Salaries of skilled workers in Myanmar to rise up to 50%

The business community in Myanmar is planning to increase the salary of skilled employees by 20 to 50 per cent in the next six months.

With the rapid rise of foreign investments, economic analysts said companies would like to stay competitive by offering their staff better labour packages.

"When foreign investments flow in, employers should be aware of the fact that they must maintain their qualified employees with pay rise and other benefits so that they cannot go to other employers. But the employees on their part need to [improve on] their skills. [Those with] good qualifications will be highly paid," said Win Win Thant, corporate communications manager of Myanmar Brewery Ltd.

While highly skilled employees are looking for better offers, a media businessman said a lot of unskilled people are also seeking for jobs. “So, qualified employees [should] have their salaries increased by 20 to 50 per cent.”

"Big salaries and benefits depend on the type of company. The hotel and tourism industry is giving skilled workers big salaries and benefits," said Nyi Nyi, a liaison officer at the Centre of Vocational Training.

In Myanmar, the pay gap between business executives and lower employees is huge. The minimum monthly salary of a regular employee is about 30,000 kyats (US$35) while an executive enjoys around 300,000 kyats ($350) a month, according to labour market sources.

"Foreign businesses, which were formerly restricted by economic sanctions, made their comeback to Myanmar. As a result, the construction and garment businesses sectors are beginning to improve. That calls for skilled employees. Myanmar professionals can get the same salaries as their counterparts from the international community if the country has international links," the administrative manager of a domestic airline said.

From November last year to July this year, the Myanmar Investment Commission has permitted 29 foreign firms to invest in the country. Most of the companies are engaged in oil and gas exploration and garments.

Investors are waiting for the new foreign investment law to be approved. President Thein Sein sent the draft law back to the Parliament for amendments. It is expected to be finalised within a few days.