President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar U Thein Sein met officials from economic and social fields, associations and organizations at the Myanmar International Convention Centre in Nay Pyi Taw

NAY PYI TAW, 17 Aug- President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar U Thein Sein met officials from economic and social fields, associations and organizations at the Myanmar International Convention Centre in Zabuthiri here this afternoon.

The meeting was also attended by Union ministers, members of the Industrial Development Committee deputy ministers.

The President delivered an address. The translation of his speech is as follow:-

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen! First and foremost, I would like to extend my warmest greetings to you all.

In the opportune time, may I deal with the work the government has carried out for public wellbeing in five months after being elected by the public, the nation's political and economic situations and the government's stance.

In few months, the government lifted some economic restrictions to encourage the market economy, which is one of the pledges it made to the nation when it took office.

With the aim of improving the socioeconomic life for needy urban and rural dwellers, the National Workshop on Rural Development and Poverty Alleviation was organized in Nay Pyi Taw with economic experts, entrepreneurs, high-ranking officials from related ministries, and representatives of people from various strata of life. The eight most fundamental of the proposals submitted at the workshop were laid down, and work committees from the central to grassroots levels were formed to put the resolutions into reality. Now, rural farmers, odd-job earners and vendors in urban and rural areas are enjoying the taste of the tasks.

Previously, retired State service personnel had hardships due to very poor pensions, but now they are leading a convenient life due to increased pension rates and they are happy with it. I am sure, every witnesses is sharing joys.

Today, the world's economic crisis and fall in dollar purchasing power have negative impact on the nation's economy. In recent months, the exchange rate of one US dollar stood at about 800 kyats, but now it has kept falling to about 750 kyats, which has dealt a blow to some exports. In consequence, local demands for goods are falling, and it has affected producers especially farmers who depend on exporting agricultural produce. So, ways and means are being sought to ease the crises those farmers are facing.

To make things worse, the whole nation was struck by torrential rains due to climate changes, causing floods in some townships in Ayeyawady Region, Bago Region, Rakhine State, Kayin State and Mon State. The issues related to the floods have been addressed to a certain degree due to the contributions made by the Union government, Region and State governments, well-wishers and servicemen. Those who suffered the calamity most are farmers who face floods from time and again.

Now, the government has provided rice seeds to farmers and doubled the loan for one-acre to 40,000 kyats. Private microfinance institutions are also making contributions to the programme. The government has planned that rice merchants and it will set a joint fund to purchase rice at reasonable prices when the crop is in season for the nation's reserve rice in order that farmers will not suffer losses.

The government reduced tax on exports from 8% to 5%. Now, we have granted tax exemption from all exported agricultural produce so that exporters can keep the volume of exported items, and effects due to falling purchasing power of dollar can be eased to some extent. We have some other plans for other exported items and garment factories.

I would say both the government and the people should guess the scale of the effect of the dollar crisis and make provisions for the nation with great care. So, the people should not have any thoughts in turmoil because even if agricultural produce cannot be exported, the nation gets enough to eat. However, it is needed for imported goods to be singled out and austerity measures are to be taken.

As the saying that goes "Newly democratic, truly destructive", soon after the new government has taken office, it gets involved in a clash with KIO/KIA in Kachin State. Indeed, KIO/ KIA does not represent the people of Kachin State. The conflict was sparked by their blasting State's hydropower projects in Kachin State. So far, many of the facilities in Bhamo District such as roads, bridges and pylons have been blasted, and local people of Kachin State have got into trouble in transport. Now, many dwellers have fled Kachin State in fear of despicable acts the groups may wage on them. So, they were not in a position to grow rice in time, and surely, the state will face shortage of rice the following year.

So, ethnic groups, Christian associations and cultural and literary associations in Kachin State wrote to me to cease the armed conflicts and restore peace as soon as possible. The letters will be stated in newspapers every day. The Tatmadaw will not launch attacks, except defensive attacks. As a matter of fact, killings, bomb attacks, kidnapping and collection of extortion money are completely unacceptable to civilized world. In that regard, the central government has instructed Kachin State government to put an end to the terrorist acts and to arrange peace talks between the armed groups and it. I have heard that Kachin State has formed a team and proposed many times for peace talks. We have shown great patience just because the groups are our compatriots and we are looking forwards to peace.

Not only KIO and KIA but also any anti-government armed groups in Shan State and Kayin State can hold talks with respective governments if they really favour peace. We have opened the door to peace. In that regard, the Union government upholds Our Three Main National Causes and addresses the issue in accordance with the constitution.

Any individuals and organizations in the nation that have different views from the government should not take account of disagreements and we invite them to work with us for common goals in the national interests. We will make reviews to make sure that Myanmar citizens living abroad for some reasons can return home if they have not committed any crimes. And if a Myanmar citizen in a foreign country who committed crimes applies for returning home to serve terms, we will show our benevolent attitude in dealing his case.

Everyone who is honest and good-hearted loves their homeland. They want their country to enjoy prosperity and to live in amity and unity. And they have strong attachment to their country and own people, and build a peaceful and prosperous society. That is our common ground. I would like to urge all to work hard together based on the common ground in order that our country will be able to stand tall as a peaceful and modern one in the international community.

In conclusion, today, the country is in the process of starting a new life. There are many challenges as well as good opportunities.

What is needed is that we show resilience in tackling the challenges and we should seize all the opportunities. In successive periods, our country had to take so long time, dealing with issues of instability and unrest, which was merely a sheer waste of time. There are so many countries that lagged behind or whose development was on a par with our country in the post-independence period, but our country left behind in terms of development now. Now, the people of us should have stopped quarreling with each other, and individuals and organizations should no longer find fault with and put blame on each other. Our country has favourable conditions, our country will be a developed one soon if we are united and work hard together. Our country belongs to all of us. Every citizen is responsible for guarding and protecting our country. We also need to build a fine society for the generations to follow.

After the meeting, the President cordially greeted the attendees.

(Source: the New Light of Myanmar 18-8-2011)