THE third-day meeting of the Third Pyithu Hluttaw’s third regular session was held at the Hluttaw Building in Nay Pyi Taw at 10 am yesterday, attended by Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker U Khin Yi and parliamentary representatives. During the meeting, members raised and answered 13 questions on MSME support, the minimum wage, employment generation, rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs), vocational education, and regional transport infrastructure.
On promoting and linking rural micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Taninthayi Region, Union Minister for Industry and MSME Development Dr Charlie Than said the ministry is actively supporting marine products, agrobased industries, food processing, handicrafts, and tourism. Through the 29-member regional MSME Agency and OneStop Service centres launched in mid-2026, the ministry works directly with relevant bodies to address entrepreneurs’ needs locally. He emphasized the necessity of transitioning from exporting raw materials to producing high-value, branded products using modern technology.
Responding to queries on the minimum wage and living costs, Deputy Minister for Labour U Maung Maung Than noted that the standard minimum wage of K4,800 set in 2018 has been reinforced by three consecutive K1,000 daily cost-of-living allowances granted in October 2023, August 2024, and October 2025. This brings total daily earnings to K7,800 for an eight-hour working day on active duty and statutory leave. He stated that the National Committee on Minimum Wage continues tri-party deliberations between the government, employers, and employees. He also highlighted state financing mechanisms, noting that 19 private banks and the Myanma Economic Bank disbursed K8,974.22 billion in MSME loans by the end of the 2025-2026 financial year, while ministerial funds provided K9,955 million to 253 entrepreneurs.
Addressing employment generation and human resource development, the deputy minister affirmed that the tripartite body is striving to attract fresh investments and sustain manufacturing operations in industrial zones. The Directorate of Investment and Company Administration prioritizes high-tech and responsible investment projects to create regional jobs.
In response to a query regarding district-level rehabilitation centres for people with disabilities in Dagon Myothit (South) Township, Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Dr Than Soe stated there are currently no plans for separate centres, though specialist physical therapy remains accessible at Yangon’s public and rehabilitation hospitals. He added that the public health department provides free essential anti-seizure medicines across more than 100 townships.
Regarding IDP assistance, Deputy Minister Dr Than Soe reported that K144.358 billion from the National Disaster Management Fund was distributed to displaced persons across regions and states in 2025 at K20,000 per person monthly. Extensive supplies, building stipends, and over 308,000 sacks of rice were also disbursed across multiple regions, alongside dedicated reconstruction funding for affected towns in Chin and Shan states and Sagaing Region.
Deputy Minister for Border Affairs MajGen Kyaw Swa Oo detailed technical training schemes, explaining that 47 domestic science training schools for women and border youth institutes provide vocational skills to help outof-school youths secure employment, alongside cross-ministerial curriculum collaborations.
Deputy Minister Maj-Gen Kyaw Swa Oo and Deputy Minister for Construction U Myo Myint subsequently responded to local road and bridge construction proposals raised by MPs representing Tamu, Ye, Chaung-U, Zigon, Mawlamyinegyun, Mawlaik, and Okpho townships, detailing ongoing feasibility studies and multi-year budget plans.
The third regular session of the Pyithu Hluttaw will proceed to its fourth day on 24 September.
MNA/ST
#TheGlobalNewLightOfMyanmar