By Tan Xingyu

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U Sein Win Aung：People-to-People Cooperation Vital Part of China-Myanmar Relations

By Tan Xingyu

U Sein Win Aung is the President of the Myanmar-China Friendship Association and the former Myanmar Ambassador to China.

In 2013, with the approval of the Myanmar Presidential Palace Ofce, the Myanmar-China Friendship Association was set up in Myanmar. It has since been maintaining close contact with its Chinese counterpart, the China-Myanmar Friendship Association, and the two signed a Work Memo in May 2013 to guide mutual efforts to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.

As a non-governmental organization, the Myanmar-China Friendship Association has done much to promote exchange and cooperation between Myanmar and China. In March, China Report ASEAN conducted an interview with Myanmar-China Friendship Association President U Sein Win Aung - who is also the former Myanmar Ambassador to China - in a discussion about the future of development between the two countries.

CHINA REPORT ASEAN： China and Myanmar are friendly neighbors, and people of the two countries have centuries-old history of exchanges. You have devoted yourself to promoting cooperation and exchanges between China and Myanmar. In that time, what impressed you the most？In what areas do you think Chinese and Myanmar governments need to improve cooperation？

Beijing Foreign Studies University Professor Su Xiuyu is honored by U Sein Win Aung Jan 27 for her contribution to Myanmar education after the education fund in her name granted scholarships to 107 Myanmar students from poor families.

U Sein Win Aung alongside Chinese painters at the opening ceremony of a Chinese work tour in Myanmar on March 17， 2016. The ceremony washeld at the Sule Shangri-La in Yangon， Myanmar's largest city.

U SEIN WIN AUNG： This year 2016 makes the 66th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties between Myanmar and China. Myanmar and China are neighbors who share a long border and the two countries have maintained a bilateral friendship throughout their history. Such a long history of friendship has grown into a comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation. Trade, economic and people-to-people cooperations are the important ones in bilateral relations.

CHINA REPORT ASEAN： In recent years, the economic and trade relations between China and Myanmar have developed continuously. Many Chinese companies do business in Myanmar, what do you think Chinese companies need to pay attention to when they conduct business activities in Myanmar？

U SEIN WIN AUNG： Economic and trade relations between Myanmar and China have developed steadily and continuously in recent years. Many Chinese companies are doing business in Myanmar. I think Chinese companies should pay attention to the rules and regulations of Myanmar. Corporate social responsibility, honesty and mutual benefits are musts for Chinese companies conducting business activities in Myanmar. Their activities should support the existing friendly relations of the two countries.

CHINA REPORT ASEAN： For the past few years, Myanmar and China have conducted a series of cooperation projects in culture, education and media. What do you think are the advantages and characteristics of people-to-people cooperation between Myanmar and China？ What role does the Myanmar-China Friendship Association play in people-to-people cooperation of the two countries？

U SEIN WIN AUNG： In the last few years, we have conducted a series of cooperative projects in culture, education and media. We have already donated cash and goods to earthquake-hit people in China's Sichuan province and flood-hit people in China's Yunnan Province. With the cooperation of the China-Myanmar Friendship Association, flood-hit people and animals in Myanmar were saved in the last year. We are completing arrangements to send 100 Myanmar students to vocational college in China. Media and trade personnel are making exchange of visits between the two countries. The townships around the Kyaukpyu-Kunming oil and gas pipeline got educational, social and health assistance worth 1.3 million yuan （US$200,000）. In the future, cooperation in education, media and trade are our association's priorities for enhancing the friendship and cooperation between our two countries.

CHINA REPORT ASEAN： Buddhist exchanges between China and Myanmar have a long history. Representatives from Myanmar have come to China to see the Buddha Tooth Relic many times, and you have personally visited Buddhist holy lands in China such as the Mogao Caves in Gansu Province and The White Horse Temple in Luoyang, Henan Province. What benefits do you think deeper Buddhism-related exchanges between China and Myanmar can bring to the two countries？

U SEIN WIN AUNG： The Myanmar people practice Theravada Buddhism, while Chinese Buddhists tend to practice Mahayana Buddhism. However, people in both countries abide by the teachings of the Buddha. For the propagation of Buddhism in both countries, we should promote visits by monks, nuns and laymen. Conferences, seminars and discussions should be held by Buddhist authorities in both countries. Donations should be encouraged for the continued practice and promotion of Buddhism in Myanmar and China.

CHINA REPORT ASEAN： Young people are a key demographic in every country, and the Myanmar-China Friendship Association has organized young people in Myanmar to come to China for exchanges. What do you think is the role of young people in the people-to-people exchanges between the two countries？ Do you have any particular hopes or expectations for the young people of China and Myanmar？

U SEIN WIN AUNG： Our Myanmar-China Friendship Association is in the process of selecting suitable young people for study in China. We make opportunities for young people in Myanmar to meet young people in China. It won't be too long before they will be grown-ups and become leaders in their felds and regions. As they have already become friends and understand each other, friendship between the two countries will be enhanced forever.