Myanmar: Alcohol consumption rising in Myanmar

The rate of alcohol consumption is rising in Myanmar, with local production of beer, wine and spirits at more than 25 million gallons annually, according to the local reports.

Tens of thousands of gallons of wine, beer, and hard alcohol—both legal and illegal—are being imported from foreign countries and are now penetrating the local market.

There are state-owned beer and wine factories in Myanmar, but the Myanmar Investment Commission has also allowed permits for foreign beer companies to operate here, subject to scrutiny by respective state and regional government authorities.

The foreign beer companies will cooperate with local firms owned by the citizens as a joint venture.

Taxation of alcohol, beer and wine is only 50 percent, whether it is imported or domestic.

According to the announcement of the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development, alcohol and beer manufacturing in local was 24.8 million gallons in 2011-2012 fiscal year. During the current fiscal year (2013-2014), 25.2 million gallons of alcohol and beer were produced within nine month up to the end of December.

26 March, 2014