President U Htin Kyaw poses for documentary photo together with departmental staff and local ethnic children in Maesae.
President U Htin Kyaw went on a pilgrimage to Taungwe and Myonam Pagodas at Siri Mingalar Hillock in Loikaw, offering sacred water, flowers and donation.
The president was accompanied by Union Ministers Dr Than Myint, U Thein Swe, U Pe Zin Tun, State Cabinet Chief Minister U Al Phaung Show, Lt-Gen Aye Win of Defence Services, commander of the eastern command Brig-Gen Win Min Tun, deputy minister Maj-Gen Than Htut and responsible officials.
Afterward, the President and party arrived at Maesae Border Trade Zone in Maesae, cordially meeting with town elders, departmental heads, merchants, entrepreneurs and locals.
In the meeting, President said, “The Union Government, in consultation with departments concerned, will grant necessary support to Kayah State Maesae border trade project, assuming that it is the one which will bear sustainable benefits to the Kayah State and the Union of Myanmar as well.
U Maw Maw, Kayah State minister for state project and finance explained, “There is a system of illegal black marketing between the two countries. To implement the situations in which legal trade can be made freely, border trade zone must be built as soon as possible. We need consider potential benefits, finance allowance and requirement and matters as to allowing free visa between the two countries.
U Khin Maung Phyu, state minister for transport and communication, explained needs and difficulties experienced in building more bridges promoting construction of Loikaw-Maesae road.
Townelders, merchants and locals discussed matters concerning development of border trade, urban sprawl and urban regeneration and allowing locals to buy timber for construction of buildings.
Union Minister Dr Than Myint clarified matters on promoting of commerce and trade sector with Union Minister U Thein Swe on arrangements of opening border trade zones with neighboring countries and Union Minister U Pe Zin Tun on project for sufficient power supply in the region under way.
In reply to discussions, the President pledged that the present visit was aimed at helping to solve difficulties of national brethrens, and to support in sectors of economy, education, health and agriculture for the progress of the region. He added that all people were also responsible to perform their duties assigned to them with concerted effort, in unison.
Then President posed for a documentary photo with local youths, departmental personnel and people.
In the afternoon, President and party visited the natural limestone cave—Kyat Cave and went to Kyatgutawya Reverend Sayadaw Baddhanta Vayama to pay respect and offertories such as rice, cooking oil and dry rations.
In the evening, President and party left Loikaw by air for Nay Pyi Taw.