Thet Su Hlaing, official representative of Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH for Myanmar, said in an interview that a lot of Myanmar companies have the capacity to expand overseas but are still reluctant to do so due to a lack of self-confidence.
“We have found out through our extensive study on this market that a great number of local businesses are able to export quality products that meet international standards, but they are quite satisfied with their market shares domestically,” she said.
“As a representative of Messe Frankfurt, we are now working tirelessly to encourage them to expand their businesses beyond Myanmar. We strongly believe they can do it, so we are pushing for that.”
Thet Su Hlaing considers consumer goods industry, furniture and craftsmanship, automobile, textile and garment as the most promising sectors for export to the international markets.
She sees a bright outlook for Myanmar products in Europe and South Asian countries including China, Hong Kong and Japan.
Her company Su Shwe Nadi Trading Co has been actively working with accredited business organisations in respective industries to motivate Myanmar companies to search for overseas opportunites.
“Now it is time to be part of the global community. It is time to get out of a small pie and look to a broader market. Myanmar companies deserve to ensure a bigger share of the pie in the international market, so they must be export-oriented,” she said.
Thet Su Hlaing urged local companies to form an alliance with potential partners and gather at international trade fairs to market their products in other countries.
“Collective effort is the key to success in the expansion of business. We are encouraging Myanmar companies to collectively go abroad to seize our golden opportunities as many as we can,” she said.
As the first step of expanding overseas, Myanmar companies should join international events as trade visitors in the first year, before showcasing their innovative products as exhibitors at international trade fairs where buyers across the world gather.
“As part of our culture, Myanmar people prefer doing things individually. But, according to my experience, it is much better to be united as a big team when it comes to overseas expansion,” she said.
“Our aim is to gather local manufacturers and go to international events together so that they will draw more attention and arouse buyers’ interest. Collectively, they can showcase their products at a specific pavilion for Myanmar. It is much better than an individual presence which is likely to be less noticeable.”
She added that the Myanmar pavilion at a major trade fair like the Ambiente19 which ended on Tuesday would also lead to the nation’s dignity, as it provides tangible evidence that Myanmar could produce quality products, like its neighbouring countries.
“Myanmar companies need to broaden their outlook and the government must support them to showcase their products at international events. Then, they will find new markets and unleash their potential,” she said.
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