The Inauguration Ceremony of the 5th Cycle of the Border Area Development Programme Cooperated between Progress of Border Areas and National Races Department, Ministry of Border Affairs and the Republic of India was held in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday.
It was attended by Union Minister for Border Affairs Lt- Gen Tun Tun Naung, Deputy Minister Maj-Gen Phyo Thant, the permanent secretary, relevant officials, Indian Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Abhay Thakur and representatives.
The Union minister first delivered the speech, and the Indian ambassador explained the completed projects. The director-general of the Progress of Border Areas and National Races Department clarified the completed work plans and five-year project. The Union minister handed over the project-related documents and photos to the ambassador and exchanged gifts.
The ministry and the Indian government made an MoU on infrastructure development and socioeconomic projects in Chin State and Naga Self-Administered Zone along the India-Myanmar border area on 28 May 2012.
The projects implemented in Chin State and Naga Self-Administered Zone such as the construction of roads and bridges, road upgrading, energy, education and health issues were conducted spending US$5 million per time, totalling $25 million for five times. Currently, 38 per cent of the fifth project was completed, and the ministry and Indian government arranged to sign an MoU on cooperation in development projects in Chin State, Sagaing Region and Naga Self-Administered Zone providing US$25 million for five years at US$5 million per year as second phase. — MNA/KTZH
