Max Myanmar Seeks Deals in Financial Services @ Bloomberg

Summary

The transcript discusses the positive impact of the lifting of sanctions on a business owner's ventures in Myanmar, including energy, real estate, retail, and hotels. The owner appreciates the restored dignity and reputation and shares plans for international joint ventures, particularly with Shell, and aspirations for an IPO. The conversation also touches on Myanmar's economic reforms, capacity building through education and training, and the potential for increased U.S. engagement under the new administration, highlighting opportunities for foreign investment and the importance of infrastructure development.

Takeaways

• 🚀 The lifting of sanctions has had a positive impact on various sectors including energy, real estate, retail, and hotels, indicating a broad economic recovery.
• 🌟 The speaker values the lifting of sanctions not only for business growth but also for personal dignity and business reputation.
• 📈 The business has experienced significant growth since the sanctions were lifted, although an exact figure is not provided.
• 🤝 There are ongoing joint ventures, particularly in the energy sector with Shell, which is a sign of international collaboration and trust.
• 🏢 The company is looking to expand its joint ventures and is in talks with various international partners, showing a proactive approach to global business.
• 💼 The speaker has plans to list the company on international markets, indicating aspirations for transparency and growth.
• 🌐 The company is focusing on corporate governance, finance, profitability, and reputation to prepare for a potential listing.
• 🛠 There is an emphasis on capacity building and training to improve the skills of the local workforce to meet the demands of growing businesses.
• 🌍 The speaker acknowledges the importance of global talent and the integration of foreign expertise within the company.
• 🔄 The reform process in the country is ongoing, with the speaker expressing satisfaction with the pace and looking forward to further economic growth and political stability.
• 🤔 The speaker encourages potential investors to consider the opportunities in Myanmar, highlighting the need for infrastructure development and the potential for mutual benefit.

Q & A

How has the lifting of US sanctions impacted the interviewee's life and business?

The lifting of US sanctions has positively affected the interviewee's life and business by restoring dignity, image, and business reputation, allowing for growth and international collaboration.

What was the state of the interviewee's business before the sanctions were lifted?

The business was struggling due to the sanctions, which affected not only the growth but also the interviewee's personal and business reputation.

How has the business grown since the lifting of sanctions?

While specific figures are not mentioned, the business has seen significant growth and is actively planning and engaging in international partnerships.

What joint ventures has the interviewee undertaken, particularly in the energy sector?

The interviewee has entered into a joint venture in the energy sector with Shell, learning from their experience to improve business operations and management.

What is the current status of the joint venture with Shell?

The joint venture is progressing with the interviewee's company providing equity while Shell manages the operations, aiming to expand into new markets.

Is the interviewee looking to establish more joint ventures?

Yes, the interviewee is actively seeking more joint ventures, particularly in the financial sector and investment banking, to further grow the business.

What are the interviewee's plans for their company's future?

The interviewee plans to list the company on an international stock exchange, such as in Hong Kong or London, to increase visibility and attract more investors.

What preparations are being made for the company to be listed on a stock exchange?

The company is focusing on corporate governance, finance, profitability, and building a good reputation to meet the requirements for listing.

How does the interviewee view the reform process in their country?

The interviewee is satisfied with the pace of reforms, noting that the country has made significant changes and is moving forward with economic growth and improving the lives of its citizens.

What challenges does the interviewee face in terms of capacity building and skill development?

The interviewee acknowledges the need for more skilled workers and is investing in training centers to develop local talent, while also considering foreign talent to fill skill gaps.

How does the interviewee perceive the potential for US engagement with Myanmar under the new administration?

The interviewee is optimistic about increased US engagement, focusing on business opportunities and bilateral agreements such as GSP, which could benefit both countries.

What message does the interviewee have for potential investors who might be hesitant about investing in Myanmar?

The interviewee encourages potential investors to consider the opportunities in Myanmar, emphasizing the country's growth potential and the willingness to collaborate with international brands.

Outlines

00:00

🚀 Post-Sanctions Business Growth and International Collaboration

The speaker discusses the significant changes in their life and business since the lifting of US sanctions. They highlight the positive impact on various sectors, including energy, real estate, retail, and hotels. The speaker appreciates the restoration of their business reputation and the opportunity for growth. They mention a joint venture with Shell in the energy sector and the importance of international partnerships for running the business efficiently. The speaker also expresses their intention to list their company on foreign stock exchanges, such as Hong Kong or London, and their satisfaction with the pace of reforms in their country. They emphasize the need for capacity building and training to improve the skills of their workforce and the importance of education and health for a better life.

05:01

🤝 Encouraging Foreign Investment and Strengthening US-Myanmar Relations

This paragraph focuses on the speaker's vision for engaging foreign investors in Myanmar, emphasizing the need for political stability and bilateral agreements like the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). The speaker sees potential in the US market for Myanmar's commodities and expresses optimism about American investors' interest in the country. They address concerns about the risks associated with investing in Myanmar by highlighting the importance of infrastructure development and the opportunities it presents for various industries. The speaker also discusses the role of foreign investors in enhancing the country's economy and the mutual benefits of such partnerships.

Keywords

💡Lifting of sanctions

The term 'lifting of sanctions' refers to the removal of economic and trade restrictions imposed on a country, typically as a result of political or economic disagreements. In the video, the lifting of sanctions on the US engines is mentioned as a significant event that has positively impacted businesses across various sectors, including energy, real estate, retail, and hotels. The speaker expresses gratitude for this development, indicating that it has not only benefited the business community but also the country's image and reputation.

💡Business growth

Business growth refers to the expansion of a company's operations, revenue, and market presence. The script discusses the growth of businesses since the lifting of sanctions, suggesting that while immediate growth may not be visible, there are long-term plans and strategies in place to capitalize on the new opportunities. The speaker mentions the importance of planning and having a vision for the future, which is a key aspect of business growth.

💡Joint ventures

A joint venture is a business arrangement where two or more parties agree to pool their resources for the purpose of accomplishing a specific task or project. The script highlights joint ventures in the energy sector with international companies like Shell, indicating that such partnerships are crucial for knowledge transfer, expertise, and capital investment. The speaker also expresses interest in exploring more joint ventures, which is a strategic move for business expansion and diversification.

💡Investment law

Investment law pertains to the legal framework governing investments, particularly foreign investments, in a country. The script mentions the importance of adhering to the investment law when forming joint ventures and partnerships. This underscores the need for a stable and predictable legal environment to attract and protect investments, which is essential for economic development and business growth.

💡Equity

Equity in a business context refers to the ownership interest in a company, represented by shares. The speaker mentions putting equity into joint ventures, which implies that local businesses are contributing capital or assets to these partnerships. This is a common practice in joint ventures, allowing companies to share risks and rewards while leveraging each other's strengths.

💡Management

Management in a business context refers to the process of overseeing and directing a company's operations and resources. The script discusses the importance of having experienced international partners to manage joint ventures, indicating that effective management is crucial for the success of these ventures. The speaker also mentions the need for local businesses to learn from their international partners to improve their management capabilities.

💡Capital market

A capital market is a financial market where long-term funds are raised through the issuance of securities. The speaker talks about plans to list their company on a capital market, which is a significant step for businesses looking to raise capital, increase visibility, and enhance credibility. The script mentions considering listings in Hong Kong or London, highlighting the importance of choosing the right market for such a move.

💡Corporate governance

Corporate governance refers to the system of rules, practices, and processes by which a company is directed and controlled. The script mentions the importance of having good corporate governance as a prerequisite for listing a company on a stock exchange. This includes aspects such as transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct, which are essential for investor confidence and business sustainability.

💡Reform process

The reform process refers to the implementation of changes or improvements within a system or organization. The script discusses the pace of reforms in the country, indicating that while progress has been made, there is still work to be done in terms of economic development and political stability. The speaker expresses optimism about the future, suggesting that continued reforms are necessary for sustained growth and improvement.

💡Capacity building

Capacity building refers to the process of enhancing the abilities of individuals, organizations, or communities to perform functions, solve problems, and set goals for sustainable development. The script mentions the need for capacity building in various sectors, including education and health, to improve the skills and capabilities of the workforce. This is crucial for driving economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for the population.

💡Foreign investment

Foreign investment involves an investor or a company from one country making investments in another country. The script discusses the potential for foreign investment in various sectors, including infrastructure, energy, and technology. The speaker emphasizes the importance of attracting foreign investors to help develop the country's infrastructure and spur economic growth, while also highlighting the opportunities for investors in the local market.

Highlights

Life has changed significantly since the lifting of US sanctions, impacting various sectors including energy, real estate, retail, and hotels.

Business growth has been substantial since the sanctions were lifted, with plans for international collaboration.

The lifting of sanctions has not only benefited businesses but also the country's image and reputation.

Joint ventures, such as with Shell in the energy sector, are progressing well and are part of the business growth strategy.

The company is looking to expand into financial services and investment banking through joint ventures.

There is a desire to list the company on international markets, such as Hong Kong, to increase visibility and credibility.

The pace of reform has been satisfactory, with significant changes observed over the years.

Capacity building and training are essential to improve skills and create better opportunities for the workforce.

The government, private sector, and international investors are collaborating to enhance the nation's capacity.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of education and health in improving the quality of life for citizens.

There is a need for foreign talent to help develop local skills and expertise in the country.

The new US administration under Trump is seen as an opportunity for more meaningful engagement with Myanmar.

Bilateral agreements and the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) are important for trade and investment.

The speaker encourages potential investors, highlighting the opportunities in Myanmar despite the challenges.

Infrastructure development is a key area for foreign investment, including energy, highways, and technology.

The speaker calls for more international brands to invest in Myanmar to grow the economy and improve infrastructure.

The transcript reflects a positive outlook on the future of Myanmar's economy and the potential for international collaboration.

Transcripts

how has life changed for you since the

lifting of the us engines how have your

businesses benefited your across all

sectors including energy real estate

retail hotels give us a sense of how

much has been achieved since the lifting

of assumptions so if you told me this I

ever recovered this I seen for me in

2009 so that every we recover to

dominate oh and they lifted sanction

there are we bring every day when where

we lift the tension so they won't

deliver sanction do we dance quite happy

they're not only looking at my business

there's my dignity of my image my

business reputation as well so I really

appreciate that's not only me the who

can't relive the ascension for even knew

my country also you know what with the

or other country at the future how much

of your business has grown since and

lifting of the sanctions and so you can

say imagine that you know immediately

you cannot grow the order figure but a

lot of I mean that should have plan we

have it in I mean the byline so we

haven't discovered law international

company do we work together what are the

key sectors I know you've had joint

ventures for instance in the energy

sector with shell how is that joint

venture coming along right on there you

know that Emma having isolated 50 years

so we need know how to run the business

global people that we have a lot of

experience low back company they know

how to do it so butter for the according

to the investment law right now we're

gonna put the equity but what we can do

they they will run and they will give us

be a new home management so intense that

they were running our business to get

the move market and also the mode

benefit at the switch has who will work

on management together so are you

looking at more joint venture of course

of course who are you in talks with yeah

so we're talking a lot of course the air

code is running our heart of our

investment that you can really mooching

that we all work together and also that

we are looking at the financial setter

and also the investment banking side

there what we are looking together so a

lot of industry need to be work with the

pourings Agni the international

a company like that yeah your business

is pretty well established and you've

made a reputation for yourself for

running good business it does make sense

for you to lift your company's yes at

that plan for that of course that I

don't want to be a private loan for my

business I want to be listed in one day

choose me you need it like a story

change Emma so the our capital market is

not there yet so right now I can list it

in V Emma so I have a plan to be listed

in the outside of the country

yeah so that still looking at this in

the full Hong Kong or land and that's

what we are looking at the future when

are you likely to make that decision and

we're actually there

first of all you have to make a I mean

their plan US Air Force okay most of the

mine subsidiary can we are like a

corporate governance and corporate

finance or profitable business and also

the good reputation so and then easy do

we listen you know that if you don't

know prepare for their and they're very

difficult to list it so we having plan

already everything in our side what do

you make of the reform process have you

been satisfied at the pace 53 million

people have been looking for the dis

respond itself every years ago so that

we can see the change so that is what we

expected for the Nima it's okay so that

is the only the subset or moving forward

so next step is how are we going to

implement and you know grow the economy

and quarter your life the people and

then also the skipper politics so ll

have to we see at a future but there's a

like appellant here how are you

overcoming that challenge are you

setting up your own institution to train

to fill the positions you need I think

she is not only the private sector the

government private and international

investor have we look at the how to be

you know they put the capacity to the

people there we need more skill to put

the people you know to run all the

business and also that you will get the

highest income at the one day so they

have a better life for them as well so

education health I think the capacity

mean for me is banking you look at it I

have a full training center this year I

have a plan to be a point it down and

find a job so entry lever that they

don't know anything but we put the

capacity do them that they do this where

do you find the skills I mean are you do

you need

more foreign talent to help those skills

of us now the globalizing you look at it

the whole world is very small you know

one country have and one nation have to

another nation one is energy have to

another nationality so you look at my

group even finite etc med school

a lot of foreign is for with me give you

development in the US with a new

president with the trumpet

administration do you expect the u.s. to

engage Myanmar in a more meaningful way

or is it too far for that for him to be

interested in uh that region is robably

grew economy you know in I mean that you

look at in the world that is near my is

part of their their also so he should

focus moving the Isha for doing business

together with the US so and then William

also have a good opportunity R the

church had to VD the business for them

what would you like to see the

engagement page is a politically the

relation is gonna be surely the girl

relationship bilateral agreements you

know we should look at Emma and you know

sample and an LDR lifting the sanction

again there's a proper tunity formula

second one is the GSP the GSP we can a

store a lot of commodity to the US and

then also now a lot of us Kevin II have

been looking Emma for the investment so

that is a you can look at they're very

bright shooter at the teacher I mean if

the government more interesting and

support on that new government sonic

front that they're worried the best for

Nia and the US you said earlier that

you're looking for more joint ventures

what do you say to potential investors

who are hesitant to say that Myanmar

it's for the brave it's a potentially I

mean there we are looking at a foreign

investor you know the who have an

internationally brand and also they look

at it Emma you see that the privates

that I want to grow the infrastructure

we have a Lego infrastructure let's see

the energy you know highways and also

the technology side finally she said

that the auto serie the foreign investor

looking an embedded that will be the

best for the our country group is not

only for the one by one industry they

invest but all other investor also they

can sit on this infrastructure to be the

crane vessel