Seeking to boost youth employment, a local research agency held a consultation in Kayin State this week to discuss the role of young workers in economic development.
The Generation Focused Monitor (GFM) invited business people, state Hluttaw representatives, policy experts, and officials from the State Industry Association and university students to the Hpa-An event on March 9.
“These states and region [Karen, Mon, Tanintharyi] will truly become developed if activities are undertaken carefully and [are implemented] well,” said Ko Nay Linn Htike, a member of the board of directors of GFM. “I think the results of the [event] discussions could be used as the basis for productive policy for the government.”
He added that with limited employment opportunities in Kayin State at the moment, young people often have to leave the country to seek work in Thailand or Malaysia. But to harness its economic potential, Kayin State needs to retain and tap into its workforce.
Nang Myint Aung, an activist in Kayin State, said the event could help promote awareness about the kind of opportunities currently available.
“The reason why they leave the country to work abroad is because they cannot make enough income to support the family,” said Nang Myint Aung.
According to figures collated from the 2014 census, Kayin state had the nation’s second-highest unemployment rate, after Rakhine, at 7.5 percent. Nationally, 4pc t of the labor force aged 15 to 64 were found to be actively seeking but unable to find work.
Translated by Aong Jaeneh
Edited by Laignee Barron for BNI
