Advocacy Overview

In order to support the interest of its members on the ground in Myanmar and foster dialogue with Myanmar stakeholders, EuroCham Myanmar is developing advocacy services for its members. Interested members can join sectorial and transversal Advocacy Groups which cover sectors such as Oil & Gas or interlinked issues such as financial services and legal matters.

Our advocacy package includes the following services:

• Advocating for the interests of EU companies with Myanmar and EU stakeholders
• Presenting the work of Advocacy Groups in regular meetings, seminars and position papers
• Publishing an annual Whitebook (position paper) with policy and standard recommendations from our Advocacy Groups, presented to the Myanmar government at the end of each year
• Showcasing European best practice during “Advocacy Meetings” between group members and Myanmar government stakeholders

We look forward to welcoming interested companies that want to make a change in business, policy and standardisation in Myanmar in our Advocacy Groups.

How does it work?

Members of EuroCham have the opportunity to form so-called “Advocacy Groups”. These are established on a sectoral and transversal level in order to meet the needs of European companies present in Myanmar. Each group is headed by a chairman who is elected by the members of the group. Common problems and interests discussed in the advocacy group are directly brought forward to the relevant Myanmar authorities by the chairman, with first-level secretarial, legal and organisational assistance by EuroCham which serves as an intermediary between the European business community and the Myanmar government.

Which outcomes can be expected?

Members have a forum in which they can address their sector’s needs and common issues. In their respective advocacy groups, they will be able to speak with one European voice to the Myanmar authorities. Advocacy groups are particularly important for SMEs as they give them a greater forum for making their opinions heard as well.

Suggestions and outcomes from advocacy activities will be compiled and presented in an annual EuroCham White Book to the Myanmar government. It acts as a position paper of the European business community in Myanmar and highlights corporate good practices put forward by the European stakeholders. Together with other position papers that stem from advocacy activities, the White Book shall brief and support the Myanmar government in matters of labour standards, transparency and accountability or environmental issues and safety standards.

Which advocacy groups have potential?

Advocacy Group Guidelines