High-quality meats have been imported to Myanmar in low quantities in the past, said U Win Sein, vice-chairperson of the Myanmar Livestock Federation. However, he noted that import data is limited, because products were directly supplied to supermarkets and high-end hotels, and often came via Singapore rather than directly from the source country.
“The previous [military-led] government was very reluctant to allow imported meats because they felt it would create panic among local livestock farmers,” said Dr Than Hla, chairperson of the MIB.
The MIB, established in October 2014, works under the ministry of livestock, fisheries and rural development. It consults with the ministry and the Myanmar Livestock Federation – a non-governmental organisation – on import policies, establishes tariffs in consultation with the government, and seizes illegal meat imports.
The government approved greater imports of high-quality pork and beef, however U Win Sein said that members of the local poultry industry opposed the import of chicken products as it would hurt their livelihoods.
“We haven’t had any objections to importing high-quality beef because Myanmar doesn’t produce prime beef. Our beef is sourced from aged cows and is unsuitable for high-end restaurants and hotels. As such, there’s no competition between local and international beef producers. In fact, I’d say that the industry is happy with the move,” Dr Than Hla explained.
He expected beef products to be in higher demand than pork, simply because there was a significantly wider variety of high-end beef products.
A Japanese company has already been granted an import permit and is expected to deliver its first shipment within the next two months, said U Win Sein. He noted the name of the company has not yet been disclosed.
Dr Than Hla said that quality standards will be maintained through an assessment of the source country and hygiene standards, with import applications approved by the MIB.
“So far, for each application request we’ve received... the import volumes aren’t big – one or two containers at most,” he added.
He noted that the demand for high-quality meats would remain “fairly low” and would be fuelled by expatriates, tourists and Myanmar’s growing middle class.