THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
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USAID administrator to make official visit: embassy

USAID administrator to make official visit: embassy

Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development Rajiv Shah will make an official visit to Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw on February 27-28, according to the US Embassy.

 
Shah’s visit followed US State Department Senior Advisor Judith Cefkin’s visit during February 3-8. Cefkin was in the country for six days, having discussions on developments in the peace and national reconciliation process, political, economic and social reform, and ways the United States may continue to assist in promoting the stability and development of the country.
While in country, he will attend meetings and site visits that will focus on USAID’s commitment to using innovation, science, technology, and private-public partnerships to deepen development impact under USAID’s New Model for Development,” said an official from the US Embassy who asked not to be named. 
Shah’s visit builds upon the joint US-Myanmar Partnership for Democracy, Peace, and Prosperity. 
He will attend meetings and site visits that will focus on USAID’s commitment to using innovation, science, technology, and private-public partnerships to deepen development impact under USAID's New Model for Development.
“In Yangon, Shah will launch the first activities of the Global Development Alliance ‘Partnership for Healthier Myanmar’ with Procter & Gamble to provide approximately 100 million litres of safe drinking water, which will dramatically reduce deaths from diarrheal disease,” said the official.
The official added that Shah will also meet with private sector and civil society representatives to discuss efforts in scaling up investment and engagement on agri-business and mobile technology, and deliver a speech to stakeholders on food security priorities.
 In Nay Pyi Taw, Shah will meet with a range of government officials to discuss bilateral assistance issues. During his two-day visit, Shah will deliver a speech entitled “The Power of Partnerships to Accelerate Rural Development” at the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Office Complex in Mayangone Township, Yangon, on Thursday afternoon.
Shah made his first visit to the Southeast Asian country from March 7-8 last year, highlighting the progress that the agency has made in Myanmar, as well as with the American private sector, universities and non-governmental organisations to provide humanitarian, democracy, human rights, governance, and economic development assistance to the country.
USAID has been supporting the Myanmar government with humanitarian assistance, disaster risk reduction, peace processes, food security, and health issues for many years. In 2012, it provided US$6.2 million in humanitarian assistance to Rakhine, Kachin, and Shan states. It also involves with activities in nutrition, food, water, sanitation, and hygiene areas for displaced and vulnerable populations in conflict-affected areas. 
While in Rakhine State, Cefkin met with a range of religious leaders and civil society organisations, as well as local government officials in Sittwe, Mrauk U, and Kyauktaw townships to discuss the development needs in these areas, to learn about local efforts to promote dialogue between communities in the state, and better understand how the government intends to meet its commitment to bring stability and security to Rakhine State, according to the US Embassy.
 
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