GMS Economic Corridor Governors Forum: Union Minister addresses the Forum in Kunming

Union Ministers Dr. Kan Zaw and U Maung Maung Ohn participated in the 2023 GMS Economic Corridor Governors Forum in Kunming on Thursday. The forum was attended by the Governor of Yunnan Province, leaders, and delegation members from GMS countries and private organizations.

The Vice Minister of the Chinese Economic Ministry, Cambodian Economic Attaché to China, Laotian Minister for Industry and Commerce, and Union Minister Dr. Kan Zaw delivered speeches during the forum. In his speech, the Union Minister emphasized that the economic development of the GMS region would be propelled by promoting the growth of agricultural businesses.

With over 60% of the region's 340 million population relying on small-scale agriculture, this approach could directly benefit approximately 200 million people. Despite global and regional trade challenges, the GMS market and its population could positively impact China and other GMS countries.

He underscored the significance of agricultural trade in achieving the goal of ending hunger by 2030. Despite challenges, cooperation and collaboration among member countries and partners could surmount obstacles and facilitate development for a promising future.

The Union Minister concluded by announcing that Myanmar would host the 26th GMS Ministerial Level Meeting in Nay Pyi Taw in December. He expressed hope for comprehensive discussions on trade and investment processes, digitization, networking with regional governments, private sector involvement in the GMS program, and the regional investment framework. Following this, the Yunnan Province Governor delivered a speech, which was succeeded by the signing of MOUs on economic cooperation by officials from Yunnan Province, Thailand, and Laos.

The forum continued, and the Myanmar delegation engaged in discussions alongside officials from Cambodia, Laos, the Mekong Institute, and the Asian Development Bank. On the evening of August 16th, Union Minister U Maung Maung Ohn met with the Deputy Head of the China National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) and leaders from Yunnan Media Group.

They were joined by delegations from GMS countries, representatives from broadcast and media agencies, as well as media representatives from South Asian countries. The discussions centered on cooperation and the promotion of the media sector.

Union Ministers Dr. Kan Zaw and U Maung Maung Ohn also participated in the 4th Lancang-Mekong Audiovisual Week Round Table Discussion and attended the opening of the National Theme Day for Cambodia, where they enjoyed the entertainment program.

In the afternoon, Union Minister U Maung Maung Ohn visited the 7th China-South Asia Expo and the 27th China Kunming Export and Import Fair and observed the display of products at booths in Myanmar pavilion and Chinese medicines booth. The Union Minister later visited Yunnan Daily and observed the publication processes of various dailies and magazines.