1 September 2024
Chairman of State Administra[1]tion Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing met region/state chief ministers, members of Yangon Region cabinet, region level departmental officials at Mingala Hall of Yangon Region government office this morning and discussed regional development.
Also present were SAC Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo, SAC members General Maung Maung Aye and General Nyo Saw, Union Minister for Construction U Myo Thant, Yangon Region Chief Minister U Soe Thein, Kayin State Chief Minister U Saw Myint Oo, Taninthayi Region Chief Minister U Myat Ko, Bago Region Chief Minister U Myo Swe Win, Mon State Chief Minister U Aung Kyi Thein, Ayeyawady Region Chief Minister U Tin Maung Win, senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, the Yangon Command commander, deputy ministers.
Regional facts and development activities presented
Region/state chief ministers reported on region/statewise points, ongoing farming activities, production capacity, MSME development, industrial zone-wise production development, undertakings for health,education and tourism development, successful laun ching of population and housing census, and area-wise peace and development programs.
Clarifications by officials
As regards the clarifications, Union Minister U Myo Thant and deputy ministers for agriculture, livestock and irrigation explained plans to repair roads and bridges damaged during the monsoon season, availability of quality seeds for agriculture, necessary land preparations and systematic methods to use pesticides, effective use of water dissemination of agricultural knowledge, provision of paddy seeds for inundated fields, efforts to develop livestock farms, extension of layer, broiler and milk cow breeding, availability of human resources for farming.
Additional clarifications
In giving additional clarifications, the Senior General said road areas and territories have already been designated in accord with the roads law. Renewal of grants for the land areas that are within the road areas must be limited. Systematic drainage systems must be installed by digging drains on both sides of roads, so that they will have required features. Good drainage system will prevent floods.
Virgin and fallow land recla[1]mation projects must be imple[1]mented within the set time. All the occupied agricultural land must be examined in accord with the law. Permission to use farmland for other purposes needs government approval although green light can be given at region/state level. Use of agricultural land for other purposes may lead to reducing the farmland areas and eventually harm agroproduction. Region/state-wise checks must be conducted on agricultural land. Agricultural land must be systematically used. Re-verification of laws in connection with virgin and fallow land is in progress.
Regarding libraries, according to the 2019 interim census in our country, the average literacy rate is around 92 per[1]cent. However, most people have only attained primary education, and many are past the age of schooling. Therefore, it is essential to create opportunities for them to gain knowledge and skills within their communities. For this reason, libraries are being established at the township, village, and neighbourhood levels. Schools are also encouraged to foster good reading habits among students. Knowledge and skills will only develop through reading, writing, and discussion. To elevate the education level in our country, we are actively making efforts, and we hope that similar efforts will be made across all states and regions to increase the number of educated people.
Every citizen has a responsibility for the esponsibility country’s economic prosperity
The Senior General delivered a speech, stating that meeting with the Chief Ministers of regions and states in the lower part of Myanmar, as well as officials from the Yangon Region Government, is an opportunity to address the necessities for the country’s economic development. He emphasized that every country in the world desires economic growth and development. A strong economy is the foundation for political stability and peace, enabling citizens to live and work with peace of mind and in good health. Therefore, the economy and politics are mutually dependent, and every citizen has a responsibility for the nation’s economic development.
From the time of gaining independence to the present day, our country has experienced various political systems. Along with these changes in political systems, there have also been changes in economic systems. While there have been some advancements in the economy, there have also been many instances where the expected level of success was not achieved. It is evident that economic weaknesses have led to political issues, such as economic decline and limited job opportunities. We must learn from the economic strengths and weaknesses that have emerged over the years and continue to work towards the economic development of our nation.
Ensuring food security and providing adequate living conditions for every individual
Since our country primarily engages in an economy based on agriculture, it is essential to develop industries that are fundamentally linked to agricultural activities. Similarly, efforts must also be made to promote other production industries. Every individual requires food, clothing, and shelter, and for everyone to live comfortably, a stable economy is necessary. As our country is a food-producing nation, there should be no difficulties regarding food security. Additionally, our national goals include ensuring food security, which means that all regions and states must work to maintain adequate local rice supply and food security.
Regarding clothing, it is necessary for everyone to use garments. As our country is a cotton-growing nation, we need to ensure sufficient domestic cultivation and production of cotton. We are currently working to support the development of cotton cultivation. It is also necessary to strive to produce high-quality textiles, progressing from cotton to yarn, fabric, and various textiles. In the main cotton-growing regions, efforts should be made to enhance cotton production, and the industries based on cotton should be supported as well.
Food is the most important thing in livelihood. At the present time, we see that the commodities prices are more than the prices they should be. We need to increase the production of products to earn foreign currency and be able to export them abroad. At the present time, there is a need for foreign currencies due to the increase in communication with foreign countries in various ways. Regarding the use of foreign currency, we are establishing and maintaining policies. We are also repaying the foreign loans borrowed from abroad by the previous governments. In order to obtain foreign income, we need to be able to develop and produce products that are sold abroad. Exporting these products to foreign countries will increase foreign exchange. By improving the manufacturing process, business operators will also improve their economy.
For the development of the country’s economy, as civil servants, they must participate as long as they are capable of playing their roles. Regarding state employees, we are providing increased allowances. Officials need to take action to ensure that the state receives the rightful taxes.
Education and health
In response to the current global trends in education and IT, it is essential for everyone to attain at least a secondary level education. To make the most of a country’s resources, we need a well-educated workforce. As such, we are implementing a compulsory education system up to KG + 9. Measures are being taken to hire sufficient teachers and upgrade schools to meet high standards. Basic education schools will be established according to regional and state needs to align with the required school standards. Additionally, teacher training programs must equip educators to teach effectively. When schools that were temporarily closed reopen, extra time will be dedicated to ensuring students achieve true literacy.
It is essential for each sector to fulfill its responsibilities and co-ntribute to the nation’s tribute progress
We will make the next election to be a free and fair election, and we will conduct a census of population and household contents starting from October 1 to provide assistance for the election. The census is a very beneficial activity for the country, and based on the information obtained, it will be possible to manage a lot for the benefit of the country. Therefore, the officials from the regions and states need to work together to ensure the success of the population and household census. Regarding politics, civil servants must be free from party politics and must only carry out national affairs for the betterment of the country. As civil servants, they must fulfill their duties and work for the benefit of the region according to their assigned areas. He wants to order them to bring about the benefit of the country as long as they are able, said the Senior General.
After that, it was reported that the Senior General warmly greeted the attendees.
