Kuwait, Iraq Boost Burmese Fishery, Agricultural Sectors

By MIN LWIN

Although the Burmese saltwater fishery sector was nearly destroyed after Cyclone Nargis, the freshwater fishery sector has recovered, according to the Myanmar [Burma] Fisheries Federation.

Burmese freshwater fish exports now stand at about 200 tons per month, mainly to Middle East countries including Kuwait and Iraq.

Meanwhile, Kuwait has finalized an agreement with the Burmese military government to provide for the establishment of contract farms in the agricultural and aquatic sectors.

A memorandum of understanding was concluded after a Kuwait delegation met in early August with Gen Thein Sein and the cabinet, as well as officials of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, according to the state-run New Light of Myanmar.

The Kuwaiti delegation, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al Mohammad Al Ahmad Al-Sabah, also met with Snr-General Than Shwe, head of the ruling military government, in Naypyidaw, the capital.

The Kuwait government will provide financing for land for palm oil plantations, fertilizer and personnel, in a “contract farming” agreement with the regime that includes fishery projects.

Officials said it was the first investment in Burma by the Kuwait government. The total investment figure was not disclosed.

A retired Burmese economic professor in Singapore said the deal represents a continuation of similar deals made by the military regime to exploit the country’s natural resources.

Some local farmers and laborers may benefit from the deal, he said, but what the Burmese agriculture sector really needs is improved infrastructure and more advanced agricultural schools that can provide more sophisticated training to farmers, who also lack access to loans.

“It is not easy to develop the Burmese agriculture and livestock sectors without infrastructure,” he said.

In contract farming, costs are borne by the investor, which are then deducted from net income.

“It may increase the income of some farmers, but farmers really need more advanced farming technology and financial support,” said the editor of a Rangoon magazine.