The Ministry of Health and Sports, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Ministry of Defence held press briefings on their 4th-year performances in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday.

Ministry of Health and Sports holds press conference on their fourth-year performances in Nay Pyi Taw on 22 June 2020.  Photo: MNA

Ministry of Health and Sports
Union Minister Dr Myint Htwe first talked about his ministry’s fourth-year performances.
He explained to the media that there is no need for general preparations for a COVID-19 second wave situation. He said the people just need to keep adhering to the guidelines issued by the ministry and there is no reason to worry for the second wave. He said pandemics follow three possible trajectories and can spike up, continue unchanged or lessen and disease is currently lessening. He said the public must not be complacent however, and continue to wear face masks.
The Union Minister then replied to questions from the media concerning the high number of COVID-19 cases from people returning from abroad and plans to close border gates for a certain number of months, management to ensure the public follows COVID-19 directives, people returning from abroad, the budget management of the ministry for COVID-19 measures, main challenges and difficulties that have cropped up since the start of COVID-19 till now, whether Myanmar is working toward a cure for the disease, directives for schools to reopen in the COVID-19 period, the ministry’s comments on social distancing measures employed at restaurants, nurturing more doctors, whether there are plans to lower the entry marks required to enter medical college, the number of current doctors and nurses, promoting the sports sector, attaining life insurance for athletes, strategies and policies for COVID-19, providing each government school with thermometers, the number of positive cases from people returning from abroad, the situation of the second wave and guidelines for people to follow.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs give press briefing on their fourth-year performances in Nay Pyi Taw on 22 June 2020.  Photo: MNA

Ministry of Home Affairs
Director-General U Khaing Tun Oo explained the fourth year performance of the Ministry of Home Affairs. He said the Myanmar Police Force reviewed the 34 laws under its responsibility and kept 19 laws unchanged, amended 2 laws, repealed 10 laws, and are drafting 3 new laws.
The MPF is implementing community policing and opened 1 district police office, 2 regional police stations, 7 police outposts in the fourth year, adding to 3 district police offices, 27 regional police stations, and 31 police outposts during the four year period.
The MPF expanded 2 sub-departments of No.1 Border Guard Police Division in Rakhine State to its existing 8 sub-departments. Myanmar and Bangladesh held 26 meetings in the first 3 years of the current government for border security and held 4 more meetings in the fourth year. They also performed 216 sentry inspections on foot and 100 naval inspections.
The Myanmar Police Force works closely with INTERPOL, ASEAN Police, EU Police, and police forces of other nations regarding transnational crimes. They have opened BLO offices with bordering countries including 4 with China, 2 with Laos, 3 with Thailand, 1 with Bangladesh, and 3 with India, making a total of 13.
The ministry has drafted a 5-year project for eradicating human trafficking from 2017 to 2021 with 3 master strategies. They handled 191 cases of human trafficking and uncovered 570 suspects and 247 victims. The MPF recovered 256 trafficked persons after 132 retrieval cases. They also stopped and let people with insufficient documents going to work abroad 51 times in this year, adding to the total of 255 times.
The ministry has designed the National Strategy for Eradicating Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism. The ministry performed 11 special operations in the first 3 years to uncover producers of illegal drugs and their accomplices and performed 4 operations in the fourth year. They have handled 4070 cases and arrested 5575 suspects within the four year period.
The ministry handled 10882 cases of illegal drugs and took action against 15394 suspects in the fourth year, adding up to make a total of 43955 cases and 64071 suspects over four years.
The ministry destroyed 4130.01 acres of poppy plantations in the fourth year, a total of 24271.04 acres in four years. A poppy production survey showed that illegal production went down by 25 per cent in 2017, 9.1 per cent in 2018, and 11 per cent in 2019 and dropped down from second to third place in poppy production.
The Bureau of Special Investigation has taken on 268 tasks as part of the subnational government investigation teams for business transgressions and staff issues and as assigned by the Central Body on Money Laundering, making a total of 671 cases. They also handled 199 cases of staff breaking laws and rules. The bureau has investigated 204 business transgressions and 268 cases assigned by the central body. The ministry formed 3 Corruption Prevention Units.
The Correction Department collaborated with the Ministry of Education to provide 347 inmates with education in 2018-2019 academic year while 171 inmates took the matriculation exams with 87 male inmates and 7 female inmates passing the exams. Education was provided to 335 inmates in the 2019-2020 academic year with 178 taking the matriculation exams.
The Department of Fire Services reviewed 8978 buildings for fire safety and submitted K18301.14 million of service income back to the nation while they also issued fire safety guarantees to 5948 buildings.
The department received EURO 50 million from ODA programme and obtained 75 firefighting and rescue vehicles. The department made 2892 rescues and assisted 78992 people in trouble from 39987 damaged buildings.
The department also assisted in spraying disinfectants for COVID-19 by collaborating with the Ministry of Health and Sports and the Tatmadaw. The have performed the spraying activities 12555 times as of 19 June 2020 in public spaces and health protection locations.
Director-General U Khaing Tun Oo then answered to questions from the media about the relocation policy of police officers, progress on apprehending U Wirathu and U Hla Swe, comments on criticism of prison facilities and their dense population, ensuring police investigations do not get out of hand violently and transparent handling of such incidents, progress on the Victoria toddler case, restaffing the police force in Rakhine State, seizing illegal drugs in the states and regions, and media being filed cases with anti-terrorism laws.

Ministry of Defence makes a press briefing on their 4th-year performances in Nay Pyi |Taw on 22 June 2020. PHOTO: MNA

Ministry of Defence
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence Brigadier-General Aung Kyaw Hoe explained the fourth-year performances of the ministry.
Union Minister for Defence Lt-Gen Sein Win attended the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Thailand from 10 to 12 July 2019, the 7th CISM Military World Games (Wuhan 2019) on 18 October 2019, the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Retreat in Bangkok of Thailand from 16 to 19 November 2019, the 6th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus, and the ASEN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Reterat and the Australia-ASEAN Informal Defence Ministers’ Meeting.
During the meetings, the Union Minister discussed the defence affairs of Myanmar and Rakhine issue.
The Tatmadaw also conducted training courses on preventive measures of child soldiers, security services in fires, evacuation of disaster-affected victims, renovation of monasteries and houses, health services for people and cash relief in rescue works during natural disasters such as fire, strong winds, floods and earthquakes.
The Tatmadaw also presented COVID-19 preventive supplies worth about K499.5 million to the People’s Republic of China, on 25 February 2020.
The Permanent Secretary and officials answered to the media questions about the businesses and financial management of Myanmar Economic Corporation and Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited, contribution of funds from property lease of MoD to the state revenue, actions against recruitment of child soldiers, possible contest of former Tatmadaw officers in the 2020 General Election, voting of Tatmadaw members and their family members, retirement of Union Minister Lt-Gen Kyaw Swe, manufacturing and export of arms and ammunition by the Tatmadaw, return and management of confiscated lands to the original owners.
The Ministry of Investment and Foreign Economic Relations, the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Planning, Finance and Industry will organize press briefings on 24 June.—Han Myo Soe, K Tar (Translated by Zaw Htet Oo, Aung Khin)

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President U Win Myint, in his capacity as the Chairman of National Planning Commission, participates in the commission’s first edition meeting for 2020 at the Presidential Palace in Nay Pyi Taw on 22 June 2020.  Photo: MNA

President U Win Myint, in his capacity as the Chairman of the National Planning Commission, attended the commission’s first meeting for the year held at the Presidential Palace in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday morning.
The meeting was attended by Vice-Presidents U Myint Swe and U Henry Van Thio, Union Ministers, the Union Auditor General, the Union Civil Service Board Chairman, the Nay Pyi Taw Council Chairman, the Central Bank of Myanmar Governor, Chief Ministers of states and regions, regional chairmen and officials of self-administered divisions and zones.
In his opening remark, the President said he wished to record his appreciation for the strenuous efforts undertaken by the Ministry of Planning, Finance and Industry, the Union Ministries and region/state governments for successfully submitting the National Plan for the 2020-2021 financial year in spite of the COVID challenges, for submission to the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw as per the Section 100 (b) of the State Constitution.
He said despite the forecasts of international organizations on the possible decline of Myanmar’s economy in 2019-2020FY like the global and regional trend, the Union Government was able to supply electricity to 50 per cent of households in the four years of its administration; in addition it has constructed bridges, roads, schools and rural clinics to narrow down development gap between the regions and states.
Under the social welfare programme, the social pension plan was extended to elderly persons up to 85 years of age and child care programmes for expectant mothers and babies born from these mothers up to the age of two years have been extended and that plans were underway to extend these programmes further.
The President also explained the relief assistance of Union Government to the people during the COVID-19 pandemic, from providing five necessary foods to discount of electricity bill.
The government’s COVID-19 Economic Relief Plan (CERP) has seven objectives and 10 strategies which cover immediate and future plans to be finalized by the end of this year.
The National Plan 2020-2021 FY will be aligned with the Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan and the projects of CERP.
The President put emphasis on making the projects effective to the country in using public taxes.
He also suggested systematic supervision required for generating cost-effective projects and ensuring a good environment after using resources effectively.
He added the need of public-private cooperation in some sectors while adhering to the orders and directives of the government; on the Project Bank website it may be seen that some projects needed funds; therefore foreign and local investors are encouraged to explore investment opportunities.
The National Planning 2020-2021FY has emphasized on development of road and bridge network, electrification, economic recovery in the post-COVID-19 period, support to SMEs and employment opportunities for low-income businesses.
The President called for coordination of relevant sectors from Union-level to the region/state sectors for successful implementation of the projects.
In his concluding remarks, the President emphasized the government’s policy of ‘No one is left behind’ in striving for economic development results which are also included in the goals of the sustainable development plan.
Union Minister for Planning, Finance and Industry U Soe Win, as the Secretary of the NPC, presented the draft plan.
The President said that the draft version of the plan would be submitted to the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw for approval, that constructive suggestions made by the Hluttaw representatives should be implemented with care; in formulating the National Plan for the next financial year, as it would be carried out during the term of the current administration and the next administration, special efforts should be made to ensure effectiveness. He added that mutual checks and balances among all those concerned and that it would be necessary to work for the interest of the country and the people.
Finally, the President said he wanted to ask everyone to participate and work in harmony for the economy to rebound in the post COVID period as envisioned by the State and for the systematic implementation of the sustainable development path.—MNA (Translated by Aung Khin)

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State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi requested the people on her Facebook page yesterday to share with her if they have any good methods to overcome difficulties during the COVID period. She also requested the people to share with her if they have found any techniques for utilizing the time wisely while having to stay at home far from the outside world. This was what she wrote:
The term “Post COVID world” has come to mean quite a wide range of things. Does it mean we cannot return to the world as we know it before the end of 2019; even if we find an effective cure, can we not return to the status quo? What are the things we won’t be able to change?
Because of very harsh and violent experiences, people, countries, the whole world have seen tremendous and irreversible changes. We can see this even if we look at our own history. If we look at the whole world, during 20 decades we saw World War I, World War II, the Cold War, the post-Cold War, and the communications technology revolution.
After every age, we could see changes towards progress and also changes towards decline. Progress and decline depend greatly upon the people involved. We need to make efforts to be able to manage in the best possible manner however the situation develops. What we need to do is to tread the best possible path by making use of Karma (Pali Kamma = action), wisdom and sustained effort (viriya).
Since some parts of the road are rough, we need to help each other. If you have any good methods to overcome difficulties during the COVID period; if you have found any techniques for utilizing the time wisely while having to stay at home far from the outside world, please share with me. I will also discuss my own experiences as appropriate. (Translated by Kyaw Myaing)

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President U Win Myint chairs the Finance Commission’s second edition meeting for 2020 at the Presidential Palace in Nay Pyi Taw on 22 June 2020.  Photo: MNA

President U Win Myint, in his capacity as the Chairman of the Finance Commission, made an address at the second meeting of the commission for this year at the Presidential Palace in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday.
The meeting focussed on discussions and approval of Union Budget and Union Budget Bill of 2010-2021 fiscal year, in the presence of Vice-Chairmen of the Commission Vice Presidents U Myint Swe and U Henry Van Thio, the commission’s Secretary Union Minister U Soe Win, its members Auditor-General of the Union U Maw Than, Chairman of the Nay Pyi Taw Council, and Chief Ministers of State/Region governments.
President U Win Myint said that the global economy is declining due to the COVID-19 pandemic; the income of public and private sectors was expected to decline in the 2020-2021FY like the second 6 months of 2019-2020.
He said that all the Union-level and state/region level departments and organizations need to use available budgets effectively and efficiently.
The budget allocations for the fiscal year include expenditures of COVID-19 relief funds, the costs for education, health and social sectors, foreign grants and loans, electricity, bridges and roads, drinking water and irrigation water, and the budgets for the Union Election Commission to organize the 2020 General Election.
He said there was a need to avoid overlap of the capital expenditure between the Union budget and the state/region fund by coordination among the Union ministries and state/region governments.
The President emphasized the delay of budget processes as in construction, tender invitation, scrutinizing, contracting and step-by-step payments on project completions although the Hluttaw has been pointing out the delay frequently.
He also instructed on the use of foreign grants and loans efficiently; and effective use of the foreign loan approved by the Hluttaw in 2019-2020 FY for COVID-19 relief plan.
Despite the possible decline of tax revenues, revenues and other incomes in 2020-2021FY, the Union Government would allocate appropriate budgets to prevent serious economic impacts from the COVID-19.
The total Union’s total revenue in the four- year terms this administration has increased from K16,979 billion to K27,852 billion; the Union’s total expenditure from K20,267 billion to K34,652 billion, especially in production, trade, service, infrastructure, human resources, education, health and social protection.
He requested the commission to discuss the Union Budget and Union Budget Bill of 2020-2021 fiscal year to be able to submit these documents to the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw.
Vice President U Myint Swe called for timely completion of projects included in the COVID-19 Economic Relief Plan (CERP) and other beneficial works for the country in the related fiscal year.
He also explained budget scrutiny of the commission not to exceed the mid-term frame, to check new projects with the government’s prioritized policy, to ensuring completion of construction projects, not to overlap the projects between the Union government and the local governments, and to ensure timely implementation of projects funded by loans.
He said the allocation of K150 billion emergency fund—K100 billion at the Union government and K50 billion at the Union ministries and region/state governments—increasing K50 billion compared to the previous fiscal year; more expenditures for social protections and funds for persons with disabilities have been allowed, in addition to the estimated budget of K2,381 billion from the Union Revenue for regions and states.
A deficit to GDP ratio is estimated at 5.41 per cent as the total expenditure was K34,652 billion and the total deficit was K6,800 billion, while the foreign grants and loans equivalent to at K1,122 billion and K4,034 billion, and the estimated budget for regions and states was K2,381 billion, making the total Union budget to be K27,852 billion.
Vice President U Henry Van Thio also said the increase of revenue share by K16 billion compared to the previous year, and that K369 billion would be allocated and development fund of Pyidaungsu Hluttaw will remain at K32 billion as in previous years.
The proposed budget of region/state governments includes K1,438 billion income and K3,819 billion expenditures, making a deficit of K2,381 billion.
The Revenue Expenditure of region/state governments will be K1,062 billion and the Capital Expenditure K2,757 after systematic scrutiny by the finance commission. The total expenditure was K 3,819 billion.
U Henry Van Thio explained that the commission prioritized local development projects rather than expenditures for construction of offices, guest houses and staff apartments, as well as purchasing vehicles.
He also advised for completion of projects in time and minimum return of surplus budgets, and requested the commission to approve the proposed budgets after review and discussion.
Union Minister U Soe Win, the Secretary of Finance Commission, presented Union Budget and Union Budget Bill of 2020-2021 fiscal year.
Members of the commission discussed the proposed budget and the bill.
In his concluding remarks, the President informed that the Union Budget and its bill would be submitted to the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw as the documents have been approved by the commission.
The President said that in using the budget, the first priority should be given to expenditures that would give direct benefit to the people; the second priority should be given to expenditures for offices and departments; that administrative costs at Union ministries should be reduced as much as possible; and that more funds should be used as needed for the economic development of the country and the advancement of the livelihood and living standards of the people.
He added that all the central organizations, Union Ministries, and region/state governments should use a good public finance management system in the management of Union revenues and expenditures with good intentions for the State and all citizens.—MNA(Translated by Aung Khin)

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Myanmar has seen a surge in agricultural export between 1 October and 12 June this year. Photo: Phoe Khwar

Myanmar’s exports of agricultural products between 1 October and 12 June in the current financial year 2019-2020 increased to over US$2.9 billion from $2.4 billion in the corresponding period of the 2018-2019 FY, according to the trade figures released by the Ministry of Commerce.
Over the past eight months, the export figures reflect an increase of $466 million against a-year ago period.
In the exports sector, the agriculture industry performed the best along with the natural gas sector. The chief items of export in the agricultural sector are rice and broken rice, pulses, corn, and rubber. Fruits and vegetables, sesame, dried tea leaves, sugar, and other agro products are also shipped to other countries.
Myanmar agro products are primarily exported to China, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. However, the export market remains uncertain due to unsteady global demand.
Myanmar faces slower access to market information, which sometimes poses obstacles in the market. Moreover, the country has poor logistics and warehouse infrastructure, which leads to degrading of the quality of fruits, said an official from the Myanmar Fruit, Flower and Vegetable Producer and Exporter Association (MFVP).
According to the Myanmar Rice Federation, quality control and food safety are key to the promotion of exports. Therefore, improved agricultural practices need to be developed.
Additionally, the country requires specific export plans for each agro product, as they are currently exported to external markets based upon supply and demand.
Contract farming systems, the involvement of regional and state agriculture departments, exporters, traders, and some grower groups, are required in order to meet production targets, said an official from the Agriculture Department. The Commerce Ministry is working to help farmers deal with challenges such as high input costs, procurement of pedigree seeds, high cultivation costs, and erratic weather conditions. — Ko Htet (Translated by Ei Myat Mon)

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Union Minister Dr Win Myat Aye (centre right) presents face masks, badges, and hand gels to a volunteer (centre left) at a quarantine centre on 23 June 2020.  Photo: MNA

The National-Level Central Committee for Prevention, Control and Treatment on COVID-19 presented certificates of honours, badges, face masks and hand sanitizers to the volunteers and civil society organizations (CSOs) that are fighting against COVID-19 pandemic in Shan and Kayah states yesterday.
Secretary of the COVID-19 Central Committee Union Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Dr Win Myat Aye was accompanied by Shan State government’s Bamar Ethnic Affairs Minister, Deputy Director-General of State Public Health and Medical Services Department, Deputy Director-General of Social Welfare Department, and officials from the General Administration Department at the certificates presentation ceremonies in Shan State.
At the Phaya Phyu Dhamma Garden’s quarantine centre, the Union Minister handed over certificates of honour for volunteers and CSOs to the Shan State’s Bamar Ethnic Affairs Minister, and presented badges, face masks, and hand sanitizers to the representatives of volunteers and CSOs.
He also expressed thanks to the volunteers and CSOs, and discussed compilation of volunteer handbook, conducting online training for the volunteers who are working at the quarantine centres, providing necessary assistances, and presenting certificates of honours.
A total of K7.35 million, K 30,000 per person, for 156 pregnant women, 74 children under 5- year-old, and 15 elderly persons was handed over to the camp’s in-charge.
At the Loikaw Education’s College’s quarantine centre in Kayah State, the Union Minster gave certificates of honour for volunteers and CSOs to the Kayah State Chief Minister U L Phaung Sho, and presented badges, face masks, and hand sanitizers to the representatives of volunteers and CSOs.
He also provided a total of K720,000, K30,000 per one, for 12 pregnant women, eight children under five-year-old, and four elderly persons, to the camp’s in-charge.
The ministry gave 2, 869 volunteers and 254 CSOs in Shan State and 75 volunteers and 15 CSOs in Kayah State certificates of honour yesterday.
The committee will continue presentation of certificates of honour to the volunteers and CSOs in other regions and states with the approvals from the regions and states’ volunteer steering committees.
The committee held yesterday’s handover ceremonies in Shan and Kayah states in accordance with the health guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Sports.— MNA (Translated by Kyaw Zin Tun)

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Myanmar nationals returned from foreign countries queue for immigration processes at the Yangon International Airport on 23 June 2020.  Photo: MNA

A total of 129 Myanmar nationals – 92 from the Republic of Korea and 37 from Belgium, Norway, Switzerland and the United States — were repatriated yesterday. Myanmar Airways International (MAI)’s relief flight had carried the Myanmar citizens from Incheon International Airport in South Korea, and arrived at the Yangon International Airport at 8 pm.
The Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population, the Ministry of Health and Sports and the Yangon Region government provided the returnees proper medical examination and arranged 21-day quarantine for them. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working in line with the guidelines set by the National Central Committee on Prevention, Control and Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 and cooperating with relevant ministries, Myanmar embassies abroad to repatriate Myanmar citizens stranded in other countries due to COVID-19.
Until now a total of 4,893 Myanmar citizens have been brought back home. — MNA (Translated by Kyaw Zin Tun)

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The Tatmadaw True News Information Team held a press briefing at the Defence Services Museum in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday.
Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun, the Secretary of True News Information Team, explained preparations for erecting Marble Buddha Image in Dekkhinathiri Township in Nay Pyi Taw by using marble block from Sakyin hill in Madaya Township of Mandalay Region, the visit of Myanmar Tatmadaw delegation led by Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing to the Russian Federation to attend the military parade of 75th anniversary of Great Patriotic War (1941-1945), repatriation of Myanmar citizens from Nepal and India, implementation of procedures in return of lands and transfer in line with the existing laws, sending medical supplies of COVID-19 by Chin State government and private well-wishers for the locals, civil service officials and internally displaced persons in Paletwa Township, security measures of Tatmadaw members in upgrading Matupi-Sami-Paletwa motorway, according to the report from the Office of Commander in Chief of Defence Services.  —MNA(Translated by Aung Khin)

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Representatives of government and NCA-S EAOs hold meeting at NRPC in Yangon on 23 June. PHOTO: Phoe Htaung

Representatives of government and NCA-S EAOs held the fourth negotiation at the National Reconciliation and Peace Centre at Shweli Road in Yangon yesterday.
The meeting was attended by Vice-Chairman of NRPC and Attorney-General of the Union U Tun Tun Oo, Lt-Gen Yar Pyae of the Ministry of Defence (Army), Lt-Gen Min Naung and Lt-Gen Tin Maung Win, Pyithu Hluttaw MP U Pyone Cho (a) U Htay Win Aung, members of the Peace Commission Advisory Board U Hla Maung Shwe, U Moe Zaw Oo and Director-General of the State Counsellor Office U Zaw Htay.
The NCA-S EAOs were represented by Pado Sao Sai Ngin, Coordination of NCA implementation framework negotiation committee U Myo Win, members of negotiation team U Hla Htay, Saw Mya Yar Zar Lin, Dr Salai Lian Hmon Sakhong, Salai Htarlar Yay, Saw Sein Win, Pado Saw Tar Do Hmu, Pado Saw L Klu Sae, Kya Salmon, Saw Kyaw Nyunt, Nai Aung Ma Ngaw, Dr Sai Oo and Khun Myint Tun, and other representatives on videoconference.
Attorney-General of the Union U Tun Tun Oo made an opening remark, saying three negotiation meeting and one informal meeting where participants discussed implementation of NCA included in the Part 3 of Union Accord, step-by-step implementation beyond 2020 and the basic principles.
He added the 4th edition of Union Peace Conference- 21st Panglong is scheduled to convene in August this year, finding agreements on the timeline for bilateral negotiations, reduction of participants with appropriate composition in the conference due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Pado Sao Sai Ngin remarked preparations for Union Peace Conference-21st Century Panglong, UPDJC meeting, and JICM meeting will be discussed through friendly manners.
U Hla Maung Shwe, the member of Peace Commission Advisory Group, said the meeting focused on NCA framework, basic principles of NCA; separation meetings of EAOs representatives and government officials will be held on 24 June, and both sides will meet again on 25 June afternoon.
U Myo Win, the coordinator of NCA implementation, said they discussed holding political dialogues before the peace conference and recommendations from both sides.
The meeting will continue on 25 June to confirm agreements from both sides.—Ye Gaung Nyunt

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Anti-narcotics task force destory precursor chemicals to mark World Drug Day on 22 June 2020. PHOTO: MNA

Anti-narcotics police destroyed seized precursor chemicals worth nearly 3,379 million (US$2.3 million) at the field near the Asia World toll gate in Kutkai Town, northern Shan State, yesterday.
The seized chemicals were destroyed to welcome International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking that falls on 26 June.
The destruction ceremony, which was held in accordance with COVID-19 guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Sports, was attended by Chairman of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC) and Union Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen Soe Htut, Commander of Eastern Command Maj-Gen Aung Zaw Aye and officials, northern Shan State’s Deputy Administrator U Kyaw Thu Zaw and departmental heads, Kutkai Tactical Operation Commander and Tatmadaw personnel, Muse District’s head of police force and police, anti-narcotics police and locals.
Deputy Administrator U Kyaw Thu Zaw made an opening remark, and district head of police force explained the purpose of destroying the chemicals.
After the event, attendees observed the precursor chemicals and some chemicals were buried and some were destroyed with the use of machineries. —MNA (Translated by Kyaw Zin Tun)

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Union Minister U Thaung Tun participates in the 10th Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Intersessional Ministerial Meeting via videoconference on 23 June 2020.  Photo: MNA

Union Minister for Investment and Foreign Economic Relations U Thaung Tun yesterday attended the 10th Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Intersessional Ministerial Meeting via videoconference.
The meeting was chaired by Mr Trần Tuần Anh, Viet Nam’s Minister for Industry and Trade, and co-chaired by Ms Myung Hee Yoo, Korea’s Minister for Trade, Industry and Energy. Economic Ministers from 10 ASEAN Member States and ASEAN FTA Partner countries — Australia, China, Japan, Korea, and New Zealand, and the ASEAN Secretary-General participated in the meeting.
The Ministers reaffirmed their commitments to sign the RCEP Agreement in 2020 as instructed by the Leaders at the 3rd RCEP Summit which was held in November 2019.
At the meeting, the RCEP Trade Negotiation Committee (TNC) Chair presented the TNC Report to Ministers regarding with the signing of RCEP Agreement in 2020. The report included the progress of RCEP negotiations resulted from RCEP TNC Meetings and the remaining issues seeking for the Ministers’ guidance. The Ministers noted the report and tasked TNC for way forward to settle down all the remaining issues.
The Union Minister reaffirmed Myanmar’s commitment to sign the RCEP Agreement in 2020 and expressed his thanks to the Trade Negotiation Committee and relevant working groups for their continuous efforts to get significant progress resulted from the Virtual meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlighted the importance of conclusion of the RCEP in November this year particularly as the global economy is facing severe challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He said that the signing of the RCEP would reflect the strong and resilient regional commitment to maintain the global rules-based multilateral trading system. He also encouraged all RCEP participating countries to show their utmost flexibility to resolve the outstanding issues.
The Ministers adopted the Joint Media Statement of the 10th Intersessional RCEP Ministerial Meeting.
U Than Aung Kyaw, Myanmar RCEP TNC Lead, Director-General for Foreign Economic Relations Department and other senior officials supported the Union Minister’s participation in the meeting.—MNA

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Senior General Min Aung Hlaing is in Russia Federation to attend 75th Anniversary of Victory Day of Great Patriotic War (1941-1945).  Photo: Office of Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services

The Myanmar Tatmadaw delegation, led by Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, took a special flight of Myanmar Airways International on 22 June to visit the Russian Federation at the invitation of its Defence Minister Army General Sergei Kuzhugetovich Shoigu to attend the 75th Anniversary of Victory Day of Great Patriotic War (1941-1945).
They arrived at the Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow in the afternoon of local time.
On 23 June morning, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing separately met at the Crowne Plaza Hotel with editors and reporters from the Arguments and Facts media, Zvezda TV channel, RT TV network, Red Star media and Politics Magazine.
During the interviews, the Senior General explained the role of Tatmadaw in the history of Myanmar, its leading role in national politics, representatives of Tatmadaw in Hluttaws, national security, sovereignty of state and participation of Tatmadaw in COVID-19 measures, and progress of cooperation in military technologies between Myanmar and Russia.
The Senior General and party received Vice-President of Irkut Corporation for Marketing and External Relations Mr Vladimir N. Sautov and officials, and exchange views on cooperation in technologies, according to the report of Office of Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services.—MNA (Translated by Aung Khin)

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State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi holds the videoconference on the impact of COVID-19 on the trade sector from the Presidential Palace in Nay Pyi Taw on 23 June 2020.  Photo: MNA

State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi held a videoconference on the impact of COVID-19 on the trade sector yesterday from the Presidential Palace in Nay Pyi Taw.
The following persons participated in the videoconference: Deputy Minister for Commerce U Aung Htoo, City Mart Managing Director Daw Win Win Tint who manages a major supply chain in domestic trade and SME entrepreneur Daw Thet Su Htay who is producing natural tamarind/plum juice, fried beans and fermented bean paste.
The State Counsellor, in her capacity as Chairperson of the National-Level Committee for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Prevention, Control and Treatment, said that the Ministry of Commerce plays crucial role in economic matters, especially this ministry manages export of products to foreign countries, Myanmar people earn their livelihood by exporting agricultural products abroad; and that this issue has been given serious consideration not only during COVID-19 crisis but also during normal times, with regular instructions being given to the Ministry of Commerce; Myanmar cannot rely only on one or two markets for her exports; more markets are required for the higher quantity of products in a wide range of varieties; only then would our country have protection and have more choices; we would be able to export our agricultural products on a larger scale and also in more varieties; if only one or two places wanted to buy one or two products, then our country would have to produce fewer varieties of crops; three or four years ago the Ministry of Commerce tried to expand markets, and we are now reaping the good results of these efforts; when China closed border trade due to the COVID-19, export volume to China has declined; however, rice and corn exports to Thailand increased and because it was possible to divert trade to Thailand this has given the country some form of relief. She added that she wanted the Deputy Minister from the Ministry of Commerce to continue by discussing these matters.
Deputy Minister U Aung Htoo discussed the impacts of trade, relations with an economic stimulus plan and matters related to post-COVID economic relief plan.
He talked about one-fifth of trade in GDP value, the impact of COVID on both local and foreign trades; negative effects of curfew on production, commerce, tourism, hotels and restaurant services across the country.
However, the Ministry of Commerce could stockpile about 9,000 tonnes of rice purchased at the bottom price, and the ministry contributed 4,000 bags of rice in the government’s donation to Wuhan locals in China; could sell 120,000 rice bags to Yangon Region government for supplying to grassroots people.
The State Counsellor said that one item of concern to the people was produce like tomatoes which did not last long, furthermore, it perishes when damaged slightly and thus would not fetch a good price; they were worried about such matters; especially in cases where the product could not be exported, it was important for the product to be consumed inside the country; internal transportation was very important; that was why the Ministry of Commerce had been instructed to give special attention to this matter and the ministry had taken necessary measures; after the COVID-19 pandemic started, there was a problem with tomatoes; that time was when the tomatoes were produced in abundance and export was very difficult; that was why the Ministry of Commerce took the lead in seeking out domestic markets; it is understood that the matter turned out quite well; the market for tomatoes did not crash. She said she wanted to know how the Ministry of Commerce managed to control the situation.
The deputy minister explained their coordination with Shan State government in transporting tomatoes into local markets and border trades with China for Myanmar crops.
Daw Win Win Tint, the Managing Director of City Mart, discussed the impacts of COVID-19 in both retail and wholesale markets; the country has over 300,000 to 400,000 retail shops and most of them are in traditional management; the retail sector contributes 90 per cent of market and supermarkets, convenience stores and shopping centres have received more market shares with the changing trends of living styles.
She also remarked popularity of online marketing amid CVID-19 crisis; the needs for production of value added items in the country; food sufficiency amid the pandemic; the relaxation of rules and regulations in FDA for SMEs, digital marketing and e-commerce which are being used I leapfrogging of technology.
Daw Thet Su Htay of the SME owner explained production with plump and tamarind juice without chemicals; expansions of business to produce value added items; the available assistance government, the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; receiving training programmes and showcasing expos in Thailand, China, the United States, Viet Nam, Japan and Korea with the assistance of the government.
She added the benefit of COVID-19 loan to the businesses during the crisis, lay-offs at the factories due to the pandemic and preparations for post COVID-19 period; difficulties in repayment of loan and FDA application.
Regarding the discussions, the State Counsellor remarked that some products have to rely on domestic markets when export markets were not under favourable; domestic communications and transports sectors are important; Myanmar experienced panic buying amid fears of COVID-19, such as purchase of unnecessary items; public anxiety then gradually declined as they realized that they did not need to worry about such commodities; she did not want the people to have such an attitude to accumulate commodities with fear; no matter what it was the government’s responsibility to take care of the problem; it would be necessary to develop a system for the distribution of an essential item which is in limited supply in a fair and equitable manner; a problem such as this could be overcome only with collective strength; to talk about this subject, during the Second World War, the allied countries had to struggle a great deal; there was strict rationing for items such as sugar, butter, meat, flour, and bread; it was not done in a random manner without serious thought; it was done only after consultation with health experts; the dietary requirements were calculated and in a country where bread was the staple diet, items such as the amount of bread, fruits, fish and meat, items which could be substituted etc.; when this was done in various ways in a systematic and careful manner, the majority of their people became healthier; purchase of items considered to be luxuries decreased and the people only purchased essential items; because the income of the people declined due to COVID-19, people began to buy only essential items with the limited amount of money available; the trading pattern was such that in the early stage demand increased due to panic buying; the reason for the decline in sales during May and June is because of decline in income and because trading became more difficult; the Union Government was trying its best to revive trading; although the Union Government wished to see the economy return to normalcy, it had to be extremely careful all the time so that a second COVID wave would not hit the country due to undue haste; lessons should be learnt from other countries where the number of cases increased after they hurried in relaxing strict restrictions; therefore, regular steps are being taken in this matter; it must be said that the habit of buying non-essential items has declined while people are placing more priority on essential items; the fact that people are thinking more about what is an important issue and what is minor is not a bad thing; some persons working in declining markets might have some difficulties; such problem must be addressed step-by-step; domestic commodity flow, domestic trading and production of value added items must be considered for both local and foreign markets; Myanmar need not worry about food if systematic management is carried out in this sector; Myanmar is an agricultural country and can produce healthy food items; the country has many opportunities and advantages; they must be used to uplift the country; while making efforts to develop the country it was necessary to always keep one eye on a crisis such as COVID; on the other hand they had to be considering about the post COVID period; the reason they had to be considering about the post COVID situation is because in a situation such as this, they need to consider what would be profitable for the country in the long term; in normal times, the goal should be continuous development; the country should proceed towards the goal of development by making energetic and strenuous efforts; in times like this the challenges are huge and there is much to consider; according to the saying “necessity is the mother of invention”, our innovative brains become more active; we need to be creative and innovative and figure out how to make our existing resources to be more valuable for ourselves as well as for the whole world; our country does not exist in isolation; that was why if there is a need for a particular commodity in a certain country, as a rule we should sell this commodity if we are able to sell it; we should sell it as much as possible; we should assist others who are in need; this may be considered as humanitarian assistance apart from that it is also good for our relations among the human community; she believes that in the long term good results would come out of good intentions according to the law of karma. Although the act was done without expectation of getting back something, it is her belief that good intentions always proceed towards good results in the end. That was why she considered the interests of other countries while considering about the interests of Myanmar. We need to consider what commodities were popular in the markets and work towards developing that commodity; at this time it was important to get a foothold of a particular market while the opportunity presents itself.
The new buyers would become regular customers of Myanmar products to improve the economy of the country; recent surveys on the impacts of COVID have showed that the domestic SMEs have taken crucial role for local customers; food supplies are no more stockpiled; no crime cases have increased in the country; on the contrary, while other countries have encountered more criminal cases, according to the recent research.
It is believed that the government’s support to the grass roots people would be helpful to them because the strength of a country or an organization is equivalent to the collective strength of least powerful people and communities, and not comparable with the total powers at the top; the government is trying to lessen worries of grass roots people; despite vigorous attempts, the results remain low as Myanmar is not a rich nation that has limits of resources; especially, traditional products are largely popular among the people, and these sectors need more support; for example, the FDA issue; the norms of FDA could be adjusted if the SMEs have problems with it; problems might be concerned with complexity and delay in FDA processes, as well as the norms; the former can be facilitated, while the latter is not possible to relax the norms; relaxing the norms for trade in COVID-19 will not be good for both present and future terms because the existing situations must be maintained in the role of the country, social status and quality of products; some matters related to FDA is concerned with long-term economic development; if the standards of local FDA failed to meet international norms, the country’s export sector will decline and it will not be useful for the country; the norms of FDA aimed for the welfares of people, health and safety; however, complicated procedures must be relaxed if the processes do not meet the situations of Myanmar although it is not possible to reduce the level of norms; loan programmes for traditional businesses should be easy; the impacts of loan programmes are also monitored, and the loans should be settled to give out them to others who need capitals in their businesses for supporting development of the country; some daily-waged workers have some difficulties and loan plans will be considered for them through fair policies; their income is a driving force the survival of country’s economy; the Ministry of Commerce is taking care steps in this issue; the government will support online business; rules and principles should also meet the needs in post COVID-19 period; although all the sectors cannot be supported simultaneously, the government’s preparations are quite similar to these; new policies should turn out good results; the extent of good results cannot be estimated, but could be judged on the final outputs; public cooperation are always called for success; for example loans should be used appropriately not only for individuals but also for the benefit of whole country; both retailed and wholesale business are not neglected; good managements are required for this sector.
Relations between producers and distributors are seemed to be strong; discussions on the issues of SMEs, loans, technologies and loans are almost similar; some procedures of FDA might be complicated; land plots and property ownership would be considered; quality of products must be developed into international norms in terms of technology and health; because natural healthy products are expensive despite using high technology as in foreign countries; organic products are expensive in developed countries; these products become popular among people of rich countries although prices are high; however prices are as important as healthy qualities in Myanmar; healthy products will have low demand in the local market; the government has noted to support in using high-tech for production of goods at reasonable prices while it is needed to understand good quality items will have higher prices; development of the country is necessary for high demand of these products; the government will reconsider loan programmes; the Ministry of Planning, Finance and Industry will strictly scrutinize on its tasks to be able to keep reserve items for emergency cases; expenditures must be systematic; some persons did not take loans as they worry about repayment; it is a responsible attitude of them with great impression, while the loans would not be settled under unfavourable situations; it is a negligence on responsibility in the business; the one-year loan term would be reconsidered; the loans should also be given to persons with certain property for guarantee and to those who need the loan; the government will also consider how the borrow could repay the loan.
It has been realized that cooperation is required for development; the government and businesspersons are not oppositions, just partners; the government has desire for the development of the country and has many ways to support the business firms; economic development is important for national development, therefore, it is needed to have mutual support between these two sector.
Deputy Minister U Aung Htoo explained his experiences in SME development; the needs of alternative ways to support SME sector. He also advised to promote online advertisement and e-commerce; contradictions of rules and regulations between SMEs and FDA to certify the products.
In her concluding remark, the State Counsellor said the yesterday’s discussion focused on production, distribution, the role of Ministry of Commerce and the national affairs; however, all the stakeholders in respective sectors are for the well-being of people and consumers; collaborative efforts of these people could not only over the COVID crisis and also experience better development in the post of this crisis.—MNA (Translated by Aung Khin)

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Cleaning equipment donated to South Okkalapa Women and Children Hospital on 26 June. Photo: Supplied

For the prevention of COVID-19 pandemic, the necessary requirements of cleaning equipment and chemicals were donated to the South Okkalapa Women and Children Hospital on 26 June. Members of Rotary Club of Yangon, Daw Sandi Lwin, Daw Ohmar Tun and Dr. Than Win attended the donation ceremony as the representatives of donars. Dr Win Maw Oo, Director of South Okkalapa Women and Children Hospital and the responsible doctors accepted the donation items.
Dr Win Maw Oo also gave appreciation speech to Rotary Club of Yangon and other donors for the donation of the necessary cleaning equipment and chemical.
Then, Dr Win Maw Oo gave the donation certificates to the donars. Rotary Club of Yangon organized this charitable donation of cleaning equipment and chemicals, equivalent of Myanmar Kyat 15,500,000/-. —GNLM

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Myanmar migrant workers return home via No 2 Friendship Border Bridge in Myawady Town on 26 June. Photo: Htein Lin Aung (IPRD)

A total of 555 Myanmar migrant workers returned home on 26 June through No 2 Friendship Border Bridge in Myawady Town in Kayin State, bordering with Thailand.
All of them came back home in their own arrangements with the permission of Myanmar embassy in the Kingdom. Kayin State Hluttaw MP U Thant Zin Aung and local officials helped the returnees with medical tests and other supplies. The number of migrant workers who returned home from abroad through this border has been 34,945 until now. The latest group of returnees included 322 males and 233 females from different regions and states.—Htein Lin Aung (IPRD) (Translated by Aung Khin)

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Union Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen Soe Htut, in his capacity as the Chairman of Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC) attends narcotics burning ceremony in Lashio, nothern Shan State, on 26 June. Photo: MNA

A haul of seized narcotics and precursor chemicals was torched in Yangon, Mandalay, Taunggyi and Lashio to mark the 33rd International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking yesterday. A total of 14 kinds of illegal drugs including over 146 kilo opium, 291 kilo heroin, 193 million stimulant tablets, 501 kilo ice (a form of the potent stimulant drug methamphetamine), and 2,202 kilo caffeine, totally worth about K608.948 billion (US$420 million), seized by the Tatmadaw-led combined teams of Myanmar Police Force, in Lwalkhan area in Kutkai Township of northern Shan State in early 2020 were burnt in Lashio Township. The drug burning ceremony was attended by Union Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen SoeHtut, in his capacity as the Chairman of Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC), Commander of Northeastern Command Major General Aung Zaw Aye, and Shan State Minister for Development Affairs U Sai Soun Hseng.
Yangon Region government observed the drug burning ceremony at the truck terminal in Hlinethaya Township (west). Yangon Region Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein attended the ceremony where 26 kinds of narcotic drugs and 2 kinds of related chemicals, including over 46 kilo opium, 23 kilo heroin, 47 million stimulant tablets, 2,982 kilo ice, 3,042 kilo opium agent and 515 kilo Ketamine, totally worth about K208.87 billion ($144 million), which were seized Yangon Region, Ayeyawady Region, Rakhine State and lower Myanmar. Mandalay Region Chief Minister Dr Zaw Myint Maungwitnessed the burning ceremony of confiscated illegal drugs held at the Shwe Man Taung sportsground in Aungmyethazan Township. A total of 26 kinds of narcotic drugs and 17 related chemicals, including 539 kilo opium, 262 kilo heroin, 16 million stimulant tablets, 20 kilo ice and 35 kilo Ketamine, totally worth about K59.13 billion ($40 million), which seized in Mandalay Region, Sagaing Region, Kachin State and upper and central regions of Myanmar. About K337.385 billion ($232 million) worth of 19 kinds of illegal drugs and 30 related chemicals, including 2,401 kilo opium, 515 kilo heroin, 51 million stimulant tablets, 7,627 kilo ice and 870 kilo Ketamine, seized in Shan and Kayah states were burnt at the Awayyar hot balloon releasing ground in Taunggyi, the capital of Shan State. Shan State Chief Minister Dr Lin Htut and Commander of Eastern Command Major General Lin Aung attended the burning ceremony.

Seized narcotics are torched in Mandalay on 26 June. Photo: MNA

On 23 June, 47 kinds of precursor chemicals, worth about K3.379 billion ($2.3 million) and 50 kinds of items used in drug production, used in Lwalkhan area of Kutkai Township, were destroyed. Authorities burnt 113 kinds of narcotic drugs and chemicals, including 3,134 kilo opium, 1,092 kilo heroin, 308 million stimulants, 11,131 kilo ice, 809 kilo marijuana, 1,428 kilo Ketamine, totally worth about K1,217.712 billion ($839 million), and 50 kinds of related items, were torched in Yangon, Mandalay, Taunggyi, Lashio and Kutkai townships this year. Last year, Yangon, Mandalay and Taunggyi cities observed narcotic burning ceremonies to destroy 59 kinds of narcotics and chemicals, including 1,065 kilo opium, 824 kilo heroin, 108 million stimulant tablets, 4,276 kilo ice, 193 kilo marijuana and 2,483 kilo Ketamine, totally K451.746 billion ($301 million).
The total value of these materials destroyed this year was increased by K765.966 billion ($538 billion), compared to that of previous year.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has reported that the amount of destroyed narcotics in 2020 was triple that of previous year.—MNA (Translated by Aung Khin)

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The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation, the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population and the Ministry of State Counsellor Office held press briefings on their 4th-year performances under the present administration yesterday.

Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation
Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation U Hla Kyaw summarized the salient points of the ministry in the 4th-year of present administration.
He said that the ministry’s works mainly target to rural areas in agricultural, livestock and fisheries to promote socioeconomic lives of people in these areas.
The Deputy Minister also said agricultural sector contributes 13.9 per cent and livestock sector 7.5 per cent in the country’s economy while products from these sectors are about 30 per cent the total export volume. The ministry issued the amended version of 2012 Farmland Law with the approval of Pyidaungsu Hluttaw on 14 February 2020. Under this law, the Form (7) was issued for 98 per cent of cultivation lands of 268,210 farmers. As climate change has affected agriculture and livestock sectors, and irrigation facilities were developed in Kayin, Sagaing, Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Mon, Rakhine, Yangon and Ayeyawady. A total of 89 projects from 2016-2017 to 2019-2020 protected 250,000 acres of cultivation lands from flood. The ministry developed 25 irrigation channels in Sagaing, Bago, Magway, Yangon and Ayeyawady, which also preventing 190,000 acres from flood. Some 73 embankments were renovated in Sagaing, Bago, Magway, Yangon and Ayeyawady not to flood 300,000 acres. Renovation of 30 embarkments prevented salinity intrusion into about 100,000 acres for farms in Yangon and Ayeyawady regions.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation briefs on 4th-year performances under present administration in Nay Pyi Taw on 26 June. PHOTO: MNA

Private mechanized farming was promoted with formation of 125 associations in 97 townships to use machines in the whole cultivation processes from ploughing to harvest.
New varieties of disaster-resistant 37 crop seeds, including paddy, were developed and laboratories for testing quality of soil, water and plants were set up in Pathein Pyay and Hlegu townships. Contract farming system has been practised in 200,000 acres of farms up to now.
Livestock disease-control zones were set up in Kutkai and Kawkareik border towns for cattle trade, and diseases were tested to the cattle before being exported to China, Thailand and Bangladesh. The Vessel Monitoring System has been installed to control illegal fishing, safety of vessels and fishing vessels. Marine product exports gradually increased in the previous year, fetching $651 million from April 2019 to 2020 to date.
Household water supply projects from April 2019 to January 2020 reached 3 million people of 617,000 households in 3,672 villages, while solar power supplies have been installed for 1.27 million people at 146,000 houses and 22,000 public buildings in 3,400 villages, and constructions of 694.2 mile rural transportation roads and 707 bridges were constructed. The government allocated K92.61 billion under the COVID-19 Economic Relief Plan for socioeconomic development of rural people. The Department of Agriculture will use the fund for paddy seed production, capital fund for villages; the Department of Fisheries will help in fish seed production and distribution; the Department of Agricultural Mechanization will distribute agricultural machinery in Nay Pyi Taw, Ayeyawady, Bago, Yangon, Mandalay, Sagaing, Magway, Taninthayi, Kachin, Kayah and Shan. Under the employment creating programme under CERP, the Department of Rural Development will carry out infrastructural developments in 2,488 villages, the Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department will help in livestock and job opportunities in Nay Pyi Taw, Sagaing, Bago, Magway, Yangon, Ayeyawady and Shan, the Department of Fisheries will conduct training courses for safety and security of fishing workers in their workplaces in Yangon, Ayeyawady, Taninthayi, Rakhine and Mon from May to December; the Department of Irrigation and Water Utilization Management will renovate irrigation facilities in Nay Pyi Taw, Sagaing, Magway, Mandalay, Bago, Yangon, Ayeyawady, Kachin, Kayah, Kayin and Mon from June to September; the Department of Agricultural Mechanization will provide agricultural services in Nay Pyi Taw, Ayeyawady, Bago, Yangon, Mandalay and Sagaing from May to Sepetmber; the Department of Small-Scale Industries will conduct job training courses from June to September. Deputy Minister U Hla Kyaw and officials replied to media questions about management on CERP funds, the ministry’s actions on high prices of fertilizers which are being bought by the farmers from private firms and other issues in agricultural and livestock sectors.

Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population
Deputy Minister U Mya Kyaing then explained the fourth- year performances of the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population.
The Department of Labour issued labour registration for 1,474,711 people through employment agencies and linked 334,842 people to local jobs. The department has sent 334,304 people to work in 9 nations overseas and cooperated with local and foreign companies to hold 10 job fairs in 8 townships that linked jobs for 2,402 people.
The Minimum Wages Act, 2013 stipulates that the minimum wage can be changed at least once every two years with approval from the Union Government. The National Committee for Setting the Minimum Wage designated on 14 May 2018 that businesses with 10 or more employees must pay a minimum wage of K600 per hour, or K4,800 for 8 working hours in a day. The Union Minister for Labour, Immigration and Population attended the ASEAN Labour Ministers’ video-conference on Response to The Impact of COVID-19 on Labour and Employment organized by the Ministry of Human Resources of Malaysia on 14 May 2020.
The Social Security Board has 1,495,608 insured workers and 35,060 departments in the fourth year. SSB provided 1,270,265 insured workers with medical treatment in the fourth year and has opened 173 social security clinics and hospitals and 2 mobile clinics for emergency treatments.
SSB is expanding its social security network to 21 townships in 2019-2020 financial year and received 40 per cent social security support of 520,501 workers from 2,764 businesses. SSB has issued K10,739.703 million and put in K50 billion as capital in the COVID-19 relief plan.
The Department of Factories & General Labour Laws Inspection is implementing the Myanmar Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour and the National Committee on Child Labour Elimination was formed and led by Vice President U Myint Swe. The committee has held 3 meetings and began implementing national-level action plans across the states and regions in January 2019. Kayin and Mon states and Bago, Yangon and Ayeyawady Regions are prioritized regions.
The 2019 Report on Implementation Progress on Elimination of Child Labour is being compiled for the Union Government and the draft list of hazardous businesses and workplaces for children is being compiled as well. 71 Workplace Safety and Health Committees have been formed between 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020 with 1,246 committees formed so far. Businesses are allowed to operate within the guidelines of the Ministry of Health and Sports during COVID-19 and field inspections have been made to 16,510 factories, workshops and workplaces between 20 April to 23 June this year.

Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population hold press briefing on 4th-year performances under the present administration. PHOTO: MNA

The Department of Labour Relations has formed 2,334 Workplace Coordinating Committees for businesses with 30 or more employees.
The Department of Immigration is assigned by the Union Government to be the focal ministry for entry visa affairs in the fourth year. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs handles the 14 types of entry visas and the Myanmar Embassies and consulate-general offices abroad give permission. The Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population handles the visa on arrival and e-Visa systems.
Three international airports in Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw, an international port in Yangon, and 6 international border controls in Tachilek, Myawady, Kawthoung, Hteekee, Tamu, and Reedhorda are open while the Kyainglat-Siingaut border checkpoint on the Myanmar-Laos border has been expanded into an international border control. Visa on arrival has been issued for 55 nations including business visa, workshop/seminar/meeting/research visa, transit visa, and crew visa and for tourists from 13 nations. There were 497,893 VOA in the fourth year, e-Visa (Tourist) for 100 countries permitted from 1 August 2014, e-Visa (Business) permitted for 55 countries from 1 July 2015, and Express e-Visa (Tourist) permitted from 1 April 2018. There were 529,778 e-Visa approvals in the fourth year.
The Myanmar Advanced Passenger Processing System (MAPPS) was first implemented in Yangon International Airport in 2018. About 489 former Myanmar citizens have applied for registering as Myanmar citizens again starting from 2012 and 306 have been approved so far. The permanent residence system was started in January 2015 and has 686 PR applications with 617 approved. The Taung Pyo Letwe Reception Centre was opened to accept returnees to Rakhine State who returned by land and a reception centre was also opened in Nga Ku Ya to accept returnees by water routes.
Despite having signed MoU, the fact that no returnees came back from the other country caused the ministry to sign the MoU with UNDP and UNHCR on 6 June 2018 and to extend the term from 6 June 2020 to 5 June 2021 for a second time.
The Department of National Registration and Citizenship issued 2,683,200 NRC cards in the fourth year, issued 81,032 household cards for migrating households and 2,546 NRC cards. The department issued 201,581 NRC cards to students in their schools and 9,205 NRC cards to workers in Yangon Region’s industrial zone. The department issued 23,345 NV Cards for citizens who require NRC and issued them to 8,880 monks, 4,117 novices and 1,686 nuns.
The Union Minister heads the e-ID Working Committee which has 24 members and is funded by an interest-free loan from the government of Australia. The ministry is working with the Australia-based company OesD to implement the e-ID system, which will be completed in 2 years.
The Department of Population conducted the 2019 Interim Census which helped to calculate the closest estimate of future populations, support the Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan, and prepare for the 2023 Census.
Deputy Minister U Myint Kyaing then answered a question on what the ministry has planned to remedy the rise of unemployment during COVID-19. He said there are now over a hundred thousand Myanmar workers who have returned during COVID-19 and 5,658 factories and businesses have shut down in the country, which has led to the unemployment of over 140,000 people. This means there are currently over 240,000 people without jobs in Myanmar.
The Deputy Minister said they are registering returnees in their township labour offices and are cooperating with companies to hire them while most factories are allowed to reopen as long as they follow designated rules during COVID-19. He said they are also linking with other ministries where projects and tasks that require additional human resource will be able to hire additional people. He said some countries are recalling Myanmar workers but there are certain restrictions and challenges to arrange flights. He said they are doing all they can to provide employment for all citizens.

Ministry of State Counsellor Office
Director-General U Zaw Htay explained the fourth-year performance of the Ministry of State Counsellor Office. He first explained the history of the ministry’s formation which came into effect when the State Counsellor Law was enacted on 6 April 2016. He said there are four duties assigned to the ministry and they are the proliferation of multiparty democracy, emergence of a market economy, establishing a democratic federal union, and national peace and development.
The ministry has the Union Minister’s Office, Union Peacemaking Department, and Department of Policy Affairs. The UPD implements NRPC affairs and held discussions with stakeholders to the peace process, coordinates discussions with EAOs and political parties, and formed the National Reconciliation and Peace Centre.
The State Counsellor chairs the NRPC which consists of the vice-chairs Union Minister U Kyaw Tint Swe, Ministry of State Counsellor’s Office, and Peace Commission Chairman Dr Tin Myo Win, Lt-Generals from the Tatmadaw and Hluttaw representatives. U Zaw Htay said careful review of the peace process will show that all stakeholders accept peace based on the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), from which the Peace Architecture is drawn.
He said they are negotiating with both the signatories and non-signatories to the NCA and are preparing for the Fourth Session of the Union Peace Conference-21st Century Panglong. Although political dialogue could not be started, 72 papers were submitted.

Ministry of State Counsellor Office holds press briefing on 4th-year performances in Nay Pyi Taw on 26 June. PHOTO: MNA

Part I of the Union Accord was signed at the Second Session the UPC which contains 37 points and 14 more points were obtained in the Third Session. NRPC held discussions with NCA Secretary EAOs in Yangon from 23 to 25 June and there were some agreements as well as timelines ascertained from them. Both sides agreed on holding the Fourth Session in the second week of August. U Zaw Htay then said the 4th anniversary of the NCA was held at Myanmar International Convention Centre-II in Nay Pyi Taw on 28 October 2019. The State Counsellor’s speech on that day contained policy guidelines, especially three processes for moving forward with the peace process.
The first process was explaining how Part III of the Union Accord will be formulated. It will contain three parts that have a framework agreements on implementing the NCA and steps to establishing federalism. The second process is discussing with non-signatories and bringing them under the umbrella of the NCA. The third process is benefiting from Development for Peace, especially development that was inaccessible due to armed conflicts in EAOs regions which are now underway after the Union Government extended official assistance. U Zaw Htay said there are 3 steps to the coordination process. The first step is detailed political discussion that will produce agreements to be based on. The second step is technical negotiation and the third step is detailed implementation, especially going step by step in amending the 2008 Constitution. He said there are some progresses in negotiating for State Constitutions wanted by the ethnic nationals.
The third part of Part III of the Union Accord will contain basic federal principles. It contains the 5 guidelines mentioned in the State Counsellor’s speech at the NCA’s 4th anniversary. The guidelines are establishing a democratic federal system, power sharing, resource sharing and tax sharing, equity among the State and regional federal units, for states/regions constitutions to not oppose the Union Constitution, for power sharing to be based on the people and incorporate democracy. EAOs unanimously agrees to all 5 guidelines. U Zaw Htay said the UPDJC takes care of the political side of the NCA and the JMC takes care of the military side. He said trust between the Tatmadaw and EAOs have decreased and this has resulted in JMC-U meetings halted for 1 year and 10 months. He said although they have reached the UPC-21st Century Panglong, the Tatamdaw and EAOs’ unsuccessful negotiations on military affairs have had effects on the ground level and on political dialogue.
U Zaw Htay said that after numerous steps and discussions, the JMC-U meetings have been agreed to resume on 7 and 8 July with discussions on the political side to convene on 2, 3 and 4 July. He said NCA signatories will hold meetings from 2 to 4 July and meet again in the third week of July, JICM meetings will be held in the first week of August in Nay Pyi Taw in conjunction with UPDJC and UPDJC Secretariat meetings. Due to the spread of COVID-19 and the fact that most EAO members are stuck in Thailand, the JICM and UPC meetings are held close to each other and the number of participants have been reduced by one-third. The press conference on the Union Government’s 4th year performance successfully concluded yesterday after convening from 8 to 26 June.—MNA (Translated by Aung Khin, Zaw Htet Oo)

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Speaker of the Pyidaungsu and Pyithu Hluttaws U T Khun Myat joins videoconference of ASEAN-AIPA Leaders’ Interface on 26 June. PHOTO: MNA

The Speaker of the Pyidaungsu and Pyithu Hluttaws, U T Khun Myat, attended the videoconference of the ASEAN-AIPA Leaders’ Interface at 3:35 pm yesterday.
Viet Nam’s Prime Minister Mr Nguyen Xuân Phúc, the rotating ASEAN Chairman, delivered the opening speech calling for increased participation for COVID-19 preventive measures and more investment in the region. Next, ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) rotating Chairperson and Chairwoman of the National Assembly of Viet Nam delivered an address where she expressed worries of the effects of the global pandemic COVID-19 on ASEAN nations. She believes ASEAN will be able to overcome the pandemic and recover its socioeconomic activities. She said AIPA members recognize ASEAN’s theme for 2020 as ‘Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN Community’ and called on increased cooperation in all sectors. ASEAN leaders and AIPA members then discussed for the success of ASEAN’s 2025 objectives after which Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Speaker U T Khun Myat voiced his support for the theme of the meeting, saying it reflects the current situation. He said the unity of ASEAN is important and wished for the success of the 36th ASEAN Summit and the upcoming 41st AIPA General Assembly. The Vietnamese Prime Minister then delivered the closing speech. Also attending the meeting were Pyidaungsu Hluttaw AIPA Joint Committee Chairman U Zaw Thein and Director-General U Kyaw Soe of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Office.—MNA (Translated by Zaw Htet Oo)

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Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and Myanmar Tatmadaw delegation arrive back to Nay Pyi Taw from Russian Federation on 25 June evening after attending the 75th anniversary Victory Day parade of Great Patriotic War. PHOTO: Office of Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services

Myanmar Tatmadaw delegation, led by Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, returned from Russian Federation on 25 June evening after attending the 75th anniversary parade that marked the Victory Day of Great Patriotic War at the invitation of Russian Defence Minister Army General Sergey Kuzhugetovich Shoygu. They were seen off at the Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow by Deputy Minister for Defence Colonel General Alexander V. Fomin, Deputy Director of the FSMTC of Russia Vladimir Drozhzhov, Myanmar Military Attaché (Army, Navy and Air) Brigadier General Kyaw Soe Moe, Myanmar Ambassador to Russian Federation U Zaw Lin Naing and officials. The Senior General and party landed at Nay Pyi Taw International Airport at 11 pm on 25 June, and they were welcomed back by Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Vice Senior General Soe Win, senior officials from the Office of Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services (Army) the Commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command, Russian Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Nikolay A. Listopadov, Russian Military Attaché Colonel Eduard Okladnikov and officials, according to the report of Office of Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services. —MNA (Translated by Aung Khin)

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Union Election Commission Chairman U Hla Thein makes a speech at the Code of Conduct signing ceremony for political parties in Yangon on 26 June. PHOTO: MNA

The Union Election Commission and the Embassy of Switzerland organized a Code of Conduct signing ceremony for political parties at Melia Hotel in Yangon yesterday.
Present at the ceremony were UEC Chairman U Hla Thein, UEC members, foreign ambassadors, officials from international organizations, the UEC office and Yangon Region sub-commission, representatives of 83 political parties, and invited guests. The UEC Chairman first delivered an address where he said in addition to the existence of election laws and bylaws, there needs to be a code of conduct between the political parties. The Code of Conduct (CoC) for political parties and candidates was issued on 26 June 2016 with the approval of 67 political parties. The UEC Chairman said adherence to the CoC reduced the number of conflicts during the 2015 General Elections and the by-elections in 2017 and 2018. He said they had organized 7 coordination meetings between October 2019 to June 2020 to revise the CoC for improvements. Next, Technical Advisor Mr Jorge Valladares, a member of the CoC Reviewing Working Committee, and Swiss Ambassador Mr Tim Enderlin explained the drafting process of the CoC. The representatives of political parties then signed the CoC.—MNA (Translated by Zaw Htet Oo)

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