Knoke said in a recent interview that the chamber had established a strong platform for German and Myanmar companies with a substantial membership base, both in terms of numbers and of quality.
“For us, it is key to bring together companies from a broad variety of sectors and industries to share experiences, facilitate contacts and to create business opportunities,” he said.
As of October 31, Germany was 28th on the list of Myanmar’s foreign investors, with only three companies that have committed to invest US$22.25 million. German investment accounts for only 0.03 per cent of totally approved investment, according to the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration.
However, the GMBC aims at being a platform for sharing experiences, making contacts and creating business opportunities for German and local companies with substantial business activities or interest in Myanmar. Currently, the chamber has about 80 members, and has organised several activities for its members on various topics of interest.
“For new entrants in a market like Myanmar, contacts to companies with experience on the ground are of essence. This is what that GMBC offers to its members,” Knoke said.
He said the chamber also provided market-entry services such as market analysis and identifying partners by working together with the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce. He said the Union of the Republic of Myanmar Chamber of Commerce was the GMBC’s most important partner.
“We want to learn from our Myanmar partners and at the same time share our experiences with them,” he said.
To date, the GMBC has not faced any major challenges regarding its activities in Myanmar, Knoke said.
“The administrative processes to set up GMBC as an association have been smooth. Current regulation in Myanmar in this context is relatively flexible. It is obvious that both government bodies and institutions are keen to see such platforms established and to see an open dialogue develop,” he said.
Knoke said the GMBC focused on delivering added value to its members instead of chasing quantitative membership targets.
“During the first 15 months, more and more companies have joined GMBC. The continuous growth of our membership base is a clear proof that we offer a relevant added value [to] our members. How fast the number of GMBC members will grow does not only depend on us and our offers but of course largely on the economic developments in Myanmar and resulting business opportunities,” he said.
“As we are very optimistic that Myanmar will see continuous economic progress, we also expect and aim [for] the GMBC membership base to further grow. GMBC strategy is very similar to the vision of the new Myanmar government: growth yes, but not at any price, and with a focus on sustainability and long-term benefits.”
During the coming months, the GMBC will establish the first of industry-specific working groups for a more focused exchange on matters of high relevance.
In an effort to establish a strong German-Myanmar platform, it welcomes new members. Currently, a company has to pay $500 as the membership entry fee, and an additional $500 yearly. Every member has access to a network of experienced companies from a broad range of business sectors.
“We focus on companies from both countries. International companies are also welcome, if they have tangible ties to German business activities, eg as a regional distribution partner,” he said.