Trip to Myanmar fascinating eye-opener for Dayak businessmen

KUCHING: About 55 entrepreneurs and professionals participated in the Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) educational and business trip to Myanmar.

The recent five-day trip was led by DCCI advisor and 1Malaysia Sarawak Advisory Council chairman Datuk Joseph Salang.

The delegation called on Malaysian ambassador to Myanmar Datuk Dr Faisal Muhammad and also Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation assistant trade director Sadat Foster.

Two other separate discussions were also held with Republic of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry vice-president Dr Maung Maung Lay and a briefing by Malaysian Myanmar Business Council vice-president Joseph Lopez.

Lopez advised Malaysian entrepreneurs entering Myanmar to be aware of the challenges in economy, its rules and regulations and the need to involve local partners in any joint business ventures.

There were useful discussions and interactions between DCCI members and Malaysian businessmen who have been doing business in Yangon for the last 10 years.

The trip was a useful experience that has enabled many queries raised and clarified to pave the way for further potential cooperation and collaboration in future business dealings.

Delegates visited Bagol and Thanlyin and experienced among others, the fascinating countryside and way of life as well as shopping for jade and rubies in Yangon.

Business Development Committee chairman Kilat Beriak suggested that a similar educational trip be planned to another Asean country in 2015.