Multinational Enterprises (MNEs), Crisis, Workers, Principled Presence

The ongoing crisis in Myanmar, intensified by military rule since 2021, has triggered widespread economic collapse and social instability. Amid growing humanitarian needs, formal employment opportunities have declined sharply, increasing the risk of exploitation through illegal migration and human trafficking. This paper examines the role of multinational enterprises (MNEs) in Myanmar’s cut, make, and pack (CMP) garment, with a focus on the socio-economic and ethical implications of their presence or potential exit. Drawing on secondary data and primary survey responses from garment sector workers, the study highlights the crucial role MNEs play in sustaining livelihoods, especially for women and marginalized populations. While some advocacy groups call for divestment to avoid complicity with the military regime, the findings suggest that MNEs act as economic stabilizers and protective agents in a fragile context. The paper argues for a "principled presence" approach, wherein MNEs remain engaged while strengthening labour protections and upholding human rights standards. It also cautions that a "responsible exit" could have unintended consequences, such as mass unemployment and heightened vulnerability to trafficking.

自2021年军事管制以来愈演愈烈的缅甸持续危机，已引发大范围经济崩溃与社会动荡。在人道主义需求日益增长的背景下，正规就业机会大幅减少，加剧了非法移民与人口贩运带来的剥削风险。本研究聚焦缅甸裁剪、制作、包装（Cut, Make, Pack, CMP）服装产业链中的跨国企业（Multinational Enterprises, MNEs）作用，重点探讨其存续或潜在撤离所引发的社会经济与伦理影响。本研究借助二手数据与服装行业从业者的一手调研反馈，凸显了跨国企业在维系民生——尤其是女性与边缘群体民生——方面发挥的关键作用。尽管部分倡导团体呼吁撤资以避免与军事政权形成共犯关系，但研究结果表明，在脆弱的局势中，跨国企业实则发挥着经济稳定器与权益保护者的作用。本研究主张采用“有原则的存续”路径：跨国企业继续在缅开展业务，同时强化劳动保护并恪守人权标准。研究同时警示，“负责任撤离”可能引发意外后果，例如大规模失业，以及民众更容易沦为贩运受害者的风险加剧。