London summit aims to boost UK-Burma trade
UKTI Burma and the British Chamber of Commerce are delighted to be supporting the Myanmar Investment Summit, which will be held in London on 19 February.
The summit is expected to be attended by more than 200 British companies across a range of sectors. It will offer participants the opportunity to learn about the latest economic and political developments as well as practical guidance on doing business in Burma.
UK goods exports to Burma increased by 239% between 2012 and 2013. While this was starting from a very low base, there are currently 40 to 50 British companies estimated to have a presence in Burma. The majority of these are professional services firms; such as lawyers, accountants and consultants.
The director of UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) Burma, Lisa Weedon, said:
I’m really excited about this summit – it offers British companies an opportunity to learn about the reality of doing business in Burma from a superb range of speakers. I hope this summit will encourage even more British businesses to take the plunge and do business here.
Executive Director of the British Chamber of Commerce, Stephanie Ashmore, said:
The British Chamber of Commerce Myanmar is pleased to be supporting this event and I’m confident it will provide valuable insights into the rapidly evolving investment environment Myanmar presents. The Chamber has been active in Myanmar for seven months and its purpose is to support business links between these two countries. Events like this summit are an important part of this process.
Expert insight
A range of expert panellists from Burma and the UK will lead frank and wide-reaching discussions, which will aim to highlight opportunities and dispel common misconceptions about doing business in Burma.
Practical advice on working with local partners will also be offered, as well as insights into specific sectors such as energy and education.
Keynote Burmese speakers include:
- U Sett Aung, Deputy Governor of Central Bank and the Chairman of Thilawa Special Economic Zone
- Professor Aung Tun Thet, Economic Advisor to the President
- U Aung Naing Oo, Secretary of the Myanmar Investment Commission and Director-General of Myanmar Directorate of Investment and Company Administration
- Daw Khine Khine Nwe, Joint Secretary General of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI)
Supporting responsible business
Since the suspension of EU sanctions in April 2012, the British government has been encouraging responsible, sustainable and transparent business in Burma.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills and Minister for Intellectual Property, Baroness Neville-Rolph, will open the summit.
She said:
Since EU sanctions were suspended in April 2012 the British Government has been clear that it will support responsible British business in Burma. Responsible business means business that works for the people of Burma. Business that creates jobs, provides training and technology transfer and applies the highest international operating standards.
Sponsorship and support
The summit is being organised by City and Financial Global, with the support of:
- UK-ASEAN Business Council
- UKTI Trade and Investment and the
- British Chamber of Commerce Myanmar
- Sponsors include Allen and Overy, Prudential and Qatar Airways
Notes to editors:
- The Myanmar Investment Summit will take place on 19 February in London
- For further information, visit http://exportbritain.org.uk/events/98.html
- UKTI Burma was established in July 2013 and to date it has hosted eight trade missions and offered support to over 400 British companies.
- UKTI Burma - https://www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/ukti-burma
- British Chamber of Commerce Myanmar - http://www.britishchambermyanmar.com/
- Opportunity in Myanmar: An Interview with Thiri Thant Mon - http://www.britishchambermyanmar.com/resources/online-resources.html
- For inquiries, please contact the British Embassy Rangoon’s Public Diplomacy Officer Nwe Nwe Aye: Nwe.Aye@fco.gov.uk