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2018
On October 30th, 2018, MIID and the DaNa Facility, together with the Pa-O Leading Body, launched a regional development plan to improve economic opportunities in the Pa-O Self-Administered Zone in southern Shan State.
The launch was conducted in the Pa-O SAZ Office in Hopong. Chairman Khun San Lwin opened the launch, followed by Dr. Gail Marzetti, the Head of the UK Department of International Development and Joern Kristensen, Executive Director of MIID.
“The updated 5-year Strategic Development Plan for the Pa-O SAZ enable us to plan and carry out the next development activities and to continue to build a prosperous community for this and future generations,” emphasized Khun San Lwin. The speeches centered particularly around possibilities to increase employment and create income opportunities for the Pa-O community.
“During the planning process, we have met and listened to members of the Pa-O community as well as other ethnic groups living in the three townships. They have shared with our team their wishes on what should be done to improve livelihoods and promote economic and social conditions,” said Joern Kristensen, and continued; “The plan places much emphasis on projects that builds capacity through vocational training as well as create opportunities through small and medium-sized enterprises.”
At the conclusion of the event, Chairman Khun San Lwin assigned representatives of the three townships in the Self-Administered Zone to implement the plan.
Preparation of the plan has been carried out by MIID technical specialists collaborating with the Pa-O Leading Body, township and village administrators and civil society in the self-administered zone. The planning process has received financial support from the UK Department for International Development (DFID).
See the 5-year Development Plan here Vol. 1 & and Vol. 2
Myanmar Times also wrote about the project and plan. Read the article here.