During 9 – 13 May 2015 Ambassador Pisanu Suvanaja led officials of the Royal Thai Embassy in Yangon and Thai businessmen from leading companies such as CP, Toyota (Thailand),  Berli Jucker, TCC Group (Chang Beer), Siam Commercial Bank, K bank and Krung Thai bank to visit Rakhine state. The trip was organized as part of the Embassy’s efforts to increase business engagement with Myanmar.

The Thai delegation visited key areas that had business potentials including Ngapali, Thandwe, Kyaukphyu, Sittwe and Mruak U where they met with local government officers and local businessmen to discuss trade and investment opportunities. During the trip, the Thai delegation also had opportunities to meet with Union Minister of Hotel and Tourism of Myanmar  and Chief Minister of Rakhine State, both of whom encouraged Thai businesses to invest in Rakhine.

Thai businessmen that participated in the trip were impressed by hospitality of Rakhine people, natural beauty of the landscape and most importantly Rakine’s enormous economic potentials particularly in food and agriculture, tourism, power, water management and etc. Thai businessmen expressed interests in running their businesses in Rakhine in the near future.

Rakhine is situated in the westernmost part of Myanmar. The state is well-knowm for its its abundant natural resources and beautiful seaside town Ngapali. Today, Rakhine is opening up for FDI, trade and foreign visitors. With its various touristic attractions, qualified labour force, strategic location connecting to India and China, and GSP privileges that EU has granted to Myanmar, as well as the establishment of Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone and other industrial development projects such as Ponenarkyun  which Rakhine is setting to move forward, developing quickly, becoming part of the engine for growth in Myanmar and enormous business opportunities that are also unleashed for prospective Thai businessmen to capture.