1. Title written in CAPITAL letters, broken into 2 lines, if it fits with the length of the words Optional: Cover this area with photo. Proportions are approx 2*1 (24,46 * 11,65 cm) Fixed text margin Minimum clear margin for text THE POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC SITUATION, FUTURE DANISH SUPPORT, OPPORTUNITIES FOR NORDIC COMPANIES BY AMBASSADOR PETER LYSHOLT HANSEN MYANMAR UDENRIGSMINISTERIET, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF DENMARK

2. Minimum clear margin for text Fixed margin Keep heading in CAPITALS FACTS ABOUT MYANMAR Population: 51.4 million people (70% Bamar; 30% ethnic minorities) Religion: Buddhist 80-90%, Christian 4-8%, Muslims 4-8% Area: 676.578 km2 Income per capita: Approx. US$1000/year Growth: 7.5-8% Foreign Direct Investment FY14-15: US$7 billion UDENRIGSMINISTERIET, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF DENMARK 2

3. Minimum clear margin for text Fixed margin Keep heading in CAPITALS POLITICAL SITUATION Transition from military dictatorship to democracy and respect for human rights National Ceasefire Agreement: Yes/No Peace Process: Yes but when? Constitutional amendments: Military appoints 25 pct. of seats in Parliament ASSK cannot become President Change of constitution requires 75 pct. majority in Parliament UDENRIGSMINISTERIET, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF DENMARK 3

4. Minimum clear margin for text Fixed margin Keep heading in CAPITALS POLITICAL SITUATION: ELECTIONS Milestone in Myanmar’s transition to democracy November 2015 for Upper and Lower House as well as Assemblies in States/Regions 30 million eligible voters – 96 million ballots Who wins the elections? Who will form the new Government? UDENRIGSMINISTERIET, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF DENMARK 4

5. Minimum clear margin for text Fixed margin Keep heading in CAPITALS ECONOMIC SITUATION I Transition from closed state regulated and run economy with international economic sanctions to open marked based economy Many reforms undertaken but much remains to be done Achievements: Floating currency (Semi-)Independent Central Bank New Foreign Investment Law New Labour Market Laws UDENRIGSMINISTERIET, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF DENMARK 5

6. Minimum clear margin for text Fixed margin Keep heading in CAPITALS ECONOMIC SITUATION II Outstanding Reform Issues: Achieve level playing field generally Further labour market reforms Revised minimum wage regulation Proper stock exchange Deepen financial markets and provide access to credit Better fiscal and monetary management UDENRIGSMINISTERIET, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF DENMARK 6

7. Minimum clear margin for text Fixed margin Keep heading in CAPITALS FUTURE DANISH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM DKK 615 million over 5 years (2016-2020) Three strategic objectives: 1.Promote Peace, Democracy and Reforms 2.Improve access to primary education 3.Inclusive and sustainable economic growth, including livelihoods for marginalized and ethnic populations UDENRIGSMINISTERIET, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF DENMARK 7

8. Minimum clear margin for text Fixed margin Keep heading in CAPITALS POSSIBLE DEVELOPMENT INTERVENTIONS Peace Fund Public Financial Management Justice Program Media Support Support for people’s rights Basic Education Fisheries Labour market SMEs/responsible business Cultural Cooperation and Scholarships UDENRIGSMINISTERIET, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF DENMARK 8

9. Minimum clear margin for text Fixed margin Keep heading in CAPITALS BUSINESS PROSPECTS FOR NORDIC COMPANIES Challenges Still early days in economic reform process Lack of infrastructure, financing, electricity, skilled labour, transparency Bureaucracy and red tape Extremely high housing prices Middle class small and concentrated in Yangon UDENRIGSMINISTERIET, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF DENMARK 9

10. Minimum clear margin for text Fixed margin Keep heading in CAPITALS BUSINESS PROSPECTS FOR NORDIC COMPANIES Opportunities: First mover advantages Donor projects in water, energy and infrastructure (mostly Japan and Korea) Potential sourcing country – garments/shoes UDENRIGSMINISTERIET, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF DENMARK 10

11. Minimum clear margin for text Fixed margin Keep heading in CAPITALS BUSINESS INSTRUMENTS FOR DANISH COMPANIES Danida business instruments (Business Explorer, Business Delegations, Finance and successor to Business Partnership) IFU UDENRIGSMINISTERIET, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF DENMARK 11

12. Minimum clear margin for text Fixed margin Keep heading in CAPITALS THANK YOU www.myanmar.um.dk Embassy of Denmark in Yangon UDENRIGSMINISTERIET, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF DENMARK 12