The World Bank and the Ministry of Planning and Finance presented a report to lawmakers in Naypyitaw last week, detailing the strengths and weaknesses of spending policies between 2009 and 2013.
“Recent reforms have opened up the opportunity for Myanmar to deliver better services to all of its population,” said U Maung Maung Win, permanent secretary for Ministry of Planning and Finance.
“While the report shows that these reforms have started to produce results, it also identifies reform options on how we can further improve the efficiency of public spending in order to enhance the quality of key public services.”
Reforms in education have led to increased expenditures in these sectors including the hiring of more than 70,000 teachers and an elimination of fees for primary and secondary education. Health reforms have produced low or no-cost health care for children, pregnant women and those in emergency situations.
The report indicates that the budget for the Union of Myanmar has been gradually increasing over the years. Things that have helped the increasing budget include the selling of telecommunications licenses, long-term tax reformations and administration adjustments. These measures have increased government revenue from six to 11 percent of the gross domestic product between 2009 and 2013.
“The Public Expenditure Review is a contribution to enhanced budget transparency in Myanmar and to a vigorous local policy dialogue on Union Budget issues, and highlights the challenges in building the foundation for shared prosperity,” said Abdoulaye Seck, World Bank Country Manager for Myanmar.
“An action plan based on the report’s findings and recommendations could have a pivotal impact on the public sector’s ability to promote inclusive growth.”
form: Myanmar Business Today
