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Established in 1914
Headlines
International Relations
- Lt-Gen Aung Htwe inspects Thabet Bridge, regional development tasks in Kayah, Shan States
- MWVO COC Chairman inspects Thazin Yekyaw Fish Breeding Farm in Nyaungdon
- UN Poster Day Exhibition continue
Region
- Industry-1 Minister inspects factory projects in Mandalay, Bago
- Health Minister inspects construction of hospitals in Kyaukse, Meiktila
- Minister inspects University of Culture
- Minister inspects development tasks in Kayin State, Bago Division
- Livestock breeding farm inspected in Mingaladon Township
- Commander inspects Wataya wood-based industrial zone in Shwepyitha Township
- Shwekyin Hydel Power Plant Project, Sittoung Bridge inspected
- Commander inspects sanitation work activities in Pathein
- Contestants to performing arts competitions tour Yangon
Culture
Religion
SPOTLIGHT
Headlines
Lt-Gen Aung Htwe inspects Thabet Bridge, regional development tasks in Kayah, Shan States
Yangon, 4 Nov - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Aung Htwe of the Ministry of Defence, inspected work being carried out for cleaning and beautifying of Loikaw, the capital of Kayah State, on 2 November morning.
Then, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and party inspected road sections along Loikaw-Hsihseng-Hopong Road and thriving paddy and niger fields on both sides of the road. Next, they proceeded to Htisakha Bridge linking Kayah State and Shan State at the mile posts 147/2 near Loilinlay Village. Superintending Engineer U Zaw Win of the Special Bridge Construction Group-9 of Kayah State Public Works reported on arrangements for renovation of the bridge. Then, Commander Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint gave a supplementary report. Lt-Gen Aung Htwe spoke of the need for officials to complete the renovation of the bridge as soon as possible and to maintain it for durability since the bridge is important for transport between the two states.
Afterwards Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and party inspected the road sections along the road. Then, they arrived at the regional battalion in Pinlaung where they met with departmental officials. Lt-Gen Aung Htwe gave instructions on cooperation in implementation of the five rural development tasks. They then left the regional battalion and arrived at Panglong Yeiktha in Taunggyi in the evening. Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Aung Htwe of the Ministry of Defence, accompanied by Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint, arrived at Kwanpon Village, Shwenyaung Village-tract, in Taunggyi Township, on 3 November morning. Then, they attended the paddy harvesting ceremony held at Shwenyaung Village-tract, Taunggyi.
Chairman of Taunggyi Township Peace and Development Council U Hla Nay reported on cultivation of monsoon paddy in Taunggyi Township and cultivation of Hsinshwewa and Manaw-thukha paddy strains and Shan State Manager of Myanma Agriculture Service U Saw Jackson on the cost for boosting the par acre yield. Then, Commander Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint made a speech. He said that the paddy harvesting ceremonies were held in 21 townships, Shan State. By doing so, tasks for regional development are to be implemented in the townships. Efforts are being exerted in Shan State to engage in monsoon paddy, summer paddy and hill-side paddy cultivation, he said and urged officials and farmers to make earnest efforts for achieving rice sufficiency in the region.
Then, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Khin Maung made a speech, saying the high-yield monsoon and summer paddy was cultivated on 0.43 million acres of farmland in Shan State (South). In the past, paddy harvesting ceremonies were held in a few townships and now they can be held in all townships in Shan State and it will contribute to ensuring rice sufficiency in the region. To ensure rice sufficiency in the region, the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation will provide technological assistance and quality strains to farmers, he noted. Next, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe spoke. He said that the main task to be carried out is to ensure rice sufficiency in Shan State, adding that efforts are being made in Shan State (North) for rice sufficiency in the region. Rice sufficiency reached 89 per cent in Shan State (North) and 87 per cent in Shan State (South).
Head of State Senior General Than Shwe has given guidance on priority to regional rice sufficiency, and the 24 development zones were designated for regional and national development. Pinlong region in Shan State (South) was designated as a development zone and the state-to-state roads are being built with the labour of Tatmadawmen in Shan State with a view to enhancing the living standard of local people. The national brethren also are strive together with the Government for regional development. The Government has been making efforts for equitable development in all parts of the nation and the local authorities are to exert sustained efforts to ensure regional development. The local people are to strive for rice sufficiency in the region in reciprocation of the goodwill of the Head of State, he said and called on farmers to make efforts to exceed the target of paddy production.
Then, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe, the commander and the deputy ministers inspected paddy threshing with the use of the threshers produced by Agricultural Mechanization Department. Then, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and party attended the paddy harvesting ceremony being held at Tilaw Sakhangyi Village in Nyaungshwe Township. Chairman of Nyaungshwe Township Peace and Development Council U Maung Soe reported on matters related to the agriculture and Shan State Manager of MGS U Saw Jet Hsin on cultivation of Hsinayekari paddy and its yield. Then, Commander of Eastern Command Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint made a speech. Next, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Khin Maung spoke. He said that priority is being given to modern paddy cultivation in Shan State and land reclamation was conducted in Nyaungshwe Township, and the par acre yield will increase if fertilizer and advanced paddy cultivation techniques are apply. Emphasis is being placed on cultivation of Hsinshwewa, Manawthukha, Hsin-3 and Shwewatun paddy strains in Shan State (South) and rice sufficiency in the region will meet with success soon.
Next, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe made a speech. He said that the Head of State has given guidance on regional rice sufficiency and only when there is rice sufficiency in the region will the regional development tasks be carried out. He called on local authorities to supervise the tasks being carried out for regional development and local rice sufficiency. He also urged the local farmers to make relentless efforts for rice sufficiency in the region as the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation has been providing technological assistance. Afterwards, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe, the commander, the deputy ministers and departmental officials, viewed harvesting of model paddy field with the use of threshers.
Then, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and party inspected booths on agriculture and Agricultural Mechanization Department displayed at the harvesting ceremony.
MWVO COC Chairman inspects Thazin Yekyaw Fish Breeding Farm in Nyaungdon
Yangon, 4 Nov - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of the Myanmar War Veterans Organization Central Organizing Committee Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein, left Yangon by car this morning and arrived at Thazin Yekyaw Fish Breeding Farm of MWVOH in Nyaungdon Township, Ayeyawady Division, at 7.30 am.
Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein inspected breeding of fish at the ponds and feeding tasks and gave instructions on efforts to be made to feed the fish for better growth rate and minimizing loss and wastage. At the briefing hall, farm in-charge Maj Lyan Khan Ciin reported on tasks of the farm, fish breeding to be extended in the open season and organizational set up of the farm. Member of the MWVO COC Cmdr Tun Aung Myint (Retd) reported on preparation for growth of fish and for minimizing loss and wastage, availability of feedstuff and maintenance of the fish ponds and Head of MWVO COC Headquarters Lt-Col Win Maung (Retd) on financial matter of the farm.
After hearing reports, Lt-Gen Thein Sein gave necessary instructions. He said that fish breeding farms were established with a view to gaining good benefits for the State, the respective regions and the War Veterans Organization; fish and prawn are being bred on the wetland in Nyaungdon Township so as to fulfill requirement in consumption of meat and fish of the people; efforts are to be made for not only cultivation of chili and maize but also breeding of fish and prawn in vacant and virgin lands for welfare of the consumers; and in so doing, it is necessary to undertake in manufacturing a lot of products with the small amount of expenditure with the efficient use of money.
He explained agriculture and livestock breeding tasks of the Headquarters and efforts being made for welfare of the MWVO members. They left the farm and arrived back in Yangon in the afternoon.
Yangon, 4 Nov - Packed with visitors, the UN Poster Day Exhibition continued for the fourth day today at the Tatmadaw Convention Hall on U Wisara Road.
Chairman of the work committee for holding of the UN Poster Day exhibition Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt visited the exhibition and gave instructions to officials. The portraits of the seven UN Secretaries-General - the portrait of Secretary-General Mr Kofi A Annan by Artist U Lun Kywe, the portrait of Secretary-General Mr Javier Perez de Cuellar by Artist U Min Naing, the portrait of Secretary-General Mr Trygve Lie by Artist U San Toe, the portrait of Secretary-General Mr Boutros Boutros Ghali by Artist U Kyaw Ohn, the portrait of Secretary-General Mr Dag Hammarskjold by Artist U Aung Thin Yi, the portrait of Secretary-General Mr Kurt Waldheim painted by painter U Than Oo (Monthet), and the portrait of Secretary-General U Thant painted by painter Sanda Win Tun - and the flags of 191 UN member nations are on display at the exhibition, which are unique in Myanmar and portrait paintings and flags have never been displayed in other countries.
Therefore, a wide range of knowledge can be gained in a short time at the exhibition. The exhibition was crowded with students, teachers, the people from various townships and foreigners, and it will continue till 8 November daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Admission is free.
International Relations
Ambassador U Nyunt Maung Shein accredited to Austria
Yangon, 5 Nov - The Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar has appointed U Nyunt Maung Shein, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Union of Myanmar to the Federal Republic of Germany, concurrently as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Union of Myanmar to the Republic of Austria.
Financial management course opened
Yangon, 4 Nov - A ceremony to open a financial management course, jointly conducted by Yangon Cooperative Degree College of the Ministry of Cooperatives and the Overseas Technology Assistance Committee, took place at the cooperative trade centre in Bahan Township this morning.
Minister for Cooperatives Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe delivered an address on the occasion. In his speech, Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe said the purpose of the course is to promote the financial management skill, to understand the international accounting systems, and to gain experience in financial management. Arrangements have been made to open such courses in other states and divisions, he said.
Then, Mr Shinji Hirai, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, spoke on the occasion. A total of 50 trainees are attending the course, which will last ten days.
Yangon, 4 Nov - A Myanmar delegation led by Chief Justice U Aung Toe this morning left by air for Lao People's Democratic Republic to pay a goodwill visit at the invitation of the Chairman of People's Supreme Court of LPDR. The delegation comprises Supreme Court Justice U San Tint Yi, Divisional Additional Judge U Tin Win and Deputy Director U Myint Thein.
Myanmar, Asean, Japan National Seminar on Industrial Relations begins
Yangon, 4 Nov - The opening ceremony of Myanmar, Asean, Japan National Seminar on Industrial Relations, jointly organized by the Labour Department of the Ministry of Labour and Asean/Japan, was held at the International Business Centre on Pyay Road this morning.
The deputy minister made an opening speech and Director-General of the Labour Department U Soe Nyunt delivered an address. Next, Adviser of Labour Department U Kyaw Win submitted a paper on implementation of Myanmar industrial relations project. At the seminar, Assistant Director Daw Than Than Lwin of Directorate of Myanma Industrial Planning under Ministry of Industry-2, UMFCCI Vice-President U Htein Win, Prof Daw Yi Yi Myint (Retd) of the Institute of Economics and Mr Jadasjhi Nakamura from Japan submitted papers on industrial relations.
Those present also took part in the discussions. Then, the first day session of seminar ended. The seminar will continue tomorrow.
Region
Industry-1 Minister inspects factory projects in Mandalay, Bago
Yangon, 4 Nov - Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, on 2 November evening inspected the main building of the printing and dyeing factory in Yamethin in Mandalay Division and urged the officials to make efforts for the completion of the building in accord with the set standard.
Then, the minister went to the construction site of soap factory of the Myanma Pharmaceutical Industries and saw over the progress of work of the main building there. He also inspected the machines installed by Seinban Industrial Cooperative, Society production of Shwewa and Carbolic soap, installation of machines and the boiler, and the generator and gave instructions. Next, the minister met with officials and gave instructions on preparations for the opening of the factories, power supply and appointment and training of staff.
Then, Central Executive Committee Member of the Union Solidarity and Development Association U Aung Thaung also met the secretaries and executives of Yamethin District, Pyawbwe Township and Tatkon Township USDAs and attended to the needs concerning the reports presented by the executives and urged them to undertake the five rural development tasks in cooperation with the people, and to try to become skilful organizers. Thence, the minister saw over the sale of Industry-1's products at Winthuzar shop in Pyinmana. Yesterday the minister and officials inspected construction of 50-ton pulp factory in the compound of Yeni No 2 Paper Factory in Bago Division. The minister proceeded to the construction site of 50-ton pulp factory, and 80-ton paper factory for cement bags where General Manager of Myanma Paper and Chemical Industries U Thein Soe reported on construction work of new factories.
The minister then gave necessary instructions on minimizing loss and wastage and arrangements for durability of the factories. After inspecting storage of bamboo for the pulp factory and the site chosen for making water ponds, the minister gave necessary instructions to officials. Then, the minister met with officials at the Township Hall of Daik-U and heard reports by Factory Manager Capt Sein Lwin on production and distribution of glucose, cultivation of tapioca, frugal use of electricity and fuel.The minister inspected digging of tapiocas and gave instructions to officials on extended cultivation of tapioca plantations and production of glucose, efficient use of electricity and fuel and utilization of the natural light. Afterwards, the minister proceeded to the glue powder factory and inspected the production process and left instructions on maintenance of the machines to the officials there. Later, the minister also inspected Winthuza Shop and the new office building of Regional Industrial Coordination and Inspection Department in Bago.
Health Minister inspects construction of hospitals in Kyaukse, Meiktila
Yangon, 4 Nov -Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, inspected extension of Kyaukse District Hospital into the 200-bed hospital on 3 November.
At the hospital, officials reported on treatments and health care service given to patients at the hospital and Managing Director U Aung Than of Olympic Co on progress in building the hospital. The minister and party proceeded to Meiktila General Hospital. Medical Superintendent Dr Ba Shwe and Chairman of Meiktila District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Myo Myint reported on sites chosen for construction of the 200-bed hospital and the nurses training school.
Then, the minister inspected the wards and the intensive care unit and gave necessary instructions.
Minister inspects University of Culture
Yangon, 4 Nov - Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung arrived at the University of Culture (Yangon) in Dagon Myothit (South) Township, this morning.
The minister inspected the archway of the university, the plot chosen for canteen in the university, supply of water, the plot for the museum and the construction of school building and roads, and gave instructions. At the meeting hall, officials reported on tasks being carried out and future tasks.
Later, the minister attended to the requirements and gave instructions on systematic use of electricity.
Minister inspects development tasks in Kayin State, Bago Division
Yangon, 4 Nov - Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, arrived in Thantaunggyi, Kayin State, on 3 November afternoon and inspected construction tasks in Thantaung Hill Station.
First, the minister and party inspected Stone Park being built by Thantaung Township Development Committee in Thantaung Hill Station. At the briefing hall, the minister and party heard reports on progress of the township and tasks being carried out by Township Executive Officer U Win Shwe. The minister fulfilled the requirements. Director U Soe Tint of Development Affairs Department also reported on construction of urban roads in Thantaung Hill Station, water and power supply, construction of inns and lodging houses with the use of charts.
The minister gave instructions on repair of the roads and supply of power and water. Then, the minister and party inspected inns and lodging houses of Shwe Thanlwin Co, Asia World Co and Four Star Company, water-tanks and installation of 315-kva transformer at No 2 Hotel Zone and construction tasks, urban roads and the ring road at the zone-1 and gave necessary instructions. At the briefing hall, the minister met with hoteliers and townselders and fulfilled the requirements of departments concerned and local people. Next, the minister and party saw over the 16-bed Station Hospital, the Development Affairs Committee Office, the nursery park and construction of self-reliant building at Basic Education High School No 1 and attended to their needs. On 4 November, they arrived at Toungoo Township Development Affairs Committee Office.
At the meeting hall, Executive Officer U Myint Zaw reported on plans to build rural roads and bridges with the use of allotted expenditure in 2002-2003 fiscal year, completion of water supply work and tasks to be done, keeping of the town pleasant, beautifying and greening it. The minister gave instructions on efficient use of electricity and fuel. Afterwards, they proceeded to Ottwin Township Development Affairs Committee Office and inspected the office and its environs. At Pyu Township DACO, the minister heard reports on development tasks by officials. He inspected saplings at the nursery. Then, the minister and party heard report on development tasks being carried out in Kyaukdaga Township and conditions of vehicles and machinery by Executive Officer U Phyu Nyunt at Kyaukdaga Township Development Affairs Committee Office.
The minister inspected the office and the nursery park. In Nyaunglebin, Executive Officer U Mya Soe reported on township development tasks. The minister attended to the needs. The minister and party went to DaikU Township and heard reports on development affairs.
Livestock breeding farm inspected in Mingaladon Township
Yangon, 4 Nov - Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein arrived at Livestock, Foodstuff and Dairy Products Enterprise in Pyinmabin, Mingaladon Township this morning.
At the meeting hall, the minister heard reports on incubators and gave instructions on extended distribution of chicks and ducklings to markets. He also inspected the electricity utilization and incubators, the electric power house at the pigsty, and the plot for chicken farm to be extended, and attended to the requirements.
After inspecting the chicken farm, the minister met with employees and fulfilled the needs.
Commander inspects Wataya wood-based industrial zone in Shwepyitha Township
Yangon, 4 Nov - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, inspected production at Wataya wood-based industrial zone in Shwepyitha Township this morning.
The commander and party inspected production of raw products, wood dryer, manufacturing of spare parts, production of parquet and windows and making furniture at Tawwin Family Finished Products and Furniture Factory. The commander and party were conducted round by Chairman of Tawwin Family Finished Products and Furniture Co U Ko Ko Htwe. U Ko Ko Htwe reported on manufacturing of spare parts, machines used in making wood smooth, polishing machines and others.
The commander gave instructions on arrangements for boosting production, tasks to be undertaken by entrepreneurs after realizing the goodwill of the government and effective use of electricity and fuel.
Shwekyin Hydel Power Plant Project, Sittoung Bridge inspected
Yangon, 4 Nov - Chairman of Bago Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Southern Command Brig-Gen Aung Min, arrived at Shwekyin Hydel Power Plant Project being undertaken by the Construction-4 of Hydro Electric Power Department near Kyauknaga Village of Shwekyin Township on 2 November afternoon.
At the briefing hall, Director U Mya Than of the Construction-4 reported on facts about the project, earth work of the embankment and tasks to be undertaken. The commander gave instructions on construction tasks to meet the set standard, minimizing loss and wastage and timely completion and inspected land preparation and earth work with the use of heavy machinery. The project site is located six miles from Shwekyin. On completion, the power plant will generate 250 million kilowatt hour a year. At 2 pm, the commander arrived at the construction site of Sittoung Bridge (Shwe-kyin-Madauk) being built by Bridge Construction Project Special Group-6 of Public Works. Senior Engineer U Win Aung reported on installation of beams at the piers, progress of work and requirements. The commander gave instructions on keeping the bridge environs green, clean and pleasant and timely completion.
Then, the commander inspected installation of beans at piers and attended to their needs. The bridge will be 1,500 feet long and it will have 28 feet wide motor way and four feet wide pedestrian ways on the either side. The bridge can withstand 60-ton loads.
Commander inspects sanitation work activities in Pathein
Yangon, 4 Nov - Some 650 people including local Tatmadawmen, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, service personnel and local populace on 2 November carried out the collective sanitation work on both sides of Pathein-Chaungtha Road.
Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Brig-Gen Htay Oo, encouraged them and fulfilled the needs. The commander then went to the Maha Bawdhi Mingala Pagoda in Pathein and the Yankintaung Pagoda where he inspected the renovation tasks for the pagodas and sanitation tasks being carried out and gave necessary instructions to officials.
Later, the commander paid homage and presented offertories to Yankintaung monastery Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sumana.
Contestants to performing arts competitions tour Yangon
Yangon, 4 Nov - Contestants who took part in the Tenth Myanmar Traditional Performing Arts Competitions, made their tour of Yangon this morning.
They paid a visit to Shwedagon Pagoda at 7 am and then to the Defence Services Museum and Historical Research Institute. In the afternoon, they went to Myanma Radio and Television on Pyay Road, where officials conducted them round the departments there.
Then, they proceeded to the Drug Elimination Museum at the corner of Kyundaw Road and Hanthawady Road, and Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image on Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township in the evening.
Culture
Tenth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions successfully concluded
Yangon, 4 Nov - The 10th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions were held at the National Museum, the National Theatre, the Kanbawza Theatre and Padonma Theatre here starting from 18 October.
The 17th and the final day of the competitions were successfully held today. As today is Depavali Day and the final day of the competitions, enthusiasts thronged the venues where the contests of the competitions were held. The song contest of the competitions was held at the National Theatre on Pyay Road. Chairperson of Panel of Judges for the contest Assistant Director (Music) Daw Tin Tin Mya of the Myanma Radio and Television and Secretary Assistant Engineer Daw May Pyone Khine and members supervised the song contest.
Leader of Panel of Judges U Maung Maung Gyi and member supervised the amateur level (women's) religious song contest. Leader of Panel of Judges U Min Naung and members supervised the basic education level (aged 5-10) (boys') old and modern song contest. Altogether 16 contestants took part in the amateur level (women's) religious song contest.
Then, the contest went into recess. In the afternoon, the contest continued and a total of 14 contestants took part in the basic education level (aged 5-10) (boys') old and modern song contest .The judges were led by U Min Naung.
The xylophone contest was held at the National Theatre this morning. Leader of Panel of Judges U Ye Nwe and group supervised the contest. Altogether five contestants participated in the amateur level (women's) xylophone contest. In the afternoon, 16 contestants took part in the basic education level (aged 10-15) (boys') xylophone contest. A total of nine contestants participated in the professional level oboe contest held at Kanbawza Theatre.
The contest was supervised by Leader of Panel of Judges U Mya Gyi and members.
Three contestants took part in the higher education level oboe contest and eight contestants in the basic education level (aged 10-15) oboe contest. The music contests of the competitions were held at Padonma Theatre this morning. Three contestants took part in the higher education level (girls') orchestra contest and six contestants in the basic education level (aged-10-15) (girls') orchestra contest, and eight contestants in the basic education level (aged 5-10) (girls') orchestra contest.
The Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions have been yearly held since 1993. The prize-presenting ceremony will be soon held here on a grand scale.
Religion
All Myanmar Tamil Hindu Foundation holds Dipavali festival
Yangon, 4 Nov - The donation ceremony to mark the Dipavali festival of All Myanmar Tamil Hindu Foundation was held at Tipitaka Monastery on Sagawa Road in Dagon Township this morning.
Director-General Dr Myo Myint of the Religious Affairs Department opened the festival by igniting Dipavali lights. Then, Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kesarinda of Tipitaka Monastery administered the Five Precepts and members of the Sangha recited Parittas. Afterwards, Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kesarinda delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits.
Later, Chairman U Zaw Zaw Naing and party offered provisions and "soon" to members of the Sangha from Tipitaka Monastery.
Sport
Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) soccer tournament continues
Yangon, 4 Nov - The 41st Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services' Cup soccer tournament first round events continued at the designated places this evening.
Triangle Region Command beat No 55 LID 2-0 in Mawlamyine in Group-A and Northern Command and Defence Services (Air) goalless draw in Group-B in Pathein. In the match of Eastern Command and Western Command (Group-C) in Monywa, the former beat the latter 3-1, and in the match of South-West Command and North-West Command (Group-D) in Mandalay, the former beat the latter 3-0.
In the match of Group-E held in Toungoo No 22 LID trounced No 101 LID 5-0.
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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