During 1 -3 September 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 Ayeyarwady Region with local authorities and Myanmar businessmen.

Twenty Thai businessmen from various sectors, such as finance and insurance, logistics and construction, manufacturing, energy, and water management, joined the trip. During their travels in Ayeyarwady Region, they had the opportunity to pay a courtesy call on the Ayeyarwady Region Government, namely, U Ba Hein, Minister for Agriculture, Livestock Breeding, Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, and U Win Htay, Minister for Power, Energy, Industry, and Transportation. They also had the opportunity to discuss potential business collaboration with the Ayeyarwady Region Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and the Ngwe Saung Hotelier Association. In addition, Ambassador led the delegation on a visit to the new Pathein Industrial City, which seeks to attract manufacturing companies to the region, as well as to Golden Rice Mill Company and Yuzana Group Fisheries Limited to study the agricultural and fishery sectors of the region for potential collaboration with Thai businesses.

In the meeting with the Ayeyarwady Region Government, Ambassador emphasized Thailand’s commitment to further enhance bilateral relations with Myanmar, and to increase cooperation with Ayeyarwady Region, which is important to Myanmar’s economy and can be connected to Thailand through improved infrastructure. Ambassador also shared his views on the vast economic potential of the region, and opportunities for collaboration with Thailand in agriculture, tourism, and education. Thailand already has projects on education and public health in the region, which were mainly initiated by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn after Cyclone Nargis, and is prepared to continue and expand these projects if required.

The delegation received a warm welcome from all Myanmar agencies, which were pleased to learn of the Thai business community’s interest in doing business in Ayeyarwady Region. In turn, the Myanmar side expressed interest in tourism, and collaboration in the marine business, cassava farming, organic farming, organic products and the food industry, as well as the animal feed industry.

The Royal Thai Embassy will continue to provide opportunities for Thai businesses 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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