A high-profile business forum on Burma begins in New York tomorrow, with attendees from a range of state and private sectors to discuss investment opportunities in the newly opened country.
Organized by Peninsula Press, an international communications agency, the ‘Myanmar Investment and Tourism Forum’ will bring together government representatives from Burma and the United States, as well as some 200 C-level executives from national and multinational companies, according to the forum’s website. Among Burmese representatives scheduled to attend are President’s Office Minister Soe Thane, Minister of Tourism Htay Aung, Zay Yar Aung of the Ministry of Energy, Director-General of Burma’s Directorate of Investment and Company Administration Aung Naing Oo and Central Bank Deputy Governor Set Aung.
The day-long program, operating under the theme ‘Asia’s Last Frontier’, features seven panels discussing themes related to Burma’s economy and investment potential including infrastructure development, the impact of the government’s economic reforms, and the electricity, finance and energy sectors. Mitsubishi, Chevron, Telenor Group-Myanmar, MAXpower Group, Shin Kong Financial Holding Company and GE Myanmar are among those companies represented at the forum. Potential investors, senior executives, academics and state officials will have the opportunity to understand Burma’s changing regulatory and business landscape, as well as establish relationships with Burmese business leaders, the forum’s website states.
Burma’s economy has experienced a marked transition under President Thein Sein’s administration, with the government enacting a series of economic reforms targeting foreign investment and financial sector laws. International investors have responded positively, with the country’s foreign direct investment tipped to reach more than US$5 billion for the current fiscal year.
The Myanmar Investment and Tourism Forum will take place at the Grand Hyatt in New York City on September 24.