Need to upgrade ethnic villages to international standards

Upgrades are needed to make the Union Ethnic Village (Yangon) sustainable and reach international standards, said Vice President Daw Nan Ni Ni Aye. The Vice President made these remarks on September 23 when she visited and inspected the Union Ethnic Village (Yangon) in Thaketa Township, Yangon Region. First, Vice President Daw Nan Ni Ni Aye and her delegation watched performances of songs by ethnic men and women and the Karen traditional dance "Dung Yoe" at the village's event hall, and presented bouquets and cash awards to the performers. Afterwards, in the meeting hall, Vice President Daw Nan Ni Ni Aye stated that she visited to observe the display of ethnic traditional cultures and activities being carried out at the Union Ethnic Village and to explore possibilities for supporting and cooperating in development projects. She said that the Union Ethnic Village, by gathering and displaying the traditional cultural heritage and customs of ethnic groups in one place, allows the younger generation to learn and preserve cultural heritage, thus yielding cultural benefits. Furthermore, she added that as social benefits, it will help foster mutual understanding and friendship among diverse ethnic groups, strengthening the spirit of the Union. In terms of educational and research benefits, she also stated that it will serve as a valuable source of knowledge and information for ethnic youth and students to study and research the history and cultures of ethnic groups. Regarding economic and regional development benefits, Vice President Daw Nan Ni Ni Aye said that markets will be available for local products and traditional handicrafts, promoting and supporting MSME businesses, and creating employment opportunities for local people. The Union Ethnic Village (Yangon) was established on December 28, 2002, with the aim of strengthening the spirit of the Union and further promoting ethnic unity by allowing clear study of the cultures and customs of ethnic groups who have historically resided in the Union of the Republic of Myanmar in one place.