Yangon, Myanmar, November 18, 2025 — The Mekong Institute (MI) joined partners and stakeholders in celebrating the 13th Anniversary of the Myanmar Consumers Union (MCU), reaffirming a shared commitment to advancing consumer rights and protection in Myanmar. The hybrid celebration was held under the theme “Choose to Move, Not to Lose – Empowering Consumer Action for a Fairer, Stronger Myanmar.”
The event gathered representatives from government agencies, civil society organizations, development partners, and regional networks to reflect on progress made and to strengthen collective action in support of consumer protection, particularly amid Myanmar’s ongoing economic and social challenges.
Representing MI, Ms. Jutamas Thongcharoen, Program Manager of the Agricultural Development and Commercialization (ADC) Department, delivered honorary remarks recognizing MCU’s 13-year journey of perseverance, resilience, and impact.
“MCU’s progress is a testament to the strength of its people and partners who continue to move forward despite uncertainty,” she said, commending the organization’s steadfast dedication to fairness, transparency, and consumer empowerment.
Strengthening Consumer Protection Though Regional Cooperation
Since 2017, nearly 10 MCU representatives have participated in MI’s regional capacity-building programs under the PROSAFE Initiative. These include specialized training on Communicating Food Safety, Raising Public Awareness for Safe Food Consumption, Mainstreaming Food Safety Risk Analysis, and Food Safety Risk Communication. Through these initiatives, MCU has strengthened its advocacy, communication, and technical capacities, enhancing its ability to promote safe, transparent, and equitable market systems that protect consumers and support responsible businesses in Myanmar.
Looking Ahead: New Opportunities for Collaboration
In her remarks, Ms. Jutamas also reaffirmed MI’s long-term commitment to supporting Myanmar’s consumer movement. This forthcoming program is expected to create new opportunities for collaboration with MCU and other partners to strengthen food safety, market accountability, and consumer protection across the Mekong region.
“When consumers are informed and empowered, small businesses thrive, trade becomes fairer, and societies grow stronger,” Ms. Jutamas noted. “Mekong Institute stands in solidarity with MCU and all partners working to build a consumer-centric, fair, and sustainable economy for the people of Myanmar.”
Voices from the Consumer Movement
The event also featured reflections from Mr. U Maung Maung, Founder and Principal of MCU, who expressed deep appreciation to partners and advocates who have supported the consumer movement since its founding.
“Consumer justice, like safety, has no compromise,” he emphasized, underscoring the importance of integrity, vigilance, and public trust in advancing consumer rights.
Regional partners, including ASEAN Consumers Alliance, ASEAN-GIZ, and UN-Habitat Myanmar shared insights on strengthening collaboration for consumer protection and advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through inclusive and accountable market systems.
About the Myanmar Consumers Union (MCU)
Founded in 2012, the Myanmar Consumers Union (MCU) is a non-profit, non-political organization dedicated to promoting consumer rights, raising public awareness, and encouraging responsible business practices in Myanmar.
