Senior General Min Aung Hlaing underscored that illegal trade not only prolongs the existence of armed groups in the border regions but also causes losses to the State, as revenue and taxes that should be collected are not received.
Acting President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said so at the meeting with departmental officials and town elders at the Mon State Hall in Mawlamyine yesterday morning and discussed regional development measures.
Speaking on the occasion, the Senior General said that efforts are being made with priority to prevent online scams and online gambling in border areas. Infrastructure used as operational bases for these activities is being dismantled and cleared, and further decisive action will continue to completely eliminate them.
He continued that due to declining peace and stability in the border areas, some border gates have had to be closed. It has been found that some service personnel as well as certain ethnic armed organizations that have signed peace agreements with the government, have been involved in illegal trade for their own benefit, without maintaining loyalty to the State.
He underscored that such illegal trade not only prolongs the existence of armed groups in the border regions but also causes losses to the State, as revenue and taxes that should be collected are not received.
With regard to development activities, the Senior General highlighted that upgrades of the pedestrians along the strand road in Mawlamyine are being carried out to allow the public to freely relax and enjoy recreational activities, including the construction of spaces for physical exercise. Efforts are also underway to expand Mawlamyine Airport, accommodating domestic airlines and enabling additional runway extensions. Similarly, railway lines are being upgraded to enhance the rail transport sector.
He stressed that although the government has been constructing basic infrastructure, reconstruction efforts are ongoing to repair damage caused by certain destructionists. As a result, the progress of further national development projects has been delayed.
He unveiled that plans are underway to disburse more loans from the State economic promotion fund to agriculture, livestock and production activities.The Senior General remarked that it is necessary to systematically plan production by calculating the local demand and supply needs. This approach will enable surplus products to be exported to other regions and foreign countries, thereby helping to increase regional income.
He underlined that as the country has been unable to achieve full per-acre yields for targeted crops, including paddy cultivation, an annual loss of around US$8 billion occurs. Therefore, efforts should be made to increase per-acre productivity.
He spotted that production of frozen meat and fish leads to exportation abroad in order to contribute much to economic development of the State.
In the education sector, the Senior General noted that districts of Mon State have established industrial, agricultural and livestock plus basic education high schools to turn out human resources, essential for production industry of the region.
He added that efforts are being made to establish Polytechnic schools where students who have taken matriculation examination but were unsuccessful, as well as those who only completed basic or middle education, can receive training. This will allow them to gain employment opportunities and contribute in their respective fields to the nation’s development.
He revealed that universities, colleges and basic education schools are fulfilled with sports facilities for students to take sports training at full capacity.
The Senior General underscored that the improvement of each individual’s socioeconomic life, along with the development of each region, can also strengthen the national economy. Therefore, Mon State has to emphasize to promote the development and progress of its own regions.
Mon State Chief Minister U Aung Kyi Thein reported on development undertakings of the state, encouragement to MSME businesses, education matters, and preparations to successfully hold the multiparty democratic general election.
Town elders and businesspersons submitted reports on supply of electricity at fair prices, extension of more flights for Mon State to attract travellers, and needs of quality seeds for rubber cultivation. The Mon State Chief Minister responded to their reports.
Union ministers and deputy ministers discussed loan disbursements for MSME businesses, cultivation of Robusta coffee and rubber, expanded cultivation of mangrove forests, operations of bamboo-based industries, and enhancement of healthcare services for the people.
Also, present at the meeting were Commission Secretary and Joint Executive Chief General Ye Win Oo, Union ministers, senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, the commander of South-East Command and deputy ministers.
The Senior General viewed round display of MSME products from Mon State and gave necessary guidance to officials.
He inspected the Yamanya Stadium of the Department of Sports and Physical Education in Mon State and gave guidance that sports fields should be developed to a high standard, enabling athletes to compete at proper levels. Spectators should also be able to watch and support the events in a manner consistent with the state-level standards.
The Senior General also visited the Mawlamyine Education Degree College in a motorcade.
MNA/TTA
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