Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt to visit Myanmar

Photo: AP

Eric Schmidt, Executive Chairman of Google is scheduled to make his visit to Myanmar on the 2nd day of March which indicates that major U.S. technology firms are eyeing trade industry in Myanmar, news report from The Wall Street Journal said.

This is the very first visit of a well-known executive from a U.S. technology giant Google. Various firms in the United States who wanted to get entry and do business in Myanmar were not allowed by U.S. regulations such that rival nations were able to penetrate the country.

According to Google spokesperson Taj Meadows, Schmidt is touring ASEAN countries to be able to connect with local partners. He did not go into details of what is the plan of Mr Schmidt. However industry experts in Yangon disclosed that he will be the guest speaker at a public event with entrepreneurs, students and the locals.

In terms of information technology, Myanmar is noted to come up with a billion dollar industry with planned advances in telecommunication. Foreign operators will soon be given two licences to improve internet and mobile networks, the report said.

The ownership of mobile phone at present represents only 9%. However the government of Myanmar is very optimistic that by year 2016 about 80% of its total population can own mobile phones. This will also create opportunities for firms that are in the mobile Internet for business expansion.

Last month, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) spearheaded technology delegates to Myanmar to meet with young businessmen and government ministers.