A Russian Market Research Firm - A desk research into the selected sectors of the Light Industries in Vietnam, China and Japan - 2014

Countries Involved:

Vietnam, China and Japan.

Project Description:

Mekong Economics accomplished a desk research of this market study in the three countries’ markets.

Belgium Technical Cooperation/Ministry of Planning and Investment - Assessment of the Business Environment and Competitiveness of enterprises in services sectors - 2014

Project Description:

The overall project had four specific outputs:

1.      Comparative Literature Review (Cross-country and multi-sectoral);

2.      Qualitative Primary Research Report (24 in-depth interviews, 16 Case Studies, 4 Value Chain Analysis, and Study Tour Findings);

3.      Final Synthesis Report with concrete recommendations and solutions to 2020, and highlight visions to 2030.

4.      Two workshops

Trade Commission of an Embassy - Opportunities for Aquaculture & Fisheries Products, Equipment, Technologies & Services - 2014

Project Description:

To determine the nature and extent of (commercial) opportunities in Vietnam’s aquaculture sector (as defined by the Client Country’s supply capability), and to develop a market entry strategy to assist the Client Country’s suppliers to access those opportunities.

ASEAN Secretariat - Scoping Study of Outsourcing in ASEAN - 2014

Countries Involved:

Ten ASEAN member states.

Project Description:

The project conducted an assessment of the ASEAN regional production network and ASEAN’s role in the global supply chain. It involved:

a)   a stock take and a characterisation of the offshoring/outsourcing activities in the region;

b)   an assessment of the trends and developments in outsourcing both in goods and services within and outside the region, particularly in developed countries as well as in the BRICS countries.

This consulting opportunity was to support these activities with the overall goal of enhancing ASEAN’s approach/strategy towards the creation of a single market and production area and a strong presence in the global supply chain, as well as increasing the role of small and medium enterprises in the regional production process.

Castalia Advisors - National Electrification Program: Preparation of Road map and Investment Financing Prospectus - 2013

Project Description:

In January 2013, the Government of Myanmar adopted an ambitious target to achieve universal electrification by 2030. To achieve this goal, the inter-ministerial National Energy Management Committee (NEMC), intended to develop a National Electrification Program (NEP), setting out the framework for expanding electricity access in Myanmar.

The World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Program was working on behalf of the Government to prepare the program. It had contracted specialist firms to prepare the necessary (a) geospatial least-cost rollout plan and (b) the financial road map and investment prospectus. MKE’s involvement only concerned part (b).

MKE was working with Castalia, an advisory firm specialising in governance and regulation of infrastructure services, to prepare the ‘NEP Road Map and Investment Financing Prospectus’. The NEP Road Map would set out the key interim actions and targets, and would define the institutional framework required to implement the program in the least-cost manner. The Investment Prospectus would identify the viability gap, based on an understanding of Columbia University’s least-cost geospatial plan and reasonable tariffs than can be charged. It would then recommend potential funding sources. This Investment Prospectus would be used by the Government to attract financing and funding for achieving universal electrification by 2030. MKE helped to collect, verify and explain relevant data to Castalia, while providing relevant electricity sector related updates and a local insight on specific Castalia outputs through reviews and editing.

Private Client - Market research into the high-end camera and fine wine market in Yangon - 2013

Project Description:

A Private Client commissioned MKE to conduct a comprehensive sectoral review of the market for high-end cameras, related accessories, and fine wines in Yangon, Myanmar.

The review included a Strengths and Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis and allowed the Client to make informed decisions about market entry in Myanmar, with a view to opening specialist retail shops that sell high-end cameras and accessories, and other specialist shops that sell fine wines. The analysis was based upon market research conducted in Yangon and incorporated the information and opinions from existing retailers in the same market as well as consumers.  A legal review was also conducted and incorporated into report.

FinMark Trust/UNCDF - Making Access to Financial Services Possible (MAP) Study - 2013

Project Description:

MAP was a financial inclusion diagnostic that incorporated a comprehensive analysis of the demand, supply and regulatory environment, in order to identify barriers and opportunities to increase financial inclusion and coordinate stakeholders (government, private sector and donors) in practical actions.

MKE provided local support to MAP study such as: survey questionnaire design, survey sample design, quality control of survey, and literature review of microfinance regulatory landscape, assessment of current microfinance models and providers.

Private Client - Yangon and Mandalay Market Survey for Four Major Brands - 2013

Project Description:

This study was commissioned to review the opinions and preferences of people in Yangon and Mandalay regarding four products. As such, the survey assessed consumer familiarity and included consumer perceptions about product advertising, accessibility and market ranking as well as company knowledge of the four products.

UNDP Myanmar - Analysis of the Common Fund Performance of the Self Reliance Groups (SRGs) and Community based organizations (CBOs) - 2013

Project Description:

For UNDP development interventions in Myanmar the principal instruments for community engagement and for improving livelihoods are the Self Reliance Groups (SRGs) and Community based organizations (CBOs).

The Internal Assessment Mission (IAM) 2012 recommended a review of the repayment rate by a qualified expert in microfinance so as not to cast doubt on the reported results, but to ensure that the formula is robust and correctly capturing the full performance of the revolving funds. It was in this regard the UNDP through ICDP and CDRT required solid, quantifiable evidence as to the performance of the SRG and CBO common fund over time, including a review of the calculation of the repayment rate and tracking method.

World University Service of Canada (WUSC) - Needs Assessment for the Skills Training Project for the Private Labour Market - 2012

Project Description:

The Needs Assessment was undertaken to assist WUSC and eight local universities/colleges to identify the required skills that students should be equipped with before entering the labor markets, which ultimately helped to improve the current curriculum to meet the local market’s needs. Specifically, MKE worked with the eight institutions to gather updated information about the labor market’s demands, developed a standard questionnaire, conducted training for the institutions on survey implementation and data entry, as well as specified key trends and made relevant recommendations from the findings.