Foreign Minister Bishop to arrive in Myanmar

Australia's emerging business sector in Myanmar is to present Foreign Minister Julie Bishop with a "smorgasbord" of ideas aimed at addressing trade and business as the country's emerging economy gains momentum.

julie_bishop_aap.jpg

(AAP)

Ms Bishop, on a three-day official visit to Myanmar (Burma) will also meet President Thein Sein and opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, along with the Australian business community.
   
In a statement, Ms Bishop said the talks with the business sector are designed to enhance trade and investment ties.
   
Myanmar is still in a transition towards full democracy after almost 50 years of dominant military rule that came to an end in 2011.
 
Yangon-based Australian lawyer and consultant, John Hancock, says given the economy's development after years of isolation, Australian business representatives have a broad range of issues to be raised with the minister.
 
"Certainly a lot of our suggestions are related to giving constructive advice and support in areas in which we think area priority," Hancock told AAP.
 
Melinda Tun, a senior associate with Sydney-based lawyers Baker McKenzie and director of the Australia Myanmar Chamber of Commerce, says Australian companies are well placed to assist in building up Myanmar's overall infrastructure, including financial, legal and physical infrastructure.

Australia is one of several major Western nations to have eased economic and trade sanctions against Myanmar.
 
Canberra has lifted most economic and trade sanctions, but bilateral trade remains small at just $137 million in 2013.

Corporations from energy and mining, dairy and food products, packaging and logistics, educational institutions such as Macquarie University and smaller firms in tourism and travel are hoping to enter the Myanmar market.

The ANZ Banking Group is one of several contenders for one of up to 10 banking licences with a start-up date of September.
 
Thailand-based Bangkok Bank executive vice president, Kobsak
Pootrakool, say vocational training is a key area of for investor potential, together with logistics and infrastructure.

In the talks this week Myanmar opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, is likely to warn Australia against moves to ease military sanctions with present government.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) warns Australian investors to exercise caution as "individuals and companies" with close ties to the military still exercise influence in several economic sectors, including oil, gas and timber.


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Source: AAP


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