China-funded agroforestry project completed in Myanmar

YANGON, March 29 (Xinhua) -- An event to mark the completion of a China-funded agroforestry project in Myanmar was held in Myanmar's capital Nay Pyi Taw on Thursday, according to a release by the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar.

About 200 people attended the completion ceremony of the Promoting Agroforestry Management through Community Forestry Development project, the embassy's release said.

Speaking at the event, Myanmar's Union Minister for Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation U Khin Maung Yi said that agroforestry will help develop the economy and protect the forest ecological system in the Southeast Asian country.

He added that the project, with pilot zones of nearly 700 acres in three villages in Nay Pyi Taw, Yangon and Bago regions, has benefited nearly 200 villagers.

The minister also said that the project has formulated an agroforestry development plan that is in line with Myanmar's actual conditions and will contribute to the sustainable development of rural areas in Myanmar as well as in the Lancang-Mekong region.

Minister counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar Zheng Zhihong said that this project has achieved both ecological and economic benefits through mutual gains in agriculture and forestry.

He added that China is willing to conduct exchanges and cooperation with Myanmar on agroforestry and help Myanmar achieve sustainable development in forestry and rural areas.

The agroforestry project, implemented by Myanmar's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, was financed through the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) special fund, according to the Chinese embassy.