First ever British Chamber of Commerce launches in Myanmar

16th July 2014

UK goods exports to Myanmar increased from £12.

8m in 2012 to £44m in 2013 an increase of 244% Today, the UK has become the first country to launch a completely new, locally registered Chamber of Commerce in Myanmar. The role of the Chamber is to promote, foster, support, and represent UK business interests in Myanmar directly helping British firms identify market opportunities and providing them with a first port of call when looking to trade in that particular market. This is part of the wider Overseas Business Networks Initiative (OBNi) an ongoing partnership between the British Chambers of Commerce, UK Trade and Investment and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The aim is to transform the support available for British SMEs looking to do business in high-growth, hard-to-access global markets. It is also a crucial part of the Prime Minister's drive to double the UK's annual exports to £1 trillion and to increase the number of UK exporters by 100,000 by 2020. Commenting, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: -It is crucial that businesses have a place to go and contacts to meet as soon as they step off the plane to get the most value out of their business trip. -Myanmar is the fastest growing economy in South East Asia, with goods exports seeing an increase of 244% in 2013. This highlights the opportunities that are available to UK firms in Myanmar, and we would urge more companies to explore this market with the help of the new Chamber. -We are one step closer to helping the UK achieve the huge challenge set by the Prime Minister of increasing exports to one trillion by 2020. It won't be easy, but I believe that with the right attitude and sheer determination, there is no reason why we cannot achieve this target. -We at the BCC will continue to play our part by accrediting more overseas business networks in more countries across the world. But we still need more companies that haven't exported before to have a go, and start saying yes to the opportunities in new markets across the globe. Lord Livingston, British Minister for Trade & Investment said: -I'm delighted to see the establishment of the first ever British Chamber of Commerce in Burma. The British Government recognises that Chambers of Commerce are an important way of supporting our businesses overseas which is why we are seed funding this Chamber through our Overseas Business Networks Initiative. Burma offers many exciting opportunities for British companies and the Chamber of Commerce alongside our UKTI team will support them in accessing those opportunities. I wish the Chamber every success.