Merger of Chambers of Commerce to Support Australian Business in Myanmar
Companies and individuals participating in the growing Australia-Myanmar economic relationship will be represented by a new merged organisation following an agreement to create a merged Australian Chamber of Commerce based in Yangon.
The new organisation will be formed following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on 14 August 2017 that paves the way for a merger to take place between the two Australian business chambers previously registered in Myanmar.
The MoU nominates Chris Hughes, Yangon-based partner at legal firm Berwin Leighton Paisner, as chairman-elect of the new AustCham Myanmar. Jodi Weedon, CEO of the Australia-Myanmar Chamber of Commerce, will be retained as CEO of the new organisation.
AustCham Myanmar will support the growing Australia-Myanmar business relationship by providing services to its members in four key areas: knowledge sharing; advocacy; networking; and capacity building and responsible investment initiatives.
It will continue a number of the initiatives and programs carried out by the previous organisations including networking events, trade and business delegations, conferences and the Australia-Myanmar Responsible Investment Working Group.
Australian Ambassador to Myanmar Nicholas Coppel said the formation of the merged organisation would result in greater certainty and support for Australian businesses seeking representation in Myanmar, plus an entry point for Myanmar investors looking to connect with the Australian market. He very much welcomed the move to merge the two Chambers.
“One unified Chamber will have critical mass and strengthen the position of the Australian business community in Myanmar” Mr Coppel said.
A transition committee comprised of members from the two former organisations will work on bringing the two groups’ management and members together ahead of an Annual General Meeting for AustCham Myanmar planned for late 2017.
For further information:
Jodi Weedon: jweedon@a-mcc.com
Chris Hughes: Chris.Hughes@blplaw.com