The Chair welcomed the MSG members, thanked them for coming, and made some opening remarks. He said he was pleased to have met most of the representatives, and that he was also pleased to see enthusiastic of members in response to the Lapadaung mining issue. Regarding the issue specifically, he expressed his condolence on the recent death, and stated his desired to hold a constructive, solutionsfocused discussion during the meeting. He also cautioned that while the meeting would address issues related to the crisis through the EITI framework where possible, there were many issues within the crisis that could not be addressed effectively within the EITI framework.

The National Coordinator briefly outlined the objectives of the meeting. This was to discuss the events which took place in the Lapadaung Copper Mine Project situated in Sarlin Gyi Township, Sagaing Region. The main agenda was the following:

1. Impact of the recent mine clash in Lapandaung Copper Mine Project on EITI process in Myanmar

2. Issue of enabling environment for civil society to participate in MEITI process

3. Sharing information about measures to be undertaken by CSO in the near future for fostering resource governance in Myanmar in the context of EITI implementation

Next, he asked for any additional agenda items from the representatives.