Royal Thai Embassy Organizes Briefing on Myanmar Business Survey and Rakhine State for Thai Businesses

On 5 April 2018, the Royal Thai Embassy organized a briefing on “Myanmar Business Survey and Developments in Rakhine” for the Thai Business Association of Myanmar (TBAM). Mr. Chanchai Tanatkatrakul, Principal of Roland Berger Thailand, introduced the audience to Roland Berger (RB) and RB’s projects in Southeast Asia, while Mr. Dieter Billen, Principal and Head of Roland Berger Myanmar, briefed the audience on the results of RB’s second Myanmar Business Survey in 2017.  The Survey indicated a drop in business confidence in Myanmar, from 73% in 2016 to 49% in 2017, with the key issues being the lack of clear economic policies, skilled human resources, and stable electricity supply. However, RB noted that the Myanmar government has taken some positive steps, which include the new Myanmar Investment Law and the development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs). Moreover, foreign companies are still entering Myanmar, which is a “frontier” market with a strategic location between India and China. In order to be successful in Myanmar, RB recommends that companies maintain a good reputation, engage with the Myanmar government, plan for the long term, invest in training, and leverage new technologies. Dr. Aung Tun Thet, Chief Coordinator of the Union Enterprise for Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement, and Development in Rakhine (UEHRD), then briefed the audience on the situation in Rakhine and the Myanmar government’s response. He also invited Thai businesses to contribute to the social and economic development in Rakhine by investing in agriculture, livestock, fisheries, oil and gas, tourism, technical and vocational training. The Royal Thai Embassy has consistently supported events to provide information to Thai businesses and to support development in various areas of Myanmar.

For further information, please click: Press Release - 5 April 2018 - Roland Berger and Dr. Aung Tun Thet