Min Aung Hlaing Emphasizes Economic Growth, Security, and National Development

Yangon, The Gulf Observer: Chairman of the National Planning Commission, Chairman of the State Administration Council, and Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing delivered a speech at the National Planning Commission meeting held at the SAC Chairman’s Office in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday morning.

During the meeting, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing highlighted the government’s commitment to fostering a sustainable economic environment, supporting human resource development, and enhancing the socio-economic framework to boost national productivity. He emphasized the importance of linking local production to the global manufacturing network through regional production chains to ensure long-term business sustainability.

The government plans to expand technological education beyond Nay Pyi Taw to other regions, enabling individuals to enter the workforce based on their respective expertise. Additionally, significant infrastructure projects are underway, including the construction of gymnasiums, stadiums with spectator stands and 400-metre tracks, and swimming pools in all states and regions, extending to district-level cities and self-administered zones.

To address environmental concerns, monsoon tree-planting initiatives are being implemented to expand forest plantations, with a target to increase national forest coverage from 42% to 50%. Modern technologies have also been integrated into search and rescue operations to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Regarding transportation and rural development, the government has built all-season road networks in rural areas to facilitate movement and trade. In the upcoming 2025-26 financial year, plans include continuing the construction of dams, electricity projects, and provisions for quality agricultural inputs such as improved crop strains, fertilizers, machinery, and irrigation systems.

Furthermore, the government has allocated funds for staff housing construction and has earmarked resources to aid internally displaced persons (IDPs) and rehabilitation measures. These efforts align with national objectives to enhance regional development and social stability.

Vice-Chairman of the Commission, SAC Vice-Chairman, and Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Soe Win outlined key strategies under the National Plan, including the development of the agriculture and livestock sectors, MSME businesses, export promotion, food security, education, healthcare, transport, electricity, and energy sectors. He further noted the approval of regional reconstruction and development projects aimed at national progress.

Economic projections indicate that, by the end of the current fiscal year, growth is expected in all sectors except energy, mining, and electricity. Provisional estimates suggest a 2.9% economic growth rate compared to the previous year, while GDP growth for the 2025-26 fiscal year is projected at 3%, with a nominal GDP value estimated at K171,498.1 billion. Based on the 2024 preliminary population census, Myanmar’s population is estimated at 51.3 million, with a projected per capita production and service value exceeding K3.3 million.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing underscored the necessity of improving agricultural and fisheries sectors to bolster GDP, ensuring effective project implementation for national success. In terms of security and legal governance, he reiterated the need for systematic security measures at regional levels to facilitate a smooth multiparty democratic general election in December.

He also emphasized the importance of efficiently utilizing the State economic promotion fund and preventing resource wastage. Strengthening MSME businesses and improving domestic production to reduce dependency on imports were highlighted as crucial measures to curb foreign currency outflow. Additionally, he called for stricter enforcement against illegal resource extraction, unlawful trading, and cross-border transactions across Nay Pyi Taw, regions, and states.

In his concluding remarks, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing reaffirmed the government’s dedication to national development through strategic economic policies, infrastructure projects, and security measures to ensure stability and growth.