Yangon: The Ministry of Commerce is closely monitoring Myanmar's economy and is accelerating efforts to revive agricultural production and exports. The Department of International Trade is keeping a watchful eye on the economic outlook following the Myanmar government's first 100 days in office. The government aims to rejuvenate the manufacturing sector, increase agricultural exports, and ensure food and energy security. Stability within Myanmar is expected to enhance cross-border trade, with plans to utilize the Joint Trade Committee forum later this year to address import license obstacles.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Arada Fuangthong, Director-General of the Department of International Trade, has revealed that the department is observing Myanmar's economic policy direction after Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, President of Myanmar, presented the government's 100-day performance to the Union Parliament on July 31, 2026. The report emphasized aspects of the economy, trade, investment, and infrastructure that could influence future Thai-Myanmar trade.
The Myanmar government is prioritizing the enhancement of the production sector, food security, domestic raw material value addition, and increasing export revenue. Focus areas include adding value to rice, Paw San fragrant rice, and other agricultural products such as beans, maize, rubber, and fisheries, to reduce import reliance and boost export earnings.
In the energy sector, Myanmar promotes new energy exploration and expands crude oil and natural gas refining capabilities. Financially, it aims to use local currencies for international payments, reducing US dollar dependence.
Investment and infrastructure efforts target economic zones, industrial parks, transportation, logistics infrastructure upgrades, border trade route development, and improved trade and investment regulations.
Ms. Arada highlighted that Myanmar's policy reflects a focus on the manufacturing sector for economic growth, food and energy security, export potential, and trade and investment promotion. Thailand needs to closely monitor these developments as they may affect bilateral trade.
Additionally, Myanmar is committed to internal peacebuilding through negotiations with ethnic groups and enhancing relations with neighboring countries and ASEAN members. The Department of International Trade believes that increased stability in Myanmar could positively impact transportation and logistics routes, border trade, and goods transport between Thailand and Myanmar, boosting business and investor confidence.
If Myanmar's stability improves, opportunities may arise for Thailand to negotiate reduced trade barriers, especially concerning import licenses, a trade restriction since August 2025.
By 2025, Myanmar is projected to be Thailand's 21st largest trading partner, with a total trade value of 244,051.23 million baht, including Thai exports of 146,747.31 million baht and imports of 97,303.92 million baht. Border trade totaled 193,663 million baht, a 7.4 percent decrease. Thailand's main exports include mobile phones, diesel fuel, and agro-industrial products, while major imports are natural gas, minerals, and aquatic products.
Ms. Arada stated that the Department of International Trade will closely monitor Myanmar's economic policies and trade measures, particularly those impacting Thai businesses. The upcoming Joint Trade Committee meeting will serve as a forum to tackle trade barriers, mitigate potential impacts, and assist Thai businesses in planning and adapting to changing conditions.