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Established in 1914
1. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye inspects construction of roads, meets with industrialists
in Shan State2. The 2002 World Food Day
3. U-21 Tatmadaw soccer tournament ends
4. False allegations of sexual violence against women in Shan State briefed 5. Deputy Minister leaves to attend 7th Conference of AMRI
6. SEAMEO Governing Board Meeting ends
7. NNCC donates seeds for cultivation of poppy-substitute crops in Kokang region, Shan
State
8. KNU explodes bombs in Myawady 9. Raw opium seized in Mongshu
SPOTLIGHT
( 1 )Vice-Senior General Maung Aye inspects construction of roads, meets with industrialists in Shan State
Efforts being made for ensuring smooth transport between Shan State (North) and Shan State (South)
Yangon, 16 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 the local battalion in Leikha on 14 October afternoon.
At the briefing hall, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe of the Ministry of Defence reported on projects in upgrading the important roads in Shan State (North) and Shan State (South), and conditions of road sections to be undertaken by Shan State (North) and Shan State (South) region-wise; Commander Brig-Gen Myint Hlaing, on situations of 24 miles long Mongyai-Namlaung Road, 53 miles and two furlongs long Hsipaw-Namlan-Ton-law Road and 55 miles long Tangyan-Mongkaung-Mong-hsu Road, arrangements being made for upgrading them and tasks on constructions of roads section-wise by Tatmadaw members; Commander Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint, on situations of 102-mile Loilem-Leikha-Mongkai-Pankaytu-Tonlaw Road, 46-mile Leikha-Mongnaung Road, 52-mile Mongnaung-Kehsi-Pankaytu Road, 77-mile Kholan-Wanhsing-Mongnaung-Pachee (Phakhee)-Monghsu Road, 27-mile Pachee (Phakhee)-Wanhaing-Kenglun-Nam-laung Road and 16-mile Kehsi-Nampok Road, arrangements being made for upgrading them and tasks on construction of the roads sections by Tatmadaw members; Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, on assistance to be rendered by Public Works in construction of roads; and Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, on providing fuel and tar.
Then, the Vice-Senior General said that efforts were to be made for upgrading the roads to a become ll-weather ones ensuring smooth transport between Shan State (North) and Shan State (South). He pointed out the priority to be given to upgrading Loilem-Leikha-Mongkai-Pankaytu-Tonlaw-Hsipaw Road to a tarred one as soon as possible. He attended to the needs. The Loilem-Leikha-Mongkai-Pankaytu-Tonlaw-Hsipaw Road will be upgraded to a 12 feet wide tarred road with only Tatmadaw members of local battalions and units under the North-East Command and the Eastern Command.
After that, the Vice-Senior General and party inspected the maps showing the special development of important roads in Shan State (North) and Shan State (South). They left for Taunggyi by helicopter later in the afternoon. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party met with entrepreneurs of Ayethaya Industrial Zone in Taunggyi Township yesterday morning. Minister Brig-Gen Lun Thi reported to the Vice-Senior General on points of the zones, saying that chairman of the Central Committee for Industrial Development Vice-Senior General Maung Aye gave instructions to officials during his visit to the zone in May this year.
The Industrial Zone Supervisory Committee and the industrialists are collectively striving work in accord with the instructions. The zone has projected to produce 50 12-hp power-tillers in the current fiscal year, and has almost completed assembling 30 power-tillers. It has also assembled 94 Shan State Jeeps against the target of 100. In accord with the instruction given by the Vice-Senior General to produce Double Cab Shan State Jeep cars, the industrialists are making efforts and now a double cab Jeep car has been successfully produced and assistance is being closely rendered for development of the industrial zone.
Then, Secretary of the Supervisory Committee for Development of the Industrial Zone Director of Shan State Industrial Coordination and Inspection Department of the Ministry of Industry-1 U Myint Thein reported on production of the double cab Jeep cars; Leader of the Committee for Production of Farm Equipment U Soe Oo, on production of Taungpawkywe power-tillers; Member of the Committee for Production of Farm Equipment U Ko Latt, on construction of edible Thitseint (Terminalia Belerica) oil mill; and U Kyaw Soe Win of the Water Pumping Project, on production of turbine pumps.
Vice-Senior General Maung Aye said Ayethaya Industrial Zone was one of the successful industrial zones the State has established for national industrial development. The zones has already assembled 94 Shan Star Jeep cars this year, and also made a Double Cab brand car under its test project. The zone is worthy of honour, for, it is the first zone that produces the Double Cab. Moreover, the zone is manufacturing more and more machines including farm machinery, rural-used pumps, oil millers. It is required to accelerate its momentum of success. The industrial zones have been established at proper places to systematically regroup the factories spreading in the wards for progress of the private industries. The government will continue to render necessary assistance for further development of the industrial zones.
The industrial zones will have to strive in competition and emulate each others' success and innovations. He then cordially greeted the industrialists. The Vice-Senior General and party inspected the Shan Star double cab Jeep car, which was produced at a cost of K 16.3 million. It uses a gallon of petrol for 40 miles and it can move 60 or 70 miles per hour. Next, the Vice-Senior General and party inspected Taungpawkywe power-tillers and 75 to 150 kilo watts turbine pumps. Minister Brig-Gen Lun Thi and officials reported on spare parts of farm equipment and cars and presented a demonstration on production machines.
The Vice-Senior General and party then inspected different kinds of lather wares, production of packing materials, plastic wares, fertilizers and traditional medicines. Later, the Vice-Senior General and party left the industrial zone for Heho Airport. They arrived back here in the evening.
( 2 ) Myanmar continues to include in world's ten top rice producers and leading SEA countries in beans & pulses production and exports
Ten-year rural water supply project covering over 23,000 villages in entire Myanmar including over 8,000 villages in dry zone
Agriculture and forestry-based highland cultivation project being implemented
under farsighted guidance of Head of StateYangon, 16 Oct- The 2002 World Food Day was observed at the International Business Centre on Pyay Road here at 9 am today, with an address by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.
At the ceremony, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt delivered an address. He said: I wish the ministers, the diplomats, the representatives of the UN agencies, the heads of department and the specially invited guests attending the ceremony to be blessed with happiness and be able to strive for the emergence of a peaceful world with sufficient supply of food for all the global people and serve the interests of mankind. "Food sufficiency" is the most basic requirement for the emergence of a peaceful and prosperous world always assured of fulfilling the entire global people's hopes of continued existence.
With profound respects, the nations on this planet are annually honouring the Food and Agriculture Organization founded with the lofty aims of enabling the world countries to join hands for securing food sufficiency on the earth. Myanmar is also observing the World Food Day with the same conviction. In accord with the conviction, the Union of Myanmar is holding the ceremonies in commemoration of the World Food Day, keeping in the fore the determination to cooperate with the respective nations of the world in fulfilling the food requirements of the entire mankind. Despite the rise in the global food production resulting from the attention given by the majority of nations to secure food sufficiency under the organization of the FAO, over 800 million people are still suffering from hunger and malnutrition.
The world nations are required to strive in harmony and unison to end the sufferings, enabling the world peoples to equally share the social joys and to produce sufficient amount of food, and in addition, to have a fair share of food among the peoples and to eliminate poverty. Especially, all the developed and developing countries will have to strive hand in hand to narrow the gap between the rich and the poor and to bridge the technical divide confronted by a large number of the world nations for the emergence of a peaceful and pleasant earth for the entire mankind. Only when we all make collective efforts to keep the planet free from undesirable situations such as environmental deterioration, terrorism, wars and racial discrimination, and build a peaceful and pleasant world where justice, constructive outlook and cooperation prevail, will the entire mankind be able to enjoy all the social happiness's including sufficient food, clothing and shelter needs with peace of mind.
Possessing a favorable climate and rich soil and water resources, the Union of Myanmar is an agricultural country; hence, it is in a position to fulfill food requirements of the country and the region. As Myanmar is working hard to realize the national economic goal based on agriculture, it has laid down work strategies and given priority to developing the farming and forestry sectors and ensuring all-round development of the rural areas which constitute the source of the agricultural business. The three sectors, namely, the agriculture, the forestry and the livestock and fishery sectors are the production businesses on which 65 per cent of the nation's population of 52 million rely for their living, and also the reliable sources for the long-term national economic development.
Myanmar, which has been a country enjoying surplus stockpiles of food in the successive eras, has laid down plans to boost food production in accord with the growing population, with the agriculture, forestry and livestock and fishery sectors as the core. Because of the systematic progress made in the agriculture sector, Myanmar continues to include in the world's ten top rice producers and is also leading the Southeast Asian countries in the beans and pulses production and exports. The nation has laid down the three aims to produce surplus paddy to ensure sufficiency in domestic consumption, export the surplus and fulfill the requirements of the world nations; to achieve sufficiency in edible oil; and to boost beans and pulses production for export and extend cultivation of industrial crops and accordingly it is employing the methods, namely, total or full utilization of land, water and other natural resources, extended use of machinery, and application of advanced techniques and pedigree strains. Growth in the agriculture sector has contributed 34 per cent of the gross domestic products (GDP) with the 23 per cent performance in the export sector.
As utilization of the land resources has been extended, of the 45 million acres of the nation's cultivable land, 25 million acres has been put under crops. Due to extension of the private sector's participation in land reclamation and production of multiple crops, the agriculture and livestock breeding enterprises are achieving a significant growth. The State has laid down and implemented the six methods of water supply with the aims of tapping the water resources and extending the agriculture business. Although three-fourths of the world's surface is said to be covered by water, the volume of fresh water is much less.
Limited use of water has gradually hampered food production. Seventy per cent of the world's available water is being used in agriculture. Thus, systematic and effective use of water plays a greater role for producing sufficient amount of food required by the growing world population. This year's World Food Day motto "Water, Source of Food Security" is most appropriate for the present situation, and it also serves as a clarion call on the governments of the countries around the world, civil organizations and the people of the agriculture sector to efficiently use water for ensuring food security.
In paying special attention to the vital role of water in food production, the FAO has designated 2003 as "The International Year of the Water Resource" arrangements have been made to hold the Third World's Water Conference in Japan. When the world is trying to solve the problems resulting from the water resources, Myanmar can still effectively use the water resources not only in the agriculture sector, but also in the activities for social and economic progress at present, as the country, endowed with large and small natural watercourses and underground water resources. This has been due to the efficient water management systems employed throughout successive eras.
In Mynmar, over 870 million acre-feet of water is flowing in the natural watercourses annually. Up to the present, only 30 million acre-feet or six per cent of the water in the rivers and streams are being used. It means that irrigation has covered only 19 per cent of the total sown acreage of 25 million. From 1988 to this date, 138 dams have been built in the entire country, irrigating two million acres of crops. Moreover, 262 river water pumping projects and 7,478 underground water tapping projects have been implemented. Thus, there is 157.17 per cent rise in crop production at present when compared with the production of fiscal 1988-89.
In addition, the five rural development tasks are being implemented in accord with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe for development of villages which are the home to the majority of the nation's people. The project covers developing the rural transport, improving the health and education standard of the rural people, developing the rural economy including the agriculture and livestock breeding businesses and supplying water for agriculture and drinking purposes. Beginning, 2000-2001, a ten-year rural water supply project, covering over 23,000 villages in the entire Myanmar including over 8,000 villages in the dry zone where water is scarce, has been implemented.
The project is achieving greater success than expected as the public is participating in it under the leadership of the State. During the short period from fiscal 2000-2001 to the end of September 2002, tube-wells have been dug in 5,496 villages and 8,028 water supply tasks undertaken. Myanmar is making systematic efforts for development of the livestock and fishery sector which is one of the important sectors contributing to food production. The livestock and fishery sector is developing due to effective utilization of the 2,800 kilometer-long coastline and rivers and creeks and inland lakes of the nation. The task to develop the livestock and fishery sector is being carried out in accord with the policy including exploitation of fish, prawn and water resources in accord with the rules and regulations, extended distribution of quality strains, application of new and advanced methods, production of surplus amount of fish and meat, boosting exports, promotion of investments in the livestock and fishery sector, extension of fish and prawn breeding, protection and preservation of sea and fresh water fish and prawns, and raising the economy of fish and prawn breeders.
Hence, fish and prawn breeding enterprises are developing in leaps and bounds. With a view to supporting the rural development undertakings and developing from manageable scale farming to commercial scale, pedigree strain distribution project, the project to disseminate breeding methods and vaccination projects are being systematically implemented. The forestry sector continues to support the social economy of the rural people and helping maintain the environment; it is also a natural force contributing to national economic development, stability of the natural environment and balancing the climate and ecology.
The government is extending forest conservation at watershed areas for lasting use of the irrigation facilities, establishing forest plantations and implementing the dry zone greening project, thereby helping to ensure a balanced climate and boost food production. Under the farsighted guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, the agriculture and forestry-based highland cultivation project is being implemented with the aim of ending evil consequences of the slash-and-burn cultivation practices environmental deterioration, forest depletion and severe changes in the climate and in consideration of the miserable nomadic life of the people practicing the method.
As Myanmar is laying down and implementing the correct policies in all sectors to fulfill not only the national food requirement, but also the global need, we believe that the nation will be able to contribute to food security of the people of the world. I would like to reaffirm that Myanmar, a member of the FAO, has already made the resolution to actively work individually and in cooperation with the international organizations to help realize the goal to reduce the number of people facing hunger due to food insufficiency by half in 2015 which was laid down at the 1996 FAO Conference and build a world which has sufficient food for everyone. In conclusion, I would like to urge all the countries of the world to join hands and unitedly strive in accord with the motto "Water, Source of Food Security" with the aim of ending the sufferings resulting from hunger and malnutrition to provide full basic humanitarian rights in food, clothing and shelter, ensuring sustainable development in the agriculture and livestock breeding sectors, and realizing the goals of the rural development projects.
Then, Resident Representative Mr Bhaskar Barua of Food and Agriculture Organization read out the message sent by the Director-General of FAO.
Next, the video tape on World Food Day was showed to the audience. Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin presented first, second and third moon paddy production awards to Hinthada Township of Ayeyawady Division, Nyaunglebin Township of Bago Division and Kyauktan Township of Yangon Division respectively and U San Myaing (U Mya Maung) of Zayutkwin Village-tract of Kyaunggon Township, Ayeyawady Division, U Aung Lwin of Thanatpyin Village-tract of Hlegu Township, Yangon Division and U Maung Thein Tun of Nankyar Village-tract of MraukU Township, Rakhine State respectively; and first, second and third summer paddy production awards to Shwebo Township of Sagaing Division, Mawlamyinegyun Township of Ayeyawady Division and Taikkyi Township of Yangon Division respectively.
Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein presented fresh water fish production award to U Thein Win of Kabingyi Village-tract of Twantay Township, Yangon Division, sea water fish production ward to U Hla Than of Myeik Township of Taninthayi Division, fresh water prawn production ward to U Myint Soe of Tawlati-Tawlate Village of Taikkyi Township, Yangon Division, sea water prawn production ward to U Htay Myint of Yuzana Co in Ayeyawady Division, marine fish capture award to U Htay Myint of Annawa Fisheries Holdings Ltd of Pazundaung Township, Yangon Division, and fishery products export ward to U Tin Soe of Thida Co of Lanmadaw Township, Yangon Division respectively. Then, the ministers, the deputy ministers an guests viewed the booths at the 2002 World Food Day Exhibition at the hall of IBC.
Resident Representative of FAO Mr Bhaskar Barua presented first, second and third summer paddy production outstanding farmer wards to U Lay Kyi of Tabogon Village-tract of Kyaiklat Township, Ayeyawady Division, U Kyan Yit of Kawthat Village-tract of Kyaikmaraw Township, Mon State, and U Sai Yi Aye of No 1 Quarter of Namkham Township, Shan State (North) respectively; prizes of honour to Madaya Township of Mandalay Division and U Moe Hsaung of Htaunglaung Village-tract of Shwekyin Township, Bago Division, for the groundnut production; Magway Township of Magway Division and U Aung Bo of Magyigwa Village-tract of ChaungU Township, Sagaing Division, for the sesame production; Pwintbyu Township of Magway Division and Daw San of Sittapin Village-tract of Kyauktan Township, Yangon Division, for the sunflower production.
Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen Khin Maung presented prizes of honour to Zalun Township of Ayeyawady Division and U Khin Latt of Kanthar Village-tract of Nattalin Township, Bago Division, for the black gram (matpe) production; Thongwa Township of Yangon Division and U Saw Win of Paukpin Village-tract of Kayan Township, Yangon Division, for the green gram (Pedisein) production; Mahlaing Township of Mandalay Division and U Nyunt Maung of Daungoh Village-tract of Myaing Township, Mandalay Division, for the Pigeon pea (Pesingon) production.
Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation U Ohn Myint presented first, second and third pre-monsoon cotton production awards to Pyawbwe Township, Yamethin Township and Myittha Township of Mandalay Division respectively and U Shwe Mann of Kyaydawwa Village-tract of Pyawbwe Township, U Tun Thar of Kanbe Village-tract of Yamethin Township and U Kyin Maung of Kanbe Village-tract of Yaminthin Township, Mandalay Division respectively; first, second and third late-monsoon cotton production awards to Kyaukse Township of Mandalay Division, Singaing Township of Mandalay Division and Monywa Township of Sagaing Division respectively and U Kan Tin of Meethwebok Village-tract of Singaing Township, Mandalay Division, U Hlaing Ye of Sitsanoe Village-tract of Minhla Township, Magway Division and U Tun of Meethwebok Village-tract of Singaing Township, Mandalay Division, respectively.
Managing Director U Myint Maung of Myanma Jute Enterprise presented first, second and third sugarcane production wards to Lewe Township of Mandalay Division, Pyay Township of Bago Division and Toungoo Township of Bago Division respectively and U Htwar of Yedashe Township, Bago Division, U Shwe Win of Lewe Township, Mandalay Division and U Kyaw Aye of Yedashe Township, Bago Division respectively.; large, medium and small plantations awards in the rubber production to U Myint Han of Thaton Township of Mon State, U La Bya Naw of Myitkyina Township of Kachin State and U Hla Kyi of Palaw Township of Tanintahyi Division respectively.
Managing Director U Tun Than of Myanma Agriculture Service presented large, medium and small plantations awards in the oil palm production to U Htay Myint of Kawthoung Township of Taninthayi Division, U Myat Cho Win of Myeik Township of Taninthayi Division and U Than Sein of Yebyu Township of Taninthayi Division respectively; and large, medium and small plantations awards in the cashew production to U Khin Maung Win of Ottwin Township of Bago Division, U Maung Nyunt of Thabaung Township of Ayeyawady Division and U Tin Aye of Thabaung Township of Ayeyawady Division respectively. Managing Director Dr Thein Htay of Myanma Cotton and Sericulture Enterprise presented the prize of honour in the rubber production ward to Palaw Township of Taninthayi Division; the prize of honour in the cashew production award to Thabaung Township of Ayeyawady Division; prizes of honour in the jute production ward to Wakema Township of Ayeyawady Division and U Aye Han of Trankyun Village-tract of Wakema Township, Ayeyawady Division; and the prize of honour in the jute production extension education centre to Myitwa Centre of Pantanaw Township, Ayeyawady Division.
Managing Director U San Myint of Myanma Farms Enterprise presented first, second and third prizes to N Too Hsai of Patheingyi Institute of Agriculture, Maung Saw Kyaw Lin of Myaungmya IA and Maung Nan Win of Shwe IA in the Institute of Agriculture Level Essay Competition respectively; Maung Aung Hmu Ko of Pyinmana IA, Maung Kyaw Maung of Myaungmya IA and Maung Min Kyaw Htin of Thaton IA in the Institute of Agriculture Level Poster Competition respectively. Deputy Minister for Livestock and Fisheries U Aung Thein presented the traditional marine products export award to AAA Co Ltd of Thiri Mingala Road in Kamayut Township; the Myanmar aquarium fish export award to U Tin Win of Hein Ornamental Fish Co Ltd of Sangyoung Township, Yangon Division; the expansion of shrip farms award to Rakhine State Shrimp Culture Development Supervising Sub-committee; the development of shrimp culture award to Ayeyawady Division Shrimp Culture Development Supervising Sub-committee; the best initiations and activities in the development of shrimp culture award to Yangon Division Shrimp Culture Development Supervising Sub-committee; and the award for reclamation of the fish breeding ponds to Ayeyawady Division Fish Culture Development Supervising Sub-committee.
Director-General U Than Tun of Fisheries Department presented the award for the activities and achievements during the fish farming development project period to Kayah State Fish Culture Development Supervising Sub-committee; the expension of fish farms award to Yangon Division Fish Culture Development Supervising Sub-committee; the highest production, stock and distribution of fish seed award to Mandalay Division Fish Culture Development Supervising Sub-committee; and the award for the introducing of fresh water fish cage culture system in the river to Magway Division Fish Culture Development Supervising sub-committee.
Director-General U Maung Maung Nyunt of Livestock, Breeding and Veterianary Department presented first, second and third poultry breeding awards to Ohnbinsu Village of Taikkyi Township, Yangon Division, Phanaing Village of Matupe Township, Chin State, and Shwetaw Village of Hpa-an Township, Kayin State, respectively; first and second commercial poultry breeding awards to Taikkyi Township and Myitkyina Township and joint third prizes Bago Township and Taunggyi Township respectively; the pig breeding awards to Kalay Township, Kyaunggon Township and DaikU Township respectively; the award for mass scale production of a new vaccine for fowl cholera to Research and Biologies Section (Insein); the award for mass scale production of thermos table vaccine for newcastle disease of village chicken to Regional Laboratory of Mandalay Division; the poultry breeding award to Livestock Breedings and Fisheries Department Supervising Sub-committee of Magway Division; the commercial poultry breding award to Livestock Breedings and Fisheries Department Supervising Sub-committee of Mandalay Division; and the pig breeding award to Livestock Breedings and Fisheries Department Supervising Sub-committee of Magway Division.
Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Khin Maung presented first, second and third awards for greening the dry zone to Supply Fuelwood Plantation (150 acres) of Taungshawkan Village, Meiktila Township, Supply Fuelwood Plantation (100 acres) of Sinka Village, Chauk Township and Mountain Ranges Plantation of Sagaing-Minwun Taung in Sagaing Township respectively. Director-Genral U Shwe Kyaw of Forest Department presented awards for agroforestry plantation in special teak plantation to U Lu Taw of Sayyopin Village, Hlegu Township, U Aung Tun of Seinye Village in Ottwin Township, U Win Hlaing of Banbwegon Village in Nattalin Township, U Ba Khin of Leaingkyee Village in Saw Township, U Aung Win of Kyauksekan Village in Kanbalu Township, U Paw Lon of Chatpin Village in Lewe Township and U Myint of Makyibindwin Village in Ingapu Township respectively.
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Secretary-1 attends opening of new school building of Hline BEPS No 3
Yangon, 16 Oct - Under the supervision of the Department of Human Settlement and Housing Development of the Ministry of Construction and sponsorship of Olympic Co Ltd, a ceremony to hand over the new school building of Basic Education Primary School No 3 in Hline Township to the education department was held at the school in Ward 14 of Hline Township at 10 am today, attended by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.
At the ceremony, Deputy Minister for Construction U Tint Swe, Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung and wellwisher U Aik Tun formally opened the school building. Then, the Secretary-1 formally unveiled the signboard of the new school building. Next, the handing over ceremony of the school building was held at the hall of the building.
First, wellwisher U Aik Tun handed over documents related to the school building to No 3 Basic Education Department Director-General U Tin Win. Deputy Director-General Col Tin Tun of DHSHD also handed over documents on the plot for the school building to No 3 Basic Education Department Director-General U Tin Win. Then, Wellwisher U Aik Tun presented K 840,000 for the staff welfare to Headmaster U Soe Myint.
Afterwards, wellwisher U Aik Tun presented K 35 million for the cost of repaving the 2,500 feet long and 14 feet wide road linking Bayintnaung and Baho Roads to Chairman of Hline Township Peace and Development Council U Kyaw Tint. The headmaster accepted K 30,000 for the school donated by Daw Nu and family; 15 wall clocks by the commandant of No 1 Transit Centre and families of Tatmadawmen; and K 20,000 by the commandant and Tatmadawmen families of No 1 Provost Company. The new school building is located on the 0.43 acres of plot in the Myananda Housing Estate Compound, constructed by Olympic Co Ltd. The two storey school building was built of concrete. The building, 194 feet long and 24 feet wide, has 14 classrooms, one office for the headmaster and one recreation room for teachers, totaling 16.
Olympic Co Ltd has spent K 76.5 million on construction of the building and donated one computer set, a TV, a VCR, a cassette and four water coolers to the school.
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Central Committee for Observance of the 55th Anniversary Independence Day for 2003 meets
Yangon, 16 Oct - The Central Committee for Observance of the 55th Anniversary Independence Day for 2003 held its meeting at Zeya Thiri Beikman on Konmyinttha this evening, with an address by Chairman of the Central Committee for Observance of the 55th Anniversary Independence Day Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.
In his address, the Secretary-1 said every year the Independence Day is observed on 4 January on which the Union of Myanmar regained her independence from the colonialists in accord with the objectives with full national essence. This year, the Independence Day will be observed with four lofty objectives for all the national people to collectively safeguard the national independence and perpetuation of sovereignty, for all the national people to collectively strive for building of a new modern developed nation, for all the national people to be united to ensure non-disintegration of the Union and non-disintegration of national solidarity and for all the national people to strive for emergence of an enduring State Constitution. Due to the united efforts of the entire people Myanmar became independent.
Owing to the better results of the independence, the Union of Myanmar has been in existence as a sovereign state among the nations of the world. All the national people especially the youths should understand and value that fact, he said. Being an independent and sovereign country, endeavors are being made for emergence of a peaceful, modern developed nation which is the national goal, he said. He said it is necessary for the new generation youths to be imbued with the spirit to safeguard independence and sovereignty of the nation when they discharge the State duties in the future. Every citizen is responsible for safeguarding independence and sovereignty of the State.
It is important to hand down the spirit from generation to generation. The social organizations and the public are in the process of harmoniously striving to safeguard the independence and sovereignty, for national development and serving the interests of the State and the people under the leadership of the government. Recently, the results of the obvious harmony and unity among the State, the social organizations and the people were able to refute all the slanders to break up the Union. Because of the oneness and unity, all attempts to divide the national solidarity are in vain.
Thus, the entire nation is continuously striving to maintain the tradition of collectively striving for further strengthening of the national solidarity and safeguarding the independence and sovereignty. Thus, all will have to harmoniously make efforts for observing the 55th Anniversary Independence Day in accord with the objectives. Next, Secretary of the Central Committee for Observance of the 55th Anniversary Independence Day Director-General of Government Office U Soe Tint reported on formation of various subcommittees. The meeting approved the formation of ten subcommittees.
Then, the chairmen and officials of the subcommittees reported on tasks to be undertaken. The Secretary-1 took part in the discussions and the meeting came to a close.
( 3 ) U-21 Tatmadaw soccer tournament ends
Yangon, 16 Oct - The final match of the 18th Defence Services Commander-in-Chief's Trophy Under-21 Tatmadaw (Army, Navy & Air) soccer tournament 2002 took place at the Youth Training Centre (Thuwunna) this afternoon. The South-East Command team beat the South-West Command team 2-1.
After the final match, Chairman of Defence Services Football Committee Col Htein Lin presented third and second prizes to No (99) Light Infantry Division team and the South-West Command team, Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo first prize to the South-East Command team and Chief of Staff (Navy) Rear Admiral Soe Thein the best player awards and the fair play award to the South-West Command team. Chairman of Defence Services Sports and Physical Education Administration Committee Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein presented the Defence Services C-in-C's trophy on behalf of the Defence Services Commander-in-Chief, to the first prize winning South-East Command team.
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Minister inspects electronics factory
Yangon, 16 Oct - Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw Lwin arrived at South Dagon Industrial Zone of the ministry in Dagon Myothit (South) Township this afternoon.
He inspected dry cell, bolts and nuts and battery workshops and power control rooms of the electrical and electronics factory, Myanma Machine Tool and Electrical Industries. Managing Director of MMTEI U Kyaw Win and factory General Manager Daw Lei Lei Win reported to the minister on production situation and use of electricity.
Then the minister gave instructions on boosting production of products that are in demand, using the natural light during daytime in manufacturing the products and efficient use of electricity.
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Regional development and agricultural tasks inspected in Htantabin Township
Yangon, 16 Oct - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, inspected regional development tasks and agricultural tasks in Htantabin Township, Yangon North District, this morning.
The commander and party arrived at the Kyun-ngu river water-pumping project on Kokkowa river in Htantabin at 11.30 am. They were welcomed there by division staff officer U Myint Soe of the Water Resources Utilization Department, Chairman of Yangon North District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col San Matu and officials. U Myint Soe reported to the commander on repairs of pipes and pumps, which are being used at the Kyun-ngu river water-pumping project for growing summer paddy.
The commander then gave instructions on finishing the repair work in time for cultivation of summer paddy. Next, the commander met with local farmers and gave instructions on cultivation of monsoon and summer paddy and cold season crops. On arrival at Lamutan river water-pumping project on Bawle Kyun, the commander and party inspected the Yangon Division WRUD's arrangements for pumping river-water. After hearing reports presented by officials, the commander gave instructions on timely completion of the tasks and attended to the requirements of farmers.
Later at the hall of Htantabin Township Peace and Development Council Office, the commander met with township-level departmental officials, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, Red Cross, Fire Brigade and Maternal and Child Welfare Association, and local people, and explained matters related to the roads, the river-crossing bridges and the western university constructed by the Government for Tatthit Kyun and Bawle Kyun regions of Htantabin Township, implementation of the five rural development tasks, assistance to be rendered by Yangon Division Peace and Development Council for the development of Htantabin Township, cultivation of monsoon and summer paddy and winter crops for the economic development of local people, raising of living standard of the local people through successful agricultural work, and joint efforts for regional development.
Chairman of Htantabin Township Peace and Development Council U Thaung Han then reported to the commander on tasks being carried out for the development of the township and agricultural matters. Officials and local people also reported on work requirements. Then, the commander fulfilled the needs. The ceremony ended with concluding remarks by the commander. The commander later went to the basic education high school of Htantabin Township, where he inspected the multimedia classrooms and gave instructions to officials.
The commander also went to the People's Hospital in the township, where he inspected the construction of a new building for X-ray room, the medicine storeroom, the operation theatre and the wards. After comforting the patients under medical treatment, the commander left the hospital.
( 4 ) False allegations of sexual violence against women in Shan State briefed
Yangon, 16 Oct - A briefing on the false allegations of sexual violence against women in Shan State was held for the Heads of Diplomatic Mission and UN agencies in Yangon by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Wunzin Minyazar Hall, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at 11 am today.
At the briefing, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win stated that on the instruction of the government, the National Intelligence Bureau formed combined investigation teams made up of personnel from various securities branches and initiated investigations from the 1st of August. As the Shan Human Rights Foundation and the Shan Women's Action Network, anti-government organizations operating from a neighboring country, published the so-called "License to Rape" report alleging that 173 instances of rape were committed between 1996 and 2001, the combined investigations in each and every allegation contained in the report.
The combined teams conducted personal interviews and enquiries at all the military units involved in the allegations as well as the local authorities, police personnel, court officials and villagers. In the course of the investigations, the combined teams visited 241 villages in 21 townships in Shan State and interviewed 865 people including military personnel. As a result of thorough and extensive investigations, it has been found that out of the 173 allegations, there were only 5 instances which had similarities with the allegations, The military units of the Myanmar Tatmadaw have been in various areas of Shan State since 1953 when military campaigns were launched against the KMT troops.
Throughout these years, complaints about sexual misconduct by the Myanmar troops have been very rare. It is well known that the government is endeavoring wholeheartedly for the development of the border areas and the restoration of national unity. Therefore, to say that the government is undertaking measures that would sow discord among the national races is completely illogical. It is clear that the allegations made by the two anti-government organizations are totally groundless and were aimed solely at tarnishing the image of the country and the Myanmar Tatmadaw.
Experiences have shown that whenever they faced difficulties militarily, insurgent organizations like the SURA and the KNU tried to deceive the international community by spreading false and fabricated allegations through the allied organizations that are operating abroad. The present allegations also underline the unscrupulous aim of the insurgent group and their ally to harm and obstruct the gaining momentum of national unity.
Afterwards Brig-Gen Than Tun of NIB explained in detail the work carried out by the combined investigation teams.
The briefing ended with Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win replying to questions raised by the Heads of Mission and UN agencies and the viewing of the displayed documents by the Heads of Mission.
( 5 ) Deputy Minister leaves to attend 7th Conference of AMRI
Yangon, 16 Oct- The Myanmar delegation led by Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein left here for Bander Seri Begawan, Brunei, to attend the Seventh Conference of ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information - AMRI this morning.
The delegation was seen off at Yangon International Airport by Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Director-General of Myanma Radio and Television U Khin Maung Htay, Director-General of the Information and Public Relations Department U Chit Naing, Managing Director of the Printing and Publishing Enterprise U Myint Thein, Managing Director of the News and Periodicals Enterprise U Tin Kha, Head of Office U Soe Aung and officials.
Assistant Director of the Information and Public Relations Department U Ya Khant accompanied the deputy minister.
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MMPE Managing Director leaves for PRC
Yangon, 16 Oct - At the invitation of the film technicians association of the People's Republic of China, under the promotion of exchange and cooperation programme between China and Myanmar movies, the Myanmar delegation led by Managing Director U Bo Kyi of the Myanma Motion Picture Enterprise of the Ministry of Information left here for PRC by air this morning.
The Myanmar delegation comprises Vice-Chairman-2 of Myanmar Motion Pictures Asiayon U Hla Myo (A-1 Maung Hla Myo), member of MMPA U Win Naing Oo (a) U Ye Aung, member of MMPA Film Director Daw Lay Kyi Phyu (a) Daw Kyi Phyu Shin and Director (Mechanical) U Aung Soe Min of the MMPE.
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F & R Deputy Minister back from PRC
Yangon, 16 Oct- Deputy Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen Than Tun and Vice-Governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar U Than Lwin attended ASEAN+3 High Level Seminar on Management of Short-term Capital Flow and Capital Account Liberalization held in Beijing, the People's Republic of China, on 11 October 2002.
Heads and officials of International Payment Bank, European Central Bank, Asian Development Bank, International Monetary Fund and World Bank discussed forms and experience of Asian nations in capital flow, protection local money market from the capital flow and its disadvantages, management on financial sector and private organization through systematic capital flow and preconditions on easy flow of capital at the seminar. Participants at the seminar paid a courtesy call on Chinese Premier Mr Zhu Rongji at the State House.
The deputy minister and party met Vice-Minister of Finance of the PRC Mr Li Yong, Director-General Mrs Sai Danxia of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of PRC, Deputy Minister of Finance of the Republic of Korea Mr Kim Yong-Duk and Assistant Governor of Central Bank of China Mr Li Ruogu. They discussed matters of mutual interests. The deputy minister and Vice-Governor of Central Bank of Myanmar U Than Lwin arrived back here on 14 October evening.
( 6 ) SEAMEO Governing Board Meeting ends
Yangon, 16 Oct - The last-day meeting of the 48th SEAMEO-SEARCA Governing Board co-organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and SEAMEO Regional Centre for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture and hosted by Myanmar was held at Mindon Hall of the Sedona Hotel on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road at 9 am today.
The delegates from the member countries attending the meeting discussed and approved the reports. They made a decision to hold the 49th meeting of SEAMEO-SEARCA in the Lao People's Democratic Republic. Then, SEAMEO-SEARCA Governing Board Chairman Mr Sam Oeun May made a concluding remarks and the ceremony came to an end.
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Message of the FAO Director-General for World Food Day 2002
Yangon, 16 Oct- The following is the message of the FAO Director-General on the World Food Day 2002. Water is central to the survival of humanity. It is a matter of great concern to all, because a limited resource shared by a growing population.
Water has political, economic, social and ecological implications. But it is above all linked to food, for agriculture is responsible for about 70 percent of all the freshwater withdrawn. In a world with diminishing supplies of drinking water, how are we to ensure that all have the water they need to feed themselves without harming other sectors, without destroying our environment? This is first and foremost a challenge for agriculture. The production chain must produce more with less water, and small farmers need to play a part.
They must therefore be trained and actively involved. A new water policy is needed, with priority to solutions that avoid waste. More effective solidarity should call on the cooperation of all development partners in resolving potential conflicts and mobilizing financial resources. The conditions are all needed for the economic management and fair distribution of water. Greater mobilization of civil society and farmers' organizations is fundamental if we are to tackle the water crisis and finally achieve our objective of "Food for All". Closer monitoring is needed, especially in countries and regions that are affected by drought, so that famine and conflict can be avoided.
Tomorrow's world will have enough water if we start managing it prudently today. That is the meaning of the message of World Food Day: "Water: source of food security".
( 7 )NNCC donates seeds for cultivation of poppy-substitute crops in Kokang region, Shan State
Yangon, 16 Oct - Under the Myanmar-China narcotic drugs control programme, the NNCC of the People's Republic of China donated cold season crop seeds to cultivate poppy-substitute crops in Shan State Special Region 1 of Kokang region at a ceremony held at the Drug Elimination Museum in Laukkai, Kokang, yesterday morning.
Col Than Win said that Tatmadaw, departmental personnel and members of Kokang Special Region 1 were joining hands in carrying out tasks for drug elimination and regional development in Kokang region. Projects are being implemented after laying down the plan for elimination of opium cultivation by 2002-2003.
Officials concerned are making field trips down to the grassroots level holding educative talks for giving up poppy cultivation, entrusting poppy seeds and organizing the people. From August 2001 to August 2002, Tatmadaw and the Special Region 1 exposed 27 drug-related cases and seized 5.47 kilos of heroin, 13 kilos of morphine, 198.124 kilos of raw opium, 64,462 amphetamine tablets, 19 different kinds of arms, 2,120 rounds of ammunition and 28 hand grenades and arrested 86 culprits.
In cultivation of poppy-substitute crops in 2002 monsoon, 22,448 acres of land were put under maize and 15,228 acres under paddy. Seeds and fertilizers were distributed for cultivation of 2,125 acres of maize and 1,880 acres of buckwheat. Furthermore, seeds are being distributed for cultivation of 684.6 acres of beans and pulses.
He thanked the NNCC for conducting short-term course on agricultural methods two times for farmers in the region. He urged officials concerned to expedite implementation of projects for drug elimination and regional development in Kokang region under the friendship between Myanmar and China.
Then, Police Brig-Gen Zaw Win, Mr Wangan and Vice-Governor of Linchan Region Mr Hluoyinwun made addresses. After the ceremony, national race leader U Phon Kya Phu of Kokang Special Region 1 accepted seeds of 11 tons of potato, 600 kilos of China lablab bean and 400 kilos of green peas and spoke words of thanks.
Then, the representatives of both countries observed the perennial crop plantation in Yanlonkyaing, the agricultural and livestock breeding farm in Kokang, the Myanmar-Kokang poultry farm, and the model poppy-substitute crop plantation of Kunming Gele Co of China. They left Laukkai in the afternoon.
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Myanmar hands over drug fugitive to China
Yangon, 16 Oct- Under the Myanmar-China drug Control Programme, the ceremony to hands over a Chinese drug fugitive to the People's Republic of China by the Union of Myanmar was held at the hall of the Border Area Public Relations Department in Chinshwehaw, Myanmar, yesterday morning.
On the occasion, Deputy Director-General of MPF Police Brig-Gen Zaw Win made a speech. Then, Deputy Director-General of the NNCC Mr Yong Xin spoke words of thanks.
The delegates from the two countries signed in the documents to hand over the drug fugitive Li Jint Kam to China and Myanmar officials saw them off at Namphahaw border gate in Chinshwehaw. Li Jint Kam, 35, son of U Li Yon of Tinpachin Village in Phonchin District, Yunnan Province, China, together with other four accomplices, carried 12.62 kilos of heroin in 19 packets in Yonte District, Monton. He escaped the arrest on 15 April 2002 and lived in Myanmar.
Due to the efforts of Myanmar authorities, he was arrested at Fuhtan Village in Laukkai on 19 September. At the request of the NNCC, Myanmar has arrested the fugitive criminals from China seven times including this one and handed over them to China.
( 8 ) KNU explodes bombs in Myawady
Yangon, 16 Oct- Although the State is making efforts on all fronts to build a modern developed nation, KNU terrorist group is committing destructive acts such as jeopardizing the community peace, causing destruction, and murdering innocent people mercilessly.
At the time when Myanmar-Thai border checkpoints reopened, two time bombs planted by the KNU terrorist group exploded in Myawady at 10.40 am yesterday and at 6.05 am today. There was no casualties nor damages in the two bomb blasts. Today also, an American-made M 16 A1, an anti-personnel mine was planted to be detonated by remote control near No 3 Basic Education Middle School, No 3 Ward, Myawady. However, the authorities concerned discovered it in time and managed to defuse it.
Similarly, a car carrying a monk of Aungtheikdishin Monastery in Thamanya was destroyed in the blast of a bomb planted by KNU terrorist group at an access to Myawady at 7.30 am yesterday. The car was on its way from Kawkareik to Myawaddy. Yesterday, the KNU terrorists group was systematically scheming to commit terrorists acts to panic the people, to delay flow of commodities, and to jeopardize Myanmar-Thai normalized relations.
( 9 ) Raw opium seized in Mongshu
Yangon, 16 Oct - A combined team comprising members of the local intelligence unit and Taunggyi Special Anti-drug Squad, acting on information, searched the house of Hao Jein Shi of Hosai Village-tract, Mongshu Township, on 8 March 2002 and altogether 18.6154 kilos of raw opium were seized.
Action was taken against Hao Jein Shi, 61, son of U Haw Li of Hosai Village-tract, Mongshu Township, and Aik Sam, 61, son of U Kyaw Hong of the same village under Section 15/19 (A)/ 20(A)/ 21 of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotrophic Substances Law by Lwehsaunghtauk police station. Loilem District Court handed down 30 years' imprisonment each under Section 19(A) on Hao Jein Shi and Aik Sam on 15 August 2002.
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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