U Ken Tun, Chief Executive Officer, Parami Energy, invites EU investors to get involved in Myanmar’s economic development. Parami Energy, established in 2004, is now a dynamic group of companies with core operations in the oil-and-gas, power, construction and finance sectors.  It is known for its high international standards and substantial commitment to corporate-social-responsibility projects. Parami is playing a key role in building a better future for Myanmar

European Times: How can the EU and Myanmar work together?

Only 30% of Myanmar’s people have access to electricity, and our installed electricity capacity is less than 10% of Thailand’s.  Myanmar is the largest exporter of gas in South-east Asia, but we import fuel (totalling around €1.17 billion in 2011) and our refining capacity is less than 5% of Thailand’s. So, Myanmar has great potential for investment in energy as well as in transport, labour-intensive industries and services.  More than 56% of our population is young and we are blessed with natural beauty, strategic connectivity and unexplored resources.  Myanmar needs partners that can transfer knowledge, respect the environment, train our people and help Myanmar’s businesses grow regionally.

Partnering with the EU can be a catalyst for Myanmar’s sustainable growth, not only financially but also in terms of human capacity, technology and expertise. Donor organisations need to recognise the right ways in which to get involved in Myanmar’s development, without simply applying a one-size-fits-all approach. We need assistance from the EU, and patient investors will be rewarded.

Source: www.european-times.com