TODAY

Nowadays Myanmar with its continuous economic reforms has definitely

won a place among the international  economic community, whereat foreign
businessmen are scrambling for new markets for their goods and services.
Short of a physical presence, those businesses initially are in need of
reliable economic information and data. Some help to that end is envisaged by
TODAY which has interviewed Ms Catherine Smith, director of
Hintha Business Centres, as follows:

Some Bio Data . . .
Ms Catherine Smith has had a lot of experience in management and setting up of businesses in emerging markets across the world. 1976 saw her in Hong Kong, steeped in management and marketing. In 1990s she was involved in the implementation and management of many projects in Vietnam, to be followed by her being tasked by Walt Disney to create a market penetration strategy in Indochina and Sri Lanka. She spent the last decade working for software industry. Only just recently did she build and sell an IT business. She has been based in Myanmar since April 2012.

A little explanation on Hintha Business Centres please . . .
A division of Anthem Asia Group of Companies, Hintha Business Centres provides for facilities for any firm, accompanied by services as and when necessary. Moreover I am into business consultancy, and might, for example, conduct market research for a foreign company in any economic sector.

What prompts you to work in Myanmar economy?
We find a great many economic opportunities here, and would like to work hand in hand with up-and-coming local business to help them achieve success.

What is the nature of a business centre?
People are quite familiar with the nature of a business centre in other countries. Maybe Bangkok has 50-60 of them, while Yangon has four or five. Business centres are most appro-priate to a city like Yangon, which is a centre of great economic opportunities. Foreign busi-nessmen on their initial visits could become nonplussed, for a new market like Myanmar. They would need an office of their own quickly, and our Business Centres will get their business up and running instantly with fully furnished facilities, including utilities, internet and staff. We have 13 office rooms at the ready, and Hot Desk for common use. Each of 3 Conference Rooms has a white board, a projector and flip charts. The Meeting Room accommodates 12-15 people.

May I know the rates?
The rental fee for an office depends on its area and the duration for use. Rates start from USD 1,500 per month. It is all inclusive – the use of furniture, air con, electricity, power generator, etc.

What sort of customers are targeted?
We target new foreign investors so that they can have their business up and running quickly. Also, we target our services to businesses who have offices in Yangon already. Traffic jams occur often in Yangon. For example, if several companies from around 8th Mile fancy a meet downtown, our Conference Room is available for single day rental for a series of meetings.

Available services . . .
The services are : use of Conference Room, Copier, Scanning, Printing, translation services, secretarial work etc. Moreover, company regi-stration can be entertained for foreign firms. For more information, please ask 01-441 3410 or visit www.hinthabusinesscentres.com

Please assess the prospect of business centres in Myanmar . . .
It seemingly is very good for Yangon’s being a major economic centre. Business centres could largely help the foreign investor, so their prospect grows with the expanding penetration of foreign companies. The quick start of their business will mean more job opportunities for Myanmar people. We are always ready to help create responsible investment as well as hire locals to be trained.

How do you assess Foreign Investment Law of Myanmar?
The law needs to be improved in some aspects but could be judged very fair to the foreign investor. Laws for foreign investment are still being improved in Thailand and Vietnam as well. Myanmar government and legislators might face many difficulties concerning the implementation of a large number of projects, law amendments, details and priorities. But I as a foreign investor should say the on-going developments are quite positive.

How will CSR go on your part?
We see to it that every work we take on is modified by social responsibility. For example, our Business Centres uses green products of local origin. So far, we have no definite CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) programme yet. However our staff are trained to always look out for public good in whatever they do. For example, we contributed to Irrawaddy Literary Festival held in Yangon last year. Thus we are resolved to cooperatively work for local community.

What about your future programme?
Branch facilities are fairly likely to open in Yangon and Naypyitaw, but that’s not for sure. Hoping for many clients and smooth running of own Business Centres, we need to rally Responsible Investment opportunities. Then the result will be more job opportunities for Myanmar people.

Translated by – Khin Aung (English)
Ref: CEO