Myanmar participates in Forum on Aligning BRI with ASEAN Connectivity Master Plan

Myanmar delegation led by Union Minister for Hotels and Tourism Dr Thet Thet Khine attended a forum on “Enhancing Connectivity and Sharing Prosperity: Achievements and Prospects of Aligning BRI with Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025” hosted by the ASEAN-China Centre in Vientiane of Lao People’s Democratic Republic from 26 to 29 November.
On 26 November, the Myanmar delegation visited the destinations of Vientiane, including the Vientiane development zone and joined the welcome dinner.
On 27 November, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos, Vice Chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Union Minister Dr Thet Thet Khine, and the ACC Secretary-General and Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN Economic Community addressed the opening ceremony.
In her opening speech, the Union minister emphasized the benefits of enhancing ASEAN connectivity through improved physical, institutional and people-to-people links.
She highlighted the five strategic areas prioritized for MPAC 2025: sustainable infrastructure, digital innovation, seamless logistics, regulatory excellence, and people mobility.
She mentioned ongoing infrastructure projects, such as the Myanmar-Laos power interconnection projects, which further exemplify the commitment to connectivity.
Then, the deputy foreign minister explained the implementation of 15 initiatives under five strategic areas of MPAC 2025, showing 73.42 per cent progress according to data of August 2023, saying Myanmar will keep working together in enhancing ASEAN-China transports, technology and digital project 2023.
Additionally, Myanmar ambassador to Laos briefed all on the opportunities and challenges to be encountered in the future, and the deputy director-general for the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Economic Relations reported on Myanmar’s investment-related issues.
On 28 November, the Myanmar delegates visited well-known places in Luang Prabang. The delegation arrived back in Myanmar at noon on 29 November.
The forum aims to support the balance between the MPAC 2025 and BRI and promote regional connectivity in the post-COVID-19 period. — MNA/KTZH