Union Minister for Natu­ral Resources and En­vironmental Conserva­tion U Khin Maung Yi visited the Chan Myae Thar Timber Pro­cessing Factory in Dagon Myo­thit (Seikkan) Township, Yangon Region, yesterday morning to inspect the production of teak, manjansha, and rubberwood furniture.

During the inspection, fac­tory officials briefed the Union minister on the supply of raw materials, the manufacturing process, domestic market de­mand, sales, and future busi­ness plans. The Union Minister emphasized the vital role of the private sector in developing the timber-based manufacturing in­dustry. He stated that coopera­tion between the ministry and businessmen is necessary to ensure a smooth supply of raw materials and the export of fin­ished timber products. He also instructed that suitable timber species for furniture production be identified and that collabora­tion between the ministry and the private sector be strength­ened.

Following this, the Union Minister met with officials at No 10 Furniture Factory of Myan­ma Timber Enterprise in Dagon Myothit (South) Township. He stressed the need for the en­terprise to focus on producing value-added timber products, seeking shares of domestic and international markets, and achieving financial targets. He also called for coordination with relevant departments, organ­izations, and businessmen to enhance technology and human resource development. After the meeting, he inspected the factory’s manufactured timber furniture.

He also visited the Great Myanmar Rattan Process­ing Factory in Dagon Myothit (South) Township, where he examined the supply of raw materials, the manufacturing process, and the export of rattan products. He also discussed the challenges faced by the industry with factory officials and provid­ed necessary guidance.

At the agroforestry demon­stration plot in Salu forest re­serve, Bago Township, Bago Region. There, he inspected the intercropping of tree species such as ironwood, manjansha, gum-kino, and Mahogany, along with perennial trees such as mango, horseradish, jackfruit, and coffee. He also observed beekeeping activities and left the necessary instructions. — MNA/KNN