As the strength of a nation lies within, efforts must be exerted for socio-economic progress by encouraging domestic production
NAY PYI TAW October 18
Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing met MSME entrepreneurs from Mon State at the state hall in Mawlamyine this morning to discuss regional economic progress.
Also present at the meeting together with the Senior General were SAC Joint Secretary Lt-Gen Ye Win Oo, Union ministers U Win Shein, Dr Kan Zaw, U Tin Htut Oo, U Hla Moe, Dr Charlie Than and U Aung Naing Oo, Mon State Chief Minister U Zaw Lin Tun, Chief of General Staff (Army, Navy and Air) General Maung Maung Aye, senior military officers from the Office of Commander-in-Chief, South-East Command commander and officials and state government members.
Functioning of MSMEs in the state and individual discussions of needs for greater progress The state chief minister reported on the running of MSMEs in Mon State, functioning of industrial zones and industries inside them and tasks to be continued.
Mon State Commerce and Industry Association Chairman U Win Htein, State Rice Millers Association Chairman U Khaing Oo, U Han Tun Zaw representing State Rubber Growers Association, State Fisheries Association Chairman U Myint Soe, Mawlamyine Zone Hoteliers Association Chairman U Chan Tun and others in attendance reported on necessary assistance for rubber industry development, replacement of fuel run with solar power in doing salt business, necessary State assistance for producing quality salt for export, the need for implementing river-water pumping projects for irrigation purposes, production of valueadded rubber products from Mon State and other regions for export, the need for loan capitals and disbursements for livestock breeding, measures being taken for regional tourism boosting, the need for availability of construction materials at fair prices, the need for low-interest loans for entrepreneurs in Mawlamyine Industrial Zone, the need for availability of raw materials for iron foundries at fair prices, the need for loan capitals for weaving businesses and the need for raw minerals for mineral production businesses.
Sector-wise discussions Union Ministers from respective ministries discussed work implementation of respective ministries, greater efforts for greater economic progress as Mon State has good prospects for industries and services,
necessary assistance to be rendered by respective ministries, occasional State disbursements of loans with low interest rates, coordinated measures for approval of loans in accord with the requirements, the need for businesspeople to settle their debts within the prescribed period as the State will be able to circulate and cover spending only if its debts are settled, providing of assistance after forming cooperative syndicates for thee rural people to improve their income and rural development, measures to fulfil the needs of farmers through contract farming system after forming cooperative associations for successful implementation of agricultural activities and measures for acquiring industrial technologies and export industry development.
Sound economic mechanism will facilitate political and defence powers Speaking on the occasion, the Senior General said a country requires sound economic mechanism as well as political and defence powers. If economic mechanism is sound, political and defence powers will be strong as well, thereby paving the way for the State to be powerful.
In the world there are some countries which are economically strong as they exercise multi-party democracy while some others are also economically powerful despite practicing other political systems.
Thanks to natural resources and cash reserves, some countries are able to promote their defence capabilities. Even economically strong countries may experience unrest and chaos due to their political problems, and public dissatisfaction towards governments could surface. Rising public needs may lead to public unrest. In our country also, economic decline led to commotions related to rice and paddy. The 1988 uprising also emerged due to economic crisis and different political ideologies. This is why sound economy is crucial for political stability.
Priority is given to domestic manufacturing based on agriculture and livestock breeding Having favorable circumstances, our country can achieve economic progress. As the strength of the country lies within the country, priority is given to agriculture and livestock breeding tasks. The government is striving for the economic growth of the country and as agriculture and livestock breeding are the main industries of the country, it is sure that businesses based on these sectors will achieve success.
Although commodity prices have increased due to COVID-19, there was no shortage of food in the country as it is a country of agriculture and livestock breeding.
Even in developed countries, MSMEs make up about 90 percent of the economy and as they play the most important role in domestic manufacturing, it is of great benefit for the country by promoting them. Manufacturing goods necessary for the country domestically can solve the high prices of commodities. Therefore, the development of MSMEs is being encouraged. MSMEs include manufacturing, trading, services and others and the government is promoting the manufacturing sector. The gap between the demand and supply and shortages of goods lead to high commodity prices. Exerting sufficient efforts for domestic production can balance the supply and demand and reduce the prices of commodities. Therefore, it is necessary to make goods needed in the country at reasonable prices. Manufacturing import substitute quality products at home and exporting them will strengthen the economy.
Agricultural and livestock breeding products and raw material resources must be exploited beneficially In manufacturing, local raw materials must be mainly used and it is beneficial when raw materials from local agriculture and livestock breeding farms and resources above and under the ground.
In Mon State, there are many agricultural activities like cultivation of paddy, plantations of other crops, oil crops and industrial crops like rubber cultivation.
It is necessary to manufacture products based on agriculture.
It is important to grow high quality and yield varieties in the country. Although various varieties of paddy are grown in the country, it is necessary to grow quality varieties and reduce the number of paddy varieties.
As the paddy yields in the Mon State are lower than the target, efforts should be made to boost the yields. When yields can be boosted, crops can be exported to other countries.
It is necessary to expand the production of agricultural products in Mawlamyine and to boost the yields of rubber. As there are cattle and livestock breeding farms in Mon State, leather can be produced in the state. Shoes can be producedfrom leather and distributed to markets throughout the entire country. It is beneficial for the country if tyres for motorcycles and vehicles can be produced and the government is ready to provide assistance.
Although there was a sea port in Mawlamyine, it cannot be used due to various reasons.
Measures are being taken to build a sea port in Mawlamyine.
Similarly, the government is trying to build an international airport in Mawlamyine. It is an effort to attract tourist arrivals to Mawlamyine and facilitate the flow of goods in the future.
Mon State is abundant in wood and bamboo. As the country needs papers, she has to import it. Pulp can be produced and bamboo-based industries can be carried out by growing treesand bamboo. The government is ready to issue permits to grow trees and bamboo on virgin land in accordance with rules and regulations. Similarly, agricultural farms must be preserved and fruit plantations should apply modern techniques instead of traditional techniques to cultivate quality varieties.
If the crops meet quality and are better packaged, they will attract more people, thus demand for them will grow and manufacturing businesses can be established from crops.
Reduction of fuel consumption and electricity security Raw materials, fuel and electricity is required in carrying out commodity production enterprises. Despite implementing hydrological power projects, the projects were suspended due to various reasons. So, there has been the electricity demand and on the other hand, there was a rise in prices of fuel and gas. Currently, tasks are being taken to generate solar power. In Mon State, generating solar power could be carried out for a period. If factories use solar power, costs will be cheap. Therefore, it is to make efforts to be able to generate solar power. In some countries, electric vehicles are used in public transport to save fuel oil. We are making efforts to apply a public transport system with the use of electricity in the country. As fuel oil for daily consumption of vehicles and motorcycles is imported, there has been expenditure of foreign exchange. Therefore, efforts are being made with the aim of implementing an electric public transport system to save fuel oil. Doing so is helpful to ensuring lesser expenditure for fuel oil and will be of much benefit to the State.
Encouragement for domestic commodity production industry As there was no encouragement for domestic commodity production in the past but consumption of imports, requirements have arisen domestically. We are taking measures to reduce the volume of imports with the use of basic goods and foodstuff produced locally. Doing so is because of foreign exchange deficit over imports. Similarly, encouragement is being given to ensuring progress in production of adequate foodstuff and personal goods. Due to the control over imports, domestic industries have become strong and there have been plenty of job opportunities as well. Despite the difficulties in manufacturing cement due to higher overhead costs, lack of raw materials, not enough fuel and energy, and requirement of technology in the past, now we have taken measures to resume operation of businesses. Although the economy has been slow in our country since about 2018/ 2019, there has been a stable recovery in the nation’s economy.
Benefits must be made to region and nation through developing good human Resources It is necessary to have good human resources to operate enterprises. We are making efforts to ensure improvement of qualification in education. Mon State is a region encouraging education and the first in matriculation exam came out in this state. I like to express my congratulations on this. Technical, agricultural and livestock farming high schools will be opened in districts for those who have passed the KG+9 Grade. After the schools, there will be chances to join institutes and universities.
Through such education, good human resources will come out in respective fields. The State is encouraging education and on the other hand, the parents need to encourage their children’s education.
The State-sponsored graduates need to serve the country back. It is necessary for them to discharge duties for the country as well as the people.
Therefore, encouragement is given by us to education and all the schools have been reopened. Entrepreneurs are to conduct academic-wise courses concerned to promote human resources.
Tourism industry sector Regarding the tourism industry, it is seen that the tourism industry is encouraged internationally.
Mon State is a pleasant, beautiful region. It is necessary for all to cooperate in ensuring and conserving smooth flow of drainage system, pleasant and beautiful city and clean and beautiful environment.
Enforcement is required to follow vehicles and traffic rules.
Only if a pleasant, beautiful environment is created, will travellers be attracted. Good, clean local food will be attractive to travellers.
Discipline brings progress Some EAOs are partaking in illegal trade which causes losses for the State. The country’s border trade statistics shows a nearly 50 percent gap when compared with statistics of neighbouring countries. It is due to the existence of illegal trade. The government is doing all it can to curb illegal trade. Officials should prevent the illegal trade of unlicensed vehicles. The gates to search illegal goods, drugs and arms should solve the problem of travel delays. The nation cannot achieve progress through any undisciplined act. Hence, public involvement is required in solving the problem.
The Senior General cordially greeted members of MSMEs.
He then visited the exhibition with keen interest and asked for more information. Entrepreneurs presented reports on the products.