Rob Lally Deputy Director, Asia Strategic Trade Group

 270 Trade Advisers in the UK  162 Offices around the world  markets  98% Global GDP  Expansion in emerging markets

261,000 sq miles (largest in SE Asia (UK – 94, 000)  Population: 70% rural (Vietnam 90%)  Life expectancy – 60 (4.6% over 65)  Good education (poor English)

Population spread over many cities  4 million, Rangoon  1 Million Mandalay  16+ cities 100,000+

Business opportunities in Burma  Offshore oil and gas  Education and training – major requirement at all levels, plus vocational training and English language. British education held in high regard.  Telecoms – extremely low mobile phone penetration/internet capacity.  Construction sector – anticipated construction boom.  Manufacturing sector –labour-intensive and cost-sensitive activities such as garment manufacture and food processing. Capacity has been very badly eroded by sanctions and is in need of investment and expertise.  Business services- major foreign require international standard support services – lawyers, accountants, real estate agents, recruitment consultants, facilities management companies, etc.

Recent Progress  Foreign Investment Law approved with all of the President’s investor-friendly amendments intact save one, on salary equality for Burmese and foreigners doing the same job).  Preparations underway for independent Central Bank – Bank of England has been offering its advice on this;  Government is developing National Economic Plans.  Agreement on resolving much of Burma’s international arrears and IFIs are considering lending again;  EU is looking at reinstating GSP.

8 Looking ahead: CAPACITY

9 THE WAY FORWARD  Partnership  Patience

Rob Lally Deputy Director, Asia Strategic Trade Group  Tel: ,