China and Myanmar Tuesday signed an action plan document regarding opium poppy crop substitution and alternative development to be implemented in northern Myanmar.

 

The anti-drug cooperation action plan is to be carried out under the framework of cooperative agreement between the two governments on ban of illegal transportation and abuse of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

 

On behalf of the respective governments, Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Guan Mu and Myanmar Deputy Minister of Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Colonel Tin Ngwe signed the document in Myanmar's new capital of Nay Pyi Taw.

 

According to the document, the two sides will strengthen such cooperation in northern Myanmar mainly by supporting project cooperation between and among competent enterprises to implement the projects covered by the program based on the principles of equality, mutual benefit, mutual respect and shared responsibility.

 

The two sides agreed to set up demonstration projects of poppy crop substitution and alternative development in the areas covering Special Region No. 1 and 2 of Kachin state, Special Region No. 1, 2 and 4 in Shan state and other regions both parties agreed upon, the document said.

 

At the signing ceremony, the Chinese ambassador said the Chinese government would like to further enhance cooperation with Myanmar in the sector of poppy crop substitution and alternative development to gradually improve the livelihood of farmers who abandoned poppy cultivation and to totally resolve the poppy growing issue that endangers both side.

 

The Myanmar deputy minister expressed the country's thanks to China for its consistent assistance rendered for Myanmar's drug control tasks and border area development, expressing belief that through the two countries' cooperation, the total eradication of poppy would be bound to achieve success.

 

(Xinhua News Agency November 21, 2007)