TODAY

In the penetration of Myanmar market Thailand may claim to have been most energetic.Thai entrepreneurs from various econimic sectors are visiting here for discussions.
Thus on 19 March 2014 at UMFCCI, Yangon the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) had 41 Thai entrepreneurs meeting Myanmar counterparts for an exchange of views
in such economic sector as foodstuffs, consumer goods, banking, construction materials and aluminium industries. The following are excerpts out of the interviews
conducted with some of the businessmen.

Ashok Upadhya
Director
The Federation of Thai Industries
http://www.fti.or.th

The FTI is responsible for arranging business meetings between Thai entrepreneurs and their foreign counterparts. Most of these business representatives are FTI Members but some are not. Thailand has been for seizing opportunities out of business to business meetings ever since Myanmar opened up for trade and investments. We’d like to establish joint ventures as quickly as possible. This delegation with 3-plus com-panies mostly belong to foodstuff industry, and some to construction industry. We’re oriented towards cooperation to mutual benefit in dealing with the needs arisen at the beginning stage of economic opportunities. In the past, rules on investment were very hard to use, but the recently prescribed rules and regulations are much different than those of six years ago and easier to use. So we need to study again the various markets with great prospects.Firstly the buying power of people is to be evaluated. Most Thai products with their good quality and reasonable prices especially suit Middle class. Myanmar consumer market loves reasonable price, which make Thai goods accessible to the general public. Some Thai foodstuffs already have a share in Myanmar market which likes them branded. Many Thai brands are being advertised on Channel 7. But logistics remains a big problem. For foodstuffs to be safety food there are several levels of registration. But importers are well advised to do Internal Check-ing. For Myanmar to lead ASEAN Economic Community it may well be advised to improve education, and human resources also.

Ms Pinsuda Mukkitikan
International Marketing manager
Pacific Fish Processing Company
Limited
www.pfp-pacific.com

Our company in fish processing is almost known to all for its Surimi, a value added seafood made of the essence of white flesh of fish. Established in 1984, our company stands in southern Thailand. Surimi was first exported to countries in Asia and Europe. A hundred-plus seafoods of ours include; Salmon Ball, Yasai Ball, Fish Ball, Shrimp Ball, Cuttlefish Ball, Lobster Ball, Onorotsuki Seaweed Roll, Tuna Roll, and Salmon Roll, etc. Myanmar has been familiar with many of these for long. But the local sellers have to buy them wholesale at Mae Sot, and not directly from us. This visit is to study the market and access open oppor-tunities only, as we’ve no plan yet to open a subsidiary here. We plan to set up a processing plant, but it will take some time. In food processing quality control is most important. Training of our workers goes on not to have that forgotten. And we’ve acquired international certificates to support our exporting.

Mr Wongsapol Limsittisuk
Export Sales
Asiatic Agro Industry Co Ltd
www.asiatic.co.th

Our company produces Coconut Milk and Coconut Water for exporting to several countries. We aim at earning a Brand in the global market. Ours is an Energy Soft Drink, with cent percent coconut quality. We’ve a Marketing Support Team, by which we could give care to customer while marketing. Achiev-ing the marketing in quick order is our desire.

Mr Siri Angkurat
Export Manager
Srifa Frozen Food Co Ltd
www.tamarindhouse.co.th

We produce a 100-plus kinds of snacks. They include tamarind toffee, cakes with fillings, fruitcake, etc. They are completely free from chemicals and good for health. Srifa Bakery is No: 1 Brand in Thailand. Without a Myanmar distributor in the past we had had to suspend sales of tamarind toffee through City Mart Outlets because it was not cost-effective. We’re now seeking a Distributor here. The majority of Myanmars like to use Thai products. We believe in our Quality so much that we’re now seeking a good Myanmar partner for business.