11 March
“Ethnic entrepreneurs should exchange visits with their counterparts to have understanding of the businesses, traditions and cultures of other ethnic races,” said Union Minister for Ethnic Affairs Naing Thet Lwin at the meeting Myanmar Ethnic Entrepreneurs Association-MEEA in Yangon yesterday.
Speaking there as the Honorary Patron of MEEA, the Union Minister said, “Such visits will enhance amity through the understanding of the cultural diversity,” adding, “national unity is of vital importance as it is the only force that will clear all doubts and build a Federal Union”
The Union Minister said, “Ethnic handicraft industries must be encouraged. As the country lies between the two most populous countries of the world, it has two large markets. But only quality products can penetrate markets.
“Apart from individual efforts, ethnic entrepreneurs should also make group-wise efforts.
The Ministry of Ethnic Affairs is rendering assistance to form associations in accord with the rules and regulations. Aside from micro industries, they should form joint-ventures with foreign counterparts.”
“As the Ministry of Ethnic Affairs is striving for the development of ethnic regions in cooperation with relevant ministries, ethnic entrepreneurs should also join hands in the task,” he said.
Honorary Patron Dr. Aung Tun Thet also gave a speech. Rakhin Ethnic Affairs Minister U Zaw Aye Maung and Kayin Ethnic Affairs Minister Naw Pan Thinza Myo of Yangon Region discussed matters relating to the ethnic businesses of the region.
Chairman of MEEA U Yaw Hset and General Secretary U Mahn Banya San explained the history of MEES and its functions.
Ethnic entrepreneurs and representatives of self-administered division and areas presented difficulties. The Union Minister and honorary patrons took coordinate measures to solve their problems. —MNA (Translated by TMT)
