03 May 2016 - Philippine Ambassador to Myanmar Alex G. Chua met with Yangon Region Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein and Yangon Mayor U Maung Maung Soe on April 29 at the Yangon Region Parliament. Yangon, a former capital, is Myanmar’s biggest city.
Ambassador Chua stated that there is an increasing number of Filipinos in Myanmar, particularly in Yangon, which is estimated to be around 1,500, a three-fold increase from just 500 three years ago. He expressed hope that the Filipinos will contribute to the development of Yangon and the strengthening of relations with Myanmar.
Ambassador Chua also took note of the growing interest from Philippine companies to do business in Myanmar. The Philippines is Myanmar’s 16th largest investor in 2015. Liwayway Corporation, Manila Water Company, Inc., Ayala Land, and Universal Robina Corporation are some of the Philippine companies operating in Myanmar.
The Philippines and Myanmar, Ambassador Chua said, are commemorating this year the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the two countries’ bilateral relations. The growing Filipino Community and Philippine businesses in Myanmar augurs well to the relations between the two countries, he added.
Yangon Region Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein remarked on the shared history of the Philippines and Myanmar. He said Myanmar looks up to the vibrant democracy in the Philippines. The Chief Minister likewise acknowledged the contribution of Filipino workers and Philippine businesses to Yangon’s economy. END