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Headlines

• Senior General Than Shwe addresses UDSA Annual General Meeting 
• Patron of USDA Senior General Than Shwe addresses USDA Annual General Meeting (2002)

  International Relations

• State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends message of congratulations to President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Region

• Senior General Than Shwe hosts dinner in honour of delegates to USDA Annual General Meeting 2002
• Agreement signed on purchase of iron frames
• Exhibition on Myanmar Women's Endeavours continues
• Meeting on promotion of hotels and tourism industry and preservation of Myanma cultural heritage held

Religion

• Matho Thingan weaving competitions held at Pagodas in Yangon 
• Matho Thingan Weaving Competition held at Shwephonepwint Pagoda

Economic

• 40th Myanma Gems Emporium to be held

SPOTLIGHT

• News
  
• Myanmar's boxing steps up

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Headlines

Senior General Than Shwe addresses UDSA Annual General Meeting
Harmonious national outlook and conviction of new generation youths driving force of national resources required by state
During nine-year period, over 12.25 million youths attended UDSA courses, acquiring intellectual skills and efficiency in respective fields
Economic infrastructure development project gives priority to strengthening agricultural force, nation's main economy

YANGON. 18 Nov - The following is a translation of the address delivered by Patron of Union Solidarity and Development Association Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander- in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe at the 2002 Annual General Meeting of USDA today:

I would like to greet all the members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association including the members who are attending the Annual General Meeting of the USDA.

Now, the USDA has entered its tenth year. The USDA since it was founded in accord with the basic principles based on "Our Three Main National Causes" --Non-disintegration of the Union; non-disintegration of the national solidarity; and perpetuation of the sovereignty--has been consolidating its organizational set-up, and conducting organization and training programmes with greater momentum.

The spirit of the youths, who joined the association with firm determination to strive for emergence of a peaceful, modem and developed nation in accord with the pledge of the USDA - to discharge the national duty and to be loyal to the State and her citizens, should be honoured.

During the nine-year period, the USDA has established different levels from the central to the ward/village level. The association at different levels have been implementing the future work programmes laid down at the annual general meetings.

The training projects designed to develop the qualifications of the youths, covered by the USDA work programmes, have been implemented on a wider scale,

The USDA training programmes are being con- ducted with the aim of enabling youths to become worthy citizens understanding the objectives, the basic policy and the Code of Con- duct stipulated in the basic principles and possessing patriotism and Ui1ion Spirit.

Training programmes

The training programmes will help produce the human resources endowed with intellectual ability and technical skin.

The objective of the training courses are to promote national outlook, Patriotism and Union Spirit of the youths, enabling them to discharge the national duties well. The objectives also include lecturing of the subjects on the State's goal and objectives. At present, the USDA members are studying the State's affairs as well as the international affairs.

In 2002 alone, over 228 million youths attended the courses on various fields conducted by the central level and the state/division USDAs.

During the nine-year period, over 12.25 million youths had attended the courses, acquiring intellectual skills and efficiency in the respective fields.

Especially, cultural and moral courses, which have been conduced. nation-wide covering villages, have trained 11.18 million youths. At the courses, these youths had studied the subjects meant to help them further promote their national pride and dignity, which are the national characters, steering them to preserve the cultural heritage, traditions and customs, family values and improving their moral conduct. The traditions of the Myanmar society have consolidated the Myanmar social live and ensured peace.

Driving force

The cultural and moral courses have given new generation youths the national outlook and conviction. The harmonious national outlook and conviction of the new generation youths are the driving force for the national resources required by the State. The force of the new generation youths inheriting, protecting and exercising the national resource driving force is the power of the
national human  resources that will continue to strengthen and steer the present and future Myanmar society.

Fine traditions

Since its forn1ation and till now, the USDA has preserved its fine traditions, dutifully carrying out the task of training and nurturing the new generation youths to become qualified citizens and a patriotic force, fully endowed with Union Spirit, and defending and safeguarding the independence and sovereignty of the nation and protecting the Union from breaking up.

During the past year, the activity being launched together with the national force had reached a new stage. The USDA is taking part more in the national development I drive and rural development tasks being launched under the leadership of the State.

The mass rallies honouring and supporting the national development undertakings and rural development programmes were held at 17 venues in the V/hole nation from 6 to 17 January 2002 under the sponsorship of the USDA.

At the mass rallies, USDAs at different levels supported the national development undertakings and rural development project and made a firm resolution to energetically participate in them.

The USDA held a special General Meeting from 19 to 20 February 2002 to carry out the resolutions of the mass meetings. At the Special General Meeting, the members exchanged views on the plan to take part in the national arid rural development drive.

As I have already said, the USDA has trained and nurtured its member youths to become the nation' s resource driving force possessing intellectual ability and efficiency.

In accord with the future Work programmes, the association has striven to firmly stand as a consolidated national  force, changing from qualitative power to quantitative power as the aim in this respect.

Participation of the national resource driving force in the national and rural development drive shows its ability to serve the public interests. We welcome its positive and constructive attitude.

Public participation

The national development drive requires the force of the entire people's participation. We are going to build a peaceful, modem and developed nation, with the political, economic and social forces.

In striving to give strength to all the sectors, the persons wishing to firmly consolidate the national unity placing jn the fore Our Three Main National Causes -Non-disintegration of the Union; non-disintegration of the national solidarity; and perpetuation of the sovereignty - with trust, and wishing to see the rule of law and regional peace, always stand as the core force on which the nation can rely. The force is participating in regional peace, security and defence in addition to development undertakings.

As peace and stability and security is prevailing in all the regions, the development drive can be implemented more. In this year's general meeting, the topic on the Union development and Our Three Main National Causes and another topic on the State's thrifty programmes were included as a sector.

The Union development and Our Three Main National Causes have interrelationship. The national force, standing firmly and unitedly and placing in the fore Our Three Main National Causes can protect and ensure the national security and peace and stability. The national economic development undertakings mainly rest on growth in the gross domestic product. Efforts are being made in all the sectors for development of agricultural production and industrial production of the nation.

At a time when efforts are being made to increase the amount of investments and volume of production, the entire nation's efforts to exercise thrifty method and reduce waste also are paying off.

The results achieved from practicing the thrifty method and reducing waste are as effective as the production growth. The State is achieving good results in giving instructions to the departments in accord with the thrifty project. Good results can be found in implementing the project to use electricity efficiently. The electricity the nation has saved through the project is being used by the industries. Thus, industries can use more power for production. The related results of the project have also led to reducing the production cost and boosting production.

The thrifty method and minimize waste project has been designated as part of the national development drive, and the member youths are urged to organize the people to achieve more success in implementing the project.

If we study the different stages of the national modernization and development drive in relation to each other, we can see that peace and stability and security

have effects on the infrastructure development, heading towards evolution of economic and social forces. Today, all-round efforts are being made to realize the goal - emergence of a peaceful modern and developed nation.

Priority

In launching the economic infrastructure development project, priority has been given to strengthening the agricultural force in the initial stage as agriculture is the nation's main economy.

The agriculture sector remains not only as the economic life of the 70 per cent of rural population but also as the resource of the trade and services industries of the entire people.

Therefore, to promote the agricultural force, projects for such infrastructures as dams, reservoirs and sluice gates have been implemented with momentum. As a result, there are now 139 dams including recently inaugurated Hinywet Creek Dam in An Township, Rakhine State. Another 37 dams are under construction and feasibility studies for building dams all over the country are also being conducted.

Moreover, 262 river water pumping stations have been built and another 8 are under construction.

Exploiting resources

With the aim of promoting the use of water resource and land resource, infrastructures for the agriculture sector are being built with might and main. Thanks to the implementing of projects of dams, reservoirs and sluice gates, the people now start to enjoy the fruits of water supply for agriculture purpose, floods prevention and greening of the environs.

While promoting the agriculture sector, programmes for expansion of agro-based industries and development of the industrial sector are being laid down and implemented.

Founding of medium and heavy industries of the State as well as private industries are being implemented simultaneously. For the promotion of the industrial sector, 18 industrial zones have been established throughout the country and according to the conditions, inputs and machinery are provided. Only if agriculture and industrial forces are strengthened the productivity will become higher. Therefore, all are to make cooperation in these two sectors.

The development of the energy sector plays a key role in raising the agricultural and industrial power. The development of the energy sector requires a lot of time and money. Plans are being laid down and implemented to meet the energy needs in the manufacturing sector and the socio-economic life of the people. New natural resources and energy deposits are being continuously explored. Naturally, the construction work for exploration and production takes a considerable time. Anyway, momentous efforts are being made for the exploration of offshore and inland natural energy deposits.

New oil and natural gas deposits were found in Nyaungdon in 1999, in Thagyitaung and Sabeitaung in 2001 and in Indaw in August, 2002. Special efforts are being made to explore new deposits. In the same way, projects are being implemented simultaneously to meet the rising need of electricity, which is the result of extension of industrial enterprises and rapid development of manufacturing and service industries and urban development. Before 1988, hydel-power and natural gas burning power plants generated 588 megawatts but the power plants built after 1988 are generating over 560 megawatts.

Now, to fully meet the electricity needs of the public and industries, 9 hydel power plants with the capacity of 1,790 megawatts and one steam power plant with the capacity of 120 megawatts - totalling 1,910 megawatts -  are under construction. Three out of these projects, namely, Paung-laung, Mone Creek and Tikyit power plants will be completed soon and they will generate 475 megawatts.

In addition to these projects, it has been planned to build 5 hydel power plants and one steam power plant during the period from 2006-2007 to 2010-2011. The plants will be capable of generating 5,468 megawatts. The completion of one power plant after another will surely help strengthen the economic power of the nation. It is necessary not only to produce more electricity but also to use it systematically. The use of electricity in government offices has been sharply reduced and this measure is aimed at supplying more electricity to the public and industrial enterprises.

Transport

In building the economic infrastructure, top priority is being given to transport and communications. If we look at motor roads which have been built so far, it can be easily seen that they were built the length and breadth of the nation including hill regions and remote areas. The roads which have been built since 1988 have a total length of 4,359 miles. A total of 14 major river-crossing bridges have been built, six are under construction and plans are being made to build another three. One of the Ayeyawady river-crossing bridges linking Magway and Minbu will be opened in the near future.

New railroads were also built where necessary for the easy and smooth transportation of goods and passengers. The total length of railroads built after 1988 is over 1,065 miles. The extension of airports are being carried out for speedy transportation in the future. The extension of airports includes the upgrading of the old ones and the building of the new. A total of 13 airports are now being built simultaneously for the people to be able to travel quickly to different parts of the country.

A large sum of money is being invested in the transport and communication sector as this sector plays a vital role in strengthening the economic power of the nation and in improving the socio-economic life of all the Myanmar nationals. Nowadays, the Government is making every endeavour to transform the nation into a modern and developed one by utilizing all the available natural and human resources and by strengthening agricultural, industrial and transport and communication powers of the country.

All the service personnel and citizens who are working together in the respective sectors for achieving the above-mentioned powers are worthy of honour. All the nationals are required to cooperate and lend themselves to the measures for achieving and strengthening these powers. Only if these powers can be retained, socio-economic life of the people will always be improving.

I would like to urge all those responsible to retain the improving Myanma economic life by functioning according to the procedures and rules and regulations set for the smooth running of trade and commerce and manufacturing and service industries. It is necessary for all to safeguard the benefits of economic power so that all the national people will be able to enjoy them. You all are now dedicate yourselves to nation-building tasks and work programmes for improving the capabilities of youths. You all are required to cooperate with the people to strengthen the already-achieved economic power and to develop Myanma economic life continuously. There was a tradition of the people to actively participate in national development tasks.

Forestry

The government is implementing the 30-year multi-purpose project in the forestry sector with the motto -  keep the nation green and pleasant with the strength of forests. The project covers nine districts and greening of arid zones. The government has carried out the tasks of conservation of natural forests and establishment of plantations for greening the areas in cooperation with the people. During monsoon in 2002 altogether 64 million of trees were planted. Among them, the people planted 16 million of trees. They have planted 154 million of trees of various kinds since 1988.

The World's Forests Report of Food and Agriculture Organization stated the progress of Myanma forestry sector. According to the report, Myanmar's forest covered areas in 1995 were 67 million acres, 41 per cent of the area of the State. In 2000, the forest covered areas were 85 million acres, 52 per cent of the area of the State. Therefore, the forest covered areas increased by 18 million acres, about 11 per cent of the areas of the State in five years. This showed that the government in cooperation with the people had ability to conserve the valuable Myanma forests and to plant trees. It was an effort beneficial not only to Myanma new generation but also to conservation of world environment.

Education

The entire people's greater cooperation can be found in implementation of national education promotion programme. With the cooperation and assistance of the people, the school enrolment programme for the school-going age children, the first task of building of human resource was implemented for four consecutive years. The school enrolment rate at primary level increased annually. The school enrolment rate was 93.07% for this year. Due to the cooperation of the people of different regions in the Union the rate of 55 project townships was 98.36%.

The tasks for completion of primary, middle and high school education are being undertaken in national education promotion programme. In order to receive middle school education for children in rural areas in basic education sector, over 2,400 post-primary schools were opened. In the whole country, altogether 39,999 basic education schools were opened. There are three basic education schools in every five ward/village. These facts show that there are more opportunities in receiving education in the country.

Moreover, universities and colleges were opened in higher education sector. There were 32 universities and colleges in the past but now there are 151 universities and colleges. The significant point is that they are opened in various parts of the country. In various fields of study the doctorate courses can now be conducted. Well-experienced retired scholars are still discharging their duties of teaching in national education promotion programme.

The government cooperated with the people for gaining learning opportunities with the use of information and communication technology at the respective schools in basic and higher education sectors. The government spent a large sum of money including foreign exchange with the contribution of wellwishers. They have donated over K 7,000 million for the education funds, construction of basic education school buildings, modern teaching aids and school enrolment activities.

Health

The objective of uplift of health, fitness and education standards of the entire nation was laid down for promotion of social sector. As I have said earlier, the people participated in national education promotion tasks and the government also received public cooperation and assistance in health sector. The Government has been upgrading the health sector quantitatively and qualitatively. There were 631 hospitals before 1988 and 128 new hospitals were added in 2002 making the total number of hospitals to 759. In addition, 104 hospitals were upgraded.

Modern hospital equipment were bought in foreign currency and installed at hospitals. With the qualification of the Myanma physicians and installation of modern medical equipment, success has been achieved in heart operation, kidney transplant, extension of cardiac vessels, operation of conjoined twin sisters on whom the operation had to be done in a difficult position. It is the symbol of the success in medical sector. In disease control project, the national immunization days are launched the length and breadth of the nation every year as mass movement for eradication of polio. Thus, Myanmar will become a polio-free nation in 2003. Furthermore, prevention of other infectious diseases is also being carried out with public participation.

This being so, the leprosy will be totally eradicated in 2003. In TB control also, the tactic of direct-observe and short-time treatment has been introduced and now it covers 90 per cent of the total population. The project will cover the whole population in 2003.

In health sector, teaching of medical science is being upgraded qualitatively and quantitatively. There were 4 institutes of medicine before 1988 and there are now 14 institutes of medicine and other related universities.

Altogether 450 doctors were produced annually in the past and 912 produced in 2000. Altogether 2600 doctors will be produced yearly starting from 2006/2007.

Emphasis has been placed on teaching post- graduate medical science. A total of 455 trainees are attending the 25 MSc courses which started in 2000. The 36 MMedSc courses are being conducted and 166 trainees are attending them.

In enhancing the traditional medicine sector, altogether two traditional medicine hospitals with a capacity of 50 beds, 10 state/division traditional medical hospitals with a capacity of 16 beds, and 214 traditional medical centres in districts and townships have been opened. The traditional medical university has been opened in 2001 in addition to opening of traditional medicine hospitals. Therefore, the traditional medicines play a wider role in uplift of health and fitness of the entire nation. The Government has made efforts on self-reliance basis to gain the basically required forces for the emergence of a modern and developed nation. Building a peaceful, modern and developed nation is to enhance the national prestige and integrity and to keep abreast of the times.

The Government has mobilized all the resources with the participation of the entire people to realize the lofty objective. The result already achieved up to now is based on the internal strength, patriotism, Union Spirit, firm conviction and strong determination.

In conclusion, the USDA members are urged to firmly accept that every strength already built is in the interest of the State and its people, and to safeguard those interests with diligence and constant vigilance to be free from danger.

In taking measures for national development, priority is being given to equitable development nation-wide. Development projects for border areas and national races have been laid down and are being implemented. And the 24 development regions have been laid down and are being implemented to ensure development in all sectors. In addition, the five rural development tasks have been laid down and are being implemented.

It is incumbent upon the USDA members to strive together with the people in undertaking national and regional development tasks. It is required to redouble efforts with the aim of serving the long-term and short-term interests of the State and the people.

The USDA members will have to make efforts for the emergence of a modern and developed nation and dedicate themselves to the task of fulfilling the Panglong pledges and the resolution of the mass rallies held by USDA nation-wide early this year. Difficulties and hindrances will have to be overcome in building the Union and accepting Our Three Main National Causes. The constructive approach and cooperation leading to the national development will have to be accepted, whereas the evil attitudes and acts designed to undermine the national development be warded off.

He called on the USDA members to make sustained and relentless efforts with firm conviction and resolution together with the people in every development task needed for the emergence of a strong nation after laying down future plans.

Patron of USDA Senior General Than Shwe addresses USDA Annual General Meeting (2002)

YANGON, 18 Nov - Patron of the Union Solidarity and Deve1opment Association Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe delivered an address at the fourth-day session of the USDA Annua1 General Meeting (2002) at Union Hall of the Central Training School of the association at 9 am today.

Also present on the occasion were members of the Panel of Patrons of USDA (Central) Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in- Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, Secretary-l of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.

Taunggyi District USDA Executive Daw Khin Thanda Oo and Aungmyethazan Township USDA Executive Daw Thin Thin Oo acted as master of ceremonies and co-master of ceremonies. First, the master of ceremonies announced the opening the annual general meeting according to the permission of the Patron of USDA. Patron of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance at the meeting. (The guidance given by the Senior General was reported separately.)

Then, USDA Secretary-General U Than Aung presented gifts in commemoration of the 9th anniversary of USDA to Ma Yuzana Khin Zaw who cut the ribbon to put up the signboard of the USDA in 1993. Ma Yuzana Khin Zaw, (Dr Yuzana Khin Zaw who is discharging duty at Insein General Hospital) won six distinctions in the Basic Education High School Examination and stood first in the entire nation.

Then, USDA Secretary-General U Than Aung presented gifts to outstanding students who stood from first to tenth positions in the Science Combination in the entire nation - Naw Thitsa Moe Myint of Anisakhan BEHS in PyinOoLwin Township who stood first in the entire nation and Mandalay Division, Ma Ei Sanda Nyein of Dagon BEHS No 1 in Yangon Division who stood second in the entire nation and first in the Yangon Division, Maung Thu Han Htet of Mandalay BEHS No 16 who stood third in the entire nation, Maung Phyo Zaw Hein of Dagon BEHS No 1 who stood third in the entire nation, Ma Kyi Nu Win of Kamayut BEHS No 2 who stood fourth in the entire nation, Ma Aye Myat Myat Zaw of Toungoo BEHS No 1 who stood fifth in the entire nation and first in Bago Division (East), Maung Phone Zaw Soe of PhaungdawU Affiliated BEHS in Aungmyethazan Township who stood fifth in the entire nation, Maung Nay Lin Oo of Dagon BEHS No 1 who stood sixth in the entire nation, Ma Nay Thi Tun of Latha BEHS No 2 who stood seventh in the entire nation, Ma Su Phyo Aung of Mogok BEHS No 1 who stood eighth in the entire nation, Ma Ei Thanda Nyein of Dagon BEHS No 1 who stood ninth in the entire nation, Ma Khin Moe Hsan of Dagon BEHS No 1 who stood ninth in the entire nation, Ma Thiri Khin of Latha BEHS No 2 stood tenth in the entire nation and Maung Min Thet Khaing of Dagon BEHS No 1 who stood tenth in the entire nation. The USDA Secretary-General presented gifts to outstanding students who stood from first to tenth positions in the Arts Combination in the entire nation - Ma Thin Ei Zan of Zalokma Village Affiliated BEHS in Myanaung Township who stood first in the entire nation and also first in Ayeyawady Division, Maung Kyaw Thu Win of Taungdwingyi who stood second in the entire nation and first in Magway Division, Ma Myo Myo of Pathein BEHS No 7 who stood third in the entire nation, Maung Thiha Aung of Mingaladon BEHS No 3 who stood fourth in the entire nation and also first in Yangon Division, Maung Ye Zaw Oo of Yekyi BEHS who stood fifth in the entire nation, Maung Yaza of Thingangyun BEHS No 1 who stood sixth in the entire nation, Maung Thet Maung of Shwelaung BEHS in Wakema Township who stood seventh in the entire nation, Maung Aung Myo Tun of Tagwa Affiliated BEHS in Myanaung Township who stood eighth in the entire nation, Ma Haymar Win of Barkat Village BEHS Branch of Kayin State who stood ninth in the entire nation and also first in the Kayin State, Maung Zaw Min Naing of Thandwe BEHS No 2 who stood ninth in the entire nation and also first in Rakhine State, and Ma Naygyi Oo of Kyonpyaw BEHS who stood tenth in the entire nation.

Secretary-General U Than Aung presented gifts to the outstanding students Maung Kaung Kyaw Swe of No-4 BEHS, Myitkyina, Kachin State, Ma Swe Zin Lin of No-1 BEHS, Kawkareik, Kayin State, Salai Kyaw Kyon Sin Htaung Lwe of No 2 BEHS, Falam, Chin State, Ma Aye Pyai Phyoe Khaing of No-1 BEHS, Monywa, Sagaing Division, Ma Phyu Phyu Khaing of No 1 BEHS, Dawai, Taninthayi Division, Maung Zaw Phyo Htet of No 1 BEHS, Pyay, Bago Division (West), Maung Nanda Myo Kyaw Htin of No 1 BEHS, Magway, Magway Division, Ma Thwe Zin Win of No 8 BEHS, Mawlamyine, Mon State, Maung Aung Nyein Thu of No 2 BEHS, Sittwe, Rakhine State, Maung Yan Naing Win of No 1 BEHS, Kyaukme, Shan State (North), Ma Myat Mon Thant of No 2 BEHS, Kentung, Shan State (East) and Ma Su Kay Khaing of Ngathainggyaung BEHS, Ayeya-wady Division, who stood first in matriculation examination in year 2002 with science combination in their respective States and Divisions.

Then, Secretary-General U Than Aung presented gifts to outstanding students Ma Yin Yin Nwe of Hopin BEHS, Monyin Township, Kachin State, Maung Lwe Zin of No 2 BEHS, Loikaw, Kaya State, Maung Kam Dain Hauk of No 1 BEHS, Tiddim, Chin State, Maung Kyaw Htwe Aung of BEHS, Indaw, Sagaing Division, Ma Aye Aye Than of Dawei, Taninthayi Division, Ma Yi Yi Cho of BEHS, Gyobin-gauk, Bago Division (West), Ma Yu Yu Aye of No 3 BEHS, Bago, Bago Division (East), Maung Naing Lin Aung of No 2 BEHS , Lewei, Mandalay Division, Ma Wai Wai Khaing of No 1 BEHS, Mudon, Mon State, Ma Sein Sein Maw of No 5 BEHS, Taunggyi, Shan State (South), Ma J Kaing Hsan of Kutkai, Shan State (North) and Maung Win Thu of Monghkat BEHS, Shan State (East) who stood first in matriculation examination in year 2002 with Art combination in their respective States and Divisions.

Then, Secretary-General U Than Aung presented gifts to students who gained five gold medals and above in Myanma Tradinational Cultural Performing Arts Competitions organized by the State - 11 gold medalist Maung Thura Kyi Moe (a) Pho Thingyan of No 2 BEHS, Kamayut Township, nine gold medals winners Maung Ye Hteik of No 1 BEHS, Taikkyi, Ma Ei Ei Chun of No 1 BEHS, Dagon Township and Ma Cho Thet Tin of University of Culture (Yangon), eight gold medals winners Maung Star Bo Htet of No 5 BEHS, Tamway Township and Maung Zaw Min (a) Pho La Pyai of Sangyiwa Village, Mingaladon Township, seven gold medals winners Maung Kyaw Kyaw Han of University of Culture (Yangon), Maung Nay Aung (a) Maung Sein Myet Pyu of No 2 BEHS, Dagon Township, and Maung Zeya Tun Wai of No 3 BEHS, Botahtaung Township, six gold medal winners Ma Thuza Aung of University of Culture (Yangon), Ma Wint Thinzar Sten of North Okkalapa Township, Yangon Division and Maung Aung Pyi Sone of North Okkalapa Township, five gold medals winners Maung Myo Aung Oo of No 4 BEHS, Dagon Myothit (South), Maung Han Win Aung of No 4 BEHS, Thakayta Township, Maung Htet Myat Soe of Ahlon Township, Yangon Division, Maung Zin Min Hteik of University of Culture (Yangon), Maung Myo Min Tun of Insein Township, Yangon Division, and Maung Myat Zaw of Insein Township, Yangon Division.

Then, Secretary-General U Than Aung presented gifts to the students who gained medals in XIV Asian Games Ñ Ma Khaing Khaing Maw of 2nd year, Business Management, University of Distance Education, Yangon, who gained a gold medal in Wushu, Maung Aung Hein of 2nd Year, Myanmar, Dagon University, who gained silver and bronze medals in Sepak Takaraw and Ma Moe Moe Lwin of 1st, Year, (Eco), Institute of Economics (Yangon) who gained a silver medal in Sepak Takraw.

Then, the USDA Secretary-General presented gifts to third prize winner Maung Aung Kaung of Mayangon Township in the individual event in 2002 ASEAN Quiz (regional level) and the Most Friendly ASEAN Student Award winner Ma Khaing Zin Oo of Dagon Township; outstanding trainees Maung Kyaw Kyaw Shein of Yangon Division in the Advanced New Generation Aviation Course 2002, Maung Thu Han Tun Aye of Meiktila in the Basic New Generation Aviation Course 2002 and Maung Aung Kyaw Soe of Shwepyitha Township and Maung Pyi Sone Kyaw of Lanmadaw Township in the Basic New Generation Marine Courses; first prize winner Maung Myint Maung Maung Sein of Thanlyin Township in the USDA (Central Level) Extempore Talks Contest hailing the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day; outstanding Red Cross Society members Quartermaster Sergeant Than Myint Zaw Oo of Sitkwin Red Cross Brigade of Minhla Township and Deputy Company Commander Lwin Mar Soe of Myeik Township Red Cross Battalion; outstanding Auxiliary Fire Brigade members Company Commander Maung Maung Aye of Tamway Township Auxiliary Fire Brigade and Platoon Commander San San Wai of Kyimyindine Township Auxiliary Fire Brigade. Next, students of Kamayut BEHS No 1 and Botahtaung BEHS No 6 sang the copyright song of the USDA titled "Yarthetpan Pyidaungsu (Eternal Union)" composed by Hinthada Myint Ngwe and the four-day session of the meeting adjourned at 10.45 am.

International Relations

State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends message of congratulations to President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Yangon, 18 Nov - Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of congratulations to His Excellency General Pervez Musharraf, President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on his resumption of the High Office of the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Region

Senior General Than Shwe hosts dinner in honour of delegates to USDA Annual General Meeting 2002

Yangon, 18 Nov - Patron of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Chairman of State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe hosted a dinner in honour of the delegates from state/division/district/township USDAs who attended the USDA Annual General Meeting 2002 at Zeyathiri Beikman Hall on Konmyinttha this evening.

Senior General Than Shwe arrived Konmyinttha at 7 pm and was welcomed by the USDA delegates from states and divisions, outstanding students who passed the year 2002 matriculation examination with the positions from one to ten, students who won first prizes in respective states and divisions, students who won gold, silver and bronze medals in the 14th Asian Games, students who won prizes in ASEAN Quiz (regional level) and the Most Friendly ASEAN Student award, outstanding members of auxiliary fire brigade and Red Cross Society, outstanding trainees of the new generation navigation course and aviation course, those who won prizes in the extempore talks (central level) held in commemoration of the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, those who won five gold medals and above in the Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions and artistes.

Also present on the occasion were members of the Panel of Patrons of USDA Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt, members of the State Peace and Development Council, the Commander-in-Chief (Navy), the Commander-in-Chief (Air), the Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command, the ministers, the chief justice, the attorney-general, the auditor-general, the chairman of the Civil Service Selection and Training Board, the central executive committee members of USDA, members of the National Convention Convening Commission, the deputy ministers, senior military officers from the Ministry of Defence, the directors-general and managing directors from departments and enterprises, chairmen and members of subcommittees for organizing the USDA Annual General Meeting 2002, local and foreign correspondents, officials from social and economic organizations, artistes who starred in the TV plays honouring the Ninth Annual General Meeting, delegates from state/division/district/township USDAs, outstanding youths for 2002 and distinguished guests. Before and after the dinner, artistes of Myanma Motion Picture Asiayone and Myanma Music Asiayone presented entertainment programmes to the accompaniment of the MRTV band, artistes from the University of Culture and Production Branch of the Fine Arts Department, the Ministry of Culture presented variety dances.

Agreement signed on purchase of iron frames

Yangon, 18 Nov - A ceremony to sign an agreement on purchase of iron frames for construction of Ayeyawaday River Bridge (Yadanabon) was held at Public Works (Headquarters) on Shwedagon Pagoda Road here at 1 pm today.

 It was attended by Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Lt-Gen Min Thein, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, the Deputy Ministers for Construction, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Myanmar Mr Li Jinjun, Economic and Commercial Counsellor Mr Jin Honggen.

First, Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun and Madam Luo Yan made speeches. Next, Managing Director U Nay Soe Naing and Madam Luo Yan signed and exchanged the documents. Then, Madam Luo Yan presented the design of Ayeyawady River Bridge (Yadanabon) to Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun and the ceremony came to an end

Exhibition on Myanmar Women's Endeavours continues

Yangon, 18 Nov - The Exhibition on Myanmar Women's Endeavours continued for the fourth day at Tatmadaw Convention Hall on U Wisara Road today. At the exhibition, the booths on women and information, the booths on women health and education, preventing violence against women and rehabilitation of women, cultural affairs are displayed.

Artistes of Myanma Motion Picture Asiayon, Myanma Music Asiayon, Fine Arts Department and University of Culture presented entertainment programmes to the visitors. Over 4,200 people visited the exhibition today. It will continue till 21 November from 9 am to 5 pm daily and anyone can visit it free of charge.

Meeting on promotion of hotels and tourism industry and preservation of Myanma cultural heritage held

Yangon, 18 Nov - A meeting on promotion of hotels and tourism industry and preservation of Myanma cultural heritage took place at the Karaweik Palace this afternoon. Present at the meeting were ministers, deputy ministers, personnel of Yangon City Development Committee, directors-general of related ministries, deputy directors-general, officials, chairmen of the hoteliers association and the tourism entrepreneurs association and members, representatives and guests.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Thein Zaw said success in the hotels and tourism industries will be attained only through cooperative efforts exerted by related ministries and entrepreneurs instead of undertaking them by the ministry alone. As the hoteliers association and the tourism entrepreneurs association have been established, it is necessary for them to go hand in hand with the ministries. In operating the hotels and tourism industries, attempts must also be made to benefit the State and the people and to create a "year-round tourist season" without centring solely on one's own profits, he said.

Then, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe also discussed of transportation matters relevant to the convenient visits of tourists. Next, Minister for Immigration and Population Maj-Gen Sein Htwa urged the entrepreneurs to offer advice and cooperate with the ministry. Later, Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung explained matters related to ancient cultural heritage preserved by the State; and Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, assistance rendered to tourists. Chairman of hoteliers association Dr U Khin Shwe and Chairman of tourism entrepreneurs association U Khin Zaw also provided their suggestions. Afterwards, the meeting drew to a close with concluding remarks of Brig-Gen Thein Zaw.

Religion

Matho Thingan weaving competitions held at Pagodas in Yangon

Yangon, 18 Nov - Under the sponsorship of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council, the seventh Shwekyar Thingan Weaving Competition was opened with ceremony at the Tooth Relic Pagoda (Yangon) in Mayangon Township at 5 pm today.

Present on the occasion were Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin. Patron of the subcommittee for holding the competition Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe spoke on the occasion. Then, the commander and Yangon (West) District Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein formally opened the competition by cutting a ribbon. Altogether 9 teams took part in the weaving competition. Prizes will be given away to the winners at 4 am tomorrow.

Botahtaung Pagoda

Similarly, the 20th Matho Thingan weaving competition of the Botahtaung Kyaik-dae-up HsandawU Pagoda in Botahtaung Township was held at the pagoda at 5 pm today. No 4 Military Region Commander Defence Services Records Office Commandant Brig-Gen Myo Myint formally opened the competition. Altogether ten teams took part in the weaving competition.

Kaba Aye Pagoda

Likewise, the seventh Matho Thingan weaving competition of the Thiri Mingala Kaba Aye Pagoda in Mayangon Township was held at the pagoda at 4 pm today. Altogether seven teams took part in the weaving competition.

Shwedagon Pagoda

The 18th Matho Thingan weaving competition of the Shwedagon Pagoda in Bahan Township was held at the north-western corner of pagoda platform at 4 pm today. Altogether nine teams took part in the weaving competition.

Matho Thingan Weaving Competition held at Shwephonepwint Pagoda

Yangon, 18 Nov - The 12th Matho Thingan Weaving Competition was held at the Shwephonepwint Pagoda in Pazundaung Township at 5 pm today.

It was attended by member of the Central Executive Committee of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan.

After opening the ceremony with three-time recitation of namo tassa, Chairman of the pagoda board of trustees U Ko Ko Gyi explained matters related to the holding of the competition. Next, Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan formally opened the competition. Contestants from Gawtami loom, Withakha loom, Khema loom, Okpalawun loom, Yathawdaya loom, Tham-mawady loom, Papawady loom, Maedawmaya loom, Dhammadeinna loom and Thubadda loom started weaving, following the opening of the competition.

The minister, departmental heads, officials and wellwishers watched the competition. Shwekya robes, produced by the competition, will be offered to the Buddha images in the precinct of the pagoda at 4 am tomorrow.

Economic

40th Myanma Gems Emporium to be held

Yangon, 18 Nov - With the aim of increasing the State income and national income in terms of foreign exchange and ensuring the emergence of gem market in the country, Myanma Gems Enterprise of the Ministry of Mines is making arrangements to hold 40th Myanma Gems Emporium in March 2003.

Gems and jewellery were sold at reasonable prices and the foreign gem merchants purchased them at competitive bidding system at 2002 Mid-Year Myanma Gems Emporium. Thus, their total sales set the new record. Myanma Gems Enterprise will attend to the needs of the Emporium in cooperation with respective departments.

Local gem merchants, who wish to sell gems, lots of jade and jewellery at 40th Myanma Gems Emporium, may contact Myanma Gems Enterprise beginning 25 November.

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