Myanmar

Considered the last frontier of Southeast Asia, Myanmar has transitioned towards a more market-oriented economy since the opening of the country in 2011. Yet, the leapfrog needed for a sustained and inclusive economic development is challenged in particular by limited human capital, one of the underlying factors being the chronic lack of access to improved livelihood opportunities for the underprivileged working age population.    
About myanmar

Country Facts

  • Area in km2: 653,290
  • Population: 54,480,044
  • Capital: Nay Pyi Taw

Swisscontact in myanmar

  • since 2013

Projects

2026 - 2028
Myanmar
Growth entrepreneurship
Sustainable Market Systems and Agrifood Resilience Transformation (SMART)
The Sustainable Market Systems and Agrifood Resilience Transformation project (SMART), will strengthen inclusive, resilient, and market-driven agrifood systems in Myanmar’s Central Dry Zone by supporting selected agrifood SMEs to improve business performance and generate income and employment opportunities for households connected to priority value chains.
2014 - 2027
Myanmar
Initial vocational education and training, Sustainable tourism
Vocational Skills Development Project (VSDP)
The project provides skills development opportunities to learners from disadvantaged background to enhance employment and self-employment opportunities and establishes access for MSMEs to finance, advisory and business development services to improve their overall business performance and to become more resilient.

News

Myanmar
Sustainable agriculture
16.06.2026
Tun Yat and SuBuu: Building a digital agriculture marketplace in a fragile market
This case study is part of a series examining partnerships under the Vocational Skills Development Programme (VSDP) that show early signs of sustainable and scalable change through market-based approaches. VSDP is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented in Myanmar by Swisscontact. The programme has been running since 2014 and is currently in its third phase (April 2023 – March 2027), which aims to improve livelihood opportunities and resilience for women and men in selected regions.
Myanmar
Reskilling and upskilling
16.06.2026
Bay Dar & Co.: When Building Supply Becomes a Business Strategy
This case study is part of a series examining partnerships under the Vocational Skills Development Programme (VSDP) that show early signs of sustainable and scalable change through market-based approaches. VSDP is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented in Myanmar by Swisscontact. The programme has been running since 2014 and is currently in its third phase (April 2023 – March 2027), which aims to improve livelihood opportunities and resilience for women and men in selected regions.
Myanmar
Green cities
10.06.2026
Strengthening Access to Clean Energy and Sustainable Livelihoods in Mon State
Swisscontact’s Vocational Skills Development Program (VSDP), financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) launched a new intervention in collaboration with the private-sector organization Nay Swan Inn (NSI) to strengthen local solar markets and support sustainable livelihoods in Mon State.
Country Director
Mark Häussermann

Swisscontact in Myanmar

Our work in Myanmar focuses on addressing key challenges affecting local economic development through entrepreneurial approaches, strategic partnerships, and market-led solutions. Drawing on our presence in the country since 2013, we apply best practices, test innovations, and leverage partnerships to create sustainable opportunities for economic growth and livelihood improvement.

Embodying sustainability at every level, we strengthen access to skills, technology, inputs, and markets by engaging private sector actors and local stakeholders. We are committed to promoting inclusion, competitiveness, and resilience, while expanding income opportunities and supporting greater economic participation for women and disadvantaged groups through locally driven and sustainable solutions.

Swisscontact Myanmar: 
Our services
Sustainable growth, driven by an innovative private sector, adding value to underdeveloped regions and engaging disadvantaged populations as active market participants is the foundation of Swisscontact’s project work
Insights 1 - Why Local Vocational Training?
Swisscontact Myanmar: 
Our services
Sustainable growth, driven by an innovative private sector, adding value to underdeveloped regions and engaging disadvantaged populations as active market participants is the foundation of Swisscontact’s project work
Insights 1 - Why Local Vocational Training?

Publications

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Contact

Swisscontact Myanmar

437(B), Pyay Road,
(behind Summer Palace Hotel)
Kamaryut Township,
11041 Yangon