A total of 500 MT of rice contributed by the People’s Republic of China (P.R. China) under APTERR Tier 3 was officially handed over on 10-11 June 2025 to assist people affected by the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Nay Pyi Taw and Mandalay, Myanmar.
Under this contribution, Nay Pyi Taw and Mandalay, two of the worst-hit areas, will each receive 250 MT of rice assistance. Dr. Choomjet Karnjanakesorn, General Manager of the APTERR Secretariat, conveyed his deepest condolences to the people of Myanmar for the tragic loss and destruction. He reaffirmed APTERR’s commitment to provide timely rice assistance in response to urgent food relief needs. The APTERR in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture (DOA), Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation of Myanmar is working closely to ensure that the rice assistance reaches those in need efficiently and transparently.
Representing the donor country, Mr. Ouyang Daobing, Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar, expressed his heartfelt condolences for the devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar on 28 March 2025. He reaffirmed P.R. China’s continued support for Myanmar’s post-disaster reconstruction. Quoting an old Chinese saying, “When one place is in trouble, help comes from all sides,” Mr. Ouyang noted that P.R. China has already dispatched emergency rescue team and relief supplies, in addition to the 500-MT rice that had already been prepositioned at the DOA’s warehouse in Yangon under APTERR Tier 3.
Mr. Than Htun Oo, Chairman of the Nay Pyi Taw Council, expressed sincere gratitude and appreciation to P.R. China and APTERR for generous support to those affected. Likewise, Mr. Aung Kyaw Moe, Mandalay Regional Minister for Social Affairs, acknowledged the significance of rice assistance in strengthening food security among affected communities.
The ceremonial handovers were attended by numerous representatives from various governmental agencies, regional government, local media and beneficiaries. On the first day in Nay Pyi Taw, Dr. Tin Htut, Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation, attended the event. Meanwhile, Mr. Thura Soe, Deputy Director General of DOA and the APTERR Council member, was present on the second day in Mandalay. The handover of P.R. China’s 500-MT rice contribution was conducted alongside with the handover of the Republic of Korea’s 3,000-MT rice assistance, exemplifying regional solidarity in time of need.
