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Established in 1914
Headlines
- State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to Republic of Austria
- Yangon Division Supervisory Committee for Ensuring Smooth and Secure Transport meets
International Relations
- Ambassadors and military attaches view gems exporium
- Wool-knitting machines and nourishing food donated to MMCWA
- 222 tourists arrive
- English Proficiency Course concludesMinister meets departmental officials
- National Day Observance Central Committee meets
- Minister inspects factories in YangonMinister inspects factories in Yangon
- Regional development, agriculture, livestock breeding tasks inspected in Yangon North District
- ISD martial art contest opened
Culture
- Ramayana drama competition continues for last day
- Tenth Myanmar Traditional Cultural performing Arts Competitions continue
- Press Conference held on 2002 Mid-Year Gems Emporium
Sport
Drug
SPOTLIGHT
Headlines
State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to Republic of Austria
Yangon, 26 Oct - Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Dr Thomas Klestil, Federal President of the Republic of Austria, on the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Austria which falls on 26 October 2002.
Yangon Division Supervisory Committee for Ensuring Smooth and Secure Transport meets
Yangon, 25 Oct - The Yangon Division Supervisory Committee for Ensuring Smooth and Secure Transport held its work coordination meeting at the meeting hall of All Private Bus Lines Control Committee (Yangon Division) Head Office on Laydaungtkan Street in Tamway Township this afternoon, with an address by Chairman of the Supervisory Committee Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe.
First, Chairman of the Supervisory Committee Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe made a speech. He stressed the need for members of the Supervisory Committee to discharge the duties out of pure goodwill in the sectors they are assigned to ensure smooth and secure transport for the people who are traveling from Yangon Division to all parts of the nation by various modes of transport. At the same time, members of the Supervisory Committee are needed to supervise those concerned to abide by the prescribed rules and regulations to ensure the safety and smoothness of the travelers, he pointed out.
Then, members of the Supervisory Committee and the Chairmen of the bus lines running in Yangon Division reported on arrangements being made for operating, passenger cars, trains, ships and flights at the right time and work being carried out for cleaning and greening of bus terminals, stations and ports, and courses on traffic rules held for drivers and conductors of private bus lines running in Yangon Division.
In response to the report, Chairman of the Supervisory Committee Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe made the concluding remarks which brought the meeting to a close.
International Relations
Ambassadors and military attaches view gems exporium
Yangon, 25 Oct - Foreign ambassadors of embassies in Myanmar, diplomats, military attaches and personnel of UN agencies viewed the mid-year Myanma Gems Emporium, organized by the Central Committee for Myanma Gems Emporium, at Myanma Gems Mart on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road from 9 am to 12 noon today. Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Myanma Gems Enterprise welcomed and conducted them round the Emporium.
Wool-knitting machines and nourishing food donated to MMCWA
Yangon, 25 Oct - Japan-based WFWP (Shi-zuoka region) women group donated three wool-knitting machines and US$ 500 worth nourishing food, and Selagaya Asia Project of Japan two wool-knitting machines to Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association at a ceremony held at the multi-purpose hall of the association at the corner of Thanthuma and Parami Roads in South Okkalapa Township this morning.
President of WFWP (Shizuoka region) Mrs Katayama Fumi and party and officials of Selagaya Asia Project presented a total of five wool-knitting machines and nourishing food to the chairperson, the vice-chairperson and secretary Dr Daw Tin Lin Myint of MMCWA who presented certificates of honour to the wellwishers. Chairperson Prof Daw Kyu Kyu Swe spoke words of thanks.
Yangon, 25 Oct - Under the supervision of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism and with the sponsorship of the Ministry of Transport, the cruise liner MS Prinsendam carrying 222 tourists, arranged by Tour Mandalay Co Ltd and Destination Asia of Australia, arrived at Myanmar International Thilawa Terminal this morning.
The tourists visited Yangon, Bago and Mandalay in groups today. They will visit Yangon and Bagan tomorrow. They will tour Yangon on 27 October and the cruise liner will leave here from MITT in the afternoon.
English Proficiency Course concludes
Yangon, 25 Oct - The English Proficiency Course for officers conducted by the Yangon Cooperative Degree College under the Ministry of Cooperatives concluded at the meeting hall of the ministry on Bogyoke Aung San Street this morning, with an address by Minister for Cooperatives Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe.
The minister presented awards to three outstanding trainees; and the deputy director-general of the Cooperative Department, course completion certificates to the trainees. Next, the minister, inspected the Yangon Division GEC shop at the corner of Pansodan and Mahabandoola Streets. Officials of the shop conducted the minister round the shops. Then, the minister gave instructions. Similarly, the minister and party also went to the GEC shop on 36th Street in Kyauktada Township, where officials conducted him round the shop.
Later, the minister and party proceeded to the outlet No 2 of Khayan Cooperative store No 3 Limited, where he inspected and gave instructions. The minister and party also inspected Sanpya Pha-hsa-pa-la cooperative Ltd in Mingala Taungnyunt Township.
Minister meets departmental officials
Yangon, 25 Oct - Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa met with departmental officials, at Thida hall of the Fire Services Department in Mayangon Township this morning.
The minister made a speech on departmental work and the meeting came to a close. Then, the minister inspected the use of electricity in the lecture hall, hostels and office of the Fire Services Training School.
National Day Observance Central Committee meets
Yangon, 25 Oct - The first meeting of the Central Committee for the observance of the 82nd anniversary of the National Day, 2002, was held at the meeting hall of Ministers' Office here this morning.
Chairman of the central committee Minister for Education U Than Aung attended the meeting and made a speech. First, Joint-Secretary (1) of the central committee Director-General of the No 3 Basic Education Department U Tin Win explained the report on observance of the 81st anniversary of the National Day, 2001. Secretary of the central committee Director-General U Bo Win of the Education Planning and Training Department reported on arrangements for the observance of the 82nd anniversary of the National Day, 2002. Members of the central committee also took part in the discussions.
The minister called for the cooperation of local authorities and departments concerned to successfully observe the 82nd anniversary of the National Day, which falls on 29 November, in the respective townships.
Minister inspects factories in Yangon
Yangon, 25 Oct - Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, inspected factories in Mayangon and Hline Townships this morning.
First, the minister inspected production section and the supply system made for the efficient use of electricity in Myanma Umbrella Factory of Myanma General and Maintenance Industries in Hline Township and gave instructions on boosting production and systematic use of electricity. Then, the minister went to No 2 Soap Factory of Myanma Pharmaceutical Industries in the township and inspected the production of soap and storage.
The minister gave instructions on distribution of soap to Win Thuza Shops. Afterwards, the minister proceeded to the Leather Factory of MGMI and inspected cultivation of pepper in the factory compound, wooden barrels in need of repair and wooden barrels made by the factory for treating leather. The minister gave instructions on choosing the site for a new factory.
The minister also inspected No 7 Textile Factory of Myanma Textile Industries and No 1 Enamel Ware Factory of MGMI in Mayangon Township and gave instructions on quality control measures and efficient use of electricity.
Minister inspects factories in Yangon
Yangon, 25 Oct - Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, inspected factories in Mayangon and Hline Townships this morning.
First, the minister inspected production section and the supply system made for the efficient use of electricity in Myanma Umbrella Factory of Myanma General and Maintenance Industries in Hline Township and gave instructions on boosting production and systematic use of electricity. Then, the minister went to No 2 Soap Factory of Myanma Pharmaceutical Industries in the township and inspected the production of soap and storage.
The minister gave instructions on distribution of soap to Win Thuza Shops. Afterwards, the minister proceeded to the Leather Factory of MGMI and inspected cultivation of pepper in the factory compound, wooden barrels in need of repair and wooden barrels made by the factory for treating leather. The minister gave instructions on choosing the site for a new factory.
The minister also inspected No 7 Textile Factory of Myanma Textile Industries and No 1 Enamel Ware Factory of MGMI in Mayangon Township and gave instructions on quality control measures and efficient use of electricity.
Regional development, agriculture, livestock breeding tasks inspected in Yangon North District
Yangon, 25 Oct - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, inspected the tasks for regional development, agriculture and livestock breeding in Yangon North District and gave instructions to officials this morning.
First, the commander and party arrived at the work site of the Kalihtaw dam construction project near Pyinmadaw village in Hlegu Township, Yangon North District, at 9 am. There they were welcomed by Col Tin Tun of Phugyi Station, Deputy Director U Myo Lwin of Yangon Division Irrigation Department and officials. The project is being conducted by Yangon Division Irrigation Department. At the briefing hall, Director of Yangon Division Irrigation Department U Kyaw Thien reported to the commander on matters related to the initial implementation of the Kalihtaw dam construction project, work being done with heavy machinery, earth work to be finished in November and tasks to be completed.
After hearing the reports, the commander gave instructions, saying that the Head of State issued guideline on the Kalihtaw dam project to supply with irrigated water the Yangon Division Agriculture and Poultry Farming Zone near Nyaunghnapin village, Hmawby Township, and that vigorous efforts are to be made for the dam to meet set standard. Then, the commander and party inspected the work site and gave instructions. With the water storage capacity of 26,000 acre feet, the Kalihtaw dam is of earthen type, measuring 3,500 feet long and 65 feet high.
The dam has a reinforced conduit which is 280 feet long, four feet wide and six feet high, and also a reinforced spillway which is 10 feet wide. On completion, the dam will be able to supply 10,437 acres of the zone with irrigated water. Next, the commander and party arrived at Hmawbysan Hall of the special zone-1, where they were welcomed by Hmawby Station Commander Lt-Col Aung Than Tun, Chairman of the supervisory committee for the special zone Commissioner of Yangon Division General Administration Department U Thein Swe and officials.
At the briefing hall, U Thein Swe reported to the commander on cultivation of vegetables in the special zone, and condition of roads and drains. Officials from zone-1, 2 and 3 also reported on progress in cultivation of vegetables in livestock breeding work being conducted by their respective zones. Then, officials of the Myanma Posts and Telecommunications and the Myanma Electric Power Enterprise reported on installation of telephone exchange lines, installation of transformers and wiring in the zone. National agriculture and livestock breeding entrepreneurs also made reports on their work being done in the zone and requirements.
The commander then gave instructions on making efforts till the achievement of success. Later, the commander and party inspected the vegetable plantations in the special zone-1 from the tower and left instructions. Ministries and national farming entrepreneurs are growing vegetables in the Yangon Division Agriculture and Poultry Farming Special Zone.
In this open season, 2,950 acres of land have been put under cultivation. Altogether 730,000 layers and broilers have been bred and over 500,000 broilers sold. 500 acres of fish pond have been dug and over 600,000 fingerlings bred.
ISD martial art contest opened
Yangon, 25 Oct - An opening ceremony of the 19th Inter State and Division martial art contest was held at the gymnasium of Aung San stadium this morning.
Rakhine State, Yangon Division and Kachin State teams, last year's champions, returned the championship shields to Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint. Later, the minister attended a second four-monthly work coordination meeting 2002 of the Ministry of Sports at Ruby Hall of the national gymnasium-1 at 9 am and spoke on the occasion. Officials reported to the minister on tasks being carried out in their respective states and divisions and future tasks.
The directors-general, deputy directors-general and directors then made additional reports. After hearing the reports, the minister attended to the needs and the meeting came to an end with concluding remarks of the minister.
Culture
Yangon, 25 Oct - The last day competition of Ramayana Drama of the Tenth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions, that highlights the high tradition and national prestige of Myanmar citizens, took place at the National Theatre on Myomakyaung Street in Dagon Township this evening.
Leader of the panel of judges U Tin Tun Oo and members supervised the contests. As the Ramayana Drama contest programme has concluded, marionette troupes from states and divisions will take part in the Thuwunnathama Drama marionette contest, which will start at the National Theatre tomorrow evening. Tawwin marionette troupe comprising the artistes of Yangon University of Culture, will give its performance on that day.
Tenth Myanmar Traditional Cultural performing Arts Competitions continue
Yangon, 25 Oct - The 10th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions continued for the seventh day at the respective venues today.
The singing contest of the 10th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions continued at the National Museum on Pyay Road, Dagon Township, at 9 am. Chairperson of the Panel of Judges Assistant Director (Music) of Myanma Radio and Television Daw Tin Tin Mya, Secretary Assistant Engineer Daw May Pyone Khaing and members supervised the contest. Altogether 15 contestants took part in the amateur level men's classical song contest and 16 contests, at basic education level girls' (aged 5-10) classical song contest.
Amateur level men's classical and modern song contest and higher education level women's religious song contest will be held at the same venue tomorrow. The marionette contest was held at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Road at 9 am. Chairman of the Panel of Judges U Ye Dwe and members supervised the contest. Altogether 22 contest took part in the amateur level marionette contest.
The professional level men's and women's piano contests and basic education level girls' (aged 10 to 15) piano contest continues at the same venue tomorrow. The contestants of the amateur level composing contest of states and divisions continued practicing singing their songs at the Pantra Kyaung of the Fine Arts Department on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road in Bahan Township this morning.
Chairman of the Panel of Judges Bogalay U Tint Aung and members supervised the practicing. The practicing of the contestants of the professional level composing contest will be held at the same venue tomorrow. The do bat contest continued at Padomma Theatre in Sangyoung Township this morning. Leader of the Panel of Judges U Sein Ba Maw and party supervised the contest.
Altogether six teams took part in the higher education level men's dobat contest and six teams, at basic education level men's (aged 15 to 20) do bat contest. The professional level men's and women's, basic education level women's (aged 15 to 20) and basic education boys' (aged 10 to 15) harp contests continued at the same venue tomorrow.
The xylophone contest continued at Kanbawza Theatre of the Fine Arts Department on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road in Bahan Township this morning. Leader of the Panel of Judges U Yi Ywe and members supervised the contest. A total of 12 contestants participated in the professional level men's xylophone contest and eight contestants, at higher education level women's xylophone contest.
The professional level, the higher education level and the basic education level boys' and girls' (aged 10 to 15) xylophone contests continue at the same venue tomorrow.
Press Conference held on 2002 Mid-Year Gems Emporium
Yangon, 25 Oct - Members of Public Relations and Information Committee Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, of dailies previewed the Mid-year Gems Emporium for 2002 held by the Central Committee for Myanma Gems Emporium at the Myanma Gems Mart on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road here this afternoon.
On arrival, the newsmen were welcomed by Chairman of the Central Committee Deputy Minister for Mines U Myint Thein, Secretary Managing Director of Myanma Gems Enterprise U Khin Oo and members and conducted round the ground floor displaying gems, jade figurines and jewellery to be sold at fixed price, private gems shops and mosaic shops, the environs of the mart displaying various kinds of uncut jade, the third floor displaying gems lots and pearl lots to be sold through competitive bidding.
Then, Chairman of the Central Committee Deputy Minister U Myint Thein held a press briefing on the emporium. First, the deputy minister made a speech. He said that jade and gems of high quality will be sold at this Mid-year Gems Emporium, adding altogether 510 companies from 28 countries have been invited. So far 191 gems merchants of 80 companies from 28 countries have replied that they would attend the emporium. In the previous gems emporia, some gem merchants from Hong Kong and China did not reply but attended them.
It is estimated that over 300 gem merchants will attend this gem emporium, he said. At this mid-year Gems Emporium, 1,041 lots of jade with the reserve price of US$ 10.44 million; 194 lots of gem lots with the reserve price of US$ 12.71 million; 171 lots of pearl with the reserve price of US$ 1.12 million totalling 1,406 lots of gems, jade and pearl with reserve price of US$ 24.27 million will be on sale. In addition, 12,551 items of gems, jewellery and jade figurines worth US$ 1.12 million will also be sold at fixed prices.
Next, Public Relations and Information Committee member Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein made introductory speech. In replying to the queries raised by the foreign and local journalists, Deputy Minister U Myint Thein, Managing Director U Khin Oo and officials said the significance of the emporium is the display of two imperial jade pieces. The lot A is a 69-kilo stone and the lot B a 89-kilo one. They will be sold through sealed tender system. The tenders are to be dropped at 5 pm on 31 October the latest. The MGE is supervising the sale of private owned gem and jade at the interim emporiums, and fixing the prices for the gem and jade lots which left unsold at the emporiums. Efforts are being made for the Myanmar pearl to penetrate the world market. As oyster hatching can be conducted successfully, Myanmar is producing more quality pearl than ever. Thus, quality pearl lots are on display at the emporium.
The emporium is being telecast and also shown on the Internet. The merchants will inspect gems, jade and pearl lots from 26 to 28 October; the jade lots will be sold under tender system from 29 to 31 October; gems lots on 1 November; and pearl lots on 2 November every day from 9 am to 5 pm.
Sport
Yangon, 25 Oct - The opening ceremony of the Myanmar Police Force Director-General's Cup boxing championship was held at the Hline gymnasium on Insein Road this afternoon, attended by Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing.
The contestants saluted the MPF director-general who made an opening speech. Altogether 20 teams from the MPF headquarters, battalions and units and training schools of the states and divisions of MPF are participating in the championship which will last till 31 October.
Drug
Ephedrine powder and stimulant tablets seized
Yangon, 25 Oct - A combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and local police force, acting on information, searched the house of Win Tun of Myoma Ward, Pinlebu Township, on 16 October and seized 32.8219 kilos of Ephedrine powder.
Similarly, a combined team consisting of local intelligence unit and Lashio Special Anti-drug Squad, acting on a tip-off, searched Wan Ar Lon on San Kaung Road in Ward-2, Lashio, on 19 October and seized 19,500 stimulant tablets. On further investigation, Wan Yi Sein was also arrested together with 1,285 stimulant tablets. Action is being taken against them under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by the police station concerned
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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