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Established in 1914
Headlines
- State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe accepts credentials of Ambassador of Swiss Confederation
- Senior General Than Shwe accepts credentials of Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil
- Use of electricity, distribution of fuel inspected
- Hinywet Dam inaugurated in An Township
International Relations
Region
Education
- Lt-Gen Ye Myint inspects Mon Creek Multi-purpose Dam Project, development of Magway Division
- Lt-Gen Maung Bo inspects development tasks in Dawei District
- Cash donated to MMCWA
- CEC meeting of MWJA held
- Seminar on ICT Development held
Sport
CultureReligion
- Thuwunnathama Marionettee Contest ends
- Tenth Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions go on for 11th day
Economic
- Lots of jade sale commences at Myanma Gems Emporium
- Yunnan delegation visits Gems Emporium, bridge construction site in Yangon
Drug
SPOTLIGHT
Headlines
State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe accepts credentials of Ambassador of Swiss Confederation
Yangon, 29 Oct - Mr Hans-Peter Erismann, newly accredited Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to the Union of Myanmar, presented his credentials to Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, at Zeyathiri Beikman, Konmyinttha, at 10 am today.
Senior General Than Shwe accepts credentials of Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil
Yangon, 29 Oct - Mr Marco Antonio Diniz Brandao, newly accredited Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil to the Union of Myanmar, presented his credentials to Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, at Zeyathiri Beikman, Konmyinttha, at 10.30 am today.
Use of electricity, distribution of fuel inspected
Yangon, 29 Oct - Chairman of the Committee for Inspection of Electricity and Fuel Use member of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Kyaw Win, arrived at the Ministry of Rail Transportation at 9 pm yesterday and inspected use of electricity. He instructed them to switch off unnecessary fluorescent lamps and fans and to keep a switch for each fluorescent lamp.
Then, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win and party also visited the office of the minister for Communications, Posts and Tele-graphs, the Ministry of Transport, the Yangon City Hall, No 64 Fuel Station, the Ministry of Construction, the Ministry of Energy, Myanma Timber Enterprise (Head Office), and the Ministry of Electric Power. He inspected electricity use and distribution of fuel and gave necessary instructions to the officials concerned.
Hinywet Dam inaugurated in An Township
Small dams being built for supply of drinking water and double cropping to make full use of rain water
Yangon, 29 Oct - The inauguration of Hinywet Dam was held at the Mingala Mandat in Auk Village in An Township this morning, with an address by member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence.
Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than delivered an address. He said the newly inaugurated Hinywet Dam is an earth facility built on Hinywet Creek east of Auk Village in An Township, Rakhine State. It can store 6,000-acre feet of water and mainly supply not only drinking water to nearby villages but also irrigate farmlands. He said An Township gets about 160 inches of rainfall yearly. In spite of much rain water in the region, it cannot be stored properly. The rain water flows into the rivers and creeks. The water in those rivers and creeks are salty. Although Rakhine State gets much rain, there is scarcity of drinking water in summer. That is why small dams are being built for supply of drinking water and double cropping.
He said water is a valuable natural resource which is important for human consumption and agricultural production. The government is employing various means to exploit water resource. Gyogyakwin Dam in Taungup Township and Kanthaya Dam and Rahinekwin Dam in Gwa Township were built for agriculture and drinking purposes. Altogether four dams including the Hinywet dam have now been built in Rakhine State. Moreover, Pyaing Creek Dam that can irrigate 5,000 acres of cultivable lands is under construction in Kyauktaw Township. The State Peace and Development Council is making endeavours for emergence of a peaceful, modern developed nation after laying down the national policy of twelve political, economic and social objectives.
The government is also laying emphasis on economic development with the effective utilization of rich water and land resources. As it is known to all, the government with the participation of the people is making strenuous efforts for development of rural areas where the majority of the people live and agriculture which is the basic economic sector and uplift of economic life of rural regions, he said. Increased reclamation of land was being carried out in the Union and irrigation networks, water pumping projects, sluice gates and underground water tapping projects are also being undertaken for sufficient supply of water in agriculture. Now 139 dams and 262 water pumping stations have been opened, he said.
In accord with the guidance of the Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, the government is building dams, reservoirs, sluice gates and river water pumping projects as well as roads and bridges for rapid development of the states and divisions including border areas. In the past, there was poor transport in Rakhine State as Rakhine Yoma mountain range and the sea separate Rakhine State and other states and divisions. The people had to rely on waterway only because of numerous rivers and creeks in the region. Under the far-sighted guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, the Yangon-An-Sittway High-way which people had never dreamt of was inaugurated. The people in the region can now go to other states and divisions at any time. Continued efforts are being made for construction of roads linking one region and another. The Yangon-Kyaukphyu Road and Taungup-Maei-An Road are being built.
Agricultural produce, meat, fish and prawn of Rakhine State will be transported easily to other states and divisions in the near future. As a result production in the agricultural and livestock and fisheries sectors can be carried out on a commercial scale from the traditional small scale and social standards of people of Rakhine will also improve. Local people in Rakhine State are to make efforts for more progress making full use of better conditions created by the government and for keeping abreast with the development of other states and divisions.
Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than thanked the engineers and service personnel of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation for construction of the dam and local authorities for their assistance. He called for maintenance of the dam by planting trees in the catchment areas.
Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin made a speech. He said Rakhine State should be proud of its natural beauty. Although it is separated from the plains by Yoma, it is rich in marine resources. With goodwill and farsightedness, the Head of State has given guidance calling for narrowing down development gaps between one state/division and another as well as rural and urban areas, and improvement of social-economic life of the national people. The Hinywet Dam has thus emerged. Nowadays, nations of the world face scarcity of water and the importance of water plays a leading role. Thus, most of the nations of the world have been making arrangements to systematically tap and utilize water resources not only for agricultural and industrial purposes but also for rural and urban consumption.
Myanmar, on its part, does not face such challenges. Systematic measures are being taken with the aim of obtaining sufficient water for agriculture purpose and potable water, and greening the arid zone. Based on such aims, efforts have been made for the emergence of dams, river-water pumping projects and similar water supply projects and the Hinywet Dam emerged within a short period of time. It is the 139th of its kind in the time of the present Government. Gyogyakwin Dam in Taungup Township, Rahinek-win and Kanthaya Dams have already been built and now the Hinywet Dam is opened, bringing the total number to 4 in Rakine State, and the dams contribute to ensuring availability of drinking water and water for agriculture purpose.
In addition, Pyaingchaung Dam that will irrigate about 5,000 acres of farmland in Kyauktaw Township is under construction. Plans are under way to build more dams and reservoirs in the region. Development of economic, social and transport has been made in Rakhine State phase by phase and the people in the state will have to make efforts for development of national economy in reciprocation of the goodwill of the State. After building dams and reservoirs and the agricultural infrastructures, arrangements are being made to introduce new export items in addition to traditional export items of rice, beans and pulses and maize. As Rakhine State is rich in natural resources and has favorable weather, the new export item of the State, pepper, thrives in the region and it is incumbent upon the local people to engage in growing of paper on a commercial scale. The newly-built Hin-ywet Dam in An Township is the earth facility built on 3.5 square-miles of watershed area with 750 feet long main dam and 220 feet long embankment. It was built at a cost of about K 100 million with an aim to ensure water supply for about 100,000 people.
The minister, on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, expressed thanks to the local authorities and staff of the Irrigation Department for their relentless and sustained efforts to complete the project during one-year construction period and urged the officials concerned and local people to maintain and safeguard the facility for its durability, valuing the high cost invested in the project for regional development.
Commander Brig-Gen Maung Oo made a speech. He said Hinywet Dam is the first dam built in An Township, Rakhine State. An is on Yangon-Sittway Road in Rakhine State and is a town where Taungup, Maei and An roads meet. In other words, it is a gateway to the cental plains. Moreover, there is a high-class airport which is 7,800-feet long in the area and one can travel by air to Yangon, Sittway, Kyaukphyu and Thandwe. The Hinywet Dam that can provide 100,000 people with sufficient drinking water all the year round is built in the developing town. He continued to say the newly-opened dam is built on Hinywet Creek. The dam is of earthen type and is 750 feet long and 70 feet high. It can store 6,120 acre/feet (1,652 million gallons) of water and 5,240 acre/feet (1,463 million gallons) of water can be utilized. So, the dam can supply 30 gallons of water each to 100,000 people per day throughout year.
Tittabon Dam, Pazine Dam in Kyauktaw Township, Gayingyaing Dam in Minbya Township, Rahinekwin Dam and Kanthaya Dam in Gwa Township, and Gyogyakwin Dam in Taungup Township have been opened in Rakhine State for drinking water and agricultural use, he added. For development of road transportation in Rakhine State, the Government has opened the Yangon-Sittway Union Highway with 10 major bridges, and Yangon-Kyaukphyu Union Highway with 14 major bridges is under construction. Efforts are being made for opening of An-Maei-Taungup Highway. Rakhine State produces paddy and various kinds of beans and pulses and prawn-breeding and fisheries contribute to the development of Rakhine State.
Over 900,000 acres of land produce over 60 million baskets of monsoon and summer paddy. So, it can provide sufficient rice in the region and produce surplus paddy. Growing of various kinds of beans and pulses and oil crops have been extended and success has been achieved. Building of more dams will help agriculture tasks develop more in the state. At a time when the Government is spending a large amount of money on development of the states, people are to do agricultural tasks on vacant and virgin land. Efforts are to be made for growing cold season crops and beans and pulses and kitchen crops such as onion and chili. In addition, concerted efforts are to be made with added momentum for growing of Thitseint tree, one of the oil crops and perennial crops are to be grown with highland farming system instead of using slash and burn method. Spending a huge sum of cash, the State has built roads and bridges and dams for present use as well as future use. So, local people are to maintain the dam for long-term use, he pointed out.
Then, Rakhine State Union Solidarity and Development Association Secretary U Oo Kyaw Yin, on behalf of local people, spoke words of thanks. Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin formally unveiled the stone plaque of the dam.
Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, Commander Brig-Gen Maung Oo and Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin formally opened the dam.
Afterwards, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected the dam and the cere-mony came to a close.
After the ceremony, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, Commander Brig-Gen Maung Oo and Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin together with local people posed for documentary photos.
At the briefing hall, Director (Construction-3) U Tun Aung Lwin of the Irrigation Department reported to Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than on construction of the main dam, water outlet and spillway, Director U Nyo Win Myint of Rakhine State Development Affairs Department on arrangements for supply of water in An.
The commander and the minister made supplementary reports. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than gave necessary instructions.
International Relations
Secretary-1 receives Japanese Ambassador
Yangon, 29 Oct -Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar General Khin Nyunt received Ambassador of Japan to Myanmar Mr Yuji Miyamoto at Zeyathiri Beikman Hall, Konmyinttha, here, at 4 pm today.
PRC journalist delegation makes study tour of Yangon
Yangon, 29 Oct - The visiting journalist delegation headed by Deputy Director Mr Zhang Liang of International Department, the People's Daily of the People's Republic of China, together with officials this morning visited Hlinethaya Industrial Zone.
The zone project manager explained to them facts about the zone at Kanaung Hall. The delegation then went to Nanya Garment Factory and the slippers factory of Taiyi International Co Ltd where they were conducted round by the officials. The delegation also visited Pan Hline Golf Club and Myanma Gems Mart on Kaba-Aye Pagoda Road.
Region
Lt-Gen Ye Myint inspects Mon Creek Multi-purpose Dam Project, development of Magway Division
Yangon, 29 Oct - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departments concerned, inspected tasks of Mon Creek Multi-purpose Dam Project on 27 October.
Officials reported on construction of the embankment, diversion tunnel and the tunnel for generating hydro electricity, availability, storage and use of construction materials and fuel, progress in building the power plant and drains of Mon Creek Hydel Power Project, arrival of machinery and equipment related to hydel power generation, installation of 32 KVA power lines, construction of the sub-power station and the tunnel and erecting of lamp posts.
Then, Lt-Gen Ye Myint gave a speech. He said that Irrigation Department and Hydro Electric Power Department are to coordinate tasks of the dam and the power plants. He then coordinated with local authorities to supervise road repairs to be carried out by the Ministry of Construction, Irrigation Department and Hydro Electric Power Department. He added that the Ministry of Industry-1 and the Ministry of Energy are to distribute cement and fuel to the construction project minimizing loss and wastage. Chairman Col Zaw Min gave a supplementary report and Upper Myanmar Chief Engineer U Maung Maung of Public Works reported on requirement of heavy machinery in maintaining Sedoktra-Salin Road and other road construction projects.
Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected project tasks and construction of the embankment. Then, they viewed construction of the diversion tunnel intake gate. They also inspected building of the diversion weir and drilling of the surge tank. Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party saw over construction of three tunnels and the hydel power plant, production of iron pipes for the power plant and accessories. They inspected building of the tunnel gate and the spillway.
Next, Lt-Gen Ye Myint gave necessary instructions and attended to their needs. At 9.30 am, they proceeded to Sedoktara Township Hospital and inspected the patient wards, the delivery room, the X-ray room and the operation theatre. Lt-Gen Ye Myint comforted the patients, and gave necessary instructions to the officials.
Then, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party met with departmental personnel at the office of Sedoktara Peace and Development Council.
Chairman U Win Swe reported on geographical facts about the township and progress in implementing rural development tasks. Minbu District Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col Tin Maung Win gave a supplementary report. Then, the departmental officials reported on progress in implementing the projects department-wise and future tasks.
Lt-Gen Ye Myint said that Sedoktara had a poor transportation in the past. But Mone Creek Dam is under construction and as a result, transportation between Salin and Sedoktara has been better. In constructing the road linking Sedoktara and Ngaphe, efforts are to be made for finding the most suitable axis. Besides, village-to-village roads are to be upgraded into tarred roads. He stressed the need of cultivation of Danyin, lime and pepper on a commercial scale and extended breeding of poultry, pig and fish for rural development. In conclusion, he called for finding water resources for sufficient water supply and urged departmental personnel and members of social organizations to carry out tasks with might and main for ensuring the participation of the people in the five rural development tasks.
Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party viewed the thriving pilot paddy field at the entrance to Sedoktara. Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party, accompanied by Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North-West Command Brig-Gen Soe Naing, inspected the posts erupted for installation of Mone to Chauk 132 KVA power lines by the Hydro-Electric Power Enterprise near Hsintaung Village in Seikphyu Township. They then went to Yaw Creek Bridge (Kantwin) on Seikphyu-Pakokku Road. Township Assistant Engineer Daw Nyein Nyein of Public Works reported on the bridge under repair. Chief Engineer (Upper Myanmar) U Maung Maung gave a supplementary report.
Lt-Gen Ye Myint left necessary instructions. Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party proceeded to Tantkyitaung Greening Project of the Dry Region Greening Department of the Ministry of Forestry. Magway Division Dry Region Greening Department Director U Zaw Weik reported on the target of planting 200,000 saplings on either sides of the road and 900,000 saplings in every parts of Tantkyitaung, the thriving of 88 per cent of them, and the pumping of water from Ayeyawady River for watering the saplings and for supply of Tantkyitaung Pagoda and nearby monasteries and meditation centers.
Lt-Gen Ye Myint gave necessary instructions and visited the pagoda. Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected the thriving saplings from Tantkyitaung. Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party offered water, lights and incensed sticks to Swedawshin Pagoda and made cash donations for the pagoda. They arrived back Pakokku at 7.45 and spent the night there.
Lt-Gen Maung Bo inspects development tasks in Dawei District
Yangon, 29 Oct - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Maung Bo of the Ministry of Defence inspected Dawei Hospital on 26 October morning.
In the afternoon, he met with departmental officials in Dawei District and gave instructions on regional development.
Then, he attended the paddy harvesting ceremony on 7.5 acres of sample monsoon paddy plot in Hteinthit Ward, Dawei Township. Lt-Gen Maung Bo gave instructions on extended cultivation and production of quality strains of monsoon paddy, cultivation of summer paddy, vegetable crops and pulses and beans for earning family income.
District Manager of Myanma Agriculture Service U Zaw Weik reported on cultivated acres of monsoon and summer paddy in 2002-2003, expected yield of paddy, local sufficiency of rice, cultivation of cold season crops and breeding of RIR fowl and local hen. Commander Brig-Gen Tha Aye gave instructions on harmonious undertaking of tasks and distribution of high yield paddy strains to the farmers. Dr Min Aung of MAS reported on arrangements for educative programme to be launched by MAS to the local farmers for ensuring correct use of agricultural technologies and quality paddy strains. After harvesting monsoon paddy of Kyawzeya strain, the yield is 78 baskets per acre.
In the afternoon, Lt-Gen Maung Bo met departmental personnel in Dawei District and Township at Dawei City Hall and gave instructions on regional development. Speaking on the occasion, he said that Taninthayi Division has good economic infrastructure and natural resources. If local people and departments concerned will use natural resources correctly, it will contribute towards development of the region as well as the State. It is necessary to cultivate monsoon and summer paddy and mix-cropping the whole year. In so doing, departments concerned are to provide assistance to the local farmers. Though Dawei Township has sufficiency of rice, the township is to organize the local farmers for cultivating double and mixed cropping on all the farmlands regarding rice production as the national duty.
Managing Director U Myint Oo of Myanma Perennial Crops Enterprise and officials explained arrangements for cultivation of perennial crops. Then, Commander Brig-Gen Tha Aye gave a speech. He said that the Government is building roads and bridges with the aim of achieving better transport in the whole country including Taninthayi Division, economic development and equal development of plain and hilly regions and close relationship among the national people. On completion of Kyweku-Kyaukphya and Layhnya Mandaing Bridges in Taninthayi Division and Ye and Thanlwin Bridges in Mon State, one can go by car from Kawthoung in Taninthayi Division to Putao in Kachin State. It is the far-sightedness of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe. Local people are to repay the gratitude of the Head of State by making harmonious efforts for regional development.
He urged proper use of electricity and fuel in production, establishment of small industries by constructing hydro-electric power stations in every town and village in Taninthayi Division, regional security, cooperation in fire preventive measures and making efforts for local food sufficiency. The meeting then ended.
Yangon, 29 Oct - Led by wife of Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt Vice-Chairperson of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, a team comprising wives of senior officers of the Ministry of Defence and wives of foreign military attaches to Myanmar visited the MMCWA at the corner of Thanthuma and Parami Roads in South Okkalapa Township at 12.30 pm today.
Leader of the group of the wives of the foreign military attaches wife of the Malaysian Military Attaché to Myanmar Mrs Hasnah Bte Jaafar explained the purpose of cash donation to the MMCWA. Professor Daw Kyu Kyu Swe accepted K 440,000 handed over by Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and Mrs Hasnah Bte Jaafar.
Then, Mrs Venus Nakpun, wife of Thai Military Attaché to Myanmar, presented equipment for newly-born children to the MMCWA. Professor Daw Kyu Kyu Swe and Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe accepted the donation. Next, the study team viewed the photos on activities of the association, the cottage training school, and the women disease search clinic.
They later enjoyed the music contest of the Tenth Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions at Padonma Theatre in Sangyoung Township.
Yangon, 29 Oct - The Central Executive Committee meeting of Myanmar Writers and Journalists' Association was held at Sarpay Beikman Building on Merchant Street this afternoon.
At the ceremony, Joint-Secretary U Khin Swe (Shwe Sun Nyo) acted as MC and Chairman U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung) made an opening address. Secretary U Hla Tun (Hla Tun-Twantay) explained the work carried out during the month. Then subcommittees chairmen submitted their work programmes. Joint-Secretary U Myint Kywe (Maung Myint Kywe) explained arrangements for holding of respect-paying ceremony for doyen literati. The meeting then came to a close with concluding remarks by the chairman.
Joint-Secretary Dr Tin Tun Oo donated K 240,000 for news journals and CEC member Daw Khin Khin Sein (Yuwady Khin Sein Hlaing), K 10,000 for the ceremony.
Seminar on ICT Development held
Yangon, 29 Oct - Asia Wealth Bank held a seminar on ICT Development Financing and AWB Online Payment Facility at MICT Park in Hline Township on 26 October.
Brig-Gen Thein Swe made an opening speech and U Aung Zaw Naing explained the ICT Development Financing programme. Those present then viewed software and hardware presentation. Due to online payment facilities launched by the Asia Wealth Bank, Myanmar's e-commerce system can be developed.
EducationLt-Gen Maung Bo attends opening of multimedia classrooms of Dawei BEHS-4 in Taninthayi Division
Yangon, 29 Oct - A ceremony to open the multimedia classrooms of No 4 Basic Education High School in Dawei, Taninthayi Division, was held at the school on 26 October morning, attended by member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Maung Bo of the Ministry of Defence.
First, Headmaster U Aye Kywe and Chairman of SBT U Pe Win formally opened the multimedia classrooms. Then, Lt-Gen Maung Bo of the Ministry of Defence unveiled the signboard of the multimedia classrooms. Next, Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party inspected the multimedia classrooms. Afterwards, Headmaster U Aye Kywe explained the salient points of the formation of the multimedia classrooms. Then, the chairman of SBT explained measures taken for opening of the multimedia classrooms.
Next, Lt-Gen Maung Bo made a speech. He said that today was an auspicious day for No 4 BEHS of Dawei. Now we are entering the 21st century and the information age that emerged at the end of 20th century has changed into knowledge age. In other words, the nations have been easily obtaining information from all over the world and are using them for human development. In studying and pursuing knowledge and sciences, it is required to use modern information technology in addition to communication technology that is being used at present. Nowadays, Information Cyber Technology started to overwhelm the world and so also studies can be made in the classrooms and their homes at one sitting via Internet after networking with the computers. Thus, the entire national people could make efforts for the emergence of a modern and developed nation by means of advanced knowledge and technology.
Therefore, the Ministry of Education is initiating the 30-year education plan, the long-term plan to relay the success of reform of education sector for future generation. He called on all education staff to make sustained and relentless efforts in successful implementation of the noble objectives of the 30-year education plan. In conclusion, he pointed out that the stone inscription bearing Myanma Education Goal was also opened at the ceremony.
Then, Commander Brig-Gen Tha Aye spoke words of thanks. Later, Deputy Director-General of No 1 Basic Education Department U Sitan Zatwan explained matters concerning education promotion programme, which brought the ceremony to a close. After the ceremony, Lt-Gen Maung Bo cordially greeted those present at the ceremony.
Sport
Defence Services C-in-C's Cup 2002 soccer tournament opens
Yangon, 29 Oct - The opening ceremony of the 41st Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services (Army, Navy and Air)'s Cup 2002 Soccer Tournament was held at the Sports Ground of Youth Training Camp (Thuwunna) at 3.30 pm today.
On behalf of the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services, Adjutant General Lt-Gen Thein Sein attended and addressed the ceremony.
CultureThuwunnathama Marionettee Contest ends
Yangon, 29 Oct - Thuwunnathama Marionette Contest of the 10th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions continued for the last day at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street in Dagon Township here this evening. The Ayar Hline marionette troupe of Ayeyawady Division participated in the contest and Leader of Panel of Judges U Ye Dway and members supervised the contest.
Tenth Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions go on for 11th day
Yangon, 29 Oct - The Tenth Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions continued for the 11th day at respective places today.
At the National Museum, altogether 16 women participated in the amateur level (women's) old/modern song contest and 16 boys in the basic education level (age 15-20) boys' religious song contest. Tomorrow, amateur level (men's) religious songs contest and basic education level (aged 10-15) girls' old/modern song contest will be held at the same venue. At Kanbawza Theatre, eleven contestants took part in the higher education level song composing contest.
The amateur level song composing contest will be held at the same venue tomorrow. At the National Theatre, six competitors participated in the basic education level (aged 5-10) boys' piano contest and seven in the basic education level (aged 5-10) girls' piano contest. On 30 October, the professional level (women's) xylophone contest and the basic education level (aged 15-20) girls' xylophone contest will be held.
At Padomma Theatre, two women took part in the professional level (women's) solo orchestra contest, four in basic education level (aged 15-20) girls' solo orchestra contest and six in amateur level (women's) solo orchestra contest. Tomorrow, professional level do bat contest and basic education level (aged 10-15) do bat contest will be held at the same venue.
Religion
Soon offered to members of the Sangha of State Pariyatti Sasana University
Yangon, 29 Oct - Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement offered the day meal "soon" and presented offertories to the members of the Sangha of the State Pariyatti Sasana University (Yangon) at Thirimingala Kaba-Aye Hill in Mayangon Township here this morning.
The congregation received the Five-Precepts from the Rector Sayadaw of the university Agga Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Bhaddanta Vannita. Then, Maj-Gen Sein Htwa and wife, the deputy ministers, and officials presented offertories to the Sayadaws. Next, Members of the Sangha recited "Paritta". Later, Maj-Gen Sein Htwa presented K 100,000 for a day meal to Director of the Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana Lt-Col Khaing Aung.
Afterwards, the Rector Sayadaw delivered a sermon and the ceremony concluded with three-time recitations of Buddha Sasanan Ciran Titthatu.
Economic
Lots of jade sale commences at Myanma Gems Emporium
Yangon, 29 Oct - Patron of the Central Committee for holding the Myanma Gems Emporium Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint visited the Mid-Year Myanmar Gems Emporium at Myanma Gems Mart on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road here this afternoon.
The minister viewed sale of lots of jade with tender system and inspected jewellery and lots of pearl and left the mart. Local and foreign gems merchants purchased 164 lots of jade worth US $ 1,772,453. Sales of jewellery and jade figurines with fixed prize at the emporium was US $ 18,130. At the emporium, lots of jade will be sold with tender system and competitive bidding system on 30 and 31 October.
A total of 948 gems merchants 588 from abroad and 360 at home have arrived at the emporium.
Yunnan delegation visits Gems Emporium, bridge construction site in Yangon
Yangon, 29 Oct - At the invitation of the Ministry of Mines, the 23-member delegation led by Vice-Governor Mr Chen Xun Ru of Yunnan Province, the People's Republic of China, arrived here by air on 26 October evening.
The delegation called on Deputy Minister for Mines U Myint Thein at the ministry on 27 October morning.
Afterwards, officials of the ministry explained matters related to the potential cooperation between the country and the province in the jade, gems and mineral sector at Thiri Yadana Hall of the ministry.
Director-General U Soe Mya of the Mining Department explained the projects being carried out by the ministry. Then, the delegation visited Myanma Gems Mart and the Mid-Year Myanma Gems Emporium. Deputy Minister for Energy U Tin Tun received the delegation at the Ministry of Energy Yesterday.
Then, the delegation visited the National Museum and paid homage to the Shwedagon Pagoda in the evening. Today, the delegation called on Deputy Ministers for Construction U Tint Swe and U Myint Thein at the Ministry of Construction. Then, the delegation proceeded to Yangon-Thanlyin No 2 bridge construction project in Dagon Seikkan Township. The delegation viewed the construction tasks from the tower of the project.
Drug
241 drug cases exposed in Sept
Yangon, 29 Oct - The Tatmadaw, Myanmar Police Force and the Customs Department exposed 241 drug-related cases in September.
Seizure made by them were 49.5534 kilos opium in 27 cases, 36.9785 kilos of heroin in 97 cases, 0.7999 kilo of opium oil in five cases, 13.7917 kilos of low grade opium 18 cases, 41.3697 kilo of marijuana in 23 cases, eight litres of Phensedyl in two cases, 37,865 stimulant tablets in 35 cases, 0.9 kilo of Ephedrine, 0.0062 kilo of stimulant powder in one case, 1.82 litre of cough syrup in one case, 6.4127 kilos of opium powder in four cases, 22 cases for failure to register and six other cases. Action was taken against altogether 329 persons 252 men and 77 women in 241 cases in September 2002.
Key tourism role for airline exec
MAJOR Selvakumar, the chief operating officer of Air Mandalay, is the new chairman of one of the nation’s most significant marketing bodies charged with increasing the country’s tourism image. By a show of hands the Myanmar Marketing Committee (MMC) of the Myanmar Tourism Promotion Board elected a new nine-member executive committee chaired by Mr Selvakumar, a Malaysian national, when it met at the Traders Hotel last Thursday. According to the press statement released by MMC, the purpose of the meeting was to elect a new committee for one year and adopt a constitution, which would govern the day to day running of MMC in a transparent and equitable manner. "The first meeting of new executive members will be on October 16 to formulate a plan to promote and market Myanmar," said Mr Selvakumar. The new constitution would provide guidelines for the committee to manage the MMC, and is a clear signal that the marketing committee is finally serious on being expertly organised. Mr Selvakumar’s task comes at crucial time with the Minister of Tourism is stating publicly that it was time for earnest work in a bid to capture one million visitors annually. In his first public statement, Mr Selvakumar’s said his role was to ensure greater awareness about Myanmar’s tourist attractions. Promoting year-round travel, even during the monsoon period, was one of the challenges facing the tourism sector. Referring to the appointment of three Myanmar travel agents to the executive committee, Mr Selva-kumar said: "We want everybody to be involved in the committee, we want all people who have experience or expertise in tourism". Mr Brett Melzer from Balloons Over Bagan was elected as vice chairman, Ms Elly Darley from Inle Princess Resort was elected as secretary and Daw Rita Myint of Taw Win Travel was elected as treasurer. The other executive committee members included Inya Lake hotel’s Mr Suki Singh, Mr Jehan. Wickremesooriya from Kadawgyi Palace Hotel, U Aung Myat Kyaw from Orchestra Travel, U Min Din from Columbus travels and tours, and Traders’ hotel’s Mr Raymond Bragg. The executive members were elected to serve on the committee until the end of 2003, the press statement said. An MMC member, Mr Franz Fisher, the country manager at Diethelm Travel Company welcomed the adoption of a new constitution. "Our company would give the maximum support not only for the MMC but also for UMTA (Union of Myanmar Travel Association)," said Mr Fischer. "But the annual membership fees of US$400 is too high for most small local companies. In my opinion, it should be considerably reduced in order to attract more members," he said. Myanmar Marketing Committee has 30 members from all sections of the tourism industry, including the members of UMTA.
Myanmar Times ( Oct.14-20) , 2002-Vol.7, No. 137 )
Tour operators, ecologists agree on need to conserve mangrove forests
TOUR operators and ecologists rarely find themselves sitting on the same side of the fence. But as Myanmar prepares for the tourist high season – which accounts for most the 200,000 foreigners who visit each year – ecologists are happy to discover that the tourism sector is among their most vocal supporters, at least on the issue of conserving mangrove forests. Mangrove forests are among the world’s most important ecosystems. They provide a habitat for a diverse range of creatures, act as a filter which helps to keep the sea clean and protect coastal areas from the effects of bad weather. They are also important for the survival of offshore coral reefs. Mangroves are under threat throughout the world and more than half of the forests have been depleted. Myanmar is fortunate to have vast mangrove forests but they are being rapidly thinned. For example, more than 82 per cent of the mangrove forests in Ayeyarwaddy Division were depleted between 1924 and 1999, according to figures from the highly-regarded non-government organisa-tion, the Forest Resource Environment Development and Conservation Association, FREDA. Even in areas where they receive government protection, mangrove forests are being destroyed. As a recent report by FREDA noted: "Forest law (can) not over-rule the social and economic needs of the people." Mangrove trees are cut down for fuel and to produce charcoal. Mangroves forests are cleared to make way for paddy fields and, increasingly, shrimp farms. The growth of the shrimp farming industry is a concern for ecologists. They cite Fisheries Department figures which show that the value of shrimp exports for the five months to August 31 rose from almost US$40 million in 2001 to $42.5 million this year. Tourism experts are more worried about the effect of deforestation on the natural beauty and wildlife diversity of coastal areas. Fewer mangrove forests mean fewer dolphins, fewer crocodiles, and fewer birds. Fewer animals means fewer ecotourists. Dr Thomas Bauer, assistant professor at the School of Hotel and Tourism Management at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, stressed the importance of protecting mangroves during a telephone interview withMyanmar Times last week. "In a world where nature is being pushed back more and more to make way for development and ‘progress’, mangroves, together with their associated ecosystems such as rainforests, must be protected," Dr Bauer said.
He referred to one of Hong Kong’s most successful ecotourism sites, the Mai Po Nature Reserve, where the "migratory birds that make the reserve famous in turn feed on the marine life" sustained by its mangrove forests. Mr Oliver Soe Thet believes that there is enormous potential for developing ecotourism sites along the coast of Rakhine State, an area with which he is familiar through his involvement in the tourism sector. Now with the Treasure Hotel at Ngwe Saung beach, Mr Soe That has also worked at the Bayview Hotel at Ngapoli Beach, further to the west. He said other hotel owners at Ngwe Saung had told him that they had been asked by the government to conserve as many mangrove and coconut trees as possible when developing their projects. "This is an excellent step from the Myanmar government [in terms of] fostering ecotourism of an international standard," he said. Mr Edwin Briels, the marketing and incentive manager at the Exotissimo tour company’s Yangon office, eschews the term ‘ecotourism’. Mr Briels says he prefers the term ‘sustainable tourism’, which he defines as tourism that supports both the environment and traditional ways of life and is the tourist experience that Exotissimo strives to provide. All three echo the advice of the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Myanmar Program, which has achieved remarkable success in cooperation with the government in efforts to conserve the forests in the north of the country. The program’s motto is: ‘Protect first and develop later.’ It is a sound principle for ecologists and the tourism industry alike.
Myanmar Times ( Oct.14-20) , 2002-Vol.7, No. 137 )
Strong Myanmar presence for ‘first ever’ ASEAN trade fair
By Aung Kyaw Tha
AN unprecedented Asean Trade Fair in Bangkok this week will be a first for Myanmar, a Thai embassy official said last week. "This is the first such fair to involve all 10 Asean nations, the first to be hosted by Thailand and the first to include participation by Myanmar," the commercial counsellor at the Thai embassy, Mr Matyawongse Amatyakul, toldMyanmar Times. Nearly 30 Myanmar companies have exhibits at the week-long Asean Trade Fair 2002, which opened on October 14 at the Impact Exhibition Centre at the Muang Thong Thani housing estate in Bangkok’s northern suburbs Most of the companies are involved in the gems, jewellery, furniture and home decoration businesses, Mr Matyawongse said. The aims of the event include promoting Asean products and services on the world market and providing a platform for partnerships among industries in the 10 countries, he said. As well as business exhibits, each Asean country will be represented by a national pavilion, with Myanmar’s featuring a model of a traditional palace. Mr Matyawongse said nearly 800 booths would be featured at the fair, which is being organised by the Thai Commerce Ministry with assistance from the counterpart ministries in the other Asean countries. The fair – a biennual event – will be opened by the Thai Prime Minister, Mr Thaksin Shina-watra, at a ceremony to be attended by Asean commerce ministers. The Myanmar companies taking part in the event include the Ayawaddy (Mandalay), Khine Mingalar, Thurine Ne and Shwe Ingyin gems and jewellery cooperatives, the Than Swe wooden ware and furniture cooperative and the Sun Myanmar (Elephant House) handicrafts company. U Tun Hla Aung from Ayawaddy (Mandalay) Gems and Jewellery cooperative toldMyanmar Timesin telephone interview that 80 Myanmar nationals from the government and private sector would be in Bangkok for the trade fair.
Myanmar Times ( Oct.14-20) , 2002-Vol.7, No. 137 )
Conserving the nation’s resources WASTE not, want not: This was a lesson that was instilled in me as a child by my mother and as teenager by my monk and mentor at the monastery when I was preparing to enter the monkhood as a novice, which all Myanmar boys of the Buddhist faith are required to do on coming of age. As a child my five siblings and I the eldest, had our meals together on a small round low lacquer table known as adaung-lan which also served as a large dish. Each child had his own portion of food and I remember how as a child we would dig into it boisterously. It was also a strict household rule that the one who finished last was responsible for cleaning up, washing and drying the dish-cum-table. I was the oldest but also the slowest eater, and every time, it fell upon me to wash up. My mother seeing this used to be very irritated and knock me on the head saying I was always the last because "I was wasting time unnecessarily".
When I had to live in the monastery to prepare for my novitiation ceremony, it was the same. All the other boys finished their meal first and here again I was left to wash all the dishes. I used to pile the dishes one on top of the other to take them to the tap for washing. On seeing this one day, my mentor, the monk U Dhamma gave me a good caning and I still remember his admonishment, "The bottom of the dishes have now been smeared with oil and food, so that means you have to use more soap and more water to clean them, and it takes longer which is therefore an unnecessary waste of soap and water". Later as an adult, I realised that in my native village in the dry, hot and water sparse Shwebo District, water and soap were precious items. But most precious of all to both my mother and my mentor was the waste of time. In addition to time, which is irretrievable, we should use wisely and not waste money, property wealth and of course our nations resources. Since the time of our parents and forefathers this lesson in thrift has been passed down to us but how many of us adhere to this maxim. If we did, it would benefit each person, each family and the whole nation as well.
As Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe has exhorted us, we are today in the midst of building and reconstructing a new, modernised and developed nation. So especially with regard to the use of electrical power and fuel he has instructed all heads of departments at all levels to economise in its use. Government departments should be the first to set a good example. To economise on the use of electrical power, we should use the natural light of which we have on inexhaustible supply in our country of sunshine and use artificial light only when necessary. In the production and services sector also we should try to use the absolute minimum. In this way we can then fully meet the needs of our industrial and economic zones. The increased supply and distribution would lead to increased production and this would mean open up job opportunities and also bring down cost of living for the people. More electricity generated would further lessen the need to use diesel oil to run machinery and engines.
Among the countries in Southeast Asia, Myanmar was the first to use hydroelectric power. We were able to build the Lawpita Hydroelectric Power Plant and I still remember how filled with joy and pride we were. Our slogan then was: "We shall build a paradise on earth with electrical power." Electrical energy plays a vital role in the State’s economy, especially in commodity production and the social sector. The expansion of production in the economic sector on the one hand and the rise of the standard of living with better health care and educational facilities on the other, all require a greater supply and distribution of electrical power. To meet these necessary demands, the Government, after 1988, has implemented 26 hydro electrical power projects, and 6 projects for the use of natural gas turbines and recycled waste energy.
So 32 new power plants are now supplying much needed electrical energy. Compared to former figure of the supply of electricity has increased three-fold. But, due to the progress made in industry with new factories and plants in the industrial zones, the expansion in the service sector and the population growth that has led to the setting up of new townships with residential buildings, the supply of electrical power cannot yet fully meet demand. The Government is at present implementing short-term plans for enhancing the economy and it is at work on its Third Five-Year Plan covering the period from 2001-2002 to 2005-2006. It is undertaking development of many aspects of the economy, in agriculture, industry, energy, livestock breeding and fisheries to education and health - right down to the rural areas. In an address made at the opening ceremony of a training and refresher course of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, held at the Pyidaungsu Hall of the People’s Public Relations Unit of Hmawbi, Senior General Than Shwe stated, "In order to meet the demands for electrical power of the various sectors, we have made plans for an additional generation of 2000 megawatts of electricity. This together with the electrical power that is being generated now will bring the total amount of electricity generated to 3000 megawatts."
In accordance with the guidance given by the Head of State, the Ministry of Electrical Power, beginning from 2001-2002 up to the present period of the Third Short-Term Plan, has been implementing medium and large electrical power projects in order to produce a further 2000 megawatts. The ministry is working on 21 projects including hydroelectric plants, natural gas turbines, recycled waste heat turbines, diesel turbines, steam and coal burning turbines. Of the many hydroelectric power plants, the Thahpanseik Dam Hydroelectric Power Plant, near the village of die same name in Kyunhla Township, Shwebo District in Sagaing Division was put into commission on 18th June 2002. It has a generating capacity of 30 megawatts. This protect was undertaken at a cost of 1155 million kyats and 20 million dollars approximately. It took four years to complete construction. There are also other hydroelectric power projects underway such as the Paunglaung (capacity 250 megawatts), Monchaung (75 megawatts), Ye Ywa (780 megawatts), Kyunchaung (60 megawatts), Shweli (400 megawatts), and the Sittaung valley hydroelectric power projects such as the Shwe Kyin, Ye Nwe, Hpyu and Khabaung.
Then a coal burning electrical power plant is being constructed with a capacity of 120 megawatts near Pyinthar village in the Teekyit region of Pinlaung Township in Southern Shall State. It is expected to begin operating about September 2003. The target year of completion of all these numerous projects is 2006, by which time over 3000 megawatts will be generated which will more than meet the electrical power needs of the entire country. The State has indeed invested a large amount of capital to fulfill our needs for electrical power. So it is up to us to use this valuable electrical power supply systematically and economically and this will reap the greatest benefit for people and the State. The cost of these projects come from the public treasury but we also owe a debt of gratitude to the government, which despite limited resources has given priority to the needs of the people. The onus is therefore on us to prevent wasteful use of electrical power not only in government offices and private offices but also in our homes. And if we, the public, see any such wastage, it is up to us to take action to stop it. We should also follow to the letter, the rules and regulations regarding the use of electrical power issued by the authorities concerned. Each citizen should therefore cultivate the habit of economizing on electrical power usage with full awareness that this is the right attitude that will benefit all. We should avoid the selfish attitude which maintains, "so long as we can pay our electrical utility bills why shouldn’t we use electrical power whenever we want" without thought for the greater good. Having said that, there is one other point to take note of.
Some of us are apt to go to the other extreme and misinterpret "systematic and thrifty use" to mean not to use electricity at all. If people are prevented from using electric lights for example, when it is already dark then it would surely have adverse effect on our work. And worst of all it would create misunderstanding and resentment among the people. "Economise on the use of electrical power where possible; let there not be wanton waste" is the motto. In this way each of us will be doing our duty and making valuable contributions to the development of a developed and modernised state.Translator: K.K.H
Myanmar Times ( Oct.14-20) , 2002-Vol.7, No. 137 )
For further information, inqueries may kindly be made to the nearest Myanmar Embassies or Consulates(or ) email tomission.myanmar@ties.itu.int
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