Hydropower in Myanmar: Sector analysis and related legal reforms

The momentous transformation of Myanmar’s political and economic landscape, which began in 2010, has created many investment opportunities, particularly in the hydropower sector. Myanmar is uniquely fortunate to have growing electricity demand both domestically and from its neighbours, eager to buy clean power, as well as a wealth of potential hydropower resources. Rapid economic growth is being experienced across nearly every sector, with a significant focus on energy and infrastructure. According to the International Monetary Fund, GDP per capita in Myanmar as of October 2013 was US$ 1040, an increase of 20 per cent since 2012. In addition, pledged foreign direct investment in Myanmar is also at record levels, exceeding US$ 44 billion in 2013 and showing no signs of slowing.