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Senior Advisor

Dr. Zaw Oo

Dr. Zaw Oo

Zaw Oo has a proven track record working with government, civil society and academia across Southeast Asia. He has been instrumental in turning around projects under complex regulatory and policy environments and finding new opportunities for businesses in Myanmar. His work has led to substantial policy changes and mobilized growth for the public and private sectors.

Zaw Oo is one of the most respected economists in Myanmar and regularly provides critical insights and seasoned advice to key stakeholders. Prior to joining BGA, he was a senior executive of a think-tank and an advisory service, offering research and analytical services on economic, regulatory and investment issues. From 2012 to 2016, he served as economic advisor to President Thein Sein and played an important role in implementing comprehensive economic reforms that brought Myanmar back to the international community.

In 2013, Zaw Oo was the chief negotiator for debt relief negotiations at the Paris Club and subsequently coordinated Myanmar’s successful integration into the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative. Throughout his distinguished career, he has served in several executive and legislative commissions and committees as an independent expert. He designed the country’s historic setting of its first minimum wage in 2015.

Zaw Oo holds a PhD from American University School of International Service, specializing in international development and development economics. He received a master’s degree in finance and banking from American University and master’s degree in international affairs from Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs. He has held academic and research positions at international universities covering political economy, governance, migration and labor issues and taught economic development at Chiang Mai University from 2006 to 2011.

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