11 February 2025
Chairman of State Admini-stration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing met region/state chief ministers who attended the opening ceremony of MSME products fair and competition at Bayintnaung Villa here this morning, and pre-sented financial aid for the persons who left their homes due to terrorism from the natural disaster management fund.
Present were SAC Vice Chairman Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Soe Win, SAC Secretary General Aung Lin Dway, SAC Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo, SAC members, union ministers, senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, and officials.
Extension of endeavours for peace and stability and trade
In his keynote address, the Senior General said SAC has extended its duties for another six months due to the country’s situation. Peace and stability must be prioritized during the six-month period, and region/state chief ministers will have to strive for peace and stability and progress of socio-economic life at the areas they are responsible for.
The government increased the monthly salaries and allowances of civil servants for their convenience. The rise of commodity prices is caused by foreign exchange and internal difficulties in relation with foreign currency and high production cost. The State earns FE from both trade and non-trade activities. During the terms of the two democracy governments, trade deficit was recor-ded at over Ks-24 billion, and the deficit was reduced by foreign loans, aids and non-trade. But the government in office does not receive foreign loans. Hence, it is trying to boost production. Besides, it is also earning FE from CMP businesses. Other countries are receiving FE from migrant workers. But Myanmar is not receiving as much as it should from this source. Hence, the government should make efforts to increase earnings from migrant workers and trade.
Boost production of farming business
A country’s development is measured by GDP. Myanmar’s GDP is low when compared with other ASEAN countries. There are three sectors – agricultural sector, industry sector and services sector – for GDP growth. But even in the agricultural sector, the main business of Myanmar, its production capacity is lower than others. Support for agricultural production is required for GDP growth. Further increase in agro-busi-ness will help lower commodity prices to a certain degree. All must strive for bearing fruits of prosperity, but it calls for hard work. Increase in agro-products will boost export, and the country’s FE income will rise. Rice, corn and coffee production must be increased as they can thrive well in the country and have foreign demand.
Fish and livestock breeding activities should be successfully carried out by using feed based on local raw materials. Instead of exporting corn as a raw material, it should be turned into quality goods, and the byproducts should be used as animal feed. This process can be also used for gram. Byproducts of rice – broken rice and barn — must be effectively used for breeding business. Agriculture and animal breeding have interrelations and they must be successfully carried out. A region/state-wise census on farming business must enu-merated to receive the most precise basic data and figures. Farming projects must be adopted based on the said data and figures and local demand. Underground reservoirs should be built at sandy creeks to ensure adequate water supply for agriculture and this will be much beneficial for agro-business. Hence, region/state-wise underground water supply projects must be laid down. All regions and states must strive to realize the targets and enhance multiple cropping.
Security, law enforcement and transportation safety
In terms of security, no country in the world can achieve one hundred percent security.Crimes and security breaches occur in every country. The public security system was initiated and implemented in 2023.Every citizen has a duty to uphold Our Three Main National Causes: the non-disintegration of the Union, the non-disintegration of national solidarity, and the perpetuation of sovereignty. To fulfill these responsibilities, the People’s Military Service Law is being enacted to provide military education and service for the defense of the state.Regarding security, the primary responsibility rests with the Myanmar Police Force, which is organized according to relevant regions.It is essential to have skilled and capable police officers who are trusted by the public. The Chief Ministers of the regions and states must provide the necessary support and encouragement to ensure the effective performance of their duties.
Regarding transportation safety, terrorist groups are exploiting lapses in the attention of security forces to carry out acts of violence on public communication routes.Therefore, special attention must be given to regional territorial control and transportation safety.A lack of transportation security could disrupt the flow of goods, food, and negatively impact social and economic life.Therefore, special attention must be given to transportation safety.
The development of MSME businesses
The opening ceremony of the Union-level MSME Product Exhibition and Competition took place yesterday, with the Chief Ministers from all regions and states in attendance.The event offers a unique and invaluable opportunity to view products from each region and state in one location, providing insight into their strengths, weaknesses, and regional activities.The exhibition will foster greater cooperation among MSMEs across different regions and states, enabling one region to meet the needs of another within the production chain. It will also provide an opportunity to identify strengths and weaknesses, while facilitating connections between MSMEs and both domestic and international investors to expand their markets globally.
To provide the necessary educated human resources for MSME businesses, polytech-nics, agricul-tural and technical schools are being established, and agricultural and technical universities will also be expanded.Compliance with the esta-blished regulations is also essential when allocating capital for MSME businesses by region and state.
The development of education and healthcare infrastructure
To support educational improvement initiatives, it is essential to utilize surplus funds within the specified fiscal period to align schools with their respective characteristics.Similarly, it is essential to construct the necessary buildings and fences for public hospitals.It is crucial to ensure that staff quarters are fully equipped to provide comfortable living conditions for security personnel and healthcare work-ers.In terms of budget allocation, priority should be given to activities that can deliver quick wins.
Preparations for holding the Free and Fair Multi-party Democracy General Election
Preparatory efforts are being undertaken to ensure the successful conduct ofthe Free and Fair Multiparty Democracy General Election.In this regard, the 2024 population and housing census was conducted to ensure the accuracy of voter lists. In the process, it was also revealed that there were individuals who had migrated for various reasons. Relevant administrative organizations need to consistently workto ensure the accuracy of records for migrated individuals.Regarding the election, it is necessary to obtain accurate population records.Regionand state chief ministers, along with officials, must conduct a thorough and comprehensive study of the laws related to the election.Political parties must also make the necessary preparations in advance.Elections for Pyithu Hluttaw,Amyotha Hluttaw, and State and Regional Hluttaws-must be conducted in accordance with the law.
Assistance funds for civilians temporarily displaced due to terrorist incidents
Under the Natural Disaster Management Law, losses suff-ered by civilians due to terrorist activities and armed conflicts are also classified under natural disaster definitions. Therefore, the State will provide assistance funds to civilians who have been temporarily displaced due to terrorist incidents. Each individual will receive Ks-20,000 per month from January 2025 to December 2025. These funds
will be allocated to the disaster management funds of the Nay Pyi Taw Council, region governments, and state governments. Efforts must be made to ensure that all temporarily displaced persons in the relevant areas are included in the assistance program, leaving no one behind. The process must be systematic and effective. Additionally, further verification and data collection will be conducted for those not currently included in the exist-ing lists, and their cases will be reviewed and submitted for additional support in a systematic manner.
Utilizing the summer school Break effectively
Regarding the summer school break, it is necessary to ensure that students make productive use of their holidays. Measures should be taken to encourage
them to review and study previously learned lessons, as well as to participate in basic training courses that will benefit them, such as English and computer skills. During the school break, plans are also being made to provide refresher training for educational staff to enhance their skills. It is emphasized that the education system aims to provide schooling for every child up to KG + 9. Upon receiving these instructions, regional and state chief ministers are expected to discuss and implement them with the responsible authorities.
Following this, the chief ministers of the regions and states explained the regional needs and the current status of ongoing activities.
Subsequently, during the general discussion, the Chairman of the Industrial Development Commission,General Mya Tun Oo, presented updates on the implementation of industrial sector development initiatives. The Chairman of the Electricity and Energy Development Commission, Admiral Tin Aung San, discussed the progress in the electricity and energy sector. Union Minister for Defence General Maung Maung Aye addressed matters related to the recruitment of civilian military personnel. The Chairman of the Agriculture and Livestock Development Commission, General Nyo Saw, reported on the implementation of agricultural and livestock sector development activities. Union Mini-ster for Planning and Finance U Win Shein elaborated on regional and state GDP growth, the disbursement of funds from the National Economic Development Fund, and the provision of assistance funds for temporarily displaced persons. Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Than Swe discussed international relations and cooperation matters. Union Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen Tun Tun Naung highlighted efforts to enhance the capabilities of the Myanmar Police Force. Union Minister for Agriculture, Livestock, and Irriga-tion U Min Naung presented updates on the development of the ag-riculture and livestock sectors. Joint Secretary of the Council General Ye Win Oo discussed security, rule of law, arms and ammunition control, drug suppression, the identification of unlicensed vehicles, and environmental conserva-tion and smoke-free initiatives.
Afterward, Vice-Senior General Soe Win emphasized the need for systematic implemen-tation of physical, health, and disciplinary inspections related to civilian recruitment and screening. He stressed that civilian military service recruit-ment must strictly adhere to the law, and forced conscription must not occur. Regarding MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises), he noted that solar energy systems could meet electricity needs and achieve break-even within three years. He urged region and state chief ministers to promote the use of solar sys-tems among MSMEs in their respective areas. He highlighted that MSMEs significantly contribute to na-tional development, which is why the Union-level MSME Product Exhibition and Com-petition is being held on a grand scale with ambitious goals. He mentioned that efforts are being made to connect businesses with foreign markets through economic attachés at Myanmar embassies and to link entre-preneurs with banks to address financial needs. He also stressed the importance of timely repor-ting to the State Administration Council on critical issues arising in border areas.
The Chairman of the State Administration Council, the Prime Minister emphasized boosting crude oil production, identifying non-agricultural and vacant lands for solar power projects, and advancing electricity and energy sector development through solar power plant con-struction in these areas.
Then, the Senior General provided subsidies for people who were temporarily displaced due to the terrorist incidents, which were received by the Chairman of the Nay Pyi Taw Council and the Chief Ministers of the regions and states.
Then, in his concluding remarks, the Senior General said that the smoke-free policy inclu-ded in the general discussions is also being implemented internationally, and that everyone needs to work together to clean up smoke and air. In addition to those arrested in the investi-gation of unlicensed vehicles, it is necessary to investigate and take action against the administrative and security officials involved in the case. It is also necessary to investigate and take action against unlicensed motorcycles. It is necessary to investigate and take action against the import and export of illegal goods, which can cause great harm to the country.
It is also necessary to effe-ctively investigate and take action against online fraud and online gambling. It is necessary for the Myanmar police and security forces to obtain information and take action. Regarding drugs, there are production, transportation, storage and sale, and they are transported across cities, so they must be systematically investigated and taken action. It is also necessary to investigate and take action against those who have committed crimes and fled from foreign countries by marrying local ethnic people in border areas and obtaining the citizenship. Therefore, relevant administrative officials need to systematically identify illegal marriages between foreigners and our citizens.
The Senior General empha-sized the need to establish more libraries and continuously promote reading while enhancing library services.
