September 21, 2019
Vice President U Henry Van Thio attended and addressed the opening ceremony of Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) Centennial International Expo 2019 held at Fortune Plaza, Thakayta Township, Yangon Region yesterday morning.
The ceremony was attended by Union Minister for Industry, Planning and Finance U Soe Win, Yangon Region Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein, Yangon Region Hluttaw Speaker U Tin Maung Tun, Deputy Minister for Commerce U Aung Htoo, Yangon Region ministers, foreign diplomats, UMFCCI President, Vice Presidents, secretaries, central executive committee (CEC) members, sister associations’ presidents, CECs and Executive Committee members.
In his speech Vice President U Henry Van Thio said UMFCCI was formed in pre- independent period of 1919 as Burmese Chamber of Commerce and as of 2019, it has proudly reached its centennial. With an aim for UMFCCI to support economic development this Centennial Expo was conducted on its centennial. As known to everyone holding an international expo like this brings forth opportunities to exhibit the country’s products as well as to introduce international products and international level local products to local businesses and consumers. In addition to this good opportunities were created for local and international businesses to establish contacts.
In its all-round efforts for economic development the State had been meeting with UMFCCI as well as economic associations and organizations to consider the submissions and suggestions made and conduct necessary works in a timely manner. Market is most important for today’s businesses enthusiastic cooperation of associations, businesses and the government was an important requirement for local products to compete and enter into local and foreign markets.
In addition to establishing and implementing economic policies that were in line with market economy system the State had also drawn up Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan that does not cater to the development and short term economic development of an individual or an entity, but aims for a sustainable development of the whole country, protect and preserve the natural environment, develops human resources and for the establishment of a peaceful and stable society. Systematic aims, strategies and work processes were being established and implemented toward these ends.
As private sector development was important for the State, business persons and associations should enthusiastically cooperate with UMFCCI toward private sector development. Private Sector Development Committee was formed for private sector development. Difficulties and challenges encountered by private sector were discussed in meetings held regularly and coordinated with relevant ministerial departments resulting in successes achieved. UMFCCI was also playing a satisfactory job as a bridge connecting the government and business persons.
UMFCCI and sister associations can be proud of holding this centennial event systematically and completely using their financial resources, human resources and organizational resources said the Vice President. Finally the Vice President concluded with a wish for UMFCCI to exist and develop together with the country from the centennial to many more years and support more toward the country’s development, strengthen and develop private sector.
Next, Union Minister U Soe Win and Yangon Region Chief Minister delivered speeches honoring UMFCCI and UMFCCI President U Zaw Min Win delivered a message of greeting.
Afterwards, the Vice President, Union Minister, Chief Minister and officials took commemorative group photo and observed the exhibits at UMFCCI Centennial International Expo 2019.
UMFCCI was supporting from the private sector toward the country’s economic development and the expo was held to establish timely contact and works between local and foreign business persons, for Myanmar products to penetrate international market and for quality international products to enter into local market.
By holding the expo, opportunities were provided to introduce local products not only to the local market but also to penetrate international market. Local and foreign business can conduct business discussions. Local private business persons and SME business persons can raise their competitiveness by studying international products and technologies. Developments of MSMEs could create job opportunities it is learnt.
Exhibits at the expo includes automobiles, machinery parts, electronic products, construction products, home decorations, beauty products, garments, jewelries, food and beverages, transport, ICT sector.
The expo has 235 exhibits exhibiting automobiles, machinery parts, electronic products, construction products, home decorations, beauty products, garments, jewelries, food and beverages, transport, ICT sector products from Germany, Netherland, Japan, Korea, China, Thailand, Vietnam and local businesses.
Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of International Cooperation supported and cooperated in the UMFCCI Centennial Expo 2019 that will be held for three days from September 20 to 22.
— MNA (Translated by Zaw Min)
