UNDP Assistant Administrator Dr. Ajay Chhibber completes visit to Myanmar 10 October 2012, Yangon: Dr.

Ajay Chhibber, United Nations Assistant Secretary General and United Nations Development Programme Assistant Administrator visited Myanmar from October 8-10, to discuss the UNDPs new country programme and support to Myanmar on aidcoordination. During his visit, he met with Minister of Border Affairs Lieutenant General Thein Htay, Minister of National Planning and Economic Development Dr. Kan Zaw, Minister of Finance and Revenue U Win Shein, other senior officials and representatives of Myanmars international development partners. In his meetings with the Minister of Border Affairs, the discussion focused on livelihoods, rural development and local governance. Local governments also need training and re-orientation for a new community oriented approach. New approaches to community and rural development are also needed to provide quick benefits to poor areas and those that are coming out of years of conflict in the new ceasefire areas. The government has proposed a workshop to bring development partners to discuss alternative approaches to rural and community development. The Minister of Finance and Revenue U Win Shein briefed Dr. Chhibber on currency and banking reforms, progress on the establishment of a new central bank, as well as clearance of Myanmars arrears. They also discussed the need for a viable microfinance sector and UNDPs support for microfinance. Aid-coordination and regional planning were key areas of discussion with the Minister of National Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Kan Zaw. With substantial foreign aid being proposed for Myanmar, having an effective aid coordination system is vital to ensure that aid is aligned with Myanmars priorities and is used to create both quick wins and lays the foundation for long-term transformation of the country, said Dr. Chhibber. The need to help build a process of regular consultation between the international community and Myanmar, and aid information system was reiterated. Dr. Chhibber discussed with government officials and international partners, UNDPs new country programme of US$150 million for three years (2013-2015), and how UNDP will work with others in the areas of governance, climate change and disaster preparedness and poverty eradication. The proposed work in new ceasefire areas to bring better livelihood to these areas was also discussed. With a new programme, UNDP will step up to help Myanmar with greater resources and our best expertise in this time of a historic transition in the country, Dr Chhibber said.
No.6, Natmauk Road, P.O.Box 650, Yangon 11211, Myanmar, Tel : (95-1) 542911, Fax : (95-1) 545-634, E-mail : registry.mm@undp.org

For UNDP media enquiries in Myanmar, Mr. Alex Nyi Nyi Aung +95 1 542910 (411), nyi.nyi.aung@undp.org Further information on UNDP updates can be found at http://www.mm.undp.org or at https://www.facebook.com/UndpMyanmar. About UNDP Myanmar: UNDP is the UNs global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 177 countries and territories, working with them on their own solutions to global and national development challenges. As they develop local capacity, they draw on the people of UNDP and our wide range of partners. UNDP has been implementing the Human Development Initiative (HDI) in Myanmar since 1994 to provide support to poor communities in areas of food security, primary health care, environment, HIV/AIDS, and training and education. UNDP currently works in more than 60 townships around the country. UNDPs initiatives target the most vulnerable communities and work to improve opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.

No.6, Natmauk Road, P.O.Box 650, Yangon 11211, Myanmar, Tel : (95-1) 542911, Fax : (95-1) 545-634, E-mail : registry.mm@undp.org