UNION Minister for Hotels and Tourism U Ohn Maung led a delegation to attend Tourism Expo Japan 2019 and the 3rd Tourism Ministers Roundtable Discussion from 24 to 27 October, upon the invitation of the head of World Tourism Organization and JATA Tourism Expo Secretary.
The Union Minister met with Mr Ichiro Aisawa and Mr Hiromichi Watanabe, Executive Director and Secretary respectively, of Japan-Myanmar Hluttaw Friendly Relations Team and Japan Cherry Foundation on 23 October at Japan’s parliament building, Tokyo.
In the afternoon, the Union Minister met with the Japanese Deputy Minister for Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Mr Wada Masamune.
Next, he met with lower house representative Ms Tomoko Ukishima and entourage where they discussed the inclusion of a cooking programme for Myanmar foods favoured by Japanese organized by Myanmar Restaurants Association at the tourism expo in Osaka.
They also discussed JICA assistance for development of various sectors in Myanmar, possible cooperation with Japan to develop Myanmar’s SMEs by collaborating with Myanmar’s tourism associations, and the benefits from the Japanese-Myanmar translation application for tourists.
The lower house MP said she will hasten implementation of processes related to improving Japan-Myanmar relations and cooperate on SME development.
On 24 October, the Union Minister and delegation attended the opening ceremonytheof Tourism Expo Japan 2019 at Hyatt Regency Osaka. After that, the Union Minister attended the ministers discussion with WTO Secretary-General and ministers and deputy ministers for tourism from 23 countries. The Union Minister then answered to questions on Myanmar’s travel sector to journalists at the event.
On 25 October, the Union Minister received the Executive Director of Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) at the expo. The latter spoke of his wish to organize the Mekong Tourism Forum in world-heritage site Bagan in the coming year and to transport attendees there to popular travel destination in Myanmar.
The Union Minister replied that he supports the idea of hosting the forum in Bagan and will provide the necessary assistance. He requested MTCO further cooperation in developing Myanmar’s travel sector. The Union Minister also met with JATA Chairman and his entourage and also talked of travel sector development.
Afterwards, the Union Minister met with cherry flower expert Mr Terumi Takaoka and discussed preparations for organizing the fourth Myanmar Cherry Flower Festival. He then toured the Myanmar exhibition booths.
MNA
(Translated by Zaw Htet Oo)
Ref: The Global New Light of Myanmar