Responsible Business in Myanmar: Lessons for Japanese Companies on Risks and Opportunities

Date and Time

July 28, 2015
9:30 am-12:00 pm

Location

Tokyo

Topic

Sustainability Management

Positive changes in Myanmar—including democratic reforms beginning in 2011, the lifting of U.S. sanctions in 2012, and a marked increase in foreign investment ahead of the 2015 elections—have helped drive international business activities in Myanmar. But will these developments build an inclusive, sustainable economy? How can responsible business proactively engage with stakeholders in Myanmar to drive sustainable development?

With insights from having experts and companies operating in the country, the event will highlight the tremendous opportunity to get things right from the beginning in Myanmar.

BSR will discuss issues relevant to a number of key industries, including:

• Financial services: the role of development finance institutions, information security, and sanctions risks
• Technology and telecommunications: lawful intercept, labor standards, intellectual property, cyber-security, freedom of expression 
• Manufacturing and agriculture: land rights, security, and human rights

During the session, BSR will share the latest updates from its Myanmar Responsible Sourcing Working Group, which has provided a platform for companies to explore the risks and opportunities of operating in and sourcing from the country.

The event will be in English and Japanese, with consecutive interpretation.

Agenda

• Opening: BSR
• Responsible Investment in Myanmar: Chris Nolan, Director, Myanmar Capital Advisors
• Responsible Business in Myanmar and Japanese Companies: Miwa Yamada, the Institute of Developing Economies, JETRO
• Break
• Case studies by leading companies
• Latest update from BSR including Labor Law Reform and BSR Myanmar Responsible Sourcing Working Group