NAY PYI TAW - U Thaung Tun, Union Minister for Investment and Foreign Economic Relations today held a virtual meeting with H.E. Andera Faulkner, Australian Ambassador to Myanmar together with officials from the Australian Embassy in Yangon.
The Union Minister and Ambassador exchanged views on the social, economic and health impacts of COVID-19 in Myanmar, and discussed potential development cooperation initiatives.
The Union Minister provided an update on the status of COVID-19 Economic Relief Plan (CERP) implementation, and details regarding the drafting of the Myanmar Economic Recovery and Reform Plan (MERRP) – a longer-term response being developed in cooperation with the Ministry of Planning, Finance and Industry. In light of the CERP’s importance, the Union Minister also noted how ongoing monitoring of CERP implementation will be used to inform longer-term recovery initiatives and action plans.
The Union Minister also noted the role of the COVID-19 Procurement Committee responsible for the purchase of medical supplies, personal protective equipment and other critical items in an open, transparent and efficient manner via local and international markets while highlighting collaborations with development partners and international organizations such as UNOPS.
The Australia Ambassador noted Australia’s support to ASEAN countries, including Myanmar, via a contribution of AUD$80 million to the ASEAN Economic Recovery Plan. In this regard, the Union Minister expressed an interest in cooperating with Australia to facilitate the distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine throughout Myanmar once a viable vaccine becomes available.
The Ambassador also highlighted Australia’s commitment to supporting the implementation of both the CERP and MERRP, with a focus on health sector strengthening and economic recovery.
The Union Minister expressed thanks for Australia’s ongoing support to Myanmar's education and health sectors.
Myanmar and Australia are currently implementing development activities as part of Australia’s Aid Investment Plan 2015-2020. Plans for a forthcoming 4th High-Level Consultation on Development Cooperation to guide joint development cooperation efforts for the next five years were also discussed. The Union Minister was accompanied by Director-General U Than Aung Kyaw and other senior officials from the Foreign Economic Relations Department.
