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Established in 1914
1. Secretary-1 attends coord meeting on broadcasting of MRTV-3 2. Central Organizing Committee of MWVO holds regular meeting
3. Minister receives Indian Ambassador 4. Ministry of Cooperatives holds work co-ordination meeting
5. ASEAN Outstanding Engineering Award handed over to Irrigation Department
6. H&T Minister attends Second Meeting of ASEAN, China, Japan & Korea National
Tourism Organizations
7. Minister attends opening of tube-wells
8. Myanmar gets silver in Sepak Takraw Contest in XIV Asian Games 9. Illegally-imported Yodaya-made monosodium glutamate destroyed
SPOTLIGHT
Yangon, 9 Oct - A meeting to coordinate the broadcasting of the MRTV-3 of Myanma Radio and Television under the Ministry of Information took place at the meeting hall of the MRTV on Pyay Road here this afternoon, with an address by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.
Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan reported on pilot broadcasting project of the MRTV-3 for local and foreign audience, regular broadcasting to foreign nations, ways and requirements for extended broadcasting, and progress in construction of the MRTV New Studio Complex; and Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, on means for extended broadcasting of the MRTV-3, and cooperation of the CPT Ministry with the MRTV-3 in carrying out tasks, followed by a general round of discussions.
The Secretary-1 attended to the needs. In his address, the Secretary-1 said MRTV-3 programmes have been telecast to some extent. Remedial measures are to be taken for effective TV production after reviewing the programmes and implementation of the objectives. He also spoke of the need to fulfill requirements on technology. The MRTV-3 programmes are being produced to make the world know about the true political, economic, social and cultural situations of the country. He called on technicians and officials to coordinate the tasks for production of better programmes and broadcasting them to more countries.
After the meeting, the Secretary-1 and party heard a report at the briefing hall of the MRTV New Studio Complex Construction Project presented by Managing Director of the Olympic Co U Aung Zaw Naing on construction tasks being carried out, future plans, and arrival of construction materials.
Then, the Secretary-1 inspected the equipment to be installed in the sound-proof studios and fulfilled the requirements. Later, the General and party inspected the construction project site and gave necessary instructions to the officials.
(2) Central Organizing Committee of MWVO holds regular meeting
Yangon, 9 Oct - A regular meeting 7/2002 of the Central Organizing Committee of Myanmar War Veterans Organization was held at the meeting hall of MWVO (Head Office) on Pyay Road, Mayangon Township this afternoon.
Chairman of the Central Organizing Committee for Myanmar War Veterans Organization member of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein spoke on the occasion. At the meeting, approval for the resolutions of the regular meeting 6/2002 was sought and reports on progress of tasks were also made. Afterwards, the meeting came to a close with concluding remarks by Lt-Gen Thein Sein.
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Lt-Gen Kyaw Win inspects Paunglaung Hydel Power Construction Project-1
Yangon, 9 Oct - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of the Committee to Supervise and Inspect Use of Electricity and Fuel Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Kyaw Win, inspected the Paunglaung Hydel Power Construction Project-1 in the Central Command area on 7 October. At the briefing hall of the project, Director U Soe Myint of the Electric Power Department and Assistant Director U Hlwan Moe of the Irrigation Department and officials reported on the tasks being carried out. Lt-Gen Kyaw Win gave instructions on completion of the project ahead of the schedule and systematic use of electricity. Then, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win inspected round the project site and left there in the afternoon.
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Chief of Armed Forces Training attends coord meeting between officials of industrial zone and industrialists
Yangon, 9 Oct - Chairman of Committee to Supervise and Inspect Use of Electricity and Fuel member of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Kyaw Win attended the third coordination meeting between the representatives of the executive committee of the industrial zones supervisory committee and industrialists at Kanaung Hall of the Department for Human Settlement and Housing Development in Dagon Myothit (Seikkan) Township this afternoon.
Lt-Gen Kyaw Win delivered an address on the occasion. Then, representatives of the executive committee and industrialists reported on conditions of electricity and fuel used in their work. Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut also made supplementary reports. Later, the meeting came to an end with concluding remarks by Lt-Gen Kyaw Win. After the meeting, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win and party inspected the electricity and fuel consumption at the industrial zone in Dagon Myothit (Seikkan) Township.
Before the third coordination meeting, the Committee to Supervise and Inspect Use of Electricity and Fuel also held a meeting at the hall of DHSHD in Dagon Myothit (Seikkan) Township.
(3) Minister receives Indian Ambassador
Yangon, 9 Oct - Minister for Education U Than Aung received Ambassador of India to Myanmar Mr Rajiv Kumar Bhatia at Diamond Jubilee Hall here at 2.30 pm today. Later, the ambassador donated 161 books on different subjects to Yangon University through the minister.
(4) Ministry of Cooperatives holds work co-ordination meeting
Yangon, 9 Oct - The Ministry of Cooperatives held its second four-monthly work coordination meeting (2002) on cooperative tasks at the meeting hall of the ministry here this morning with an address by Minister for Cooperatives Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe.
At the meeting, deputy directors of state and divisional Cooperative Departments and principals of the cooperative colleges and degree colleges reported on their respective tasks.
Then, the deputy director-general of the cooperative Department gave a supplementary report.The director-general of the Cottage Industries Department and the general manager of the Cooperatives Exports and Imports Enterprise also took part in the discussions. The meeting ended with the concluding remarks by the minister.
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Development of ecotourism coordinated
Yangon, 9 act - A meeting to coordinate development of ecotourism was held at the Myanma Timber Trade Centre on Shwetaunggya Street here this afternoon.
The Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone discussed arrangements made for the visits of tourists at the 15 ecotourism sites with the use of audio visual aids. Then, the entrepreneurs reported on assistance to be rendered, and tasks they wish to carry out in cooperation with the ministries. The minister then assessed their reports and attended to their needs.
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Minister inspects labour offices
Yangon, 9 Oct - Minister for Labour U Tin Winn inspected the office of District Labour Department and the office of Social Security Board in PyinOoLwin on 7 October and met staff under the ministry at the SSB office. At the meeting, according to the guidance of the Head of State, he gave instructions on industrial development, minimizing loss and wastage and systematic use of electricity and fuel for the development of the State. Yesterday, the minister inspected the office of Labour Department, Social Security Board and clinic and office of the Factories and General Labour Laws Inspection Department in Kyaukme and met the staff and fulfilled the requirements.
(5) ASEAN Outstanding Engineering Award handed over to Irrigation Department
Yangon, 9 Oct - The ceremony to hand over the ASEAN Outstanding Engineering Award (2002) presented by ASEAN Engineering Society to the Irrigation Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation was held at Ottara Hall of Karaweik Palace here this afternoon with an address by Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin.
Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin made a speech. He said the ministry together with the MES attended the 20th Conference of ASEAN Engineering Society and made reports on the progress of irrigation sector of Myanmar. At the conference, the MES recommended that the Irrigation Department of the ministry should be awarded with the ASEAN Outstanding Engineering Award (2002) and the award was presented to the ministry by the ASEAN Engineering Society for irrigation development tasks carried out efficiently with the strength in the country. With the noble aim, "Engineering in the alleviation of poverty in Asean", the 20th Conference was held in September this year in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Out of over 100 papers at the conference, the MES highlighted the role of water to produce more foodstuff in alleviation poverty. So, the award was presented. On behalf of the State and the ministry, he expressed thanks to the MES and the Irrigation Department who attended the conference. It has been already known that Myanmar, one of ASEAN nations, utilizing water resource, land resource and technical know-how of the people in the country, can provide the region as well as world nations with necessary foodstuff. Based on development of rural areas on which agriculture, livestock breeding and fishery and forestry sectors depend, utilization of water resource has been emphasized in making the country developed.
Head of State Senior General Than Shwe himself has given guidance on sufficiency of drinking water and greening tasks. In the country, out of 870 million acre feet flowing in the rivers and creeks, only 30 million acre feet were used. It can be found that efforts have been made to be able to utilize natural resources because out of 45 million acre of land, 25 million acre were put under crops, he added. Regarding the irrigation sector, it has supplied the production of the country in every era. From the time of Myanmar kings to the time of the ruling government, altogether 1.3 million acre of land were irrigated for development of crop production. During the period from 1988 to date, a total of 138 dam projects have been implemented to irrigate more 2 million acre of land. So, double cropping can be cultivated and capacity of crop production increased to 157 per cent. The socio-economic life of the people was also promoted.
He confirmed that these tasks were revealed and the paper was submitted to the conference, and the award was presented due to the proof that good results were achieved by making efforts for availability of water in the country with technical know-how of Myanmar engineers, cash assistance of the State and patriotism. In other words, the prize was presented due to the efforts of the MES to glorify Myanmar among ASEAN member nations, the innovations and implementations of the technicians from the Irrigation Department and the noble efforts. In conclusion, he said in building the country to be a developed one, technical know-how, knowledge and right thoughts and efforts reflect the good deeds already done. Then, Chairman of the MES Rector Dr Pe Win spoke word of praise to the department, engineers and experts. Leader of Myanmar delegation to the conference Vice-Chairman of the MES Prof Dr Sein Myint made a report on receiving the award.
Next, the MES chairman handed over the award to Director-General U Kyaw San Win of the Irrigation Department and presented the certificate of honour of the MES. Afterwards, the director-general, on behalf of engineers and experts from the department, spoke words of thanks. The minister, the deputy ministers and the MES patrons accepted K 6.5 million and US $ 200 donated by 32 wellwishers including K 1 million by the Irrigation Department for development of civil, irrigation and other subjects. Certificates of honour were presented to wellwishers.
The ceremony came to a close with words of thanks by MES Chairman Rector Dr Pe Win. The Irrigation Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation was presented the award for building the amazing irrigation facilities in a short time at the 20th conference held from 2 to 4 September in Phnom Penh.
Prizes presentation of World Post Day letter writing competition
Yangon, 9 Oct - The ceremony to mark the 128th World Post Day was held in conjunction with the prize presentation ceremony of the 31st World Post Day commemorative under-15 letter writing competition (local level) at the Communications and Postal Training Centre of the Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs on Lower Pazundaung Road here this afternoon.
Director-General (Acting) U Tha Oo of Directorate of Telecommunications extended greetings and Staff Officer (Post) U Than Tun Aung read out the message sent by the Director-General of World Postal Union. Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, Managing Director U Maung Maung Tin of Posts and Telecommunications and officials presented first, second and third prizes to seventh standard student Maung Nyein Chan Wai Lin of Nyaunglebin BEMS, ninth standard student Ma Hein Lin Khaing of Sagaing BEHS No 1 and sixth standard student Maung Thura Soe of Nattalin BEHS respectively and consolation prizes were presented to two winners and special prizes to two winners.
Then, Acting Director-General U Tha Oo presented gift to mark the World Post Day to the minister. Then, Acting Director General U Tha Oo presented gifts to retired directors-general of Directorate of Telecommunications and Managing Director U Maung Maung Tin and directors, gifts to the members of the panel of judges.
On behalf of the winners first prize winner Maung Nyein Chan Wai Lin spoke words of thanks and Professor (Retd) Daw Po of Myanmarsar Department of YU explained the assessment matters.
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Agriculture & Irrigation Minister tours Kyaukse, PyinOoLwin Districts
Yangon, 8 Oct - Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin inspected the site chosen for construction of Zawgyi diversion weir in Kyaukse yesterday.
Director U Tin Aung of Mandalay Division Irrigation Department reported on choice of the construction site, availability of water capacity and flow of water in Zawgyi River and Director (Design) U Ohn Khaing on the design of the diversion weir and soil test. Director-General U Kyaw San Win of ID gave a supplementary report. Chairman of Kyaukse District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Aung Kyi Shein reported on urban condition at the diversion weir and roads.
The minister decided to build the diversion weir and the retaining walls along the canal. Then, he inspected the construction site. The minister and party inspected Zidaw Dam and the sluice gates in Kyaukse. Next, the minister and party saw over thriving of 3,000 acres of post-monsoon long staple cotton at the special zone and cultivation of multiple cropping of pigeon pea and long staple cotton. Not only over 20,000 acres of pre- and post-monsoon long staple cotton but also 3,000 acres at the special zone have been cultivated in Kyaukse Township this year. Over 73,000 acres of land have been put under the staple cotton in Kyaukse District and over 310,000 acres of land in Mandalay Division.
Afterwards, the minister and party proceeded to Coffee Research Department and Coffee Museum in Pwetaung, PyinOoLwin Township and inspected coffee and tea plantations and others. In Hsingaunglay Village, PyinOoLwin Township, the minister heard reports on requirements of the local growers and cultivation of 7,567 acres of coffee plantations in the township, allotment of vacant and virgin lands to the growers and multiple cropping of coffee, Thitseint (Belleric myrobalan) and pepper by officials.
Next, the minister inspected coffee plantations, land reclamation, coffee saplings, mushroom and coffee showrooms and shade trees at Coffee and Thitseint Extended Cultivation Project in Yegyanoh region. The minister then inspected completion of 92 feet high and 600 feet long Hsinlan Dam which will have 5,600 acre-feet of water capacity in Hsinlan Village, PyinOoLwin Township. The dam will irrigate 500 acres of farmlands and supply water to Kandawgyi Lake and PyinOoLwin. The minister met with CEC members of Myanmar Cotton Dealers Association at Irrigation Yeiktha in Mandalay.
The CEC members reported on tasks of the association, purchase of cotton, ginning licence and availability of cultivable land. The minister gave necessary instructions.
(6) H&T Minister attends Second Meeting of ASEAN, China, Japan & Korea National Tourism Organizations
Yangon, 9 Oct - Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Thein Zaw arrived at Mandalay on 6 October and inspected Innwa Hotel and gave instructions on renovation tasks to be carried out and earning of income increasingly.
Then, the minister arrived at the Mandalay Sedona Hotel and inspected preparations for the 17th Meeting of the Task Force on ASEAN Joint Marketing Programme. The minister arrived in PyinOoLwin Township and met hoteliers entrepreneurs and gave instructions on hotel and tourism development at the hall of Nan Myaing Hotel.
Next, the minister inspected Nan Myaing Hotel, Gandama Hotel and Thiri Myaing Hotel, gave instructions on renovation of the hotels to be undertaken as fast as possible. He then proceeded to the National Kandawgyi Gardens and inspected arrival of foreign tourists there. Afterwards, the minister arrived at Mandalay and inspected Mandalay Swam Hotel. At night, the minister hosted a dinner in honour of the delegates attending the Second Meeting of ASEAN, China, Japan and Korea National Tourism Organizations and the 17th Meeting of the Task Force on ASEAN Joint Marketing Programme.
The minister together with Director-General of Directorate of Hotels and Tourism U Khin Maung Latt and Managing Director of Myanma Hotel and Tourism Services U Htay Aung attended the Thuwunna Bommi Travelling Service Cooperation Meeting of Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand and discussed convenient travelling of tourists and advertisement for tourism services promotion among the member countries. Then, the minister attended the Second Meeting of ASEAN, China, Japan and Korea National Tourism Organizations and made an opening speech on the occasion.
The commander and the mayor met hotel and tourism entrepreneurs of Mandalay at the hall of Innwa Hotel and discussed development for world tourism and hotel industry. It was followed by a general round of discussions. Then, the minister inspected Mya Mandalar Hotel and Novotel Hotel.
Commander and Minister meet with industrialists in Yangon West District
Yangon, 9 Oct - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe and Minister for Communications, Posts & Telegraphs and for Hotels & Tourism Brig-Gen Thein Zaw who is in-charge of Yangon West District Industrial Zone, met with industrialists of Yangon West District Industrial Zone at Sabai Hall of No 2 Basic Education High School in Sangyaung Township, Yangon West District, this afternoon.
The commander and the minister gave instructions on industrial development tasks and attended to the requirements. At the meting, the commander spoke of the need for economic development of States and Divisions as well as agricultural and livestock breeding development in Yangon Division. Then, the minister explained the endeavours being made for development of private industrial zones, and arrangements to fulfill the requirements of the industrial zones in Yangon West District.
Next, industrialists reported on tasks to be undertaken for industrial progress. Later, the commander and the minister attended to the needs.
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Commander inspects industrial zone in Yangon East District
Yangon, 9 Oct - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, inspected production process of factories in the industrial zone in Yangon East District and gave necessary instructions this evening.
First, the commander and party arrived at Jewoo Garment Factory in Thakayta Industrial Zone in Thakayta Township, and inspected the production process and storage of raw materials of the factory. Factory Manager Daw Khin Mya Aye reported on works being carried out. The commander gave instructions on boosting production and thrifty use of electricity. Then, the commander proceeded to Century wickerwork, and inspected the production of hand-made furniture, storage of raw materials and export products.
Administration Director U Tin Sein reported on works being carried out. The commander left necessary instructions.
Minister for Information tours Shan State (North)
Yangon, 9 Oct - Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan met officials and inspected functions concerned with information in Shan State (North), PyinOoLwin and Mandalay from 6 to 8 October. On 6 October, the minister and party inspected retransmission station of Myanma Radio and Television in Lashio.
In meeting with service personnel, the minister gave instructions on maintenance of machinery, systematic use of electricity, minimizing of loss and waste, fulfillment of requirements, fire preventive measures and welfare for service personnel. The minister and party went to District Information and Public Relations Department in Lashio and discussed matters relating to library science and distribution of newspapers to the villages. The minister met service personnel of District and Township Information and Public Relations Departments in Lashio. He said the Ministry of Information is a bridge between the government and the people and the ministry's duties are wide and heavy.
He spoke of the need for service personnel to discharge their duties conscientiously. Priority is to be given to library science and showing of TV programmes of MRTV in villages. Efforts are to be made for more installation of TV retransmission stations and more newspaper production. Especially, information activities in Muse and Kyaukme Districts are to be raised, he added. In order to achieve development in rural areas and to gain knowledge for rural people, personnel of the ministry are to make efforts to educate, inform and entertain them. The minister urged them to carry out the tasks in the interest of the people with political, organizational, administrative and economic outlooks and application of effective and dynamic media weapon.
CEC member of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan and Patron of Shan State (North) USDA Commander of North-East Command Brig-Gen Myint Hlaing met officials of State, District, Township and Ward USDAs. The minister discussed increased membership of USDA and uplift of morale that safeguards the Union, consolidation on organizational matters and promotion of efficiency and implementation of five rural development tasks. Commander Brig-Gen Myint Hlaing took part in the discussions on work done, achievements and future tasks.
The minister and the commander inspected the site chosen for printing press of the sub-printing house. On 7 October, the minister and the commander attended the opening ceremony of retransmission stations of MRTV and inspected Hsenwi IPRD. They also met officials of Hsenwi Township USDA. The minister and the commander inspected cultivation of opium substitute crops and beekeeping of North-East Command and Humon special high yield paddy.
The minister and party inspected Hsipaw Township IPRD and gave necessary instructions. The minister met officials of Township USDA. The minister and party spent the night in Kyaukme.
(7) Minister attends opening of tube-wells
Yangon, 9 Oct - Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, inspected the water supply projects and opening ceremonies of tube-wells in Mandalay and Magway Divisions on 8 October morning.
First, the minister and party attended the opening of a tube-well at Phyu Htwa Village, NyaungU Township. It was sunk at a cost of US$ 7,008 out of US$ 50,000 donated by the utopia Japan Inc and Silver Wave Trading Ltd. The 880 feet deep fourinch tube-well can pump 2,500 gallons per hour to sufficiently provide water for 425 persons in 85 households of the village and its surrounding ones.
Next, the minister and party inspected the heavy machines at Kyaukpadaung Development Affairs Department. The minister met with staff and discussed water supply, rural development and efficient use of fuel and electricity. The minister also inspected the 320,000-gallon Thonsudan Lake. Later, the minister and party inspected the sinking of test wells in Sankan village of Chauk Township, Magway Division. Afterwards, they at- tended the opening ceremony of a tube-well at pyaebin Village in Chauk Township.
The four-inch tube-well was dug at a cost of US$ 7,057 donated by Chairman of the Utopia Japan Inc and Silver Wave Trading Ltd Mr Kobayachi. It is 580 feet deep with capacity for pumping 1,500 gallons per hour , for about 3,000 people of nearby villages. In the afternoon, the minister met with staff at Chauk Township Development Affairs Department and gave necessary instructions. In the evening, he inspected river water pumping station No 1 at Natthamee bank and water pumping stations Nos 2, 7 and 14 of Hngetpyit Hill.
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USDA CEC members tours Kayah State
Yangon, 9 Oct - Central Executive Committee member of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Brig-Gen Thein Aung on 6 October arrived at BEPS, Linhponlay Village, Loikaw Township in Kayah State.
After meeting with the villagers, the CEC member explained construction of new school building, repair of Loikaw-Linhponlay rural road, implementation of the rural development tasks and functions of the association. Chairman of Kayah State Peace and Development Council Col Thein Swe also delivered a speech.
Afterwards, local people reported on needs of the village and the CEC member fulfilled the requirements. The CEC member proceeded to the dispensary being constructed in Dawpawkale Village. At the briefing hall, the CEC member presented K 100,000 for the village dispensary to an official. Then, the CEC member went to BEPS of Minhsu Kwetthit, Loikaw Township and the CEC member donated K 200,000 for extension of the old school building. The CEC member proceeded to the school being constructed in Lwetamu (North) Village and attended to the needs. At Kayah State USDA office, the CEC member met departmental officials, social organizations and USDA members and explained practicing of thrifty in all sectors, conditions of the political, economic and social sectors and rural development tasks.
The CEC member then presented teaching aids to the school heads. On 7 October, the CEC member met with local authorities, departmental officials and local people and presented teaching aids and K 100,000 to Headmistress Daw Khin May Win of Pharuso BEHS. At Dimawhso BEHS, the CEC member presented teaching aids and K 100,000 to the school. At the Zibyugon BEPS being built in Dimawhso Township, the CEC member attended the cash donation ceremony for the school and presented K 200,000. Then, the CEC member accepted USDA membership applications of Sanpya 6th Mile village. On 7 October, the CEC member attended the opening ceremony of Kontha Village Post-Primary School in Loikaw Township and presented K 200,000.
Next, the CEC member presented K 50,000 towards the funds of BEMS in Wayikawkhu Village, Loikaw Township.
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Announcement on entrance exams for MMU & MAEU
Yangon, 9 Oct - Myanmar Maritime University under the Ministry of Transport and Myanmar Aerospace Engineering University under the Ministry of Science and Technology of the Union of Myanmar will start in December 2002.
The name lists of students who gained admission to the entrance exams of the two universities were posted at University Entrance Scrutinizing Board of the Higher Education Department (Lower Myanmar) on Thaton Road on 7 October. They are to inform personally to the HED (Lower Myanmar) from 7 to 18 October, bringing along with three passport size photos, the NRC (Copy and Original), an original letter of recommendation issued by the authority concerned, the mark list of the matriculation exam (Copy and Original) and an original letter of health recommendation from the township doctor concerned.
The entrance exams for the two universities will be held on 25 October, and the timetable of the exams was posted together with the name lists of students gaining admission to the two entrance exams at the HED (Lower Myanmar).
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Workshop on agriculture census held
Yangon, 9 Oct - A workshop on agriculture census to be conducted in 2003 by the Settlement and Land Records Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation took place at the Kandawgyi Palace Hotel this morning.
Director-General U Win Kyi of SLRD extended greetings and explained benefits gained from collecting agriculture census. Then, Mr Bhaskar Barua, the resident representative of FAO, also extended greetings. Director-General Dr Sein Tin of the Central Statistical Organization presided over the morning session of the workshop and Director-General U Kyaw Lwin of Livestock and Fisheries Department the afternoon session of the workshop.
Resource persons and those present took part in the discussions. Nine resource persons submitted papers at the first day of the workshop, which will continue tomorrow.
(8) Myanmar gets silver in Sepak Takraw Contest in XIV Asian Games
Yangon, 9 Oct - The XIV Asian Games continued in Busan, the Republic of Korea, today. Selected Myanmar team won the silver medal at the men's team-wise Sepak Takraw Competition. At the competition, Thailand stood first, and Malaysia and Singapore, third.
(9) Illegally-imported Yodaya-made monosodium glutamate destroyed
Yangon, 9 Oct - Although the Government has banned monosodium glutamate as a restricted item because it can do harm to health of the people, some companies imported Yodaya-made monosodium glutamate into the country with the sole intention of gaining benefit in illegal ways. The authorities seized 8.5 million grams of the Palace brand Yodaya-made monosodium glutamate in Hpa-an Township and they were destroyed by dumping into the Thanlwin River, Hpa-an, on 26-9-2002.
The monosodium glutamate were illegally imported from Yodaya and seized at Thanlwin River, Hpa-an. A total of 17,000 packets containing 500 grams each of Palace brand monosodium glutamate were destroyed because it can be harmful to the consumption of the people for their health.
The Government continues to expose the illegally imported goods banned in consideration of the public health and action is being taken against the culprits according to the laws.
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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