Meeting & Inspections : Union Minister meets coffee entrepreneurs in Pyin Oo Lwin

Union Minister for Industry Dr. Charlie Than met with coffee entrepreneurs at the town hall in Pyin Oo Lwin Township of Mandalay Region. In this meeting, the Union Minister highlighted the SAC Chairman’s efforts including loan disbursement with low interest and his Ministry’s tasks including provision of coffee plantation techniques, lab test, quality control measures, markets condition and business plan drawing to develop the coffee industry.

Today, coffee products are the second most important value-added crop after oil in the global commodity market. The coffee farming sector is an agriculture-based production industry that has good prospects and is sure to provide a lot of employment opportunities and to earn foreign income.

In order to continue to increase the growth rate of Myanmar coffee, which is selling well in the Japanese market, to make it stand out in the world coffee market and to overcome the challenges, the government and private sectors must work together in an all-round effort, the Union Minister added.

And, the Mandalay Region Chief Minister said that an action plan has been drawn up for the implementation of One Region One Product program with the aim of supporting the development of businesses in the region and improving the country's GDP. Mandalay Region produces more than (575.25) tons of coffee per year, the region consumes an average of (394.47) tons and the rest is exported to foreign markets, the Chief Minister added.

This meeting continued with coffee entrepreneurs presenting matters including challenges and requirements. And, the concerned officials coordinated the matters. After the meeting, the Union Minister visited coffee plantation in the region. On Sunday, the Union Minister inspected the No. 7 Textile Factory (Myittha) and heard reports.

In his response, the Union Minister said feasibility study must be done first before implementing a project and stressed the importance of business plan before giving necessary instructions. And, the Chief Minister made inspection at the Factory.

Also, the Union Minister visited the No. 7 textile sub-factory (Wundwin), heard reports and urged concerned officials to carry out manufacturing activities based on the market, and made inspection.