EU proposes chambers of commerce
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Talks with government about legal framework on trade
The European Union (EU) is in discussions with Myanmar to form a commercial federation, according to officials.
The European delegation met on February 4 with Myanmar officials at the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration and discussed the legal framework for the formation of the Myanmar-EU Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
Trade between Myanmar and the 27 European countries thrived during 1990 to 2004, but the EU later imposed economic sanctions on Myanmar mainly due to its violation of human rights.
Towards the end of last year, European countries gradually eased its sanctions on Myanmar in view of political and economic reforms in the country.
The EU is now trying to engage again with Myanmar. It has pledged to offer a tax advantage for Myanmar goods through its generalised system for preferences (GSP). The EU offers the GSP to least developed countries as an aid for their economic development.
Looking at the trade trend, textiles and garments represented 66 per cent of total exports from Myanmar to Europe during 1995-2009, topping the list. It was followed by marine products (8 per cent).
According to the official statistics, trade between the EU and Myanmar was up 2 per cent to $235 million (Bt7 billion) in 2010.
Earlier this month, the EU announced financial aid worth ¤150 million (Bt5.9 billion) for Myanmar in 2012-2013. The aid is aimed at health, education and agricultural sectors and to help the peace process in the country.
The EU opened its branch office in Yangon on April 28 last year.
Meanwhile, the EU has pledged to assist in improving the quality of Myanmar universities in the long term, David Lipman, the EU Ambassador to Myanmar, said at the workshop on “Quality of Higher Education” jointly held by the EU and the Ministry of Education on February 8-9.
During the workshop, both parties discussed Myanmar universities’ pros and cons in academic matters and the assistance to be rendered. They also focused on academic matters and the quality of teaching aids so that the universities can catch up with the standards of international universities.
The Ministry of Education is currently taking the evaluation process of universities nationwide, said the officials of the ministry, stressing that the processes have been undertaking in line with international standards. The ministry hopes to later invite organisations and associations of international universities to appraise those in Myanmar.
“The standard of Myanmar’s education system is slightly lower when compared to the international community. We have to try to be shoulder to shoulder with regional or Southeast Asia countries and we can learn the different evaluation processes taking place in different universities,” Zaw Myint from the Department of Higher Education said.
Myanmar students are frequently asked to be sent for student exchange programmes. “We need to improve the quality of our students to meet the international level,” Deputy Minister for Education Myo Myint said.
