Myanmar govt promises development in areas under ceasefire
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Development priorities will be given to aras where the ceasefire accord is in place, said Union Minister Aung Min following the signing of the accord yesteday.
Development funds, with assistance from international donors, as stipulated in the nationwide ceasefire accord (NCA), according to a state-media report.
Donors can now direct their aid to the areas without any interference from the government, Global New Light of Myanmar quoted the minister as saying. The government, ethnic groups and donors will work together to implement development projects in areas affected by conflict, he added.
Top priorities include demining, providing food and shelter, creating jobs and providing assistance to those who wish to return home after having fled earlier conflicts, he said.
He highlighted the importance of creating industrial zones featuring garment factories and agro-based industries to improve livelihoods in the areas.
He also said that development projects will also be rolled in areas inhabited by groups who did not sign the ceasefire, provided permission to do so is given by the groups. “They will not be sidelined because we are brothers living in this country. But it is up to them to determine whether or not to allow development works.”
