In an effort to promote investment and trade opportunities in the Mekong sub-region, the Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea (ROK) teamed up to host the fourth annual Mekong-ROK business forum late last month. The Mekong region is made up of neighboring countries Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Over 100 participants from government ministries, chambers of commerce, and private sectors attended the event. H.E. Mr. Kyaw Win, Union Minister of the Ministry of Planning and Finance of Myanmar, said the forum is a useful tool to attract Korean investors toward the Mekong region for mutual economic interests and benefits.
H.E. Mr. Lim Sung-nam, First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of ROK, said his country is prepared to provide support in the economic, political, social, and cultural development of the Mekong region.
The forum provides an invaluable opportunity for the public and private sector of Mekong countries and ROK to share experiences and concerns on the opportunities for trade and investment in the region. On July 1, the business delegation also visited Myanmar Thilawa Special Economic Zone in Yangon. Total foreign direct investment in Myanmar reached $58.19 billion in 2015, according to data from the Directorate of Investment and Company. Korea was sixth on the list of foreign investments, contributing $3.39 billion.
