Seminar for MSME Entrepreneurs: Union Minister for Industry attended the seminar

The Union-level MSME Product Exhibition and Sales Fair is being held at the Nay Pyi Taw Square from February 8 to 13. During the exhibition period, awareness seminars for entrepreneurs, ministry-private sector discussions, and business matching discussions are being included and held.

In the afternoon on February 9, a ministry-private sector discussion for MSME development was held at the Temporary Supervisory Office of the Union-level MSME Product Exhibition and Sales Fair. The Chairman of the Mandalay Region MSME Agency and Minister for Economic Affairs U Thein Htay discussed points to know about coffee product sales.

The Chairman of the Taninthayi Region MSME Agency and Minister for Economic Affairs U Maung Gyi discussed matters related to aquatic product production and sales. Production Director U Myint Win and Director U Aung Aung from Super Seven Stars Co., Ltd., discussed matters related to Solar Energy, Solar Farms, and associated equipment, as well as machinery used for value-added processing of agricultural products.

Union Minister for Industry Dr. Charlie Than attended and supported an awareness seminar to provide knowledge to MSME entrepreneurs. The seminar included discussions on the topic "Research on Bamboo Fiber and Experimental Production of Bamboo Fiber for Producing Fine Yarn from Bamboo" by No. (3) Heavy Industries under the Ministry of Industry, and on "Ensuring MSME Products Meet Quality Standards and Are Produced Safely" by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

During the seminar, discussions covered the research conducted to produce fine yarn from bamboo, experimental production of yarn from bamboo, matters related to FDA certification and points that food producers should follow, including Q&A on FDA certification issuance, step-by-step application procedures, application fee payments, required information and validity periods, selection of food business locations, hazard control and sanitation matters, staff hygiene, and transportation-related issues. Entrepreneurs in attendance asked questions about what they wanted to know, and responsible officials provided detailed explanations in response.

Furthermore, the Union Minister visited and encouraged the Business Matching exhibition booth, observing the services provided to support MSME entrepreneurs from regions and states, from the initial establishment of their businesses to selling in the domestic market and up to exporting to international markets.

It is reported that he toured and observed the service booths set up by various groups. These include a ministry coordination group that provides clarification services for MSME entrepreneurs regarding matters such as exporter/importer licenses from the Trade Department, FDA certifications from the Food and Drug Administration, trademark registration from the Intellectual Property Department, and import/export endorsement matters from other departments.

Also, a domestic market linkage group assists MSME entrepreneurs in selling local products at domestic retail/wholesale outlets like Macro, City Mart, One Stop Mart, and Aeron. An investment linkage group connects MSME entrepreneurs with domestic banks such as Kanbawza Bank, CB Bank, AYA Bank, and SME Development Bank to help them obtain necessary capital funds and loans for starting new businesses or expanding existing ones. Additionally, an international market linkage group facilitates connections between MSME entrepreneurs' products and international markets by coordinating with 16 commercial counselors in 12 countries, it’s reported.