On February 18, 2014, the hand-over and opening ceremony took place for the community bridge between Inn Hmi and Ywa Gyi Villages in Kalaw Township of Shan State constructed under the Japan’s Grass-Roots Assistance.

The opening ceremony was attended by Mr. Toshihiro WATANABE, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, U Sai Naw Kham, Minister for Transport of Shan State with responsible officials, respective committee members and local residents.

At the ceremony, Mr. Watanabe expressed his wish that the construction of Community Bridge will eliminate the trade barriers in transportation of agricultural products and contribute to regional economic development and improvement of living standard. He added that the year 2014 is the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between two countries and this assistance will further strengthen existing friendly relations between Japan and Myanmar.

After his speech, one of the local residents and representative of regional development committee mentioned that thanks to the construction of that community bridge, many trucks can reach up to the villages, and more potatoes, the major products of the region, can be exported to many places. As a result, the financial status of the local residents is expected to improve. The resident representtative expressed his deep gratitude to the Japanese Government and Japanese People for their kindness and goodwill.

The Japanese Government granted US$120,159 for construction RC bridge. Japanese Government plans to further support the development of infrastructure in Myanmar.