THE Myanmar-Korea Agriculture and Rural Development Forum was held at Yezin Agriculture Education and Rural Development School in Zeyathiri Township, Nay Pyi Taw, yesterday morning.
At the opening ceremony of the forum, Union Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation Dr Aung Thu said the Saemaul Undong (New Village Movement) of Korea has resulted in lasting friendship relations between the two countries, with the infrastructural developments in village roads and bridges, and supply of drinking water and electrification. The project could also develop mindsets and views of local people and strengthen cooperation.
He also confirmed that the ministry will adopt guidelines, policies and strategies for ensuring sustainable results of the project together with the development of other villages.
Korean Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Lee Sang-hwa and Director-General of Department of Agriculture Dr Ye Tint Tun extended greetings at the forum.
The Union Minister also presented gifts to the Ambassador, the Chief Representative of KOICA Ms Lee Youn Soo and Saemaul Undong Project Manager Mr Lee Song Woo.
Development of project, implementation of project and the future plans were discussed by the project manager, the village leaders and the project director.
A KOICA official also handed over computers and office equipment to the Director General of DOA in honour of establishing 26 modal village under the New Village Movement with the funds of States/ Regions in 2019-2020 financial year in Sagaing, Mandalay, Rakhine and Shan.
During the afternoon session of the forum, officials discussed rural development policies, rural fund managements beyond the project period, the role of Yezin Agriculture Education and Rural Development School, cooperation between the ongoing Emerald Project and the Saemaul Undong project, and collecting surveys on the latter’s results.
The KOICA and the DOA have signed a bilateral agreement on 29 November 2019 to implement the Capacity Building Project for Myanmar Agricultural Education in 27 townships of 10 States/Regions from 2019 to 2023. —MNA (Translated by Aung Khin)
