CCI France Myanmar is the French Myanmar Chamber of Commerce and Industry based in Yangon. As a self-financed non-profit organization, the Chamber’s main objective is to develop economic relations between France and Myanmar, and to offer services to support the development of our Members’ business. Guillaume Rebiere, Executive Director, discusses the Chamber’s activities and Myanmar’s challenges and potential.
European Times: How does CCI France Myanmar operate? What is the Chamber’s main objective?
Guillaume Rebiere: CCI France Myanmar is a business network of about 120 companies from France, Myanmar and other countries. Our objective is serve as a bridge between the two countries; to expand and develop business and economic relationships between France and Myanmar by offering various activities to our members and by supporting the commercial endeavours of French companies in Myanmar and Myanmar companies in France. In addition, we are a member of the CCI France International network, which brings together 120 French Chambers in 90 countries, thus supporting 35.000 companies worldwide. We have been operating for the sustainable development of Myanmar for more than 20 years, and we work closely with other Chambers of Commerce and Industry in France and abroad, with foreign Chambers of Commerce in Myanmar and with other French institutions in the country.
European Times: What are the main activities of the CCI France Myanmar?
Guillaume Rebiere: We are involved with several types of activities. Firstly, we are engaged in activities aimed at enhancing the international relations between Myanmar and France and Europe in general. We assist foreign companies in market research, outsourcing, sales representation, recruitment, HR, finding partners and suppliers, etc. We also Myanmar companies in exporting and developing internationally. Our primary goal is to help our members develop, which is why we organize matchmaking and networking events, and we assist them in recruitment, marketing, renting offices and other services related to business development.
European Times: What are the main activities of the CCI France Myanmar?
Guillaume Rebiere: We are involved with several types of activities. Firstly, we are engaged in activities aimed at enhancing the international relations between Myanmar and France and Europe in general. We assist foreign companies in market research, outsourcing, sales representation, recruitment, HR, finding partners and suppliers, etc. We also Myanmar companies in exporting and developing internationally. Our primary goal is to help our members develop, which is why we organize matchmaking and networking events, and we assist them in recruitment, marketing, renting offices and other services related to business development.
European Times: What are the potential challenges for investors?
Guillaume Rebiere: The main challenge is the lack of clarity regarding regulation, which the current government is trying to tackle and is going in the right direction. We salute all measures in this regard, including the new investment law. However, we believe that more sectors should be opened for FDI, and that some restrictions for foreign investors should be removed, which will simplify the procedures. The fact that investors need local partners can be regarded as a complication, but also as a positive thing, since locals are willing to facilitate, find solutions and provide access to networks, which will help new companies to enter the market smoothly. Myanmar is still a niche market, so investors should make sure that their partners understands what they are bringing to the market. Ethical values and CSR projects are also very important.
European Times: What is your personal message?
Guillaume Rebiere: Although Myanmar is still ranked lower compared to other ASEAN countries, in certain aspects it is doing better. Investors can find a great market here with great people who are willing to grow and develop and those who have invested here are already seeing excellent results.
I am convinced that Myanmar will evolve at a much greater speed than its neighbours, but the development needs to be sustainable, especially for the people. Myanmar is a great country to visit and an excellent long-term opportunity, and now is the right time for investing.
