In the changing global economic landscape, collaboration between Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) from neighboring countries plays a vital role. To this end, a solid business bridge was built in Chiang Mai between Thailand and Myanmar at Memories of Chiang Mai.
The event, titled “Thai-Myanmar Business, Culture & Sustainability, Gift & Idea Exchange,” was held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, with the aim of exploring new business opportunities and creating space for SMEs from both nations.
The role of SMEs in developing Chiang Mai as a Smart and Sustainable City was highlighted during the event. Mr. Akorn, President of the Thai SME Federation Northern Cluster 1, and Mr. Soe Myint, Founder and Managing Director of Mizzima, emphasized the importance of information and business connectivity between the two countries as follows:
“How can we collaborate? This is because we cannot stand alone as a single entity, especially in this era of global competitiveness. Our products must be superior, and since we have to compete with other products, we must consolidate and share (resources),” said Mr. Soe Myint.
Mr. Akorn stated, “We opened this place [Memories of Chiang Mai] one year ago already. I still remember that it was last year at the Business Exchange event organized by Mizzima. I came one year ago to present about the idea of this place. And this is the place that I presented at that event. And I’m very happy to have you all here again with us at this event. And this place is actually known as a place of the Burmese community. But actually, we intended this place to be as a community for everyone living in Chiang Mai.”
The “Building Bridges” discussion session followed, where participants shared practical challenges and opportunities encountered in cross-border trade. At the same time, the importance of Sustainable Business Practices for the future was also discussed.
Following the seminar, an SME entrepreneur participating in the event shared their perspective on the insights gained, “In this event, it wasn’t just about talking. The SME booths facilitated direct B2B {Business to Business] pathways and practical collaborations between entrepreneurs. These are successful new steps for cross-border business cooperation. The business partnerships started from this Gift and Idea Exchange event will certainly lead toward a future of shared prosperity for both Thailand and Myanmar.”
On the final day of the event, workshops and capacity-building sessions were conducted by Thai business owners and experts for Myanmar nationals wishing to operate businesses in Thailand.
Furthermore, it was noted that small businesses from Myanmar could apply for membership in the Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce. If selected, they would gain opportunities to engage in joint business ventures between the two countries.
The “Thai-Myanmar Business, Culture & Sustainability, Gift & Idea Exchange” featured business exhibition booths from Thailand, alongside Myanmar traditional clothing and handicraft stalls, as well as food and coffee booths.
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