Myanmar and Japan established diplomatic relations in 1954, and the two countries have now enjoyed more than 70 years of diplomatic ties. The two countries’ long-standing and cordial relations have fostered mutual respect, friendship, and bonds of goodwill among their peoples, which have remained strong and enduring throughout the history of both nations.
In addition, bilateral trade between the two countries amounted to US$1,334.795 million in the 2023-2024 financial year, US$1,194.394 million in the 2024-2025 financial year, and US$1,343.665 million in the 2025-2026 financial year. The Thilawa Special Economic Zone is also a prominent example of Myanmar-Japan cooperation, with Japan playing a major role through investments accounting for 29.92 per cent of the total investment.
Myanmar’s major export products to Japan include finished garments, footwear products, pulses and beans, pearls, and electronic equipment. The main import products from Japan are textile materials, transport equipment, electrical machinery, machinery and mechanical equipment, and lace and knitted textile products.
Japan is the ninth-largest foreign investor in Myanmar. In addition, around 300 Japanese companies are operating businesses in Myanmar, with more than 1,500 Japanese nationals residing and working in the country. As a result, economic cooperation between the two countries and people-to-people relations have continued to develop and strengthen.
To further strengthen the friendly relations between Myanmar and Japan and accelerate efforts to promote comprehensive socioeconomic development in Myanmar, the Myanmar-Japan Business Forum was held on 28 July at the Myanmar Convention Centre (MCC) in Yangon. This forum will serve as a strong foundation for further expanding long-standing trade and investment between the two countries. By combining Myanmar’s natural resources, agricultural sector, and young workforce with Japan’s advanced technologies, capital, and management expertise, a mutually beneficial win-win economic environment can be further strengthened for both sides.
As Japan has achieved development as an advanced country, MSMEs and SMEs have played an important role in its economic growth. Therefore, the Government of Myanmar also welcomes investment from Japan in the MSME sector to support the development and growth of MSME businesses in Myanmar.
Therefore, the Myanmar-Japan Business Forum has served as an important platform for discussions that will help elevate economic relations between the two countries. It is also expected to contribute to the emergence of more sustainable and long-term partnerships and cooperation between Myanmar and Japan, as well as to help promote improvements in the socioeconomic lives of the people.
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