The Special Retreat on Krabi Initiative, 63rd Meeting of ASEAN Committee on Science and Technology (COST-63) was opened at Myanmar International Convention Centre in Nay Pyi Taw on 16th May. Union Minister for Science and Technology U Aye Myint gave an opening speech saying that Myanmar is strengthening its efforts in developing science, technology and innovation sector through cooperation activities of the COST and its sub-committees. The research and development in science and technology and development of human resources are vital, there needs joint implementation of research programmes, exchange programmes and cooperative activities of the COST. So far, the Ministry has established 33 technological universities and 25 computer universities across the country while reinforcing for the development of innovation sector.

Myanmar is endeavouring for the rural development and poverty alleviation programme, disaster risk management by establishing the Natural Disaster Preparedness Committee and also focusing on Green Economy and Green Growth to address the climate change and related disasters. He also discussed that Myanmar, will continue to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN member states and dialogue partners' for he development of competitive, sustainable, inclusive and prosperous ASEAN. After the opening ceremony, 172 delegates attended the Special Retreat for COST on Kari Initiative. The COST-63 Meeting will be held on 17th May and the Meetings with dialogue partners: ASEAN-US, ASEAN-EU and ASEAN-Japan, ASEAN-China) on the 18th. On the 14th and 15th, 8 sub-committee meetings, the Advisory Body on the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science and Technology and the Advisory Body of the ASEAN Science. Funds were already held respectively. In honour of ASEAN delegation Union Minister U Aye Myint hosted a dinner.