The Yangon Investment Forum 2019 organized by the Yangon Region Government and the Yangon Region Investment Committee, with the support of the Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC), the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Economic Relations (MIFER), the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (DICA), the Myanmar Investors Development Association (MIDA), and PricewaterhouseCoopers Co., Ltd.

The forum was attended by Union Ministers, Member of the Myanmar Investment Commission, Chief Ministers and Ministers from States and Regions, Senior Government Officials, Head of Diplomatic Mission in Yangon, foreign and local investors, media representatives and over 1,200 participants.

The forum was officially opened by Union Minister for Ministry of Investment and Foreign Economic Relations and Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission. The State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi conveyed her best wishes for the success of the forum through a video message. In her message, the State Counsellor affirmed her belief in the power of collaboration to achieve Myanmar’s development goals: “While the public sector has a key role to play in establishing a strong policy, a sound legal, and regulatory framework, we must work together with the private sector to ensure that a responsible and sustainable business environment is maintained”. The State Counsellor further encouraged investors to consider public-private-partnership (PPP) mechanisms. 

U Thaung Tun, Union Minister for Investment and Foreign Economic Relations and Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission delivered the welcoming remarks. In his speech, the Union Minister highlighted the reform made to attract investment. He released to the creation of the new Ministry of Investment and Foreign Economic Relations and said “The creation of this new Ministry is a reflection of our desire to promote economic development and external investment through enhanced cooperation with the international community”. The Union Minister also assured the forum that he would continue to listen closely to the business community and to the broader community in order to better understand their needs and act accordingly - in the best interests of the people.

Subsequently, U Phyo Min Thein, Chief Minister of the Yangon Region Government and Chairman of the Yangon Region Investment Committee delivered his welcoming remarks. In his remarks, the Chief Minister said he expected that the Yangon Region is not only to be a major economic epi-center of Myanmar but also to be the investment hub of Asia. 

U Khin Maung Aye, Chairman of Myanmar Investors Development Association (MIDA) also spoke words of welcome on the occasion. The opening ceremony was followed by discussions of representatives from the public and private sector.

On 11 May, the participants of the forum will have the opportunity to visit Thilawa Special Economic Zone, Hlaingtharyar Industrial Zone and the MICT Park. 

The Yangon Investment Forum 2019 is expected to promote further investment and to attract local and foreign companies to invest in Yangon region.