ENTREPRENEURS' GUIDE TO MYANMAR 2019 - MIMU
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ENTREPRENEURS’ GUIDE
TO MYANMAR
2019
©Zarni Myo Win Photography
About CCI France Myanmar 4 Need a team? 28
CCI France Myanmar Editorial 5 General overview 29
About MYEA 6 How to find a team? 30
MYEA Editorial 7 What will it cost me? 31
Myanmar General Overview 8 Compliance 32
Taxes 33
What should I know before coming in Law considerations 34
Myanmar? 10
Economy 11 Doing business in Myanmar 36
Infrastructures 12 Myanmar business culture 37
Visa and permit 14 How to prospect? 38
Local authorities 16 Managing daily life 39
How to set up a company? 18 Going international 40
What activity? 19 Find investors 41
What status and how to register? 20
Licenses and how to get them? 21 Contacts 42
Business incubators & accelerators 43
How to settle down? 22 Contributors 44
Find an office space 23
Connectivity 25
Equipment and IT Tools 26
2 3
Guillaume Rebiere
The French Business Association in Myanmar companies who want to enter the Myanmar mar-
Executive Director
(Association Franco-Myanmar des Affaires), was ket and/or operate in the country. In addition to
CCI France Myanmar
founded in 1996, making it the first Western missions, delegations and market studies, it offers
Chamber of Commerce in Myanmar. It officially wage portage services as well as office space for
became CCI France Myanmar in 2013, two years rent, in all-inclusive attractive packages for new-
after the country started its democratic transi- comers. After successfully developing its Business Being an entrepreneur is a challenge of every “Makers” who are creating the Myanmar of to-
tion, and grew from 33 to 170 Members in only 5 Centre in Yangon, it has even opened a second instant. It is not a career but a way of life. morrow, who are working against all odds to
years, bringing together 15 nationalities (45% Business Centre in Mandalay, in 2018, the first bring about a better future.
For many, it means starting a company with just
French, 40% Myanmar, 15% others). Western Chamber to ever do so in the country.
an idea and few resources to see this fragile First, we have created our Young Entrepreneurs
During that time it developed a large scope of In addition to that, CCI France Myanmar offers a seed grow It means working 24/7 on their pro- Committee, which brings together the young en-
services, which makes it the most dynamic and wide range of human resources services, starting jects, forsaking nights, weekends and holidays, trepreneurs among our Members, so that they
diversified foreign Chamber in Myanmar, leading with recruitment services and training programs family life even, without being able to perceive a can share information and good practices based
to two international awards in 2017 from the In- targeting employees and professionals who wish salary for months. It means having to struggle, on their experiences. This is that knowledge and
ternational Chamber of Commerce and CCI to improve their skills. very often in isolation, to find the information, these experiences that they now share with eve-
France International. CCI France Myanmar now the financial or material means, the support ryone in this guide.
Finally, CCI France Myanmar is a key actor for the
organizes more than 40 events every year and needed to see their idea flourish. Many times, it
development of the French-Myanmar relations. It In addition to that, we have also launched our
also regularly releases publications providing also means failing and then starting all over
works in close partnership with Business France, Young Entrepreneurs Awards, which reward
business intelligence. again, while learning hard but useful lessons
with the French Embassy and with the French startups in Myanmar, which deserve a special
But what makes CCI France Myanmar truly Foreign Trade Advisors. from previous mistakes, like swimming against recognition for their excellence and/or for their
unique is, above all, the services it provides to the current. Trial and error. Work, work, work. positive impact.
Some would say this is not a life. But for them, Finally, we are publishing this Entrepreneurs’
this is all their life. And they endure, persist, go
Guide to Myanmar, in partnership with MYEA
on, because they believe in their ideas, because (Myanmar Young Entrepreneurs Association), in
they believe in themselves, and because they order to help all the entrepreneurs operating in
believe that they can make a difference. Just like the country. This document aims at offering all
some of their role models, who started in their the information they will need to create and de-
garages, before making their start-ups become velop their company: a summary of the legal
successful international groups: Bill Gates, Steve framework, advice from those who were con-
Jobs, Elon Musk, Jack Ma, Jeff Bezos. Some of
Myanmar offers many opportunities for entre- Myanmar and identify actions and projects which fronted to the same challenges, and tips on how
them changed the world forever, like Thomas
preneurs, whatever the sector in which they could be implemented by CCI France Myanmar to overcome them, based on personal experi-
Edison, who famously said after finally making
work. But as in any other country, entrepreneurs and its Members to tackle these issues. ences.
the first light bulb work: “I have not failed. I
have to face challenges which constitute threats to This guide is of course a work in progress and we
This Committee has now decided to publish its have just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.
their businesses, while often feeling isolated. invite all of you to join our Young Entrepreneurs
first Entrepreneurs’ guide to Myanmar to provide Many of life’s failures are people who did not
In this context, CCI France Myanmar has decided you with insights and practical advice. realize how close they were to success when Committee, so that you can share your own ex-
to create a Young Entrepreneurs Committee for they gave up”. pertise with the community.
its members. The main objective of this com-
Because of all that, CCI France Myanmar has de- Finally, I would like to thank MYEA for their sup-
mittee is to discuss the challenges faced by
cided to dedicate resources to support these port and their contribution to this guide.
young entrepreneurs Members of CCI France
44 5
The Myanmar Young Entrepreneurs Asso- For our members, we provide a wide spec-
ciation (MYEA) has in the last years trum of services to meet the specific Dr. Aung Thura
become one of the leading organizations needs for any stage of an entrepreneur’s President
to foster the development of entrepre- lifecycle. We offer seminars, pitching MYEA
neurship in Myanmar. Established as an events, mentorship programs, networking
informal group in 2008 and formally regis- parties, excursions, business matching
tered in 2012, the association now has events, etc. As an association of volun-
over 1800 members across the country. teers, our members can be both beneficia- With Myanmar ranking low in almost was written with the contribution of en-
We are embedded in a wider network of ries and active contributors of the associa- every cross-country comparison, it is one trepreneurs and passes knowledge from
international entrepreneurship-related or- tion at the same time. of the hardest places to start and suc- entrepreneurs to entrepreneurs.
ganizations. MYEA is the Myanmar mem- cessfully grow a business. Therefore, en-
ber of the ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs As- We truly believe that regional challenges trepreneurs in Myanmar count among I would like to thank CCI France Myanmar
sociations (AYEA), and through its affilia- are best addressed by entrepreneurs living the most adaptable and resilient business for their leadership in developing this
tion with the Global Entrepreneurship Net- in that region. Therefore, instead of servi- people in the world. While entrepreneurs guide and the volunteers of MYEA for
work (GEN) in charge of carrying out the cing our members through a centralized in other countries can focus on their core contributing their knowledge and in-
Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) eve- structure, we set up regional young entre- business, entrepreneurs in Myanmar
ry year in November. preneurs associations and empower them sights. We hope that with the help of this
need to cope with a lack of human re-
by the transferring knowledge, formats sources, overarching bureaucracy, high guide, entrepreneurs can find solutions
Every two years, our members elect 70 and processes to them so that they can costs of doing business, missing access to and avoid mistakes in order to set their
members to the Executive Committee, best assist their regional entrepreneurs in capital, weaknesses in the supply chain businesses on a strong growth trajectory.
which in return appoints 30 members to return. So far, we have established five re- and infrastructure as well as lack of ac-
the Central Executive Committee. A Mana- gional associations: Yangon Region, Man- cess to international markets.
gement Committee of 14 persons together dalay Region, Shan State, Ayeyarwady Re-
with the office team runs the day to day gion and Mon State. Improving the entrepreneurial ecosystem
operations of the association. is one of the key mandates of MYEA. We
MYEA strives to be the leading, recognized do this by guiding entrepreneurs through
In all its activities, MYEA focuses on three organization for the empowerment of different stages of their lifecycle. When
key aspects: Ecosystem development, young entrepreneurs in Myanmar. For CCI France Myanmar approached us with
member services, empowerment of regio- the idea to jointly develop this Entrepre-
anyone, who is not an entrepreneur yet,
nal associations. neur’s Guide, we immediately loved the.
but who is planning to set up an own busi-
This hands-on guide gives practical in-
Through our close working relationship ness in future, we offer an active participa- sights on what entrepreneurs will face
with the government, we provide va- tion in MYEA as an Associate Member. Our when setting up their businesses. How do
luable, data-backed inputs to various go- they find an office? What licenses are re-
members can join any of our working com-
vernment agencies with the aim of impro- quired for which types of businesses?
ving the overall entrepreneurial ecosystem mittees where they can not only actively
What needs to be considered when hiring
in Myanmar. MYEA identifies roadblocks contribute, but also strengthen their own
people? Every entrepreneur faces such
and discusses with the government how to networks and business relationships by questions when starting and even later
remove them to make starting and run- working together with other entrepre- when running a business. Why to rein-
ning businesses easier. The annual Myan- vent the wheel if there are many entre-
neurs.
mar Entrepreneurship Summit and GEW preneurs who have faced and solved is-
aim to raise awareness about entrepre- sues of setting up a business? This guide
neurship and inspire young people.
66 7
labour force, its geographic location and finally an ever improving busi-
ness enabling environment: new investment laws, new company law,
IP law, consumer protection laws…
The opportunities are therefore numerous and varied thanks to a leap-
frogging economy and a very high potential in all sectors. This makes it
the ideal place to start a company. Moreover, the increase of purchase
power in the middle class, helps trigger consumer’s interest in foreign
imported goods.
However, the country also suffers from weaknesses. Indeed, there is
lack of proper infrastructures, mainly due to the too rapid growth of
the economy, and there is still a dire need to improve professional
skills. The fragility of the banking sector and a large illicit trade are also
a problem in the country.
Finally, the main threats to Myanmar are natural disasters (cyclones,
earthquakes), and political instability in some parts of the country.
Total Area
Growth rate 676,578 square km
1
6.8% growth
GDP per capita
1
approx. USD 1,400
Capital
Nay Pyi Taw
THE PASSAGE TO SOUTH EAST ASIA
Inflation rate
1
Myanmar can be considered geographically located at a 6.2% in 2018
crossroad between China and India, at the centre of ma- Governance
Population New Government elected in
jor Asian and Asean trading routes, since it also shares
51.4 million of which 2015 led by the National
borders with Thailand, Laos and Bangladesh. 70% live in rural areas League for Democracy party
Main cities
In 2011, Myanmar has engaged into an irreversible path Yangon (6 million)
to democracy and has made several key reforms allowing Mandalay (1.25 million)
15 States and Divisions
the country to open itself to the world’s economy and to
135 Ethnic Groups
attract foreign investors. Narrowing Trade
Key sectors
Services (42%) Deficit in 2018
Myanmar’s strengths are mainly the abundance of natu- Industry (30%)
ral resources, such as oil & gas, minerals, hydraulic re- Agriculture (28%)
sources, agricultural products…, but also the young
1
Source: World Bank, “Myanmar Economic Monitor”, December 2018
8 9
What should I know before coming in Myanmar??
WHAT SHOULD I KNOW
BEFORE COMING IN
In 2011, after decades of isolation, Myanmar has decided In December 2017, the New Myanmar Companies Law
to open up its economy to attract foreign investments. was passed by Parliament allowing foreign investors to
Since then, the country has experienced an unprecedent- take up to 35% of shares in local companies. The most
ed growth. In 2018, the growth rate is estimated at 6.8%, recent move in 2018 is the Online Registration process
MYANMAR?
higher than the average rate of other ASEAN countries. for companies that has been implemented on August
1st. Overall, the regulatory framework has become
• Actual budget deficit has decreased to 2.7% in
more compliant with international standards and en-
2017/2018 sures an investment friendly climate. State Owned
• Public debt stands reasonably at 34.2% of GDP (mostly Businesses are also undergoing reforms since 2013 and
due to the Paris Club Agreement that has cancelled are in process of privatization.
most of the debts in 2013)
In 2018, the NLD-led government has launched the
• Account deficit is narrowing to $1.7 billion in
Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan (MSDP) to
2017/2018 revamp the economy and to ensure a unique and glob-
• A high volatility of the foreign exchange rate remains al economic strategy for the country. The MSDP is im-
In just a few years, after removal of EU and US sanctions, plemented through 2 main agencies: DACU
the economic and legal environment has dramatically (Development Assistance Coordination Unit) and NECC
improved: the government has initiated reforms which (National Economic Coordination Committee).
are still ongoing. In 2016, the Foreign Investment Law Although Myanmar has to face strong challenges with
and the Myanmar Citizens Investment Law have merged the ongoing crisis in Rakhine State, the economy re-
to form the Myanmar New Investment Law (MNIL). mains robust and shows resilience.
Oil & Gas
Tourism & Hospitality
Gas is mainly produced offshore from 4 main fields: Yada-
na, Yetagun, Zawtika and Shwe. Gas production represents Directly impacted by the Rakhine crisis, the number of Western tour-
2 Bscf/day or 20 Bm3/year, 80% of which is exported to ists have dropped dramatically.
Thailand and China. Arrivals from Asian Countries are increasing steadily since 2017
Gas exports represent a large share of the exports of My- thanks to visa exemptions (Thailand, Korea & Japan).
anmar and of the Government budget (2.4% of GDP). With many hotel projects completed or close to completion, the sup-
ply is expecting to rise, pushing prices downwards.
Construction & Real Estate
Telecommunication Needs are huge: basic infrastructures are lacking.
Development in telecommu- Infrastructure projects financed by international development Agriculture
nications remains a vital pillar agencies are under implementation in Mandalay and Yangon. 25% of gross value in 2018
in the evolution of Myanmar’s and employing 49% of the
economy and infrastructure. Focus on high end segment in the private sector.
working population
4 telecom operators: MPT- Challenging environment with unclear regulations regarding
With 35% of agricultural ex-
KDDI (historical operator and land title, underdeveloped financing system.
ports, pulses and beans are
leading in market shares), the main export crop. While
Ooredoo, Telenor and MyTel. 70% of the production of
Manufacturing / Garment pulses and beans are export-
Financial services and educa-
tion sectors are benefiting Reinstatement of GSP in 2013 boosted garment exports to EU. ed to India, only a minor
share of this volume consists
from the telecoms sector It employs 730,000 people (83% women).
thanks to a wider access to of refined or processed
Internet services. Minimum daily wage being set at 4,800 MMK (~$3.12). grains.
Garment represented 65% of total exports to EU in 2016, and
3% of Myanmar GDP in 2018.
Healthcare
Public health system delivery remains insufficient, but public Energy
spending in health has increased from 0.19% to 0.8% of GDP. Electrification ratio of approx. 40%.
Private and public hospitals are booming but are facing also short- Low installed capacity (~5.5 GW).
age of qualified specialists as well as medical management.
60% of power generation comes from hydropower.
0.36 Physicians/1,000 people which is the lowest ratio in Asia.
LNG to power solutions.
Current major issue for the power sector is the tariff.
Source: World Bank, “Myanmar Economic Monitor”, December 2018
10 11
What should I know before coming in Myanmar??
2021. The Ministry of Energy and Electricity has com-
TRANSPORT NETWORK BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ZONES mitted that by 2030, 12% of the energy mix will come
from renewables (mainly solar).
Being the second-largest country by area in SEA with a relatively wide road network that just 20% are paved, the There are three Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in devel-
opment: In September 2018, ADB announced a USD300 million
country has vast investment opportunities in road network modernisation, construction of expanded roadways, loan to expand Myanmar’s national electricity grid in
such as elevated highways, improving access to the city via bridges to the South, East and West. Improvement of Kyauk Phyu in Rakhine State seven regions and states: Yangon, Ayeyarwaddy, Bago
regional airports has been an important part of the government’s plans in developing both the tourism and and Tanintharyi regions and Mon, Kayin and Rakhine
transport. Urban transport infrastructures in major cities, whether in local/commuter rail, road, bridges and alter- The project initially began as a joint venture between
the Chinese and Burmese governments, but has since states.
native transport options, are a priority as well.
transitioned to private developers. Kyauk Phyu SEZ will Electricity tariff remains a real issue to be solved as
be accessible to the Shwe gas field in the Bay of Bengal. current tariffs do not reflect the real cost of produc-
The oil and gas terminal was financed by the China Na- tion.
ROADS AIRPORTS tional Petroleum Corporation.
Regarding the Oil & Gas sector, the national oil & gas
Dawei in the Thanintharyi Region company MOGE (Myanmar Oil & Gas Enterprise) pro-
Road and Highway network The government has been exploring ways to restart duces Oil & Gas on shore and is a partner of the foreign
• Asian Highway Routes - 4 in Myanmar: 2,907 kms 3 CIQ airports: Bagan/Nyaung U – Heho – Dawei development of the US$8 billion Dawei SEZ, which has companies operating in Myanmar. It also acts as the
• ASEAN Highway Routes - 7 in Myanmar: 4,528 kms
been suspended since 2013 after developer Italian-Thai regulator of the sector under the guidance of the Min-
Development Company withdrew from a 2008 agree- istry of Electricity and Energy (MOEE).
• Transport Corridors of Greater Mekong Subregion 27 Domestic airports
ment due to financial constraints. Negotiations are be-
— 5 Routes in Myanmar: North-South Corridor, East ing made with Japan to get them involved in the pro- Although Myanmar is one of the oldest oil producers in
-West Corridor, Southern Corridor, Northern Corri- Airport development projects ject. the world with the production of the onshore
dor, Western Corridor • Yangon International Airport — Accommodation Yenangyaung field by the Burmah Oil Co in 1886, My-
improvement. Thilawa in Yangon Region anmar has shifted to be mainly a gas producer today.
The Thilawa SEZ is located on 23 Km southeast of Yan- Gas is mainly produced offshore from 4 main
• Mandalay International Airport — Development of
RAILWAYS the airport as major logistic hub. gon. It is the very first large-scale SEZ in Myanmar. The ‘historical’ fields. Yadana, Yetagun, Zawtika and Shwe.
Zone, which totals 2,400-acre, is being developed in 80% of gas production is exported to Thailand and Chi-
• Bagan-Nyaung U Airport — Terminal Building up- phases under Myanmar-Japan Thilawa Development na. The Yadana field, operated by Total E&P Myanmar,
Railways network grading as well as the safety operation standard Ltd. is the main gas field in Myanmar, producing around
• Total Route length 5,992.13kms landing aids. 800 Mscf/d or8 Bm3/year. It supplies around half of
• Single Track 5,286.934 kms (88.23%) / Double Track • Heho Airport — Terminal Building upgrading as well the gas consumed in Myanmar and 15% of the gas con-
705.196kms (11.76%) as the safety operation standard landing aids. sumed in Thailand, where ¾ of its production is export-
TELECOMMUNICATIONS ed. Zawtika is operated by PTT E&P (Thailand) and
• Bridges 11,818 Nos • Thandwe Airport — Terminal Building upgrading.
There has been a telecoms boom that has dramatically Shwe field is operated by Daewoo (Korea). The Fourth
• Tunnels 12 Nos • Dawei Airport — Upgrading domestic airport to in- foreign operator is Petronas (Malaysia).
changed the physical and technological landscape of
• Railway Stations 946 Nos ternational airport.
the country since the sector was opened to foreign In 2013 – 2014, additional onshore and offshore blocks
Trans-Asian Railways Network competition in 2014. Myanmar’s mobile market has were allocated to foreign and JV companies, attracting
SEAPORTS, DRYPORTS & TERMINALS experienced very rapid growth from 2013 to 2018, more investment in this sector. Total E&P has been
• Yangon – Mandalay driven by the entry of three new competitors in the awarded Block A6 that has been since 2017 under pro-
• Mandalay - Lashio [Muse (border station) - Rueli market, increasing the number of operators from only duction. Unlike the Yadana field, most of the gas supply
Ports in Myanmar one to four. This has dramatically increased market
(China)] will be used for the domestic market. The MOEE is
• Yangon Region > Yangon Ports competition. The mobile broadband market is driven planning to launch another series of tenders on addi-
• Kalay - [Tamu (border station) - Jiribam (India)]
• Rakhine State > Sittwe Port / Kyaukphu Port / by increasingly faster speeds as mobile operators roll tional blocks in the beginning of 2019.
• Bago - Thanpyuzayat (Thailand) Thandwe Port out 4G and eventually 5G networks.
• Thanpyuzayat – Ye • Ayeyarwady Region > Pathein Port
• Yangon (maritime connection) ENERGY
• Mon State > Mawlamyine Port
Proposed Projects in Myanmar Railways • Tanintharyi Region > Kawthaung Port / Myeik Myanmar has an installed capacity of 5.5 GW, which is
• Yangon – Mandalay modernization work (617kms) Port / Dawei Port a very low ratio. 60% of power generation comes from
hydraulic resources (the hydro power potential is con-
• Yangon city urban modernization and restoration Deep Sea Port Projects sidered to be near 100 GW) and the rest comes mainly
works (124.5 km) Potential areas to be developed as Deep Sea Ports: from gas power plants. In 2018, approximately 40% of
• Mandalay - Myitkyina track (552 kms) the population have access to electricity. Additional
• Dawei Special Economic Zone together with Deep
installed capacity is planned in the next few years.
• Bago - Dawei track upgrading (507 kms) Sea Port at Tanintharyi Region in the South Coast.
• Tamu – Kalay – Segyi – Monywa – Mandalay line • Kyaukpyu Deep Sea Port at Rakhine State in the In January 2018, a few Notice to Proceed (NTP) will
project (501 kms) West Coast. bring 3000 MW of additional power to the country,
mainly through the production of LNG and some reha-
• Yangon – Pyay upgrading track (259 kms) • Kalagauk Deep Sea Port, between Mawlamyine bilitation of existing plants. Regarding renewables,
• National Railways Strategic Plan and Ye Region at the South Coast. more than 500 MW of solar power will be injected by
Furthermore there is a project of repowering of loco- • Westport Deep Sea Port at Ngayoke Bay,
motives. Ayeyarwaddy Region.
12 13
What should I know before coming in Myanmar??
In theory the immigration process must be the following. The first entry must be on a Business Visa. Once arrived
in Myanmar, the applicant must apply for the Foreigner’s Registration Certificate (FRC) and long Term Stay Per- Documents I need for a Business Visa
mit. After obtaining the FRC and long Term Stay permit, a Guest Resident Report must be filed at the Township
Immigration Department where the applicant will reside in order to get the Residence Permit Notice and to resid- Recommendation letter from the employer, including details about the type of business, purpose of visit, ap-
ing legally in Myanmar. plicant’s name, passport details, position in company, and intended entry and exit dates;
However, immigration rules are ever changing and each application might be considered differently. In practice, it Invitation letter from a Myanmar registered company on its official letterhead;
appears that the process for a Stay Permit can be subject to numerous ad hoc requests from the reviewing au- Guarantor from the Myanmar registered company, who is the one officially inviting the applicant. The guaran-
thorities. Additionally, FRC procurement is often cumbersome and final certificate is difficult to obtain. tor must be the Managing Director or Owner of the company, and must give a copy of the Myanmar company
Foreign workers in Myanmar must ensure that a valid Business Visa is held and manage carefully their stay dura- registration certificate. The guarantor may be contacted by the immigration authorities during the application
tion and visa renewal. process;
Visa application form;
VISA Two recent colour photographs with white background size 35mm x 45mm;
To enter Myanmar, all visitors must have a valid passport and an entry visa. Passport valid for at least six months and a copy of the passport details page
Main types of visa for
Since January 2016 and the notification relating to visa published by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Pop-
Length of stay How to apply ulation, the multiple entries Business Visa allows foreigners to stay in Myanmar for one year. They do not need to
business purpose
exit and return after a stay of 70 days by extending their stay period in the department of Immigration, as they
would under the previous notification.
Online (https://evisa.moip.gov.mm)
Tourist Visa 28 days Myanmar Embassy
Visa on arrival
Online (https://evisa.moip.gov.mm) WORK PERMIT
Business Visa
70 days Myanmar Embassy The Work Permit was introduced under the 2012
(single entry) RESIDENCE PERMIT
Visa on arrival Myanmar Foreign Investment Law (FIL). Compa-
nies under FIL or under the Myanmar Special
Economic Zone Law (MSEZL) can apply for work (Permanent Residence)
Business Visa 70 days Myanmar Embassy permits for foreigners in managerial or supervi-
(multi-entries for 3 months / (can extend stay period in Since 2014, foreigners married to Myanmar citizen
Myanmar Diplomatic mission for renewal sory roles, or for those holding technical skills. or living in Myanmar at least three years can apply
6 months / 1 year) Immigration department) Together with a Stay Permit and a Multiple Jour- to a Permanent Residency. According to The My-
ney Special Re-entry Visa it gives the possibility anmar Times at that time, “the vice president said
Education Visa Myanmar Embassy to the worker to stay in Myanmar beyond 70
70 days the system would enable scholars, experts, intel-
(single entry) Myanmar Diplomatic mission for renewal days and to exit and re-enter the country on the lectuals and investors from other countries, as
same visa. well as former Myanmar citizens, to contribute to
Education Visa 70 days Myanmar Embassy Notice that since January 2016 the multiple en- national development.” Before 2014, foreigner
(multi-entries for 3 months / (can extend stay period in tries business visa for one year allows foreigners investors, experts and former citizens’ could stay
6 months /1 year) Immigration department) Myanmar Diplomatic mission for renewal in Myanmar only with a limited duration visa.
to stay in Myanmar beyond the 70 days to the
entire year extending in immigration depart- In order to be able to apply for a permanent resi-
ment. dency in Myanmar, applicants must have lived a
70 days Myanmar Embassy minimum of three consecutive years in Myanmar
Employment Visa and must justify their position of "High Skilled po-
(can apply for extension) Myanmar Diplomatic mission for renewal
tential". Once obtained, a Permanent Resident
permit duration is 5 years, renewable. Holders of a
Permanent Residence card do not require a visa
French citizens willing to apply a visa to enter in Myanmar territory have many ways to carry out their applica- (except in the event of more than 24 consecutive
tion as detailed below. month stay abroad) to enter Myanmar.
For the time being, most foreign workers in Myanmar are using a Business Visa to enter and live in the country. Permanent Residence is not commonly used as
Employment Visa is relevant for workers, managers, consultants and other skilled employees. Education visa is Business Visa is offering the best compromise.
relevant for teachers, university professors or students invited by a Myanmar University to attend and/or to give
classes. A multiple entry Business Visa is usually acquired if the applicant has already had at least two single en-
try Business Visas and has not violated any immigration laws. Each different case can be considered individually
by Myanmar consulate.
Disclaimer
French citizens living abroad can also apply visa from the closer embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myan-
mar. The list of Diplomatic missions of Myanmar is available online on the website of the Ministry of Foreign The content of this article is intended only as a general overview of the matters referenced and is not intended to be consid-
ered as legal advice. CCI France Myanmar has attempted to ensure that the information provided is accurate, but we provide
Affairs : http://www.mofa.gov.mm. no guarantee of accuracy. As every individual’s requirements may vary by circumstance, you should seek Myanmar Embassy,
Immigration services or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the information contained herein.
14 15
What should I know before coming in Myanmar??
As Myanmar is organized as a Union of 15 States and Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) List of the 13 members of the MIC as of June 2018
Divisions, decision making is centralized in Nay Pyi
Taw: President’s Office, the Cabinet, Parliament and The MIC was set up in 2012 to approve investment
Union Ministries. projects in Myanmar. Several options are possible for Name Function Institution Role
foreign companies to establish their business:
On regional levels, Regional Government are oper- Ministry of Investment and
• Joint-venture with a local company H.E U Thaung Tun Union Minister Chairman
ating with its own State Parliament and Regional Min- Foreign Economic Relations
isters. The Regional Government is headed by the • Joint-venture with the government
Chief Minister and can decide on its own for invest- H.E. Dr. Than Union Minister Ministry of Commerce Vice Chairman
ment that represent less than 5 million USD in value. • Subsidiary or branch in Myanmar
Union Attorney
Any entrepreneur, or any company that wishes to • Registering a company as a foreign company H.E. U Tun Tun Oo Union Attorney General Office Member
General
start a business in Myanmar will have to work with In the framework of the New Myanmar Investment
the following administrations. Law 2016, a MIC Permit is mandatory only for the fol- U Set Aung Deputy Minister Ministry of Planning and Finance Member
lowing sectors:
• Investment businesses essential to the Union
Daw Nilar Kyaw Minister Yangon Regional Government Member
Directorate of Investment and Companies strategy
Administration (DICA) Dr. Aung Tun Thet Economist Member
• Large capital-intensive investment projects
DICA is an entity under the Ministry of Investment and Ministry of Natural Resources and
Foreign Economic Relations. • Projects likely to cause a large impact on the envi- U Khin Maung Yee Permanent Secretary Member
ronment and the local community Environmental Conservation
Registration is the first step a businessperson will be
required to undertake to carry out activities in Myan- • Investments using state-owned land and building U Toe Aung Myint Permanent Secretary Ministry of Commerce Member
mar. The company name availability will have to be • Investments designated by the government to re-
checked and company registration form has to be dul- quire the submission of a proposal to the Commis- U Htein Lwin Permanent Secretary Ministry of Electricity and Energy Member
ly filled. As of August 1st 2018, all procedures can be sion
done online through DICA’s MyCo Online procedure. Deputy Director Directorate of Investment and
U Htay Chun Member
From August 1st to August 31st 2018, more than General (Retired) Company Administration
10 000 existing companies re-registered online free of Union Ministries Republic of the Union of Myan-
charge. These companies are required to do so until Central Executive Com-
Depending on their activities, companies may have to U Aye Lwin mar Federation of Chambers of Member
January 31st 2019. mittee Member
Commerce and Industry
apply for license to the concerned Ministries (import
Although no minimum capital is longer required under license, distribution license, extraction license, insur- Directorate of Investment and
this new framework, companies are advised to put an ance license, …). Director General Secretary
Company Administration
amount that is relevant to the type of business they
Rules applying to the obtention of licenses vary from Deputy Director Directorate of Investment and
wish to carry out. Daw Mya Thuza Joint Secretary
one Ministry to another and depends on the type of General (Retired) Company Administration
Pursuant to the New Myanmar Companies Law license.
2017, a company may be registered under the follow- Source : https://www.dica.gov.mm/en/
These rules may include criteria concerning the mini-
ing categories:
mum capital of the company, the number of shares
• Private Company Limited by Shares owned by foreign investors, and so on.
After registration and the start of operations and activities in Myanmar, any entrepreneur, or any company that
• Public Company Limited by Shares It is therefore vital to contact the concerned Minis-
tries before registering a company at DICA, in order to wishes to start a business will have to work with the 2 following administrations:
• Company Limited by Guarantee
prepare the Constitution, the legal structure, the par-
• Unlimited Company tition of capital, and so on, according to the rules re-
lated to the license that the company will have to ob- Labour Office Internal Revenue Department
• Business Association tain to be allowed to operate in Myanmar.
Companies of more than 5 employees have to register Payment of Commercial tax and other corporate taxes
• Public Company Limited by Shares under the Spe- Since these rules are not always published or commu- their Employment Contracts for each one of their em- have to be made at the Internal Revenue Department.
cial Company Act 1950 nicated by the Ministries, it is recommended to con- ployees, at the Labour Office of their Township. Em-
Commercial tax is usually of 5% for services compa-
• Private Company Limited by Shares under the Spe- tract a law firm operating in Myanmar, in order to ob- ployment contracts have to follow the official template
nies.
cial Company Act 1950 tain the proper information, to prepare the registra- provided by the government. The entity is under the
tion documents accordingly, and to ensure that regis- supervision of the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Since there is no VAT in Myanmar, the commercial tax
• Overseas Corporation tration process goes smoothly and in compliance with Social Security. It is not excluded that each Labour can be considered the equivalent of VAT.
Myanmar laws and regulations. Office Township will have its own interpretation of the
The necessary payments relating to registration can Employment Contract.
be made either online by credit card or on site at the Source : http://www.irdmyanmar.gov.mm/
cashier of DICA Office. Contribution to the Social Security Board is also com-
pulsory for companies with more than 5 employees.
Source : https://www.dica.gov.mm/en/ Companies will have to bear 3% and the employee 2%
of the contribution (5% of monthly gross salary).
16 17
How to set up a company??
HOW TO SET UP
A COMPANY? LEADING SECTORS IN MYANMAR
It depends on the government policy to improve a
This list contains all activities restricted, activities
allowed or certain activities allowed only in the form
of joint-venture. Although the Myanmar Companies
business sector and the budget allocated to this policy facilitated the access of companies to business by
(i.e. Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Law n°44/2014 (Electricity suppression of the permit to trade, there are still some
Law)).
activities that need to be carried out with the approval
More information on these websites below: of the relevant ministries.
https://www.mmtimes.com/news/five-sectors-driving-
myanmars-economic-growth-2018-19.html
https://www.mmtimes.com/news/ BUSINESS PLAN & STRATEGY
telecommunications-sector-bright-spot-economy-2018
-19.html When drafting the Business Plan, the Entrepreneur
should be focused on the operational risks (Business
Yet, some specific sectors present an interesting and evolution of supply risks, Human and
potential. The current liberalisation process in the organisational risks, financial risks…).
insurance and banking sector should lead to new
opportunities. Need to know business investment environment
such as special economic zone, Bilateral Investment
In the same way, the need for skilled labour, and the treaties, GSP with EU...
decision from the government to increase spending in
the education and the health sectors have already Need to check what corporate form fits the best to
given way to a growth in the education and health your activity. Indeed, as mentioned above, some
services. activities are closed to foreign companies or to
Moreover, the retail, garment and telecom sectors Myanmar companies with a certain quantity of
confirm to be three strong pillars of the growth of shares owned by foreign investors.
Myanmar. They should continue to play a strategic
part in the sustainable development of Myanmar, Need to choose your right corporate partner
unless new unforeseen challenges arise (suppression (screening of the OFAC records for persons who’s
of GSP by EU, new regulations on import, new barriers got assets and interest in US, screening of
at the market entry, for example). Consolidated list of persons, groups and entities
subject to EU financial sanctions, etc.).
Finally, the need for an increase in the power
production, the discoveries of new gas pockets and Check the competition level by requesting
the notifications to proceed given to several projects information to Union of Myanmar Federation of
should confirm the energy sector to be one of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) or
leading sectors in the country. to CCI France Myanmar.
Know how to comply with Myanmar laws, rules &
regulations.
Choose suitable office location (check place with
good electricity supply, efficient power inverter,
Banking Oil & Gas Retail reliable and fast internet provider). Check the
conditions offered by landlords, since some of them
request the payment of 1 year of rent in advance.
Myanmar law now authorise long-term lease, which
give some negotiation power on rates.
Education Garment Telecom Be realistic when preparing the P&L and expect
delays and obstacles. It is usually recommended to
have one year of advance cash flow.
LIMITATIONS & REGULATIONS DEPENDING Look on how you can protect your intellectual
property.
ON THE ACTIVITY
Choose right Counsel. Make sure that you are 100%
The Myanmar Investment Commission issued the compliant with Myanmar laws, to avoid any future
notification No. 15/2017 on the List of Restricted setback.
Investment Activities, with the approval of the Union
Government, on 10th April 2017. Pay attention on how to hire personnel.
18 19How to set up a company??
MYANMAR INVESTMENT LAW AND FORMS OF ENTERPRISES / WHICH STATUS For instance and in order to create a private limited
company, you need to provide a copy of your National Example of the Import Licence
COMPANY LAW TO CHOOSE? Registration Card and/or Passport copy of the The following documents are required to apply
The Myanmar Investment Law (2016) combined the The Directorate of Investment and Company directors and shareholders. Those requirements may for an import license.
Myanmar Citizen’s Investment Law (2013) with the Administration (DICA) recognizes 3 different types of change depending on the type of company and
1. IR issued by MM FDA for required items
Foreign Investment Law (2012). Companies that can be registered under the Myanmar investors.
(Without having FDA approval letter, we are not
Companies Law which are:
The local legislation offers some tax exemption and Example of issue at the registration: allowed to apply for an import license).
some incentives in order to attract the foreign direct A company limited by shares (public or private)
At the registration of one Myanmar director, it is 2. Sales contract
investment (FDI). For some investment, investor may
An unlimited company important to make a difference between the three
apply for a MIC permit: 3. Pro forma invoice
categories of citizens: full citizens (P), associate
A company limited by guarantee
any investment upper than $20 million for citizens (AEI), naturalised citizens (PYU). 4. Company documents copy (Company registra-
manufacturing, agriculture and tourism; The investor needs to target the type of activities that tion certificate, Import/Export registration)
More information on: dica.gov.mm
will be performed in Myanmar and to choose it
investment upper than $1 million in border or in 5. Cover letter
accordingly. Investor needs to keep in mind that It is recommended to use the services of a law firm to
conflict areas or across national borders,; 6. Price confirmation letter
setting up a joint venture may be required to perform register your company and to obtain licences.
investments using more than 1,000 acres certain restricted activities. Some types of company 7. Usage of the product in Myanmar language
(agriculture) or 100 acres (non-agriculture) of are more flexible than other. For instance, private WHAT TYPE OF LICENCES?
land). company can start to run business directly, unlike
The Myanmar Investment Commission issued the
public company that needs to obtain Certificate for
Please contact CCI France Myanmar, the Union of
Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and
Commencement of Business prior to start operations.
notification No. 15/2017 on the List of Investment
→ Documents for the customs clearance: Ship-
activities to be carried out with the approval of the
Industry (UMFCCI), or local legal and audit companies ping documents (AWB/BL, Invoice, PL) plus insur-
HOW TO REGISTER MY COMPANY? relevant ministries. In each situation, the type of
for more information. ance certificate, CO certificate.
investment business allowed is provided.
The registration of a company in Myanmar has been
The lawmakers also adopted on 1st August 2018 a new
improved and facilitated. It is now possible to register The restriction is not the same depending on the size
Myanmar Company Law that makes easier the creation
your business online by using the DICA dedicated of company and type of activity. The service company Yann Bary
of companies in Myanmar. Foreigners can now invest
website: www.myco.dica.gov.mm registered under private company limited by share President of Acteus Group
in a local company without changing its nationality, by
an investment that shall not exceed thirty five per cent Registering a company doesn’t require a minimum can start to operate business immediately without
(35%) of total company’s capital. The company thus capital anymore (but obtaining certain licenses still any licence. Registering our company in
remains a Myanmar company, which can present some does). And a company can now be owned by a single Myanmar was not an issue from
Investors need to pay attention because some other our side as this was our Myanmar
advantages in terms of permitted activities. shareholder (instead of two before). Yet, it needs to be
approvals may be required from different levels. The partner role and responsibilities.
represented by a Director with a resident status in
Yet, the obtention of certain licenses to operate limit activities relating to food, drug and cosmetic and I understand an agent came into play, but it took
Myanmar. It is mandatory to register a company to do
further the number of shares that foreign investors can medical devices will require the FDA Approval prior to us less than 6 weeks to have the company
regular business and to employ staff in Myanmar.
own in a Myanmar company. Most of biggest any distribution of products within Myanmar. registered and import license approved by the
investments need to get specific licences from the The cost for the creation of a new company varies from various authorities.
relevant ministries. It is highly recommended to check 250,000 MMK ($165) to 2,500,000 MMK ($1,630), For instance, a recent notification No. 01/2018
the conditions related to the obtention of licences to depending on the form of the company. A physical adopted by Central Consumer Protection Committee,
operate, before even working on the business plan and registration at Directorate of Investment and Company has been adopted concerning the use of Burmese
the legal form of the company. Administration’s office is also possible but with language for products’ labelling.
additional fees. DOS & DON’TS
The registration process with DICA now takes from a
HOW TO GET LICENCES?
Do set a shareholder agreement using a law-
FINDING / TAKING A PARTNER few hours to a few days. Yet, the obtention of the We recommend investor to contact to local legal yer having experience in Myanmar
necessary licences from Ministries can take months, in company in order to know what type of licence is
It is possible to benefit from services offered by CCI
some cases, thus delaying the date when the company Maintain double signature system
France Myanmar or the Union of Myanmar Federation needed to carry their business. Investors may have to
can actually start operating. This delay needs to be
of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI). obtain also township or city council approval. You can Do not give full access to bank accounts
taken into account in the business plan.
Depending on the size of the company, the financial find some information on the different website of the
capacity, the trust and the corporate governance of the In most cases, only the Constitution of the company is ministries concerned. Unfortunately, the information
local company should be taken into account. now required to register a company. Yet, other
is not always clearly indicated or translated. You can
documents may be requested by the authorities during The content of this article is intended only as a
Proper due diligence before choosing a partner is also hire some agents & proxies that will help to get
the registration process. general overview of the matters referenced and
highly recommended. such licences. is not intended to be considered as legal advice.
20 21How to settle down??
HOW TO
SETTLE YANGON REAL ESTATE MARKET
Nowadays, there are more affordable options in
KEY ELEMENTSS
The key things to consider when it comes to choos-
Yangon in term of real estate, which means in
DOWN? terms of offices as well, partly because of the ing your office:
increase in the offer in office spaces. • What is the right location for your company
The rent has continuously decreased to reach as (where are your clients/suppliers located in
low as $23 per sqm in lower-grade buildings to town, which township do you go the most...)?
$50 per sqm in high-end office building located
• Is there a backup generator supplying my office
in the city centre, with an average monthly rent
when power shortage?
of $42 per sqm in mid-2018 (source: Colliers
International). • Is there a lift and a parking area?
In Myanmar, converting an apartment in a regu- • Is my office easy to find for my visitors and easy
lar building into an office still prevails. access for my employees (bus lines)?
A main particularity in real estate rental is that • Is there a broadband internet or optic fibre con-
the rents are due upfront. Most of the time you nected to my building?
need to pay 6 months to 1 year upfront. • It is also very important to choose right location
So, the advantage of rent an office or a desk in a and easy access by bus for your employees as
business centre or office building is the possibil- well. As most of your employees will not take
ity to pay your rent monthly (important in term taxi nor drive themselves.
of management of cashflow when starting a • Due to bad traffic conditions, the time we spend
business). blocked in traffic between meetings matters. As
such, it is very important to choose the right
When you want to set up an office in Yangon as
location. Some people would say downtown is a
a young entrepreneur, you have the choice be-
must and some other now go more and more to
tween:
Yankin township (where is Myanmar Plaza
Converting your living room into a workplace mall).
for a few months (The real estate cost being
high, it can be very costly to rent both your
home and your office when you have a lim-
ited budget of a start-up). CCI FRANCE MYANMAR
Rent an office in a regular apartment (many BUSINESS CENTRE
kind of choices in term of facility with car
parking and backup generators, or normal CCI France Myanmar proposes all-included
apartment). ready-to-use offices for rent in their 2 business
centres, in Yangon and in Mandalay, from 1-
Rent an office space in a Serviced Office person desks in an open space to 2-person, 3-
Building like the co-working space in the person, and 4-person closed offices.
Business Centre of CCI France Myanmar.
Information: www.ccifrance-myanmar.org
Rent and share an office space with other
companies (more and more options since
recently).
DOCUMENTS I NEED
A lease contract, that the landlord has to register
to the local township office.
Copy of your passport and visa.
Some landlords / ladies might ask for your com-
pany’s licence (but not always).
22 23How to settle down??
MYANMAR TELECOM MARKET The speed also varies according to the day and the
location of your usage. Previous government
DOS DON’TS internet restrictions have now been lifted, so
&
Communication became much easier after the
Do use several brokers (not only one). Do not forget to go tax office and pay the introduction of new telecom operators in Myanmar people are free to access most websites.
stamp duty (Up to 3 years - 0.5% of total such as Telenor, Ooredoo, MPT and Mytel. They all
Do get along with your landlord (very offer 4G coverage, but you need to make sure that ISP
rent money / Over 3 years - 2% of total
important). your mobile phone is unlocked. You will find local If you are setting up internet usage for your
rent money).
Do ask for electricity price per kV (not all SIM cards which are readily available in every business, and you want to have unlimited data plan
Do not accept to pay 1 month commission mobile shop in Yangon, Mandalay, as well as at as well as a faster internet connection, there are
buildings charge the same).
to broker. They should charge landlord. Yangon Airport and other major tourist sites. business internet packages with dedicated internet
Do bargain to pay rent upfront by 3 or 6 access (DIA) from respective telecom operators
Do not pay the rent until you have cleared SIM cards cost as low as 1USD/card. Cards work on
months max (not 12 months). with different prices. They offer additional services
all pending topics and signed the contract. a top-up basis, with K1,000, K3,000, K5,000 and
such as A2P Messaging, IPVPN (Internet Protocol
K10,000 cards available. To buy a SIM card, you will
Virtual Private Network) & DPLC (Domestic Private
need to have a photocopy of your passport, and
Leased Circuit), IPLC (International Private Leased
your Myanmar Visa and one passport photo. For
Circuit) & IEPL (International Ethernet Private Line),
locals, you will need to present a NRC Card.
Session Initiation Protocol.
INTERNET IN MYANMAR If you have a team of 5-10 people with your daily
Patrick Hochster Thurane Aung
tasks involving sending/checking emails, doing
Director of Parkside One CEO of Dagon Mobile 3G/4G online research and less connectivity to your
International Ltd. customers, it is recommended to set up from less
Nowadays, it is very easy to get online using your
There are not much mobile 3G/4G network connection. Depending on expensive ISPs such as MyanmarNet, Ananda, 5BB,
differences from any other The office rental market has your chosen telecom operator such as Telenor or Yadanarbon Teleport, Fortune International Co. It’s
countries on how to find an office recently seen some fresh supply Ooredoo, MPT and MyTel offer different Internet worth checking them out too.
in Myanmar. Each way works, but as a foreign
company setting up a new business here, I would of office space with construction of further office packages. Coverage of different regions of
Finally, optic fiber prices have decreased
suggest to go with a professional broker to be buildings still ongoing. In the recent years, prices Myanmar may differ from one operator to another
dramatically, making it more affordable and
guided. Today, rental price of office space ranges have been on a downward trend, however, rental but most of the country is now connected to one
competitive for small businesses.
from $20 to $45 per sqm per month. In Mandalay rates are still high compared to neighboring network or another.
and Nay Pyi Taw, rents are on average 20% to 30% countries.
cheaper.
Your choice will depend on your needs and budget Of course, if the Myanmar economy should rapidly
but definitively you have to consider a building with pick up again, there could be a shortage of office
a good structure, no leaks, with good backup
generators for electricity and high-speed Internet supply in the future. Particularly, the banking,
installation! Here at Parkside One, we seek to make finance and insurance sectors are expected to soon
life easier for our tenants by offering them all these open up. This could increase demand.
services as well as professional management with a
friendly environment. Generally, there is still limited supply for quality
Most of the financial sector and institutional office space. For large companies, it may be difficult
entities are located in downtown and the rest of to find enough office space in a single building.
the other businesses are settling in mid-town Developers, such as Dagon International, can assist
levels... The main problem of day to day life is the
in building suitable offices on the land banks within
traffic, so if you have to go to the airport from your
office, you might have also to consider a location in its network across Yangon City, Thilawa SEZ and
mid-town level, for example near golden valley. Nay Pyi Taw.
For manufacturing and warehousing, the Thilawa
SEZ should be considered. The zone offers
international standard infrastructure. Rental rates
for factories and warehouses in Yangon range from
$3 to $6 per sqm per month, depending on
facilities. If you are looking to buy industrial land in
Yangon, prices lie between $65 to $100 per sqm.
24 25
Source: GTMH’s presentation — Snapshot of the Myanmar’s key digital statistical indicators in January 2018FINDING THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT plicated to set up, and many installed software are
actually very often illegal copies, which can lead to
If every business is different and may need some compatibility or updating problems.
specific equipment, everyone needs at the very Yet, finding the right suppliers will not be difficult.
least a desk, a chair and some essential items to run Moreover, the best one will be able to support you
the operations. Where to find them? How and customising your IT equipment. You can buy a
when to buy them? cheap computer and upgrade its memory or space
For the furniture, if you want to get new items, you easily. Opting for an SSD instead of the regular hard
will find a significant range of products: from the -drive can be a very important investment. To find
very cheap chair made in China to the top-notch the shops, you can go downtown (in the Pansodan
ergonomic one, certified cradle-to-cradle. The real area, in La Pyi Wun Plaza, Myanmar Plaza). Here
challenge is to find not only the retailer or distribu- again, buying second-hand equipment can be a
tor, but to make sure that the customer service will smart choice, if you know how to check the state of
be flawless. You should ask your peers who are sup- the equipment.
plying their furniture. If you want to order your fur- As timing is everything, try to buy during the Thing-
niture, it is also an option. Myanmar has a lot of yan (April) or Thadingyut (October) festivals. You
skilled carpenters: they can craft and design all the will be able to enjoy better deals, especially with IT.
furniture you wish, using reclaimed wood or upcy- If you are looking for second-hand equipment on
cling old materials into stunning pieces. It is easy, Facebook, wait for the right seasons, when people
affordable, and will support the local economy1. working for INGO are leaving the country and when
You may also want to buy second-hand items. In they are selling their equipment.
that case, go on Facebook, and browse the groups 1
Do not hesitate to contact CCI France Myanmar if
like Yangon Connection2. If you want to be more you want to have a list of potential suppliers.
adventurous, you will find some dealers here and 2
there: explore around Yankin Street, for example. See : https://www.facebook.com/groups/
Again, depending on your budget and tastes, you yangonconnection/
will be able to find some very basic pieces to an-
tiques and beautiful ones. The choice will be yours.
For IT, before buying any equipment, keep in mind
that the power stability in Yangon is not a given.
The voltage variance can be significant: therefore,
you should protect your equipment and buy some
surge protectors and/or an uninterruptible power
source (UPS) to be able to work during power out-
ages.
If you buy computers in a local shop with pre-
installed software, make sure that it is appropriately
set-up: Myanmar fonts and keyboard can be com-
CHOOSING YOUR SOFTWARE
When you are starting your business, you will need to use at the very least equipment to write some contents,
calculate figures and present ideas to convince people. Depending on your operating system, you may consider
products developed by Apple, Microsoft or the open source communities (i.e. Linux).
Always keep in mind that the key is to update your software to be protected and to enjoy its full potential. We
also strongly recommend you to consider selecting an anti-virus, again to keep your data and files safe. It is a
struggle to balance between the need of security, privacy and the financial constraint.
To communicate with their team, and sometimes with their clients, entrepreneurs can use social media
(Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Viber…). There are widely used by people in Myanmar. It is also possible to
find free CRM, which will help you launch your business. To share documents, and to build a common shared
virtual space, others are working with solution like Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud or OneDrive. Do not under-
estimate the potential training you will need to give to your staff.
26 27You can also read
