It is my pleasure to be here with all of you for this auspicious occasion of Opening Ceremony of 2nd Lancang- Mekong Water Resources Cooperation Forum.   

First of all, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Minister, His Excellency Mr. Li Guo Ying for your kind invitation and the Ministry of Water Resources of the People’s Republic of China for making it happen of this Forum, virtually, amid various challenges. 

I believe that, this forum provides a great opportunity to share experiences and knowledge of Mekong-Lancang River Basin to enhance water resources cooperation among Mekong-Lancang member countries, Technical Institutions, Regional and International Organizations, as well as business communities.  

May I recall the “The Kunming Recommendation” of the 1st Lancang - Mekong Water Resources Cooperation Forum held in November 2018 in Kunming, China, which has laid the first ever foundation for Mekong-Lancang member countries to kick-off cooperation to address water related challenges along the Mekong-Lancang river through policy dialogue, technical exchange, experience sharing, joint study, capacity building and public communication for the benefit of all peoples in the region.  

I would also like to congratulate Mekong River Commission Secretariat for successful conclusion of MOU with Lancang - Mekong Water Resources Cooperation Center at the 1st Mekong-Lancang Water Resources Ministerial Meeting in 2019 to deepen cooperation along the Mekong-Lancang River. 

Excellencies,  

Myanmar is a country with abundance of water resources. However, we have no excuse for suffering negative impacts of Climate Change, increased land use in the watershed area, deforestation, irregular rainfall, floods and river bank erosion. On the other hand, sedimentations, water scarcities and water quality problems are some of the additional challenges that we are facing across the country. 

I believe that those are the challenges of common concern to all member countries, and that also require our renewed attention to address as soon as and as much as possible. 

In this regards, I’d like all participants to discuss openly and share your experiences and technological know-how in the Forum in order to explore best suitable way to enhance our cooperation under the framework of Mekong-Lancang cooperation.  

Excellencies, 

Since the economy of Myanmar has largely been based on agriculture, water resources management became indispensible for all of Myanmar peoples for their livelihoods. Myanmar actively participate in not only regional water resources cooperation activities but also to the international extant. Myanmar hosted the 3rd Asia-Pacific Water Summit in December, 2017 with the aims of promoting, cooperation and partnership as well as sharing knowledge and experiences to enhance water security in the region towards concrete actions and solutions for sustainable development. During the summit, Yangon Declaration was approved to take actions for sound water cycle management, governance and inclusive development, financing the implementation of water related sustainable development goals and water cooperation at all levels.  

At the same time we are the active member of Mekong-Lancang Water Resources cooperation. Although we have several constraints in terms of budget and technology, the Joint Working Group for Lancang- Mekong Water Resources Cooperation has been able to carry out its tasks, efficiently, based on the Mekong-Lancang spirit. I would like to take this opportunity to thank China for sharing water data on daily basis through Lancang - Mekong Water Resources Cooperation information sharing platform which enable our forecast on Mekong River water to be accurate and effective.  

Excellencies,   

I would like to inform the meeting that we have completed feasibility study to upgrade Wan Pong Port, which is located on the Mekong River, with the assistance rendered by China through Mekong-Lancang Special Fund. We have planned to upgrade the terminal and required cargo handling facilities of Wan Pong Port in order to facilitate smooth flow of cargo in the region.  

Currently, we have also been implementing the Mekong-Lancang Special Fund project to install automatic water level and rainfall monitoring system in the Mekong River inside Myanmar. That system will provide accurate data for flood early warning which will help us to mitigate socioeconomic damages of the flood.  

In addition, Myanmar and China have also signed the bilateral MOU for Water Resources cooperation on 5th November, 2019. We will carry out joint activities in policy making, planning, disaster management, hydrological monitoring, capacity building and other areas for mutual benefits.  

Excellencies,  

Before I conclude, on behalf of the peoples of Myanmar, I wish to express our gratitude to China for your continued assistance, including the provisions of million doses of vaccine to Myanmar to fight against deadly COVID-19 virus.  

I am confident that the outcomes of this forum will accelerate the implementation of the “Lancang-Mekong Water Resources Cooperation Five Year Action Plan” and greatly contribute to the sustainable water resources management in the region. It will also enhance our traditional friendship and close cooperation among the Mekong-Lancang Countries. 

Lastly, I wish this forum to have fruitful discussion and results to pave the way for effective cooperation for the benefit of all peoples in the Mekong-Lancang Region. 

Thank you very much.