NJ Thakuria

Guwahati: Burma (Myanmar), as it passes through various phases of transformation from a military dictatorship to multi-party democracy, is expected to improve its infrastructure connectivity as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has offered a sizable volume of loans for the same.

An ADB statement issued on December 16, 2014 from Rangoon city of Burma narrates that it has approved a loan of up to $100 million to Singapore-listed Yoma Strategic Holdings Ltd, which is assigned to work for improving infrastructure connectivity needed for sustainable economic growth in the southeast Asian country.

Investment in connectivity infrastructure is a key factor in creating better access to economic opportunities, reducing costs, promoting trade, and attracting private investment into diverse geographic areas and sectors,” said Christopher Thieme, Director of ADB’s Private Sector Operations Department adding that the ADB is delighted to be supporting this important work with Yoma Strategic Holdings which would help acceleration of Myanmar’s growth.

Yoma Strategic has property, agriculture, tourism, automotive and retail/F&B businesses in Myanmar and its market capitalization was

$692 million, as of 2 December 2014. The company ranks in the top 5% of Singapore Exchange-listed companies in the 2014 Governance and Transparency Index.

Myanmar is one of the least-connected countries in the world in terms of telecommunication, transportation, and logistics. In 2012, fixed and mobile telecommunication line penetration rates stood at less than 1% and 7% of the population, respectively. The road density in Myanmar is less than one fifth of the average in ASEAN countries. The country’s inland waterways network, which is important for freight traffic, is also underutilized due to an ageing fleet of vessels and neglected ports facilities, added that the ADB statement.

Based in Manila, the ADB is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members—48 from the region. In 2013, ADB assistance totaled $21.0 billion, including cofinancing of $6.6 billion, stated the statement.

Myanmar has been experiencing an influx of investors in recent years.

Investments, however, have been concentrated in the oil, gas, and other mineral sectors, as well as light manufacturing. Private sector financing for much-needed infrastructure projects to boost connectivity remains a challenge due to an underdeveloped banking sector and capital market, and a lack of alternative funding sources.

The ADB loan will meet the gap for long-term commercial debt for infrastructure designed to enhance connectivity. It will be disbursed in two tranches, with Yoma engaging partner companies to work with it on individual infrastructure subprojects. The first tranche will be used to build telecommunication towers, develop cold storage logistics, and modernize vehicle fleet leasing and the second will fund subprojects in transportation, distribution, logistics and other sectors.

It is a privilege to be chosen by ADB as a partner to work on improving Myanmar’s infrastructure,” said Serge Pun, Executive Chairman of Yoma Strategic adding that the ADB loan would help support our goal of improving the country’s connectivity, which in turn would strengthen local markets, boost productivity and create jobs.