16th ASEAN-China Forum: Social Development and Poverty Reduction

The 16thASEAN-China Forum on Social Development and Poverty Reduction hosted by the National Rural Revitalization Administration of China was held through video conferencing on Tuesday.

Union Minister for Cooperatives and Rural Development U Hla Moe participated in the forum. First, Administrator of the National Rural Revitalization Administration of China LuiHuanxin gave an opening remark and Deputy Secretary General of ASEAN EkkaphabPhanthavong gave a speech on further programs for social development and poverty reduction and future plans for sustainable development.

Union Minister U Hla Moe said that in previous years, unprecedented challenges and difficulties were encountered due to COVID-19 global pandemic and those conditions were handled hardly. 70 percent of the country’s population live in rural areas and their livelihood depend on agriculture and agriculture related businesses. Under the guidance of the government, Myanmar has a goal to have a narrow development gap between regions and states for achieving sustainable rural development. With the financial supports of Chinese government, village level poverty reduction model project could be undertaken in 2021.

Currently, poverty reduction project at the village level phase-2, rural electrification project and comprehensive village development project are planned to be implemented under Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Special Fund. The Union Minister added that Myanmar would like express special thanks to the Chinese Government for its financial support and technical assistance as well as its knowledge and experience on poverty alleviation.In order to achieve the common goal agreed upon by all, Myanmar will continue to friendly cooperate with ASEAN member states and partner countries.

 Moreover, Myanmar will strive for building a prosperous nation joining hand with  ASEAN member states and partner countries. Ministers, deputy ministers and high ranking officials from China and ASEAN countries discussed linking with social development and poverty reduction processes with Sustainable Development Goals, achievements, good experiences and future plans. They also made  group discussions on social development and poverty reduction cooperation sector as well as rural development and living standard environment progress.