During 11 – 15 July 2016, Ambassador Pisanu Suvanajata led a delegation of officials from the Royal Thai Embassy, Yangon, and Thai businessmen to explore and discuss the potential for trade and investment in Shan State with local authorities and Myanmar businessmen.  

Twenty five Thai businessmen from various sectors, such as finance and services, logistics and construction, manufacturing, agriculture and energy, joined the trip, during which they had the opportunities to pay a courtesy call on the Chief Minister of Shan State, local authorities, and Chambers of Commerce and Industry all the way from the south to the north of Shan State. In addition, Ambassador also led them to visit the Muse 105 Trade Zone at Myanmar’s largest trading point with China, the Myanmar Belle dehydrated vegetable and fruit company, which is the only one of its kind in Myanmar, and Cornerstone Resources zinc mining company to learn of the potential for the mining industry in Shan State.

In the meeting with Dr. Lin Htut, Chief Minister of Shan State, Ambassador shared his views on the vast economic potential of Shan State, and opportunities for Thailand-Shan State collaboration in tourism, agriculture, and energy. Ambassador also encouraged more connectivity between Thailand and Shan State, such as road link between Chiangmai and Taunggyi, people-to-people connectivity, and business networks. In addition, he was of the view that Thailand-Shan State cooperation in education, development, and corporate social responsibility should be promoted along with the already existing excellent cooperation on security issues, such as counter-drug and anti-human trafficking.

  The delegation received a warm welcome from all Myanmar agencies, which were pleased to learn of Thailand’s interest in collaborating with Shan State, and welcomed cooperation at all levels: government to government, state to state, and business to business. The Myanmar side expressed interest in connectivity and knowledge on the financial system, as well as cooperation in agriculture, tourism and hotels, education, electricity supply, healthcare and drug rehabilitation centers.

The Royal Thai Embassy will continue to provide opportunities for Thai businessmen to connect with Myanmar authorities and business agencies with the ultimate aim to help both sides further strengthen business cooperation for mutual benefits. 

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