JICA want to provide assistance to implement small development projects such as supplying electricity; laying water pipes and constructing; roads, bridges, school buildings and ponds in the rural areas of Ye and Billin Townships.

Assistance will be provided to areas controlled by the government and areas controlled by the NMSP.

According to Lt. Col. M-Saik Chan, the Head of the NMSP development office, the decision to set up projects in NMSP controlled areas came at the third meeting to be held between officials from JICA, the NMSP and the state government. It was held at the Attayan Hotel in Mawlamyine Township on 30th October,

The Mon State Minister for Planning and Economics Dr. Min New Soe, who also attended the meeting, said: “They [JICA] will be carrying out field research to find out what essential work needs to be done. Since this is just a pilot project I do not think the budget will be that high.”

Lt. Col. M-Saik Chan said the development project areas would include a programme to assist internally displaced persons (IDPs) following requests from Mon people at public meetings.

JICA is working to build trust between the union and state governments and local inhabitants so that they can implement long-term development projects in the Karen and Mon areas of southern Burma.

Projects JICA is considering in the area include refugee resettlement programmes and projects to enhance peace and stability in the region.

Translated by Aung Myat Soe and written up in English by Mark Inkey for BNI.