Junta boss Min Aung Hlaing met with Arakan State businesspeople this week, saying he had come to Myanmar’s westernmost territory to provide what is needed for the development of the state and promotion of local manufacturing industries.
Coup leader Min Aung Hlaing made the remarks during a meeting with local businesspeople at U Ottama Hall in the Arakan State capital Sittwe on February 27, the junta-controlled Myanmar Alinn daily reported.
Min Aung Hlaing highlighted the need to encourage the success of manufacturing industries based on agriculture and livestock in Arakan State.
Min Aung Hlaing, who is also Myanmar’s self-appointed prime minister, said that if there is stability and peace in Arakan State, more development activities can be carried out, according to Myanmar Alinn.
Those who attended the meeting said Min Aung Hlaing told the businesspeople from Arakan State to ask for the help that they need.
“He encouraged us to create jobs for the rural people and to export local products to Bangladesh,” said U Than Win, chairman of the Arakan State Salt Farmers Association. “He also told businessmen in Arakan State to request the necessary assistance from the military regime. He encouraged us to exchange news with each other.”
Arakanese businessmen in turn asked Min Aung Hlaing to provide the technology and financial assistance needed for the development of their businesses.
Those who attended Monday’s meeting recounted that Min Aung Hlaing said he would reply only after discussion and negotiation, without guaranteeing that he would fulfill many of the requests.
“We have asked Min Aung Hlaing to allow the ships plying between Yangon and Sittwe to dock at the Indian-backed port in the Arakan State capital. He replied that he would give an answer only after negotiation,” said a local businessman.
Min Aung Hlaing inspected the implementation of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project in Sittwe after meeting with the local businessmen.
Min Aung Hlaing arrived in Sittwe on February 26, paid homage to the Law Ka Nandar Pagoda and met with junta soldiers and their family members at the military’s Western Command.
The coup leader visited Arakan State’s Thandwe for a meeting with local entrepreneurs in January 2023.
