A FEW WORDS ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS IN MYANMAR AND THE SECTOR YOU ARE WORKING IN.
Artelia conducts its Consultancy/Engineering assignments in nine markets: building construction (Design, Project Management, Construction Management), water (Hydrology, Water Resource Management, Irrigation, flooding), environment (Environmental & Social Impact Assessments, Environmental Management Plans, Climate Change), energy (Power and Distribution, Hydropower, Solar), maritime (Ports and Harbors), urban development (Water treatment, Waste Management), transportation, industrial facilities and multi-site projects.
Artelia has worked on projects in Myanmar for more than 10 years, with a first Environmental study performed in 2004, and continuously had permanent staff based in Yangon for more than 5 years.
Artelia has managed several Projects and Engineering Studies over the country: Yangon, Bagan, Mon State, Rakhine State, Tanintharyi Region, etc. on different sectors: Environmental & Social Impact Assessment, Construction management, etc. with both local and international clients.
Artelia Myanmar Company Limited has been registered under the law of Myanmar in 2014, and is closely linked to Artelia in Vietnam -where about 500 people are working in one of our main international hubs- and to our other subsidiaries –Thailand, Philippines, Cambodia, Singapore…- with projects all over the Southeast Asia Region.
WHAT ARE THE KEY MESSAGES YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR MEMBERS REGARDING THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT IN MYANMAR?
“When in Rome, do as Romans do”, the same applies to Myanmar. It is important to meet, discuss, and spend time to truly understand your local partners and clients before trying to develop any fruitful relationship, it is true everywhere, but it is especially true in Myanmar and it implies adaptability and flexibility.
Besides, this might have been said by many people before me, but… Patience is the key. From your first meeting with a local entity, client or authority, to the payment of your invoices: be patient, opportunities are everywhere. Moreover, economic reforms might not be as fast as expected either, but you will definitely benefit later from the knowledge and relationships you are building up right now.
YOUR LIFE IN MYANMAR AND YOUR RELATIONS WITH FRANCE
More than three years after my first steps in Myanmar, I am still excited about being here.
From a professional point of view, it is hard to spend a week without learning something new, and more personally, there is so much to discover in such a culturally rich country.
I won’t lie, poor internet connection, power cuts, water cuts and such small everyday inconveniences can make your life sometimes a bit adventurous, but living in Yangon already changed a lot and these annoyances tend to disappear. The days a sim card costed several hundred dollars are quite far now!
Relationship with France is excellent, with a small yet active community, and the great work done by its official representatives here: Embassy, CCI France-Myanmar, Business France, IFB, AFD, etc.
It is still not the easiest place to find some Reblochon or a running Camembert, but relationship with France is excellent.
YOUR ADVICE FOR A NEWLY ARRIVED EXPAT IN MYANMAR
Be patient and flexible. Being mad at your internet/electricity/partners won’t make anything go faster.
Also, take the time to build your own personal space, a comfortable housing, where you truly feel at home. And don’t forget to enjoy being here.
Oh, and don’t forget your umbrella either.
YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN MYANMAR
I really enjoy untouched places far from the main cities, but I also appreciate the atmosphere of some crowded tea shops and bbq/beer stations in Yangon.
