News & Press Release
Weathernews Signs MoU With the Myanmar Department of Meteorology and Hydrology
On Friday, October 26th, Weathernews Inc. (Head Office: Mihama-ku, Chiba-shi; CEO: Chihito Kusabiraki) concluded an MoU (memorandum of understanding) regarding data exchange with the Myanmar Department of Meteorology and Hydrology (DMH). Under this agreement, DMH will provide weather data to Weathernews, allowing Weathernews to analyze weather conditions in Myanmar.
The construction of a meteorological observation network in Myanmar is already underway, with financial support from many countries. Like other countries in Southeast Asia, Myanmar suffers frequent flood damage due to heavy rains. Their Department of Meteorology and Hydrology would like to make full use of their weather observation network on behalf of the public, but in addition to cost-related challenges, they have been troubled by problems with technological development and maintenance. Therefore, in order to continue to operate independently in their own country, they are considering providing weather data to Weathernews in order to gain knowledge from Weathernews on how to use it to create weather information services. The first step in these efforts will be mutual cooperation to enable the thorough use of weather information in the field of aviation. Ensuring the safe departure and arrival of aircraft will increase movement domestically as well as to and from other countries, and is expected to contribute to economic development.
Yasushi Shiga, Weathernews' Senior Managing Officer for Asia, stated that, "For a national government agency to provide data to a private company is a big decision for that country. Weathernews' objective in entering into this MoU is not to acquire data. It is essential that both parties continue to move forward with a passion for creating services that enhance the safety and peace of mind for the people of Myanmar."
Win Khant, the Permanent Secretary of the Myanmar Ministry of Transport and Communication, commented, "Myanmar and Japan have established cooperative relations in a variety of fields. This MoU has been approved by the Ministry of International Cooperation, Ministry of Planning & Finance, and the Union Attorney General's Office in order to ensure progress in building a country where the people can live securely. I would like to proceed with this MoU as an opportunity to move as quickly as possible with countermeasures against natural disasters."
