Local business urged to explore Chinese market via Canton Fair

Such invitation comes at the time when Myanmar-Chinese relationships have been tarnished by negative reports on environmental and social harms caused by Chinese companies. China is also displeased with the recent spill of fighting from the northern part of Myanmar to its Yunnan province.
 Yet, Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) took the lead in inviting the entrepreneurs to join the 117th Canton Fair. Myo Thant, joint secretary general of UMFCCI, said in a media briefing this week that the fair can provide boundless opportunities for local businesses to expand their network and business activities.

The fair can provide boundless opportunities for local businesses to expand their network and business activities, Myo Thant, joint secretary general of UMFCCI, said in a media briefing on Monday.
"At UMFCCI, we do encourage local businesses to come to the Canton Fair and explore export/import opportunities as it is an international business event that brings together business people from around the world. We can directly discuss (issues) with our Chinese counterparts as well as international businesses," he said.
International exhibitions such as the Canton Fair play a vital role in improving Myanmar-China economic ties, Myo Thant said, noting that UMFCCI executives will take part in the event.
Mutual understanding can be attained by close interaction between the private sector representatives of the two countries, he added.
Alan Liu, general manager of China Foreign Trade Centre’s (CFTC) International Communication Department, echoed Myo Thant’s comments.
"The key to success in bilateral cooperation is closer interaction between us," he said. "By joining international exhibitions, we can share our views and expertise with each other, and this will lead to better cooperation for the expansion of our businesses. If we can meet very often at such events, we can overcome the territorial constraints."
The Canton Fair is an important platform to build a bridge between China and the overseas market, as well as an opportunity for Myanmar businesses to explore the “huge” Chinese market, Liu said.
"If you come to the Canton Fair, you will find a lot of opportunities," he said. "You may exchange information with the Chinese business circle and you may share the information with the Chinese enterprises.
"You may know more about the Chinese market - the market’s needs and what kinds of Myanmar products are fit for the Chinese market."
Liu added that the event is an opportunity for local businesses to showcase and sell their products, resources, materials and handicrafts.
"If you want to attract more investments from China to Myanmar I think the Canton Fair is also a good opportunity and a good place to promote the environment of Myanmar," he said.
"At the Canton Fair you may hold a seminar or meeting to attract Chinese investors. They will listen to you on how the Myanmar market looks, the resources you have and so on."
Liu sees a very bright future for bilateral ties within the next five years. He said Myanmar is becoming more important to China and the Canton Fair as well.
So far, about 700 business people from Myanmar have confirmed they will attend the event, which is one of the world’s largest international fairs with more than 200,000 participants from 217 countries.
This year, more than 30,000 items will be displayed. China Southern Airlines will offer international visitors flying to Guangzhou a special rate to help promote the event.