Japanese, Thai and South Korean investors eye investment opportunities in retail and wholesale markets in Myanmar

Wholesalers and retailers from Japan, Thailand and South Korea met with the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) to discuss investments in the Myanmar retail sector, said U Yan Naing Tun, director general of the Department of Trade under MOC.

Among the companies was Japanese retailer Aeon Co, which invested in the Myanmar retail sector under a joint venture – Aeon Orange Company - with local partner Creation Myanmar Group of Companies (CMGC) in August 2016.

Aeon Orange Co acquired 14 supermarkets operated by Hypermart Asia Co, an affiliate of CMGC. It opened its first store in North Okkalapa, Yangon, in September during the same year.

The Myanmar Times understands that Aeon is eyeing opportunities to further expand its presence in Myanmar.

“Interest from Japanese, Thai and South Korean investors has spiked since the MOC allowed foreigners to wholly-own wholesale and retail business in Myanmar,” said U Yang Naing Tun.

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