Nay Pyi Taw January 8
Acting President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Chairman of State Security and Peace Commission, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing met with township-level departmental officials and local elders from Padaung Township, Bago Region, this morning and discussed regional development.
Also present at the meeting were SSPC Secretary General Ye Win Oo, union ministers, Bago Region Chief Minister U Myo Swe Win, senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, the Southern Command commander, deputy ministers, MSME entrepreneurs and local nationalities.
First, the chief minister re-ported on local points, farming activities, installation of electrical river water pumping stations for cultivation, local meat, fish, milk and egg sufficiency, development undertakings for MSMEs, opening of vocational causes, health and education promotion activities, preparations for the coming election.
Local elders then presented a report on the erection of a grand landmark at the junction in Us hit pin town, Padaung Township, where four Regions meet, the pleasure of the locals for the Senior General’s visit to Padaung Township, the first ever visit of a Head of State to their place, the success of the first phase of the 2025 multi-party democracy general election held under the leadership of the Head of State and participation of the local people, and the harmonious efforts of the people of the township for the success of the election.
Afterward, union ministers, U Ko Ko Lwin, Dr Charlie Than and U Min Naung, discussed the positive foundations of Padaung Township for the success of industrial and agricultural businesses and livestock and services, requirements to reach the expected progress of the agrobased industry although the township possesses favourable conditions for its success, increase in the electricity generation for the success of the services sector, acceleration of the pace of local progress by promoting businesses that can go in parallel with industries, nationwide ongoing support for MSMEs to develop the industrial businesses of the nation and provision of necessary capital, technology and inputs, continuous encouragement for region-wise development of MSMEs that can generate job opportunities in every area and can serve as a driving force for national economic growth, extension of agricultural undertakings for the success and progress of the agro-industries and multiple-cropping in Padaung Township, availability of sufficient irrigation water for crops by implementing solar-power river water pumping projects and solar-power groundwater pumping projects, agricultural institutes in the nearby areas to successfully bring about technicians at the time when the State is making all-round efforts for the success of livestock and agriculture.
In his address, the Senior General expressed pleasure and pride for his visit as it is the first visit of a Head of State to Padaung Township. Padaung has a significant history and geopolitical position, enjoying a rice and bean sufficiency that exceeds 200 percent and 300 percent respectively. Pawsanmhwe rice strain should be grown to produce quality rice. Systematic application of inputs will increase yield of the rice strain in Padaung area, and it should increase production of Pawsanmhwe, which is economically viable.
Myanmar is importing a large volume of cooking oil, spending a lot of foreign currency. As the country is exporting oil crops including groundnut only as a raw material, its earnings from the business never reach a satisfactory level. Hence, sown acreage of oil crops, sunflower and soybeans, which are supportive of the local edible oil production, must be increased. Padaung Township can produce glass noodles from beans and rice, as it is successfully running the farming industry. Similarly, it has been noted that experimental cotton cultivation is underway in Padaung Township, and depending on the success of these crops, industries based on cotton such as cotton wool, yarn, and textile manufacturing can be developed, while cottonseed oil can also be produced. For these reasons, he urged for the promotion of cotton cultivation within the region.
Regarding livestock, he stated that broiler and layer poultry, pig, and dairy cattle farming must be expanded in the Padaung region to support local food security. Animal feed can be produced using agricultural by-products to sustain these livestock operations. To develop the necessary human resources for this sector, agricultural, livestock, and industrial technical high schools have been opened across the regions. By advancing regional livestock production, it’ll not only support the food requirements of visiting tourists but also allow surplus meat, fish, and eggs to be exported to other regions.
He noted that since educated human resources are required to develop agricultural and live-stock sectors, the state is act-vely encouraging and supporting higher educational standards. Therefore, he urged everyone to work together to improve education within their respective regions. It’s essential to ensure that all students complete at least the basic education level of KG+9 and to work on increasing school transition rates. Only by achieving high levels of basic schooling will one be able to pursue higher education and enhance both knowledge and technical expertise. The wealth of educated individuals is essential for the further development of regional socio-economic lives. Since Padaung Township already possesses a strong foundation for industrial growth, efforts must be made to increase the number of educated human resources within the area to ensure regional prosperity.
The state is establishing agricultural, livestock, and industrial technical high schools in every district, and they are working to establish them in the remaining districts as well. Since this country is built on farming and livestock, they’re planning to incorporate basic agricultural education into the middle school curriculum star-ting next academic year. As the saying goes, “National discipline begins at school,” educators must provide both academic knowledge and behavioral training to ensure students adhere to strict discipline in their conduct. Producing a generation of disciplined youth will significantly contribute to national stability and development. Since drug abuse severely ruins the lives of the youth, officials in the Padaung region must systematically supervise and take strict action to ensure that the area remains free from narcotics.
As voting irregularities were found in the 2020 general election, we had to assume the responsibility of the state in accordance with the law. We informed the then authorities of the voting irregularities repeatedly, but as they convened the Hluttaw unlawfully and the Tatmadaw had to declare a state of emergency and had to assume the responsibility.
After the responsibility of the state was assumed, elections were held on 28 December , 2025 in accordance with the ultimate objectives of the government. The phase 2 and 3 of the elections will be held. We are determined to continue to take the country to the democratic path. During the first phase of the elections, there are a lot of voters and as it was learnt that many people are willing to continue to take part in the democratic path, it can be regarded as a successful election.
Therefore, concerted efforts must be made to raise the percentage of the turnout in the Pandaung area. Voters are urged to cast votes for candidates who can serve the interests of the religion and race of the country, join hands with the Tatmadaw. As they will legislate laws, it is necessary to vote for candidates who are well versed in laws, especially those who are educated and as a result the town-ship will get the best candidates. As a result, everyone is urged to make concerted efforts to successfully hold the election.
Then, the Senior General inspected the products of the MSME in Pandaung townships and gave necessary instruct-ions on reports of responsible officials.
