Government emphasizes rural development
UNION Minister for Cooperatives and
Rural Development U Hla Moe yesterday urged all stakeholders to make every effort
to implement sustainable rural development activities in line with the theme of
this year’s World Rural Development Day: “Harnessing Rural Strength to
Transform Our World”.
The Union minister delivered a speech
at a ceremony marking World Rural Development Day at the Grand Amara Hotel in
Nay Pyi Taw. He stated that of the 8.2 billion people in the world today, 43
per cent live in rural areas. In Myanmar, according to the 2024 Population and
Housing Census, 69 per cent of the country’s 51.3 million people reside in
rural areas. Therefore, the national government is prioritizing rural
development. Although many previously underdeveloped rural areas have seen
significant progress, some villages still face substantial development needs.
He highlighted the implementation of
the Rainbow Project, which focuses on developing the cooperative sector,
improving livelihoods and micro and small-sized industries through
income-generating projects, constructing rural and industrial roads and
bridges, and providing safe drinking water and electricity. He also emphasized
the ministry’s annual expansion and implementation of community-based
comprehensive development projects through the establishment of the Emerald
Green Rural Economic Development Fund, promotion of rural economic development
via vocational schools, creation of modern model villages, and various
village development initiatives.
Next, a congratulatory video message
from the Director-General of the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for
Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP), along with a video clip showcasing rural
development efforts, was shown.
Afterwards, Permanent Secretary of the
Ministry of Cooperatives and Rural Development U Khant Zaw, spoke on the
topic “Policy Priorities and Public Participation for Sustainable Rural
Development,” while Mr Shihab Uddin Ahamad, an advisor from Water Aid, presented
on “Unlocking the Potential of Regional Cooperation for Rural Transformation in
Myanmar: A Pathway to Sustainable Development”.
Then, the Union minister and officials
presented performance awards to the heads of the Rural Development Departments
of Shan State (South), Ayeyawady Region, and the Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory
for their implementation of rural development projects during the 2024-2025
financial year.
They all toured photo galleries on
rural development presented by the Ministry of Cooperatives and Rural
Development, Ministry of Transport and Communications, Ministry of Border
Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation, Ministry of
Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, Ministry of Electric Power,
Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Health. — MNA/TH
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