Yangon will raise efforts to improve tourism and promote a slew of sectors for investment as concerns about the impact of the Rakhine refugee crisis on the economy mount.

This will include the construction of new MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Conference, and Exhibition) venues akin to Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre or the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in which trade fairs on domestically-produced goods and services can be showcased, said Yangon Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein during the monthly meeting with entrepreneurs at the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) on May 11.

U Phyo Min Thein said the Myanmar economy, especially the tourism sector, has suffered as a result of bad international press on the Rakhine crisis. “This is why we must move quickly to build modern, international-standard exhibition halls in which to promote local products like minerals, jewellery, furniture and other services,” he said.

Currently, exhibitions and trade shows are held at the Tatmadaw Hall, Myanmar Event Park and Myanmar Convention Centre (MCC). However, the present condition and facilities available of these venues is not conducive for large-scale, international-standard events.

While a rising number of events are now being held in hotel function rooms, these are not big enough for major trade shows and exhibitions.

“If we can build and provide space for international-standard trade shows to take place in Myanmar, this will draw more foreign traders and investors as well as tourists to our country,” U Phyo Min Thein said.

Studies are currently underway to determine suitable locations to build such halls in Yangon. The availability of land is one concern, while potential issues like traffic congestion are being considered, he said.

Currently, a new exhibition and events hall is now being constructed on Mindhama Road at the location of the former MCC, which was recently demolished. Work is expected to be complete by next year, during which other similar venues are also expected to be constructed. 

“Exhibitions are necessary for all sectors and must be developed to be at international-level to drive growth and expansion in our economy by drawing global awareness to Myanmar-made goods and services,” U Phyo Min Thein said.

Source From: MyanmarTimes