Brussels, 14/11/2013 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission and Burmese authorities are to sign letters of intent to strengthen cooperation on SMEs, tourism and raw materials.
After visiting Vietnam, European Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship Antonio Tajani is continuing his Mission for Growth tour in South-East Asia with a trip to Burma/Myanmar - where on Thursday 14 November he took part in the initial discussions of the task force chaired by High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton. He also opened an EU-Burma business forum with the participation of around a hundred representatives from companies and industrial associations. Tajani had earlier spoken to the leader of the National League for Democracy, Aung San Suu Kyi, about the process of democratic and economic transition. “Responsible investment in line with the values of social responsibility and sustainability are essential in supporting this transition”, he said (our translation).
On Friday, Tajani will meet Burmese President U Thein Sein as well as several ministers (for construction, science and technology, and tourism). He will talk to them about economic and industrial cooperation and about European investment. Tajani will sign three letters of intent with the Burmese authorities - one on SMEs, aiming to improve the business environment, to reduce administrative charges and to promote the internationalisation of companies in order to cooperate on innovation; one on raw materials, to strengthen the dialogue on the exploitation of mines and forests; and one on tourism, to improve cooperation on sustainable tourism and to preserve Burma/Myanmar's heritage, cultural traditions and natural environment. (EH/transl.fl)