BANGKOK, July 19, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Today many businesses representing almost all industry sectors are eagerly seeking opportunities to either invest or expand to Myanmar. With a population of 60 million, the country has recently opened up and attracted many foreign investors due to its becoming pro-investment climate. Gaining further attention, Myanmar is hosting key upcoming events like the SEA Game in 2013 and the ASEAN Summit in 2014.
According to Dr. Monsinee Keeratikrainon, Thailand Country Manager, Frost & Sullivan, currently, the majority of foreign investment in Myanmar comes from mainland China and Hong Kong, followed by Thailand and South Korea.
"Around 80% of foreign investment goes to Power, Energy, Oil and Gas; where as 11% goes to mining and manufacturing. Although the GDP composite in the industrial sector is as low as 20%, with service at 37% and the rest is agricultural, there are highly increasing demand for industrial goods due to many major infrastructure buildups. The key growing segments would be the power & energy, oil & gas, mining & minerals, and construction," she said.
Recently, the Myanmar government promoted property investment in Myanmar, especially hotels, residential, as well as commercial buildings, in order to accommodate the dramatically growing number of business investors. The new property law allows foreigners to lease land directly from Myanmar residents, not necessarily through government like before, whilst the leasing term has also extended from 30 years to 50 years.
According to Monsinee, there are still four key major issues needed to be addressed in making the decision to invest in Myanmar;
Monsinee advised that the best entry strategy for most businesses would be in forming joint-ventures or partnerships with local players or state-own enterprises which give outsiders the opportunity to invest through product-sharing or profit-sharing models.
"This is the best way to leverage local capabilities and to minimize risks of uncertainties. Also it gives a short-cut and quick win while having access to current know-hows and business networks. Although it might take time at the initial stage to understand market landscape and identify potential partners, it has proven to be one of the smartest moves adopted even by large firms. The big-entry-big-funding model may give more visibility but also take more time and risk. At the end, the success factor of either model lies the same, i.e. how well you understand the market and its dynamics," said Monsinee.
Media Contacts:
Sasikarn Watt
Corporate Communications, Thailand
P: +66 (02) 637 7414
E: sasikarn.watt@frost.com