Maersk Group gets a permanent license to operate container business activities in Myanmar
Maersk Group has received a permanent license to operate container business activities in Myanmar. The business will encompass the three brands Maersk Line, MCC Transport and Safmarine and the agency in Yangon will be officially opened in May 2014, the company said in its press release.
"We are pleased to be granted a permanent business license to operate our own agency in Myanmar. Since the European Union and United States eased sanctions in 2012, we have experienced a surge in interest in sourcing goods to and from Myanmar," says My Therese Blank, Myanmar Country Manager.
Macro-economic indicators signal a continuous expansion of growth in the country due to infrastructure development and investments in industries such as agriculture and garment. With a population of about 60 million, trade is also expected to grow as demand for consumer products increases.
"We have confidence in Myanmar's long-term economic growth potential. Containerised trade has been growing by 17 per cent annually on average from 2007 to 2013, and we expect the positive trend to continue. By 2020, container volumes indicate a potential growth to 600,000 FFE, which is four times the current levels," says My Therese Blank.
The Maersk Group's three container businesses have operated under a third party agency for the past 20 years. By increasing its presence in Myanmar, the Maersk Group sees more opportunities in working with customers, suppliers and the local authorities to develop the country's transport industry and supply chain, increasing the country's competitiveness in the international market.
"By establishing our own agency in Myanmar, we will be better able to take part in facilitating global trade, support economic growth, and offer support and local know-how to customers looking to enter this market. As lead members of the UN Global Compact, Maersk places strong emphasis on conducting our business in a responsible way in line with international principles. This gives our customers ease of mind and reduces their risk exposure in an important part of the supply chain," says My Therese Blank.
The Maersk Group is also represented in Myanmar by Damco, a separate company within the Group which handles supply chain management and freight forwarding activities. Damco received its permanent license to operate its own agency in Myanmar in July 2013.