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SPOTLIGHT 

Headlines

State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to Cambodia

Yangon, 9 Nov - Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council and Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, has sent messages of felicitations to His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk, King of Cambodia and His Excellency Samdech Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Royal Government of Cambodia, on the occasion of the 49th Anniversary of the Independence Day of the Kingdom of Cambodia which falls on 9 November 2002.
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Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt attends dinner hosted in honour of doyen artistes, judges of tenth performing arts competitions

Doyen artistes urged to hand down performing arts to new generation artistes

Yangon, 8 Nov - A ceremony to present certificates of honour and to host a dinner in honour of doyen artistes and judges who rendered assistance to the Tenth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions was held at the National Theatre in Myoma Kyaung Street in Dagon Township at 4.30 pm today.

Patron of the Committee for the Observance of the Tenth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt attended the ceremony and presented certificates of honour to celebrated artistes and judges.

U Hla Win and Daw Thida Swe of Myanma Radio and Television of the Ministry of Information acted as masters of ceremonies. First, Patron of the Committee for Holding the Tenth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt made a speech. He said that the Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions are held annually without fail and the Tenth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions could be held on a grand scale with the national essence. The doyen artistes who had provided assistance for ensuring the successful holding of the competitions annually for ten times were honoured on behelf of the Government today.

The Tenth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions were held with higher standard year after year due to the leadership of the State, the supervision of the doyen artistes and the active particiaption of the contestants and the competitions met with more success than expected. The assistance of the doyen artistes plays a key role in successfully holding the competitions of high artistic skills with genuine Myanma traditional fine arts. In other words, it can be assumed that the competitions which safeguard the genuine Myanma national culture could not be held successfully in the absence of the assistance of the doyen artistes.

Nowadays, the State Peace and Development Council has been making systematic efforts for the emergence of a modern and developed nation to enable it to stand shoulder to shoulder with nations of the world and preservation and safeguarding of own cultural heritage and national character and national prestige and value of social ethics. In view of the situation of the international community, some developing countries have placed emphasis on physical development including development of science and technology, and ignored preservation of traditional culture. Thus, the physical development has been achieved but national character and social values have weakened and so they now have to make arrangements to preserve and safeguard the national character and culture. In the circumstances, it was a great honour for Myanmar that it could preserve and safeguard the national character, traditional cultural performing arts and religion up to the present day.

But, at a time when some western countries were making attempts to infiltrate into the country politically, economically and culturally with the use of mass communication system and modern electronic information techniques which could cover the whole world, it is incumbent upon the doyen artistes, the patriots and those who cherished the fine arts to actively participate in the programmes that can build the nationalism, the patriotism, the customs of preservating the traditional cultures among the youths with nationalistic spirit. Due to economically and culturally penetration, some youths are easily following the modern trend and if they are ignored it will give only negative impact. So also arrangement are to be made with farsightedness to prevent the danger. The Secretary-1 called on the doyen artistes to make continued efforts with the might of their fine arts for futher flourishing and cementing of the good results of the Myanmar traditional cultural performing arts competitions which have already gained momentum. He said good prospects for the nation's future are being created as a result of the competitions. Thanks to the competitions, there have emerged numerous young talented and outstanding artistes.

In other words, good sons and daughters worthy of receiving the cultural heritage handed down by the doyen artistes have emerged. Moreover, pure Myanma traditional cultural performing arts have flourished and as a result good opportunities have emerged for the professional artistes to gain success. He added that the doyen artistes are witnessing favorable conditions to keep alive and propagate the invaluable performing arts in the future. Hence, he said, the competitions are benefiting the doyen artistes, competitors and all the new generation artistes adding that they are greatly beneficial to the nation and the people. He said he believed this had been due to the strenuous efforts of the doyen artistes. This was also due to the faithfulness of the doyen artistes to the traditional cultural performing arts throughout their lives, he added.

The Secretary-1 said that at a time when greater success had been achieved by the performing arts competitions year after year, the doyen artistes would have to hand down the performing arts to the new generation artistes. In conclusion, he wished the doyen artistes good health, continued contribution of services for the flourishing of the Myanmar traditional cultural performing arts and continued services till the golden and diamond jubilees of the performing arts competitions. Then, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt presented certificates of honour to the older performing arts maestros, artistes of the leading committee for organizing the competitions and members of the central panel of judges.

Next, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe presented certificates of honour to members of the central panel of judges of Maha Gita, Dhamma and modern song contest; Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung to the members of the panel of judges of the dance contest; Minister for Cooperatives Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe to the members of the panel of judges of the Yamayana Drama contest and the marionette contest; Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe to the members of the panel of judges of the song composing contest; Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa to the members of the panel of judges of harp, piano, xylophone music contest; Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan to the members of the panel of judges of clarinet, violin and mandolin music contest; Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay to the members of the panel of judges of guitar, orchestra and Ozi/Dobat music contests; and Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt to the secretaries of the panel of judges of the music contest, the artistes who taught performing arts at states and divisions, vocalists who sang song to honour the competitions, state/division team managers and those who acted masters of ceremonies. Member of the panel of judges of the song contest from Ayeyawady Division U Moe Kyaw Tun spoke words of thanks. Later, national races participants and artistes gave entertainment.

Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt then presented cash awards to the new generation artistes who gave performances together with doyen artistes. After the ceremony, dinner was served.

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Religion

Secretary-1 attends Kathina robes offering ceremony of Five Nikaya Tripitaka Sarthintaik

Yangon, 8 Nov - The Kathina robes offering ceremony of Five Nikaya Tripitaka Sarthintaik on Paleyadana Road in Dagon Myothit (South) was held at the Sarthintaik this morning.

Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt attended the ceremony and offered the Kathina robes to members of the Sangha.

The ceremony was opened with the three-time recitation of Namo Tassa. Then, Myitkyina Saya-daw Bhaddanta Silavamsa invested the congregation with the Five Precepts. Next, members of the Sangha recited the parittas. Afterwards, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt presented the Kathina robes and offertories to Taikoke Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Kalyana. Then, the commander, the ministers and the deputy ministers presented the Kathina robes and offertories to members of the Sangha. After that, Vice-Chairman of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Sadhammajotika Dhaja Thayet Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kesara delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained. The ceremony ended with the three-time recitation of Buddha Sasanam Ciram Titthatu.

After the ceremony, well-wishers offered the Kathina robes to members of the Sangha of the Sarthintaik. Then, wellwishers offered soon to members of the Sangha. Today's donations included offertories worth K 4.2 million by Theravada Chinese Monk Maha Sadhammajotika Dhaja Ashin Sabhana (Suhsanli) of Maisai, Thailand and disciples, and offertories worth K 1.4 million by departments and social organizations headed by Dagon Myothit (South) Peace and Development Council.
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Rail Transportation Ministry holds Kathina ceremony

Yangon, 8 Nov - Families of the Ministry of Rail Transportation held the eleventh Collective Kathina ceremony at the hall of the ministry at the corner of Merchant Street and Theinbyu Road this morning.

Sayadaws led by Dhammikayon (Pali University) Patron Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Indaka, Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung and wife Daw Nyunt Nyunt Lwin, and staff families. After opening the ceremony with three-time recitation of Namotassa, the congregation received the Five Precepts from Sayadaw Bhaddanta Indaka. Then, members of the Sangha recited parittas.

Next, Kathina robes and offertories were presented to the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha and merits gained were shared.
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A&I Ministry holds communal Kathina robes offering ceremony

Yangon, 8 Nov - The 11th communal Kathina robes offering ceremony of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation was held at the ministry this morning.

 Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin and wife Daw Khin Myo Oo, presented Kathina robes and offertories to Panhlaing Mahasi Sasana Yeiktha Presiding Nayaka Kammathanacariya Dhamma-kathika Bhaddanta Eisariya and members of the Sangha.

After delivering of the sermon by Mahasi Nayaka Dhammakathika Bahujanahi-tadhara Myittha Sayadaw Bhaddanta Vasava, "soon" was offered to members of the Sangha.
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Ministry of Commerce holds Kathina robes offering ceremony

Yangon, 8 Nov - The 5th Kathina robes offering ceremony of the Ministry of Commerce was held at Ariyamandaing Monastery on Kyaikwaing Pagoda Road in Mayangon Township this morning.

Commerce Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone attended the ceremony and offered Kathina robes and provisions to members of the Sangha. The congregation received the Five Precepts from Presiding Sayadaw of the monastery Mayangon Township Sangha Nayaka Committee Chairman Sayadaw Bhaddanta Acara.

Then, Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone and officials presented Kathina robes and offertories to members of the Sangha. Later, Abbot Sayadaw of the monastery Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Dhammacariya Pali Paragu Bhaddanta Paaloka delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of the merits gained.
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Industry-1 offers Kathina robes to Sangha

Yangon, 8 Nov - Under the patronage of Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung and wife Daw Khin Khin Yi, the families of the ministry held the fifth Kathina robes-offering ceremony at the training hall of the ministry this morning.

Kyaukkon Kyaung Kyi Taik Patron Sayadaw Dhammacariya Bhaddanta U Visarada invested the congregation with the Five Precepts. Then, members of the Sangha recited parittas. Next, Daw Khin Khin Yi, the two deputy ministers, officials and staff families offered Kathina robes and provisions to members of the Sangha.

After the Sayadaw had delivered a sermon, merits gained were shared. "Soon' was also offered to the members of the Sangha.
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Region

Junior electrical engineers course concludes

Yangon, 8 Nov - A ceremony to conclude the junior electrical engineers course 2/3 of the Public Works of the Ministry of Construction took place at Thuwunna Hall of the training school of the ministry this morning.

At the concluding ceremony, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun gave instructions to trainees on systematic use of fuel and electric power and cordially met with them. A total of 22 trainees attended the course that lasted four weeks.
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Minister inspects Yangon International Airport

Yangon, 8 Nov - Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, arrived at Yangon International Airport this morning.

And the minister, inspected growing of flowering plants in the compound of the airport. Then the minister and party inspected growing of flowering plants in the area between the runways and mowing of grass on both sides of the runway. The minister gave instructions on growing of flowering plants on 9 patches at the same time, use of lawnmowers and greening in the airport compound. Next, the minister and party arrived at the Mechanical Department.

The minister heard the reports on repair of aircraft and its spare parts and gave necessary instructions.
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Minister inspects Yangon International Airport

Yangon, 8 Nov - Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, arrived at Yangon International Airport this morning.

And the minister, inspected growing of flowering plants in the compound of the airport. Then the minister and party inspected growing of flowering plants in the area between the runways and mowing of grass on both sides of the runway. The minister gave instructions on growing of flowering plants on 9 patches at the same time, use of lawnmowers and greening in the airport compound. Next, the minister and party arrived at the Mechanical Department.

The minister heard the reports on repair of aircraft and its spare parts and gave necessary instructions.
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Duty assigned to EC members of MTMPA

Yangon, 8 Nov - A ceremony to assign duty to members of the executive committee of Myanmar Traditional Medical Practitioners Association took place at the meeting hall of Yangon Traditional Medicine Hospital in Bahan Township this afternoon, with an address by Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein.

Chairman of the executive committee of MTMPA U Nyan Lwin introduced the minister to EC members. Speaking on the occasion, the minister said efforts should be made to promote the quality of traditional medicine and to develop the traditional medical science in accord with the guidance of the Head of State. At a time when the status of Myanmar traditional medicine is gaining momentum, it is also needed to make known the potent quality of Myanmar traditional medicine the world over. All are to strive in unison for the long-term progress of the association, he said.

Then, U Nyan Lwin gave a pledge to be of service to the public health care activities with the use of traditional medicine. After the ceremony, the minister cordially met with EC members of MTMPA.
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Diplomats, military attaches and families visit UN poster exhibition

Yangon, 8 Nov - UN Poster Exhibition organizing Committee Chairman Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win and diplomats, military attaches and their families led by Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Ambassador of the Lao People's Democratic Republic Mr Ly Bounkham visited UN Poster Exhibition being held at Tatmadaw Convention Hall on U Wisara Road this morning.

They were conducted round the exhibition by the officials. Then, diplomats, military attaches led by the Laotian Ambassador wrote their remarks in the record book.
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Helon village in Mohnyin gets clean water

Yangon, 8 Nov - Water from springs near Helon village in Mohnyin Township is being piped to the village to supply clean and fresh water.

Mohnyin Township Development Affairs Committee laid a pipeline, 4,000 feet long, to supply drinking water and irrigation water at the rate of 1,000 gallons per hour to the village and its surrounding areas. The committee implementing the five rural development tasks is installing water supply systems in villages. On 30 October, officials of the committee made field tours to the village and its surrounding areas, met with local people, and surveyed the area and landscape to install the water supply system.
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Work Committee for Organizing the Exhibition on Myanmar Women's Endeavours meets

Yangon, 8 Nov - The coordination meeting of Work Committee for Organizing the Exhibition on Myanmar Women's Endeavours was held at meeting hall of the Social Welfare Department this afternoon.

Deputy Minister U Hlaing Win made a speech. U Sit Myaing reported on arrangements for the exhibition. A general round of discussions followed. Vice-Chairperson-2 Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe gave a supplementary report.

The meeting ended with the concluding remarks by Deputy Minister U Hlaing Win.
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International Relations

Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung sends felicitations to Cambodia

Yangon, 9 Nov - U Win Aung, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to Mr HOR Namhong, Senior Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia, on the occasion of the 49th Anniversary of the Independence Day of the Kingdom of Cambodia which falls on 9 November 2002.
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Ambassadors call on PBANRDA Minister

Yangon, 8 Nov - Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt received Italian Ambassador to Myanmar Dr Raffaele Miniero at his office at 10.30 am, and Japanese Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Yuji Miyamoto at the same venue at noon today.
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Coord meeting on Myanmar's participation in ASEAN Information Seminar Series (Fy 2002-2003) Project

Yangon, 8 Nov - A coordination meeting on participation of Myanmar in ASEAN Information Seminar Series (Fy 2002-2003) Project was held at the meeting hall of Myanma Radio and Television on Pyay Road this afternoon.

First, Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein delivered a speech in which he said that as the three seminars on "Myanmar in ASEAN Opportunities and Challenges", "Initiative for ASEAN Integration: How can Myanmar Maximise the benefits from it" and "e-ASEAN: How will it benefit Myanmar" will have to be held in Myanmar under the ASEAN Information Seminar Series (Fy 2002-2003) Project, officials from ministries concerned should participate in the discussions. Next, Project Coordinator of MRTV Director (Admin) U Phone Myint reported on arrangements relating to the project.

Those present at the meeting took part in the discussion and the Observance Committee and the Work Committee were formed. The meeting then came to a close with the closing remarks by the deputy minister.
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CPT Minister receives guests

Yangon, 8 Nov - Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw received Managing Director of Mercury Corporation of the Republic of Korea Mr Han Jung Ki and party at 1 pm, General Manager of Sumitomo Corporation (Yangon Branch) of Japan Mr T Arai and party at 1.30 pm, and General Manager of Wuhan Research Institute of P&T China of the People's Republic of China Ms Zhou Qi and party at 2 pm at his office today.
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Chief Justice arrives back from LPDR

Yangon, 8 Nov - A Myanmar delegation led by Chief Justice U Aung Toe this evening arrived back by air from Lao People's Democratic Republic after paying a goodwill visit, from 4 to 8 November, 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 who also arrived back together with the delegation.
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F&R Minister receives guests

Yangon, 8 Nov - Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein received General Manager of Fritz Werner Co of the Federal Republic of Germany Mr P D Christ and party at his office this morning. They discussed matters relating to bilateral cooperation.

Education

Paper on endeavours of Myanmar education read in Monywa

Yangon, 8 Nov - Pyinnya Alin Modern Library and Monywa University jointly sponsored a paper reading session on the endeavours of the Myanmar education at the Town Hall in Monywa, Sagaing Division, on 4 November morning.

First, Commander Brig-Gen Soe Naing gave a speech. Master of ceremonies Associate Professor of the Geology Department of the university U Aung Win read out the biography of the resource person U Than Oo, Chairman of the Myanmar Academy of Arts and Science, and introduced him to the audience. Then, U Than Oo read his paper on the endeavours of the Myanmar Education beginning from the Bagan era to this date. Dr Maung Htoo spoke words of thanks, and the ceremony came to a close.

After the ceremony, the commander, the deputy commander, the resource person, the rector of Monywa University, heads of department and faculty members posed for a photo.
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Sports

Prizes presented to winners in volleyball tournament

Yangon, 8 Nov - The final match and prizes presentation ceremony of the sixth Home Affairs Minister's championship shield volleyball tournament was held at the YCDC stadium in Mingala Taungnyunt Township this afternoon, attended by Home Affairs Minister Col Tin Hlaing and wife. MPF men's and women's teams beat the prisons department teams. The minister and wife and officials presented championship shields and prizes to the winning teams and the best players.
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Drug

Stimulant tablets and heroin seized

Yangon, 8 Nov - Members of the local battalion stopped and searched a motorcycle en route from Langkho to Mongpan between Linkhin and Kyanmaunglyan in Loilem District on 20 October. Although the motorcyclist tried to escape, the authorities managed to arrest him together with 116,000 stimulant tablets. Similarly, a combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and Muse Special Anti-drug Squad, acting on information, searched Ma Nan Htan and Ma Mar Taung on Pansang-Monkoe Road near Khahlan Village on 23 October, and seized 10 blocks of heroin weighing 3.5 kilos. Action is being taken against them under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by the police stations concerned.
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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

n5(151002) 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

bus(151002) 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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