The launching ceremony of the second batch of Lancang-Mekong Special Fund agricultural projects was held in Nay Pyi Taw on 31 July. H.E. Mr. Chen Hai, Chinese Ambassador in Myanmar, H.E. Dr. Aung Thu, Union Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation, and Daw Malar Than Htike, Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs attended the ceremony.
Ambassador Mr. Chen Hai said that in the past three years, with the joint efforts of the six countries, Lancang-Mekong cooperation has become one of the most dynamic and promising development mechanisms in the sub-region, and plays an important role in promoting the friendly cooperation and regional economic development. Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Mr Wang Yi stressed that Lancang-Mekong Cooperation does not go after a high-profile "talk shop" but a down-to-earth "bulldozer". The Chinese side will continue to adhere to the principle of win-win cooperation, to meet respective development strategies of the countries, and to promote the common development of all countries in accordance with the LMC model which is efficient, pragmatic, project-oriented and put people's livelihood first. The second batch of 12 agricultural projects initiated by the Lancang-Mekong Special Fund in Myanmar covers rural development and poverty alleviation, fisheries, seed industry, inspection and quarantine, food safety, capacity building and many other fields, which will help to promote Myanmar’s agricultural development. China is willing to work with Myanmar to plan, design and implement various cooperation projects under the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation mechanism, bringing more visible and tangible benefits to the people and making greater contribution to the joint building of the Belt and Road Initiative and China-Myanmar Economic Corridor.
Dr. Aung Thu reviewed the history of Lancang-Mekong Cooperation mechanism and expressed gratitude to the Chinese side for setting up the Lancang-Mekong Special Fund and continuously supporting the agricultural development of Myanmar. He said that the first batch of five Lancang-Mekong Special Fund agricultural projects in Myanmar is progressing in an orderly manner and has achieved gratifying results. It is believed that the launch and implementation of the second batch of 12 agricultural projects will further promote Myanmar's agricultural development and deepen the agricultural cooperation between Myanmar and China. The Myanmar side will accelerate the implementation of these projects and contribute to the economic and social development of Myanmar and other countries in the Mekong sub-region.
Daw Malar Than Htike said that as a member of the Lancang-Mekong cooperation countries, Myanmar has been actively participating in the cooperation and speaks highly of the results of the cooperation. The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation of Myanmar is the leading agency of Myanmar in the field of agricultural cooperation and poverty alleviation and has undertaken a series of cooperation projects. In accordance with the project plan. The Myanmar side will complete the project on time with quality and quantity guaranteed, and make active efforts to promote the development of Lancang-Mekong cooperation.
At the ceremony, officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation of Myanmar explained the progress of the first batch of 5 agricultural projects and the overview of the second batch of 12 agricultural projects.
After the ceremony, Ambassador Chen Hai, accompanied by Dr. Aung Thu, visited an exhibition of the Myanmar agricultural projects.