Citizens who wish to see the country continue on its democratic path are urged to take part in the elections and exercise their right to vote.
Acting President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and State Security and Peace Commission Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing yesterday afternoon said so at the meeting to discuss regional development activities with township-level departmental officials and town elders in Thaboung, Ayeyawady Region.
Speaking on the occasion, the Senior General underlined that when casting votes, it is important for citizens to choose candidates who can emphasize the interests of their region and the nation, uphold Our Three Main National Causes, work in partnership with a stable Tatmadaw, and contribute to the well-being of the country.
During the first phase of the election, international observation teams visited to monitor and study the process and provided positive evaluations.
He underscored that citizens who wish to see the country continue on the democratic path should participate in the elections and cast their votes.
Moreover, the Senior General said that, as about 80 per cent of the population lives in rural areas and approximately 20 per cent in urban areas, there is a greater need to promote rural-based economic development.
He gave guidance that cultivation of high-quality Pawsan rice varieties in suitable areas helps increase the incomes of individual farmers and contributes to improving the circulation of money within the region.
He noted that cultivation of sesame, groundnut, sunflower and soyabean would improve local oil security and significantly contribute to national oil self-sufficiency.
The Senior General emphasized that in Thabaung Township, where bamboo is abundant, efforts should be made to develop a bamboo-based business by producing higher-value bamboo products.
The economy of the nation is based on agriculture and livestock activities, so industrial, agricultural, and livestock basic education high schools are being opened in districts to turn out human resources, he added.
Chief Minister of Ayeyawady Region U Tin Maung Win reported to the Senior General on the data about the township, agriculture and livestock activities, local food security, test-cultivation of Robesta coffee species, prouction of quality seeds, requirements of drum seeders, disbursement of loans from the State Economic Development Fund to farmers to have agricultural inputs, establishment of forests to green the environment, efforts to supply efficient electricity, development undertakings for MSME businesses, and promotion of education, health and sports sectors.
Town elders requested the Senior General to provide better transport facilities for Thaboung Township and construct a vehicle terminal in the town.
Union Ministers U Min Naung and Dr Charlie Than discussed opportunities for farmers to seek assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation for promotion of agriculture and livestock sectors in the township, successful cultivation of Robesta coffee at the horticultural farms, distribution of quality strains of crops at fair prices, plans to disburse loans from the State Economic Development Fund to those wishing to expand livestock and fish production, needs to use farmlands under the prescribed laws and rules, and fulfilment of capitals, technoogy and inputs for development of MSME businesses.
The Senior General cordially greeted the departmental officials, town elders and residents who attended the meeting.
Also, present at the meeting were Commission Secretary General Ye Win Oo, Union ministers, senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, the commander of the South-West Command, and deputy ministers. — MNA/TTA
