On 14 November 2018, Ms. Chana Sindhvananda, Minister Counsellor, the Royal Thai Embassy, Yangon, delivered the opening remarks at the Thai Business Association of Myanmar (TBAM) Morning Talk 15 on “Myanmar Economic Outlook 2019” at the Embassy. The Morning Talk was divided into two sessions. The first session was on the United States’ and the European Union’s perspectives and policy towards Myanmar, with Mr. John Fleming, Head of the Foreign Commercial Services Office at the U.S. Embassy, Ms. Jennifer Peterson, Head of the Economic Office at the U.S. Embassy, and Mr. Lorenzo Pascotto, Project Manager at the Cooperation Section, Delegation of the European Union to Myanmar, as guest speakers. The second session was on the perspectives and recommendations from Thai businessmen with more than ten years’ experience of doing business in Myanmar, with Mr. Sorasak Keeratichokechaikul from SCG Myanmar, Mr. Chuchart Mektrakarn from Myanmar Information Highway, and Mr. Tossatis Rodprasert from Bangkok Bank, as guest speakers.

The Minister Counsellor spoke on the Embassy’s policy to support TBAM’s activities, such as networking and information sharing among the Thai business community and foreign chambers. Previously, the Embassy and TBAM co-hosted Chamber Connect events, which consisted of meetings and dinners with foreign chambers in Myanmar. As a close neighbour and friend, Thailand attaches high importance to strengthening relations with Myanmar at all levels and views Myanmar as a Natural Strategic Partner. As such, the Royal Thai Government has consistently promoted cooperation with Myanmar in all areas and is of the view that Thailand is a supply chain to support trade between other countries and Myanmar as well as Myanmar’s market development. In addition, companies from Thailand, the US and EU, can expand their investments into Myanmar by taking advantage of the land border connectivity, as well as the frequent flights between Thailand and Myanmar. Thailand has connectivity with Myanmar at both the bilateral level and regional level though the GMS, ASEAN, and BIMSTEC frameworks of cooperation. Lastly, the Thai, US, and EU business community can work together to support Myanmar by sharing knowledge and experiences, and implementing corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. 

* * * * *