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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFONTENOT US Pro Fellows Myanmar Blog Feb 2015ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT FELLOWS PROGRAM OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE: MANSFIELD CENTER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA BOZEMAN TO YANGON…NON-STOP February 12, 2015 · by aylpmontana I arrived in Yangon, Myanmar (its 1:30 am here) and start meetings and visits tomorrow morning. i would post more but i’ve just spent, collectively, 19 hours on an airplane. i do have one photo to share, but I’m having trouble attaching it to this email. Its a photo of the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, lit up and golden in the glow of light. I can see it through my hotel window. I’ve prepared three separate presentations for various audiences: 1) Where is Bozeman, Montana? 2)Economic Gardening and Sector Development and 3) the structure, functions and obligations of Bozeman city government. My visit includes meetings in Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw and a quick side trip to Bagan. I’ll get an early start tomorrow morning. I also am scheduled to meet with staff at the U.S. Embassy, and perhaps Ambassador Mitchell himself, next week. More tomorrow… Brit YANGON February 13, 2015 · by aylpmontana What a lovely morning it was in Yangon. I was up early and strolling through the park toward the Shwedagon Pagoda. The air was cool and still, fresh even. I was greeted warmly with smiles and nods by the early risers seeking quiet in the early morning. Tun tun arrived as I was returning from my walk and we set off for breakfast of mohinga and strong sweet tea at a local tea shop. We walked in the direction of the Shwedagon craning our necks to keep sight of the golden spire towering above all other structures, natural and man made. Tun tun toured me around the site telling stories about the history of the Shwedagon and its importance for cultural identity for many in Myanmar. We took refuge from the heat near the large bell. There we caught up on family and friends and memories from Montana. Once refreshed, we continued through the business district toward the heart of old Yangon where the municipal functionaries and others went busily about their daily routines. After a hearty lunch of Tom Yum and some delicious fried fish dish (and more strong tea) we booked our overnight bus to Bagan. Brit GOOD MORNING FROM BAGAN, MYANMAR February 13, 2015 · by aylpmontana · Bookmark the permalink. · After an 8+ hour bus ride from Yangon, we arrived in Bagan this morning at about 5:30 am. Our gracious hosts at the Bagan Riverside Hotel allowed Tun Tun and me to check in a little early. In stark contrast to Yangon, the pace here seems slower. This is a river town and the languid pace of the chocolate milk colored Ayeyarwady River sets the tone for a day looking into Myanmar’s most visited tourist destinations. As the economy here continues to evolve, tourist destinations like Bagan, and others, provide critical funds for the residents and business owners in the area. From the 9th to 13th centuries, the city was the capital of the Kingdom of Pagan, the first kingdom to unify the regions that would later constitute modern Myanmar. During the kingdom’s height between the 11th and 13th centuries, over 10,000 Buddhist temples, pagodas and monasteries were constructed in the Bagan plains alone, of which the remains of over 2200 temples and pagodas still survive to the present day. Tomorrow afternoon we leave Bagan for Mandalay where we are scheduled to meet with the President of the Mandalay Chamber of Commerce and the local Director of the Ministry of Commerce. Cheers, Brit BAGAN TO MANDALAY February 14, 2015 · by aylpmontana · Bookmark the permalink. · Of the 2000+ (11th – 13h century, some older) temples still standing in Bagan, we only managed to visit a small handful. If you traveled every dirt road, path or trail radiating from the center of old Bagan you could not visit all the temples in a lifetime spent trying to visit every one. The location of some remain the closely guarded secret of those who seek prayerful solitude not flashbulbs and self-ies with the temples standing silently as convenient backdrops. There are two Bagan’s, Old Bagan and New Bagan, each with its distinct character and personality. The economy in the Bagan region (the heart of Myanmar) is based largely on tourism and agriculture (rice, beans, pulses or lentils). We have a little more exploring to do today then its off to Mandalay by bus (3-4 hours) for 3 days. Tun Tun has arranged for me to meet with the local President of the Mandalay Chamber of Commerce and local representatives of the Ministry of Commerce. Mandalay is the economic hub of Upper Burma and considered the center of Burmese culture. Today, Mandalay remains Upper Burma’s main commercial, educational and health center. Myanmar is contemplating the creation of a stock market for the first time. If successful, this could provide an additional vehicle for foreign investment. In addition to the planned presentations, i’ve been asked to teach an English lesson to a group of government officials during my visit to Nay Pyi Taw later next week. I’ll try to get a video of that to share later. Cheers, Brit MANDALAY February 16, 2015 · by aylpmontana · Bookmark the permalink. · It was all business in Mandalay today. This morning I was escorted around the Brokers, Traders and Millers Association facility. Since 1935 the Association, essentially a trading market and trading floor for local grains, beans and seeds, has provided a vehicle for local farmers to find buyers, some for domestic sale, but ever increasingly for export. In addition to providing the venue and connections for trade and commerce, the mission of this membership fueled association is to follow the tradition of “kahtina” or donation of robes [over 1000 per year for the last 80 years], to the local monasteries for use by the Buddhist monks who reside there. After witnessing the action on the trading floor, we were invited to meet privately with several senior officials managing the market. Then we were invited to tea at the local tea house across the street. There we shared stories and pictures of our families and home towns. After our meetings and tea, we were kindly escorted by Mr. Thet, the market manager and himself a local miller of grains, to the office of the Director of Trade and Commerce for the Mandalay region. The Director kindly received us into his office for a private meeting where we discussed opportunities and challenges for the Myanmar economy, including the optimism in economic circles regarding the creation of Myanmar’s first stock exchange. If successful, this may provide a new vehicle for FDI or “foreign direct investment”. More generally, I am astounded by the similarities between what we are working on in Bozeman, i.e. workforce training, infrastructure improvements and access to capital. The workforce training component was especially interesting to the Director because he is well aware that these skills are critical to adding value to the many raw materials available in the country. We also discussed the need for infrastructure, i.e. consistent and reliable sources of power and the importance of improved telecommunication infrastructure to facilitate commerce, even in rural areas. Sound familiar? After our meeting, the Director kindly offered the services of his driver to take us around the City to view some of the sights. We headed a little out of town for the U Bein Bridge. The 1.2-kilometre (0.75 mi) bridge was built around 1850 and is believed to be the oldest and longest teakwood bridge in the world. I can attest that it is quite the span. We walked from one side of the lake to the other at about 1 pm, on a warm day, in a suit, and a tie and uncomfortable shoes. Once we traversed the lake and back, we refreshed ourselves amongst the weathered pylons and took the opportunity to have a fresh fish lunch (I watched the fishermen catch the little rascals) and a cold, um…beverage. Tomorrow we meet with the President of the Mandalay Chamber of Commerce and other local officials, then it’s back to Yangon via air (the 12 hour bus ride back was not an option) to make ready for a day of meetings at the US Embassy. Cheers and thanks for following the journey, Brit DOING BUSINESS IN MANDALAY February 17, 2015 · by aylpmontana · Bookmark the permalink. · We picked up where we left off yesterday by visiting with the Mandalay Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a membership organization led by Mr. U Aung Than. Attending the meeting was: Mr. Tun Tun Khine (who I am eternally indebted to for his calm assistance, patient translation and friendship) Dr. Maung Maung, Secretary General of the Mandalay Region, Mr. Sein Tun, General Secretary of the Sugar Cane and Sugar Related Products, Merchants and Manufacturers Association, Mr. Thet Htun Lin of the Golden Taste Pure Cooking Oil Production Company, Ms. Daw Khin Lay Myint, Vice Chairperson of the Gems and Jewelry Entrepreneurs Association, Mr. Chu Chue, Director of the Favorite Focus Co. LTD., Mr. U Maung Maung Oo, Secretary of the Mandalay Industrial Zone Management Committee, Dr. Nyi Nyi Swe, Managing Director of Real Net and Mr. Moe Kyaw Kyaw of the HTUNKAR Construction Co., LTD. This enthusiastic group of professionals and entrepreneurs welcomed me warmly and were very interested in forging new relationships that aided in their vision to increase agricultural output and quality for the benefit of the farmers, traders and consumers, both foreign and domestic. I mentioned Bozeman and Montana State University’s agricultural heritage and familiarity with using technology to improve overall crop quality, increase yields, and streamline methods of planting and harvesting and bringing these commodities to market. There was also interest by the group in MSU’s business college offerings and the A.C.E. program. We agreed that additional educational opportunities, technological and infrastructure improvements all would be beneficial to the improving Myanmar economy. I must now take a moment to say a special thank you to Mr. Thet Htun Lin of the Golden Taste Pure Cooking Oil Production Company. Once our meeting concluded, Mr. Thet offered to tour me around some of the sights of Mandalay including the famous Mandalay Hill (790 ft above an otherwise flat as a pancake plain), the highest point for miles around. Legend has it that Buddha himself scampered up the hill in the guise of a chicken (as not to be recognized by the villagers) and proclaimed that a great city would be founded near there some 2400 years after his prophetic visit. Mandalay was founded in 1857, 2400 years exactly from the date of Buddha’s proclamation. We then traveled to Mr. Thet’s mill where he grinds groundnuts (peanuts) and presses the paste into a variety of peanut oils. His family has been operating the mill for two generations and the mill employs approximately 20 people, including his brothers and sisters. Mr. Thet regaled me with the history of the area, the mill and his family. I was welcomed so warmly, and engaged so sincerely that I instantly felt a connection with Mr. Thet and his family. They care so deeply for the future of Myanmar. The final stop of the day was to the Mandalay Industrial Zone. Here is where the majority of manufacturing occurs in the area. We toured a factory specializing in the design and fabrication of rock crushing machines of various sizes used in the construction industry. The manager of the factory recently received a presidential award for innovation for his design, engineering and fabrication of this equipment. After the factory tour, we quickly were on our way to the Mandalay airport where we caught a quick one hour flight back to Yangon. Tomorrow I am schedule to meet Ambassador Mitchell and some of his staff, the Economic Officer and others, as well as a round table discussion (economic and community development) at the American Center in the afternoon. Cheers, Brit TO THE EMBASSY…AND BEYOND February 18, 2015 · by aylpmontana · Bookmark the permalink. · Greetings from Yangon; this morning I met with Ambassador Derek Mitchell and his staff for a briefing on my meetings with officials, business leaders and entrepreneurs from Mandalay and to discuss my initial impressions to date. In addition to Ambassador Mitchell, Cultural Affairs officer Sarah Quinzio, Senior Commercial Officer Jim Golsen and Political and Economic Affairs Officer James Shea and Mr. Tun Tun Khine were also in attendance. Ambassador Mitchell was particularly interested in some of the similarities I have begun to recognize between Bozeman and Montana and Myanmar like our shared agricultural history, the rural character of our state and Myanmar, the need for improved infrastructure and the desire to add value to our raw materials prior to exportation and the importance of business to business connections between Montana an d Myanmar businesses. He encouraged me to follow-up with his staff on potential partnerships with the City of Bozeman and Montana State University. Ambassador Mitchell [and his staff] was especially appreciative of the huge bag of Bequet caramels (made in Montana) I offered as a small token of appreciation for their time. I wish I had photographs of the meeting to share for this post but ALL electronic devices and do-dads were collected prior to entering the embassy grounds. Sarah did take one picture, ill post it as soon as she sends it along. After we departed the embassy we had to quickly make arrangements for my visit to Nay Pyi Daw, the capital of Myanmar. The construction of this new city is very interesting. On 6 November 2005, the administrative capital of Myanmar was officially moved to a greenfield site 2.0 mi west of Pyinmana, and approximately 200 mi north of Yangon, the previous capital. The capital’s official name was announced on 27 March 2006, Myanmar Armed Forces Day. Some of this planned city is still under construction; it was set to be completed by around 2012. As of 1 October 2012, the population was 1,164,299, which makes it Burma’s third largest city, behind Yangon and Mandalay. The city is one of the world’s 10 fastest-growing cities. The 24th and 25th ASEAN Summit as well as the Ninth East Asia Summit were held in Nay Pyi Daw. It was also one of the host cities for the 2013 Southeast Asian Games. The American Library in Yangon hosted my afternoon presentation and round table discussion with the YSEALI (Young South East Asian Leadership Institute) group regarding Bozeman’s importance to Montana’s economy and reflections on Tun Tun’s stay in Bozeman and Montana. I shared many of the gifts I collected for the trip: business cards, maps, pins, stickers, flags, magnets and stories. I was very proud to discuss how we facilitate Bozeman’s growing economy and surprised that I could draw so many parallels. The YSEALI attendees asked great questions and were so appreciative that I could be there to share our stories in an effort to inspire their young leaders. I was inspired just listening to their enthusiasm and optimism. It was a powerful experience for me personally. I am scheduled for two presentations tomorrow in Nay Pyi Daw, one regarding Bozeman’s economic development strategy and the second is an English language lesson. Ms. Thanda, who represents the Ministry of Commerce and is my host in Nay Pyi Daw and has graciously arranged for over 100 participants in these presentations and lectures. I am also scheduled to tour the Gem Museum and the Myanmar Parliament. Ill check in later from Nay Pyi Daw. Cheers and thanks for following the posts. Brit NAY PYI TAW, MYANMAR February 19, 2015 · by aylpmontana · Bookmark the permalink. · Four a.m. came early this morning but I had to catch a 7 am flight to Nay Pyi Taw, the capital of Myanmar. The reason for the trip was to present material on Bozeman’s economic development strategy, conduct an English lesson and meet with officials form the Ministry of Commerce. I was surprised by a tour of the Myanmar Parliament. Before I get into the details of the day I would like to thanks Miss Thanda, my host in Nay Pyi Taw and member of the Ministry staff. She organized a fantastic presentation venue in the large conference room at the Ministry building and invited 60 or more of her colleagues to join us. I would also like to say a huge thank you to Mr. Tun Tun Khine. We parted ways at the Yangon airport this morning after a productive and eventful week in Yangon, Bagan and Mandalay. His kindness and patience as well as his thoughtfulness and insight will not be forgotten. He looked after my needs and made sure all the details of our event packed schedule were covered. I will miss his friendship, sense of humor, kindness and his optimism and enthusiasm for the future of Myanmar. He embodies the character and values of the YSEALI program. After the presentations we met with Director General of the Department of Trade and Promotion in the Ministry of Commerce Toe Aung Myint. DG Myint was very interested in the many observations I’ve recently made that draw some interesting parallels between Montana and Myanmar like, 1) the rural nature of each; 2) the need for improved infrastructure; 3) the need for skills trainings; 4) agricultural based economy; 5) a focus on tourism; and 6) difficulty of access to capital. Each of these commonalities provide a springboard for future conversation and dialogue. After about an hour of conversation (we initially were scheduled for 30 min) we said our goodbyes and agreed to follow-up on the proposed connections we discussed. Next was a tour of the well appointed Myanmar Parliament, which, as I understand, is not accessed by many people, especially foreign tourists. I felt lucky to have Thanda who was instrumental in organizing this access. Tomorrow we have additional meetings scheduled with members of the Ministry and then take a tour of the Gem Museum. I fly back to Yangon tomorrow afternoon for the final leg of the journey where I link up with Ms. Su Su, the principal of the Winning Security Company headquartered in Yangon. She will introduce me to several private business interests in Yangon as well as show me around the Yangon industrial zone. Cheers, Brit AMERICAN (BOZEMAN) IDOL February 19, 2015 · by aylpmontana · Bookmark the permalink. · By: Thanda Khin : Economic Empowerment Program Fellow from Myanmar People to People contact: Bilateral relationship between Myanmar and USA boosted when Mr. Brit Fontenot, Economic Development Director of Montana arrived Nay Pyi Taw. He shared his skill and experience of Economic strategy for Bozeman to over 80 official of the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) on 19 February 2015. Upon our request, he also taught them how to self-study English for better communication. Moreover, he gave a valuable idea of work to live rather than live to work. He also met with the Director General of Department of Trade Promotion under MOC and discussed what Myanmar currently needs for agro products. The DG impressed Mr. Brit with his intelligent on analysis over Myanmar SME and economics sector within 6 days after he researched in Bagan and Mandalay; Myanmar potential in tourism sector & value added on agro products. Mr. Brit’s active presentation and way of thinking upon life impressed us what’s American culture; value on family, practical activities, analysis skill, enthusiasm, friendly manner and valuable knowledge make a smart gentleman. NAW PYI TAW – FEBRUARY 20, 2015 February 20, 2015 · by aylpmontana · Bookmark the permalink. · Nay Pyi Taw – February 20, 2015 Today we continued our meetings with staff from the Ministry of Commerce. Thanda organized a meeting with staff from the Ministry who focus on international trade. Interestingly, the Ministry has recently completed a large report in cooperation with the World Trade Center in Geneva wherein many sectors were analyzed for the opportunities that exist for improving the domestic production infrastructure as well as the international trade opportunities. It is clear to me that officials and staff in the Ministry of Commerce are asking the right questions and along with their hard work internally are seeking advice and assistance in the critical areas of education and ways to add value (in country) to the natural resources and raw materials that are plentiful in Myanmar. A priority is advancements in agricultural technology that will assist in gaining higher yields and higher quality products. Tourism, up a whopping 94% in recent years, also presents opportunities for economic growth and job creation for the people of Myanmar. Also, increased language skills, not only in English, are high priorities. Increasing the opportunity to communicate to the world, the positive changes occurring in Myanmar, represents an important evolution in how those supporting the tourism industry are thinking about their world-wide markets. After these meetings in the morning, Thanda then toured me around the Uppatasanti Pagoda, a replica of the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, only a foot shorter, in deference to the Shwedagon. Our last stop was the Gem Museum which displayed the vast gem and mineral wealth of Myanmar and the beauty created from these precious stones. Diamonds, rubys, emeralds, sapphires and jade along with other precious and semi-precious stones are on display at the Gem Museum. We also view some of the industrial materials available like tin, lead, bentonite and other industrial metals and materials. Today, and for the remainder of my visit, I will be hosted by Ms. Su Su Hlaing, principal of the Winning Security Company, community volunteer and trade and development expert. Today we are schedule to tour the Yangon Industrial Zone as well as a furniture manufacturing operation. Cheers, Brit YANGON – FEBRUARY 21, 2015 February 21, 2015 · by aylpmontana · Bookmark the permalink. · Yangon – Before I go into the activities of the day, I want to take a moment to introduce you to an inspiring woman, Ms. Su Su Hlaing. Su Su is my host for the final few days of my exchange in Myanmar but that’s the least exciting sliver of a life spent caring for and supporting her 400+ employees of the Winning Security Group Co., LTD. If that were her only accomplishment, a successful business woman providing jobs to over 400 people in and around Yangon, that would probably be enough for most of us, not for Ms. Su Su. In addition to managing the company, providing a steady pay check, training and job skills for her employees, she has deep knowledge, both academic and practical about international trade and development and is one of the movers and shakers in the evolution of the Myanmar economy. She is often called upon by public and private sector organizations to mentor the owners small and medium sized businesses and start-up entrepreneurs. Additionally, with what little time she has left she volunteers to assist on human trafficking issues in Myanmar. All of this and she is raising her children, two active early teen boys along with her husband. This is a person, like so many that I have met in Myanmar, that care deeply about the future of their county and the people who live here and are passionate about bringing the positive economic change already taking hold. I am inspired by her results. Like me, she is focused on the outcome, less the process. She gets things done and people in her country are taking notice. I am fortunate to know her and have the benefit of many long conversations with Su Su about the bright future of Myanmar. We started the day at the Mahar Shwe Lan Thit Sann Co., LTD. a sustainable furniture manufacturing operation in the East Dagon Township just outside of Yangon. In his factory Mr. Myint Thein the Managing Director employs over 20 people (laborers, carpenters, painters, designers, finishers) in the production of his furniture. This is not your run-of-the mill end table. Mr. Thein’s furniture is functional art, finely constructed of some of the most beautiful tropical woods in the world. Interestingly, Mr. Thein’s furniture is made from some of the lesser well know woods of the region. Why? Desire for teak furniture is high both in Myanmar and in neighboring countries. Mr. Thein is keenly aware that the teak and other popular wood forests are in danger of disappearing if attitudes on the use of other, less well known tree species, does not change. He is committed to displaying the beauty and utility of more populous, but historically less popular, tree species to take some of the commercial pressure off of the teak industry. Using his skill and business acumen, Mr. Thein has created a sustainable model for his products, but it doesn’t stop there. Mr. Thein is also providing training and job skills for his employees so they to can become independent and successful in this growing industry. More skilled workers available adding value to raw materials one employee at a time. Next we toured the Phyo Scaffolding and Pipe Co. This operation is managed by the nephew of Ms. Su Su. His company employs about 40 people of varying degrees of skill and expertise including pipe fitters and welders, grinders, press-men and other industrial functions. Phyo receives raw pipe from foundries in China and turns this pipe stock of varying sizes into scaffolding, floor jacks and other construction related uses. The also wholesale the raw pipe to other fabricators. Their business has grown dramatically over the past 8 years they have been in business. In fact, Phyo is expanding its operation onto the adjacent lot to accommodate the growth. More employees will be needed to handle the increases. Skills training is an important part of both of the factories we toured. After a traditional Myanmar buffet style lunch we scuttled off to meet an old friend of Ms. Su Su, Professor San- Weon Oh of the Dong Yang Co and Korea Information Marketing Research and his associate Mr. Jong Yuen Lim of Inverter Tech. Here on business from South Korea, Professor Oh has been working in Myanmar for several years advising government officials on the emerging economy and providing advice and guidance on the evolution of investment law and other vehicles of FDI (foreign direct investment). This is insight that is incredibly valuable to anyone interested in the policy changes going on now in Myanmar. While visiting with Professor Oh and Mr. Lim in the hotel veranda we happened upon a traditional wedding ceremony where I was allowed to take a few photos, including one with the bride and groom. Ms. Su Su is know for another talent, shopping. Apparently she knows all the best places to find good quality items at reasonable prices. This morning we are headed to the markets to put those skills in play. This afternoon we are scheduled to meet with some local private business owners. Tomorrow, my final day in Myanmar, we round out the exchange with a visit to the National Planning and Development Office in Yangon for a final discussion on the state of affairs as well as the long-term outlook for Myanmar’s rapid rise onto the world economic stage. This is a challenging but exciting time here. You can see the optimism in the smiling eyes of the people and hear the enthusiasm in their voices. Until tomorrow… AROUND YANGON, MYANMAR – FEBRUARY 22, 2015 February 22, 2015 · by aylpmontana · Bookmark the permalink. · We started the day in the Bogyoke Aung San Market, formerly known as Scott Market, named after Municipal Commissioner C. Scott, it was later renamed to honor General Aung San. This is the most famous and popular local market in Yangon. The large colonial building was built in 1926, and houses some 1,641 shops selling everything you might want, including jade and other precious and semi-precious stones, handicrafts, lacquer ware, wood and ivory carvings, (no, I didn’t), tapestries, gold and silverware, brassware, silk and cotton fabrics, clothing, hardware, food, and much more. True to her reputation of knowing the markets and where to find quality products and good deals, Ms. Su Su effortlessly guided me around talking to shop keepers, inspecting and trying on items like the traditional longyis. After the market we took a driving tour of the Port at Yangon, a bustling place with construction activity in all directions. In the afternoon I was hosted by members of the Diplomatic Skills Trainees Organization, a group of successful business professionals who associated to mentor other budding entrepreneurs and to advocate for more open trading practices. We discussed many of the ideas and observations I’ve already discussed here and again, there was general agreement on not only some of the commonalities between Myanmar and Montana and Bozeman but on some of the plan of action I proposed, especially in the tourism sector. Tourism is the sector that the State of Montana and Bozeman both have extensive experience with the challenges and opportunities and establishing some connections here may have the opportunity for the most short term benefit while we work on larger, longer term plans for cooperation in other areas. Unfortunately, I’m a little lean on photos from yesterday, my phone/camera ran out of space about mid-day but others were taking pictures of the meeting so I’ll try to post some when I receive copies. Today is my last day in Yangon and Myanmar for that matter. I board the KAL flight to Seoul for the 19+ hour return trip to Bozeman. We are schedule to tour Ms. Su Su’s security company headquarters this morning and have one last meeting this afternoon with the staff of the Director General for National Planning. This may be the last post depending on time, connectivity and general exhaustion level that has started to rise exponentially over the last few days. I intend to do a wrap-up post once I get back to Bozeman. Thanks for following the journey, providing comments and encouraging these efforts at international exchange and economic empowerment. Thank you to the U.S. State Department and the Mansfield Center at UM for making this experience possible. In my opinion, this type of work is critically important. As the world is made smaller through technology, we must continue to achieve some understanding of one another since our paths, both physically and virtually, are destined for intersection more than ever before. Cheers, Brit YANGON, MYANMAR – FEBRUARY 23, 2015 February 26, 2015 · by aylpmontana · Bookmark the permalink. · Yangon, Myanmar – February 23, 2015 My last day in Myanmar is spotted with the sweet and sourness of returning home to Bozeman and my family and colleagues at the City and leaving my new family and colleagues I have gained in my 10 days traveling the country and discussing Myanmar’s economic trajectory while identifying barriers to economic opportunities and similarities between Myanmar, Bozeman and Montana. We started the final day by touring the corporate offices of the Winning Security Company, owned and managed by Ms. Su Su. Here I met the administrative staff and the operations managers as well as receiving a briefing on the activities of Ms. Su Su who is attempting to raise the profile of private security companies in Myanmar and establish better relationships with local police organizations. Mr. Charles Pesola, Principal of the Moonlighting Detective and Security Services in Kalispell, Montana has been an integral part of that conversation. A few months ago, Charles was in Yangon and presenting private security firm best practices to members of the private sector and local and federal officials. The successful event was organized by Ms. Su Su and was well attended and well covered by the media. The afternoon included meetings at the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development, Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (DICA). There we met with Joint Secretary Ms. Mya Thuza and Deputy Director Dr. Mar Lar Myo Nyunt and spoke in detail about Myanmar’s recent foreign direct investment (FDI) in telecommunications services and infrastructure. wrapped it all up with a wonderful traditional Myanmar feast of fresh seafood, cooked a variety of ways (fried, grilled, steamed in banana leaves), rice, cooked vegetables in a variety of savory sauces and grilled meats. Su Su and I talked a lot about the future. We tried to place all of my experiences in a neat little box to send back to the US but that proved more difficult than we imagined. In fact, there are several loose ends that we need to tie up, i.e. connections with MSU and UL, facilitate business to business contacts and finally make introduction to the Montana Dept. of Tourism. At the outset of this exchange I wondered, sometimes aloud, what can we possibly have in common? Today I am struck by all the things we actually do have in common like rural character of our community and state and that of parts of Myanmar, agricultural, educational needs (esp. practical skills training) infrastructure needs (transportation, water/sewer, tele-communications), tourism, access to investment capital). We have more work to do. I’m now back in the US, back at my desk and back to my own projects that have been patiently awaiting my return. As I catch up on work that has accumulated, I am adding a few follow-ups from my exchange to Myanmar. Myanmar’s economic future is at a very critical crossroads. I hope that, in some small way, the conversations we have had, relationships built and opportunities identified, we in Bozeman and Montana, have played a small but important part in the economic evolution of an entire country. The last chapter has yet to be written on this so stay tuned…