Myanmar Business Environment Index: Covid-19 Impact on Businesses
Apart from the direct health impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the crisis and measures to combat it have hit the economy hard. In Myanmar, as part of the Myanmar Business Environment Index (MBEI) project, The Asia Foundation conducted two surveys of 750 businesses to see what kind of impact Covid-19 is having on them. The first one was conducted in April-May and the second one in September-October 2020. The crisis has impacted business operations, sales, profitability, and cash flow. Survey results indicate the virus has put business survival at risk; how businesses have responded by laying off employees, taking out loans, or applying measures to protect their employees and customers; and how businesses have thus far benefited from government support. Additionally, both survey rounds looked at the impact of Covid-19 on key aspects of the business environment including internet and crime.