YANGON: Myanmar official media stressed on Wednesday the need for cooperation among Asean members themselves and between the Asean nations and their three partners, believing that these cooperation will bring further development to agricultural and forest sectors of the region. The New Light of Myanmar made the emphasis in its editorial following the signing of a memorandum of understanding by leaders of the delegations from 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) plus three on development agricultural, livestock breeding and forest products (2009-2014) at the 31st meeting of Asean Ministers of Agriculture and Forestry held in Bandasri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam last week.

According to the MOU, Asean member nations are to increase their cooperation in such measures as
human resources development vital for production and trading of agricultural and forest products, exchange of technology and standardization and fumigation, the editorial said.

At the meeting, Myanmar delegation discussed the reduction of disadvantages of climate change for food sufficiency, regional cooperation and construction of infrastructures for development of agricultural and forestry sectors.

It also discussed dissemination of modern technology, conducting training courses for research and development and human resources development and practice of international standards and work procedures, it added.

Meanwhile, Myanmar will host an Asean Farmers’ Week in Yangon next week, aimed at promoting exchange of views and experiences among farmers in the regional members.

Dozens of delegates from Asean member countries will attend the 15th event running for five days from November 23 to 27, local reports said.

Asean delegates are arranged to make study trip to agricultural museum and orchid farms in Yangon division, crop plantation farms in Bago division and fishery undertakings in Ayeyawaddy division.

Myanmar has been striving for development of agricultural and rural economy as agriculture, livestock breeding and forestry are the main industries of the 70 percent of the nation’s population.

The country is also working in concert to ensure abundant supply of food by making the best use of the nation’s favorable aquatic, terrestrial and climate conditions.
XINHUA