Groundbreaking Study on Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Kachin State Aims to Unlock Opportunities for Inclusive Growth
The UK aid-funded DaNa Facility and Cordaid launched their groundbreaking study on, “The Ecosystem for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Kachin State” today. The launch event, held in Myitkyina Palm Spring Resort, was attended by officials from the Kachin State Government, donors, humanitarian and development practitioners, local enterprises, and other key stakeholders.



The study aims to provide donors and the development community with a better understanding of the challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Kachin, with a particular emphasis on enterprises run by internally displaced persons.



“We are pleased to see this report includes the SME landscape beyond Myitkyina, and I see this as a very inclusive and comprehensive report that shows a possible roadmap to support SMEs in Kachin State, particularly in the agriculture sector,” said Kyaw Min Oo, President of the Bhamo Young Entrepreneurs’ Association.



Kachin is at a pivotal point in its development. In response to increased foreign investment and a changing economy, businesses are attempting to transition from extractive practices, such as mining for jade, gold, and amber, to more sustainable business models.



At the same time, there is growing recognition from the development community that inclusive, responsible business development has a vital role to play in supporting communities impacted by persistent conflict.



“Understanding the private sector landscape in Kachin and the challenges SMEs face is essential for creating new opportunities for inclusive growth – growth that creates economic opportunities for poor communities and internally displaced persons,” said Tom Coward, team leader of DFID Myanmar’s Inclusive and Livelihoods team.



Understanding the SME landscape in Kachin State has the potential to create economic opportunities for people from poor communities and for groups that commonly face social and economic disadvantages, such as women, people with disabilities, and people living in conflict-affected regions.



ENDS

Notes to editors:

For more information please contact the DaNa Facility communications team at: +95 9782500752 or through email: danapress@danafacility.com.



About The DaNa Facility

The DaNa Facility is an innovative £25 million private sector development programme funded by the UK Government’s Department for International Development (DFID) and managed by DAI Europe and KPMG. The programme runs from May 2016 to December 2020, supporting inclusive and responsible economic growth by working with government, businesses, and stakeholders through a combination of grants and technical assistance.



For more information on the DaNa Facility please visit: www.danafacility.com. Follow the DaNa Facility on Twitter | Facebook.



About Cordaid

Cordaid strives to fight poverty in the world’s most fragile and conflict-affected areas. As a founding member of Caritas International, Cordaid delivers innovative solutions to complex problems by emphasizing sustainability and performance in projects that tackle health, education, economic opportunity, security and justice, relief, and resilience.



Cordaid’s portfolio in Myanmar includes urban and rural resilience, humanitarian aid, and private sector development, with operations in Yangon and 4 states/regions.



For more information, visit: www.cordaid.org/en/countries/myanmar/