If efforts can be made for production of steelwares to be used in construction projects in States and Regions, import of steelwares can be cut: Senior General

 

AS the country needs a lot of steelwares for construction projects, businesspersons are allowed under the disciplines for producing steelwares, said Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing in inspecting No 1 Steel Mill (Myingyan) under the Ministry of Industry in Myingyan Township of Mandalay Region yesterday morning.

Union Ministers reported on the implementation of steel mill projects, import of iron and steelwares and production of such products at home, use of iron and steelwares yearly, implementation of No 1 Steel Mill (Myingyan) and No 2 Steel Mill (Pinpet) projects, demanding of budget for the 2022-2023 financial year and future plans, the substitution of concrete sleepers along the Myingyan-Thazi railway section, Thazi-Shwenyaung section, Shwenyaung-Taunggyi section and Taunggyi-Seikkhaung section, improvement of the railways, production of iron ore, coal, limestone and dolomite in Myanmar, the matter related to 230-kVA Myingyan Sub-Power Station, and Chairman of Myanmar Economic Corporation LtGen Nyo Saw on functionings of steel mills of MEC.

In his response, the Senior General stressed that the country primarily requires deformed iron bars. As the country demands a large volume of steel, the steel production projects must be implemented for completion as scheduled. During the construction project, 99.34 per cent and 95.02 per cent of machinery for Steel Mill (Myingyan) had arrived. But, the Hluttaw decided to stop the project under voting in 2017. So, the country lost a lot of funds. Now, the loan is being paid back. As the machinery and mill equipment which had already arrived were kept outside, many parts were damaged. Hence, the Ministry needs to maintain and reoperate No 1 Steel Mill as soon as possible. Supervision must be made for the timely completion of the project in respective parts. As the country needs a lot of steelwares for construction projects, businesspersons are allowed under the disciplines for producing steelwares.

The Senior General noted that substitution of concrete sleepers along the railways and upgrading tasks must systematically be undertaken under the rules. Priority must be given to the improvement of railways on which passenger trains are running. Repairing and construction of railways must systematically be calculated under supervision for minimizing the costs.

Myanmar possesses iron oar, coal and limestones to be used in the production of steel. If efforts can be made for the production of steelwares to be used in construction projects in States and Regions, the import of steelwares can be cut. Consequently, the regional industries will be booming. As steel and steelwares worth US$995 million was imported in the 2020-2021 financial year, it is necessary to increase the production of steel as well as reduce importation.

More cement plants must be established in regions and states. In so doing, it is necessary to consider the work process under the strategy for the State. The Senior General underscored that Myingyan Steel Mill will be a major drive for the development of iron and steelwares in Myanmar and the improvement of Myanmar industries.

Later, the Senior General inspected the foundry and melt shop 2 of the mill and gave instructions on reports of assistant mill manager U Soe Min Tun and officials.

 

MNA

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