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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