Southeast Asia Information Port News (www.dnyxxg.com) – On December 4th, the Rural Development Department of the Ministry of Cooperatives and Rural Development successfully held a seminar on "Achieving Rural Transformation Through ASEAN Smart Villages" at the Eyalathi Sule Hotel banquet hall in Yangon.
At the event, Union Minister U Hla Moe stated that Myanmar's rural transformation efforts are progressing steadily in strict accordance with the "Myanmar Comprehensive Sustainable Development Plan." The Ministry has focused on the 69% rural population, providing comprehensive services related to rural transformation. In implementing the regional rural development policy, the department is prioritizing six core areas: 1) improving rural infrastructure through smart village projects; 2) providing farmers with agricultural chemicals support and financial assistance; 3) conducting vocational skills training to improve the quality and efficiency of the rural economy; 4) strengthening grassroots organization and agricultural technology promotion; 5) improving the rural social security system; and 6) promoting rural ecological environmental protection. He also called on all parties to actively participate in exchanges, sharing practical experiences, best practices, potential opportunities, and feasible implementation measures for rural development.
During the seminar, a pre-recorded video speech by ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General U San Lwin and a documentary on the Ministry of Rural Development's demonstration village projects were shown. Following this, Mr. Shihab Uddin Ahamad, Country Director of ActionAid, delivered a keynote speech entitled "Rethinking Rural Development in ASEAN During Transition." During the four panel discussions, representatives from ASEAN countries engaged in in-depth coordination and exchange on core issues, building consensus on development.
It is understood that this seminar will continue until December 5th. Participants will then visit the Yemun Demonstration Village, the Fruit and Vegetable Research and Development Center, and the Myanmar Handicraft Center to gain a deeper understanding of the practical achievements of rural transformation and the development of distinctive industries in Myanmar.
