13 Dec

DEPUTY Minister for Commerce U Aung Htoo joined the opening ceremony of China-South Asia Expo through videoconferencing yesterday from Nay Pyi Taw.

At the ceremony, the Deputy Minister said the important role of the digital economy in responding to the COVID-19 crisis as well as promoting trade and accelerating sustainable development. He said the Expo would set the good foundation for the partnership between China and South Asian countries including Myanmar, as well as for trade, tourism and investment cooperation bringing peace and stability, mutual trust and prosperity for the people of the region and he said Myanmar is proud to be a bridge between South Asia and China.

He added the accelerated economic cooperation by seeking new ways for priorities in the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2020 and the Community and Silk Road Project and he said he believed that the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor can enhance closer ties between China and South Asia.

The Deputy Minister continued to implement new trading methods such as online payment systems and e-commerce in addition to regular trade for the challenges of COVID-19 outbreak around the world are creating the conditions for greater unity and cooperation in all fields. He said, in doing so, it is necessary to adhere to the relevant commitments in accordance with the rules-based multilateral trade system and to reduce trade barriers. He said to respond to the impact of the COVID-19 by integrating the global production chain openly and innovatively, and also the purpose of the expo is to work together to respond to the effects of COVID-19 and move closer to cooperation.

At the ceremony, representatives and Deputy Ministers for Commerce from China, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Laos and Viet Nam also delivered the opening remarks.

Afterwards, Secretary of CPC Yunnan Provincial Committee Ruan Chengfa announced the opening of the Expo and Consuls-General of Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, Viet Nam and Bangladesh in Kunming including Myanmar Consul-General U Tun Aung Kyaw inaugurated the Expo.

The China-South Asia Expo will be held from 12 to 18 December and 20 Myanmar companies led by the Ministry of Commerce, Myanmar Trade Promotion Organization displayed wood furniture, fruits and food items in the Expo online. On 15 December, a National Promotion Programme will be participated in the Expo by Live Streaming for Promotion of Goods, Industry, Culture and Tourism of Myanmar led by the Myanmar Consulate-General in Kunming.

MNA (Translated by Ei Phyu Phyu Aung)