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Established in 1914
Headlines
- Secretary-1 previews 2002 Mid-Year Myanma Gems Emporium
- Secretary-1 inspects low-cost single unit house designs
Region
- National Workshop on Human Resource Development for E-commerce in GMS continues
- Development tasks in Taninthayi Division inspected
Education
Culture
- Ramayana drama competition continues
- Tenth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions continue
International Relations
- Health Minister receives guests
- Israel-Myanmar Cooperation in Agriculture and Technology Seminar held
- Minister inspects Orthopaedic Hospital
- Meeting on successful achievement of Myanma health system's objectives
Sport
SPOTLIGHT
Headlines
Secretary-1 previews 2002 Mid-Year Myanma Gems Emporium
Yangon, 23 Oct - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt this evening previewed the 2002 Mid-Year Myanma Gems Emporium to be held from 26 October to 2 November.
The Secretary-1, accompanied by officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, on arrival at the Myanma Gems Mart on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road. The Secretary-1 inspected private jewellery shops, jade figurines and gem-studded paintings on the ground floor and jade lots to be sold through competitive bidding and tender system and raw jades. The Secretary-1 inspected gem lots and pearl lots. He was conducted round by Patron of the Central Committee Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, Deputy Minister U Myint Thein and Secretary Managing Director of Myanma Gems Enterprise U Khin Oo.
The minister, the deputy minister and the managing director reported on preparations for the emporium. The Secretary-1 then gave instructions.
Secretary-1 inspects low-cost single unit house designs
Single unit house cost ranges from K158,000 to K273,000 without CI sheetsYangon, 23 Oct - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt this morning inspected low-cost single unit house designs for rural people, at the compound of Myanma Timber Enterprise (Head Office) of the Ministry of Forestry in Ahlon Township and gave necessary instructions to officials.
Together with officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, the Secretary-1 arrived at the Myanma Timber Enterprise (Head Office) at 7.30 am.
The Secretary-1 and party, accompanied by officials of the Union Solidarity and Development Association who will render assistance in construction of low-cost single units in states and divisions, viewed the designs.
Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the single unit designs constructed by the Dagon Timber Ltd, the Win & Win Co and the Asia World Co. The officials concerned reported on construction of the units.
Next, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the single unit designs of Kaung Myat Co Ltd, Tin Win Tun Co, the Central Marketing Co Ltd, the Momentum Trading Enterprise Ltd, Htoo Trading Co Ltd and Sagaing Division Myanma Timber Enterprise.
At the Head Office, Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone reported on annual distribution of sawn timber by the Myanma Timber Enterprise for the public and arrangements for distribution of sawn timber for construction of single units for rural people. Then, national construction entrepreneurs who will undertake the tasks for construction of low-cost single units, reported on single units construction project. The commander, the ministers and the deputy ministers gave supplementary reports.
The Secretary-1 delivered an address on the occasion. In his address, he said that it may be difficult for rural people to build a proper house at their own expense. So, the project has been laid down in accord with the guidance of the Head of State - the government has to provide assistance for rural people in raising their living standard. In doing so, all officials are to make collective efforts with full goodwill and without taking any benefits into consideration.
Low-cost single units will be constructed in states and divisions for the convenience of the local people as well as to improve their living standard. The national construction entrepreneurs will build 14 types of low-cost units according to the geographical conditions of the respective regions. Under the supervision of the government, the Ministry of Forestry will sell sawn timber for construction of the units. The cost of the units ranges between K 158,000 (without corrugated iron sheets) to K 273,000.
Region
National Workshop on Human Resource Development for E-commerce in GMS continues
Yangon, 23 Oct - The National Workshop on Human Resource Development for E-commerce in the Greater Mekong Subregion - G.M.S, organized by the Ministry of Commerce and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), continued for the second day at Myanmar Information and Communication Park in Hline Township this morning.
Vice-Chairman of MCF U Tin Win Aung acted as organizer. Chairman of MCSA U Thaung Tin explained matters on "Regulatory Issues of E-commerce in Myanmar", Chairman of MCF U Thein Oo on "Country Presentation on the Challenges Faced by SMEs and Future Plans on the Adoption of Electronic Commerce", and Consultant of UNESCAP Dr Nguyen Due Loc on "Practical Exercise on the Internet Services and Web Hosting".
Then, the representatives from ministries and economic organizations sought means to practically implement the presentation.
Development tasks in Taninthayi Division inspected
Yangon, 23 Oct - State Peace and Development Council member Lt-Gen Maung Bo of the Ministry of Defence, attended the ceremony to hand over the new school building held at Affiliated Basic Education Middle School in Khamaukkyi Village, Maliwan Village-tract in Kawthoung District, Taninthayi Division on 21 October morning.
The ceremony was held in conjunction with the opening ceremony of Aungbar Sanpya Village in the district. Then, Lt-Gen Maung Bo visited oil palm plantations of Yuzana Co Ltd beside the Kawthoung-Bokpyin Road in Khamaukkyi Region in Kawthoung Township. Project Manager U An Ban and officials reported on arrangements for extension of the project to Lt-Gen Maung Bo who gave instructions on extended growing of oil palms and paddy to fulfill the domestic need.
In the afternoon, Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party arrived at Po Kaung Co Ltd on Kawthoung-Bokpyin Road where Managing Director U Aye Maung briefed them on land reclamation for extended growing of oil palms and arrangements for setting up the oil palm workers village. After leaving necessary instructions there, Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party inspected construction of Kawthoung-Bokpyin motor road, thriving monsoon paddy fields along the road. Lt-Gen Maung Bo gave necessary instructions on organizing the palm oil entrepreneurs to grow double cropping of monsoon paddy and oil palm.
In Taninthayi Division, 1,250 acres of monsoon paddy was grown among oil palm plantations and is thriving well. Afterwards, Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party paid obeisance and offered provisions to members of the Sangha led by Bokpyin Township Sangha Nayaka Committee Chairman Sayadaw Bhaddanta Inddacakka at the prayer hall of Rajamuni Pagoda in Bokpyin. After paying homage to the pagoda, Lt-Gen Maung Bo presented cash towards the funds of the pagoda.
In meeting the members of Township Peace and Development Council and departmental officials at the hall of local station, Lt-Gen Maung Bo urged them to strive for local rice sufficiency.
Education
New school building handed over, Aungbar model village opened in Kawthoung District, Taninthayi Division
Yangon, 23 Oct - A ceremony to hand over the new school building of the affiliated basic education middle school in Khamaukkyi Village, Maliwun Village-tract, Kawthoung District, Taninthayi Division, to the Ministry of Education was held in conjunction with the opening of Aungbar model village at the school on 21 October.
Kawthoung Township Education Officer U Saw Shein and Chairman of the school board of trustees U Aung Naing formally opened the building. Then, the commander and Deputy Director-General of No 1 Basic Education Department U C Thaung Za Tuan made speeches. Chairman U Saw Shein presented documents related to the building to the township education officer, and reported on efforts made for the opening of the building.
After that, Lt-Gen Maung Bo presented a TV set for the affiliated school and exercise books and stationery for the students to Headmistress Daw Su Su Myint. The commander also presented a video-cassette player for the school to her. Taninthayi Division Education Officer U Thaung Sein spoke words of thanks.
After the ceremony, Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party viewed the building. The 120 feet long 30 feets wid and 12 feet high building was constructed at a cost of K 6.1 million contributed by wellwishers. Then, the opening of Aungbar model village in Kawthoung Township followed at 8 am at the same venue. Lt-Gen Maung Bo, the commander and the minister presented medicines for the dispensary of the model village to nurse Daw Khin Than Sein. Kawthoung District Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col Kyaw Phyo and Deputy Director of Township Development Affairs Department U Than Win formally opened the village.
Lt-Gen Maung Bo, the commander, the minister and party viewed the village and cordially greeted the villagers. The chairman of the Township Peace and Development Council reported on systematic allotment of the plot for construction of the village, arrangements made for receiving TV programmes, repair of village roads and bridges for better transport and future tasks. Lt-Gen Maung Bo gave necessary instructions.
Lt-Gen Maung Bo addressed the opening ceremony, saying that the State Peace and Development Council had adopted projects systematically and had been implementing them for building a peaceful, modern and developed nation as the national goal. In accordance with the guidance of the Head of State, efforts are to be made for carrying out the five rural development tasks. In implementing the aim of the State, model villages are to be founded for raising socio-economy and living standard of the people in rural regions without bridging the gap between urban and rural areas. The model village has been successfully opened in a short period due to the collective efforts of local authorities, departmental officials and villagers.
Today is a significant day not only for Kawthoung Township but for Aungbar Village. In conclusion, he called for maintenance of the village in order to always possess the characteristics of a model village and implementation of the five rural development tasks in order to turn all the villages in Kawthoung Township into model ones. Then, the commander spoke of the need for officials and departmental heads, hand in hand with local people, to carry out tasks to maintain the standard of the model village and to establish similar villages.
Director of the Development Affairs Department U Kyaw Hlaing dealt with the five rural development tasks being carried out by the State. On behalf of the villagers, member of the village USDA U Khin Shwe thanked the State for founding the model village. After the ceremony, Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party visited Aungbar Monastery in the village and paid reverence to Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw Bhaddanta Ottama and members of the Sangha and presented offertories to them.
Later, Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party inspected the village MCWA (Branch), Committee for Women's Affairs, Red Cross Society and library and then presented circulations to the library.
Culture
Ramayana drama competition continues
Yangon, 23 Oct - Ramayana drama contest of the Tenth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions continued for the fourth day at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street in Dagon Township today.
Sagaing Division took part in the competition. Leader of panel of judges for Ramayana drama U Aung Thwin and members supervised the competition. Magway Division will participate in Ramayana drama competition at the same venue tomorrow.
Tenth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions continue
Yangon, 23 Oct - The 10th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions continued for the fifth day at the designated places today.
The singing contest was held at the National Museum on Pyay Road at 9 am today. Chairperson of panel of judges in signing competition Assistant Director (Music) of Myanma Radio and Television Daw Tin Tin Mya, Secretary and Assistant Engineer Daw May Pyone Khaing and members of the panel of judges supervised the contest. Leader of the panel of judges U Maung Maung Gyi and party supervised the professional level women's religious song contest and Leader U Min Naung and party, the basic education level (aged 15-20) boys' old/modern song contest.
Altogether 14 contestants of States and Divisions took part in the professional level women's religious song contest and 18 contestants at the basic education level (aged 15-20) boys' old/modern song contest. The professional level men's old/modern song contest and the basic education level (aged 10-15) girls' religious song contest will be held at National Museum on 24 October.
The dancing contest continued at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street at 9 am. Chairman of the Panel of Judges U Sein Aung Min, Secretary Daw Mu Mu Khin and members supervised the contest. A total of 14 competitors of States and Divisions took part in the amateur level (women's) dancing contest. In the afternoon, 15 contestants participated in the basic education level (aged 5-10 ) boys' dancing contest.
On 24 October morning the basic education level (aged 15-20) boys' dancing contest will be held and the basic education level (aged 5-10) girls' in the afternoon on that day. The song composing contest continued at the State School of Fine Arts of the Fine Arts Department, supervised by Chairman of the Panel of Judges Bogale U Tint Aung and members. Competitors of States and Divisions participated in the practicing of the song entitled "Towards the goal" in the basic education level (aged 15-20) song composing contest and the competitors of the higher education level will practice their songs at the State School of Fine Arts of the Fine Arts Department on 24 October.
Similarly, the music contest was held at Padomma Theatre in Sangyoung Township at 9 am and altogether competitors of eight groups took part in the professional level (men's) team orchestra contest and competitor of five groups in the basic education level (aged 15-20) boys' team orchestra contest. Leader of the panel of judges U Sein Sating and members supervised the professional level (men's) team orchestra contest and the basic education level (aged 15-20) boys' team orchestra contest. The amateur level (men's) solo orchestra contest and the basic education level (aged 10-15) boys' solo orchestra contest will be held at the same venue on 24 October.
The Myanmar guitar contest continued at Kanbawza Theatre in Bahan Township. Mg Kyaw Myint of Yangon Division took part in the basic education level (boys') Myanmar guitar contest, Mg Aung of Yangon Division in the basic education level (aged 10-15) boys' event and Ma Nwe Zin Win and Ma Thiri Hlaing of Yangon Divisions in the basic education level (aged 10-15) girls' event supervised by the Leader of the Panel of Judges Gitanetthan U Ohn Lwin and party. On 24 October, the basic education level (aged 5-10) xylophone contest will be held at Kanbawza Theatre.
International Relations
Health Minister receives guests
Yangon, 23 Oct - Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein received Ambassador of Egypt to Myanmar Mr Mohamed Mohamed Meneissy and General Manager of Mitsubishi Corporation Mr Kiyoyoshi Katagiri at his office here at 1 pm and 1.30 pm today respectively.
Israel-Myanmar Cooperation in Agriculture and Technology Seminar held
Yangon, 23 Oct - Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin delivered an address at the Israel-Myanmar Cooperation in Agriculture and Technology Seminar at Sedona Hotel this morning.
Israeli Ambassador Mr Yaacov Avrahamy extended greetings. Mrs Marie-France Majer explained the Israeli economy, business opportunities and agritech 2003.
Managing Director U Aung Gyi of Agro Peace Group discussed Agropeace Israel-Myanmar cooperation in agriculture; Managing Director Mr Eran Tamir of Asia-Pacific, Terlrad Networks Telecommunications Ltd; Director-General Mr Isaac Liebreich of Soli-Ltd, Planning, construction and management of agriculture and greenhouse turnkey project; Customer Care Manager Mr John Meyers, Israel's Gilat Satellite Communications; and General Manager Mr Oded Gilboa, Amaid Ltd, Filtration & Control Systems.
Then, they answered the queries raised by those present.
Minister inspects Orthopaedic Hospital
Yangon, 23 Oct - Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein went to the Orthopaedic Hospital on Hanthawady Street in Kyinmyindine Township this evening and inspected the use of electricity.
The minister and party first inspected the metre main switchboard and transformers installed to be used in the hospital. Medical Superintendent Dr Kyaw San Win and officials conducted the minister round there. The minister then gave instructions on the systematic and frugal use of electricity. At the hospital the minister inspected condition of the patients being given treatments and utilization of medical equipment at the intensive care unit , use of X-ray machine and laboratory equipment and fulfilled the requirements.
Meeting on successful achievement of Myanma health system's objectives
Yangon, 23 Oct - A meeting on successful achievement of Myanma health system's objectives was held at the meeting hall of the National Health Committee of the Ministry of Health this afternoon.
The chairman of Myanmar Academy of Medical Science presided over the meeting. Director-General Dr Kyi Soe of Health Planning Department discussed the objectives of Myanma health system, present successes and requirements; and Director Dr Soe Myint, tasks to be carried out for achieving success in the objectives of Myanma health system.
Those present participated in the discussions and the meeting came to an end.
Sport
Fourth event of Myanmar Landon Tour on 14-17November
Yangon,23 Oct - Fourth Event of Myanmar London Golf Tour 2002, jointly sponsored by Myanmar Golf Federation and Myanmar Professional Golfers Association, will be held on a grand scale at Ayethaya Golf Course, in Taunggyi, Shan State (South) from 14 to 17 November and handsome prizes win be presented to winners.
Together with professional golfers, only amateur men golfers with handicap 0-12 are allowed to take part in the event and not those aged under 18. Rothmans of Pall Mall Myanmar Pte Ltd will mainly sponsor the event. With a view to promoting Myanmar's golf standard, Air Mandalay will officially co-sponsor the event as official airline, Wilson and KM Golf Centre as official golf equipment suppliers, Kanbawza Bank as official bank, Loi-Hein (Alpine) Purified Drinking Water as official water, Canon (ACCEL International Co Ltd) as official office equipment supplier and Grand Royal Special Reserve Whisky as official whisky. Sunfar Travels and Tours Co Ltd will give away handsome prizes to those who score hole-in-one in the third event.
Professional and amateur golfers who wish to participate in the event may enlist by 2 pm on 12 November and contact Myanmar PGA office Tel 723221, 661216 for further details. Pro quality" event will also take place at the same venue in the morning on 11 and 12 November.
Japanese baseball champs provide training
Yangon, 23 Oct - Under the joint arrangement of the organizing committee of Myanmar Baseball Federation and U.Law of Japan, five baseball champions from Nippon Life Insurance Corp of Japan, led by executive of U.Law of Osaka office Mr Kawaguchi arrived here by air yesterday morning.
Mr Kobayashi as coach, Mr Isbida and Mr Nogami as infielders. Mr Shimoyarna as vice captain and outfielders. and Mr Inomae as pitcher are included in the Japan baseball champion league. They are team captains of Japanese high schools and are also best-player award winners.
The Japanese baseball champions trained Myanmar baseball players at Kyaikkasan Grounds.
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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