For economic development, in addition to following government guidance and instructions, local communities must take proactive measures to boost the production of agricultural, livestock, and other regional products in ways best suited to their areas.
Acting President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and State Security and Peace Commission Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing met departmental officials and town elders at the City Hall in Kengtung, Shan State (East), yesterday.
The Senior General first heard reports submitted by the Shan State chief minister regarding the agricultural and livestock breeding activities, crop target per acre, edible oil crop plantation, educating programmes for farmers, supply of seedling and fertilizer, plantation of coffee, tea leaves and rubber, double crop plantation, production and distribution of animal feed, loan disbursement using State Economic Promotion Fund, supervision on illegal trade, measures for development of regional transport, power generation from hydropower plants, reopening of schools for students, arrangements to promote education, health and sports sectors, successful holding of election Phase I and Phase II and preparations for Phase III.
The town elders also presented their willingness to upgrade the Kengtung-Tachilek Road, Kengtung-Taunggyi Road into Union Highway Road, holding a flower festival at the Loimwe hill resort, a plantation of about 14,000 cherry plants under the guidance of the Head of State and other regional development programmes that needed to be carried out by the government.
Similarly, the Union ministers and deputy ministers coordinated the discussions, clarifying that certain sections of the Kengtung-Taunggyi and Kengtung-Tachilek roads had been damaged by natural disasters and were currently undergoing repairs, that road upgrading projects were being implemented annually according to the budget year, and that road standards were being improved based on traffic volume. Regarding teacher shortages, the government is producing and deploying teachers to regions and states.
They also highlighted support for agricultural and livestock development, the capital loans for MSME development, the export of regional MSME products, the holding of MSME exhibitions and fairs at Union and regional levels, training programmes to ensure quality of MSME production, and the emphasis on developing skilled human resources in agriculture, livestock and industrial sectors, including the establishment of Polytechnic Universities.
After hearing the reports and discussion, the Senior General expressed gratitude to all ethnic nationalities for the successful conduct of Phases I and II of the 2025 multiparty democratic general election in eastern Shan State.
He noted that measures had been taken to ensure free voting and explained that, according to the electoral fraud in the 2020 general election, the State duties had been served in accordance with the law, and it should strengthen the multiparty democratic path. Preparations were therefore made to ensure that the current election would be free, fair and dignified.
He further stated that electoral fraud is a serious and disgusting issue in a democracy, and so the current election was held with firm determination to uphold electoral integrity.
He continued that a government is responsible for the state’s stability, peace and development. He explained that when the government assumed responsibilities, it faced numerous challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, staff shortages in health and education sectors, political unrest, armed violence, and natural disasters such as floods, storms and earthquakes. Despite these challenges, progress was achieved through the dedication of civil servants and the cooperation of citizens who love peace.
Regarding economic development, he noted that despite economic sanctions imposed by certain countries and organizations, the government prioritized domestic agriculture and livestock-based production, resulting in gradual economic improvement and a shift in the trade balance from deficit to surplus.
The GDP of the country is lower than that of other regional countries, and that shows that all should make more efforts practically. The measures for domestic production can ensure an increase in GDP. During the period in which the government has assumed responsibilities, efforts have also been made to repay outstanding foreign loans. Without domestic production, the future of the country would be a matter of concern; therefore, the government is actively promoting and supporting production-based industries, particularly agriculture and livestock, to ensure their development. If all want growth in the country’s economy, it is essential to genuinely implement these measures. By producing sufficient food, beverages, and consumer goods domestically to meet internal demand, reliance on foreign expenditure will be significantly reduced, and the economy will improve. Similarly, the annual importation of oil to meet domestic needs is also a burden on the country. Since oil crops can be successfully cultivated and produced domestically, it should make an effort to ensure sufficient production to meet the local demand.
He stated that eastern Shan State has a population of about one million, and underscored the need to ensure regional food security, warning that imbalances between supply and demand could lead to rising commodity prices. Officials were urged to continuously plan for socioeconomic development, ensure affordable food access for residents, and promote local production.
In doing so, the educated human resources are essential. It can be seen that the grade progression in the eastern Shan State becomes lower, and it must try hard to increase the school enrollment rate and grade progression rate.
Only when basic education is in place can vocational and technical skills be effectively taught. Without such skills, it will be difficult to achieve economic development. As the country mainly operates agriculture and livestock, the government places special emphasis on cultivating knowledgeable and skilled professionals in these areas.
Many illegal narcotics production sites have been discovered in Mongyai and Hsipaw. These operations were generating income through unlawful means, and the cultivation of narcotics, which negatively impacts entire communities, had been allowed to continue due to a lack of education and awareness. The language barriers have caused significant weaknesses in education in ethnic regions, and so preparations are being made to nurture qualified teachers to meet the needs of teachers.
For economic development, in addition to guidance and instructions provided by the government, it is necessary for local communities to take action to increase the production of agricultural, livestock, and other local products in ways suitable to their region. In Shan State (East), potential industries include rubber cultivation, coffee, tea cultivation, and local roof tile manufacturing. If rubber cultivation is successfully carried out and local and domestic demand for rubber-based products can be met, it will greatly contribute to regional development. Similarly, coffee and tea cultivation can also be successfully expanded. Existing local roof tiles can be produced to higher standards through cooperation with the Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Cooperatives and Rural Development.
As agricultural and livestock production increase in the region, industries based on these products will also develop. This will also create more employment opportunities and significantly improve the socioeconomic lives of the local population. Production activities should not be undertaken individually but collectively, following a cooperative system. When working together as a team on similar enterprises, the government will provide necessary financial and capital support.
He also pledged that the government will continue implementing its commitments made politically, and the education of the country must be encouraged regardless of the government.
The Senior General cordially greeted departmental officials, town elders and locals. The Senior General and the party observed the booths of MSME products and provided proper instructions. – MNA/ KTZH
