Rob Lally

Deputy Director, Asia

Strategic Trade Group

www.ukti.gov.uk

270 Trade Advisers in the UK 162 Offices around the world 100 + markets 98% Global GDP Expansion in emerging markets

261,000 sq miles (largest in SE Asia (UK – 94, 000) Population: 70% rural (Vietnam

90%) Life expectancy – 60 (4.6% over

65) Good education (poor English)

Population spread over many cities 4 million, Rangoon 1 Million Mandalay 16+ cities 100,000+

Business opportunities in Burma

Offshore oil and gas

Education and training – major requirement at all levels, plus vocational training and English language.  British education held in high regard.

Telecoms – extremely low mobile phone penetration/internet capacity. 

Construction sector – anticipated construction boom.

Manufacturing sector –labour-intensive and cost-sensitive activities such as garment manufacture and food processing.  Capacity has been very badly eroded by sanctions and is in need of investment and expertise.

Business services- major foreign require international standard support services – lawyers, accountants, real estate agents, recruitment consultants, facilities management companies, etc.

Recent Progress

Foreign Investment Law approved with all of the President’s investor-friendly amendments intact save one, on salary equality for Burmese and foreigners doing the same job).

Preparations underway for independent Central Bank – Bank of England has been offering its advice on this;

Government is developing National Economic Plans.

Agreement on resolving much of Burma’s international arrears and IFIs are considering lending again;

EU is looking at reinstating GSP.

8

Looking ahead:

CAPACITY

9

THE WAY FORWARD

Partnership

Patience

Rob Lally

Deputy Director, Asia

Strategic Trade Group

Tel: 020 7215 8469, rob.lally@ukti.gsi.gov.uk