Sustainable Dev’t Goals: Union Minister Joins Asean Ministerial Meeting

The ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Accelerating Sustainable Development Goals was held via videoconferencing on Monday afternoon.

Ministers of Development Planning from the ASEAN Member States, Secretary-General of ASEAN, the Union Minister for Planning and Finance U Win Shein and officials attended this meeting. Indonesian Minister for National Development Planning, Cambodian Minister for Planning, Deputy Minister for the Philippines’ Ministry of National Economy and Development and ASEAN Secretary General delivered welcoming speeches.

The Ministers of Development Planning of ASEAN Member States discussed the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reduction in adverse effects of COVID-19. The meeting also focused on the importance of cooperation between the Ministries of Development Planning and Development Partners.

Union Minister U Win Shein said that the economic development of ASEAN before COVID-19 was stable and stood as a major organization in the region.

As almost all SDG goals have been affected by COVID-19, it is necessary to implement the strategies drawn up for each country and region. Most countries, including Myanmar, have drawn up remedial plans to mitigate the effects of COVID-19. In implementing the SDGs, it is necessary to implement the 3R Model of Reopening, Recovery and Resilience based on ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework, Complementarities Roadmap 2020-2025, ASEAN Community Vision 2025, and 2030 Agenda for SDG.

He also said that not only the government but also development partners and the private sector have an important role to play in increasing private investment in public services and the implementation of the SDGs. Myanmar is now focusing on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Along with the implementation of the SDGs, the Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan (MSDP) is being implemented.

Myanmar has drawn up the Myanmar Economic Relief Plan (MERP) to address the economic impact of COVID-19. The project aims to revitalize businesses, inviting domestic and foreign investment, and facilitating the business operations and legal protection.

In conclusion, the Union Minister said that the meeting would identify key processes between ASEAN countries and potential development partners in raising funds for the implementation of the SDGs. Through regional cooperation and economic recovery, recovery from the effects of the epidemic could lead to a better economy.