On 19 January 2017, the Royal Thai Embassy in Yangon and the Thai Business Association of Myanmar (TBAM) co-hosted TBAM Morning Talk 4 on “The Myanmar Industrial Zones” at Novotel. The Morning Talk sought to provide an overview of industrial zones in Myanmar, Myanmar’s policies towards the development of industrial zones, and potential opportunities for investment. It included presentations by U San Myint, Deputy Director-General of the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (DICA), U Tin Shwe Oo, Director of Industrial Supervision and Inspection of the Ministry of Industry, and U Ye Min Aung, Chairman of Ayeyarwaddy Development Company Limited, which is developing Pathein Industrial City. The Morning Talk was opened by Ambassador Pisanu Suvanajata and was well attended by 80 Thai and foreign businessmen in Myanmar.  

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Pisanu noted Myanmar’s economic growth, which is relatively more than other ASEAN member states, and the vast opportunities available to move the country forward. He identified Thailand as a practical model on the use of industrial zones as a key driver of the economy, and the promotion of import substitution and an export economy, which is now moving forward towards a digital economy. Ambassador Pisanu encouraged experience sharing, and informed the audience of the Eastern Economic Corridor, which is Thailand’s new investment project to upgrade existing facilities on the Eastern seaboard, and promote regional connectivity and development. Thailand attaches importance to industrial zones in Myanmar because it compliments regional connectivity, and encourages the Thai private sector to share their experience with Myanmar, to help Myanmar develop industrial zones, and to invest in Myanmar’s industrial zones, so that Thailand and Myanmar can move forward together, benefit together, and prosper together.

On the Myanmar side, U San Myint briefed the audience on Myanmar’s economic policies, investment policies, and the new foreign investment law. This includes the 12 point economic policy announced by the government in July 2016, an overview of industrial zones in Myanmar, and contents of the new foreign investment law approved by parliament in October 2016. U Tin Shwe Oo provided information on the different kinds of industrial enterprises throughout Myanmar and the lessons learned from developing industrial zones. Last but not least, U Ye Min Aung presented the Ayeywarwaddy Region and Pathein Industrial City as a strategic hub and growth center for Myanmar, which welcomes foreign investment to create job opportunities in food processing, labour intensive industries, domestic market-based industries, and forestry based industries.

The Royal Thai Embassy in Yangon has been promoting better understanding on Myanmar’s economic policies and business opportunities to further enhance existing close economic relations for the mutual benefits of Thailand and Myanmar.

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