The Rakhine State Investment Fair will be held at Ngapali
beach in Thandwe, Rakhine Sate for three days from 21 to 23 February. The fair
is aimed at generating individual job opportunities, increasing per capita
income, regional development and improving the living standard. The following is
the interview with Dr Htoo Min Thein, the secretary of Rakhine State Investment
Committee, and the director of the Directorate of Investment and Company
Administration, about the fair. (Dr. Htoo Min Thein, the secretary of Rakhine
State Investment Committee)
Q: Please tell me the goal of the fair.
A: Rakhine State government initiated the idea of holding an
investment forum in the state. But further discussions had led to the holding
of a fair, which will include forums, shows, exhibitions and study programs for
the visitors. Normally, Myanmar Investment Commission lends a helping hand in
holding any activity in connection with investment. It provided assistance in
such kind of activities launched in Ayeyawady Region and Kayah State and in
cities such as Mandalay and Taunggyi. The Government and the Myanmar Investment
Commission are making joint-efforts to organize the fair.
Q: Its goal?
A: Rakhine State has several investment opportunities across
multiple sectors. Many parts of Rakhine State are now connected to the national
power grid, and that is good news for production businesses.
Another goal is that Rakhine State has a lot of tourist
attraction. It has a number of beautiful beaches. In MraukU there are ancient
cultural heritages. So, we want to promote tourism in those places. Jobs are
scarce in the state, but this problem can be solved through investment
programs, which will increase individual job opportunities, per capita income
and living standards and enhance regional development.
Rakhine State is facing conflicts, but they are only in the
northernmost parts, and have no effect on the state. So, we want to prove that
the state has many peaceful and stable areas which are favourable for
investments. A goal of the fair is to ensure the long-lasting peace, stability
and progress in the state through investments.
Q: The possible developments the fair will bring to the
state?
A: Prospects are bright that the fair will invite a lot of
investments into the state. Outsiders have a wrong impression of the state. But
if they come here, they will witness with their own eyes the peace and
stability of the area. We hope that local and foreign investors will visit the
fair, and they will find a large array of investment opportunities of the
state.
According to the website entry register, 356 investors have
enlisted in it to attend the fair up to 8 February. Of them 54 percent are
foreigners. Diplomats, economic organizations, investors from abroad and the
international media will partake in the fair. It is possible that the fair may
attract more foreigners when compared with the previous ones.
Q: Who is the leading sponsor, the Union Government or the
Rakhine State Government?
A: The state government, as it is an activity to expose and
express the opportunities Rakhine State can offer. The fair includes forum, in
which national level experts are the leading resource persons. The fair will
hold three round-table talks where national economic policies and those of the
state will be presented, explained and discussed. Directors-general of the
departments will hold sector-wise talks. We have arrangement for the deputy
level officials of the Union to explained matters relating to Kyaukphyu special
economic zone and deep seaport.
Q: Which country shows the greatest interest in the fair?
A: Of the countries, the majority are from Thailand and
Japan. In addition to Asian countries, European countries are also included in
the registered list. According to the list, diplomats from a number of
countries will also attend the fair.
Q: Which sectors may have advantages for investments?
A: The sectors we would like to promote will have more
advantages. Farming sector may become the priority sector because the state has
vast areas of virgin and vacant land. But we need technology and capital.
Interested investors can conduct contract farming with locals. We are operating
fish and prawn farms through old methods. So our production is low. The
involvement of high-tech international companies in the business will mutually
serve the interest of both sides. Agriculture, livestock breeding and aquatic
farming are the priority sectors of the government.
The manufacturing sector is also included in the priority
list. The state has only few industries. We also invite the production sector,
as many parts of the state have been electrified. Another is infrastructure. We
invited a large volume of investors to the infrastructure development sector.
We hope more investors will join the farming and hotels and tourism sectors.
Q: Please tell me about the investment program on Manaung
Island.
A: Eco-tourism business has the brightest prospects in
Manaung. The island has many untouched beaches. The government is also
implementing an eco-tourism development plan on it. But Manaung still needs
adequate power supply. Solar-power will be the main answer for it. So, we have
invited the international solar power companies.
Currently, there are two business projects in Manaung which
are allowed by the Rakhine State Investment Committee.
One is the organic-coconut-based cosmetics and foodstuff
industry, and the other is a hotel business for eco-tourism. The access to
Manaung is somewhat difficult. So, we are planning to extend its airport.
Q: The number and types of booth at the fair?
A: We expect there will be about 40 booths. But we will not
categorize them. The fair will serve as a showcase of local products. Some want
to make their products known internationally. There are major projects in
Rakhine State. One is the land reclamation project for Sittway port. The
contractor of the project will also set up its pavilion at the fair. Likewise,
government departments will also open booths. The booth of the Ministry of
Hotels and Tourism will disseminate knowledge of its changing policy. Booths of
the energy sector will invite investments. There are no specific rules for the
booths.
Q: What will be the benefits for the people of Rakhine and
the nation?
A: There may be a lot of benefits for the locals because we
hope more investments will come to the region. They will have access to
technical knowhow, and there will be more jobs for them. The Rakhine issue has
tarnished the country’s image. But the fair will change the international view
of Myanmar. The fair will stand witness to the peaceful and stable situation of
Rakhine State amidst the many visitors including diplomats of foreign missions
and international businesspersons. They will understand the actual situation of
Myanmar. In this way we can restore our international reputation.
The Rakhine State government will hold a photo contest under
the theme “My beautiful Rakhine” at the same time. The photos of the contest
will be used in the fair and put on the Internet. A visitor can see all the
natural beauties of the state just by typing the word “Rakhine” on the
Internet. So, it may be a much beneficial fair for the whole country.
Q: What are the future plans of your committee?
A: Internal and international investment may flow into
country after the fair. There is the Myanmar Investment Commission as well as
the Rakhine State Investment Committee. The Rakhine State Investment Committee
deals with the projects whose investment is up to five million US dollars or
6,000 million kyats. The state commission will have to give priority to the new
investment projects and ensure swift and perfect services for them.
Q: Any more comments?
A: It will be a place where visitors can witness the actual
image of Rakhine State. Rakhine investment fair can pave way for JVs with
foreign investors. The fair will be the place where MoUs can be signed. It will
also serve as the venue where business organizations and persons can meet and
set up contacts, reach mutual understanding and consent and sign MoUs. So the
fair is very important for the whole Rakhne State as it may create brighter
prospects for it.
Translation: TMT
Interviewer: Han Lin Naing, Yama Nya
PHOTO: HAN LIN HTET
Ref; The Global New Light of Myanmar
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