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
Top Related