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Established in 1914

Headlines

• Building of pagoda in Panglong region coordinated
• Union Solidarity and Development Association Annual General Meeting (2002) enters third-day session
• 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commemorative Marching and Military Song Competition to be held

  Region

• Secretary-1 attends opening of paintings and sculptures exhibition
• Marine Products Export and Import Supervisory Committee meets
• Commander inspects Aungmingala Coach Station
• Health Minister inspects hospitals, Hepatitis-B Medicine Factory
• Exhibition on Myanmar Women's Endeavours continues
  
• MEB holds bi-annual meeting
• Fourth General Practitioners Convention on 4-5 Jan
• National races study group tour downtown Yangon

International Relations

• I&P Minister receives Bangladeshi FM and party
• Bangladeshi MFA and party tour downtown Yangon
• Participation of Myanmar in Myanmar-China Border Trade Expo 2002 coordinated
• CPT Minister receives guests
• Korean Community donate medicines and machinery

SPOTLIGHT

• News
  
• Myanmar's boxing steps up

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Headlines

Building of pagoda in Panglong region coordinated

Yangon, 22 Nov - The coordination meeting to build a pagoda in Panglong region, Shan State, was held at the meeting hall of Zeyathiri Beikman on Konmyinttha here at 11.30 am today, with an address by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.

Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary-1 said that the meeting was called to coordinate building a pagoda in Panglong region, Shan State (South). Panglong is a region of historical significance where the Union was conceived. The Government designated Panglong as a special development region and is paying attention to the region's education, health and social development programmes. Especially, arrangements are being made for opening the Panglong University, Panglong Government Technological College and Panglong Government Computer College in honour of the people in the region and to nature the local new generation youths to become intellectuals and intelligentsia in future, he said. Head of State Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance on building a pagoda in Panglong region meritorious deeds can be performed in memory of the patriots who had served the interests of the State and the people before and after regaining national independence, he added.

Later, the Secretary-1 stressed the need for successful building of a sublime pagoda in Panglong region for further flourishing of the Sasana in accord with the guidance given by the Head of State. The Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions to officials.

Union Solidarity and Development Association Annual General Meeting (2002) enters third-day session

Yangon, 22 Nov - The third-day session of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Annual General Meeting (2002) took place at the Union Hall of the USDA Central Training School at 10 am on 17 November.

Member of Secretariat U Tin Htut presided over the meeting together with co-chairmen U Maung Maung Thein and Thura U Aye Myint. Pyapon Township USDA Executive Daw Cho Cho Lwin acted as master of ceremonies and Mawlamyine Township USDA member Daw Hnin Yu Yu Aung as co-MC. The master of ceremonies announced the opening of the third-day session of the meeting.

First, representative Daw Kay Min Kalyar reported on matters related to organization sector; representative Daw Maran Yein Nan, the management sector; representative U Myo Myint, economic sector; representative U Myat Myo Nyunt, social and cultural sector; representative Daw Sanda Thein, education sector; representative Daw Nan Kham Aye, development of the State and Our Three Main National Causes sector.

Daw Nan Kham Aye, the delegate to the USDA Annual General Meeting 2002, said that in setting up a goal to build a modern and developed nation, the Government is making efforts to fulfil the immense desire of the people. Among the development tasks were:
(1) National unity and stability task,
(2) Economic infrastructure development task,
(3) Economic vitalization task and
(4) Human resource development task.

Prevalence of peace and stability is required for development. Therefore, all the nationalities residing in the country are to be united under the State Flag. Sovereignty must prevail everywhere in the nation. Our three main national causes - Non-disintegration of the Union, Non-disintegration of national solidarity and Perpetuation of sovereignty - must be regarded as the lifeblood of the State.

It is not possible to carry out the development task without the three basic points mentioned above. In retrospect, armed conflicts broke out due to the divide and rule policy of colonialists after regaining the independence. As a result, our country lagged behind in development. However, everything has now changed. National reconsolidation has been initiated with the return of 17 armed insurgent groups to legal fold. The territorial integrity of the nation could be safeguarded under the State Flag. It can be witnessed that all-round development tasks are under way, further strengthening the political might. The 12 objectives were laid down and are being implemented with firm policy. Accordingly, 24 development regions were designated to add momentum to the implementation of these objectives. In northern Shan State, Lashio Degree College, Government Computer College and Government Technological College were opened and the Lashio Hospital was also upgraded to the Shan State Hospital. Moreover, Mandalay-Lashio-Muse Union Highway was upgraded.

Arrangements have been made for the Shweli Hydel Power Project to be able to generate electricity for other regions. As for education sector, a total of 151 universities and colleges and 39,999 basic education schools were opened across the nation. The number of youths receiving education in every region is on the increase. As for the development in transport sector, the Union Highway serves as the network linking Lashio of Shan State (North) with Sittway of Rakhine State, Putao of Kachin State and Kawthoung of Taninthayi Division. Six more river crossing bridges have been built on Ayeyawady River. Up to this date, 14 major river crossing bridges were completed and six under construction. Motor roads, rail roads, river crossing bridges and airports are being constructed throughout the Union. Altogether 140 dams have been built in Myanmar. Some of them can provide not only irrigated water but also generate electricity.

The number of irrigated acres has increased from 4.5 million to 5.2 million. Likewise, the number of paddy cultivation acres has risen from 12 million to over 16.3 million, and the number of crop cultivation acres from 24 million to over 38 million. The Yeywa Hydel Power Project, the biggest one, is being implemented on Dokhtawaty River in Shan State (North). On completion, it will be able to supply electricity to hill and plain regions. Due to the relentless efforts in full 14 years to promote the sectors of economy, transport, agriculture, energy, social development and education, success has been achieved in the tasks for border areas and national races development, 24 development regions and rural development. The whole people also participated in carrying out these tasks.

The State spent over 25,800 million kyats on the development of border areas and national races. It deserves to take pride in the association in its participation in the task for development of the State. The association also supported the tasks for State development and rural development at rallies held 17 venues of the nation in January. Also in February, Special Annual General Meeting of the association was held and USDA Patron Senior General Than Shwe delivered a speech on national development. The meeting passed decision to take part in the national development tasks. The organizational power of the State can be won by upholding Our Three Main National Causes. The association has possessed strong spirit, which is none other than Union Spirit. To vitalize the Union Spirit, the association has adopted three Panglong pledges to be maintained and six resolutions of Bagan mass meeting on ushering in the 21st century to be realized. In taking part in the development tasks of the State, the association must safeguard the nation against encroachment on sovereignty, driving wedges between national races, encroachment by any organizations on security and stability, destructive acts of armed insurgents, and international pressure, and denounce such acts at every occurrence.

Then, representative Daw Nan Aye Tint reported on matters related to participation of USDA in thrifty measures of the State. It is known that a country has to depend on agriculture for its economic development. In this regard, it has to pass the period of transition in which a major factor is the public investment derived from frugality.

Therefore, it is necessary to organize national races to take thrifty measures in accord with a Myanmar saying "Thrift and thrive". She spoke of the need to utilize resources in the State as much as possible in considering investment for economic development of the State. We are to utilize the rich natural resources of the country as much as possible. At the same time, there should be due consideration for the posterity in utilizing the natural resources. In this connection, thrifty measures should be taken as necessary and more could be used where necessary. Frugality, in fact, means doing business. It cannot be said as practising thrift when one does not use something when needed. Thrifty measures being taken today mean paving the way for the development of the nation in future. In other words, new investment is being put for sustainable development. Although thrifty measures are encouraged, the Government has been spending a large sum of money on building roads, bridges, railroads, airports and industrial zones.

At present, there are 18 industrial zones in the country. In the education and health sector, universities, colleges and schools have been built spending on the large amount of money. It can be seen that K 22,852 million have been spent on development of border areas and national races alone so far. The Government has built dams and reservoirs spending a huge sum of money. This is investment for the generations to come. Therefore, it is necessary to efficiently use water. Nothing should be wasted. Nowadays, the national people have come to practise thrift as a result of organization and education work carried out by the Government. Therefore, thrifty measures are to be taken widely with participation of the people. In bringing about development of the economic, production and social sectors of the State, electric power plays a vital role. So, 2,225 kilowatt hour millions were generated in 1988-89 and 5,024 kilowatt hour million in 2000-2001 financial year.

Plans are under way to generate 2,000 megawatts more during the forthcoming five years to fulfil electricity requirements of the people. In this regard, Paunglaung Hydel Power Project can generate 280 megawatts and Yeywa Hydel Power Project, 780 megawatts. The Government is spending a large sum of money on electricity generation which plays a vital role in development of the State. All the people are to systematically and efficiently use electricity. At present, the Government is carrying out the programme on efficient use of electricity throughout the nation. So, the people are now enjoying benefits of the programme. For example, there are about 500,000 households using electricity in Yangon. Thus, saving a four-foot fluorescent lamp every day by each household amounts to saving power that is equal to the capacity a 20-mega watt power station can supply. Edible oil consumption of Myanmar nationals is more than other people of Asian countries.

Due to excessive consumption of edible oil by the people, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, liver diseases, etc can occur. Edible oil worth US$ 180 million is imported annually. If import of edible oil can be reduced with cultivation of edible oil crops in the respective regions accompanied by moderate consumption by individuals, 10 major bridges like Bo Myat Tun Bridge can be built. The edible oil will be an export item. Therefore, it is necessary to organize and educate local farmers to extend cultivation of all kinds of edible oil crops as the national duty. She said it is unnecessary to use expensive foreign-made goods. As regards the foodstuff, all the people are to consume only local-made foodstuffs. She stressed the need to organize the people to consume fish sauce and fish paste instead of monosodium glutamate.

Similarly, all members of the association are to organize local people to produce meat, fish and fruits on a manageable scale and consume them instead of foreign-made canned foods. Other countries have to produce the canned foods due to scarcity of fresh meat, fish and fruits. But, our country is rich in land and water resources. Therefore, we are to cultivate crops and consume fresh foods reducing intake of the imported canned foods and other foodstuff. It will amount to not only saving foreign exchange but also ensuring better health of the people. In addition, it will contribute to earning foreign exchange by exporting surplus vegetables. So, all the association members are to set an example in these tasks. The money obtained from taking thrifty measures will contribute to construction of economic infrastructure of the State. So, the thrifty measure is the basic task of the long-term economic development of the State. In conclusion, she said as the thrifty measures are the basic tasks of the long-term economic development of the State, the USDA is to educate and organize the people to take thrifty measures in all seriousness. Then, USDA Central Executive Committee explained points in the discussions.

First, USDA Secretariat Member U Thaung explained the points in the discussions on the organization sector. Then, CEC member U Than Shwe explained the points in the discussions on the management sector; CEC member U Soe Tha, the points in the discussions on the economic sector; Secretariat Member U Ko Lay, the points in the discussions on the social and culture sector; and CEC member U Tin Hlaing, the points in the discussions on the education sector. On 18 November, the fourth-day session of the meeting would continue.

58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commemorative Marching and Military Song Competition to be held

Yangon, 22 Nov - The subcommittee for holding Marching and Military Song Competition under the Work Committee for Organizing the Poetry and Arts Competitions chaired by Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt (Htilar Sitthu) has announced that the marching and military song competitions will be held in commemoration of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day which falls on 27 March 2003.

There will be the open division in the marching song competition and two levels - level 1 and level 2 - in the military song competition. In addition to the first, second and third prizes, consolation prizes will be presented to the winners in each competition. The songs are to be composed highlighting the 12 objectives of the State, the objectives of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day and the 12 fine traditions of the Tatmadaw. Anyone may take part in the marching song competition, but composers and vocalists included in the level 1 are not allowed to participate in the other two levels. Those who have won the first, second and third prizes in the level 2 of military song competition in the previous years may take part in the level 1 only. Competitors individually or in groups are allowed to send only one entry.

The entry must be Myanmar traditional melody and style and its duration must be from 4 to 6 minutes. The entry is to be recorded on a tape. A suitable title for the entry can be given. Ten photo copies of lyrics of the entry and a copy of musical notes, together with a tape, are to be sent. The entrants are to send their curriculum vitae with three passport size colour photos. The committee will contact tentatively selected competitors.

The tentatively selected competitors must take part in the final contest with tapes. The entries are to be sent to Secretary of the Subcommittee U Ko Ko Htwe, Myanma Radio and Television, Pyay Road, Yangon, not later than 31 December 2002.

Region

Secretary-1 attends opening of paintings and sculptures exhibition

Yangon, 22 Nov - A ceremony to open the paintings and sculptures exhibition, organized by the Myanmar Traditional Artistes and Artisans Asiayon (Central), in commemoration of the golden jubilee of State School of Fine Arts (Yangon) (1952-2002) took place at the National Museum on Pyay Road in Dagon Township this morning.

Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt attended the ceremony. Secretary of MTAAA (Central) U Thant Zin (a) Bagyi Hla Tin Tun explained matters related to the holding of the exhibition. After officials had formally opened the exhibition, General Khin Nyunt and party viewed round the exhibition.

General Khin Nyunt then signed in the visitors' book. Later, the Secretary-1 accepted "The Lion Archway" oil-colour painting drawn by U Kyi Win of MTAAA as a commemorative gift of the exhibition to Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe, a "Maymyo Flowers" oil-colour painting drawn by U Mya Lwin of the Asiayon as a commemorative gift to Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, and a "Myanma Beauty" water colours drawn by Thant Zin (a) Bagyi Hla Tin Tun as a commemorative gift to Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.

A total of 351 works of art are on display at the exhibition, which will be kept open daily from 9 am to 5 pm for the public free of charge.

Marine Products Export and Import Supervisory Committee meets

Yangon, 22 Nov - Marine Products Export and Import Supervisory Committee met with entrepreneurs at Fisheries Department this afternoon, with an address by Chairman of the Committee Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Lt-Gen Min Thein.

Entrepreneurs took part in the discussions. Vice-Chairman of the committee Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone explained matters on trade, member of the committee Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein on export of marine products.

Minister Lt-Gen Min Thein spoke of the need to make arrangements for supervision of the marine products export and import business.

Commander inspects Aungmingala Coach Station

Yangon, 22 Nov - Chairman of Yangon Division Supervisory Committee for Ensuring Smooth and Secure Transport Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe inspected Aungmingala Coach Station in Mingaladon Township this morning.

Located on the No 3 Highway, the station is being run by Revenue Department of the Yangon City Development Committee. The commander inspected the arrival and departure of coaches running between Yangon city and Bago Division (East), Mon State, Kayin State and Taninthayi Division, passenger transport system, running of taxies between the station and downtown Yangon, public telephone booths and passenger lounges. U Tin Aung Win reported to the commander on plans being made for convenience of the passengers and future programmes. In response to the report, the commander said the coach station which meets the required standard was built for convenience of passengers traveling between Yangon and Bago Division (East), Mon State, Kayin State and Taninthayi Division.

Officials should make arrangements for the coach station and its compound to be in accord with the hygienic conditions, to keep it clean and pleasant and to grow shade trees and ornamental plants.

Health Minister inspects hospitals, Hepatitis-B Medicine Factory

Yangon, 22 Nov - Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, inspected Psychiatric Hospital (Yangon) in Dagon Myothit (East) Township this morning.

At the briefing hall, officials reported on progress in construction of the project works. Director-General Dr Wan Maung gave a supplementary report. Then, the minister went to the drug addicts ward and inspected activities for mental health of the patients and construction of the sports grounds. Next, the minister and party proceeded to the construction site of Hepatitis-B Medicine Factory of Medical Research Department (Lower Myanmar). General Manager KT Kim of Golden Midas Construction Co Ltd and engineer in-charge U Htwe Htwe reported on implementation of the project. The minister gave necessary instructions.

Afterwards, the minister and party arrived at Padamya Rural Dispensary of Mingaladon Township. Officials reported on construction of the 50-bed hospital in Pale Myothit. The minister gave necessary instructions and inspected the site chosen for the hospital.

Then, the minister went to Institute of Pharmacy in Webagi Myothit. He inspected efficient use of electricity and gave instruction on systematic use of electricity to officials.

Exhibition on Myanmar Women's Endeavours continues

Yangon, 22 Nov - The Exhibition on Myanmar Women's Endeavours continued for the eighth day at Tatmadaw Convention Hall on U Wisara Road today.

At the centre of the hall, tapestries of the Head of State and officials were exhibited. The booths on Myanmar women's endeavours, women's information, international communication, women and preservation of environment, cultural affairs, knowledge for women, women's health and education, preventing violence against women and rehabilitation of women were displayed at the exhibition. Artistes and students from the Fine Arts Department, University of Culture, Myanmar Movies Asiayon, and Myanmar Music Asiayon presented entertainment programmes to the visitors. Over 3,750 people visited the exhibition today.

At the computer quiz competition, Maung Aye Chan Nyein of No-4 BEHS Ahlon, Maung Myo Myint Oo of BEHS-2 Dagon, Maung Tun Tun Naing of No-61 (C), 7th Street, Lanmadaw, Ma San Su Nwe of Ward-65, Pyidawtha Street, South Dagon, Ma Myat Noe Mon of BEHS-2 Dagon, Maung Tun Tun of BEPS-2 Dagon, Ma Yin Yin Wai of BEHS-2 Dagon, Ma Mya Thida of No-47, Baho Road, Ahlon Township and Maung Nay Myo of No-99, 5th Street, Mingaladon Township won the prizes.

The prize winners are to contact the officials at Tatmadaw Convention Hall on 23 November and to inform not later than 2 pm on 24 November.

MEB holds bi-annual meeting

Yangon, 22 Nov - Bi-annual coordination meeting of Myanma Economic Bank 2002-2003 was held at the training hall of Myanma Economic Bank branch No 1 on Pansodan Street at 8 am today.

At the meeting, Deputy Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen Than Tun said that banking services is the basic infrastructure to strengthen national economy; state/ division managers are to work for the progress of the banking services.

Fourth General Practitioners Convention on 4-5 Jan

Yangon, 22 Nov - The Fourth General Practitioners Convention of the general practitioners group of Myanmar Medical Association will be held at the auditorium of the MMA at No-249, Theinbyu Road, Mingala Taungnyunt Township, on 4 and 5 January 2003. Resource persons and pharmaceutical companies wishing to display their products may contact the office of the MMA not later than 15 December.

National races study group tour downtown Yangon

Yangon, 22 Nov - At the invitation of the chairman of the work committee for development of border areas and national races, 65 national races from Manhiro Region in Shan State (North) and 50 Kayan and Padaung national races from Pekhon Township in Kayah Region, totaling 115, arrived here yesterday afternoon.

They paid homage to Shwedagon Pagoda this morning. Members of the pagoda board of trustees explained the history of the pagoda. They then visited Maha Wizaya Pagoda. The study group arrived at Drug Elimination Museum in the afternoon where they were conducted round the museum by officials. Next, members of the study group visited Myanma Radio and Television. Deputy Director of TV Myanmar Lt-Col Thein Aung extended greetings and explained facts about the MRTV. They studied the studios of the MRTV.

They enjoyed a film at Upgraded Thamada Cinema in the evening.

International Relations

I&P Minister receives Bangladeshi FM and party

Yangon, 22 Nov - Minister for Immigration and Population Maj-Gen Sein Htwa received Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of Bangladesh Mr M Morshed Khan MP and party at his office at the Ministers' Office this afternoon.

Bangladeshi MFA and party tour downtown Yangon

Yangon, 22 Nov - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of Bangladesh Mr Morshed Khan MP and party visited Shwedagon Pagoda this morning.

Members of the pagoda board of trustees U Ohn Myint, U Khin Maung Myint and officials conducted them round the pagoda. The Bangladeshi FM offered flower, water, light and incense sticks to a Buddha image at Western Prayer Hall, and signed in the visitors' book. Then, the Bangladeshi Minister presented cash donations for the pagoda to U Ohn Myint and U Khin Maung Myint who presented a documentary book on hoisting Shwehtidaw atop Shwedagon Pagoda. The Bangladeshi Minister and party also viewed the King Thayawady's bell.

Next, the Bangladeshi Foreign Minister and party arrived at Myanma Gems Emporium on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road. Director U Thein Swe of Myanma Gems Enterprise and officials welcomed and conducted them round the emporium. The minister signed in the visitors' book. In the evening, the Bangladeshi FM and party left here by air.

Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and Bangladeshi Ambassador Mr A B Manjoor Rahim seen off them at Yangon International Airport.

Participation of Myanmar in Myanmar-China Border Trade Expo 2002 coordinated

Yangon, 22 Nov - A coordination meeting on participation of Myanmar in Myanmar-China Border Trade Expo 2002 was held at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Commerce today, with an address Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone.

Then, a general round of discussion followed and the meeting ended with the concluding remarks by the minister. The Myanmar-China Border Trade Expo 2002 will be held from 15 to 19 December at Manwein Cargo Yard in Muse, Shan State (North).

CPT Minister receives guests

Yangon, 22 Nov - Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs and for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Thein Zaw received bankers Mr Ho Hou Yin and Mr Lai Cheuk Kwan Arthur of Macao and Hong Kong at his office at 1 pm today.

They discussed matters relating to communications and hotel tasks. In the evening, the minister met with hotel managers from respective states and divisions under Myanma Hotels and Tourism Services and managers of the branches of Tourism and Beverages Services at the Department of Beverages Services (Head office) on Mahabandoola Road. At the meeting, the minister gave instructions on carrying out the tasks with good will for the interest of the ministry and the nation.

Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu also gave necessary instructions and the meeting came to an end.

Korean Community donate medicines and machinery

Yangon, 22 Nov - Korean Community in Myanmar led by Korean Ambassador Mr Lee Kyung-Woo donated machinery for agriculture worth US$ 3,000 and medicines worth US$ 3,000 to Kamanet Village in Bago Township, Bago Division this morning. The Korean Community also presented stationery worth US$ 2,000 to Post-Primary School in the Village at 10 am today. Doctors from the community together with doctors of Township Health Department gave medical treatment to patients in the village free of charge for a day.

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