Chinese Foreign Direct Investment in Myanmar

Chapter 7 examines Chinese foreign direct investment in Myanmar.  Our results show that domestic politics and changes in Myanmar’s political regime were key determinants of investment realization.  Regime type also affected investment outcomes.  “Military regime projects” featured employment opportunities far below projections, no or scant technology transfer, minimal or no compensation to relocated communities, and serious environmental externalities.  During the country’s “disciplined democratic” years (2011-2021), public sentiment and greater government accountability played a more influential role, leading to closer examinations of the externalities associated with Chinese investments.  Changing conditions meant that Chinese companies were more likely to consider the need for greater corporate social responsibility and mitigation measures.  Even so, technology transfer remained limited or non-existent even during the period featuring relatively liberalized economic and political conditions.  The chapter concludes by providing policy recommendations.  More information about the book can be found at https://www.routledge.com/The-Effects-of-Chinese-FDI-in-Southeast-Asia-Cheer-Commonsense-and-Clarification-Along-the-Belt-and-Road/Blanchard/p/book/9781041066002.