UN Trade Cluster Myanmar

Back in 2005 the WTO launched the "Aid for Trade" (AfT) initiative for supporting developing countries for a better integration into global trade. Switzerland as a strong trading nation, took the AfT initiative as an opportunity and developed together with strategic UN-partners (UNCTAD, ILO, UNIDO and ITC) a tailor-made trade development program for LDCs, the UN Trade Cluster Program. The project in Myanmar takes into account the recently conducted diagnostics in the context of the Enhanced Integrated Framework and the results achieved and lessons learned in UN Trade Cluster projects conducted in Lao PDR (2010-2017) and Tanzania (2013-2018).

The overall objective of the project is to improve the economic situation in Inle Lake area (Shan State) through upgrading horticulture supply capacity and responsible tourism by establishing value chains leading to income generation of male and female farmers, workers and entrepreneurs and employment (jobs created / retained), as a contribution for poverty reduction.

The horticulture supply capacity in Inle Lake area (Shan State) is enhanced in terms of quantity and quality. International safety standards and certification (including organic requirements) are reached. Business operations of male and female farmers have increased and stabilized.

Inle Lake area (Shan State) gained in its position as a touristic destination. The strategic market positioning focuses on sustainable inclusive and responsible tourism. Business opportunities for male and female workers and entrepreneurs have increased and stabilized.

Expected results:  

Compliance with international, private and sustainability standards, technical regulations and market requirements is enhanced along the horticulture supply in Inle Lake area.

The national quality infrastructure is strengthened to provide internationally recognized services to the horticulture sector in Shan State, in particular key functions providing conformity assessment.

The differentiated impacts of trade reforms on men and women in Myanmar, and the gender-specific constraints and opportunities existing in the agriculture and tourism sectors of Shan State are identified and analyzed.

Products and services of national inbound-tour operators and tourism related businesses (Hotel, Transport, Guides) are enhanced to managerial ASEAN standards and promoted in Shan state.

Tourism enterprises, community producers and service providers are enabled to supply goods and services to the tourism in line with tourists' and tourism industry's requirements related to quality and food safety.

Phase 1 01.05.2018 - 31.08.2023   (Completed)