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Established in 1914

Headlines

• Secretary-1 attends opening ceremony of Hsinlan Dam in PyinOoLwin Township
• First day session of annual general meeting of USDA 2002 held

Region

• Secretary-1 inspects construction of National Kandawgyi Gardens Nanmyint Tower and thriving coffee plantations in PyinOoLwin
• SCEUEF meets entrepreneurs, officials
• Myanma Industrial Exhibition Organizing Leading Committee meets
• Cash donated to School for Blind, medicines to Children's hospital
• Exhibition on Women's Endeavours extended to 24 Nov
• Information Minister inspects printing houses of PPE

Religion

• F&R Ministry holds Kathina

International Relations

• Bangladeshi FM and party arrive

Drug

• Drugs seized in Muse and Kyukoke

SPOTLIGHT

• News
  
• Myanmar's boxing steps up

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Headlines

Secretary-1 attends opening ceremony of Hsinlan Dam in PyinOoLwin Township
Altogether 140 dams and reservoirs built since 1988 spending K 58 billion, benefiting two million acres

Yangon, 20 Nov - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt left here by air this morning and arrived at Mandalay International Airport at 11 am.

Then, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and party proceeded to Hsinlan Dam in PyinOoLwin Township. The opening ceremony of Hsinlan Dam in Pyi-OoLwin Township, which was built by Irrigation Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, was held at the pandal near the dam at 8.45 am.  

Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt attended the ceremony and delivered a speech. Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt, in his address, said: Hsinlan Dam is the third in PyinOoLwin Township after Doegwin Dam and Sitha Dam which have been built during the time of the present Government. The dam opened today will contribute not only to the agricultural production of PyinOoLwin Township but also to the drinking water supply for the local people and the beauty and pleasantness of PyinOoLwin wide-ly-konwn as the City of Flowers. The emergence of Hsinlan Dam will surely result in the all-round development of PyinOoLwin Township and promote the living standard of people living in PyinOoLwin.

The State Peace and Development Council is taking systematic measures for the equitable development of all parts of the Union of Myanmar so that it will be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with other nations of the world. It is firmly believed that the equitable development of all parts of the Union would create living conditions of equal opportunities for the entire national people and strengthen their Union Spirit and national unity. Therefore, special attention is being given to specific development measures for each particular region. Projects for development of border areas and Development Regions as well as the five rural area development tasks are being implemented. The Union of Myanmar being an agricultural country, building dams will boost agricultural production, strengthen national economic life and increase the socio-economic life of farmers.

The purpose of building dams is to keep the environment lush and green, to supply drinking water to local people and to generate electricity. The Government is paying serious attention to the simultaneous construction of dams wherever possible without taking economic profit into consideration. A total number of dams including Hsinlan Dam, which have been built since 1988, is now 140. The amount of money spent on them totals K 58,000 million and they can irrigate two million acres of farmland. Another 36 dams are under construction. When they are completed, there will be a marked improvement in the agriculture sector of Myanmar. Moreover, farmers and rural people will be able to enjoy prosperous life and their living standard will also improve.

Hsinlan Dam can irrigate 510 acres of farmland all the year round supply 2.5 million gallons of drinking water to people of PyinOoLwin. Moreover, it will let water into the National Kandawgyi Gardens. PyinOoLwin, formerly known as a city of flowers, is a cool, clean, peaceful and pleasant town. Therefore, constant attention should be given to keeping it lush and green and flower plants always in blossoms all the year round. Only then will its former name become it again. As coffee, vegetables and flower plants flourish in the township, Hsinlan Dam will enable local farmers to be engaged in agriculture on a commercial scale and to enjoy a lot of benefits. PyinOoLwin is a very pleasant town situated on hill. Sufficient supply of drinking water to the people of PyinOoLwin will no doubt improve their socio-economic life.

The National Kandawgyi Gardens has trees and plants of almost all botanical species. Therefore, it is the gardens all the national people should be proud of. As a result of indiscriminate felling of trees during the recent years, there has been depletion of forest around the environs of PyinOoLwin. Thus, the climate of PyinOoLwin has become a little drier and hotter than before. Moreover, the inflow of water into the National Kandawgyi Gardens has become less and less. Senior General Than Shwe, therefore, gave guidance on the emergence of the National Kandawgyi Gardens where there are all kinds of trees and plants growing in Myanmar, and on restoring beauty, greeness and pleasantness of PyinOoLwin.

In accord with the guidance of the Head of State, the Government spent large sums of money on upgrading the National Kandawgyi Gardens and beautifying PyinOoLwin. Hsinlan Dam project was also one of the measures taken in accordance with the guidance of the Head of State. The emergence of Hsinlan Dam shows the goodwill of the Head of State towards the people of PyinOoLwin.

He called on regiona1 authorities, departmenta1 officials and local people to continue to make endeavours for full implementation of the task after applying the better foundations effectively in accord with the goodwill of the Head of State.

He spoke of the need to make efforts to establish coffee, tea and pepper plantations on commercial basis. The government is making arrangements for progress of community' and respective regions. After implementing the regional development programmes, all parts of the Union will develop harmoniously and the,Union of Myanmar will stand tall among the nations of the world.

All the people living in PyinOoLwin Township are to make concerted efforts for more development of the region based on the Union Spirit and nationalist spirit, he said. In conclusion, he urged local people to make efforts for development of socioeconomic life of the people applying the good results of the newly inaugurated dam, to make PyinOoLwin green and peasant in accord with the goodwill of the Head of State, to maintain the National Kandawgyi Gardens as an advanced Botanica1 Garden not only for PyinOoLwin itself but also for a1l the national people and to make efforts for development of the Union with own national force and the Union Spirit.

Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin said the government constructed irrigation projects and undertook measures for flood prevention. The government also made " endeavours to generate power for development of urban and rura1 development, to supply water to industries and drinking water to the people. These efforts are the results of the goodwill of the Head of State. He said water plays an important role in successful cultivation of crops in agriculture, greening of environment and development of living conditions. The disadvantages of scarcity of water cannot 5e ignored in the world. So efforts are being made for systernatic utilization of water resources. Small, medium, and major irrigation projects and water pumping projects are being implemented.

Our country has va1uable resource forces. Water, land and forest resources are basic forces for development. After utilizing these forces, development infrastructures are being built under the guidance of the Head of State. Water supply project has emerged for development of urban and rural areas.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation built 140 dams benefiting two mil1ion acres of farmlands iii a short time. The ministry also implemented six major irrigation projects, 262 water plumping projects and 7,478 underground water projects for agriculture purpose and artesian wel1s projects for drinking water. Forty one irrigation projects and 14 river water pumping projects are now under way.

PyinOoLwin is a region of natural beauty in Myanmar and a hill station where coffee that can earn foreign exchange is grown. The minister urged local people and farmers to make efforts for development of coffee cultivation. He said the reclamation of highland project is under way in Shan, Kachin, Rakhine and Taninthayi regions for conservation of environment. He called for maintenance of irrigation networks in the interest of posterity. Next Commander Brig- Gen Ye Myint spoke on the occasion. He said altogether 35 dams, small and big, were built at a cost of K 7,200 mil1ion. They have benefited 320,000 acres of lands. Hsinlan dam wil1 supply 2.5 million gallons of water a day for the people of PyinOoLwin and water to Kandawgyi lake in the National Kandawgyi Gardens.

The newly inaugurated dam will supply drinking water and contribute to wards the development of' agriculture and greening in the region. He cal1ed on local people to maintain the dam and to participate in the task of greening of catchments areas. Then, U Thaung Myint Thein, secretary of PyinOoLwin Township USDA, on behalf of local people, thanked the Government for the construction of Hsinlan Dam.  

Next, Secretary-l General Khin Nyunt presented awards to Director V Maung Maung Tin and Assistant Director U Shwe Kyaw, who accepted the awards on behalf of the civil service employees of the m for building the dam.

The opening ceremony of Hsmlan Dam then ensued. Secretary-l General Khin Nyunt unveiled the stone inscription of the dam. Next, Chainman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander Brig- Gen Ye Myint and Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin formally opened the dam.

After the opening ceremony, Secretary-l General Khin Nyunt and party, together with the local people and students, posed for a group photo. The Secretary-l then met with the local people cordially and inspected the main dam and the spillway. Later, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin and Director-General of the Irrigation Department U Kyaw San wm reported on the purpose of the construction of the dam, data on the project, construction tasks, and benefits of the dam. Commander Brig-Gen Ye Myint made a supplementary reports.

Later, Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt and Deputy Super intending Engineer of Mandalay Division Development Affairs Committee U Myint 00 reported on the population of PyinOoLwin, water supply system, condition of water supply from the dam, and insta1lation of pipelines for water supply. After hearing the reports, Secretary-l General Khin Nyunt gave necessary instructions.

The Hsinlan Dam, opened today, is the 14Oth, dam constructed by the State Peace and Development Council. The dam measuring 665 feet long and 92 feet high is built on Hsinlan Creek, with water storage capacity of 5,600 acre-ft. The dam is mainly aimed at supplying the People of PyinOoLwin with 2.5 million gallons of water daily and irrigating a total of 500 acres of land in the National Kandawgyi Gardens.

The dam is also designed to help supply 2,000 acres of crop land with water through the Hsedawlay diversion weir in Patheingyi Township. The Hsinlan Dam is constructed at a cost of K 23.5 million by the State.

First day session of annual general meeting of USDA 2002 held

Yangon, 20 Nov - The first day session of the annual general meeting of the Union Solidarity and Development Association (2002) was held at the Union Hall of USDA Central Training School on 15 November.

At the morning session, member of the Secretariat of USDA U Ko Lay presided over the meeting with CEC members U Tin Hlaing and U Kyaw Hsan as members of Panel of Chairmen. Member of Monywa Township USDA Daw Theingi Win Shwe acted as master of ceremonies and executive of Yathedaung Township USDA Daw Khin Moe Win as joint master of ceremonies. The master of ceremonies announced that 520 delegates attended the first day session of the annual general meeting of USDA and the meeting was valid. Secretary-General U Than Aung extended greetings.

The annual general meeting was held at newly-built training school on the ninth anniversary of the association. It is a tradition of the association to hold the general meeting every year. Tasks undertaken in the respective year were reviewed at the annual general meetings. The future tasks were laid down and implemented. At the present meeting CEC would submit its report, state and division USDAs would report on implementation of the future tasks in a year and make group discussions on organizational, administrative, economic, social and cultural and education matters. Moreover, another two groups would discuss the Union development and Our Three Main National Causes and the association's participation in thrifty measures. The USDA is the association of new generation youths and it discharges national duties while training the youths. The association also honored outstanding youths.

Prizes will be presented to outstanding students of the matriculation examination, outstanding Red Cross, auxiliary fire brigade and youths who won at least five gold in the Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions totalling 89. He called on the association to participate in ensuring peace and tranquillity, development and nation-building tasks in cooperation with the people. Member of the Secretariat U Khin Maung Thein submitted the report of CEC of USDA. Then the meeting went into recess. At 9.40 am, the meeting resumed. Secretary of Toungup Township USDA U Than Wai said there were a state USDA, four district associations, 17 township associations and 1,046 village tract associations in Rakhine State. The association nurtured the youths to be qualified ones with full belief and concept. Altogether 434 youths attended the courses conducted by central. Rakhine State USDA trained 3,589 boy trainees at ten courses and 38,600 girl trainees at national culture and moral training courses. He said Rakhine nationals are the ones with patriotism and the ones who love and cherish race and Sasana.

Executive of Yangon Division USDA Daw Aye Min Moe said the division USDA held discussions on the tasks for consolidation of the association and promotion of four capabilities of the tasks and the association fulfilled the requirements. Organizational measured were undertaken for realization of the objectives of the association and consolidation of the association. She said Yangon Division USDA implemented five rural development tasks. The eighth concrete streets were constructed in eighth township in cooperation with YCDC, nine laterite roads and 28 earth roads in 11 townships in cooperation with the Ministry of Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs, two bridges in two townships, four bridges in four townships and 18 bridges, 58 laterite roads and 26 earth roads in 39 townships are under construction. Next, Executive of Shan State (South) USDA U Sai Lon Kyaw said drinking water supply was carried out and 10 wells, five hand-driven wells and 39 lakes were dug under the arrangements of the association. They benefited 38 village tracts. Water jets were bought and water supply for rural people was undertaken. Water pumping projects from the river and construction of earth embankment were implemented with the help of 1,800 USDA members.

The Associations at different levels in Shan State (South) used K 4,945,000 for water supply in rural regions. Organizer of Hsenwi Township USDA Daw Nan Myitzu said the associations at different levels conducted various courses for promotion of the qualifications of the youths and trained 44,003 youths. Altogether 94 USDA members attended the course at central level and 129 youths attended the basic computer course. The members of the association participated in school enrolment Day in coopeation with education staff and other social organizations. The school enrolment rates were 99.81 per cent in Lashio and 99.24 per cent in Hsenwi Township. First-day session for 21.11.2002 NLM 16 KTY The Patron the USDA, on his tour during April 2002, gave guidance on transforming the shifting cultivation into the highland farming.

Accordingly, a total of 2,595 members of the USDA took part relentlessly in the activity to take census of reclaiming altogether 10,270 acres of highland for 4,108 hill nationals, who do not possess a permanent home, from 36 village-tracts. Furthermore, in perennial crops and agricultural work, a total of 3,125 members of the USDA also demonstrated practically on putting 704 acres of land under cultivation. Then, U Peter Thaung Sein, executive of Shan State (East) USDA, in his explanation, said that one state-level USDA, four district-level USDAs, ten township-level USDAs and 222 ward/village-tract-level USDAs were organized in Shan State (East); that with a view to gaining international experience, eight USDA executives were sent on foreign trips arranged by the USDA Headquarters; and that for the international human resource development, the youth delegations consisting of the first-six nations of "Mekong Basin Region Project, Youths Friendship Voyage" arrived at Tachilek in Myanmar.

The youth delegations were warmly welcomed by the authorities concerned and the USDAs of Shan State, Tachilek District and townships at Wampon jetty and they were conducted round Tachilek worth-visiting places. Next, Daw Cho Cho Lwin, executive of Phyapon Township USDA of Ayeyawady Division, in her explanation, also said that in carrying out the rural development tasks of the education sector, a total of 27 primary schools in 26 townships were renovated, 27 primary schools constructed, and 528 primary schools repaired; that in health sector, a total of 150 village dispensaries were repaired, altogether 5,229.95 mile long roads linking villages constructed, and for rural water supply, 83 bridges were built, and 93 tube wells and 21 ponds dug. To promote the rural economy, chicken breeding tasks are being conducted in cooperation with the general administration department and the Ministry of Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs by creating model villages.

Moreover, assistance is being rendered to livestock breeding work on a commercial basis. On the other hand, a total of 215 trainees attended the courses conducted by the association at different levels and a bee-keeping course is in the planning stage. Later, the meeting went into recess at 11 am. Then, the resumption of the meeting began at 12.30 pm. Secretary of the USDA U Thaung presided over the afternoon session of the meeting and CEC members U Thein Sein and U Aung Thaung acted as members. Daw Nan Woe Kham, executive of Kengtung Township USDA of Shan State (East), acted as master of ceremonies; and Daw Pwint Oo Han, executive of Pyay Township USDA of Bago Division (West), as co-master of ceremonies. U Mya Ohn, secretary of Phakant Township USDA of Kachin State, said that it can be firmly said the taste of stability, peace and development has been held deep-rooted in the minds of Kachin nationals.

Altogether 21 kinds of courses were opened in 111 places and a total of 10,103 youth members were trained and nurtured. Since the founding of the association, a total of 63,930 youth members have so far been trained and produced. U Kyaw Myint, secretary of Loikaw Township USDA of Kayah State, in his explanation, said that in a bid to make the organizational work of Kayah State successful and effective, one state-level USDA, two district-level USDAs, seven township-level USDAs and 96 ward/village-tract-level USDAs totaling 106 were formed. Attempts have been made to enhance the ability of the members from quantitative improvement to qualitative improvement. U Saw Hta Lon, secretary of Kayin State USDA, in his explanation on discharging the rural development tasks of the association at different levels, said that tasks for smooth transport, rural water supply, health promotion, education promotion and economic development have been implemented by the association at different levels in accord with the resolutions of the Annual General Meeting 2001 and the Special Annual General Meeting 2002.

Daw Zein Nem Chin, member of Hakha Township USDA of Chin State, in her explanation on construction of roads and bridges, said that 21 roads and 13 iron suspension bridges were constructed and they are now benefiting a total of 27,173 persons. Moreover, the road linking Matupi with Paletwa and the road linking Mintat with Paletwa are under way. On completion of these roads, there will be direct access between Tunzan, the northernmost city of Chin State, and Paletwa, the southernmost city of Chin State. On the other hand, villages along these roads will also enjoy the benefits. The Ministry of Construction allotted Kyat 401.2 million for the development of Chin State. Water supply tasks were also undertaken in 77 villages and 78 dams were constructed. U Maung Maung, executive of Sagaing Division USDA, in his explanation on rural development tasks, said that a total of 19,090 Naga nationals were organized through the organizational efforts of executives of division/district/township USDAs in Naga ranges, Hkamti District.

In the undertaking of regional development tasks, member of Patron of the Central Panel of the USDA Lt-Gen Soe Win and CEC member Thura U Aye Myint attended the Naga Traditional New Year Festival and donated 140 bags of rice worth K 200,000, salt bags worth K 100,000, clothes worth K 200,000, sport equipment worth K 280,000 and K 100,000 each to the USDAs of Hkamti, Leshi, Lahe, Nanyun Townships. Dr Ni Ni Aye, executive of Taninthayi Division USDA, said that it has been known to all that six resolutions were approved unanimously by the whole people at the Mass Rally held in Bagan, the ancient cultural site; and that the six resolutions were based on the experiences gained 20 centuries ago and they are being adopted by all the members of the USDA as well as the whole people at present and so will in future. The seven future tasks are practical guidelines for us. At present, the road linking Kawthoung, the southernmost city of Myanmar, with Dawei, the capital of Taninthayi Division, was constructed.

Therefore, the distance between Kawthoung and Taninthayi is one-day trip and it also takes two hours and half from Taninthayi and Myeik. Myeik and Dawei can be reached by water and road from three to seven hours. Moreover, Dawei is now accessible to Yangon and Kawthoung and PutaO can be reached at any time. U Aung Cho Oo, executive of Bago Division (West) USDA, said that townships in Bago Division (West) are agro-based townships. In carrying out the rural development tasks, K 7.5 million were spent on road construction, K 500,000 on bridge construction, K 3.0 million on water supply project, and a total of 44 libraries were opened. On the other hand, generators were donated to villages for ensuring the supply of electricity. Executive of Bago Division (East) USDA U Aung Win Tun said 77 hand-driven wells and one lake were dug in Toungoo District under the arrangement of the association. Two artesian wells were dug and lakes for drinking water were maintained in Bago District and 35 artesian wells were dug in 26 villages in Nyaunglebin Township in cooperation with Development Affairs Department. Members of the USDA actively participated in these tasks.

The association constructed new 59 dispensaries and renovated 53 ones. Arrangements have been made to get 234.65 tons of sawn timber. Net school enrolment rate increased up to 117.67 per cent in 2000-2001 from 106.13 per cent in 2001-2002. Executive of Magway Division USDA U Han Maung said USDA members actively took part in the Ayeyawady Bridge (Magway) Construction Project, Magway and Pakokku Airport Construction Projects and construction of Naga dam, Aungban dam and Hsinthay dam construction projects. In transport sector, the association participated in construction of the 136 miles of earth road, the 15-mile gravel road, 72 miles tar roads. One can travel to 126 villages in 20 townships. A total of 23 lakes, 92 hand-driven wells and 18 artesian wells were dug in 122 villages in 17 townships in Magway Division. He said the association donated K 12,286,000 for health care services and renovation of hospitals and dispensaries.

Executive of Mandalay District USDA U Tin Lwin Oo said this year 659,518 trainees attended various courses in the divisions. Over K 3.2 million of USDA members have attended the courses since it was formed. Literacy rate increased up to 95.88 per cent due to the participation of the USDA members in illiteracy campaign, upgrading reading power, establishment of library. The school enrolment rate was 93.08 per cent in the whole country- 94.65 per cent in Mandalay Division and 98.36 per cent in five project townships. A total of 316 primary schools were renovated under the arrangement of the division USDA. Executive of Mawlamyine District USDA Dr Toe Toe Aung said Mon State USDA undertook measures for fund-raising under the construction of Patron of Mon State USDA and CEC.

She said 68,954 USDA members participated in social and cultural activities. The seminars on respective sectors were held at the respective venues as the second day session of the annual general meeting of the Union Solidarity and Development Association.

Region

Secretary-1 inspects construction of National Kandawgyi Gardens Nanmyint Tower and thriving coffee plantations in PyinOoLwin

Coffee industry which helps increase national economic growth will emerge if all strive energetically

Yangon, 20 Nov - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt and party, after attending the inauguration of Hsinlan Dam held in PyinOoLwin Township in Mandalay Division this morning, went to the construction project site of Nanmyint Tower of National Kandawgyi Gardens in PyinOoLwin at 1 pm.

Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone reported on matters relating to construction of the project. Architect Dr Kyaw Latt reported on arrangements for the design of the tower which can resist natural disasters.

Next, the Secretary-1 heard the reports presented by Project Director U Maung Kyay of Asia World Co Ltd on progress of construction work of the tower, construction of the approach road to the tower, parking space, restaurants, souvenir shops and other buildings.

Then, Managing Director of Myanma Timber Enterprise U Win Tun and Managing Director of Suntac Co U Maung Maung Khin reported on geographical configuration of PyinOoLwin region, condition of soil and earth work. Architect U Ohn Tin Also reported on architectural tasks for the construction of the tower.

The Secretary-1 then gave instructions on coordination of work for the construction of the tower with lasting durability. Then, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the construction tasks of Nanmyint tower, upgrading of National Kandawgyi Gardens and storage of water. Nanmyint Tower is being built in the National Kandawgyi Gardens in PyinOoLwin. The tower, which accommodates about 100 people, will be installed with lifts and stairs. In the compound of the tower, pubs, shops and parking space will be constructed. Then, the Secretary-1 and party proceeded to the Coffee Research Division at Pwaytaung coffee plantation of Myanma Farms Enterprise in PyinOoLwin.

At the briefing hall, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin and Managing Director of MFE U San Myint reported to the Secretary-1 on coffee cultivation acreage in the entire nation, kinds of coffee planted, condition of coffee production and market, drawing plans for the project of extended coffee cultivation, land reclamation for the extension of coffee cultivation in PyinOoLwin, allotments of reclaimed land to national entrepreneurs, disseminating technical know-how, and distribution of coffee saplings. Then, Commander Brig-Gen Ye Myint reported on arrangements for the reclamation of land for the extension of coffee cultivation.

The Secretary-1 made a speech. He said the government is rendering assistance for emergence of agricultural enterprises helping to strengthen the national economy. Thus, priority will have to be given to cultivation of crops species which will effectively support the national economy. The private sector is required to participate in extending seasonal crops including rice, beans and pulses and corn on a national scale. Head of State Senior General Than Shwe has given guidance to give encouragement to grow coffee species which have markets in the world, and to extend coffee cultivation areas to reach up to 100,000 acres. He has also given guidance to make PyinOoLwin a coffee city, and to establish coffee fields in PyinOoLwin Township including in the region bordering Nawnghkio and other areas. In accord with the guidance, assistance will be rendered to grow coffee in the places of states and divisions which are suitable to cultivate the crop and for the private sectors to participate in the project. Arrangements will be made for the Myanma Agricultural Bank to disburse loans for land reclamation and irrigation.

Thus, effective supervision should be made to disseminate advanced coffee cultivation techniques. Assistance will be provided to the farmers and the respective bodies to extend pepper cultivation in the township. As the State is ready to render assistance, a coffee industry which will help increase the national economic growth will emerge if all strive energetically, he said. Next, the Secretary-1 and party viewed thriving coffee plantations of Pwaytaung Coffee Research Division. They then viewed samples of mushroom species, medicines produced from mushroom by using the techniques, samples of coffee sapplings and products of coffee.

Then, the Secretary-1 and party went to Shwe Pazun coffee farm. Managing Director of Shwe Pazun Co Ltd Dr Tint Soe Lin reported on thriving of coffee trees on 50 acres of land and condition of coffee fruit to be plucked. He then conducted the Secretary-1 and party round the farm. The Secretary-1 and party arrived back here in the evening via Mandalay International Airport.

SCEUEF meets entrepreneurs, officials

Yangon, 20 Nov - Meeting of Supervisory Committee for Efficient Use of Electricity and Fuel (SCEUF) and executives of the industrial zones supervisory committees here and entrepreneurs was held at Dagon Myothit (East) Industrial Zone today.

Chairman of SCEUEF Member of State Peace and Development Council Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Kyaw Win, Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut, deputy ministers, Deputy Mayor Col Maung Pa, Vice-Chief of Armed Forces Training Brig-Gen Thein Swe, and others.

Lt-Gen Kyaw Win addressed the meeting. He said the meeting aimed at efficient use of electricity at the industries. The priority is given to the distribution of electric power to industrial zones for the boosting of their productivity and fuel will be distributed to industries which run with the use of fuel. The entrepreneurs need to conserve it and are to report their requirements, he added.

Brig-Gen Lun Thi explained fuel distribution plans. Officials attended to the needs of the entrepreneurs. The meeting ended with concluding remarks by Lt-Gen Kyaw Win.

Myanma Industrial Exhibition Organizing Leading Committee meets

Yangon, 20 Nov - The meeting No 1/2002 of the Leading Committee for Organizing the Myanma Industrial Exhibition took place at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Industry-1 this afternoon.

Chairman of the committee Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung attended the meeting and made a speech. First, Minister U Aung Thaung made a speech. Then, Chairman of the work committee Deputy Minister for Industry-1 Brig-Gen Kyaw Win reported on arrangements of the work committee, building of the booths and others.

Then, Deputy Minister for Science and Technology Dr Chan Nyein, Deputy Minister for Industry-2 Brig-Gen Aung Thein Linn, Deputy Minister for Construction Brig-Gen Myint Thein, Deputy Minister for Transport Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint, Deputy Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen Than Tun, Director-General of the Directorate of Trade U Nyunt Aye, Director (News) of the News and Periodicals Enterprise U Hla Tun, Assistant Director of the Attorney General's Office U Kyaw Hsan, Deputy Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Nay Win, Director (Treatment) of the Health Department Dr Tin Win Maung, and Deputy Minister for Science and Technology U Nyi Hla Nge reported on tasks of their subcommittees to be carried out.

Then, Minister U Aung Thaung attended to the requirements and made closing remarks.

Cash donated to School for Blind, medicines to Children's hospital

Yangon, 20 Nov - Myanmar ASEAN Women Friendship Association (MAWFA) donated K 500,000 to Kyimyindine School for Blind of the Social Welfare Department under the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement today.

Member of Panel of Patrons of MAWFA, Daw San Yon, wife of Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, briefed on facts about the donation and presented K 500,000 to Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa. MAWFA also donated medicines to Children's Hospital in Dagon Township, at 9 am today.

Daw San Yon presented the medicines to Dr Mya Thein, Medical Superintendent of the hospital.

Exhibition on Women's Endeavours extended to 24 Nov

Yangon, 20 Nov - The Exhibition on Women's Endeavours, being held at the Tatmadaw Convention Hall on U Wisara Road here from 15 November, has been extended up to 24 November. The exhibition is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily. On the final day of the exhibition, it will be open till 4 pm and the prize-presentation ceremony will be held there. Those who have got the highest scores in the computer quiz competition are to send their full address to the Committee for Holding the Competition not later than 23 November.

Information Minister inspects printing houses of PPE

Yangon, 20 Nov - Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan inspected Sarpay Beikman Printing House on Pyay Road and Aung San Printing House in Insein Township of the Printing and Publishing Enterprise this evening and gave necessary instructions to the officials.

The minister first arrived at Sarpay Beikman Printing House at 3.30 pm and welcomed there by Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, and the directors-general and managing directors of the departments and enterprises under the ministry and officials. The minister inspected the printing press, binding units, stores, printing room at the printing house and gave instructions to the officials on observing of rules and regulations, strength of printing press, minimizing loss and wastage of papers, work site safety, sanitation works and systematic use of electricity.

Later, Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, accompanied by the deputy minister and departmental heads, went to Aung San Printing House and saw over printing process and stores. He then left instructions to the officials on prevention of fire and systematic use of electricity.

Religion

F&R Ministry holds Kathina

Yangon, 20 Nov - The sixth Kathina of the Ministry of Finance and Revenue was held at the Dhammayon of Internal Revenue Department at the Shwedagon Pagoda yesterday morning. 

Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein and wife Daw Su Su Thein and officials presented robes and offertories to Sayadaws. Sayadaw Bhaddanta Pannavan delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained. Then "soon" was offered to the monks.

International Relations

Bangladeshi FM and party arrive

Yangon, 20 Nov - At the invitation of U Win Aung, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, His Excellency Mr M Morshed Khan MP, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of Bangladesh arrived here by air this evening for an official visit to the Union of Myanmar. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh and party were welcomed on arrival at the Yangon International Airport by U Win Aung, Minister for Foreign Affairs and the responsible officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar. The visiting Bangladesh Minister of Foreign Affairs is accompanied by Mr Sufiur Rahman, Director of the Minister's Office of the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Drug

Drugs seized in Muse and Kyukoke

Yangon, 20 Nov - A combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and Myanmar Police Force, acting on information, searched Ma Nan Htan, daughter of U Zaw Kham of Phaingkaung Village, Muse Township, and Ma Mar Taung, daughter of U La Yaw, near Khalin Village, Phaingkaung Village-tract, Muse Township, Shan State (North), on 21 October and arrested them together with 10 blocks of heroin weighing 3.5 kilos.

Similarly, the combined team searched Ma La Bya Htu, daughter of U La Bya La of Nawnghkio Village, Teemar Village-tract, Muse Township, and Ma Khun Taung, daughter of U Guan Tu of Shansaikku Village, Tamoenye Village-tract, Kutkai Township, acting on a tip-off, at new Shwe Thamin Ward in Muse Township on 1 November. The team seized 29 soap cups of heroin weighing 586 grams. Likewise, the combined team, acting on information, searched the house No-14, Ward 3, Kyukoke (Pensang), Shan State (North), on 6 November and arrested Kyan Kwe Sein, son of U Kyan Phu Paung of Moepaw Village, Muse Township, together with 4 kilos of heroin and one Beijing Jeep.

Action is being taken against them under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by the police station concerned.

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