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Headlines
Seized narcotic drugs, precursor chemicals and poppy seeds destroyed in Lashio, Shan State (Norrth)
RegionGeneral Khin Nyunt looks into border area development tasks
Lt-Gen Ye Myint meets national entrepreneurs in Magway
Chairman of Dry Day Supervisory Committee supervises inspection teams
Tatmadawmen and local people entertained
Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe tours model villages in Kyauktan Township
Sport
Secretary-1 honours victorious Myanmar athletes of XIV Asian Games
Religion
Lt-Gen Ye Myint pays obeisance to Sayadaws of monasteries in Magway
International Relations
U Tin Latt accredited to Mauritius
Myanmar film delegation arrives back
Culture
Thuwunnathama Marionette Contest continues
Tenth Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions go on for 9th day
Economic
SPOTLIGHT
Headlines
Seized narcotic drugs, precursor chemicals and poppy seeds destroyed in Lashio, Shan State (Norrth)
Poppy seeds destroyed could have grown on about 100,000 acres with expected yield of 43 tons of opiumYangon,, 27 Oct - The second ceremony to destroy narcotic drugs, precursor chemicals and poppy seeds seized in Shan State (North), organized by the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control, was held at the sports ground in Lashio, Shan State (North), at 4 pm on 25 October, attended by Chairman of the Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.
Members of Lashio Township USDA Daw Than Than Htay and Daw Shwe Aye acted as masters of ceremonies. First, Commander Brig-Gen Myint Hlaing made a speech. In his speech, he said the first ceremony to destroy seized narcotic drugs and poppy seeds was held at the Lashio Sports Ground on 7 June 2002 and the present was the second time. It is known to all that Myannar had been under the colonial rule and due to divide-and-rule policy, the internal insurgency occurred after regaining the independence and due to the evil legacy of the colonialists, cultivation of poppy has existed.
The Government in cooperation with the entire national people has been making relentless and sustained efforts in preventing the scourge of narcotic drugs, the evil legacy but some countries which could not bear to see the national development and peace and tranquility are turning a blind eye to the authentic facts and have been manufacturing fabrications concerning narcotic drugs with the use of media to tarnish the image of Tatmadaw and the people in the eyes of international community. The entire national people, hand in hand with the Government, have been making resolute efforts in narcotic drug eradication. Due to relentless efforts of the national races and measures taken by the national race leaders out of goodwill for prevention of narcotic drug and reducing of poppy production, the farmers have handed over their poppy seeds and poppy bulbs, thus contributing to destruction of poppy seeds.
The Government is making efforts with added momentum for eradication of narcotic drug as well as cultivation of poppy-substitute crops, and considerable assistance was provided to the farmers who earned their living by growing poppy in the past. As a result, K 42.5 million has been spent on cultivation of poppy-substitute crops.
In accord with the guidance of the Head of State and under the supervision of the command and Shan State Peace and Development Council, efforts are being made with the help of the ministry concerned for distributing poppy-substitute crops to farmers and land reclamation has been carried out for cultivation of pigeon peas, tea, coffee, thus further contributing to boosting their income and enhancing their living standard. Similarly, in livestock breeding sector, efforts are being made for breeding of pigs, poultry and keeping bees up to commercial scale after setting up large farms and technology has been disseminated and quality strains distributed to national organizations and local farmers.
The narcotic drugs, poppy seeds, precursor chemicals and paraphernalia to be destroyed today are 2712.5 Pyi of poppy seeds, 35256 Pyi of dry opium bulbs, 4487 kilos of heroin, 383.18 kilos of raw opium, 3 kilos of morphine powder. 16.33 kilos of opium residue, two kilos of stimulant tablets, 8.7 kilos of stimulant tablet powder, 115 kilos of ephedrine, 3, 530.76 litres of chemical liquid, 7,089 items used in shredding poppy, 65 items used in consuming opium and other paraphernalia. The commander expressed his firm belief that measures could have to be taken in turing the Shan State (North) into the drug free region based on combined efforts of the State, the entire national people and the national race leaders enlisting the strength of the Tatmadaw in response to the goodwill of the Head of State.
Minister Col Thein Nyunt delivered an address. He said I believe that the occasion today is significant and will remain as a milestone in the history of Myanmar's efforts to combat narcotic drugs. The unscrupulous elements have made attempts to have a long existence of the internal insurgency and poppy cultivation, the two evil legacies of the colonialists. In addition, they have been encouraging external encroachments, that contributed to production of narcotic drugs. After the Tatmadaw Government took over the State power in 1988, the policy of national unity was laid down stressing priority in national solidarity, development of the border areas and the national races.
As a result of realizing the Government's objectives with sincere intentions, 17 armed groups have returned to the legal fold. This unprecedented success laid open for the first time in the post-independence period, opportunities and success to all round development programmes in the entire country and fulfillment of the basic needs of the inhabitants of the border regions. Since peace and stability was established, access to far-flung and remote places made possible to carry out prevention and suppression of opium production. As a result of the changing situation, it can be said that narcotic drugs will be eliminated gradually, if the regions will develop.
In accordance with the changing situation, the Head of State laid down the two strategies for narcotic drugs elimination in Myanmar, - to designate narcotic drug eradication and prevention as a national responsibility and to carry out this responsibility with added momentum; and - to gradually eliminate poppy cultivation by raising the standard of living of the national races in the border areas. The drug problems of Myanmar are not only dependent on and inter-related with stability, peace, development and solidarity among the national races but also combined with the regional development, education, health and social development, and development of the life of the inhabitants of the regions.
As the eradication of drugs has been carried out focusing on the development of fundamental needs and infrastructure development, the local inhabitants and ethnic groups realizing the sincere intentions of the Government have fully cooperated with the programmes. Mongla Special Region-4 in the Eastern Shan State, emerged as an opium free zone in April, 1997 and this stands testimony to this successful cooperation. Acknowledging the Government's sincere efforts, the leaders of the national race groups have joined hands with the government in constructing roads, bridges, canals, dams, hydro-power stations and communications stations as the fundamental items to develop the border region and the national races as well as development of opium-substitute crops cultivation, livestock breeding, education, health sectors and educative courses with a view to strengthening solidarity and unity among the ethnic brethren.
While educating the farmers to grow opium- substitute crops instead of poppy, substitute crops seeds that are appropriate to the areas and climate are distributed for cultivation on the other hand. On realizing the sincere intention of the Government, the opium farmers, on their own accord, have come up voluntarily to hand over poppy seeds and bulbs that have kept for the next season. To date, 61,323 pyis of poppy seeds and dried 78,505 pyis of poppy bulbs in Shan State (North), 8,908 pyis of poppy seeds in Shan State (South), 864.699 pyis of poppy seeds and nine pyis of dried poppy bulbs in Shan State (East), 23.44 pyis of poppy seeds in Kayah State, 2,013 pyis of poppy seeds in Mandalay Division, 53.875 pyis of poppy seeds in Kachin State, totalling 78,736.764 pyis of poppy seeds and 19,749.75 pyis of dried poppy bulbs have been voluntarily presented to the authorities. A total of 98,486.514 pyis of poppy seeds that would be changed from dried poppy bulbs were surrendered. In this way, such quantity of seeds that would be grown in over 98,486.514 acres of land and production of opium 43.34 tons have been prevented.
The local populace has been active not only in crop substitution and alternative development activities but also in law enforcement activities like collecting information, investigation and destruction. In Laukkai region, they have formed drug suppression teams on their own and from 1st to 15th of April 2002, a total of 52 paraphernalia was discovered and seized from the valleys and mountains. In addition, 41 kilos of heroin was seized in Wa region during the period between July and September 2002. It is the indication that the local residents had been fully cooperating with the Government. With regard to drugs control, Myanmar has been cooperating very closely with neighbouring countries as well as countries in the sub-regions and region.
As per bilateral cooperation, Myanmar and China under the cross-border cooperation project, liaison offices have been opened Lweje on the 31st October 2000 and in Chin Shwe Haw on the 11th March 2001 respectively. For improvement of Myanmar-China Narcotic Drugs Elimination Cooperation, NNCC of the People's Republic of China donated 11 tons of potato seeds, 600 kilos of Chinese-pea and 400 kilos of green pea for opium-substitute cultivation programme in Shan State Special Region-1, Kokang Region in Laukkai, on 15 October 2002 under the arrangements of Public Security Minister Jia Chunwang of the People's Republic of China and Chairman of CCDAC Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing.
In addition, within 2001-2002, Myanmar handed over drug traffickers wanted in China for nine times. Documents were handed over once. In this regard, 13 drug culprits and two drug traffickers seized were handed over to China by Wa on their own arrangements. Such events have clearly proved that Myanmar is very serious and deeply taking part in combating drugs. International media has picked up such incidents. The above presentation in the efforts and success of drug control covers only some of the activities on drugs elimination and the standing of our country.
In conclusion, I would like to express here that this second Destruction Ceremony to destroy the poppy seeds, seized drugs, chemicals and paraphernalia seized in Lashio and Laukkai regions, Shan State (North), clearly indicates the result of the commitment and full cooperation of the local inhabitants. If the local inhabitants take part in and show enthusiasm in this sort of cooperation, I am fully confident the drug scourge threatening the whole mankind will not find a place on the soil of Myanmar.
Then, the Secretary-1 and party, guests and national race leaders viewed the drugs, poppy seeds and precursor chemicals to be destroyed in the sports ground.
Afterwards, the Secretary-1, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe, the commander, the minister, national race leaders, who returned to the legal fold, Mr Tomomitsu Iwakura and Professor Akio Ujihara took positions at the designated places and pressed the buttons to set fire to the drugs.
Those present also took part in destruction drugs. Then, the Secretary-1 and party and guests viewed the drugs being ablaze. The Secretary-1 and party and guests observed the documentary photos on activities of narcotic drug elimination in Shan State (North) and the ceremony came to an end.
The drugs destroyed at the ceremony were 2,712.5 pyis of poppy seeds, 35,256 pyis of dried poppy bulbs (18,822.77 kilos), 44.87 kilos of heroin, 383.18 kilos of raw opium, three kilos of morphine, two kilos of stimulant tablets, 8.70 kilos of stimulant power, 115 kilos of Ephedrine, 16.33 kilos of opium residue, 120 kilos of acetic anhydride, 883.85 litres of ethyl ether, 727.36 litres of ethyl, four litres of hydrochloric acid, 90.80 litres of phenyl, 1,704 litres of sulphuric acid, 60 kilos of sodium carbonate and 13 kinds of related materials. Altogether 18,823 kilos of poppy seeds destroyed today can be put 11,526 acres of land under poppy cultivation and if refined, five tons of heroin with the face value of US$ 1,070 million can be obtained.
Region
General Khin Nyunt looks into border area development tasks
Yangon, 27 Oct - Chairman of the Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt, left for Lashio, Shan State (North) by special flight and arrived there at 10 am on 25 October.
At the hall of Lashio airport, Commander Brig-Gen Myint Hlaing and Managing Director of Asia World Co Ltd U Tun Myint Naing reported to the General on extension of the runway and progress in construction of the new building of the airport. Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe presented a supplementary report. After giving necessary instructions, the General inspected the earth works being carried out with the use of heavy machinery for extension of the runway. The General and party proceeded to Shweli Yeiktha of North-East Command in Lashio and viewed the display of samples of Hsinshweli hybrid maize strain of Bonmon plantation.
Afterwards, the General and party, arrived in Mongton in Mongton Township, Kyaukme District.Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee General Khin Nyunt attended the ceremony to open multimedia classrooms of Mongton Basic Education High School held at the hall of the school in the afternoon.
Schoolhead U Win Naing and Chairman of School Board of Trustees U Nyi Sein formally opened the multimedia classrooms of the school.
General Khin Nyunt unveiled the billboard of the school. After that, the Secretary-1 and party looked around the computer skill room, language lab and computer aided instruction room and inspected the study of the students there. They also inspected domestic science room and drawing room.
After the Secretary-1 enjoyed the skill demonstrations of the students. He was reported by Chairman of Kyaukme District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Maung Maung Kyi on facts about of Mongton and tasks for rice sufficiency, education, health care tasks, condition of transportation in the region and extension of roads.
Then, national race leader U Aik Mone reported to the General on regional development tasks and requirements.
The ministers and deputy ministers briefed the Secretary-1 on tasks for transportation and communication, hydel-power project, growing of poppy-substitute crop and extension of sown acreage. Then the ceremony to open multimedia classrooms of Mongton BEHS was held at the hall of the school. Schoolhead U Win Naing explained the arrangements for nurturing the students to be well-versed all round using the multimedia classrooms. Chairman of School Board of Trustees U Nyi Sein reported to the General on efforts for opening the multimedia classrooms.
Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt presented a TV set, a video deck, and teaching and learning tapes for the school to national race leader U Aik Mone.
The commander also presented K 5 million and 200 chairs worth K 500,000 donated by the North East command for the school; Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, a computer set donated by the Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races; national race leader U Aik Mon, K 4.7 million; Managing Director U Tun Myint Naing, K 1 million; and Kyaukme District Chairman Lt-Col Maung Maung Kyi, K 1.5 million donated by wellwishers in Kyaukme district in Mongtong Township to Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt.
The General then presented one set of school uniform for each teacher and 1,236 dozens of exercise books and 206 dozens of pencils purchased from the funds donated to the MEC Chairman. He also presented gifts to service personnel of the township.
In his address, the Secretary-1 said, he and his party arrived there to attend to the needs for regional development and improvement of socio-economy of the local people under a separate programme. Arrangements are being made to upgrade the Mongtong-Momeik road and Mongtong-Monwee road to be serviceable in all seasons. Moreover, arrangements have been made for land reclamation for rapid social and economic development and local rice sufficiency, setting up of tea and coffee plantations, communication and power supply, he said.
Arrangements are also made for construction of new school buildings, upgrading of primary school and Mongtong hospital, Manna Khomon and Namhaing rural health centres, he added. In the past, Mongtong was merely a village and with the restoration of peace and tranquility after 1988, the Government and the national race leaders collectively made efforts and Mongtong has been turned into a town with offices, markets, hospital, school, etc. The national races residing in the Union are the national brethren and the State leaders are making tours to the grass root levels for ensuring equitable development of all the regions.
The Secretary-1 continued to say that during his last tour of Mongtong last year, he fulfilled the needs for constructing new school building and opening multimedia classrooms of Mongtong BEHS. Now, the multimedia classrooms have been successfully opened in the school today and the students are making use of the multimedia facilities.
Arrangements are made to nurture the youths of respective regions to enable them to strive for development of their regions. As the region has become peaceful, the Government can make endeavors for uplifting the socio-economic lives of the regional people.
Hence, Mongtong has achieved all-round development. It is incumbent upon the all the national brethren to strive for ensuring harmonious and proportionate development of all the regions in the Union, observed the Secretary-1.
After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party went to the construction site of Mongtong-Moelo-Momeik road. Commander Brig-Gen Myint Hlaing and Superintending Engineer of Shan State (North) Public Works U Kyaw Min Thein reported on the work progress. The Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions. He also presented gifts of honour to Tatmadaw members and officials of regional battalion and Public Works. He also met with Tatmadawmen who were participating in the road construction. The Secretary-1 and party arrived back in Lashio in the evening.
The Secretary-1 later attended the second destruction ceremony of seized narcotic drugs, precursor chemicals and poppy seeds. At night, he visited and paid homage to the Maha Myat Muni Buddha Image in Lashio. He offered gold foils to the Image and made cash donations.
The Secretary-1 and party then arrived back in Shweli Yeiktha of Lashio. Yesterday morning, the Secretary-1 and party left Lashio by car and arrived at highland farming and 300-acre poppy-substitute crops cultivation project of North-East Command along Lashio-Hsenwi road at 6 am.
At the briefing hall there, the Secretary-1 was reported on the work progresses by Commander Brig-Gen Myint Hlaing, Head of Shan State Forest Department U Khin Maung Oo and Manager of Shan State Myanma Agriculture Service U Hla Gyi. Lt-Gen Aung Htwe made a supplementary report. The Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions and inspected round the farm. The Secretary-1 and party proceeded to Khaungkha Myothit of Kutkai Township.
The Secretary-1 attended the ceremony to enshrine relics in upper reliquary and to hoist Shwehtidaw atop Maha Dhammayanthi Yan Aung Pagoda in Khaungkha Myothit yesterday morning. Later, the Secretary-1 and party attended the opening ceremony of the 16-bed station hospital in Khaungkha Myothit.
First, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt formally unveiled the signboard of the station hospital. Additional Head of the Shan State (North) Health Department Dr Nyunt Win Myint and Yataik Co Ltd Managing Director U Law Htair formally opened the station hospital.
Next, the Secretary-1 and party inspected round the hospital. The Secretary-1 also presented medicines and medical equipment to U Mahtu Naw. Next, the Secretary-1 and party proceeded to 300-acre highland farming and 300-acre poppy-substitute crops cultivation project site of Special Region-5.
Commander Brig-Gen Myint Hlaing and Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen Khin Maung reported to the General on land reclamation, growing of pigeon pea on 180 acres of land, Soya bean on 80 acres of land, buckwheat on 40 acres of land, Chinsawka on 30 acres of land, coffee plants on 8 acres of land and tea plants on 60 acres of land, construction of Kaungkha dam for water supply, arrangements for growing of pepper, orange and others.
The Secretary-1 said Kaungkha region has fertile soil and land reclamation is to be done on 500 acres. Arrangements are to be made for setting up an ideal land reclamation camp and to test growing of pepper, orange and fibre crops, and if they grow well, cultivation is to be extended, he pointed out. Then, the General and party inspected thriving tea and pigeon pea plantations. The Secretary-1 went to the guest house in Kaungkha Myothit where he received national race leader U Mahtu Naw and members. After fulfilling the needs of the national race leader, the General presented gifts to him.
After that, the General and party headed for Shweli hydel-power project near Monsat Village in Namkham Township. At the briefing hall, the Secretary-1 was reported by Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut and Director-General of Hydel-power Department U Win Kyaw on construction tasks for Shweli hydel-power project, installation of power lines and arrangements for supplying electricity, generation of 3,042 kilo watt hours of electricity.
The Secretary-1 gave instructions on fully utilizing of water resource in producing electricity. Next, Managing Director U Tun Myint Naing reported to the Secretary-1 on building of a new road for Shweli hydel-power project. After giving necessary instructions, the Secretary-1 presented gifts a fruit basket to Chairman of YMEC Mr Feng Ke. Then, General Khin Nyunt heard reports by Chairman Mr Feng Ke on data of the project, survey and findings and works for the project.
The Secretary-1 spoke of the need to make cooperation with departments. Assistance will be rendered for rapid implementation of the project, he added. Next, the Secretary-1 inspected the chosen site for construction of regulating dam to be built across Shweli river. He then arrived at Muse where he was welcomed by district/township Peace and Development Councils members, departmental officials, members of USDA, social organizations and others.
General Khin Nyunt met local authorities and departmental officials at Shweli Yadana Yeiktha hall in Muse. First, Muse District Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col Soe Win reported matters on monsoon and summer paddy cultivations and productions, the yield of Hsinshweli paddy strain, regional self-sufficiency of rice and accomplishments as regards the instructions of the Secretary-1 during his previous tour. Border Trade Department Director Lt-Col Saw Hla Tun reported matters on border trade. Major Kyi Zin of No 4 border region immigration control company reported matters on export/ import inspections, immigration and collection of revenues and others.
Next, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone reported matters on border trade systems and points for service personnel to abide by in border areas. The Secretary-1 gave an address. In his address, he said that he together with Lt-Gen Aung Htwe, ministers, deputy ministers and departmental officials toured there to provide necessary assistance.
The Secretary-1 continued to say that he and his party the other day fulfilled the requirements for education, health, social, economic and transportation sectors in Mantong of Shan State (North) Special Region-7. Myanmar and China have had a long tradition of friendship as good neighbours since a long long time, he observed. Cooperations between the two countries are being made in economic and construction sectors. The border trade with China is the highest one among those with other neighbours.
The service personnel, social organizations and local people of the border area are to make efforts for further enhancing the friendship between the two countries, he said. Myanmar and China are also cooperating actively in eliminating the dangers of narcotic drugs. Drug criminals who were absconding were also handed over between the two countries.
He urged officials to raise the momentum so far gained in drug control activities. Bilateral trade and regular trade between the two countries should be carried out more extensively between the two countries in line with the rules and regulations concerned, he said. In accord with the guidance of the Head of State, five rural development tasks are being implemented in the country and departmental officials are to pay serious attention on the implementation of the five rural tasks, he said. He also spoke of the need to practise thrift in utilizing funds, electricity and fuel.
Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the Kyaigaung camp of border gate in Muse. Next, the Secretary-1 and party arrived Shwe Nandaw traveling centre where Managing Director U Kyi Myint of the centre reported matters on visits of tourists. The Secretary-1 and party also inspected construction sites of Hsinbyu new market and Ngwehsin advance housing projects. In the evening, they arrived back in Lashio and stopped for the night at Shweli Yeiktha.
The Secretary-1 and party today inspected development tasks in Lashio and Mongye. Then, they left Lashio and arrived back in Yangon in the evening.
Lt-Gen Ye Myint meets national entrepreneurs in Magway
Yangon, 27 Oct - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence, discussed matters related to promotion of agricultural sector in Magway Division at the city hall in Magway yesterday morning.
First, Lt-Gen Ye Myint made a speech. Col Zaw Min reported on agricultural production of Magway Division, cultivation of kitchen crops on alluvial lands in 20 townships in the division and arrangements for permitting national entrepreneurs to cultivate crops on fallow and virgin lands in the division. Director of the Settlement and Land Records Department U Myint Swe reported on allotment of fellow and virgin land in the division to national entrepreneurs; and officials of companies undertaking land reclamation work including Golden Star, SI, Olympic, Myanmar Billion Group, Yuzana, Asia World, Dagon International and Shwe Family, on receiving land reclamation permits, work done, cultivation of crops in reclaimed land and requirements.
In his speech Lt-Gen Ye Myint said that the division was one of the six major divisions in the economic sector of the state. Taninthayi Divison, the oil bowl of the country, could manage to exceed the target in producing oil crops and pulses and beans. But the paddy input did not still meet the local rice sufficiency. Dams and reservoirs, roads and bridges, universities, colleges and airports had been constructed in the division. Ayeyawady Bridge (Magway) is one of the major bridges in the division. It was the result of implementation of the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe construction of bridges and cultivation of crops everywhere in the country. In response to the gratitude of the state, local people were to strive for the regional development with added momentum. He then spoke of the need for local authorities and people to make concerted efforts for extended cultivation of paddy for local rice sufficiency, extended cultivation of cotton and crops on alluvial lands. He also urged the national entrepreneurs to grow crops on all the vacant land.
Then, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party proceeded to Ayeyawady Bridge (Magway) linking Phaya Koehsugon of Htoutsherbin Village in Minbu Township and Aung Mingalar road in Magway. Deputy Superintending Engineer of Public Works U Kyaw Naing reported on construction of approach roads and the main bridge, tarring of the approach roads, finishing touches and future tasks. Then, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected arrangements for the pandal for the opening ceremony, construction of a roundabout and the approach way in Magway, tarring of the road on the bridge and completion of pedestrian lanes and approach road.
Then, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party arrived on the bank of Minbu and inspected the roundabout of Minbu-Magway and Minbu-Minhla roads. Lt-Gen Ye Myint gave instructions on completion of finishing touches as soon as possible. At 1 pm, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party arrived at Shwetabin new town in Minbu, where Minbu District Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col Tin Maung Win reported on developing the new town.
The new town is situated near Tabin Village, south of Minbu, and 109 80-foot square plots have bee allotted, including 86 first class plots, 23 second class plots and 18 third class plots. Arrangements have been made to develop another 18 plots for industries. A highway bus terminal is also included in the town.
Then, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected the construction of the bus terminal with 20 buildings and gave necessary instructions.
Chairman of Dry Day Supervisory Committee supervises inspection teams
Yangon, 27 Oct - Chairman of Dry Day Supervisory Committee Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Lt-Gen Min Thein and member of the committee leader of the group-2 Deputy Minister for Energy U Tin Tun in two groups supervised the dry day inspection teams in Yangon City this morning.
The dry day inspection teams comprising members of Defence Services provost units, Myanmar Police Force and Traffic Police checked the departmental vehicles bringing along dry day pass of vehicles from departments concerned, holding of driving licence and wheel tax and wearing of department uniforms in accord with the disciplines at the main points in the city from 7 am to 5 pm.
At the respective venues, Chairman of Dry Day Supervisory Committee Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Lt-Gen Min Thein, member of the committee leader of the group-2 Deputy Minister for Energy U Tin Tun, committee members Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo, Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu, Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Brig-Gen Khin Yi, Vice-Provost Marshal of Defence Services Col Saw Lwin, Secretary Deputy Director-General U Sein Hla of the Government Office and officials supervised the inspection tasks.
The inspection teams checked not only the departmental vehicles used on the dry day but also those violating traffic rules.
Tatmadawmen and local people entertained
Yangon, 27 Oct -Under the arrangement of the Directorate of Public Relations and Psychological Warfare, the Ministry of Defence, mobile public relations units are giving entertainment to the national races in states and divisions and Tatmadawmen for their rest and recreation. No 4 Mobile Public Relations Unit entertained the Tatmadawmen with music, comedy, magic show and anyeint thabin at the hall of Southern Command on 23 and 24 October.
Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe tours model villages in Kyauktan Township
Yangon, 27 Oct - Vice-Chairperson of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, went to Kyauktan Township this morning and met with MCWA members of model villages.
At 8 am, Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe arrived at Pandaw Model Village and inspected the drinking water pond. At Pandaw Model Village BEPS, they met with MCWA members and explained undertakings of five rural development tasks, implementation of MCWA tasks laid down by the State, tasks of village MCWA members in building the model village, pursuing of vocational training courses, self-reliant agriculture and livestock breeding tasks and school enrolment of school going-age children.
Then, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe presented stationery and nourishment for Pandaw Model Village Day-nursery School; magazines and journals for the library; and seeds of crops for MCWA members to Village Branch Secretary Daw Than Than Shwe. Officials reported on tasks being carried out by the model village MCWA. Next, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party arrived at Padagyi Model Village and met with MCWA members.
Then, donations of MMCWA were presented to Village Branch Chairperson Daw Khin Soe. Officials reported on works undertaken by the village MCWA. Afterwards, they viewed the library of Padagyi Model Village BEPS and attended to their needs. At Myaingthaya Advanced Model Village BEMS, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe met with MCWA members of the village and explained efforts to be made for development of the region. Then, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe presented donations to Village Branch Chairperson Daw Thida Hla.
Next, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe heard reports on undertakings of the village MCWA branch.Vice-Chairman-2 Dr Kyi Soe explained success achieved in undertaking health care services with participation of MCWA members joining hands with the Ministry of Health.
Sport
Secretary-1 honours victorious Myanmar athletes of XIV Asian Games
Yangon, 27 Oct - A ceremony to present honorary prizes to the athletes, who participated in the XIV Asian Games held in Busan, the Republic of Korea, from 29 September to 14 October, was held at Myayeiknyo Royal Hotel this evening.
Chairman of the Myanmar National Olympic Council Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt addressed the ceremony and presented prizes to the winners.
First, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt arrived at the Myayeiknyo Royal Hotel at 7 pm and was welcomed there by the victorious athletes. Then, the ceremony was held at Bayintnaung hall. Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt made a speech.
In his address, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt said that the Government at present has been making systematic efforts for enhancing the standard of the national sports and enabling the Myanmar athletes to win victories in the South East Asian and Asian Games. In addition, the entire national people had been encouraging Myanmar atheltes in the hope that the latter would achieve success in the South East Asian and Asian Games, he noted. In such time, the Myanmar athletes have made success in the XIV Asian Games winning medals and the State, on behalf of the people, has to honors the athletes.
The Government, the people, the sports enthusiasts and the sports fans have been making efforts to regain the previous status in the South East Asian and Asian level and then reach the international level by promoting the standard of Myanmar Sports. With such efforts, the athletes have gained success to a certain extent owing to close supervision of the respective sports federations, encouragement of the public and their intensive training with diligence. The successes have been made in the South East Asian and Asian Games due to the sports policy of sending the athletes to the events of international games, in which they would win prizes. He said that altogether 6,714 athletes from 43 countries took part in 420 matches of 38 events in the XIV Asian Games and Myanmar took part in 44 matches of 13 events with 62 athletes, wining one gold, five silver and 6 bronze totalling 12 medals. Myanmar has secured 23 position and it can be saidrd that it is making considerable success.
Myanmar has been far away from the gold medals after the VI Asian Games in 1970 and it won one gold, six sliver and four bronze in the XIII Asian Games. The 11 medals were gained out of weight-lifting and Sepak Takraw events. The 12 medals the Myanmar gained in the XIV Asian Games were gained out of five events, increasing the five events that penetrated the Asian Games.
Wushu athlete Khaing Khaing Maw had to compete in a difficult position with her 15 rivals from 12 nations and deservingly won gold medal.
Wushu athlete Swe Swe Thant also won bronze, bring the success for the Wushu Federation during their nine years' tenure.
So also the State will have to honour the Wushu athletes who brought success and glory for the State and the Wushu Federation. He spoke of the need for Wushu Federation to make further efforts to gain victories in the coming Olympic Games to be held in Beijing in 2008.
Similarly, the State will have to honour the athletes of the weight lifting event that also brought the glory to the State. Myanmar weight-lifter Kay Thi Win had to compete with 12 rivals from nine countries and set new world record in 48 kilos division and Myanmar weight-lifters Khin Moe Nwe won silver in 63 kilos division and Mya Sanda Oo bronze in 96 kilos division. Due to hard practices, Myanmar women weight-lifters have been achieving success in international level contest.
They are worthy of praise and honourable athletes for the State to be relied on. In billiard, Kyaw Oo of Myanmar Billiard team, that took part in the Games for the first time, beat 16 opponents from 8 countries. He reached the final match and won a silver medal in single event. Similarly, Kyaw Oo and Aung San Oo pair of Myanmar won a bronze medal in double billiard contest in which altogether 8 pairs took part. As the novice players won prizes in the contests of Asia level, they can be regarded as promising players and are urged to strive for bringing honour to the country.
The Myanmar women Sepak Takraw team brought home a silver medal in circle contest, Myanma men Sepak Takraw team, a silver in group event, a bronze in team event and a bronze in circle event. As the team won the championship in the 13rd Asian Games, the victory achieved this year is not satisfactory. It falls short of expectation this year. So, the players are to strive with high spirit for regaining the championship position.
Although all four body-building athletes of Myanmar team, which took part in the Games for the first time, reached the Top-6 or the final matches, Min Zaw Oo won a bronze in 75 kilo event. So, Myanmar body-builders are to maintain the achievements gained in Asia level and international level invitational contests. In the 14th Asian Games, victory of Myanmar athletes is not far better than that of the previous Games, success has achieved in more sport events and Asia level athletes came out. So, the result is satisfactory. Although efforts have been made for achieving success in some sports, performance had been less than expectd. Sport federations and athletes are to take lessons and to realize the need to make more efforts.
So, the Ministry of Sports is to make systematic arrangements for promising sports and to pay attention to nurturing promising athletes. At the same time, efforts are to be made to achieve success in world's contests. The sport federations that did not attain success in the Games are to ponder over the causes of failure and to make continuous and strenuous efforts with perseverance and diligence for achieving success in coming South-East Asian, Asian and world level contests. The victorious athletes who are honoured today are to make greater efforts for more medals in international contests and to repay the debt of gratitude of the State, the public and the fans who have been giving assistance to them.
In conclusion, he wished the athletes be the ones who can uplift the standard of Myanmar sports and national integrity and prestige of the State and win medals in world level contests. Then, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt presents gifts to Khaing Khaing Maw who won gold in the Taijiquan and Taijijian Two Events Combined of the Wushu Competition.
Next, the Secretary-1 presented gifts to silver medal winner Kay Thi Win in the 48-kilo division and silver medal winner Khin Moe Nwe in the 63-kilo division of women's weight-lifting competition, silver medal winner Kyaw Oo in the single billiard competition, silver medal winning men's sepak takraw team and women's circle sepak takraw team, bronze medal winning men's circle sepak takraw team and men's sepak takraw team, bronze medal winner Wushu athlete Swe Swe Thant, bronze medal winner Mya Sanda Oo in the 69-kilo division of women's weight-lifting competition, bronze medal winner Kyaw Oo & Aung Hsan Oo in the billiard double competition and bronze medal winners Min Zaw Oo in the 75-kilo division of the men's weight-lifting competition. The wellwishers also presented gifts to victorious athletes.
On behalf of the victorious athletes, gold medal winner Wushu athlete Khaing Khaing Maw spoke words of thanks.
Afterwards, dinner was hosted to the athletes. Kanbawza Bank Ltd presented cash donations to the Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Council to set sports fund to present cash prizes to the athletes. Of them, K 1 million went to the gold medal winner; K 750,000 each to a silver medal winner; K 500,000 each to a bronze medal winner; K 300,000 each to a silver medal winner and K 200,000 each to bronze medal winners in the team-wise event, totalling K 10.95 million. Similarly, Nestle (Milo) Co Ltd presented K 1 million to gold medal winner, K 300,000 each to silver medal winners and K 150,000 each to bronze medal winners, totalling K 3.4 million. Kanbawza Bank Ltd Chairman U Aung Ko Win-Vice-Chairperson Thiha Thudhamma Theingi Thiri Thudhamma Theingi Agga Maha Thiri Thudhamma Theingi Daw Nang Than Htwe presented K 1 million to gold medal winner, K 300,000 each to silver medal winners and K 150,000 each to bronze medal winners, totalling K 3.4 million. Yangon City Development Committee presented K 500,000 to gold medal winner, K 300,000 each to silver medal winners and K 200,000 each to bronze medal winners, totalling K 3.2 million.
U Thet Oo (Ayeya Myay) presented K 400,000 to gold medal winner, K 200,000 each to silver medal winners and K 100,000 each to bronze medal winners, totalling K 2 million. U Kyaw Myint (Hnin Hnin Khaing Co) presented K 200,000 to gold medal winner, K 100,000 each to silver medal winners and K 50,000 each to bronze medal winners, totalling K 1 million. U Maung Maung (Shwe Kabar Construction) presented K 100,000; U Aung Zaw Win of Shine Construction, K 300,000; U Annawa of Trade Park, K 200,000; U Aye Thein of High Top Construction, K 100,000 and U Tun Min of MTM Construction, K 100,000.
Yangon, 27 Oct - The tennis player selection and prize presentation ceremony was held at Theinbyu Tennis Plaza this morning.
In the demonstration of tennis players, Myat Khaing Soe and Tu Maw and Zaw Zaw Latt and Khin Maung Win participated in the single events and Khin Maung Win & Myat Khaing Soe and Zaw Zaw Latt & Tu Maw in the double events. After selecting the players, Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint presented first, second and third prizes to Myat Khaing Soe, Tu Maw and Nge Hnaung in the men's division respectively and officials presented first, second and third prizes to Amy Tun, Htar Htar Lwin and Kyi Mya Zaw in the women's division respectively.
Officials accepted K 500,000 each for MTF donated by Ko Aung Naing Tun (Golden Eagle Co); Headmaster U Tin Maung Win of ILBC; Ko Khin Maung of Shwe Myanmar Investment and Commercial Co); Dr Zaw Tun & Dr Htay Htay; U Sit Taing Aung; U Aung Thet Mann; and U Soe Myint; K 300,000 by Daw Yi Yi Tha (Paing Tha Co); and K 200,000 by Ko Than Tun (Sein Than Khaing Co). Today's ceremony was sponsored by Max Myanmar Co spending K 2 million.
Religion
Lt-Gen Ye Myint pays obeisance to Sayadaws of monasteries in Magway
Yangon 27 Oct - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence, yesterday morning paid obeisance and presented offertories to the Sayadaws of the monasteries in Magway led by Secretary of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Pandita Abhidhaja Maharatthtaguru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Magway Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara at Abhidaja Mawgun Beikman of Maha Thutarama Monastery in Magway.
First, the congregation received the Five Precepts from Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara. Then, Lt-Gen Ye Myint, the commander and departmental officials presented offertories to members of the Sangha. Later, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party attended merit sharing ceremony of Makuda Yanthi three-storey Building at Aungmyay Yadana Monastery in Magway.
First, Col Zaw Min and wellwishers U Sein Htay-Daw Tin Pyi of Kaung Mon Confectionery formally opened the building. Then, the merit sharing ceremony was held at the monastery. It was attended by Magway Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara and the Sayadaws led by Secretary of Magway Township Sangha Nayaka Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Gantha Vacaka Pandita Bhaddanta Pandicasara. The ceremony was opened with three-time recitation of Namo Tassa. The congregation received Five-Precepts.
Then, Lt-Gen Ye Myint, the commander and Chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council and wellwishers presented offertories to the sayadaws. Next, the wellwishers handed over the documents relating to the new building to Sayadaw of Aung Myay Yadana Monastery Secretary of Magway Township Sangha Nayaka Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Ganhta Vacaka Pandita Bhaddanta Pandicasara. Afterwards, Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained. The ceremony came to an end with three-time recitation of Buddha Sasanan Ciram Titthatu.
After the ceremony, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party, and wellwishers offered soon to the sayadaws. The new three-storey building, which is 65 feet long, 27 feet wide and 33 feet high, was constructed at a cost of over K 26 million donated by U Sein Htay-Daw Tin Pyi.
International Relations
U Tin Latt accredited to Mauritius
Yangon, 27 Oct - The Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar has appointed U Tin Latt, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Union of Myanmar to the Republic of South Africa, concurrently as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Union of Myanmar to the Republic of Mauritius.
Myanmar film delegation arrives back
Yangon, 27 Oct - After paying a visit to the People's Republic of China at the invitation of the Film Technicians' Association of the PRC, the Myanmar delegation led by Managing Director U Bo Kyi of Myanma Motion Picture Enterprise, the Ministry of Information, arrived back here by air yesterday evening.
Members of the delegation Vice-Chairman-2 of Myanma Motion Picture Asiayon U Hla Myo (A-1 Maung Hla Myo) film star U Ye Aung, film director Daw Kyi Phyu Shin and Director of MMPE (Mechanical) U Aung Soe Min also arrived back here on the same flight.
Culture
Thuwunnathama Marionette Contest continues
Yangon, 27 Oct - The Thuwunnathama Marionette Contest of the 10th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions continued at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street in Dagon Township this evening. Yadanabon marionette troupe representing Mandalay Division participated in the contest. The Shwe Yadana Myaing marionette troupe led by U Khin Maung Tint of Yangon Division Group-2 will take part in the contest tomorrow.
Tenth Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions go on for 9th day
Yangon, 27 Oct - The 10th Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions continued for the ninth day at designated places today.
The singing contest continued at the National Museum on Pyay Road in Dagon Township. 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.
Leader of the Panel of Judges U Maung Maung Gyi also supervised the professional level (men's) religious song contest; and Leader of the Panel of Judges U Min Naung the basic education level (aged 5-10 girl's) old/modern song contest.
Altogether 14 competitors participated in the professional level (men's) religious song contest; and 16 women in the basic education level (aged 5-10 girl's) old/modern song contest. The professional level (Women's) music contest and the basic education level (aged 5-10 men's) music contest will be held tomorrow.
Altogether 10 contestants of the basic education level (aged 5-10) and 14 contestants of the basic education level (aged 10-15) song composing contest, supervised by Chairman of the Panel of Judges Bogale Tint Aung, participated in the practising of their created songs at the Kambawza Theatre of the Fine Arts Department.
The basic education level (aged 15-20) song composing contest will be held tomorrow. Altogether 9 teams from states and divisions participated in the amateur level (men's) team orchestra contest and three teams in the basic education level (aged 5-10) team orchestra contest held at the Padonma Theatre today.
Leader of the Panel of Judges U Sein Sating supervised the contests. On 28 October, the higher education level (men's) and the basic education level (aged 5-10) solo orchestra contests will be held. At the National Theatre, twelve competitors participated in the amateur level (men's) piano contest; seven in the basic education level (aged 15-20) boy's piano contest and one in the basic education level (aged 15-20) girl's piano contest.
The piano contests were supervised by Leader of the Panel of Judges Pianist U Chit Swe. The higher education level (men's & women's) and the basic education level (aged 10-15) boy's piano contests will be held tomorrow.
Economic
Yangon, 27 Oct - A total of 827 gem merchants - 502 from 175 companies of seven foreign countries and 325 from 122 local companies - have arrived at the Mid-year Myanma Gems Emporium 2002, held at Myanma Gem Hall on KabaAye Pagoda Road here. They viewed the gems from 9 am to 5 pm today.
Managing Director of the Myanma Gems Enterprise Secretary of the central committee for holding of the emporium U Khin Oo and officials greeted and conducted them around the emporium and provided necessary assistance. More foreign gems merchants will arrive tomorrow.
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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