Opened by Minister of Industry U Maung Myint on October 2, “Manufacturing Myanmar 2014” is being held at the Myanmar Convention Centre in Yangon and runs until October 4. It offers local firms the opportunity to source machinery and equipment, and tap knowledge of international suppliers on how to improve their current operations.

U Maung Myint said, “Ensuring development, attractiveness and competitiveness of the manufacturing industry sits high on the government’s list of priorities. Having taken steps to implement reform strategies and invest in infrastructure to make Myanmar a favourable location for international manufacturers as well as to create a conducive business climate for local production to flourish, the Ministry of Industry welcomes ‘Manufacturing Myanmar 2014’ as it further adds value to our efforts.”

According to the organisers, more than 85 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions, including four international pavilions from Taiwan, Germany, Singapore and Thailand, have come together for the first time to create an international business platform and knowledge sharing hub for the local manufacturing industry.

Mr Philip Seah, director of Assurich Myanmar, who supplies machine and tools technology to the oil and gas, marine, fabrication and manufacturing sector told the organisers his company had been in Myanmar for two years, and as the industry develops with more joint ventures opening up, they have witnessed an increase in demand for technology across many sectors that they supply to.

“In time, we will begin to see more semi and fully automated production lines. With the increased use of technology also fetches the need for manpower with the correct technical capabilities, as such, we also have set up a new company providing training courses for local engineers and technicians,” he said.