3 March

Vice President U Henry Van Thio took stock of measures taken to develop the tourism sector in Chaungtha and Shwethaungyan in Ayeyawady Region yesterday.

He met with local officials at the Amazing Chaungtha Hotel yesterday, and heard a report on plans for construction of the Coastal Road and the benefits from the project, once it is completed.

The Vice President, his entourage, which comprised Chief Minister of Ayeyawady Region U Hla Moe Aung, Deputy Ministers Maj-Gen Myint Nwe, U Tin Myint, and U Hla Kyaw, and officials also discussed the construction of a road linking Ngayokekaung and Yangon, upgrading the Yangon-Pathein Road, as well as the Coastal Road project.

After hearing the report, the Vice President stressed the need to educate local people about how the project will benefit them.

Upon completion, the project must satisfy the local people and help in environmental conservation, he said.

Once completed, the road will contribute to the economic development of the Ayeyawady Region, said the Vice President.

The 170-mile long Coastal Road is a strategic road which will link the western sea coast of Rakhine State and the Ayeyawady Region. The Coastal Road will help improve transportation, attract investment, raise socio-economic conditions, and develop tourism and agro-based production and the fishery sector. It will also be important in terms of the security on the western front of Myanmar.

Following the meeting, the Vice President and his party inspected the beautification and cleanliness efforts along the Chaungtha Beach, recreational arrangements, and sales of local products.

They also visited the View Point of the Kyauk Maung Na Ma Ocean View Hotel and admired the view.

Afterwards, Vice President U Henry Van Thio and his party went to Shwethaungyan and met with local authorities.

At the meeting, Ayeyawdy Region Development Affairs Minister U Kyaw Myint reported on the region’s tourism sector, including the opening of hotels, the maintenance of the beach, services for local and foreign travelers, training sessions for building the capacity of human resources, and plans for expansion of tourist destinations.

After hearing the report, the Vice President urged officials to construct more facilities, including car parks, public restrooms, and gymnasiums, in anticipation of more travelers than last year.

He also stressed the need to draw the Tourism Development Master Plan based on the current situation and in coordination with tourism organizations. The Vice President arrived back in Yangon yesterday afternoon. —MNA (Translated by TMT)