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Greater regional integration, a single visa and across-the-board standards in the tourism sector are expected to boost trade in ASEAN by 10%-20%- Myanmar says it is committed to boosting intra-regional trade with a common visa for ASEAN nationals to be made available in 2014
- The travel and tourism sector offers a transitioning Myanmar an important opportunity to create jobs and boost employability, but needs to formulate its branding and sustainability strategies
Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, 7 June 2013 – Home to places of stunning natural beauty, unique historical sites and rich cultural traditions, East Asia has long piqued the interest of travellers. Now, with tourism ministers ready to facilitate the ease of travel within the region, its draw cards are set to ignite the imagination of travellers even more.
Tourism ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) say they are committed to implementing tourism standards for the region and a common regional visa to ease travel and boost tourism sector growth by up to 20%.
“We are trying to promote ASEAN as a destination by including two to three stops in one package,” Mari Elka Pangestu, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia, told World Economic Forum participants in Myanmar today. “We also want to make a common ASEAN visa, see greater mobility of people and have open skies,” she said.
The Indonesian minister said that with greater integration and standardization, the region’s tourism sector is expected to grow 10%-20% over the coming years.
This week, ASEAN ministers signed a letter of intent on Smart Tourism that is targeting the introduction of electronic visas and engaging third parties to make travel processes more efficient. In the near future, travellers in ASEAN will be able to apply for a common ASEAN visa, perhaps with the cost of the visa included in their airline tickets.
Myanmar has also expressed support for a regional and intra-regional trade shift, this week committing to allowing all ASEAN nationals to visit the country without a prior visa by as early as next year.
Across the region, the tourism and travel sector directly provides jobs for more than 9 million people and generates 5% of ASEAN’s GDP. In the midst of an economic metamorphosis, the tourism sector is playing an important role in boosting Myanmar’s urban and rural economies.
“Last year Myanmar received 1.06 million visitors. This year, we have been receiving visitors with a growth of 40%, but we want to get more,” noted Htay Aung, Union Minister of Hotels and Tourism of Myanmar.
But rather than race to accommodate an influx of visitors, Htay Aung said he is setting his sights on establishing a sustainable tourism market. “We are in the age of infancy and are not educated in tourism. That’s why the first thing I did was draft the responsible tourism policy,” he explained, “We intend to use tourism to help Myanmar people get a better life.”
Discussing a recent initiative to establish a sustainable coral farm in the Philippines, Ramon R. Jimenez Jr, Secretary of Tourism of the Philippines, noted that ASEAN’s reputation for generous hospitality does not automatically translate into successful tourism.
“If you begin with inclusiveness you end with it. With all our great history of hospitality, we must create jobs and opportunities and very boldly and loudly say this is not going to destroy our islands and natural beauty,” he said.
Anthony F. Fernandes, Group Chief Executive Officer, AirAsia, Malaysia, a Co-Chair of the World Economic Forum on East Asia, said that Myanmar must consider how it wants to market its unique destinations, pointing out that, with the availability of low-cost travel, young people are the drivers of growth in ASEAN’s tourism sector.
“Myanmar has a wonderful product and it’s good to have a product,” said Fernandes, “but they have to tell the world.”
Over 1,000 participants from 55 countries are taking part in the World Economic Forum on East Asia, held for the first time in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. The meeting welcomes over 100 public figures representing 15 countries, including heads of state or government from Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines and Vietnam. More than 550 business leaders, over 60 Global Growth Companies and nearly 300 young leaders from the Forum’s Young Global Leaders and Global Shapers communities, together with other members of civil society, academia and media are convening to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Myanmar and East Asia today.
The Co-Chairs of the World Economic Forum on East Asia are: Helen E. Clark, Administrator, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), New York; Anthony F. Fernandes, Group Chief Executive Officer, AirAsia, Malaysia; Yorihiko Kojima, Chairman of the Board, Mitsubishi Corporation, Japan; Indra Nooyi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, PepsiCo, USA;Subramanian Ramadorai, Vice-Chairman, Tata Consultancy Services, India; and John Rice,Vice-Chairman, GE, Hong Kong SAR.
Sky Net is the host broadcaster of the 2013 World Economic Forum on East Asia.
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]]>- With about 70% of its labour force employed in agriculture, Myanmar should focus on boosting growth and productivity in the sector to reduce poverty significantly
- Myanmar has the potential to become a regional force in agriculture
- Focusing on agriculture could ensure that Myanmar’s economic growth is balanced and sustainable over the long term
Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, 6 June 2013 – To promote inclusive growth in Myanmar at this crucial stage in its development, investment in rural areas and finding ways to improve the livelihood of farmers should be a priority, business and government leaders agreed in a session on the long-term outlook for the economy at the 22nd World Economic Forum on East Asia. “Putting a big focus on agriculture right now is key,” said meeting Co-Chair Helen E. Clark, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in New York. “You can get a quick win for poverty eradication now.” But, warned Clark, this will require investing in the infrastructure to drive agricultural growth and productivity. About 70% of the Myanmar labour force is employed in agriculture.
“We encourage investment in the agriculture sector,” said Serge Pun, Chairman of Serge Pun & Associates, Myanmar, noting that the nation’s foreign investment laws provide some protection for small farmers. “While we are endowed with a lot of good things, we are not an agricultural force,” he said. The reasons: low productivity and a lack of investment, technology and R&D.
“The only way to get discretionary income to the people of Myanmar is to give those people [a way to earn] money,” reckoned Indra Nooyi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo, USA, who is also a meeting Co-Chair. She explained how her company is helping farmers grow high-yield potatoes and then buying up the crop for use in making food products. This secures for farmers a steady income stream. “This value-chain approach benefits local people,” Clark explained.
Promoting the agriculture sector can help ensure balanced growth in Myanmar over the long term, which will allow it to avoid the middle-income trap. “You can have a very balanced economy here if you get the frameworks right,” observed Michael Andrew, the Hong Kong-based Global Chairman of KPMG International. Myanmar should proceed carefully with setting out the regulatory frameworks for its emerging industries and sectors. The government, for example, is soon to award crucial telecom licences. “It is really important that these processes be seen as transparent and on a level playing field,” Andrew said.
Another key to creating a balanced, sustainable economy is education and skills training. India is focusing a number of its investments in neighbouring Myanmar in this area, including a technology institute in Mandalay. “Myanmar will need skilled people and that is where we are seeking to help,” said Anand Sharma, Minister of Commerce and Industry and Textiles of India.
Over 1,000 participants from 55 countries are taking part in the World Economic Forum on East Asia, held for the first time in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. The meeting welcomes over 100 public figures representing 15 countries, including heads of state or government from Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines and Vietnam. More than 550 business leaders, over 60 Global Growth Companies and nearly 300 young leaders from the Forum’s Young Global Leaders and Global Shapers communities, together with other members of civil society, academia and media are convening to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Myanmar and East Asia today.
Sky Net is the host broadcaster of the 2013 World Economic Forum on East Asia.
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Myanmar’s opposition leader reiterates resolve to run for president in 2015- Union Minister Soe Thane described Myanmar’s journey to democracy as “irreversible”
- The government and Aung San Suu Kyi were urged to ensure inclusiveness and protection of minority rights
Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, 6 June 2013 – “I want to run for president and I’m quite frank about it,” said Aung San Suu Kyi, Chairman of the National League for Democracy (NLD); Member of Parliament from Kawhmu Constituency, Myanmar. “But for me to be eligible for the post of the presidency, the constitution will have to be amended.”
The opposition leader was speaking in a televised session at the World Economic Forum on East Asia today in Nay Pyi Taw. Soe Thane, Union Minister, Office of the President of Myanmar, was also on the panel. He is often described as the minister whose thinking is closest to that of Myanmar’s President Thein Sein.
Soe Thane said that amending the constitution is always possible, although Aung San Suu Kyi described the document passed in 2008 as “the most difficult constitution in the world to amend.” Soe Thane stressed that the political and economic changes in Myanmar are “irreversible”, but asked for more patience from the people of Myanmar and the international community. The process started only in 2010. “We need time to loosen, to untie the rope [that had bound the country] for 60 years,” he said.
Asked about protection for Myanmar’s minorities, including the Rohingya Muslims who have recently suffered attacks by elements from the majority community, Soe Thane said the issue is complex and should be discussed by a commission. But he said the government is committed to protecting the security of all citizens.
Responding to criticism that she has not done enough for the Rohingyas, Aung San Suu Kyi said, “At the moment, nobody is very satisfied with me because I do not take sides … I have not been silent. It’s just that [the critics] are not hearing what they want to hear from me.”
She reiterated her position that the rule of law must prevail, and that means investigating whether the people accorded citizenship under the 1982 citizenship law have indeed been granted citizenship. She also called for a re-examination of the law to ensure it complies with international norms.
The wide-ranging debate touched on many aspects of what is happening in Myanmar politically, socially and economically, including the issue of political prisoners, holding accountable those who misruled the country and committed illegal acts, and ensuring that the fruits of reform are shared with everyone, particularly the 70% of the population who live in the countryside.
Despite the problems, the overwhelming majority of the 400 or so participants in the session indicated they are optimistic about where the country is headed.
Over 1,000 participants from 55 countries are taking part in the World Economic Forum on East Asia, held for the first time in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. The meeting welcomes over 100 public figures representing 15 countries, including heads of state or government from Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines and Vietnam. More than 550 business leaders, over 60 Global Growth Companies and nearly 300 young leaders from the Forum’s Young Global Leaders and Global Shapers communities, together with other members of civil society, academia and media are convening to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Myanmar and East Asia today.
The Co-Chairs of the World Economic Forum on East Asia are: Helen E. Clark, Administrator, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), New York; Anthony F. Fernandes, Group Chief Executive Officer, AirAsia, Malaysia; Yorihiko Kojima, Chairman of the Board, Mitsubishi Corporation, Japan; Indra Nooyi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, PepsiCo, USA;Subramanian Ramadorai, Vice-Chairman, Tata Consultancy Services, India; and John Rice,Vice-Chairman, GE, Hong Kong SAR.
Sky Net is the host broadcaster of the 2013 World Economic Forum on East Asia.
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]]>- 74% of Myanmar’s population lack access to electricity. Energy has been identified as a pressing challenge for the country’s economic growth
- Report says Myanmar could emerge as the next South-East Asian frontier and paves the way for further reforms to underpin the country’s development
- First ever comprehensive report on Myanmar’s energy sector launched at World Economic Forum on East Asia in Nay Pyi Taw
Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, 6 June 2013 – Released today, the New Energy Architecture: Myanmar Report is the first to analyse the challenges currently facing Myanmar’s energy sector and provides insights to support the country’s important energy reforms. It predicts that by renewing its energy policy, Myanmar could emerge as the next South-East Asian frontier.
Myanmar’s abundant gas resources and strategic position between some of the most dynamic Asian economies means it is crucial to regional energy security. As Myanmar reintegrates into the global economy, it will need more energy to power its own development. It therefore must develop new national energy strategies and policy frameworks that will enable sustainable economic growth, energy security and access to energy.
“Myanmar is embarking on a new phase of development and the energy sector will be very important. This comprehensive and informative study will support the economic and social development of Myanmar,” said the Myanmar Minister of Energy, U Than Htay.
The Report identifies energy as one of the most pressing economic challenges facing Myanmar today. 74% of Myanmar’s population lack access to electricity. 70% of Myanmar’s population live in rural areas, where electrification rates average only 16%. Per capita electricity consumption is among the lowest in Asia. Without electricity and a reliable energy system, Myanmar’s economic progress will stall. Addressing this will require new sources of domestic energy, an expanded and modernized electricity grid, and innovative solutions for rural energy access.
Foreign investors can bring technology and capital at the scale needed. New reforms have helped attract foreign investment in Myanmar’s energy sector, with opportunities for greater foreign ownership of joint ventures and more attractive terms of market entry.
“Myanmar has a historic opportunity to carve out its own niche in the global economy. Recasting its energy architecture will be pivotal to this transformation and to its economy’s sustainable development,” said Roberto Bocca, Senior Director, Head of Energy Industries, World Economic Forum
Providing 17 specific recommendations, the Report highlights the need for transparent governance and effective institutions in Myanmar as a sound basis for developing the country’s energy system. In addition, creating a clear environmental regulatory framework will not only underpin sustainability and social acceptance of large-scale energy projects, but will also increase transparency for investors.
“To meet the country’s rapidly growing electricity demand, expand rural energy access, and ensure environmental sustainability, Myanmar urgently needs to attract investments by improving regulatory frameworks, promoting public-private partnerships, and undertaking crucial sector reform,” said Stephen Groff, Asian Development Bank Vice-President.
To improve efficiency and the competitiveness of the domestic energy market, the Report calls for the gradual removal of energy subsidies in favour of targeted support for the poorest. It concludes that to achieve an effective transformation, Myanmar needs an integrated energy plan to guide investments and sequence reforms.
“The development of an integrated new energy plan and system offers Myanmar a significant opportunity to design a path to sustainable and secure economic growth, bolstered by its energy industry,” said Arthur Hanna, Senior Managing Director, Accenture’s Energy industry group.
About the Report: The New Energy Architecture: Myanmar Report was created in partnership with the Ministry of Energy of Myanmar. It was produced in collaboration with Accenture and the Asian Development Bank. The report includes insights by contributors from industry, government, non-governmental organizations and academia.
Sky Net is the Host Broadcaster of the World Economic Forum on East Asia 2013.
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]]>- Ministers and tourism authorities from Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia and the Secretary of Tourism of the Philippines have today agreed to collaborate on a smart visa system
- Letter of intent was signed in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, during the World Economic Forum on East Asia
- Over 900 participants from 55 countries are taking part in the meeting on 5-7 June
Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, 5 June 2013 – Ministers and tourism authorities of Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia and the Secretary of Tourism of the Philippines have expressed their intention to collaborate with relevant government agencies and other stakeholders to facilitate travel in the region by developing a common smart visa system, and have signed the “Statement of Intent on SMART Visa” today at the 22nd World Economic Forum on East Asia. The meeting is taking place in Nay Pyi Taw from 5 to 7 June.
“By signing this letter of intent, ministers and tourism authorities agree to work hand-in-hand for the implementation of this system, whose objective will be that of eliminating those barriers to the movement of tourists which are currently creating disincentives to travel. Such objectives will be achieved in close coordination with the governmental entities in each of their respective countries,” said U Htay Aung, Union Minister of Hotels and Tourism of Myanmar. The statement of intent forms a part of joint efforts to improve growth of the national and regional travel and tourism sectors along with social integration.
More specifically, ministers of tourism have agreed to collaborate on working towards the ASEAN Common Visa initiative as called upon by leaders at the ASEAN Summit, which took place in Jakarta in November 2011. It also builds on the single visa scheme for tourism travel between Cambodia and Thailand, which was implemented on 1 January 2013. Progressive relaxation and an ASEAN common visa would also benefit non-ASEAN nationals who intend to visit the ASEAN countries.
According to Mari Elka Pangestu, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia, “Considering that tourism is a priority sector under the ASEAN Economic Community and that it constitutes a significant contribution to the integration of ASEAN countries, it is important to be ‘smart’ about visa facilitation for travel.” Given the experience of other countries and regions, it is expected that ASEAN countries will also experience the positive impact of implementing a smart visa on the growth of the tourism sector, increased investments in the travel and tourism industry, and job creation.
“By recognizing the importance of the connectivity in tourism activities, the statement of intent expresses our desire to give a boost to the tourism sector by facilitating the movement of tourists across borders; by going towards a smart visa through adopting best practices; and maximizing the use of technology to reduce the inefficiencies of the traditional visa application process,” stated Ramon R. Jimenez Jr, Secretary of Tourism of the Philippines.
The statement of intent was signed during the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism High-Level meeting held today under the theme “Building Myanmar’s Travel & Tourism Industry: Driving Growth and Job Creation”. “Facilitating travel to stimulate economic growth and job creation is one of the pillars of the summit, and is a core activity of the Forum’s Industry Partners and Members of the Global Agenda Council on New Models for Travel & Tourism,” said Thea Chiesa, Director, World Economic Forum.
Over 900 participants from 55 countries are taking part in the World Economic Forum on East Asia, which is being held for the first time in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. The meeting welcomes over 100 public figures representing 15 countries, including heads of state or government of Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines and Vietnam. More than 550 business leaders, over 60 Global Growth Companies and nearly 300 young leaders from Young Global Leaders and Global Shapers communities, together with other members of civil society, academia and media are convening to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Myanmar and East Asia today.
Sky Net is the host broadcaster of the 2013 World Economic Forum on East Asia.
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Nearly 300 Young Global Leaders are in Myanmar for their Annual Summit ahead of the World Economic Forum on East Asia- The event aims to create a platform for promising entrepreneurial minds to make positive and tangible impacts on pressing challenges in the country and wider region
- Impact Journeys will focus on arts and culture; business and entrepreneurialism; capacity building; education and healthcare; inclusive growth; peace and reconciliation; and poverty eradication
Yangon, Myanmar, 3 June 2013 – The Young Global Leaders, a community of the World Economic Forum that brings together some of the most promising entrepreneurial and socially engaged minds worldwide, today begins its Annual Summit in Myanmar. Nearly 300 YGLs are in Yangon ahead of the World Economic Forum on East Asia, which will take place in Nay Pyi Taw on 5 to 7 June. The event aims to help them understand Myanmar in more depth, encourage cross-learning with local leaders and promote an environment for making a tangible impact on some of the most pressing issues facing the country.
A key part of the programme is a series of Impact Journeys that focus on arts and culture; business and entrepreneurialism; capacity building; education and healthcare; inclusive growth; peace and reconciliation; and poverty eradication. These sessions give YGLs a chance to visit a range of local organizations and meet leaders and beneficiaries. The organizations range from art galleries to NGOs, businesses to social enterprises, schools to health clinics and a peace-building centre. The experience allows them to build lasting relationships, give something back to the organization and community, and share the experience globally. Elsewhere in the world, these sessions have led to a range of YGL initiatives and task forces. The meeting is also an opportunity for community-building among the YGLs – particularly the new YGL Class of 2013.
The Forum of Young Global Leaders is a community of exceptional young leaders who share a commitment to improving the state of the world. They come from all regions and represent business; government; civil society; arts and culture; academia and media; as well as social enterprises. Nominated under the age of 40, they are assessed according to a rigorous selection process and must have demonstrated their commitment to serving society at large. The legitimacy of the community stems from its integrity and impact.
David Aikman, Senior Director and Head of the Forum of Young Global Leaders, said that those taking part represent the kind of innovative thinking that can transform lives: “After 50 years of relative isolation, Myanmar is undergoing a rapid transformation. We believe that the current period is the best possible opportunity to resolve divisions and achieve economic progress that is both inclusive and beneficial to all. The Forum of Young Global Leaders is a unique platform for engaging diverse leaders within and outside of the community, representing every stakeholder in society – business, government and civil society. Through frank discussions, I truly believe the YGLs will be an energetic catalyst for constructively seeking solutions to some of the toughest challenges facing the region.”
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