June 07, 2020

A forum on development of corn cultivation was held at the Ministry of Commerce through video conferencing yesterday morning in Nay Pyi Taw.

In his keynote address, Union Minister for Commerce Dr Than Myint said as the country’s economic growth depends on the private sector development, the Union Government is making arrangements for the facilitation of the sector through the relaxation and simplification measures. It is also introducing necessary reforms involving the revocation or amendment of laws and rules hampering the market economy and adoption of laws and rules that meet the prevailing trends. Myanmar is the second largest corn exporter among the ten ASEAN countries because of the annual yield of the crops that exceeds the local demand. Myanmar puts nearly two million acres of land under corn, and most of the corn produced in northern and southern Shan State, Kayah State, Kayin State, Ayeyawady Region and Nay Pyi Taw Council Area are exported to China annually.

Inclusive efforts of all the stakeholders are required as Myanmar has many opportunities for progress of the corn sector, and the private businesses should strive to be reliable for the country and the people. Online trading system must be realized between traders and exporters, and the sector-wise discussions should be held for the development of corn business, said the Union Minister.

Deputy Minister U Aung Htoo also took part in the discussions, followed a general round of discussions, during which the participants presented the collected efforts for the progress of the sector, use of seeds, cultivation, exportation, advantages and disadvantages, situation of corn market during the occurrence of Covid-19, plans for post-Covid-19 era, and manufacturing and distribution of mixed feedstuff. The Union Minister gave the concluding address. Officials of the ministry, Agriculture Department, experts, members of the related associations, entrepreneurs and farmers took part in the discussions.—MNA  (Translated by TMT)