Chargé d’ Affaires, a.i., Gives a Presentation on Driving Forward Thai-Myanmar Relations in All Dimensions to Entrepreneurs who Participated in the Government Savings Bank of Thailand Programme

On 21 November 2018, Mr. Narong Boonsatheanwong, Chargé d’ Affaires, a.i., was invited by the Government Savings Bank of Thailand, and the Thammasat Consulting Networking and Coaching Center (CONC), to give a presentation on “Driving Forward Thai-Myanmar Relations in All Dimensions,” to entrepreneurs who participated in the project on “Activities for Descendants of the Government Savings Bank of Thailand’s Top Clients.” In addition, the organizers also invited Miss Walikar Apayasiri, Counsellor for Commercial Affairs, to give a presentation on “Important Economic Developments in Myanmar and Promotion of Thailand’s Trade and Investment Opportunities” at Melia Hotel, Yangon.

          The Chargé d’ Affaires, a.i., outlined the Royal Thai Government’s policy to promote Thailand’s relations with Myanmar in all dimensions. The aim is to enhance the existing close relations between Thailand and Myanmar in all areas, and to expand bilateral cooperation, especially in terms of elevating the Thai-Myanmar economic partnership. This includes (1) developing connectivity between the two countries, and facilitating trade and investment; for example, developing infrastructure, promoting more border checkpoints, and pushing for trade in Baht-Kyat. (2) organizing seminars on Myanmar’s economy with the Thai private sector to provide information on the latest economic laws and regulations; for example, the Myanmar Investment Law and the Myanmar Companies Law; and (3) organizing economic trips to take the Thai private sector to survey routes and areas which have potential for Thai-Myanmar economic cooperation, especially along the Thai-Myanmar border.

          In addition, the Counsellor for Commercial Affairs outlined the role of the Office of Commercial Affairs, Royal Thai Embassy, Yangon, in promoting trade and investment opportunities for Thai businessmen in Myanmar. For example, (1) connecting Thai businessmen to Myanmar businessmen and the Myanmar market, as well as organizing business matching activities; (2) organizing a big annual trade fair “Top Thai Brands” in Yangon and “Mini Thailand Week” in other parts of Myanmar; and (3) serving as a resource centre on trade and investment in Myanmar. The Counsellor highlighted the vast trade and investment opportunities in Myanmar arising from Myanmar’s abundant natural resources, the fact that around 60% of Myanmar’s population is of working age, and many growing sectors in Myanmar. These include tourism, the entertainment business, and services. At the same time, the Myanmar Government has also implemented economic reform by modernizing laws and regulations to improve the business environment and facilitate foreign investment.

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