European brands and retailers are eager to explore possibilities in Myanmar. They are going on a trade mission to Myanmar in March. Participants will be provided with an overview about the Myanmar garment industry and receive detailed company profiles of potential business partners.

The visit will also provide an opportunity for Myanmar’s manufacturers to learn more about the requirements of doing business with European brands. Its goal is to provide insight into the industrial capacity and growth prospects of the Myanmar garment sector. There are small and medium sized brands from Europe looking to source men’s, women’s and children’s outerwear and underwear from Myanmar, including jackets, coats, trousers, shirts and blouses, skirts, sportswear, T-shirts and polo shirts, body wear and loungewear.

Myanmar’s garment sector consists of around 300 companies with some 1,50,000 workers. The local industry is mainly focused on CMT (cut, make and trim) production although some makers have successfully moved to OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing). Free On Board business usually runs via agencies located in neighboring countries. Textile production is currently still underdeveloped, so input materials have to be imported.

Garment exports account for about 10 per cent of the country’s overall exports. For European importers there is the added benefit of GSP Plus duty-free trade preferences.