Blog

Gathering on the occasion of the Visit of the EU Delegation’s Head of the Trade & Economic Section

Responsible businesses have a role to play in sustaining livelihoods during the triple crisis faced by the Myanmar people. 

Tuesday, 29th November 2022, the Embassy of Denmark in Yangon and the European Chamber of Commerce (EuroCham) Myanmar hosted a gathering for the European diplomatic and business community to set a framework for business continuity in Myanmar. The event, held at the Danish Residence in Yangon, also welcomed the EU Trade and Economic Section representatives from the EU Delegation in Thailand, who visited Myanmar for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic. 

The Head of Mission from the Embassy of Denmark in Yangon, Mr Anders Lønstrup Graugaard, opened the event, emphasizing the importance and value of the European business footprint, demonstrating the sizeable positive impact on the lives of the employees and their families. Since the opening of the country, a central pillar for Denmark has been supporting responsible business activities that work for the long-term interests of the Myanmar people. A number of Danish businesses, ranging from logistics companies, which are a lifeline for transporting essential goods in and out of the country, to garment producers, are creating tens of thousands of jobs. 

The EU Ambassador to Myanmar and the Head of the Trade and Economic Section echoed the sentiment that businesses have a role in supporting the population and reminded that the requirement for enhanced due diligence and decent working conditions is a must for EU companies. 

Mr. John Bray from Control Risks, a long-time observer of Myanmar and author of numerous publications on conducting business in fragile environments, set a context for the following panel discussion. He emphasized the importance of a transparent and viable business model and long-term commitment. After his speech, a panel moderated by the EuroCham President, Mr. adrian short, shared different views and strategies on so-called “smart survival” in Myanmar. 

The panel, comprised of representatives from A.P. Moller – Maersk, H&M, Yever and The World Bank, and the audience broadly agreed that in the case of Myanmar, companies should and often do more than the standards prescribed in the international guidelines, such as UN Guiding Principles. However, finding ways to inform stakeholders about business decisions and their impact is essential. 

Ultimately, the discussion concluded that the decision to remain or leave is individual to every company and must take different aspects into account, not less the impact it will have on the people. Often by staying, companies can leverage their presence and play a vital role in the overall European footprint and support of the people of Myanmar.