Given the lack of data and information on Myanmar’s illicit trade activities, EuroCham has missioned a report on Anti-illicit Trade activities in Myanmar and will host the Anti-Illicit Trade Forum 2019, as it recognises how valuable information can be used as a tool to raise awareness and mobilise action. This second edition of Anti-illicit Trade Forum organised with the support of MoC, MoPF and MFIU (Myanmar Financial Intelligence Unit) will take place in Nay Pyi Taw on September 19, 2019 (Thursday). The objective of the event is to present the report findings, as well as Eurocham’s concerns as the EuroCham Myanmar Anti-illicit Trade Advocacy Group and industry representatives to relevant stakeholders and media.
This event, on a highly topical issue, is the only one in Myanmar, and is meant to assess the Anti-Illicit Trade societal and environmental impacts and its perspectives; the in-depth discussions will strive to improve the knowledge and understanding of the regulatory environment and economic circumstances that enable illicit trade and provide recommendations on priority areas.
The panels will include leading private sector representatives, high-level government officials, key experts from international organisations and academics, including UNODC’s Country Director, Representatives from MoC, MoPF and MIFU and Executive Director of MMRD. Mr.Troels Vester, Country Manager, UN Office on Drugs and Crime, U Aung Min, Executive Director, Myanmar Marketing Research & Development and Ms. Yuwadee Thean-ngarm, Director of Tilleke &Gibbins’ Myanmar office as well as an External Expert of the SEA IPR SME Helpdesk are also going to deliver presentations as guest speakers.
An ‘Anti-illicit Trade Experience Zone’in the form of an exhibition will be displayed for the attendees. The physical products like counterfeit beverages, consumer goods and other products will be accompanied with explanatory images and figures in order to assess the extent of illicit trade in Myanmar.
In the afternoon, round table sessionson the following sectors: Beverages & FMCG, Intellectual Property, Agrobusiness and Health will be organised to deepen the conversation. Key players from the private sector, public institutions and local associations are to discuss pressing issues and bring to light common solutions.
The European Chamber of Commerce in Myanmar (EuroCham) serves as the voice of European business in Myanmar. Its main mission is to significantly increase the presence of European companies in the country and to facilitate market access particularly for European SMEs– by advocating for member interests with the government and organisations in Myanmar, the ASEAN region and the EU.
