Myanmar’s exhibition association seeks venues investors

Newly-formed Myanmar Exhibition and Conferences Association (MECA) has reached out to Asian Federation of Exhibition & Convention Associations (AFECA) and International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) to spread the message that Yangon, the country’s business centre, is in dire need of infrastructure investment.

MECA president Myo Thant, who is also joint secretary-general of the Myanmar Federation of Chambers and Commerce & Industry, made the call during the AFECA-IAEE Joint Meeting held in Kaohsiung on September 5.


Myo Thant: Venue infrastructure in Yangon still very limited, foreign investment needed

Myo Thant said: “Regional and international exhibtions from countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, India and (South) Korea have been increasing year by year since 2012. The problem is venues in Yangon are limited and the largest is a 4,500m2 tented facility.

“Myanmar wants investors and developers. A new foreign investment law is (currently) being drafted to help us get the support to build venues,” he added.

Meanwhile, MECA is also looking for funding to support the association as it seeks to expand its membership – which has more than 40 members – and to develop manpower in the industry.

“We have requested help from Taiwan External Trade Development Council and Thailand Exhibition and Covention Bureau to train local organisers and educate the government to show the industry’s foreign exchange value and potential,” he said.

MECA has already applied to join AFECA, and as such Andrew Kay, chairperson, marketing/membership recruitment sub-committee, indicated that the regional body “will do something when MECA becomes a member as more and more countries want to enter Myanmar to do business”.

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