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Secretary-1 inspects regional development tasks in Bago Division (West)

Yangon, 22 Oct - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt, left here by Tatmadaw aircraft on 20 October morning and arrived in Pyay, Bago Division, at 8.30 am.

The Secretary-1 and party, flew by helicopter to inspect storage capacity of North Nawin Dam in Pyay Township, Bago Division. Then, the Secretary-1 and party viewed storage of water in the dam at full capacity and flowing water from the spillway.

At the briefing hall, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin reported on project data of the dam, irrigated areas and water storage, annual irrigation capacity, kinds of crops being cultivated in the irrigated areas, storage of 293,000 acre-feet of water in the dam this year. and crops species including summer and monsoon paddy, staple cotton and sugarcane to be cultivated.

Deputy Director-General U Khin Zaw of ID reported on project data of the dam, water supply from the dam, the maximum storage of water in the dam during the 21 years and arrangements to extend the cultivation of monsoon and summer paddy and other crops in the areas where water will fully be supplied. Then, the Secretary-1 gave instructions on systematic conservation of catchments areas for flowing water into the dam at full capacity annually, inspection and maintenance prevention of water leakage, water control and management tasks to be carried out systematically and extension in cultivating staple cotton and sugarcane. The officials of Myanma Agriculture Service are urged to coordinate with local farmers to apply suitable cultivation systems.

Next, the Secretary-1 and party arrived at the Youth Rehabilitation Centre (Shwepyitha) in Pyay Township. Chairman of Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing reported on ministry-wise performance in the tasks at the centre, spiritual, health education and vocational training courses being conducted for the trainee drug addicts, the training courses conducted at the school agriculture and livestock breeding matters, staff welfare for the trainees and personnel and implementation of the instructions given by Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt on his previous inspection tour. The ministers and the deputy ministers reported on assistance being rendered to the centre and future tasks to be undertaken. In-charge of the centre Police Maj Soe Myint reported on arrangements for extending livestock breeding tasks at the centre and Staff Officer U Chuam Hare on the moral training course for the trainees.

Then, the Secretary-1 fulfilled the requirements of the centre. Next, the Secretary-1 inspected trainees learning at the computer room and then gave instructions to the trainees at the recreation centre. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 inspected the reading corner, the art (music) room, the gymnasium, the hospital, the electrical workshop and the lathe workshop. The Secretary-1 and party proceeded to South Nawin Dam in Paukkhaung Township, Bago Division, where they were welcomed by Director-General U Kyaw San Win of Irrigation Department.

First, the Secretary-1 and party viewed storage of water in the South Nawin Dam by car along the embankment. They then inspected the spillway. At the briefing hall, Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin reported on project data of the dam, annual water storage and supply, cultivation of crops in the irrigated areas and kinds of crops and water supply tasks of South Nawin Dam in connection with North Nawin Dam.

Director-General U Kyaw San Win of ID reported on construction of the embankment of South Nawin Dam, annual water storage, supply of water to the cultivated areas and affected areas. Bago Division MAS Manager U San Maung reported on cultivation of crops in the irrigated areas of the dam and kinds of crops, per-acre yield of crops and cultivation system. The Secretary-1 gave instructions on extended cultivation of main crops such as paddy, pulses and beans, sugarcane and staple cotton. The Secretary-1 said that as South and North Nawin Dams will supply water to the farmlands fully, arrangements should be made for cultivation of double and multiple crop pings as well as new items of crops with a view to minimizing wastage of water. Director-General U Win Kyaw of Hydro Electric Power Department reported on facts on South Nawin Hydel Power Project and future tasks.

Then, the Secretary-1 and party arrived back in Pyay. On arrival at Pyay Technological University, the Secretary-1 and party were welcomed by Deputy Minister for Science and Technology U Nyi Hla Nge, Rector U Kyaw Hsan and officials. At the hall, Rector U Kyaw Hsan reported on location and area of the university, lay-out plan of buildings including lecture halls, workshops and laboratories, number of staff, students and academic matters. Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung gave a supplementary report on academic matters. The Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions.

Then, the Secretary-1 arrived at Khittaya Industrial Zone in Pyay and met with industrial entrepreneurs at the hall of the zone. In-charge of the industrial zone Deputy Minister for Industry-2 Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin reported on location and area of the industrial zone, land reclamation and allotment in the zone, product items, technological and machinery assistance provided by the Ministry of Industry-2, arrangements being made for training courses and delegation tour for development of skill and technology, production of machine parts from factories in the industrial zone for No 2 Automobile Assembling Factory of the Ministry of Industry-2, production of Khittaya Pajero-2002 and arrangements for showing products of Khittaya Industrial Zone at Mandalay Industrial Exhibition which will soon be held.

Then, Chairman of Pyay District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Khin Win reported on work being carried out for development of Khittaya Industrial Zone, kinds of products, value of production, function of No 2 Automobile Plant, arrangements for assembly of 25 units of Pajero in 2002 fiscal year, future tasks, power supply and use of electricity, arrangements being made for Mandalay Industrial Fair. Next, Industrialist U Kyaw reported on requirements of the industrial zone.

Afterwards, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt made a speech. He said that efforts will have to be made to produce import-substitute machinery for domestic needs and to enable Khittaya Industrial Zone to possess the characteristics of an industrial zone as it represents the whole Bago Division. He stressed the need for officials concerned to produce the machinery of high quality including pumps, generators and power tillers and measures are to be taken for producing automobiles including Khittaya Pajero 2002s. Head of State Senior General Than Shwe has given on setting up of industrial zones and providing necessary assistance to them by the Government for ensuring development of private industries and success of import-substitute industries, he pointed out. In accord with the guidance of the Head of State, the Government has been exerting relentless efforts for development of industrial zones and successful implementation of private industries. At a time when the Government is giving priority to development of industrial zones and private industries, all industrialists are to make efforts in harmony for production of machinery of high quality for domestic requirement by means of modern techniques, he noted.

Then, the Secretary-1 and party inspected assembly of Khittaya Pajero 2002s by Great Wall Industrial Workshop, production of spare parts for automobiles ordered by No 2 Automobile Plant under the Ministry of Industry-2, threshers and paper produced by Shwe Gandama Industry and Shwe Gandama Paper Plant and oil pumps and oil milling machines produced by Laykyun Mandaing Factory.

Then, the Secretary-1 and party paid obeisance to Yadana Htipyu (Pyu Era) Pagoda in Pyay. At the briefing hall, Rector of Pyay University U Mya Win reported on the background history of the pagoda, and Rector of Pyay Technological University U Kyaw Hsan and member of Pagoda Board of Trustees U Mya Than on work to be carried out for perpetuation and durability of the pagoda, arrangements for construction of religious edifices and renovation of two small pagodas on the platform.

Then, member of the Pagoda Board of Trustees U Hsa Aung reported on donations and use of funds for renovation of the Pagoda. Afterwards, Deputy Minister for Religious Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko reported on arrangements being made for renovation of the pagoda. In response to the reports, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt gave instructions on renovation of the pagoda without marring original characteristics.

Then, donations for renovation of the pagoda were presented. The donations were over 5,111,999 kyats including K 500,000 by by the State Peace and Development Council; K 99,999 by Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and family; K 500,000 by the Ministry of Religious Affairs; K 500,000 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation; K 500,000 by the Ministry of Information; K 500,000 by the Ministry of Home Affairs; K 100,000 by the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement; K 300,000 by the Ministry of Science and Technology; K 100,000 by Office of Commander-in-Chief (Navy); K 100,000 by the Ministry of Health, K 100,000 by the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs; K 100,000 by the Ministry of Construction; K 100,000 by the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries; K 99,999 by Minister Col Tin Hlaing and wife and families; K 500,000 by Pyay Station; K 500,000 by Southern Command and K 100,000 by Minister Lt-Gen Min Thein.

After paying obeisance to the pagoda, the Secretary-1 and party inspected arrangements being made for renovation of the pagoda and two small pagodas on the platform. Then, the Secretary-1 and party arrived at Khittaya Yeiktha in Pyay. In the evening, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, and party paid respects to Presiding Nayaka Kaba Shwe-in Aye Sayadaw of Yadana Manaung Tawya Kyaungtaik Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Bhaddanta Vijjabala and then presented offertories to the Sayadaw.

On 21 October morning, the Secretary-1 attended the ceremony to hoist Shewhtidaw, Hnetmyatnadaw and Seinphudaw atop the Layzudatpyaw Shwehsandaw Pagoda held in Pyay and hoisted the Htidaw atop the pagoda. In the afternoon, the Secretary-1 attended the 21st ceremony to donate provisions to Pyay Taungdan Tawya Kyaungs held at Sasana Beikman in Pyay where he supplicated on religious matters and presented offertories to members of the Sangha. The Secretary-1 and party left Pyay by air and arrived back here in the evening of 21 October.

Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, who accompanied the Secretary-1, inspected the TV retransmission station on Mt Mingyi in Pyay and Movie Office in Ywade Ward and gave necessary instructions to officials on 20 October. He then inspected the Information and Public Relations Office (Pyay District). Officials of departments and enterprises under the Ministry of Information reported on work being carried out to the minister who gave instructions. Similarly, Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr Mya Oo, who accompanied the Secretary-1, inspected Pyay General Hospital on 20 October. The deputy minister met with Head of Bago Division (West) Health Department Dr Zaw Win and Medical Superintendent Dr Tin Htut, specialists, doctors and nurses and gave instructions on rural health care services.
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Region

Secretary-1 attends work coord meeting of Ministry of Information

Effective mass media tool distributing authentic news reports in exposing original source required to refute slanderous accusations Mass media only means to counter alien media penetration and manipulation

Yangon, 22 Oct - The second four-monthly work coordination meeting (2002) of the Ministry of Information took place at Myanma Radio and Television on Pyay Road here this morning, with an address by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.

Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan reported on the objectives of the ministry, implementation of the guidance of the chairman of the State Peace and Development Council and instructions of the Vice-Chairman and the Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council, nature and formation of the ministry, projects being implemented department and enterprise-wise, income and expenses of the ministry in the second four months in 2002, construction of new retransmission stations, extended broadcasting and receiving of the programmes, broadcasting programmes of Myanma Radio, Myanma Television and MRTV-3, cooperation of international news agencies, arrangements to be made for ensuring opportunities to read newspapers and to receive TV set and radio for every village, and future tasks to be carried out for better media coverage.

In his address the Secretary-1 said at present, the government is striving with the participation of the people, implementing the political, economic and social objectives for the nation to stand tall among the world nations. It has also paved the way for the people to take part in the national development undertakings and enjoy the fruits of progress, higher economy and living standard. It is the State's priority to lead and organize the people through various means, uplifting their qualification and morale and enabling them to become worthy citizens who can build and defend the peaceful, modern and developed nation. Especially, the State's endeavours are heading towards further consolidating the national solidarity, with Our Three Main National Causes - non-disintegration of the Union; non-disintegration of the national solidarity; and perpetuation of the sovereignty - and efforts to uplift the national dignity and enable her to stand shoulder to shoulder with the world nations as the objective.

In these circumstances, the tasks of the Ministry of Information to correctly bring about spiritual development of the people using various means including knowledge, education, organization and entertainment programmes have interaction with the nation duties which the State is giving priority. Understanding the interaction, the ministry staff should strive to development their functions. The ministry is carrying out a wide array of profound tasks covering nation-wide newspaper distribution, TV and radio broadcasting, information and public relations services reaching down to the towns and villages and supervision of the film and video industries. Rapid development in the IT has equipped the information sector with advanced mass media systems and e-information distribution systems capable of covering the whole wide world, leading to broaden the sector and add extra speed and sophistication to it.

As Myanmar can wisely use the IT development in accord with the era, literature can be distributed not only through the printed media, but also through the electronic media. Moreover, the country can now establish e-libraries, transmit newspapers through digital system to sub-printing houses in states and divisions and sending TV programmes nation-wide and abroad with the help of satellite broadcasting system. In this world today, some of the big nations are misusing the mass media which have the capacity to cover the entire world and the multi-media or the e-information system to spread their ideologies and social and cultural systems over the developing countries with the intention of dominating and shaping the minds of the people. Thus, Myanmar, a developing country, will have to effectively service the interests of the people and the nation with the use of the advancing information and communication technology.

Strengthening of patriotism and Union Spirit is specially required to guard against the domination and penetration of the massmedia run by the big countries enjoying superior technology and greater prosperity. Recently, the destructive expatriate groups taking refuge abroad, and the terrorists insurgents using the territories of some neighboring countries bordering Myanmar as their dens are launching smear campaign to discredit Myanmar with the help of some foreign media groups that are against Myanmar. The destructive elements in cooperation with the radio stations of some big nations making attempts to interfere in the affairs of Myanmar with the media as an effective weapon are, trying to cause dissension among the national races. Misusing the international media, they are launching slanders against Myanmar stage by stage under their scheme to tarnish her image in the eyes of the international community, with accusations including sexual violence against Shan women, religious oppression, sectarian discrimination and forced recruitment of juveniles as themes of their invented stories.

It is also required to refute the fabrications with the effective mass media tool distributing actual news reports in exposing the original source of the slanderous accusations, in addition to the diplomatic means and the active participation of the social organizations. The mass media is the only means to counter the alien media penetration and manipulation against the people in this media age in which the ones having superior media weapon are trying to change and dominate the outlook of the world's people in accord with their wish. It is the duty of the officials, the mentors and the patriots to collectively give correct outlook and knowledge to the youths who are going to shape the future.

Sadly, some quarters are found to be misleading the youths. Such acts are a great danger to the Union. Turning a blind eye to the nation-building endeavours, the task to strengthen the economy and youth education programmes, they are making dangerous acts, launching organization tasks to destroy the national development. The ministry should take the duty in enabling all the internal and external elements to understand the State's correct leadership. The national spirit, the national solidarity and Union Spirit should be strengthened with the power of media for the people to assess all the events with the national outlook and to see the deceits of the foreign media to instigate, organize and cause dissension. The State is making arrangements for the ministry to have the all the modern equipment, electronic system and buildings equipped with advanced facilities.

The State is also making efforts for emergence of IT buildings to develop the ICT in connection with the functions of the Ministry for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs. Thus, Myanmar is achieving significance progress in the ICT. Effectively using the developing IT in the ministry and the nation, the information sector will have to strive to enter a new era, standing on the correct and clear national outlook and serving the national interests. As it understands the important role of the information sector, it is taking the duty to distribute correct news reports which come from reliable sources. At present the Public Relations and Information Committee of the State Peace and Development Council and the work committee are issuing officials news in time.

He said the committee and the work committee are actively carrying out the tasks to understand the endeavours of the State Peace and Development Council for the interest of the State and to enable international communities to know the true situations on the developments of the State with the effective use of various modern information techniques. In carrying out news and information tasks of the Ministry of Information efforts are to be made under the leadership of committee on public relations and information committee and work committees in accord with the objectives of the committee, he said.

The Ministry of Information is effectively carrying out the tasks for preservation national culture such as scrutinizing of national literary award and Sarpay Beikman manuscript award, compilation of reference books including Encyclopaedia Myanmanica, scrutinizing of movies, video and music and record of classical, traditional and modern songs. Moreover, the ministry opened libraries including e-library, publishing newspaper with a daily circulation of about 450,000 after the establishment of sub-printing houses in four major cities, constructing TV stations in the whole country including border areas, providing electronic education services after establishing over 300 e-learning centres in various parts of the nation and broadcasting news about Myanmar after establishing MRTV-3.

He said the ministry also is successfully undertaking the tasks to gain general knowledge for the people, to develop mentally and propagate the nationalistic spirit, national solidarity spirit and the Union Spirit in various ways in according with the lofty objectives of the ministry. He spoke of the need to maintain such noble tradition. Nowadays, information tasks have become the ones that combined with technology, art and artistic value. He also spoke of the need to make efforts to emerge an effective and dynamic national information force for harmonious development in all information sectors.

He also spoke of the need to actively make efforts for emergence of effective information force with the strong determination, diligence and correct and clear outlook in response to the influence of media of some big nations of superior wealth and technology and destructive elements who received lots of assistance from those nations. Especially, the destructive elements are systematically making accusations on Myanmar based on untrue facts with the use of effective media. It is important to apply periodicals techniques and power of media in response to untrue story with the use of correct and sound information, he pointed out.

He also spoke of the need to explain the source of fabricated news, instigations and their tricks to the people. Though the news broadcasting and report last only a day, effective power of the news can fix in the mind of the people, he said. He urged information staff to preserve national prestige and integrity of the nation for the sake of the State and the people by reporting only true news and the news that reveals fabrications with effective power of media in accord with the ethics of the newspaper, journal and magazine.

In conclusion, the Secretary-1 urged the officials of information sector to implement the national policy of non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty, to make efforts to inculcate the people with the Union Spirit and patriotism in combating the fabricated news of destructive elements who are tarnishing the dignity of Myanmar and trying to break up the national solidarity, relying on foreign media, to realize the national endeavours of the government and genuine goodwill towards the people and to promote mental development for wiping out influence of alien culture and penetration of alien lifestyle and social norms.

After the meeting, the Secretary-1 cordially greeted the advisers, and the meeting came to an end.

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Secretary-1 attends coord meeting of Organizing Committee for United Nations Poster Exhibition

Yangon, 22 Oct - The Organizing Committee for United Nations Poster Exhibition held the second coordination meeting at the meeting hall of Zeyathiri Beikman on Konmyinttha at 4.30 pm today, attended by Patron of the Organizing Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.

Chairman of the Organizing Committee Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win reported on preparations for the exhibition to be held in Yangon, display of the central booth, display of photographs of the Head of State, completing the drawing of the portraits of UN Secretary-General, progress in drawing posters to mark the exhibition, selection of prize winners for the computer graphic poster design competition in commemoration of the exhibition and the essay, poem and painting competitions and preparations for invitation, reception, transport, health and sanitation tasks.

Deputy Head of Department Captain Ngwe Tun (Navy) of the Office of Military Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence reported on matters related to holding of the computer graphic poster design competition under two levels- basic education and amateur levels. Chairman of the Work Committee for the Exhibition Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt reported on progress of works. Director Daw Nu Mra Zan of the National Museum of Department of Cultural Institute reported on display and booths of the exhibition. Chairman of the Work Committee for Organizing Essay, Poem and Painting Competitions Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung reported on holding of the University/College/Institute level and the Basic Education level essay, poem and painting competitions in commemoration of the exhibition, participation of the students in the competitions and selection of winners.

Chairman of the Work Committee for Invitation, Reception and Transport Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win reported on invitation, agenda of the opening ceremony and transport for those who attended to the ceremony. Chairman of the Work Committee for Health and Sanitation Deputy Minister for Health Prof Dr Kyaw Myint reported on health and sanitation tasks being carried out for the exhibition. Then, those present took part in the discussions. Next, the Secretary-1 delivered an address. He expressed his belief that the UN Poster Exhibition will be held successfully according to the reports of the officials. The exhibition will be organized by the Union of Myanmar in cooperation with the UN. As the Union of Myanmar will hold the UN Poster Exhibition in commemoration of 2002 United Nations Day, it is necessary to hold the exhibition with political essence.

The Union of Myanmar has always been cooperating with the UN and actively participating in the tasks for international affairs adopted by the UN. The exhibition will be held as national level representing the nation. So also the exhibition will be co-sponsored by the Maternal and Child Welfare Association and the Government. He called on the Organizing Committee and the Work Committee to make efforts in harmony for successful holding the exhibition on a grand scale with political essence.

After the meeting, the Secretary-1 inspected the posters displayed at the exhibition and gave necessary instructions.
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Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann inspects prawn breeding, regional development in Ngwehsaung, Pathein

Yangon, 22 Oct - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann of the Ministry of Defence, Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs and Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Thein Zaw and Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo, arrived at Thebon Jetty on Strand Road in Pathein on 21 October morning.

They went to Thinbawgyin Seingon Jetty by Z-craft of Inland Water Transport. Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann inspected passenger buses running Seingon-Ngwehsaung at the jetty and cordially met with the passengers. Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and party inspected 30 miles and three furlongs long Seingon-Seintaung-Ngwehsaung road by car and arrived at the road construction project at Seintaung Junction. Project Manager U Myat Cho Win of Asia World Co Ltd reported on road construction and repair of the roads in rainy season.

Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann gave necessary instructions. Asia World Co Ltd is constructing Seingon-Seintaung-Ngwehsaung road. At Yuzana Pepper Plantation in Ngwehsaung region, Chairman of Yuzana Co Ltd U Htay Myint and officials conducted them round the plantation. The pepper plantation is put on eight acres of land and the extended cultivation will be undertaken. Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and party inspected 205 prawn breeding ponds of Yuzana Prawn Breeding Group in Bawdigon, Ngwehsaung region. U Htay Myint reported on prawn breeding matters and seeking of markets. Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann gave necessary instructions. Then, they inspected sea water prawn breeding camps of Shwe Family Co and Shwe Khayu Co Ltd in Ngwehsaung region and attended to their needs.

Next, they saw over digging of new prawn breeding ponds of Yuzana Prawn Breeding Group. They then inspected prawn breeding ponds and relevant matters of Max Myanmar Co Ltd at Ngwehsaung Beach. Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and party inspected Htoo Hotel, Sunny Paradize Hotel, Myanmar Treasure Beach Resort and Yuzana Hotel in Ngwehsaung Beach. At 2.30 pm, Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann met local authorities, entrepreneurs and hoteliers and gave instructions on development of Ngwehsaung region. Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw explained that his ministries will carry out tasks with goodwill for development of Ngwehsaung Beach Resort and the region. The wide and long Ngwehsaung Beach attracts local and foreign visitors.

The beach has white sand, natural coral reefs and water resources. They then inspected Ngwehsaung Auto-exchange and the Ground Microwave Station Ngwehsaung Beach Resort Microwave Station. Next, Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann viewed construction of Basic Education High School No 1 in Ngwehsaung Village and fulfilled the requirements. At 6 pm, Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and party arrived back Thebon Jetty in Pathein where they were welcomed by Commander Brig-Gen Htay Oo and officials.

In Yankintaung Ward of Pathein, they inspected fish breeding tasks, 200-ton fish feedstuff factory and 750-ton cold storage and the office of Ayeyawady Fisheries Co Ltd of Yuzana Group. Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann attended to their needs. They then left Pathein and arrived back here in the evening.
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Lt-Gen Maung Bo tours Kawthoung District

Yangon, 22 Oct - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Maung Bo of the Ministry of Defence met towns elders, members of social organizations and national entrepreneurs and inspected regional development tasks in Kawthoung District on 20 October.

Lt-Gen Maung Bo met towns elders, social organizations and national entrepreneurs of Kawthoung District at Myinzuthaka Hall in Kawthoung that morning. Lt-Gen Maung Bo delivered a speech, saying that Taninthayi Division is the southernmost region of the nation and contiguous to the neighbouring country. He added that the border gates of Myanmar and the neighbouring nation were reopened on 15 October so as to maintain the bilateral friendship. Thus, they were there to make local people, national entrepreneurs and department personnel know rules and regulations, and to convince them of the genuine goodwill of the Head of State. There are a lot of marine and land resources along the Taninthayi coast. In this regard, local people and departmental personnel are to make concerted efforts to be able to exploit the resources on their own. Moreover, vacant lands are to be reclaimed in order to cultivate paddy for rice sufficiency in the region.

He called on departmental personnel to organize local people for uplift of national prestige and integrity and for carrying out agriculture and livestock breeding tasks for the sake of regional development and boosting production. In conclusion, he urged all to hand down good heritage of economic and social foundation to new generations, to serve the interests of public within the framework of the principles, and to be loyal and faithful to the nation and the public. Then, Commander Brig-Gen Tha Aye reported on arrangements being made for ensuring the participation of the public in the tasks for extended cultivation of monsoon and summer paddy, planting an oil palm by each individual and efficient use of electricity, and projects being implemented for regional development and boosting production. After that, the minister reported on assistance to be rendered in carrying out tasks for development of Kawthoung District.

Next, those present reported on regional development tasks to be implemented in cooperation with respective departments. The meeting came to an end with closing remarks by Lt-Gen Maung Bo. Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party went to the Retaining Wall Construction Project between Myoma Bridge on Strand Road and Bayintnaung Bridge in Kawthoung. At the briefing hall, officials reported on construction of the 600 feet long and 11 feet high retaining wall, progress of land preparations and arrangements being made for ensuring completion of the project by the beginning of 2003 and the commander, on supervision measures for durability of the wall.

Then, Lt-Gen Maung Bo gave instructions on systematic measures to be taken for ensuring long-lasting of the wall, opening a garden and planting shady trees for greening along the Strand Road and timely completion. Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party inspected construction of the wall. They then proceeded to the 150-bed people's hospital construction project in Aye Mya Kantha Ward, where officials reported on work progress and future tasks. In response to the reports, Lt-Gen Maung Bo gave necessary instructions and inspected construction of the hospital. They later inspected the poultry farm being undertaken by the Development Affairs Department and the Vocational Training Centre for Women of the Education and Training Department under the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs with the assistance of the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries.

Afterwards, Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party inspected the monsoon paddy field of 104.55 acres of land being undertaken by Thida Fisheries Co Ltd in Shwepyisoe Village-tract. At the briefing hall, officials reported on thriving monsoon paddy fields on 304 acres of land, the result of construction of embankment for preventing the flow of sea water, and arrangements being made for extended cultivation of monsoon paddy and the commander, on organization measures being taken for cultivation of beans and pulses and seasonal crops on 170 acres of land.

Lt-Gen Maung Bo called for all-out efforts to be made for land reclamation to extend cultivation of paddy annually and to cultivate paddy and seasonal crops for local sufficiency. Then, Lt-Gen Maung Bo inspected thriving Kyawzeya strain paddy field and left necessary instructions. Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party spent the night in Kawthoung Station. Minister Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, who accompanied Lt-Gen Maung Bo, yesterday met with employees of Kawthoung District Livestock and Fisheries Department and marine entrepreneurs and gave instructions. He then inspected the 200-ton ice factory, construction of a 100-ton cold storage and the dry dockyard of the Golden Bear Co.

He also inspected poultry farm of Toe Tet Aung Cooperative Society which is breeding about 22,000 layers and producing about 15,000 eggs per day. The minister also inspected Arkar Oo poultry farm which is breeding about 6,800 ducks and distributing about 1,600 eggs daily to markets.
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Coord meeting of Ministry of Information held

Yangon, 22 Oct - The second four-monthly coordination meeting of the Ministry of Information was held at the Myanma Radio & Television at 10.30 am today.  At the meeting those present reported on the progress of work in 2002-2003 fiscal year and directors-general and managing directors presented supplementary reports. Next, Deputy Minister U Thein Sein also gave a supplementary report. Then, the meeting ended with concluding remarks by Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan.
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Painting, cartoon and poster exhibition and competition opened

Yangon, 22 Oct - With the aim of organizing the people to participate in Yangon City modernization tasks, an opening ceremony of the painting, cartoon and poster exhibition and competition under the motto of "Only can the love of the city bear Patriotic Spirit" sponsored by Yangon City Development Committee was held at the first floor of Yankin Market on Saya San Road in Yankin Township this morning, attended by Chairman of YCDC Mayor U Ko Lay.

Member of the Panel of Patrons of the observance of the exhibition and competition Joint-Secretary of YCDC U Kyi Win explained matters related to the holding of the exhibition and competition. Then, first-prize winners in the painting, cartoon and poster competitions formally opened the exhibition and competition. Next, the mayor, the vice-mayor and guests signed in the visitors' book and viewed the booths enthusiastically at the exhibition. Not only the works of 1,559 contestants from the basic education schools of various townships in Yangon Division and the professionals, but also the YCDC's booths are on display at the exhibition.

The exhibition and competition will be kept open daily from 9 am to 5 pm until 29 October and admission is free. Moreover, a lucky draw for the visitors has been programmed with handsome prizes.
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UN Poster Exhibition work committee coordinated

Yangon, 22 Oct - Second work coordination meeting of United Nations Poster Exhibition committee was held at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Culture on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road here this morning attended by Chairman of the working committee Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, committee members and sub- committee members. At the meeting, the deputy minister made an opening speech. Then, those present at the meeting reported on arrangements for the respective sectors for holding the exhibition.
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Culture

Secretary-1 and wife watch Ramayana drama competition

Yangon, 22 Oct - Ramayana drama contest of the Tenth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions continued for the third day at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street in Dagon Township today.

Mandalay Division took part in the competition. Present at the theatre were Patron of the Tenth Mynamar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe. Leader of panel of judges for Ramayana drama U Tin Tun Oo and members supervised the competition. Sagaing Division will participate in Ramayana drama competition for the fourth day at the same venue tomorrow.
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Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions continue

Yangon, 22 Oct - Myanmar has safeguarded and preserved the national cultural heritage in its original essence to date.

The Myanmar Traditional Performing Arts Competitions have revealed the high cultural heritage and national prestige and integrity of Myanmars, and the competitions continued for the fourth day at designated places in Yangon today. Members of the Panel of Patrons of the Committee for Organizing the Competitions Chairman of the Leading Committee for Organizing the Competitions Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Myint Swe.

The song contest of the Performing Arts Competitions continued at the National Theatre on Pyay Road here this morning. Chairman of the panel of judges for the song contest Daw Tin Tin Mya of the MRTV, Secretary Daw May Pyone Khine and members supervised the contest. Maung Khant Khaing Soe of Mandalay Division, Maung Win Hlaing Tun of Sagaing Division, Maung Aung Ko Thet of Ayeyawady Division, Maung Sai Nyo Min of Shan State, Maung Tun Tun Naing of Yangon Division, Maung Zaw Nay Nyunt (a) Ko Nay of Rakhine State, Maung Tun Tun Lin of Yangon Division and Maung Kyaw Swa Thwin of Mandalay Division took part in the higher education level song contest.

In the afternoon, Ma Kyu Kyu Lwin of Sagaing Division, Ma Aye Aye San of Rakhine State, Ma Aung Soe Kyi of Shan State, Ma Thawda Chan Myay of Mandalay Division, Ma Amy Lwin of Yangon Division, Ma Hnin Akari Maung of Mandalay Division, Ma Aye Myatnoe Khin of Yangon Division, Ma Kalya Moe Myint of Kachin State, Ma Zin Pyay Pyay Phyoe of Ayeyawady Division, Ma May Khine Lin of Magway Division, Ma Cherry Win of Bago Division, Ma Win Kay Khine (a) Cho The of Kayah State, Ma Pan Ei Phyu of Taninthayi Division, Ma Myat Su Kyi of Chin State, Ma Khin Moe Hein of Kayin State and Ma Aye Mya Thida of Mon State partook in the basic education level girl's (aged 10-15) song contest. The competitions continues tomorrow.
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Religion

Cash donated for construction of Sasana Beikmandawgyi

Yangon, 22 Oct - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Maung Bo of the Ministry of Defence attended the fourth cash donation ceremony for construction of Sasana Beikmandawgyi held at the Dhammayon on Pyidawaye Pagoda platform in Kawthoung on 20 October morning and presented offertories to the members of the Sangha in Kawth- oung District, Taninthayi Division, and accepted the cash donations.

First, the ceremony was opened with three-time recitation of Namo Tassa. Then, the congregation received the Five Precepts from Presiding Sayadaw of Aungchantha Monastery in Kawthoung Bhaddanta Pannasami. Then, Lt-Gen Maung Bo, the commander and the ministers presented offertories to the members of the Sangha.

Then, Cash donation ceremony followed. At the ceremony, Lt-Gen Maung Bo donated K 500,000; Brig-Gen Tha Aye K 100,000; Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council K one million; U Tin Myint (Thida Company) K 765,000; U Nyi Nyi-Daw Myat Myat K 250,000; Daw Htar family K 200,000; Daw Than Ngwe (3D-Store) K 100,000; U Win Naing (Nay-la-wadi Co) K 100,000; U Myint Soe (Smile family) K 100,000; Daw Khin Thi and Dr Htay Htay Win family K 397,300; Daw Kyin Lun May family K 100,000; U Sai Tun Wai-Daw Phyu Phyu K 120,000; U Thein Lwin-Daw Khin Lay Lwin K 50,000; U Zaw Moe- Daw Moe Moe Aye K 120,000; U La Hu family K 280,000, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries K 500,000; fisheries entrepreneurs in Kawthoung 1.5 million totalling K 8 million.

Lt-Gen Maung Bo, Brig-Gen Tha Aye, Chairman of Kawthoung District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Kyaw Phyo, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees U Pe Khin Lay accepted the donations and presented certificates of honour to the wellwishers. After the ceremony, Lt-Gen Maung Bo inspected the construction progress of Sasana Beikman and gave instructions to the officials.
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Cash donated to cleft lip and palette treatment programme

Yangon, 22 Oct - A ceremony to present 10 million kyats donated by the Chinese Buddhist Missionary Association led by Sindao Sayadaw U Kusala to the cleft lip and palette treatment programme conducted by Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association took place at the meeting hall of the MMCWA building at the corner of Parami and Thanthuma Roads in South Okkalapa Township this morning.

Vice-Chairperson of MMCWA Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe accepted the donation and presented a certificate of honour to the wellwisher. Then, MMCWA Chairperson Professor Daw Kyu Kyu Swe spoke words of thanks. Likewise, seven local wellwishers also donated K 13.5 million to the programme.
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International Relations

7th ASEAN Information Ministers' Conference concludes 8th ASEAN Information Ministers' Conference to be held in Cambodia

Yangon, 22 Oct - The 7th ASEAN Information Ministers' Conference was held at Banda Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam from 15 to 19 October.

The conference included the Senior Officials' Meeting and ASEAN Information Ministers' Conference. The Senior Officials' Meeting was held from 15 to 16 October. Myanmar delegation was led by Deputy Director-General of Myanma Radio and Television U Thein Aung.

The delegation member was Director of MRTV (English Programme) U Win Kyi. The meeting discussed the resolutions of the Sixth ASEAN Information Ministers' Meeting undertaken by member nations and laid down future tasks. The meeting also discussed reports to be submitted to the Seventh ASEAN Information Ministers' Conference. The 7th ASEAN Information Ministers' Conference was held from 18 to 19 October.

The opening ceremony of the 7th Conference was held at International Convention Centre in Banda Seri Begawan. His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah The Sultan and Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam delivered an opening speech. The conference continued at Empire Hotel. It was presided over by His Excellency Pehin Dato Isa bin Dato Haji Ibrahin, the Special Adviser to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in the Prime Minister's Office and Minister of Home Affairs. The conference discussed the reports of the Senior Officials' Meeting and laid down the resolutions.

The conference discussed important resolutions which included the ASEAN awareness promotion of Hanoi Plan of Action in implementation of National Communication Plan by the respective nations, implementation of the work for ASEAN awareness not only in the region but also in the outside areas of the region and carrying out the tasks with the use of all possible ways by every member nation and ASEAN Secretariat. Western news agencies reported that ASEAN region was an unstable one and the region of economic recession. The 6th AMRI passed the resolutions to carry out the tasks for removal of negative views on ASEAN. In this connection, media experts of ASEAN Secretary-General and delegates of ASEAN member nations held a meeting in Bali, Indonesia from 8 to 9 December 2001.

The meeting discussed launching of communication campaign for years. ASEAN Secretariat (ASC) hired a public relation firm named APCO for feasible study. Implementation of the evaluation report by APCO reviews for the projects under implementation were discussed. Discussions also included economic recession worldwide, threats of HIV/ AIDS and terrorism. Brunei reported that it would broadcast the news from ASEAN member nations monitored through satellite in the networks of Brunei and other partner TV stations. In this task, Brunei would act as a coordinator. No fund will be collected from ASEAN member nations.

The ministers agreed to carry on the tasks for the objectives were good. The meeting discussed matters on reviewing implementation of the tasks laid down by AMRI during two-year periods, scrutiny of new project proposals and submitting suggestions to AMRI. The meeting also discussed implementation of the project on behalf of AMRI.

The first coordination meeting for the project will be held in Brunei in March 2003. The conference agreed to hold the 8th Conference in Cambodia in September 2004.
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Commerce Minister addresses National Workshop on Human Resource Development for E-Commerce in the Greater Mekong Sub-region

Yangon, 22 Oct - The National Workshop on Human Resource Development for E-Commerce in the Greater Mekong Sub-region GMS, organized by the Ministry of Commerce and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), was opened at the Myanmar Information and Communication Park in Hline Township this morning, with an opening address by Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone.

Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone made a speech. He said what is e-commerce and how to apply it will be learnt by holding the National Level Workshop for Human Resource Development for Electronic Commerce. This area is developing very fast in this information and communication technology age. E-commerce covers marketing, purchasing, selling, payment, delivery and distribution of goods and services by electronic means. One of the electronic means, internet, is being increasingly used by commercial firms all over the world, due to the time and cost effectiveness, speedy transmission of information and especially it can create the most efficient and effective competitive environment. Due to the concerted efforts of the government and private entrepreneurs, the Myanmar Information and Communication Park provides modern communication services to local and foreign IT firms for e-commerce, e-learning and other IT related works. All the government ministries and private firms including SMEs are now able to have assess to commercial firms and individuals.

The National Level Workshop for Human Resource Development for Electronic Commerce is attended by the participants from the government departments and private firms, he said. In conclusion, he urged all the participants to take part in the discussions and exchange views with the experienced resource persons. Then, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific Representative Ms Kaori Yasuoka extended greetings. Chairman of Myanmar Computer Federation U Thein Oo acted as the organizer.

United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific Consultant Dr Nguyen Duc Loc submitted the papers "Overview and Brief Introduction of the Internet and Some Useful Internet Services", "Brief Introduction of E-commerce and Its Opportunities", "Electronic Trading Opportunities (ETO- Buying and Selling Opportunities)" and "Security Technologies for E-commerce". Then, Executive of Myanmar Computer Scientists Association U Tun Thura Thet also submitted the paper "Electronic Shopping Ñ Buying and Selling via the Internet".

A total of 40 representatives from the ministries, Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited, Myanma Economic Corporation, the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry are attending the National Level Workshop for Human Resource Development for Electronic Commerce that continues tomorrow.
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ASEAN Finance and Central Bank Deputies Meeting opens

Yangon, 22 Oct - The opening ceremony of ASEAN Finance and Central Bank Deputies Meeting-AFDM hosted by Myanmar was held at Sedona hotel here this morning.

At the ceremony Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein made an opening address. In his address, he said: Reviewing our experience after joining into the ASEAN in July, 1997, we understand that ASEAN Finance meetings are of great significance for promoting mutual understanding, exchanges and cooperation among member countries. One of the most important developments in recent years is the growing awareness of interdependence of the world.

Therefore, there is a consensus that we must work and act together at every level, whether it be local, regional or global, with mutual understanding and respect for each and every country's integrity and sovereignty. We, as the ASEAN, need to forge further cooperation among us to maximize our leverage and our use of resources to bring more and more people into the economic mainstream and to promote equitable access to the benefits of development. In this regard, we all are also aware of need for concrete measures to ensure economic and financial stability in our region.

ASEAN economies have shown signs of recovery from the cyclical downturn experienced during the second half of 2001 and that the growth projected for the region for this year is at between 3.5 and 3.9 per cent. Myanmar has been striving for all round development not only in the economic sector but also in the social sector such as education, health, etc for the emergence of a peaceful, tranquil and new modern developed nation. According to the summit agreement reached by the leaders in Brunei, this meeting will be discussing the Roadmap for Integration of ASEAN for the finance sector. In this regard, we would like to reiterate our commitment that Myanmar will fully cooperate with ASEAN member countries to achieve this objective.  

Then, Minister U Khin Maung Thein, the other ASEAN finance deputy ministers and the heads of the central banks in ASEAN countries posed for a documentary photo and the opening ceremony concluded. Afterwards, AFDM was held and it was attended by Deputy Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen Than Tun, the deputy ministers for finance and deputy heads of the central banks of ASEAN countries and delegation members. Brig-Gen Than Tun presided over the meeting.

Then, the deputies of Finance and Central Banks of ASEAN countries cordially discussed the matters relating to the economic cooperation among the member countries and cooperative tasks in Asia and the morning session adjourned. In the afternoon session, financial matters among ASEAN countries and ASEAN+3 countries and future cooperative programmes were discussed were discussed.

Then, the meeting came to an end. Before ASEAN Finance and Central Bank Deputies Meeting-AFDM, ASEAN Finance and Central Bank Deputies Meeting-Working Group and the 10th ASEAN Central Bank Forum were also held on 21 October.
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Ambassador U Khin Maung Aye accredited to Hellenic Republic

Yangon, 23 Oct - The Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar has appointed U Khin Maung Aye, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Union of Myanmar to the Republic of Italy, concurrently as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Union of Myanmar to the Hellenic Republic.
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Education

Industry-2 MCWA's new nursery school opened

Yangon, 22 Oct - A ceremony to open a new nursery school of the Maternal and Child Welfare Association (Branch) of the Ministry of Industry-2 took place at the school in Mayangon Township this morning.

Minister Maj-Gen Saw Lwin's wife Daw Moe Moe Myint, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin's wife Dr Daw Khin San Nwe and Deputy Minister Lt-Col Khin Maung Kyaw's wife Daw Mi Mi Wai formally opened the new school building. Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe unveiled the signboard of the nursery school. Then the guests viewed round the school building.

Next, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe delivered an address. Director-General of the Directorate of Myanma Industrial Planning U Khin Maung explained the purpose of constructing the new school building. Later, wellwishers made cash and kind donations to the nursery school. Lt-Col Khin Maung Kyaw handed over K 15 million donated by the departments and enterprises under the ministry, Shwe Myanmar Trading and the Industry-2's MCWA (Branch); Chairman of Myanmar Red Cross Society Dr Kyaw Win, 12 bags of milk powder donated by MRCS; and Managing Director of Myanma Automobile and Diesel Engine Industries U Soe Thein, K 5 million donated by SPA Co Ltd.

U Min Aung of Silver Wave Trading Ltd also presented cash and kind worth K 3.34 million; Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, K 100,000; Director-General U Khin Maung of DMIP, on behalf of 20 wellwishers, K 7.53 million; and Professor Col Myint Maung Maung, K 100,000 donated by the staff welfare committee of North Okkalapa Township General Hospital. Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and Daw Moe Moe Myint accepted the donations and presented certificates of honour to the wellwishers.

Afterwards, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe presented a flower basket and cash awards to the lasses and lads of the nursery school who gave performance. 
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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

n5(151002) 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

bus(151002) 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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