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Established in 1914
1. Secretary-1 accepts donations for Shwehsandaw Pagoda of Pyay 2. Lt-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence opens Yu Creek Bridge in Tamu Township,
Sagaing Division
3. Minister receives Japanese Ambassador
4. Development of domestic airlines coordinated
5. Workshop on Control of Money Laundering Law held in Mandalay
6. Commander inspects South Okkalapa, Hlinethaya Industrial Zones 7. ASEAN Youth Camp goes on 8. Selected Myanmar billiards athlete reaches final in XIV Asian Games
9. Drugs and precursors seized in Laukkai and Kutkai
SPOTLIGHT
( 1 ) Secretary-1 accepts donations for Shwehsandaw Pagoda of Pyay
Yangon, 7 Oct - The second cash donation ceremony for hoisting Htidaw and offering gold plates to Shwehsandaw Pagoda in Pyay, Bago Division, was held at Wizaya Mingala Dhamma Thabin on Kaba Aye Hill here at 9.30 am today, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.
First, the Secretary-1 and party viewed gold plates and the Shwehtidaw for Shwehsandaw Pagoda being kept at the Wizaya Mingala Dhamma Thabin. Staff Officer U San Thin Hlaing of Yangon Division Religious Affairs Department acted as master of ceremonies. The ceremony was opened with three-time recitation of Namo Tassa.
At the donation ceremony, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, the ministers and the Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs accepted 50 ticals of gold and jewellery and K 34,605,300 donated by wellwishers including 50 ticals of gold by Chairman U Nay Win Tun of Ruby Dragon and Jade Dragon Co-Daw Aye Aye Myint and family and staff of the company; K 5.5 million by Taingyar family in memory of the late Daw San San Win; K 5.5 million by U Aung Myat (Mother Trading); K 1 million by Yangon International Educare Centre; K 1.8 million by Khittaya Association (Yangon); K 1 million by Daw Thida Zaw and family; K 1 million by U Maung Maung-Daw San San Aye and family; K 1.8 million by U Maung Maung, U Win Sein of Asia Express Co; K 1 million by U Chein-Daw Kyin Hsaing and family of Shwe Maha Sein Jewellery Shop; K 900,000 by U Myat Lwin-Daw Myat Myat Soe of Myat Thabye Mini Mart; K 900,000 by U Weik and family; a gold bell weighing 3 ticals by Dr Aung Win-Daw U U Aung; K 450,000 by U Kyar Maung (Myeik); K 500,000 each by U Chit Khin-Daw Aye Aye Sein (Yinma Recording); Ko Aye Win; Headmaster U Kyaw Kyaw, teachers and students; U Aung Myint-Daw Tint; Thiri Thudhamma Manijotadhara U Sein Hla Win-Daw Phyu Phyu Khin; U Aung Thein-Daw Khin Than Nwe; U Bi Noe and U Barlar; U Aye Win and family; Daw Ngwe Yon and family; and U Myo Wai-Daw Myint and family; one gold bracelet and a pair of pearl earrings by U Lu Htay-Daw Khin Aye Myint; K 300,000 each by Thiha Thudhamma Manijotadhara KN U Tin Win; Thiha Thudhamma Manijotadhara U Ba Khant; U Thaing Win-Daw Htay Htay Nyunt; Daw Ahmar and family; U Min Aung; U Win Pe-Daw Aye Aye; and U Tun Shwe-Daw Hla Yin Win; K 300,000 and a diamond ring by U Thein Oo-Daw Khin Khin Sein; K 200,000 each by U Win Myint-Daw Htay Htay Aye; Daw Tin Kyi (Chothe Orchid); and Dr Thet Khaing Win and Daw Mar Win Khaing; K 500,000 by Dr Daw Yi Hla, K 200,000 by U Zaw Win Khaing-Daw Thanda, K 200,000 each by Daw Aye Aye Cho and family and Daw Khin Aye and family; K 300,000 each by Dr Nay Htet and family; U Hla Htay (International Co) and U Win Swe-Daw Yi Yi Hla; K 200,000 each by Shwepin Ngwepin U Than Tun; Daw Htwe Kyi and family; U Myat Lin Aung-Daw Khin Myint; U Mya Oo-Daw Kyi Kyi; Amay Shwe Nang Kyin; and U Kyan Taing Aung and family; a jade necklace by Daw Khin Khin Sein; two pieces of Mogok ruby by Daw Khin Mar Kyi; K 300,000 by physician U Bo Gyi-Daw Than Than; K 200,000 by U Than Naing-Daw Kyi Kyi Swe (Thamada Robe House); one jewellery chain by Daw Khin Thet Thet; one gold chain, one gold ring, one gold bracelet and a pair of gold earrings by Daw Khin Sein (Shwepyisoe Oil Mill); one gold chain and three diamond rings by U Soe Thein, Captain Mya Thet Hnin (Retd); one pair of ruby earrings by U Tin Nyunt-Daw Khin Nu; a pair of ruby earrings by U Lu Htay-Daw Khin Aye Myint; one Nawarat ring by Daw Khin Myint Shein and family; and two pieces of Mogok ruby by Daw Khin Mar Kyi and family.
Then, the Secretary-1 spoke words of thanks. He said that Shwehsandaw Pagoda of Pyay is an ancient and historic pagoda. The Htidaw of the pagoda is over 80 years old. Arrangements are made for durability of the Htidaw in accord with its original style and for offering gold plates to the Htidaw.
The new Htidaw has been made of gold plates and is being kept at Wizaya Mingala Dhamma Thabin for reverence of the wellwishers. Before hoisting the Shwehtidaw, arrangements are being made for fixing the new pivot atop the pagoda. The new Shwehtidaw will soon be conveyed to Pyay. Later, the Secretary-1 thanked the wellwishers.
Then, the ceremony concluded with three-time recitation of Buddha Sasanam ‚iram Titthatu. After the ceremony, the guests and the wellwishers viewed the gold plates and the Shwehtidaw.
( 2 ) Lt-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence opens Yu Creek Bridge in Tamu Township, Sagaing Division
In the time of Tatmadaw government, special plans have been laid down for development of Kabaw valley regionYangon, 7 Oct - The opening ceremony of Yu Creek Bridge on Tamu-Zedi Road in Tamu Township in Sagaing Division was held at Mingala Mandat near the bridge yesterday morning, with an opening address by State Peace and Development Council member Lt-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence.
First, Lt-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence made a speech. He said the Yu Creek Bridge on Tamu-Zedi Road in Tamu township, Sagaing Division, is of suspension bridge type and 400 feet long. The piers are built with concrete and the frame is 28 feet wide. The one-way bailey bridge can be rebuilt into a two-way reinforced one, if necessary.
The Ministry of Construction has built altogether 8 major bridges in Sagaing Division including Yu Creek Bridge that are 180 feet and above in Sagaing Division. They are Bon Creek Bridge, Nyaungbinwun Bridge, Kambani Bridge, Yu Creek Bridge, Phainglin Bridge, Thamayoe Bridge, Meza Bridge and Hsinbyushin Bridge (Chindwin river crossing bridge).
State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe had roads and bridges built all over the country for smooth and better transportation spending a huge sum of cash. For development of the regions, interests of the local people and friendly relationship among national brethren, these facilities are built without taking the economic benefits into consideration. In building a new, modern and developed nation, smooth and secure transportation plays a vital role. So, the State placed emphasis on smooth and secure transportation and is implementing it.
A network of Union Highways and regional development roads are being built all over the country. In building roads, bridges are to be built across the rivers and creeks that are natural barriers.
Since 1988, major and minor bridges have been built all over the country. Altogether 146 bridges of 180 feet and above have been built in the country eight in Kachin State, five in Kayin State, two in Chin State, eight in Sagaing Division, four in Taninthayi Division, 12 in Bago Division, 24 in Magway Division, 23 in Yangon Division, 8 in Shan State and 35 in Ayeyawady Division.
The newly opened Yu Creek Bridge on Tamu-Zedi Road in Kabaw valley region, Tamu District in Sagaing Division is an important one. The division is large and populous. There is a vast area of cultivable land in the division and it can be called the Rice Bowl of the country. Tamu in Tamu District is a border town of Myanmar near India and it is a centre of trade. Kabaw valley region where Tamu Creek Bridge lies was difficult of access in the past. It was less populated and legged behind in development although there were a lot of vacant and virgin lands.
In the time of Tatmadaw government, special plans have been laid down for the development of Kabaw valley region and development tasks for agriculture, livestock breeding, education and road transportation sectors have been implemented. New villages have been established where necessary. Moreover, development tasks for Tamu and Kalay, that are contiguous to Kabaw valley region, are also carried out. For smooth transportation, Mandalay-Pakokku-Gangaw-Kalay rail road was constructed and Tamu-Kalay-Kalaywa road was upgraded into a tarred one. Similarly, Kalay Airport has been extended and renovated. At present, new Monywa-Yagyi road was under construction for the people in to be able to travel from Monywa to Kalay in a short time and Kalaywa and Chindwin river crossing bridges have been built.
In Sagaing Division, there were altogether 1332 miles of road before 1988 and there are about 1,934 miles of road at present. Head of State Senior General Than Shwe has been paying attention to balanced development of all regions. Now, 24 development zones have been designated all over the country and development of economy, road transportation, education and health sectors are emphasized. Development tasks for Kalay region have been carried out and trade as well as education, health and social sectors will surely improve. When economic and social sectors have developed, people will come to realize the value of the shade of the Union and Union Spirit, and national solidarity will be enhanced so that the Union will exist forever.
Kabaw valley region was once neglected, but due to the goodwill and far-sightedness of the State leaders, it will become developed. The State is also laying emphasis on development of other remote regions like Kabaw region and implementing border area development tasks. Likewise, rural area development tasks are also being implemented. So, Kabaw valley region, with these development tasks, is developing.
For balanced development of the State, the nation-building tasks have been implemented sacrificing sweat and labour. No foreign assistance is received. Due to the leadership of the State, the participation of the people and endeavors of the staff, prospects for the development of the State are bright. All citizens, with national spirit and nationalism, are to carry out the tasks with goodwill for the emergence of a new, modern, developed nation.
n conclusion, he said as newly-opened Yu Creek Bridge was built spending a huge amount of money for development of the region and in the interests of local people, all are to use it beneficially. He then thanked the staff of Public Works and the Ministry of Construction.
Next, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun said the government has been making endeavors in all sectors for the emergence of a peaceful modern developed nation. With the prevalence of law and order and peace and tranquility, the government is also building a lot of infrastructures for development of social and economic sectors with greater momentum, he said.
Short-term and long-term plans on roads and bridges needed for ensuring better transport are being implemented for regional development. Especially, arrangements are being made for narrowing the gap between rural and urban areas in implementation of the Third five-year plan, he added. He said priority has been given to the tasks on better transport in rural region, water supply, promotion of education standard of rural people, uplift of health care services and development of rural economy in accord with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, he said.
He said transport is the most important and the most basic requirement for development of a region. Due to better transport, trade and economic enterprises and production will improve. Such improvement contributes towards the economic progress of a region as well as development of education, health and social standards of local people, he added. That is why the government in cooperation with the people has been building the highways and major bridges across the rivers for regional development and roads and bridges linking villages and towns for rural development, he said.
Kabaw valley was inaccessible to vehicles in the past. Therefore, the government laid down separate plans for the region and is implementing them, he said.
The wooden bridge was often damaged in the rainy season and local people had faced with transport difficulties. People can now overcome the difficulties they encountered before and go at any time.
In Sagaing Division there are altogether eight bridges including the present one which are 180-foot and above. Four more bridges are under construction.
The minister called on local authorities and local people to make efforts for economic progress employing the better conditions and to maintain the bridge for durability.
Next, Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North West Command Brig-Gen Soe Naing delivered a speech. He said the area of Sagaing Division is wide and agriculture is the main business. The division fulfilled local sufficiency of rice as well as the needs of the State. Soon it will become a barn of Myanmar, he said.
Concerted efforts are being made for extended cultivation acreage of paddy and four other main crops and boosting per acre yield, he said.
He said under the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe the five rural development tasks are being undertaken. Development projects for all regions are being implemented. Better transport is needed to carry local products in a short time from one place to another, he said.
The Tamu-Kalay-Kalaywa Road jointly built by the government of the Union of Myanmar and the government of the Republic of India was put into service in February 2001. The new Monywa-Yagyi-Myoma-Kalaywa road is under construction for western parts of Chindwin River. Fifty four miles of the road were paved with tar. Chindwin River Bridge and Myittha River Bridge are now under construction, he added.
Tamu-Zedi Road, the main communication link of Kabaw Valley, has already been built into an all season road and it could be upgrade into a normal road in the very near future.
In addition to Yu Creek Bridge, which was opened today, Phinelin Bridge and Kangyiwa Bridge are under construction. The Government has been spending a large amount of money on construction of roads and bridges the length and breadth of the nation, he stressed.
It is incumbent upon the local people to effectively use and safeguard and maintain the bridge, which has been built at a cost of a large amount of funds, he said and expressed thanks to service personnel of Bridge Construction Special Group-14 of Public Works under the Ministry of Construction and local people, who provided assistance to the project, for successful completion of the project.
Then, on behalf of the local people, Secretary of Tamu District Union Solidarity and Development Association U Nyunt Lwin spoke words of thanks for construction of Yu Creek Bridge by the State.
Afterwards, Lt-Gen Ye Myint, and guests took their positions at the top of the bridge. At the auspicious time, Commander Brig-Gen Soe Naing and Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun formally opened the bridge.
Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party had a documentary photo taken together with local people and students.
Next, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun unveiled the stone inscription of the bridge.
Then, Lt-Gen Ye Myint, the commander, the minister, the deputy ministers and the heads of department cordially greeted the local people and students, and strolled along the bridge.
Yu Creek Bridge is the eighth of its kind out of bridges with a length of 180 feet and above in Sagaing Division. The 400 feet long bridge with a width of 10 feet and 9 inches is a reinforced concrete one and has a clearance of 100 feet wide and 6 feet high. It can withstand 20 tons of load.
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Lt-Gen Ye Myint of Ministry of Defence inspects regional development in Tamu, Sagaing Division
Yangon, 7 Oct - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence, left here by air for Kalay, Sagaing Division on 5 October.
Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party proceeded to Tamu by car. The departmental officials, who accompanied Lt-Gen Ye Myint and Commander Brig-Gen Soe Naing, met with departmental officials of Tamu District, members of social organizations and local people at Tamu District Peace and Development Council Office and clarified matters on regional development.
The Chairman of Tamu District Peace and Development Council reported on geographical conditions of Tamu, India-Myanmar border trade, economic, agriculture, the set-up of new villages, opening of basic education schools, construction of roads and bridges, self-sufficiency in rice and edible oil and requirements. Then, officials of Myanma Agriculture Service, Internal Revenue Department and Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading reported on targets and performance of their departments.
In response to the reports, Commander Brig-Gen Soe Naing gave a supplementary report. Then, Lt-Gen Ye Myint said that they came there to fulfil the needs for successful implementation of the five rural development tasks, the prerequisite for the emergence of a modern and developed nation. As Tamu is a border town, emphasis will have to be placed on regional development, thus contributing to further strengthening economic, social and cultural sectors of the State, he added.
Tamu District has been enjoying self-sufficiency in rice and the surplus will have to be distributed to other states and divisions. Oil crops will have to be cultivated more than ever before to fulfill the needs of edible oil in the region, he noted. He said priority will have to be given to increased production of paddy by boosting the per acre high yield to enable Sagaing Division to become the rice bowl of Upper Myanmar in accord with the guidance of the Head of State. He called on the local people and departmental officials to cooperate with members of social organizations in successful implementation of transport, education, health and economic undertakings as well as rural water supply project which cover the five rural development tasks and to minimize loss and wastage.
Afterwards, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party presented offertories to the Sayadaw and members of the Sangha at Myoma Shewkyin Kyaungtaik on Myoma Street, Tamu. Then, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party arrived at the Directorate of Border Trade of the Ministry of Commerce, where Deputy Director U Myint Shein reported on matters related to India-Myanmar border trade.
Next, the merchants of Tamu and members reported on matters related to the border trade, and Lt-Gen Ye Myint attended to the needs. Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party stopped over the night at Tamu.
( 3 ) Minister receives Japanese Ambassador
Yangon, 7 Oct - Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein received Mr Yuji Miyamoto, Japanese Ambassador to Myanmar, at his office at 10 am today.
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Myanmar and Thailand discuss normalization of relations Border checkpoints to be reopened on 15 Oct
Yangon, 7 Oct - At the invitation of the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand Mr Tej Bunnag and delegation arrived Yangon International Airport this morning at 9.00 am to discuss matters relating to bilateral relations.
The delegation was welcomed upon arrival by the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Director-General of Political Department U Thaung Tun and officials, Thai Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Oum Maolanon and Embassy officials. The Permanent Secretary of the Thai Foreign Ministry Mr Tej Bunnag and his delegation was received by the Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at 10.00 am.
A bilateral meeting was held at Satuyingabala Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at 10.30 am between Myanmar senior officials headed by U Khin Maung Win, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Thai delegation led by Mr Tej Bunnag, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. The Myanmar delegation comprised U Maung Aung, Deputy Minister for Immigration and Population and other senior officials from various ministries such as the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Finance and Revenue.
The two delegations held extensive and cordial discussions on bilateral issues and matters of mutual interest. The main focus of the meeting was normalization of relations at the Myanmar-Thai border.
After the meeting, the agreed minutes of the meeting was signed by the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand Mr Tej Bunnag. The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung. Among others, the meeting reaffirmed the determination of both sides to transform the common border between the two countries to one of peace, harmony and prosperity, and to cooperate in ensuring peace and stability.
The meeting also agreed to enhance existing bilateral cooperation on suppressing the production and trafficking of narcotic drugs, methamphetamines and precursor chemicals along the border. The two sides also agreed that the ground rules for border crossings must be strictly observed and that border trade should be according to the Border Trade Agreement between the two nations. It was further agreed that the border checkpoints between Myanmar and Thailand would be re-opened with effect from 15 October 2002. The Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win hosted a luncheon in honour of the Thai delegation at the Zizawar Yeiktha of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Permanent Secretary and the Thai delegation left Yangon by air at 19.40 hrs the same day. They were seen off at the airport by the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Director-General U Thaung Tun, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador of Thailand Mr Oum Maolanon and Embassy officials.
( 4 ) Development of domestic airlines coordinated
Yangon, 7 Oct - A coordination meeting on development of domestic airlines was held at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Transport here this morning. At the meeting, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe made an address. Then, the chairman and the director of MAI reported to the minister on the arrangements for extended operation of Bangkok-Mandalay-Bangkok flight for tourists. Then, Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint and officials also discussed matters on extension of domestic flights for promotion of tourism.
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Departmental work inspected in Magway, NyaungU, Taungdwingyi, Thayawaddy
Yangon, 7 Oct - Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, on 4 October inspected the Child Nursery in Magway and presented gifts for the children. Then, the minister met with the staff and division level Women's Affairs Committee members at pre-primary school in Magway and presented teaching aid equipment. On 5 October, the minister also met with NyaungU District Women's Affairs Committee members, staff of the Population and National Registration Department and Auxiliary Fire Brigades at NyaungU District Peace and Development Council Office and gave instructions. The minister inspected the Taungdwingyi Township Fire Station and Thayawaddy Township Fire Station yesterday.
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Minister inspects electric power projects
Yangon, 7 Oct - Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut met with officials at Shan State Electrical Engineering Office in Taunggyi, on 4 October and explained systematic use of electricity, getting more incomes by distributing electric power and distributing more electricity to hotels.
Next, the minister arrived at Aung Thabyay sub-power station in Shwenyaung and inspected its compound and power control rooms and gave necessary instructions to officials. Then, the minister and party saw over the construction project of Tikyit coal-burning power plant being undertaken in Pinlaung Township and gave necessary instructions to officials. On 5 October the minister and party went to Paunglaung Hydel Power project in Pyinmana Township, Mandalay Division, and inspected the construction tasks and arrival of construction materials.
The minister and party yesterday inspected the construction work at Kunchaung Hydel Power project in Phyu Township in Bago Division and gave necessary instructions to officials. During his inspections, the minister gave instructions to the officials on timely completion of the projects meeting the set standards, the systematic use and reduction of electricity and fuel oil and maintenance of vehicles and machinery and fulfilled their needs.
( 5 ) Workshop on Control of Money Laundering Law held in Mandalay
Yangon, 7 Oct - The workshop of Central Control Board on the Control of Money Laundering Law was held at the office of Mandalay Division Police Commander in Mandalay this morning. Minister Col Tin Hlaing spoke on the occasion. The workshop continues till 9 October.
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Rural water suppoly in Mandalay and Sagaing Divisions coordinated
Yangon, 7 Oct - Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt attended a work coordination meeting on rural water supply of Mandalay Division and Sagaing Division at the meeting hall of the office of Mandalay Division Development Affairs on 6 October.
First, the minister spoke on the occasion. Then, Col Myo Myint reported to the minister on progress of tasks being carried out and tasks to be done. Next, directors and officials also reported to the minister on tasks being carried out by their respective departments. After hearing the reports, the minister gave instructions and the meeting came to an end.
Later, the minister and party inaugurated tube-wells donated by wellwishers in Singaing Township.
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Minister inspects industrial zones
Yangon, 7 Oct - Chairman of Myanmar Investment Commission Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung, inspected Opel International garment factory, Myanmar Beautex garment factory, Myanmar Yes garment factory, Taiyi shoes factory, Min Zarni cold storage factory, Anwarhlwan cold storage factory and the condensed milk factory of Pacific Food Industry being run with the permission of the commission in Hlinethaya Industrial Zone this morning.
Then, the minister proceeded to Shwepyitha Industrial Zone and inspected Asia Thamadi garment factory, Kyaukni garment factory, Fashion Kaung garment factory and Myanmar Angaran-indabusana garment factory. The minister said Head of State Senior General Than Shwe had given guidance on making arrangements for systematic use and thrift of electricity to government departments in order to improve industries and provide uninterrupted electricity supply to them. As a result of the efforts, industrial zones were enjoying full electricity supply.
The minister urged the entrepreneurs to boost production, to reduce cost and to strive for the manufacturing of export items. Afterwards, members of zone committees and responsible officials of the factories expressed their thanks to the government for the uninterrupted electricity supply and reported on saving of 21,500 gallons of diesel a day. The minister and officials inspected use of electricity and measures taken for the prevention of loss and wastage in electricity and attended to the needs.
( 6 ) Commander inspects South Okkalapa, Hlinethaya Industrial Zones
Yangon, 7 Oct - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe inspected electricity supply at South Okkalapa Industrial Zone and tasks being carried out this afternoon.
The commander arrived at Thazin Garment Factory in South Okkalapa Industrial Zone at 4 pm. They were welcomed there by No 2 Military Region Commander Lt-Col Myint Kyi, local authorities and officials. The commander and party inspected production of garments at the factory. Factory owner U Than Win reported on tasks being undertaken out conveniently as a result of electricity supply. Then, the commander and party inspected tasks being undertaken for production of 2-ton light truck at the temporary workshop of Myanma Automobile and Industrial Development Co. Chairman of South Okkalapa Industrial Zone U Bo Hsaing reported on tasks being carried out.
The commander attended to their needs. At Kanaung Hall in the zone, the commander and party inspected collection of tools and devices for production of automobiles. At the meeting hall, Chairman of the industrial zone U Bo Hsaing reported on running of 153 factories in the zone and arrangements being made for production of 2-ton light trucks and Okkalapa Jeep. The commander gave instructions on supply of power by the State with a view to ensuring convenience of production and functions of private entrepreneurs for industrial development.
Next, the commander and party proceeded to Sein Diamond Paint Factory. Managing Director U Tin Latt reported on containers of paint and tasks of the factory. Afterwards, the commander inspected production of paint container and paints, quality control and storage tasks and gave necessary instructions. The commander and party went to Hlinethaya Industrial Zone-1 where they were welcomed by No 3 Military Region Commander Col Yan Naing Oo and officials. At Shweywethlay Garment Factory in the zone, Managing Director U Win Zaw reported on making of jerkin and availability of electricity. The commander fulfilled the requirements. At Sankaung Polyethylene Bag Factory of Kabakyaw Trading Co Ltd at the zone-2, Factory Manager U Myint Swe reported on tasks being carried out smoothly.
The commander gave instruction on systematic use of electricity at offices and ministries with a view to running factories and workshops and ensuring development of productions and tasks being undertaken for more generating. The commander later inspected production process of the factory and attended to their needs.
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Myanmar-Chinese tourism promotion meeting held at Myanmar embassy in China
Yangon, 7 Oct - A meeting to promote Myanmar-Chinese tourism industries was held at the Myanmar embassy in Beijing, the People's Republic of China, on 27 August.
Daw Nan Mya Sein of the Full Up Travel and Tour Co Ltd and U Maung Maung Swe of SM Tour and Transport Co Ltd led by Myanmar Ambassador to the People's Republic of China U Sein Win Aung also took part in the discussions. Chinese citizens in Beijing and officials of 40 foreign external travel and tour companies also took part in the discussions. At the discussions, Myanmar Ambassador U Sein Win Aung made an opening speech. U Maung Maung Swe explained matters relating to Myanmar Tourism Service, air flight schedules and border tourism services between the two countries; and Daw Nan Mya Sein, many pleasant and beautiful sights in Myanmar and cultural heritage, resorts, beaches and matters on tourism services.
Then, officials Chinese tourism services raised the quaries on Visa On Arrival, Package Tour, air ticket rate, investment opportunities and economic enterprises in Myanmar. Responsible personnel of the embassy of Myanmar and Myanmar Tourism Service Companies replied to the quarries and the points that can be assisted by Tourism Companies and the embassy of Myanmar in contacting the ministries concerned.
( 7 ) ASEAN Youth Camp goes on
Yangon, 7 Oct - The fifth day's programme of the ASEAN Youth Camp hosted by Myanmar went on at the Mya Yeik Nyo Royal Hotel in Bahan Township this morning, attended by responsible officials of the National Committee for ASEAN Culture and Information and delegate youths from the ASEAN member countries.
The goodwill delegation members of Thailand and Socialist Republic of Vietnam among the delegates of ASEAN member countries attending to the ASEAN Youth Camp talked facts about their respective countries and performed their different traditional culture and customs. In the evening, the meeting of ASEAN Youth Camp Art Exhibition was held in the camp and opened by Camp In-charge Director of National Museum U Kyaw Oo. Chairman of National Committee for ASEAN Culture and Information Director-General of Department of Cultural Institute U Myint Thein Swe and officials, goodwill youth delegation members and students of University of Culture viewed round the booths of the Art Exhibition.
The delegation members will camp in Bagan from 8 to 11 October and discuss subjects on Myanma traditional culture and arts, artistic architecture, embroidery and lacquer ware.
( 8 ) Selected Myanmar billiards athlete reaches final in XIV Asian Games
Yangon, 7 Oct _ The XIV Asian Games continued in Busan, the Republic of Korea, today. In billiards individual contest, Kyaw Oo of Myanamr beat the athlete of Sri Lanka 2-0 and the athlete of Malaysia 2-0 and reached the seminal final. Then, he met with the well-known athlete of India in the semi final and beat him 2-1. Kyaw Oo of Myanmar will play against the selected Thai athlete tomorrow.
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Soe Kyaw Naing retains champion in Myanmar London Golf Tour
Yangon, 7 Oct - The prize presentation ceremony of the Third Event of Myanmar London Golf Tour 2002, organized by Myanmar Golf Federation and Myanmar Professional Golfers Association and mainly sponsored by Rothmans of Pall Mall Myanmar Pte Ltd, was held at the Yaydaguntaung Golf Club in Mandalay yesterday evening.
General Secretary of MGF U Aung Kyi presented prizes to daily best score golfers Zaw Zaw Latt, Aung Aung Kyaw and Yin Aung Latt in the men's amateur division. Then, Deputy Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Nay Win presented prizes to daily best score golfers Win Aung (Pan-West), Myint Thaung (KM Golf Centre), Soe Kyaw Naing (Wilson) and Min Naing (Srixon) in the men's professional division.
Chairman of Mandalay City Development Committee Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein presented first, second and third prizes to Zaw Zaw Latt with 286 strokes, Yin Aung Latt with 296 and Aung Aung Kyaw with 296 in the men's amateur division respectively. Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander Brig-Gen Ye Myint presented first, second and third prizes to Soe Kyaw Naing with 279 strokes, Min Naing (Srixon) with 283 and Aung Win (YCDC) with 283 in the professional division respectively. Group Brand Manager Mr Bob Ortega of Rothmans of Pall Mall Myanmar Pte Ltd presented a cheque to Soe Kyaw Naing (Wilson) and HR Manager Daw Sanda Aung, gifts to Secretary of MCDC Lt-Col Maung Pu.
The golf tour was jointly sponsored by Air Mandalay, Sedona Hotel (Mandalay), Grand Royal Special Reserve Whisky, Wilson and KM Golf Centre, AWB Bank, Loi Hein (Alpine) Purified Drinking Water, Canon (Accel International Co Ltd) and Sunfar Travels and Tour Co Ltd. The third event was organized by Han Event Management.
Yangon, 7 Oct - A combined team comprising members of local intelligence units and members of Special Region 1, Shan State (North), on 19 September searched a wagon stopped in Laukkai and seized 500 stimulant tablets, 0.6 kilo of pink Ephetamine powder, 0.3 kilos of brown Ephetamine powder, 1.9 kilos of opium residue, a set of machine for making stimulant tablets and seven opium pipes from there.
Similarly, a combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and Myanmar Police Force, acting on a tip-off, stopped and searched Ma Chauk Myint Phon and Yan Kyein Lant who were walking between Suze Village and Maw Han Village, Kutkai Village, Shan State (North), on 19 September and seized six soap cases of heroin weighing 0.12 kilo from them. In connection with the case, Police Station concerned filed them under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.
PM Mahathir foresees democracy for Myanmar, pushes business
THE Myanmar government s stance on gradual evolution towards democracy was supported by Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad last week when he visited Myanmar. But, Dr Mahathir said the Malaysian government hoped for a successful result which would lead to national reconciliation and demo-cratisation in Myanmar. A Malaysian national, Mr Razali Ismail, who was appointed by the United Nations as its special envoy for Myanmar, was largely credited for initiating the landmark talks between the two sides. Dr Mahathir, who is a trusted international friend of the Myanmar government, has been widely believed to have had a behind-the-scenes role in Mr Razali s efforts. Speaking at the opening of a business matching forum between the two countries, Dr Mahathir said an overly hasty transition to democracy could bring anarchy. "When opting for democracy it is necessary that the process be gradual. If not, the political process will unravel and you will end up with anarchy; you will end up with practically no government so the people have to understand that democracy does not mean freedom to do anything you like," Dr Mahathir told reporters last Monday. The Malaysian Prime minister met the Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe shortly after his arrival in Yangon on August 18 to discuss "for development in economic and political fields". "Our view is that while we uphold democracy practice democracy we are also aware that the process of change must be gradual and we need not go straight to liberal democracy because that is very destructive," Dr Mahathir said. The two leaders met for an hour at the Pyithu Hluttaw (parliament) on Pyay Road. During the visit Dr Mahathir witnessed the signing of three agreements including an offshore oil exploration contract between Malaysia s Petronas and Myanmar s Energy Ministry for oil and gas exploration in Thaninthayi Division. The meeting was also addressed by the SPDC Secretary 1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, who described Dr Mahathir as a "staunch defender of the developing world".
"We in Myanmar consider ourselves to be very fortunate to have Malaysia, and Prime Minister Dr Mahathir in particular, as a friend," Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt said. "One of the pillars that give strength to our relations is the sharing of many ideals, concepts and mental outlook," he said, outlining the SPDC s policy against hasty transition towards democracy. "The world is full of examples where a hasty transition from one system to another has led to unrest, instability and even failed states. "Such a transition cannot be made in haste and in a haphazard manner," Lt- Gen Khin Nyunt said. He said the solution to overcome the challenge facing Myan-mar s political transition should be found by the Myanmar people only. "No one should try to impose their will or attempt to mould Myanmar in their image," Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt said in an apparent reference to the Western countries, SPDC s vociferous critics. "The democratic society that we envision is one where all 135 national races live in peace and harmony," said the Secretary-1. The Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar, said Myanmar should be dealt with by every country with respect for its independence and sovereignty. "Malaysia has always said that constructive engagement with Myanmar would be the best means of (support for) evolution in the political as well as economic changes," Syed Hamid said in an exclusive interview with Myanmar Times in Yangon. "Myanmar made it very clear that they are to evolve their own system, so whatever other people may think and say it is most important that the Myanmar government bring socio-economic development for its people," he said.Syed Hamid also made it clear that it was the Myanmar government and people s right to choose the system of government for the country. "We will allow change to take place within the country in a way that it suited the purpose of the country. "Some have said the (democratisation) process is slow, but I think it is the Myanmar people who must decide the direction and the pace of the evolution," Syed Hamid said. He echoed Dr Mahathir s comments saying that hasty political reforms would bring "upheaval and turmoil". Syed Hamid said Myanmar has been evolving itself from stage to stage and "getting more confidence in opening up". "Myanmar is moving in the right direction," he said. Syed Hamid said Malaysia s policy of constructive engagement with Myanmar was partly attributed to Myanmar s entry to the Association of South East Asian Nations grouping in 1997. And he said Malaysia s policy towards Myanmar would remain the same despite the coming change in Malaysian leadership next year.
Myanmar Times ( Aug.26-Sep.1, 2002-Vol.7, No. 130 )
Giant Rakhine gas field dwarfs Yadana, Yetagun
AN enormous offshore gas field near Sittway in Rakhine State has the potential to be significantly larger than Myanmar’s two other producing gas fields at Yadana and Yetagun, it was revealed last week. Mr H D Lee, Deputy Managing Director of Myanmar Daewoo, an affiliate of Daewoo International which holds a major interest in the exploration project, said the reserve "is most likely around 13.4 to 47.3 trillion cubic feet of natural gas at the site where we are going to drill a test well in November next year." "We are sure to succeed in this project," Mr Lee said. The reserves at Yadana and Yetagun are 6.7 and 3.2 trillion cubic feet (TCF) respectively, he said. Currently, the consortium is selecting the optimum location before drilling because of the huge investment. "A test well costs more than US$10 million and we will decide on how many more test wells should be drilled," he said. The consortium has plans to start seismic interpretation, geological survey and prospect evaluation in October and November. Daewoo International signed a production-sharing contract with the Ministry of Energy in August 2000 and it assigned 10 per cent share to another South Korean company, KOGAS last November. Last January, Daewoo again assigned 20pc and 10pc shares to two companies under the Indian Ministry of Energy – the Oil and Natural Gas Commission and the Gas Authority of India Limited. Depending on the quantity of gas found, they will consider transporting the gas by ship or through a direct pipeline to India. Mr Lee also said they will have to consider building a liquefied natural gas plant depending on the production volume, which at the moment, he said, was still too far away to judge. The Indian government is eager to buy the gas from Myanmar if the production goes well as expected. According to reports Unocal, Brown & Riot and the Indian government are believed to have conducted initial studies for the construction of a 1000 kilometre-long undersea pipeline from Myanmar to India. Last month, the Ministry of Energy and the Malaysia’s oil giant Petronas signed an agreement for exploration of natural gas at four offshore blocks in southern Myanmar. Petronas is also interested in building a liquid petroleum gas extraction plant at Kanbauk, about 300 miles southeast of Yangon.
Myanmar Times ( Aug.26-Sep.1, 2002-Vol.7, No. 130 )
Impressive decline in opium production, promise of help
AN impressive decline in opium production in Myanmar will be reversed if donor nations continue to refuse funding drug-control programs, the UN’s prime drug officer in Myanmar warned last week. This follows hot on the heels of a United Nations report which showed the production of opium poppy in Myanmar this year has decreased by 25 per cent compared to a year ago. "This decline is a step in the right direction. There is evidence that the government is aware of the damage caused to the country by opium cultivation," Mr Antonio Maria Costa, the Executive Director of the UN office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention, said in the report issued on August 27 in Vienna, Austria. The reaction of Mr Jean Luc Lemahieu, UNDCP’s representative in Yangon, was more forthright: "On the one hand I’m a happy man but on the other hand I’m a very worried man because the results are there but my thoughts are - my goodness, how have you done this, how can you sustain this?" he said. Mr Costa said new measures would be needed to achieve further cuts in opium production in Myanmar, adding that UN would need increased donor support to help in the elimination of opium poppy in Myanmar by 2005. According to the report poppy production in Myanmar this year was 828 tons - down from last year’s 1097 tons, based on its survey in Shan State during September 2001 to March 2002. More than 150 surveyors visited 2000 villages and measured 6000 opium fields. The survey was conducted jointly with the government – the first of such survey carried out by the UN in Myanmar.
Mr Lemahieu, while welcoming the news, cautioned the decline in opium poppy production should be sustainable. "We are happy with this, but it is not an end game," Mr Lemahieu said. He reiterated his call for increasing international aid to deal with the situation. The Myanmar government has consistently complained the country receives scant international aid in its fight against drugs. This severely inhibits its ability to control drug production and trade. In particular the government has consistently criticised the policy of Western countries including the USA and European nations on continuing to link funding for anti-drug campaigns to political movement. It has pressed its case that aid on drugs is a humanitarian issue that should be fought by all. To highlight this it has cited aid money granted to other SE Asian countries to fight the scourge of heroin. Laos, for instance, a Communist state, has a less serious drug problem, yet receives 20 times more funding than in Myanmar. Mr Lemahieu, whose office has been cut from 12 to two staff over the past two years due to budget cuts, said that while participation in areas like law enforcement assistance will have to wait until then, there should be no barrier to more funding for projects like alternative income generation. He said introduction of tough anti-drug measures by the Wa, Kokang and Kachin national groups in March and the government’s new " Project New Destiny " (formerly the Project Hell Flower) might help to decrease further the poppy production next year. Under the "Project New Destiny" launched in May, opium poppy farmers are encouraged by the government to swap opium seed for those of the other crops. The government says opium production in Myanmar, which decreased by 50 per cent over the past six years, would continue to decrease this year. But, Mr Lemahieu said he was confident that at an informal donors’ meeting later this year the funding tap would be opened. "An understanding is developing that work on drug control programs in Myanmar actually helps with a political transition," he said. Because of the lower output, opium production in Myanmar this year would be lower than in Afghanistan, UN said. It said per hectare output of opium in Myanmar was 10kgs while put Afghanistan’s output at 30kgs per hectare.
Myanmar Times (Sep.2-8), 2002-Vol.7, No. 131)
Tourism trend bucked as arrivals soar 20pc in wet
IN an encouraging development for the tourism sector, travel agents and big hotels have reported a strong increase in bookings during the rainy season, a trend which augurs well for the peak tourist season at the end of the year. Hotels say occupancy rates have increased by an average of about 20 per cent over the rainy season last year, while travel agents say bookings are up between 10 per cent and 50 per cent. Most of the rainy season tourist arrivals are from France, Italy and Spain, where many businesses close for the European summer, as well as Germany, Japan and Israel. Several industry sources said Myanmar was emerging as an increasingly popular destination for Italian and Spanish tourists. Mr Franz Fischer, the country manager of Bangkok-based Diethelm Travel, said documentaries about Myanmar’s cultural attractions and natural beauty had screened overseas in the last six months and this had helped the tourism sector. Myanmar was becoming well known for its cultural tourism among international travellers, said Mr Fischer, who said bookings had risen by up to 50 per cent compared to the low season last year. The managing director of Tawwin travel, Daw Rita Myint, said bookings were up by 25 per cent, continuing a trend for a gradual increase in arrivals during the low season which had emerged several years ago. Travel shows in Spain and other European countries which had featured Myanmar had helped to attract more visitors, Daw Rita Myint said.
Mr Edwin Briels, the marketing and incentive manager at the Exotissimo travel company, agreed with Daw Rita Myint that tourist arrivals during the rainy season had increased in recent years. Exotissimo’s bookings for the low season had increased by about 10 per cent, said Mr Briels. U Khin Zaw, the managing director at Tour Mandalay, reported an increase in bookings of 20 per cent over the same time last year. "Myanmar is emerging as a ‘new’ destination for Spanish travellers," said U Khin Zaw, who is also president of the United Myanmar Travel Association. A survey by Myanmar Times has found that hotel occupancy rates throughout the country are up by between 10 per cent to 25 per cent over the previous rainy season. In Yangon, the Traders hotel said rates were up by 21 per cent on last year’s rainy season and figures for the year had increased by seven per cent on 2001. The Summit Park View said rainy season occupancy rates were down slightly on 2001 but declined to give a percentage figure. In a sign of the growing popularity of Myanmar as a destination among the high end of the market, the luxury Pansea hotel said occupancy rates were up by seven per cent on last year’s rainy season. Traders said most of its guests are from Asia and the United States. Most bookings at the Summit Park View were from France and Japan.
Most of the guests at the Pansea are from Britain, France, Germany and the United States. At popular upcountry destinations, hotels say bookings are up by between 10 per cent to 25 per cent compared to a year ago. The Thiri Marlar Hotel at Bagan said bookings for July were up 10 per cent on the same month last year, with most tourists coming from France and Germany. "They come to Myanmar at this time of the year because it coincides with the holiday season throughout much of Europe," said the hotel’s Ms Khin Marlar Maung. The Shwe Inn Tha Floating Resort hotel at Inle Lake also reported an increase in bookings of about 10 per cent over the same time last year. While bookings are up for the bigger hotels, the bottom end of the accommodation market is reporting a downturn, with many guest houses saying occupancy rates have fallen by around 20 per cent over the same time last year. A spokesperson for the New Park guest house at Bagan said bookings were down by about 20 per cent."In the low season last year were had 338 guests but this year we have 198," he said. At the Pan Cherry guest house in Bagan, staff said bookings were down about 30 per cent over the same time last year. It was a similar story at the Royal guest in Mandalay, which said low season bookings were down by between 10 per cent to 20 per cent. Guest houses said the downtown in budget tourists was having a flow-on effect on bus companies and cheap restaurants.
Myanmar Times (Aug.19-25), 2002-Vol.7, No. 129)
RESPONDING to the disclosure by the international television network CNN that al Qaeda members have been active in Myanmar, the Government of Myanmar last week reaffirmed its determination to stand with the United States and the international community on anti-terrorist cooperation.
"The Government of Myanmar has not had the opportunity to review the relevant portions of the cache of videotapes obtained by CNN in Afghanistan," said spokesman Lt-Col Hla Min. "However, reports by both the Associated Press and CNN indicate that the CNN tapes reveal "material from militant Islamic groups in other countries such as Somalia, Myanmar and Bosnia." The Washington Post reported the tapes include "documentation from al Qaeda members during operations in Burma, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan &and Bosnia.""The Government of Myanmar will investigate this allegation with the utmost urgency, and we will share this information with the United States," said Lt-Col Hla Min. "We are already sharing information with the United States on Islamic armed terrorists operating along Myanmar s Western border and within the region, with connections to Taliban and al Qaeda, now being held and questioned in Yangon," Hla Min said. The Government of Myanmar signed the United States-ASEAN Joint Declaration for Cooperation to Combat International Terrorism on August 1, 2002 in Brunei Darus-salam. "As we have previously stated, Myanmar has vigorously confronted the activities of a Muslim separatist armed terrorist group calling themselves Rohinga. Today, we are pleased that many of these individuals have given up their armed terrorism. However, we shall remain vigilant in safeguarding Myanmar and steadfast in cooperation in the war on terrorism."
Myanmar Times ( Aug.26-Sep.1, 2002-Vol.7, No. 130
For further information, inqueries may kindly be made to the nearest Myanmar Embassies or Consulates
or email tomission.myanmar@ties.itu.int
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