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Established in 1914
1. State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe accepts
credentials of Ambassador of Bangladesh
2. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye inspects construction projects in Panglong, Loilem
District3. Due to public participation prospects bright to implement ten-year rural water supply
project in five years4. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than looks into regional development undertakings in Rakhine
State
5. F&R Minister receives guests
6. Construction Minister inspects rods and bridges
7. Commander attends meeting of YDPF
8. Basic Printing Course concludes
9. Donations invited for Lawkananda Tooth Relic Pagoda in Bagan
SPOTLIGHT
( 1 ) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe accepts credentials of Ambassador of Bangladesh
Yangon, 15 Oct - Mr AB Manjoor Rahim, newly-accredited Ambassador of the People's Republic of Bangladesh to the Union of Myanmar, presented his credentials to Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, at Zeyathiri Beikman, Konmyinttha, here at 10.30 am today.
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State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe accepts credentials of Ambassador of Denmark
Yangon, 15 Oct - Mr Ulrik Helweg-Larsen, newly-accredited Ambassador of Denmark to the Union of Myanmar, presented his credentials to Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, at Zeyathiri Beikman, Konmyinttha, at 10 am today.
( 2 ) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye inspects construction projects in Panglong, Loilem District
Government building Technological College, Computer College, Panglong University after designating Panglong as development zone
Yangon, 15 Oct - Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, arrived at Loilem by helicopter yesterday morning.
The Vice-Senior General and party went to the Government Technological College (Panglong) Construction Project in Loilem. At the briefing hall, Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung reported on progress in construction of the college, subjects to be prescribed, the transfer of faculty members to the college and arrangements being made to admit students in December; Minister for Education U Than Aung, on academic matters and faculty members; and Senior Engineer of the Naungton Construction Co U Sai San Tun, on construction of buildings, work progress and efforts being made for timely completion. The Vice-Senior General gave necessary instructions.
Then, the Vice-Senior General inspected construction of the main hall. Next, the Vice-Senior General and party proceeded to the 200-bed hospital project site in Loilem. At the briefing hall, Senior Engineer of the Naungton Construction Co U Khin Maung Thaung reported on progress of work; and Medical Superintendent Dr Myo Than, on the transfer of specialists to the hospital. The Vice-Senior General and party inspected construction of the main building and the three-storey building.
Then, the Vice-Senior General went to the Government Computer College (Panglong) Construction Project. Minister U Thaung reported on the subjects to be lectured at the college, types of courses, transfer of faculty members to the college and gathering of teaching aids; and Senior Engineer of the Naungton Construction Co U Myo Myint Than, on construction tasks and progress of work. Chairman of the company U Sai Tit Aung gave a supplementary report. In response to the reports, the Vice-Senior General left necessary instructions, and inspected progress in construction of the main building.
Then, the Vice-Senior General headed for Pang-long in Loilem Township and inspected maintenance of Panglong Monument Ground. The Vice-Senior General and party posed for a documentary photo in front of the stone monument to mark the agreement to forge unity between the plains and the hill regions signed on 12 February 1947. They then arrived at Panglong University Construction Project. At the briefing hall, Minister U Than Aung reported on subjects prescribed for the university, appointment of faculty members, arrangements made to receive students and gathering of teaching aids; and Managing Director of the Eden Group Co Ltd U Chit Khaing, on construction work under the project, work progress in three months and endeavors being made for timely completion in construction of buildings.
The Vice-Senior General said that the government has been constructing the government computer college and government technological college including Panglong University after designating Panglong region as a development zone. Similarly efforts are being made for upgrading of the present Loilem 100-bed hospital to a 200-bed one. So responsible persons are to strive for meeting the set standard with goodwill in implementing the projects. He added that arrangements are to be made for ensuring timely completion and minimizing loss and wastage.
Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party inspected construction materials and construction of the main building of the four-storey Panglong University and two-storey lecture hall.
Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Central Organizing Committee of Myanmar War Veterans Organization Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein and member of Central Organizing Committee Minister U Thaung met members of War Veterans Organizations of Shan State (South), District and Township at Thanlwin Hall of Eastern Command in Taunggyi on 14 October.
Secretary of Shan State War Veterans Supervisory Organization Police Commander of Shan State Police Col Thura Tin Hla reported on organizational set-up of Shan State (South) WVO, strength of the members, economic enterprise. Lt-Gen Thein Sein explained formation of MWVO, training of its members to promote their qualifications, economic undertakings and functions war veterans of state and division, district and township WVOs.
Lt-Gen Thein Sein replied to the queries of the members of WVO. Lt-Gen Thein Sein and Minister U Thaung then cordially greeted the members of WVO. On 13 October, Secretary-General of the Union Solidarity and Development Association and member of Secretariat U Thaung met Secretaries and executives of Taunggyi District and Township USDAs at Shan State (South) USDA Office in Taunggyi. They spoke at length on rural development tasks carried out by the USDA, courses being conducted and thrifty measures being undertaken by the State.
Next, Secretary of Shan State USDA reported on measures undertaken by state, district and township USDAs. Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan met officials and service personnel of Taunggyi District, Hsihseng, Nyaungshwe, Hopong and Kalaw IPRDs, TV retransmission station of MRTV, Shan State Sub-press of Printing and Publishing Enterprise, Myanma Alin and Kyemon sub-printing press of News and Periodicals Enterprise, Taunggyi branch office of Myanma Motion Picture Enterprise and Documentary Films at District Information and Public Relations Department. Officials concerned reported on work done and welfare for service personnel.
Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan fulfilled the requirements and gave instructions on discharging duty conscientiously, carrying out information activities effectively for the interest of the State and the people, spread of news and information in villages in the border areas, efficient use of electricity and fuel, thrifty of money and materials and minimizing loss and wastage.
( 3 ) Due to public participation prospects bright to implement ten-year rural water supply project in five years
Yangon, 15 Oct- A fourth ceremony to donate cash for the tasks of rural water supply conducted by the Ministry of Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs took place at the meeting hall of the Development Affairs Department in Botahtaung Township this afternoon. Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt attended the ceremony, accepted the cash donations and spoke words of thanks.
Minister for PBANRDA Col Thein Nyunt, in his speech on activities for rural water supply, said that Head of State Senior General Than Shwe has given guidance on undertaking the five rural development tasks for the emergence of peaceful, modern and developed nation, the national goal. The Ministry of PBANRDA is carrying out tasks for smooth and secure transportation in rural areas and rural water supply. After 1997 rural water supply task could be carried out effectively.
In April 1999, the Head of State gave guidance on the implementation of a ten-year project for rural water supply in three divisions of the arid region. A survey conducted by development affairs departments showed that there were 8,042 water-scarce villages in Sagaing, Mandalay and Magway Divisions, and 15,813 in border areas. Under the arid-zone rural water supply project, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will offer assistance for digging 250 tube-wells in Shan State (North).
For the same reason, the Bridge Asia Japan (BAJ) and the UNICEF are also helping to sink tube-wells in the arid zones. Union Solidarity and Development Association, Maternal and Child Welfare Association and Myanmar National Committee for Women's Affairs also cooperated with other social organizations in rural water supply tasks for 47 villages. Altogether 324 wellwishers also donated K 280.3428 million and with these funds, 604 tube-wells have been sunk. In the three Divisions, 1923 tube-wells have been sunk so far and there remain only 400 tube-wells to be sunk.
As rural water supply works are gaining momentum, villages in entire Myittha and Kyaukse townships in Mandalay Division, those in the entire ChaungU and Myinmu townships in Sagaing and those in entire Taungdwingyi and Minbu townships in Magway Division will be supplied with safe drinking water. At the tube-wells, the names of wellwishers are inscribed and opening ceremonies are held.
It costs K 250,000 for sinking 2-inch tube-well; K 500,000 for 4-inch tube-well. Actually, the respective Township Development Affairs Department contributed K 150,000 to 200,000 for each 200 feet deep 2-inch tube-well and K 300,000 to 400,000 for each 400 feet deep 2-inch tube-well or 200 feet deep 4-inch tube-well. Due to goodwill of the wellwishers, rural people rejoiced at having sufficient water and are being relieved of social worries. The minister also wished the wellwishers to gain benefits from donating water.
The rural people on their part are to maintain the tube-wells for long term use, he said. Then, the Secretary-1, the ministers and the deputy ministers accepted K 128,427,204 and US$ 8,254 donated by 148 wellwishers including K 7,112,204 and US$ 6,954 for water supply in rural regions by wellwisher staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Myanmar embassies, missions and consulates-general; K 10 million by Agga Maha Thiri Thudhamma Theingi Excellent Performance in Social Field First Class Daw Hse and family (Ngwehse Co); K 1 million by Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein and staff; K 60 million by Sibinthayayay Bank Ltd; US$ 800 by Myanmar Ambassador to France U Wunna Maung Lwin; K 1.5 million by Daw Theingi Tun and family; K 2.5 million by Myanmar wellwishers from Taxes State of the United States of America; K 1 million by Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Thein Zaw and staff families; US$ 500 by Daw Khin Khin Nu and Mr Luclen Glauser and family and Daw Thawda Hla Baw and Mr Reudi Bosshard and family; K 1 million by U Tun Aye-Daw Nang Kyu (a) Daw Aye Aye Tint and family; K 250,000 by Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein and wife Daw Yin Yin Myint; K 250,000 by Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin and wife Daw Yin Yin Nyunt and family; K 1 million by Lin & Son Co Ltd; K 580,000 by Director U Win of Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise-Daw Lay Mi and family; K 250,000 by Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung-(Daw Khin Maw Maw Shan) and family; K 500,000 each by Maj Myat Hla (Retd)-Daw Aye Aye and family; Maj Aung Zin-Daw Win Kyi and family; Lt-Col Tin Oo (Retd)-Daw Htwe Yi and family; U Aung Khin-Daw Tin Ohn and family (Aung Furniture); the wellwisher family in memory of the late Ma San San Nyein under the patronage of parents U Aw Ti-Daw Shu Kyin; U Nyan Hlaing-Daw Kyi Nyunt and family; U Yu Tin-Daw Than Yi and family; Daw Mya Kyin and family; (U Thein Aung)-Daw Myint Myint and family; U Mya Win-Daw Pyone Pyone Kyi and family; Daw Than Yin and family; Daw May Kyu and family; U Win Shwe-Daw Poe Kyu and family; Daw Kyin Yon and Daw Aye Aye Tint; U Zaw Win and wife; U Tun Naing and wife; U Thant Zin and wife; U Kyi Lin and wife; the family in memory of U Tei Bun Chaung-Daw Aw Zar; Daw Aye Myint, Daw Khin Swe Tint and Dr U Ko Ko Zaw-Dr Khin Khin Win; (U Khin Maung)-Daw Yi Yi Myint and family (Pyay); Assistant Director (Retd) Daw Dwe of the Supreme Court; the grandchildren in memory of retired Session Judge U Thein Maung-Daw Daw Myaing; U Kyaw Win (Mandalay) and (U Aung Tin-Daw Khin Saw); K 250,000 each by Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu and wife Daw Khin Swe Myint; U Ba Ni; U Kyaw Myint (Myanma Thabawa International Co Ltd); Vice-Admiral Tin Aye (Retd)-Daw Khin Khin Sein and family; Director-General U Nyunt Han of Archaeology Department-Daw Myint Myint Aung; Col Thura Bo Ni-Daw Khin Ma Lay; Captain Soe Paing (Navy) (Retd)-Daw Khin Mya Yin; Lt-Col Nay Win (Retd)-Daw Khin Ma Gyi and family; U Tin Tun Yin-Daw Wint Tharaphee and family; U Kyin Thein-Daw Nyunt Yi; U Sun Teik-Daw Lwam and family; Captain Kyaw Than (Retd) and family; the family in memory of the late grandfather and grandmother; Daw Tin Tin Hla and family; Daw Kyi and family (La Kabar Lubricant Trading); Maj Ohn Myaing-Daw Nwe Nwe Yi; U Ti Toe-Daw Kyin Wai; U Kyaw Myint-Daw Khin Nwe Aye Chit; U Myint Thein-Daw Ohmma Kyaw and family (Yadana Myintmo Oo Co): Lt-Col Kyaw Zaw (Retd)-Daw Chit Swe; U Ko Lat-Daw Htay Htay; U Myint Swe-Daw Kyin Hmwe; U Kyin Pein-Daw Tin Kyi; and U Chin Bun, Daw Hla Win and Daw Tin Aye.
Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung then explained the purpose of donation. Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt said that it is a noble donation ceremony in which all the wellwishers gathered there to do good deeds. A large number of villagers in Mandalay, Magway and Sagaing Divisions are facing water shortages.
The people of the regions had to take much time to get only a pail of water. They were suffering physically and metrically throughout the past successive eras due to inadequate supply of water. The insufficient water supply also brought diseases such as leprosy and trachoma, and the regions lagged behind in development due to difficulties in making a living and economic and social hardships.
However there was weakness in seeking means to supply water to the region throughout the past eras. Thus, Head of State Senior General Than Shwe have given guidance to lay down a plan to supply water to villages in the dry regions. According to the list, there were over 20,000 villages including over 8,000 in the dry zone alone were not able to have clean water supply. According to its financial power, the State has laid down a ten-year project to supply clean water to all villages where water is scarce. Arrangements are being made to use advanced equipment in finding underground water and digging deep tub-wells. The Head of State also gave guidance to invite the public to take part in the rural water supply project.
Due to the ardent participation of the public about 50 per cent of the villages in the dry zones now have wells providing clean water. Thus, the prospects are bright to implement the ten-year project in five years. It is the result of the cooperation between the public and the government. The people in the regions are happy to get access to the clean water.
Thus, it is a noble deed to make contributions to the rural water supply project. According to the belief of the Theravada Buddhism, the donors will gain significant merits for the contributions. A total of 148 wellwishers donated K 128,427,204 and US $ 8,254 to the project.
( 4 ) Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than looks into regional development undertakings in Rakhine State
Yangon, 15 Oct- Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence and party inspected the site chosen for Pyaing Creek Dam Project near Laungpankya Village in Kyauktaw Township, Rakhine State, on 14 October morning.
At the briefing hall of the project, Director U Khin Maung Nyunt of Irrigation Department reported on the purpose of construction of the dam, location, the feasibility study for the project and others, Director U Tun Aung Lwin of Construction-3 on arrangements for the project, work being carried out for arrival of machinery and future tasks.
Then, Commander Brig-Gen Maung Oo gave a supplementary report. In response to the reports, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than stressed the need to start the project on 1 November, adding that the sooner the project is completed, the earlier the people will enjoy the benefit. He pointed out that the necessary assistance has been provided and only if the dam and the canals are completed in April 2003, it will be ready for irrigation in the summer of 2003-2004.
Then, he inspected the preparatory work of the project. On completion, it can irrigate 5,000 acres of farmlands and can generate 250 kilowatts of electric power. Afterwards, they inspected the durability of Kitsapanadi Bridge, the longest bridge in Rakhine State, linking Kyauktaw and MraukU Townships. Superintending Engineer U Thein Kyaw and Senior Engineer U Khin Maung reported on arrangements being made for durability of the bridge to Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than who gave instructions.
Then, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party met with the local authorities, departmental officials, members of social organizations and local people at the Pauktaw Township Peace and Development Office and gave instructions on regional development. First, Chairman of Pauktaw Township Peace and Development Council U Aung San Tha reported on the location and areas of the township, the climate conditions, the national races in the township, the set-up of village-tracts and villages, the lands utilized, the agriculture, livestock breeding, the forestry, trade and energy sectors and work being done for regional development.
Next, Vive-General Manager of Myanma Agriculture Service Dr Sein Hla Bo reported on matters related to the agriculture and future tasks. Then, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than made a speech. He said that the Government has laid down plans and implementing them for the emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation. He stressed the need for the local authorities, departmental officials and local people are to make efforts for development of the agriculture and livestock sectors, the main players for economic development.
He also officials concerned to exert greater efforts for regional development as well as for beautifying and cleaning of Pauktaw to enable it to possess the characteristics of a city, and to cooperate for ensuring peace and tranquility in the region. He also called on departmental officials to discharge the national duty with goodwill and conscientiousness, and to cooperate with members of social organizations and local authorities for national and regional development.
After the ceremony, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party cordially greeted those present at the ceremony and then left Sittway. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party left Sittway by air at 9.30 am and arrived back here this morning.
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Plans under way to designate special pepper cultivation zones in Rakhine state
Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than tours Rakhine stateYangon, 15 Oct- Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt- Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence, left Sittway for Buthidaung on 12 October in the afternoon.
Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than proceeded to Maungtaw, In the evening, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party met officials and discussed development of Buthidaung and Maungtaw Townships at Thiri Mingala Hall. Chairman of Maungtaw District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Soe Htwe reported on condition of living standard of national races, rainfall, cultivation of monsoon paddy, targets for cultivation of summer paddy, food sufficiency in the region, planting of Thitseint trees and other timber and shade trees and marine products. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than said the government is implementing the plans for emergence of a peaceful modem developed nation.
He said officials at different levels are to work hard for rapid development and realization of the objectives of the plans. Maungtaw is a border town. Concerted efforts are to be made for economic development of the country. The government is making' endeavours for narrowing the development gap between rural and urban regions and between states and plain regions. Moreover. the Ministry of Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs was formed to carry out the tasks for development of border areas.
Previously, people in Rakhin relied on waterway. Now, the government built the Yangon-Sittway Road and Yangon-Kyaukphyu Road and 24 major bridges in Rakhine State for ensuring better transport. Over 800medium and small bridges have been built and dams are also being built for summer paddy cultivation and drinking water. Strenuous efforts are to be made for development of agriculture and fish &meat sectors as Rakhine State is a fertile region.
Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than spoke at length on ex- tension of cultivation acreage, double cropping, increase per acre yield and extended cultivation of various kinds of peas, pepper, coffee and tea. He pointed out that progress in offshore and inshore fisheries and weakness in breeding of fresh water fish and prawn. He spoke of the need to raise poultry farming from manageable scale to commercial scale.
He called for working in , unity for progress of the respective regions. Next, Deputy General Manager of Myanma Agriculture Service Dr Sein Hla Boreported on requirements for cultivation of pepper and methods. Lt-Gen Khin Mitung Than and party greeted those present.
On 13 October, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party went to Pyatha Sanpya Village and discussed economic, social, education, health. agricultural and livestock breeding sectors. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected Ayeya power tillers troller jeeps generators and related goods provided by the government and new building for primary school. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party attended a ceremony to share merits for donation of Tri Pitakat by Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja U Goenka of International Dhammagiri Meditation Yeiktha, provisions and Bahokyaung Dhammayon at Baho Kyaungtaik in Maungtaw.
They presented offertories to the members of the Sangha. Sayadaw U Thondra of Baho Kyaungtaik and 24 members of the Sangha members of District and Township Peace and Development Councils, officials and disciples. The congregation received the Five Precepts from Sayadaw Bhaddana Pafiindriya. Members of the Sangha recited partitas.
Next. Commander Brig-Gen Maung Oo supplicated on religious matters saying that the Pariyafti the Patipatti and the Pativeda are the essence of Buddhism. The Buddhist monks and the kings had worked together for promotion and perpetuation of the Sasana throughout the past successive eras. The State Peace and Development Council has also made energetic efforts for progress of all the sectors including the religious sector of the nation. It has built new religious buildings and renovated the existing edifices with the participation of the public. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than the commander and donors presented provisions and offertories to the Sayadaws. The congregation shared the merits gained.
At the No 1 Border Check Point in Maungtaw, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party heard a report on its functions presented by officials. At Gandama Model Village in Buthidaung Township, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than heard a report on the economic, social and health conditions and living standard of the village. He then said the villagers should strive to boost paddy cultivation and preserve their religion and tradition. The villagers will have to harmoniously strive for improving the education standard of their children and ful1her progress of their village.
In Kyauktaw, he met local authorities, departmental personnel and local people, explaining the government's projects to bring peace, stability and development to the whole nation including Rakhine State, and reclamation projects in Rakhine State, multiplecrop cultivation projects, plans to boost crop per acre yield and cultivation of new crops species including pepper. He said as Rakhine State is the largest pepper producer of the nation, plans are underway to designate special pepper cultivation zones. Fish and prawn breeding should be conducted on land which is not suitable to grow crops.
He also elaborated on the plans to develop Kyauktaw, rural development programmes covering trans port, clean water supply, health, education and farming sectors. The local authorities and departmental personnel are required to make fields tours and to carry out their tasks with goodwill, he said.
( 5 ) F&R Minister receives guests
Yangon, 15 Oct- Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein, received the delegation led by Vice-President Mr Chang Bok Lee of Hyundai Corporation from the Republic of Korea at his office at 9:30 am today.
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Myanmar sports delegation arrives back from ROK
Yangon, 15 Oct- After participating in the XIV Asian Games held in Busan, the Republic of Korea, from 29 September to 14 October, Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, MOC Vice Chairman Vice Adjutant General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo and MOC General Secretary Sports and Physical Education Department Director-General U Thaung Htaik arrived back here by air at 9 am today.
Headed by SPED Director U Than Zaw, the 14-member sports delegation comprising managers and athletes also arrived back here by air at 10 am today.
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Commerce Minister arrives back from ASEAN Expo '02
Yangon, 15 Oct- A Myanmar delegation led by Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, after attending ASEAN Expo '02 held in Bangkok, Thailand, arrived back here by air this morning.
Director-General of Directorate of Trade U Nyunt Aye and Deputy Director U Tin Shwe Win also arrived back on the same flight. On 14 October, Myanmar delegation attended the opening ceremony of ASEAN Expo '02, which Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra opened at Impact International Convention Center at 9.30 am.
Economy and Commerce Minister of Thailand Dr Adisai Bodharamik extended greetings and then the Prime Minister declared the exposition open. Ministers from ASEAN countries and invited guests viewed round the exhibition.
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Myanmar-Thai border checkpoints reopened
Yangon, 15 Oct - Myanmar-Thai border checkpoints in Tachilek, Myawaddy, Phayathonesu and Kawthoung reopened at 6 am today. After the two sides had discussed normalization of relations with a view to promoting bilateral relations and mutual interests, the checkpoints, closed on 22 May 2002 because of border conflicts between the two countries, reopened today.
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SEAMEO-SEARCA Governing Board Meeting continues
Yangon, 15 Oct - Jointly organized by Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and Regional Centre for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture of South East Asia Ministers of Education Organization based in the Philippines, the secondday session of the 48th SEAMEO-SEARCA Governing Board Meeting continued at Mindon Hall of the Sedona Hotel on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road from 9 am to 5 pm. The last day of the meeting will be held tomorrow.
( 6 ) Construction Minister inspects rods and bridges
Yangon, 15 Oct- Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, on 12 October met with staff families in Mindat District and gave instructions.
The minister next attended the opening ceremony of Chi Creek Bridge and Kyauksit Creek Bridge and inspected along the Kyaukhtu-Saw-Seikphyu Road together with the chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council. Magway Division superintending engineer and Ganggaw District senior engineer reported on progress of works during the rainy season, future tasks, required materials for paving, and condition of machinery and the minister attended to the needs.
Then, the minister also inspected Seikphyu-Salin-Saku-Minbu road.
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Kanbawzathadi palace and ancient cultural heritage inspected
Yangon, 15 Oct - Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, arrived at the construction site of King Bayintnaung's Kanbawzathadi palace in Bago this morning.
The minister inspected paving of road in the palace site and gave necessary instructions to officials on systematic paving of road and growing of trees along roadsides. The minister also gave instructions on greening tasks for Bamayathana palace hall and the palace site. At the briefing hall, Superintending Engineer U Kyi Tun of the Public Works and officials from Myanmar handicraft group reported to the minister on completion of construction and decoration measures for Myaynan Pyathat hall, Letya Win hall, Letwe Win hall and Sanu hall.
In the afternoon, the minister together with the officials inspected the bell and stone inscription hall of the ancient Kalyani Sima built by King Dhammazedi over 550 years ago. After giving instructions on maintenance tasks for ancient stone inscriptions, the minister looked round the place and left for Yangon in the evening.
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Minister inspects Population Department
Yangon,15 Oct- Minister for Immigration and Population Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, arrived at the Population Department yesterday morning and inspected the use of electricity at the computer section of the department and gave instructions on safe and systematic use of electricity. Then, the minister also inspected the connections of wires and meter boxes in the office building and its branches.
( 7 ) Commander attends meeting of YDPF
Yangon, 15 Oct- Yangon Division Police Force held its second four-monthly work coordination meeting 2002 at the meeting hall of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Office this morning, with an address by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe.
Speaking on the occasion, Maj-Gen Myint Swe said that at a time when the Government is making relentless efforts for education, health, economy and transportation sectors so as to build the nation into a peaceful, modern and developed one, members of Yangon Division Police Force are responsible for ensuring the tranquility and prevalence of law and order in wards. They are to take security measures in cooperation with the Tatmadaw, in addition to crime reduction and drug eradication tasks.
The commander also urged them to try to set an example in their discharging duties. Police Col Aung Daing and officials then reported to the commander on tasks to be carried out in the third four-monthly period of 2002. Afterwards, the meeting came to an end in the afternoon.
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International White Cane Day observed
Yangon, 15 Oct - The 11th Yangon Mayor's Trophy Walking Race 2002 for the blind to mark International White Cane Day was held in front of the People's Square and People's Park on Pyay Road this morning.
Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay formally opened the race. The contestants walked from in front of the People's Square and People's Park to City Hall. Along the route, the mayor, the ministers and officials walked accompanying the contestants. Along the route in Dagon, Lanmadaw, Latha, Pabedan and Kyauktada Townships, members of social organizations, ward dwellers and well-wishers encouraged the contestants offering purified drinking water, soft drinks and snacks to them.
Then, the prize-distribution ceremony followed on the first floor of the City Hall. The vice-mayor delivered a speech. Afterwards, the mayor presented prizes and cup to Myanmar Christian Fellow-ship of the Blind, St. Mary Workshop for the Blind, the Cooperative Society of the Disabled (Thingangyun), Sheisaung Shool for the Blind (Meiktila), Parahita Vocational School for the Blind (PyinOoLwin) and Vocational School for the Blind (Hlinethaya) through the officials concerned.
Next, the schools for the blind presented gifts to the mayor. U Yaw Shu of Kyimyindine School for the Blind spoke words of thanks. The students of the schools for the blind presented entertainment programme to those present. After the ceremony, the contestants enjoyed rest at the Thakayta Amusement Park and recreation centre.
( 8 ) Basic Printing Course concludes
Yangon,15 Oct - Basic Printing Course No 2/2002 of the GTC Press of the Printing and Publishing Enterprise under the Ministry of Information concluded at the training hall of the press in Insein Township here this afternoon.
At the ceremony, Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein made an address. Then, U Myint Thein presented the course completion certificates to a representative of the trainees. A total of 26 trainees attended the course which lasted eight weeks from 19 August to 14 October.
Later, the deputy minister and party inspected the power sub-station, printing room, binding section and gave instructions on frugal use of electricity, fire prevention and printing of text books and left there.
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AWB Bank opens banking training center
Yangon, 15 Oct - The eighth anniversary of the banking service course of Asia Wealth Bank Ltd was held at the training centre of the bank in Kyauktada Township this morning.
Vice-Chairman of AWB Bank U Aik Tun unveiled the signboard of the banking training centre and extended greetings. AWB Bank has so far donated over K 1.5 billion for social, education, health and religious affairs tasks. The bank continues to make more donations for development of social and education, health care services and religious affairs.
( 9 ) Donations invited for Lawkananda Tooth Relic Pagoda in Bagan
Yangon, 15 Oct- King Anawrahta of Bagan Dynasty built four Tooth Relic Pagodas in Bagan as well as the Pyakkhayway Taung Pagoda in Kyaukse.
Lawkananda Sacred Tooth Relic Pagoda built in 393 Myanmar Era is one of the four sacred Tooth Relic Pagodas in Bagan. It was found that innovated architecture of Lawkananda Pagoda was transformed from the ancient Pyu works to Myanmar style. Upper parts and the Htidaw of Lawkananda Pagoda collapsed due to the earthquake jolted in Bagan in 1975.
Now, arrangements are being made for hoisting the new Htidaw atop the pagoda. Those wishing to donate cash towards the funds for hoisting the new Htidaw (sacred umbrella) and the new Seinbudaw (diamond orb) may contact the Ministry of Religious Affairs (the Minister's Office), Tel: 665621; the Ministry of Culture (the Minister's Office), Tel: 543233 and 543235; the Archaeology Department (Head Office), Tel: 512140 and 512139; the Bagan Archaeological Research Branch, Tel: 062/70412; Ancient Cultural Heritage Region Branch (Mandalay), Tel: 02/36365 and 02/39156 and Office of the Bagan Lawkananda Tooth Relic Pagoda Board of Trustees, Tel: 062/70195. Wellwishers may donate K 5 million for fixing the new steel pivot; K 5 million for the prop of the steel Htidaw; K 5.2 million for the first tier of the Htidaw; K 4.8 million for the second tier; K 4.2 million for the third tier; K 4 million for the fourth tier; K 3.2 million for the fifth tier; K 2.9 million for the sixth tier; K 2.7 million for the seventh tier; K 2.3 million for the eighth tier; K 1.7 million for the ninth tier; K 1.2 million for the tenth tier; and K 700,000 for the 11th tier.
The wellwisher can inscribe his name at the respective tiers. The wellwishers can donate one packet of gold foils at a rate of K 9,000 for the pagoda.
Key tourism role for airline exec
MAJOR Selvakumar, the chief operating officer of Air Mandalay, is the new chairman of one of the nation’s most significant marketing bodies charged with increasing the country’s tourism image. By a show of hands the Myanmar Marketing Committee (MMC) of the Myanmar Tourism Promotion Board elected a new nine-member executive committee chaired by Mr Selvakumar, a Malaysian national, when it met at the Traders Hotel last Thursday. According to the press statement released by MMC, the purpose of the meeting was to elect a new committee for one year and adopt a constitution, which would govern the day to day running of MMC in a transparent and equitable manner. "The first meeting of new executive members will be on October 16 to formulate a plan to promote and market Myanmar," said Mr Selvakumar. The new constitution would provide guidelines for the committee to manage the MMC, and is a clear signal that the marketing committee is finally serious on being expertly organised. Mr Selvakumar’s task comes at crucial time with the Minister of Tourism is stating publicly that it was time for earnest work in a bid to capture one million visitors annually. In his first public statement, Mr Selvakumar’s said his role was to ensure greater awareness about Myanmar’s tourist attractions. Promoting year-round travel, even during the monsoon period, was one of the challenges facing the tourism sector. Referring to the appointment of three Myanmar travel agents to the executive committee, Mr Selva-kumar said: "We want everybody to be involved in the committee, we want all people who have experience or expertise in tourism". Mr Brett Melzer from Balloons Over Bagan was elected as vice chairman, Ms Elly Darley from Inle Princess Resort was elected as secretary and Daw Rita Myint of Taw Win Travel was elected as treasurer. The other executive committee members included Inya Lake hotel’s Mr Suki Singh, Mr Jehan. Wickremesooriya from Kadawgyi Palace Hotel, U Aung Myat Kyaw from Orchestra Travel, U Min Din from Columbus travels and tours, and Traders’ hotel’s Mr Raymond Bragg. The executive members were elected to serve on the committee until the end of 2003, the press statement said. An MMC member, Mr Franz Fisher, the country manager at Diethelm Travel Company welcomed the adoption of a new constitution. "Our company would give the maximum support not only for the MMC but also for UMTA (Union of Myanmar Travel Association)," said Mr Fischer. "But the annual membership fees of US$400 is too high for most small local companies. In my opinion, it should be considerably reduced in order to attract more members," he said. Myanmar Marketing Committee has 30 members from all sections of the tourism industry, including the members of UMTA.
Myanmar Times ( Oct.14-20) , 2002-Vol.7, No. 137 )
Tour operators, ecologists agree on need to conserve mangrove forests
TOUR operators and ecologists rarely find themselves sitting on the same side of the fence. But as Myanmar prepares for the tourist high season – which accounts for most the 200,000 foreigners who visit each year – ecologists are happy to discover that the tourism sector is among their most vocal supporters, at least on the issue of conserving mangrove forests. Mangrove forests are among the world’s most important ecosystems. They provide a habitat for a diverse range of creatures, act as a filter which helps to keep the sea clean and protect coastal areas from the effects of bad weather. They are also important for the survival of offshore coral reefs. Mangroves are under threat throughout the world and more than half of the forests have been depleted. Myanmar is fortunate to have vast mangrove forests but they are being rapidly thinned. For example, more than 82 per cent of the mangrove forests in Ayeyarwaddy Division were depleted between 1924 and 1999, according to figures from the highly-regarded non-government organisa-tion, the Forest Resource Environment Development and Conservation Association, FREDA. Even in areas where they receive government protection, mangrove forests are being destroyed. As a recent report by FREDA noted: "Forest law (can) not over-rule the social and economic needs of the people." Mangrove trees are cut down for fuel and to produce charcoal. Mangroves forests are cleared to make way for paddy fields and, increasingly, shrimp farms. The growth of the shrimp farming industry is a concern for ecologists. They cite Fisheries Department figures which show that the value of shrimp exports for the five months to August 31 rose from almost US$40 million in 2001 to $42.5 million this year. Tourism experts are more worried about the effect of deforestation on the natural beauty and wildlife diversity of coastal areas. Fewer mangrove forests mean fewer dolphins, fewer crocodiles, and fewer birds. Fewer animals means fewer ecotourists. Dr Thomas Bauer, assistant professor at the School of Hotel and Tourism Management at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, stressed the importance of protecting mangroves during a telephone interview withMyanmar Times last week. "In a world where nature is being pushed back more and more to make way for development and ‘progress’, mangroves, together with their associated ecosystems such as rainforests, must be protected," Dr Bauer said.
He referred to one of Hong Kong’s most successful ecotourism sites, the Mai Po Nature Reserve, where the "migratory birds that make the reserve famous in turn feed on the marine life" sustained by its mangrove forests. Mr Oliver Soe Thet believes that there is enormous potential for developing ecotourism sites along the coast of Rakhine State, an area with which he is familiar through his involvement in the tourism sector. Now with the Treasure Hotel at Ngwe Saung beach, Mr Soe That has also worked at the Bayview Hotel at Ngapoli Beach, further to the west. He said other hotel owners at Ngwe Saung had told him that they had been asked by the government to conserve as many mangrove and coconut trees as possible when developing their projects. "This is an excellent step from the Myanmar government [in terms of] fostering ecotourism of an international standard," he said. Mr Edwin Briels, the marketing and incentive manager at the Exotissimo tour company’s Yangon office, eschews the term ‘ecotourism’. Mr Briels says he prefers the term ‘sustainable tourism’, which he defines as tourism that supports both the environment and traditional ways of life and is the tourist experience that Exotissimo strives to provide. All three echo the advice of the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Myanmar Program, which has achieved remarkable success in cooperation with the government in efforts to conserve the forests in the north of the country. The program’s motto is: ‘Protect first and develop later.’ It is a sound principle for ecologists and the tourism industry alike.
Myanmar Times ( Oct.14-20) , 2002-Vol.7, No. 137 )
Strong Myanmar presence for ‘first ever’ ASEAN trade fair
By Aung Kyaw Tha
AN unprecedented Asean Trade Fair in Bangkok this week will be a first for Myanmar, a Thai embassy official said last week. "This is the first such fair to involve all 10 Asean nations, the first to be hosted by Thailand and the first to include participation by Myanmar," the commercial counsellor at the Thai embassy, Mr Matyawongse Amatyakul, toldMyanmar Times. Nearly 30 Myanmar companies have exhibits at the week-long Asean Trade Fair 2002, which opened on October 14 at the Impact Exhibition Centre at the Muang Thong Thani housing estate in Bangkok’s northern suburbs Most of the companies are involved in the gems, jewellery, furniture and home decoration businesses, Mr Matyawongse said. The aims of the event include promoting Asean products and services on the world market and providing a platform for partnerships among industries in the 10 countries, he said. As well as business exhibits, each Asean country will be represented by a national pavilion, with Myanmar’s featuring a model of a traditional palace. Mr Matyawongse said nearly 800 booths would be featured at the fair, which is being organised by the Thai Commerce Ministry with assistance from the counterpart ministries in the other Asean countries. The fair – a biennual event – will be opened by the Thai Prime Minister, Mr Thaksin Shina-watra, at a ceremony to be attended by Asean commerce ministers. The Myanmar companies taking part in the event include the Ayawaddy (Mandalay), Khine Mingalar, Thurine Ne and Shwe Ingyin gems and jewellery cooperatives, the Than Swe wooden ware and furniture cooperative and the Sun Myanmar (Elephant House) handicrafts company. U Tun Hla Aung from Ayawaddy (Mandalay) Gems and Jewellery cooperative toldMyanmar Timesin telephone interview that 80 Myanmar nationals from the government and private sector would be in Bangkok for the trade fair.
Myanmar Times ( Oct.14-20) , 2002-Vol.7, No. 137 )
Conserving the nation’s resources WASTE not, want not: This was a lesson that was instilled in me as a child by my mother and as teenager by my monk and mentor at the monastery when I was preparing to enter the monkhood as a novice, which all Myanmar boys of the Buddhist faith are required to do on coming of age. As a child my five siblings and I the eldest, had our meals together on a small round low lacquer table known as adaung-lan which also served as a large dish. Each child had his own portion of food and I remember how as a child we would dig into it boisterously. It was also a strict household rule that the one who finished last was responsible for cleaning up, washing and drying the dish-cum-table. I was the oldest but also the slowest eater, and every time, it fell upon me to wash up. My mother seeing this used to be very irritated and knock me on the head saying I was always the last because "I was wasting time unnecessarily".
When I had to live in the monastery to prepare for my novitiation ceremony, it was the same. All the other boys finished their meal first and here again I was left to wash all the dishes. I used to pile the dishes one on top of the other to take them to the tap for washing. On seeing this one day, my mentor, the monk U Dhamma gave me a good caning and I still remember his admonishment, "The bottom of the dishes have now been smeared with oil and food, so that means you have to use more soap and more water to clean them, and it takes longer which is therefore an unnecessary waste of soap and water". Later as an adult, I realised that in my native village in the dry, hot and water sparse Shwebo District, water and soap were precious items. But most precious of all to both my mother and my mentor was the waste of time. In addition to time, which is irretrievable, we should use wisely and not waste money, property wealth and of course our nations resources. Since the time of our parents and forefathers this lesson in thrift has been passed down to us but how many of us adhere to this maxim. If we did, it would benefit each person, each family and the whole nation as well.
As Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe has exhorted us, we are today in the midst of building and reconstructing a new, modernised and developed nation. So especially with regard to the use of electrical power and fuel he has instructed all heads of departments at all levels to economise in its use. Government departments should be the first to set a good example. To economise on the use of electrical power, we should use the natural light of which we have on inexhaustible supply in our country of sunshine and use artificial light only when necessary. In the production and services sector also we should try to use the absolute minimum. In this way we can then fully meet the needs of our industrial and economic zones. The increased supply and distribution would lead to increased production and this would mean open up job opportunities and also bring down cost of living for the people. More electricity generated would further lessen the need to use diesel oil to run machinery and engines.
Among the countries in Southeast Asia, Myanmar was the first to use hydroelectric power. We were able to build the Lawpita Hydroelectric Power Plant and I still remember how filled with joy and pride we were. Our slogan then was: "We shall build a paradise on earth with electrical power." Electrical energy plays a vital role in the State’s economy, especially in commodity production and the social sector. The expansion of production in the economic sector on the one hand and the rise of the standard of living with better health care and educational facilities on the other, all require a greater supply and distribution of electrical power. To meet these necessary demands, the Government, after 1988, has implemented 26 hydro electrical power projects, and 6 projects for the use of natural gas turbines and recycled waste energy.
So 32 new power plants are now supplying much needed electrical energy. Compared to former figure of the supply of electricity has increased three-fold. But, due to the progress made in industry with new factories and plants in the industrial zones, the expansion in the service sector and the population growth that has led to the setting up of new townships with residential buildings, the supply of electrical power cannot yet fully meet demand. The Government is at present implementing short-term plans for enhancing the economy and it is at work on its Third Five-Year Plan covering the period from 2001-2002 to 2005-2006. It is undertaking development of many aspects of the economy, in agriculture, industry, energy, livestock breeding and fisheries to education and health - right down to the rural areas. In an address made at the opening ceremony of a training and refresher course of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, held at the Pyidaungsu Hall of the People’s Public Relations Unit of Hmawbi, Senior General Than Shwe stated, "In order to meet the demands for electrical power of the various sectors, we have made plans for an additional generation of 2000 megawatts of electricity. This together with the electrical power that is being generated now will bring the total amount of electricity generated to 3000 megawatts."
In accordance with the guidance given by the Head of State, the Ministry of Electrical Power, beginning from 2001-2002 up to the present period of the Third Short-Term Plan, has been implementing medium and large electrical power projects in order to produce a further 2000 megawatts. The ministry is working on 21 projects including hydroelectric plants, natural gas turbines, recycled waste heat turbines, diesel turbines, steam and coal burning turbines. Of the many hydroelectric power plants, the Thahpanseik Dam Hydroelectric Power Plant, near the village of die same name in Kyunhla Township, Shwebo District in Sagaing Division was put into commission on 18th June 2002. It has a generating capacity of 30 megawatts. This protect was undertaken at a cost of 1155 million kyats and 20 million dollars approximately. It took four years to complete construction. There are also other hydroelectric power projects underway such as the Paunglaung (capacity 250 megawatts), Monchaung (75 megawatts), Ye Ywa (780 megawatts), Kyunchaung (60 megawatts), Shweli (400 megawatts), and the Sittaung valley hydroelectric power projects such as the Shwe Kyin, Ye Nwe, Hpyu and Khabaung.
Then a coal burning electrical power plant is being constructed with a capacity of 120 megawatts near Pyinthar village in the Teekyit region of Pinlaung Township in Southern Shall State. It is expected to begin operating about September 2003. The target year of completion of all these numerous projects is 2006, by which time over 3000 megawatts will be generated which will more than meet the electrical power needs of the entire country. The State has indeed invested a large amount of capital to fulfill our needs for electrical power. So it is up to us to use this valuable electrical power supply systematically and economically and this will reap the greatest benefit for people and the State. The cost of these projects come from the public treasury but we also owe a debt of gratitude to the government, which despite limited resources has given priority to the needs of the people. The onus is therefore on us to prevent wasteful use of electrical power not only in government offices and private offices but also in our homes. And if we, the public, see any such wastage, it is up to us to take action to stop it. We should also follow to the letter, the rules and regulations regarding the use of electrical power issued by the authorities concerned. Each citizen should therefore cultivate the habit of economizing on electrical power usage with full awareness that this is the right attitude that will benefit all. We should avoid the selfish attitude which maintains, "so long as we can pay our electrical utility bills why shouldn’t we use electrical power whenever we want" without thought for the greater good. Having said that, there is one other point to take note of.
Some of us are apt to go to the other extreme and misinterpret "systematic and thrifty use" to mean not to use electricity at all. If people are prevented from using electric lights for example, when it is already dark then it would surely have adverse effect on our work. And worst of all it would create misunderstanding and resentment among the people. "Economise on the use of electrical power where possible; let there not be wanton waste" is the motto. In this way each of us will be doing our duty and making valuable contributions to the development of a developed and modernised state.Translator: K.K.H
Myanmar Times ( Oct.14-20) , 2002-Vol.7, No. 137 )
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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