There is a domestic demand for paper for newspaper, magazine, journals and textbooks, and they have to be imported from abroad, said Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC).

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing made the above remarks at the Union Cabinet meeting No. (8/2022) held on November 1.

In this meeting, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said that there is a need for paper in our country. Daily newspapers are printed and paper is needed for magazines, journals and school books, so they have to import it from abroad.

In addition, there is an abundance of wood and bamboo that can be used to produce paper in our country, and there are already paper mills. However, due to various reasons, it was found that paper could not be produced. If paper can be produced from existing paper mills in the country, it will benefit the country greatly. In the same way, we need to be able to produce paper pulp as well, said Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

The rate of forest cover in Myanmar is gradually decreasing. It has been found that illegal timber production is increasing. Forests need to be restored. There are many bamboo forests in our country. It would be very beneficial if we could use bamboo to produce paper. The states and regions should work systematically on bamboo production, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said.

In addition, they need to take action to re-cover the forests. We need to establish a plan for replanting forests as a national goal from the next rainy season. It is necessary to invite private and foreign investment, just as the state needs to take action to be able to produce enough paper domestically, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said.

The meeting was attended by the Vice Chairman of the SAC, Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Soe Win, Union Ministers and Nay Pyi Taw Council Chairman in person and chief ministers for states and regions attended via video conferencing.