PepsiCo Supports Economic Development in Myanmar - Seite 3

To date, seven courses have been developed and delivered to more than 670 students. Courses cover topics such as business skills for youth, English for the business world, and retail and hospitality management. In total, more than 2,500 individuals have attended trainings and events since June 2014; of those, 68% were female. Additionally, more than 80 business people and leaders from the local and international community in Yangon have engaged with the Centre as speakers, moderators, and workshop facilitators, including nine executives from PepsiCo.

Mr. Garas said, "Myanmar is an emerging market with great potential, and the country's economic progress will be enhanced by developing practical and technical skills to increase employment. The Center of Excellence for Business Skills Development addresses this issue by providing the training necessary for individuals, especially young people, to compete in today's economy. PepsiCo is proud to be a part of this initiative and play a positive role in the country's growth."

Min Jeong Kim, Head of Office, UNESCO Myanmar, said, "UNESCO Myanmar is very grateful that support for innovative approaches in skills development among Myanmar youth will continue thanks to PepsiCo in partnership with the Yangon University of Economics. The ongoing partnership provides a space for young people to grow professionally, to learn from each other, and to connect with different business partners."

PepsiCo promotes sustainable agriculture 

PepsiCo is contributing to the economy in Myanmar with an agriculture program that is helping meet the company's need for potato supplies in Southeast Asia, as well as providing economic opportunities for local farmers.

PepsiCo identified Myanmar as a potential hub for growing potatoes, thanks to its rich, fertile lands and favorable climate. The company undertook a comprehensive approach to partnering with farmers, training them on sustainable agriculture practices, and guiding them on investments in infrastructure, such as drip irrigation technology that conserves water usage and minimizes the use of fertilizers and chemicals, as well as improved potato storage facilities.

When PepsiCo began the local sustainable agriculture program in 2014 through its partner in Myanmar, 38 farmer partners produced 700 tons of potatoes that year. By the end of 2017, the company projects there will be 144 farmers producing 3,300 tons of potatoes annually, reflecting improvements in average yields in tons per acre over the last three growing seasons. Continued field yield improvements can help PepsiCo drive better purchasing prices and expand to additional export markets to meet growing demand in countries such as Indonesia and Thailand. It also has the potential to improve farmers' incomes, which are expected to rise 9 percent in 2017.

Bassim Rizk, Senior Vice President, Supply Chain, PepsiCo Asia Pacific, said, "When we first started agricultural operations in Myanmar, we saw a great opportunity to bring new farming expertise to the country. Now, our teams of experts have transferred knowledge and innovation in farming practices to our farmer partners, with the ultimate goal of increasing farm productivity and enhancing crop yields and quality. These efforts deliver maximum benefits to both PepsiCo and to our farmers in line with our Performance with Purpose work to expand sustainable agricultural practices and spur economic development and prosperity in communities around the world near where we work."

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