Year 2022 earns champion status in exporting industrial products, textiles, and clothing items

General Secretary of the Myanmar Garment Manufacturers Association (MGMA) and Secretary-General of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI), Daw Khine Khine Nwe, stated that 2022 is the year when the highest exports of industrial products, textiles, and clothing items can be made.
The statement was made at the coordination meeting over increasing the export of industrial products, textiles, and clothing items held at the UMFCCI on 8 July.
The association has adopted a 10-year strategic plan for 2015-2025, and targets such as the number of factories, export value and employment were set and it met the target until the pre-Covid-19 period.
She also unveiled that in order to increase exports abroad, it is necessary to obtain a large number of garment orders, build trust with the workers, and improve working relations.
For the export development of the garment sector, in cooperation with the Ministry of Science and Technology’s TVET Department, discussions have started to deliver a Diploma in Fashion Technology in the garment training sector.
In 2017, the association also introduced Myanmar’s garment sector (Made in Myanmar) at the Texworld (Messe, Frankfurt, and Paris) held in France.
In addition, the association is working to deliver necessary courses, clarify and teach laws for responsible businesses, and increase working relationships.
At the meeting, deputy chairmen, general secretaries, and business representatives from the MGMA discussed raw materials for export, conditions and difficulties encountered in the import and export of goods, the difficulties and conditions of raw materials required to be able to manufacture and export with the FOP system, allowing workers in the garment sector to work more night shifts, the development of local weaving industries, and ways to facilitate the production and export of local traditional textiles at a high level.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

An opportune time: raise tourism services in Myanmar

The tourism industry is a lucrative sector that generates income through the provision of services to both local and foreign travellers. However, this industry is not immune to various challenges such as pandemics, financial crises, natural disasters, and terror attacks, all of which can have a significant impact on its operations. The success of businesses in the tourism industry hinges on their ability to overcome these obstacles.
The Covid-19 pandemic, which erupted in 2020 and persisted into 2021, had a profound effect on the tourism industry worldwide, including in Myanmar. The pandemic resulted in the suspension of international flights and imposed restrictions on the tourism sector. However, as the infection rate declined from April 2022, international flights gradually resumed, allowing Myanmar to welcome foreign travellers under Covid-19 protocols. This contributed to the revival of the tourism industry in the country. In 2022, more than 230,000 foreign travellers visited Myanmar, although this figure remains lower than that of neighbouring countries.
Local authorities are facilitating the smooth entry and exit of travellers, adopting measures similar to those implemented by neighbouring countries. The government has taken steps to simplify the e-Visa process and has introduced tourist incentive plans, such as special discount programs and tax refund schemes, to enhance tourism services. Additionally, attractive tourist sites must be promoted through online platforms and digital marketing.
Myanmar boasts a wealth of outstanding tourist destinations, including religious landmarks, natural caves and waterfalls, resorts and beaches, ancient cultural heritage sites, and the diverse costumes and customs of its ethnic communities. These remarkable attractions have the potential to captivate the interest of domestic and international travellers alike.
To further promote tourism in Myanmar, it is essential to host tourism shows, trade expos, and relevant fairs that will enable international media to explore the diverse tourism services and potential travel destinations in the country. Collaboration between tourism companies and marketing agencies is crucial. Moreover, efforts should be made to ensure smooth transportation for travellers, encompassing aviation services, road transport, and waterway transport. Providing safe and secure transportation options will undoubtedly leave a positive impression on visitors.
In the near future, Yangon will host the Let’s Go VACS Yangon Travel Fair 2023, with the participation of travel writers and media representatives from Russia. This event presents an excellent opportunity for Myanmar’s tourism entrepreneurs to enhance their services, generate income, and enhance the country’s image on the international stage. By leveraging its unique tourist destinations, organizing promotional events, and ensuring seamless transportation, Myanmar can position itself as an attractive and safe destination for travellers worldwide.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar