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3.53. As one of the world's main suppliers of natural teak Myanmar has clearly defined interests in this sector. These include, on the one hand, the need to increase value addition and diversification, and, on the other hand, a focus on climate change mitigation, i.e., the need to prevent deforestation and forest degradation.

3.54. Various measures have been taken during the review period to address these twin concerns. The Myanmar reforestation and rehabilitation Programme (MRRP) implemented by the Forest Department aims to increase forest cover and the REDD+ programme, also implemented by the Forestry Department, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emission in the context of sustainable forest management. In terms of forest cover, the Government aims to increase forest cover considerably in both 'Forest Lands' (to 30% of total land area) and 'Protected Area' (to 10% of total land area).

3.55. Timber, as indicated, is specifically protected as one of the reserved sectors under the SEE Law, allowing for controlled engagement of the private sector. This establishes the Myanmar Timber Enterprise as a central player and a force for good in the sector. Since 2014 a ban on the exportation of round logs, boule cut logs and baulks square timber applies which serves the twin aims of preventing the reduction of forest cover and to securing value addition, namely to promote exports of processed wood (in particular teak) products and to secure supplies for the local milling industry.

3.108. A 2019 amendment to the 2016 Plant Variety Protection Law aligns the protection system in Myanmar with the 1991 UPOV Convention.

4.13. Myanmar is also a co-sponsor of the first and second Joint Ministerial Statement on Investment Facilitation for Development, (...). Myanmar continues to engage in ongoing negotiations and hopes to see an outcome that facilitates the cross-border flow of investments that enhance the sustainable development of its economy.

4.17. Overfishing is a major concern for Myanmar. The alarming decline in fish stocks poses a serious challenge for Myanmar's economy, its food security and the sustainability of its natural resources. As indicated earlier, the Government of Myanmar hopes to see an ambitious outcome that reduces the risks of depletion of fishery resources caused by overfishing and overcapacity while allowing Members to sustainably develop the sector, including through effective and appropriate flexibilities for Developing and Least Developed Country Members.

6.2. The Government recognizes the pertinence of 'new generation' issues, not least as part of its quest to achieve diversification, greater value addition, comprehensive sustainability and poverty alleviation.

2.2. The Government's current priorities and reform agenda are outlined in the Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan (MSDP) (2018-30), adopted in August 2018. It, inter alia, outlines the Government's long-term vision for a prosperous national economy, and advocates further reforms. (...)

2.11. During the review period, several new ministries were established, including (...) the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation (MONREC) , in 2016 [11] (...).

[11] Formerly the Ministry of Mines and the Ministry of Environmental Conservation and Forestry.

2.18. (...) The trade policy develops the policy framework for achieving the trade-related objectives and goals set out in the Economic Policy, the MSDP, and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. These include: (...) (iii) encouraging socially responsible private-sector development as an engine for growth; (iv) encouraging effective and sustainable utilization of natural and productive resources, with due consideration for environmental impacts; (...)