Business Opportunities: Enabling seafarers to participate in MSME businesses

Union Minister for Industry and MSME Development Dr. Charlie Than met with the Chairman of the Myanmar Seafarers Federation at the ministry in Nay Pyi Taw on Friday.

The meeting focused on encouraging returning seafarers to participate in MSME development activities. The Union Minister said seafarers are not only foreign currency earners for the country but also valuable skilled human resources with international-level technical expertise, discipline, English communication skills, and work experience. He noted that, after returning home, seafarers can contribute to the country’s economy through MSME-related businesses.

The Union Minister highlighted the ministry’s efforts to provide practical support on how seafarers can apply the skills and experience gained overseas to Myanmar’s economic development. He said seafarers have experience in the systematic use of raw materials, resource management, technical operations, and international-standard working practices, which can benefit local businesses.

He encouraged seafarers to participate in renewable energy businesses, battery and power system services, refrigeration and seafood production, ice-making businesses, cold-chain transportation, warehousing, logistics, import/export services, maritime English and safety training, modern agriculture, manufacturing, and solar-powered water pumping systems. To help transform seafarers into entrepreneurs, the ministry will provide entrepreneurship and MSME development training, consulting services, assistance in accessing finance, and trade-related training through the establishment of seafarer cooperatives.

The Chairman of the Myanmar Seafarers Federation explained the formation of the federation, its current activities, and future plans. The Union Minister later delivered concluding remarks after hearing reports from attendees.