TRADE LIBERALIZATION AND ITS IMPACT ON FISHERY SECTOR IN MYANMAR

After trade liberalization i,n an attempt to transform the economy into market oriented one in Myanmar, the value and volume of fishery exports increased. The main objective of this thesis is to analyze the impact of trade liberalization on fishery production and export in Myanmar. An attempt was also done to explore the sustainable fishery development in search of long-term potentials and appropriate policies for development of the Myanmar fishery sector. Theoretical approaches such . as comparative advantage and competitive advantage were used along with quantitative analysis in order to achieve these objectives. Myanmar as a result of opening up its economy is entering the stage of more exports in the external fish market. It was found that revealed comparative advantage of fish had risen both among primary products and among Asian countries throughout the study period. The challenge is to create more quality fish products in order to strengthen its competitiveness. Myanmar's marine water territories possess sufficient fishery resources and have relatively cheap labour cost. Moreover, expanding market to other countries such as Europe, America, Middle East and South Africa would help decrease the dependency on the Asia market. Constant market share analysis has proved that Myanmar has potential of creating a large market share and competitiveness to sustain it in the near future. Although Myanmar fishery product had competitiveness, non-price competitiveness was weak. Myanmar could not yet export value-added products and quality products in accordance with the international standard. According to interrupted time series analysis, it was found that there was significant long-term impact of trade liberalization on fishery exports. For long-term development in fishery sector, it is necessary to take care of the sustainability of fish resources. One way for future growth and competitiveness of the whole sector lies upon the capacity building and training of personnel, research and development in this sector. Moreover, the cooperation and collaboration between the state and private sector will lead to sustaining fishing resources as well as enhancing production and export of fishery products