge and technical know-how, developing banking services, promoting modern service provision, securing energy resources. The Commission has the discretion to set the minimum investment amount with the approval of the Union Government. The amount will depend on the nature of the business activity. In the case of a joint venture between a foreign investor and a Myanmar citizen in a restricted activity, the foreign ownership ratio may be proposed according to a ratio to be prescribed in the Rules. The law no longer specifies that the foreign investor...