NAY PYI TAW February 19
The opening ceremony of Myanmar Food Industry Development Forum (2025) was held at MICC II here this morning, addressed by Chairman of State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
Also present were SAC Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo, SAC members, union ministers, union level dignitaries, the Nay Pyi Taw Council chair, senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, deputy ministers, heads of department, the president and members of Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the chair and members of Myanmar Food Processors and Exporters Association, representatives of affiliated associations, entrepreneurs, officials and invited guests.
In his keynote address, the Senior General said a nation’s economic development is measured by GDP. Calculation of GDP is based on three major sectors agricultural sector, industrial sector and services sector. In setting up an industrial nation based on agriculture, agricultural raw materials play a pivotal role, while electricity and energy are also important inputs. Hence, the three commissions, industrial development commission, electric and energy development commission and agriculture development commission, were set up for harmonious advancement of the country’s industrial sector and economy.
Food, clothing and shelter are the three main components for survival. Of the three, food is an essential and most basic daily requirement. Distribution of quality food at fair prices will ensure food sufficiency and accessibility for the public and availability of food that meets export standards. In this regard, the government is applying multiple means for the progress of the internal food production industry.
Emergence of a better economic environment for development of food industry, increase in production of quality and safe food all along the production chain of the industry, assurance of domestic food sufficiency and import-substitution for export market penetration, adoption of new measures for continuous development of food industry, simplification of food industryrelated laws and procedures, and broader distribution of techniques, norms and information are the goals of the forum.The country has an adequate quantity of main raw material supply ready for food industry. The total number and percentage of food manufacturing enterprises is highest at 23,887 or 49.63 percent among the registered private industries.
Of the registered private industries in industrial zones, the number of food production businesses was the highest at 2,004. Of the 49,025 registered MSMEs, those related to the food industry take the top position with a total number of 9,984.
Serious attention must be paid to the food industry whose number is high in the private production and business sectors.
The objective of fostering the growth and success of MSME businesses is to bolster the domestic economy, in other words, to support domestic manufacturing.
In this effort, the primary and essential requirement for manufacturing is raw materials.
Therefore, the policy has been established to prioritize the production of domestic and regional raw materials.Regionally produced agricultural and farming products serve as reliable raw materials.From this point, it will be necessary to take gradual steps to replace imports and boost exports.During the recent MSME exhibition held across various states and regions, numerous positive developments were observed.It is a fact that enhanced product quality and packaging have significantly boosted sales and purchasing power.Therefore, efforts must be made to meet the needs of and support local food businesses that are focused on ensuring domestic consumption and expanding exports.
This is why the Myanmar Food Industry Development Forum is being held today.It is believed that this forum will provide an opportunity to observe, discuss, and exchange insights on the weaknesses, strengths, challenges, and opportunities within the local food industry.
Only through collective efforts to ensure that tasks are carried out efficiently and swiftly can progress be made. Therefore, all are urged to further strengthen government-private sector cooperation, keeping national and public interests at the forefront.
Only through close cooperation between the government and the private sector to meet needs can production and the flow of commodities be improved.It is essential to openly discuss the challenges faced by those working on the ground, identify solutions, and coordinate their implementation.
The key point to remember is that everyone must implement the projects quickly and efficiently, understanding that they are working for the benefit of the country.
Therefore, it is important to encourage and support business owners who are working to improve the country’s economy, while collaborating to develop the nation’s industrial production sector. Business owners are also urged to strive for further development of their manufacturing industries, with a focus on public and national interests.
Following that, a video clip on Myanmar Food Industry Development was shown. Subsequently, U Aye Win, Chairman of the Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, explained the holding of the Myanmar Food Industry Development Forum (2025).
Afterward, U Aye Win, Chairman of the Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and U Aung Shwe, Chairman of the Myanmar Food Processors and Exporters Association, presented the Senior General with a commemorative medal to mark the opening of the Myanmar Food Industry Development Forum (2025).
Following that, the attendees of the ceremony, along with the Senior General, posed for a group photo.
Afterward, the Senior General and the attendees of the ceremony toured the Myanmar Food Industry Development Forum to explore the locally produced food products and exhibits with interest. Then, the Senior General inquired about the presentations made by the officials and provided suggestions on the required measures.
The Myanmar Food Industry Development Forum (2025) will run until February 20. During the forum, sector-specific discussions will take place to foster the development of Myanmar’s food production.
