Zhu Xianghui, assistant to the dean of YNU’s Institute for Myanmar Studies, talks to a reporter from the Myanmar National TV Station during an interview, in Rangoon, capital of Myanmar, on Nov 27. [Photo/ynu.edu.cn]

The Institute for Myanmar Studies at Yunnan University (YNU) hosted the China-Myanmar Workshop on Energy Cooperation in partnership with the Myanmar Research Institute subordinated to Myanmar’s Ministry of Publicity, in Rangoon, capital of Myanmar, on Nov 27. 

The event was attended by nine Chinese representatives from YNU, Power China, China National Petroleum Corporation, China Federation of Industrial Economics, China Southern Power Grid and other universities and institutes, as well as more than 80 representatives from the academic, political and business communities in Myanmar. 

Set in the context of developing the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, the attendees held discussions revolving around three topics –– the history and current state of China-Myanmar cooperation in the energy sector; the achievements both sides have made in energy cooperation and the challenges they face, as well as the prospects for China-Myanmar energy partnerships. 

They also proposed their suggestions to encourage cooperative energy research projects and strengthen China-Myanmar cooperation in the fields of hydropower, wind power and power grid connections. 

The workshop attracted reporters from over 10 local media organizations, including Myanmar National TV Station, New Light of Myanmar and the Mirror. During the meeting, Zhu Xianghui, assistant to the dean of YNU’s Institute for Myanmar Studies, gave an exclusive interview to Myanmar National TV Station. 

Zhu introduced YNU and the Institute for Myanmar Studies during the interview and shared his interpretation of the theme of the workshop from the perspective of a Chinese scholar. 

At the workshop, the Myanmar side stressed the importance of electricity for Myanmar’s development, citing electricity shortages as one reason for a lack of foreign investors in the country. 

Chinese scholars voiced their support for this type of workshop, with many claiming that they should be held regularly to help China and Myanmar deepen ties. 

It was agreed that both China and Myanmar should facilitate more academic exchanges to promote bilateral cooperation in various fields including energy, as the two countries have already signed a memorandum of understanding to promote the building of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor.

A local newspaper in Myanmar reports on the China-Myanmar Workshop on Energy Cooperation held in Rangoon, capital of Myanmar, Nov 27. [Photo/ynu.edu.cn]