On July 12th, Ms. Cao Jing, Minister Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar, attended the groundbreaking ceremony of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Special Fund project Center ofVocational Training and Ethnic Community Affairs in Shan State(phase II). U Aung Zaw Aye, Chief Minister of Shan State, U Than Oo Lwin, Chief Justice of Shan State High Court,U Min Aye Ko, Director General of Department of Ethnic Rights of the Ministry of Ethnic Affairs, U Kyaw Htu Nyein, Deputy Director General of Department of International Organizations and Economic of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and local people totalling more than 50 attended the ceremony.
Cao Jing said that both China and Myanmar are multi-ethnic countries. By taking the Chinese path to modernization, China continues to meet the desire for a better lifeof all ethnic people, so that all ethnic can share the glory of rejuvenation and create a better future together. LMC adheres to an action-oriented strategy to improve people's livelihood and promote development. With the support of the LMC Special Fund, the construction of Center of Vocational Training and Ethnic Community Affairs in Shan State has made significant progress, reflecting China's support for the multi-ethnic integrated development of Myanmar. The center will offer practical vocational skills training for ethnic minorities in Shan State, assisting them in enhancing their competencies, employment, and lives. It also establishes a platform for exchanges among ethnic groups within the state to foster mutual understanding, trustand integration. This project also embodies the implementation of Global Development Initiativeand Global Civilization Initiative. China would like to strengthenexchange and cooperation with Myanmar in the development of ethnic areas and vocational training, help Myanmar achieve inclusive and sustainable development, and jointly build a community with a shared future for Lancang-Mekong countries.
U Aung Zaw Aye said that the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation aims atthe prosperity and sustainable and balanced development of the sub-region, and contributes to the building of the ASEAN community and the realization of the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. He expressed appreciation for the LMC Special Fund financed by China for supporting Vocational Training and Ethnic Community Affairs in Shan State. The center would offer vocational training courses on computer, sewing, motorcycle mechanic etc., to ethnic people in Shan State and Myanmar and provide a platform for conducting exchange in ethnic policy, customs, and knowledge among Lancang-Mekong countries to promote the development of ethnic areas.
Subsequently, attenders jointly laid the foundationfor the center's workshops and other affiliated buildings, visited the center, and watched the presentation of project work plan.
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The main building and affiliated facilities of the Center of Vocational Training and Ethnic Community Affairs in Shan State will be completed by the end of 2023 and officially open to the public in February 2024.
