PepsiCo Supports Economic Development in Myanmar - Seite 2

The project creates cooperatives within villages that provide members sustainable access to financial services, as well as financial education training. It also promotes business development by providing grants to support commodity or enterprise activities. A total of 33 activities were implemented between the second half of 2015 and November 2016. Activities included demonstration farms for crops and livestock, as well as modeling of rural enterprises such as garments retailing, concrete products, rice trading, and grocery store operations. Successful farmers and entrepreneurs who have made their businesses profitable are invited to become community-based trainers, thereby creating local resources for technical knowledge.

"Positive Planet's project in Myanmar uses a two-pronged strategy to tackle complex issues around rural poverty in minority agricultural communities. Combining a strong financial inclusion element through the creation of a vibrant cooperative, as well as the diversification of agricultural value chains, we have strengthened local communities, helped build their financial reserves and provided local youth with an alternative to migration over the border," said Jacques Attali, President, Positive Planet Foundation. "This flagship project shows how by working with local communities we can create added value in local economies and build people's resilience through strengthened social and financial networks. PepsiCo is and has always been a strong partner of Positive Planet, fighting with us on the ground to create a better world for future generations," added Audrey Tcherkoff, Global Head of Fundraising and Communications, Positive Planet Foundation.

Mr. Chadha said, "Empowering people around the world to improve their economic situations is a critical part of PepsiCo's Performance with Purpose agenda. I applaud Positive Planet as a terrific and long-term partner in helping develop economic opportunities for families and communities, and I am very impressed by the progress being made by the people of Myanmar."

Centre of Excellence for Business Skills Development 

Mr. Garas and Mr. Chadha announced PepsiCo's continued financial support of Myanmar's first Centre of Excellence for Business Skills Development (CEBSD) at a ceremony at the Centre in Yangon on February 3.

The CEBSD, founded in 2014, is the result of a public-private partnership between PepsiCo, UNESCO and the Myanmar Ministry of Education, the first initiative of its kind in Myanmar to address the issue of youth employment. The CEBSD aims to improve employment prospects for youth in Myanmar by offering targeted courses and training in business and employability skills, career counselling, and networking opportunities.