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Headlines

• Secretary-1 hoists Htidaw atop Maha Thamaya Dhammadhatu Pagoda in Popa, fixes pivot atop Lawkananda Pagoda in Bagan
• Commander inspects sanitation tasks, bus terminal in Yangon

Region

• Secretary-1 inspects ancient Bagan cultural heritage preservation, regional development tasks
• Diagnosis machines demonstrated
• Pulses, Beans and Sesamum Merchants Association holds Annual General Meeting
• Myanmar Industries Association holds ninth annual general meeting
• Commander attends coord meeting on renovation of Phaungdawsaik Stupa
• Seminars on Myanma Industrial Development held
• Traditional Medicine and Medical Equipment Exhibition crowded
• Foreign Minister arrives back from BIMST-EC meeting
• MoU signed between MCF and MEMI
• Tatmadaw Volleyball Tournament ends

Drug

• Drug trafficker sentenced 

News

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Headlines 

Secretary-1 hoists Htidaw atop Maha Thamaya Dhammadhatu Pagoda in Popa, fixes pivot atop Lawkananda Pagoda in Bagan

Yangon, 21 Dec - The Htidaw hoisting ceremony of Popataung Theikdiaung Yanpyay Manpyay Maha Thamaya Dhammadhatu Pagoda was held at the pandal in the precinct of the pagoda on Theikdiaung Hill near Mount Popa in Kyaukpadaung Township, Mandalay Division, at 8 am on 20 December, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.

The ceremony was opened with three-time recitation of Namo Tassa. Then, Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumarabhivamsa administered the Nine Precepts. Members of the Sangha recited Parittas. On behalf of the wellwisher, U Aung Zaw Tun supplicated on the purpose of building the pagoda. Next, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt donated Seinbudaw and provisions to the Sayadaw; Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Hngetmyatnadaw and provisions; Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint, religious objects and offertories. The ministers and wellwisher families offered provisions to members of the Sangha.

Then, the Secretary-1 accepted K 2 million for the all-round construction of the pagoda donated by U Yan Kyar Saik and family (Chan Lon Gems Co) of Yangon; K 100,000 each by Traditional Medicine Council member Saya Nyan of Awthada Clinic of Yangon; U Ko Gyi-Daw Nilar of Maymyo San San family (Mount Popa); and U Sein Hlaing-Daw Tin Win of Gaday Kywe Store of Kyaukpadaung.

The Secretary-1 donated K 100,000 to the funds of Jivitadana Arogyasala Sangha Hospital on Mount Popa through the commander. Pakokku Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Sayadaw Bhaddanta Pannananda delivered a sermon and the Secretary-1 and party and the wellwisher family shared merits gained. Then, the enshrinement ceremony continued in conjunction with the Htidaw hoisting ceremony.

First, the Secretary-1 and party, the wellwisher family and lay persons conveyed the Seinbudaw, the Hngetmyatnadaw and tiers of the Htidaw round the pagoda. They then conveyed the religious objects to the reliquary and the Seinbudaw, the Hngetmyatnadw and tiers of the Htidaw to the decorated carriage. The Secretary-1 keep the religious objects into the reliquary. The wellwisher family and lay persons conveyed tiers of the Htidaw, the Hngetmyatnadaw and the Seinbudaw atop the pagoda by the decorated carriage. At the auspicious time, the Secretary-1 and party hoisted tiers of the Htidaw, the Hngetmyatnadaw and the Seinbudaw atop the pagoda and sprinkled scented water on them.

Next, the wellwishers and lay persons hoisted Htidaws atop the encircled zedis. Thiri Thudhamma Manijotadhara Teingyar U Than Hla shared merits gained. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party and the wellwishers performed the rituals of golden and silver showers to mark successful completion of the ceremony. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party viewed the Jivitadana Sangha Hospital on Mount Papa.

Next, the Secretary-1 and party arrived back in Bagan. On 20 December morning, the pivot fixing ceremony of Lawkananda Tooth Relic Pagoda built by King Anawrahta was held at the pandal on the platform of the pagoda in Bagan, NyaungU Township. Present on the occasion were State Ovadacariya Gukyaung Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Jagara and members of the Sangha, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and party, Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Magway Division Chairman Col Zaw Min, local authorities, departmental officials, members of the pagoda board of trustees, members of USDA, social and religious organizations, wellwishers and local people.

Adviser to the State Peace and Development Council Office U Arnt Maung acted as master of ceremonies. At the opening ceremony, Gukyaung Sayadaw Bhaddanta Jagara administered the Nine Precepts. Next, the Secretary-1 offered the pivot and provisions to the Sayadaws.

Similarly, Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint, the ministers and party donated provisions to members of the Sangha. Alodawpyay Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Bhaddanta Ariyavamsa delivered a sermon. Then, the Secretary-1 and party and wellwishers shared merits gained. Afterwards, the ceremony to fix the pivot at the pagoda followed.

First, the Secretary-1 and party conveyed the pivot round the pagoda. Next, lay persons conveyed the pivot atop the pagoda. The Secretary-1 and party then fixed the pivot atop the pagoda and sprinkled scented water on it. Later, the ceremony came to an end with three-time recitation of Buddha Sasanam ‚iram Titthatu.

Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party performed the rituals of golden and showers marking successful completion of the ceremony.

Then, the Secretary-1 and party paid obeisance to Lawkananda Toot Relic Pagoda. Later, the Secretary-1 and party visited Lawkananda Sanctuary.

Commander inspects sanitation tasks, bus terminal in Yangon

Yangon, 21 Dec - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe visited the places.

First, Chairman of the Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of the Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe arrived at Yawmingyi Yeiktha in Dagon Township. Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe inspected the sanitation works being carried out and gave necessary instructions. Then, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe proceeded to Myawady Yeiktha in Mingala Taungnyunt Township and inspected the sanitation works, sale of goods at Yangon Tatmyo market in the compound. Afterwards, the commander went to the corner of Inya Road and Chindwin Road in Bahan Township.  The commander inspected the dredging of drains beside Chindwin Road and gave instructions.

Next, the commander and party inspected dredging and sanitation works at Paikngalon bridge across Thunanda creek in North Okkalapa Township and Aung Mingala highway bus terminal in Mingaladon Township. Officials reported on work being carried out at the terminal and tasks to be implemented for upgrading the terminal into the one of international level. Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe inspected round the bus terminal and attended to the needs. Then, the commander and party went to the worksite of 2.5 miles long Kyusan Village shortcut linking No 1 and No 4 Highways and inspected earth work being carried out with the use of machinery.

Responsible official of YCDC reported on progress of earth works. The commander gave instructions on timely completion of the road with set standards and fulfilled the requirements.

Secretary-1 inspects ancient Bagan cultural heritage preservation, regional development tasks

Yangon, 21 Dec - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt, left here by Tatmadaw aircraft and arrived at Bagan NyaungU airport at 3.45 pm on 19 December.

The Secretary-l and party then arrived at Bagan Archaeological Museum. The curator reported matters on tourist arrivals and artifacts excavated in renovating ancient pagodas in Bagan.

The Secretary- l urged the officials to properly preserve the ancient cultural heritage constantly as their historical values are very great. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the excavated artifacts such as votive tablet of King Anawrahta; .curlicues of throne representing ogre, dragon and lion found in renovating the pagoda No 1160; sand stone Buddha Image with headdress found in renovating the pagoda No 1186(B); a bronze image of Awalokitaethwara Buddha- to-be found in renovating the pagoda No 1686(B); bronze votive with 23 images of Lord Buddha presented by U Saw Shwe of Moenatgon village of Bagan; and mural painting with marvelous design and artwork found in renovating the pagoda No 1160, etc.

Next, Secretary-l General Khin Nyunt and party inspected the scale models of palaces of Myanmar monarchs and ancient earth wares. Later, the Secretary-l and party proceeded to Lacquer College. Minister Lt- Gen Tin Ngwe reported to the Secretary-l matters on matters for upgrading of Myanmar Lacquerware Institute into Myanmar Lacquerware College. Next, Director-General U Sein Than reported to the Secretary-1 on matters related to curricula and administrative affairs for upgrading the Lacquerware Institute to the Lacquerware College.

Next, Minister Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe presented a Lacquerware arts to the Secretary-1 as a gift. Then, the Secretary-1 and party inspected Lacquerware items and arts. The Secretary-1 gave instructions on flourishing and preservation of Myanmar handicraft. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party arrived at the guest house in Bagan. The Secretary-1 and party attended the ceremony to hoist Htidaw atop Theikdiaung Yanpyay Manpyay Maha Thamaya Dhammadatu Pagoda on Mount Popa on 20 December and the hoisted Htidaw atop the pagoda.

Likewise, the Secretary-1 attended the ceremony to fix pivot atop Bagan Lawkananda Tooth Relic Pagoda held in Bagan on 20 December and fixed the pivot atop the pagoda. Then, the Secretary-1 and party proceeded to Tanyaung River Water Pumping Project of Water Resources Utilization Department in Salin Township, Minbu District, where they were welcomed by Director-General of WRUD U Win Shwe and officials. At the briefing hall, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin reported on the salient points of the project and measures being taken for irrigating 15,000 acres of farmland.

Then, Director-General U Win Shwe reported on location of the project, the objectives, construction of main canal and branch canals, work being carried out for electrification, irrigating, measures being taken for extension of farmland acreage up to 15,000. Next, Chief Engineer of Myanma Electric Power Enterprise Dr San Oo reported on power supply for the project. Chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council Col Zaw Min reported on water supply of Tanyaung river water pumping project to cultivate monsoon paddy, cotton, edible oil and pulses and beans, water supply of Salin Dam for cultivation of summer and monsoon paddy, cotton, pulses and beans and edible oil crops, and land reclamation of private entrepreneurs in Magway Division.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint and Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin gave supplementary reports. Then, the Secretary-1 gave instructions on proper management of water supply and extended cultivation of staple cotton, pulses and beans, edible oil crops and sugar-cane. The Secretary-1 and party arrived at Taungyaychaung Dam construction project of Kyetmauktaung regulating dam project near Tebinte Village in Kyaukpadaung Township where they were welcomed by Director-General of Irrigation Department U Kyaw San Win and officials. At the briefing hall, Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin reported on measures being taken for building Kyetmauktaung regulating dam project for Taungyaychaung Dam under construction and Kyaukdaga Dam to be constructed. Irrigation Department Director-General U Kyaw San Win reported on matters related to the project, construction works, arrangements for building Kyaukdaga Dam and construction of diversion tunnel.

Then, the Secretary-1 and party inspected construction of Taungyaychaung Dam. They then inspected digging canals. Officials reported on works being carried out. The Secretary-1 and party proceeded to Natkanle Camp of Mount Popa Park of Forest Department in Kyaukpadaung Township where they were welcomed by Brig-Gen Than Tun of Kyaukpadaung Station, local authorities, Director-General of Forest Department U Shwe Kyaw and service personnel, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association and local people.

 At the briefing hall, Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone reported on the areas of the Mount Popa Park, banana acreage in the park, cultivation of perennial crops, thriving cashew and mango trees in the cultivation areas, cultivation of seasonal crops outside reserve forest, supply of 40,000 mango saplings, arrangements for distribution of pepper saplings, renovation of schools for rural development, construction of gravel road and water supply.

Then, the Secretary-1 met with local authorities, village elders and local people, and attended to their needs.

The Secretary-1 made a speech. He said that the Government has been providing necessary assistance for development of education, health and communication sectors and for regional development. In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and the command headquarters will provide quality seeds and technology in extended cultivation of sweet sop, mango, cashew and pepper. All concerned are to make efforts for successful implementation of the project.

The Secretary-1 and party arrived back in Bagan.

Next, the Secretary-1 and party proceeded to Shwekuncha Resort in Bagan and inspected Myat Yadana Vessel plying NyaungU-Tantkyitaung route in Ayeyawady River for tourists. Phwasaw Model Village Tour Agent U Khin Maung Maung reported on renovation of the vessel, arrangements for the tourists, entertainment and service. The Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions. Then, the Secretary-1 and party arrived back at the house in Bagan.

In the evening, the Secretary-1 and party paid homage to Shwezigon Pagoda in NyaungU and made cash donations. Then, they viewed round the pagoda clock-wise. Next, they proceeded to Dhammarazaka Pagoda and viewed round it clock-wise and inspected preservation of ancient artifacts.

Then, the Secretary-1 and party paid homage to the Buddha image and made cash donation. Next, they arrived back at the guest house in Bagan.

Diagnosis machines demonstrated

Yangon, 21 Dec - A ceremony to demonstrate diagnosis machines with the use of MRI by Europ Continents Myanmar was held at Summit Parkview Hotel this morning, attended by Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein.

Managing Director Mr Jean Marie PASCAL of Europ Continents Co made an introductory speech. Marketing Manager Mr Anil John of Hitachi Medical Corporation and Consultant Radiologist Dr Ravi Padmanabhan of Singapore Genyal Hospital explained facts about MRI machines. Then, Application Specialist Mr Ang Chong Hee also explained the Color Doppler Ultrasound.

Pulses, Beans and Sesamum Merchants Association holds Annual General Meeting

Yangon, 21 Dec - The Tenth Annual General Meeting of Myanmar Pulses, Beans and Sesamum Merchants Association was held at the Sofitel Plaza on Signal Pagoda Road this afternoon.

Chairman U Tun Aung presided over the meeting and made a speech. Joint-Secretary-2 of the association acted as master of ceremonies. First, Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone made a speech. Next, Vice-Chairman-1 of the association submitted the reports and financial statement of the executive committee and sought the approval of the meeting. Then, new executive committee members for 2003-2004 were elected and the meeting came to a close with concluding remarks by the chairman.

Myanmar Industries Association holds ninth annual general meeting

Yangon, 21 Dec - Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone delivered an address at ninth annual general meeting at the Myanmar Industries Association's at the Sedona Hotel on Kaba Aye Pagoda road this morning.

Chairman of the association U Htein Win presided over the meeting and gave a speech. Then, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone delivered an address. He said: The Myanmar Industries Association was set up on 21 July 1993. The association is now over nine years and it has gained much experience and success. A nation will be able to develop its economy only when it has achieved success in the industries. It can be seen that the Union of Myanmar, an agro-based country, can fulfil basic requirements of the people such as food, clothing and shelter. However, it will be necessary to encourage the establishment of industries for the emergence of a modern and developed nation as soon as possible.

Accordingly, the Government has laid down the agricultural, industrial and commerce mottoes in order to bring about development of the industrial sector. In other words, the Government has laid down policies and is rendering assistance to the entrepreneurs for extension of their agro-based industries as well as forestry-based, meat- and fish-based and other domestic raw material-based ones.

The Central Committee for Industrial Development chaired by Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and the Myanma Industrial Development Committee chaired by Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung were formed on 6 May 1999 with a view to steering and providing assistance for development of industries in the country as soon as possible. Nowadays, arrangements are being made for holding the State-level Seminars on Myanma Industrial Development and the Industrial Exhibition, to be organized by Myanma Industrial Development Committee, in Mandalay in January 2003.

The minister urged those present to actively participate in the seminars and the exhibition. A total of 18 industrial zones throughout the country have been established with the aim of ensuring industrial development throughout the country and energetic efforts are being made for boosting industrial production. The minister said that the Myanmar Industries Association is to cooperate with UMFCCI and other associations for development of the private economic sector. The Ministry of Commerce, in cooperation with UMFCCI, will give assistance to the entrepreneurs. In conclusion, the minister wished the Myanmar Industries Association to be able to contribute towards the emergence of a modern and developed nation in line with the industrial policies and principles of the State.

Next, Secretary-General U Zaw Min Win sought approval of the meeting for CEC report and the financial report. Vice-Chairman Dr Kyaw Htin replied to the suggestions. Then, Vice-Chairman of UMFCCI U Pyone Maung Maung announced the CEC list of the Myanmar Industries Association including Chairman U Htein Win and Secretary-General U Zaw Min Win. Afterwards, cash donations were made towards the funds of the association.

Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone accepted 1,500 FECs donated by U Htein Win-Daw Myint Myint of Myintmakha Engineering Co Ltd; K 5 million by U Thet Oo of Ayarmyay Manufacturing Co Ltd; K 500,000 each by Dr Aung Thein of Nibban International Co Ltd; and plastic group; K 300,000 each by U Win Aung of Dagon International Ltd; Dr Sein Myint of Supreme Enterprise Ltd; U Chit Sein of Panyoma Co Ltd; U Sein Wan of Myanmar Lighting Manufacturing Co Ltd; U Hla Myint Shwe of United Pacific Co Ltd; and U Soe Tint of Soe Electronics; UMFCCI President U Win Myint accepted K 200,000 each donated by U Kyaw Kyaw Win of Sinma Furnishings Co Ltd; U Thaung Win of Thaung Win Industry and U Htay Khaing of Aungthabyay Khaing Industry; K 100,000 each by Dr Aung Win Maung of Grand Master International Co Ltd; U Saw Hlaing of Hla Gabar Co Ltd; Dr Pwint Hsan of PPB Group (Myanmar) Co Ltd; and U Zaw Min Win of Myanmar Industrial Holding Co Ltd; and honorary patrons of the association U Khin Maung Yi and Dr Mahn Thet San accepted K 100,000 each by U Myat Thin Aung of Aung Aung Enterprise Ltd; U Aye Han of United Paint Group; Myanmar Garment Manufacturing Association; U Amein of One One Aluminium; U Myo Tint Than of Dawn Ray Manufacturing; Shwepyitha Industrial Zone; Hlinethaya Industrial Zone; U Tin Maung of Green Land Food Industries Ltd; Myanmar Li Wai Wai Food Industries; and U Kyin Tun of Newest Garment Manufacturing Co Ltd. Today's donations of 43 wellwishers were 1,500 FECs and K 11,330,000.

Later, Chairman U Htein Win gave a concluding remarks and the meeting came to an end in the morning. Before the meeting, the minister and party viewed products of plastics product entrepreneurs, battery manufacturers and rubber product entrepreneurs at the showrooms. Altogether 29 companies display their products at the showrooms.

Commander attends coord meeting on renovation of Phaungdawsaik Stupa

Yangon, 21 Dec - Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Myint, went to Mwedaw Ketku Pagoda in Taunggyi Township on 18 December morning and paid homage to Asoka Pagoda in the princint of the pagoda.

The commander then inspected the construction of the banner post donated by 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 gave necessary instructions to officials.

Next, the commander attended the ceremony to seek Ovada from Sayadaws for the all-round renovation of Phaungdawsaik Stupa of Mwedaw Ketku Pagoda at the Dhamayon. The commander and wife and officials presented offertories to the Sayadaws.

Then, donation ceremony for the renovation of the sputa was held. The wife of the commander presented cash donated by Vice-Senior General. Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San to the commander. The donations also included K 3 million by the Eastern Command, K 15 million by Asia World Co, K 15 million by- Shwethanlwin Highway Co and K 500,(000) by Shwekyabyan Ma Shwe Wah Cheroots of Taunggyi.

Afterwards, a coordination meeting on renovation of the pagoda was held. Head of Shan State Religious Affairs Department U Aung Khin reported on formation of the subcommittees. National race leader U Aung Kharn Hti and Chairman of Taunggyi District Peace and Deve1opment Council Lt-Col Ye Tun Sein gave supplementary reports. Architect U Win Maung reported on matters related to renovation of the pagoda. The commander then fulfilled the needs.

There are altogether 2,478 stupas in the princint of Mwedaw Ketku Padoda. Phaungdawsaik Stupa was donated by King Alaung Sithuin 1174 ME.

Seminars on Myanma Industrial Development held

Yangon, 21 Dec - The tenth Seminars on Myanma Industrial Development, organized by the Leading Committee for Holding the Seminars on Myanma Industrial Development and Industrial Exhibition, were held at nine designated industrial zones and ministries here this morning.

Chairman of Working Committee Deputy Minister for Industry-1 Brig-Gen Kyaw Win, Vice Chairman Deputy Minister for Industry-2 Lt-Col Khin Maung Kyaw and Chairman of Subcommittee Deputy Minister for Science and Technology Dr Chan Nyein visited the venues. The chairmen and members of the management committees of the respective industrial zones, resource persons and industrialists attended the seminars. The tenth Seminar on Myanma Industrial Development of North Okkalapa Industrial Zone was held at the office of the management committee for the zone this morning.

President of the seminar Director of the Department for Human Settlement and Housing Development Lt-Col Htin Aung Kyaw made an opening speech. Then, resource persons Staff Officer Daw Moe Thida of the external relation department of the DHSHD, Research Officer Daw Si Si Win of the Myanma Science and Technology Research Department of the Ministry of Science and Technology and Staff Officer (Civil Section) Daw Khin Htwe Maw of the DHSHD presented their papers and answered the queries raised by those present.

A similar seminar of South Okkalapa Industrial Zone was held at Ludu Yeiktha Dhammayon in the industrial zone. Director Daw Yin Yin Lay of the National Commission for Environmental Concervation made a speech. Then, Deputy Director Dr Than Htoo of the commission and Heads of Section U Nay Win and U Ko Ko Aye read out their papers and answered the queries.

A similar seminar was held at Kanaung Hall of the management committee office in Hlinethaya Industrial City this morning. Vice Chairman of the working committee Deputy Minister for Industry-2 Lt-Col Khin Maung Kyaw, Director-General of the Myanma Science and Technology Research Department U Tin Htut, and officials attended the seminar. Director-General U Tin Htut made an address. Then, Deputy Director U Myo Myint of the MSTRD, U Ngwe Thein (Company Directory) and Writer U Chit San Win presented their papers and answered the queries raised by those present. At the tenth Seminar on Myanma Industrial Development held at Dagon Seikkan Township Industrial Zone, Prof Daw Htar Htar of the Statistics Department of Yangon Institute of Economics gave speeches. Then, Prof Daw Singh Theingi, Daw Win Mar and Daw Khin May Hla reported their papers to the seminar. They then replied to queries raised by industrial entrepreneurs.

At the seminar held at Dagon Myothit (South) Industrial Zone, Director Daw Hla Hla Kyaing of the Cottage Industries Department made a speech. Then, Chairman U Tun Yi of Diamond Dragon Ceramics Cooperatives Ltd, Chairman U Aung Myint of Nay SwanIn Cooperatives Ltd, U Paw Hein of Chemical Engineer Cooperatives Ltd and Chairman U Pe Thein of UPT Electric and Electronic Industry Cooperatives Ltd discussed their papers. Similarly, Deputy Prof U San Nyunt of Mining and Engineering Department of Yangon Technological University made a speech at the seminar at Thakayta Industrial Zone. Resource persons Assistant Lecturer Daw Mya Mya Than, Deputy Prof U Nyunt Htay and Research Officer Daw Aye Aye Thant of the university submitted their papers and replied to the queries raised by industrialists.

The tenth Seminar on Myanma Industrial Development of Shwepyitha Industrial Zone was held at Kanaung Hall in the industrial zone this morning. Director Dr Myint Kyi of the Advanced Science and Technology Department of the Ministry of Science and Technology made an opening address. Then, Dr Mya Sandi, Dr Khaing Khaing Soe and Dr Sein Le Shwe of the ASTD read their papers at the seminar.

A similar seminar was held at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Industry-1 this morning. Deputy Director Dr Phone Myint of the Health Department made a speech. Deputy Director Dr Win Thein, Assistant Director Dr Soe Tint and Assistant Medical Officer Dr Myint Thein of the Health Department submitted their papers and replied to the queries. Ministry of Industry-2 also held the tenth Seminar on Myanma Industrial Development at the meeting hall of the ministry on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road this morning.

President of the seminar Director-General U Tin Hlaing of the Directorate of Industries of the Ministry of Industry-1 gave speeches. Assistant Director U Khin Maung Aye of the Directorate of Industries and Director U Zaw Myat Win of Industrial Coordination and Inspection Department read their papers at the seminar. They then replied to the queries raised by those present. The seminar ended with closing remarks by the president.

Traditional Medicine and Medical Equipment Exhibition crowded

Yangon, 21 Dec - The Third Myanma Traditional Medicine and Medical Equipment Exhibition continued for the seventh day at Tatmadaw Convention Hall on U Wisara Road today.

As today is the public holiday (Saturday), the exhibition is crowded with monks and people who came from various parts of the country.

A total of 136 booths are being displayed at the exhibition which will be kept open from 9 am to 8 pm till 26 December.

International Relations

Foreign Minister arrives back from BIMST-EC meeting

Yangon, 21 Dec - Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung arrived back here by air this morning after attending the 5th Ministerial Meeting of the Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand Economic Cooperation (BIMST-EC) group held in Colombo, Sri Lanka on 20 December 2002.

Director-General U Win Mra of the International Organizations and Economic Department, Director U Soe Myint of the Energy Planning Department of the Ministry of Energy and Deputy Director U Saw Ba Tun of the Department of Consular, International Law and Treaties also arrived back with the minister. To reflect the strong commitment of the member countries to the BIMST-EC, the Fourth BIMST-EC Ministerial Meeting held in Yangon in December 2001, decide to upgrade the Ministerial Meeting to the full Ministerial Level.

In accordance with the decision made in Yangon, the Fifth BIMST-EC Ministerial Meeting was attended by ministers for Foreign Affairs of the member countries.

MoU signed between MCF and MEMI

Yangon, 21 Dec - A ceremony to sign memorandum of understanding between Myanmar Computer Federation and Myanmar Economic and Management Institute ,(MEMI) of Japan was held at the MICT Park in Hliile Township this morning.

Mr Toshio Matsui of MEMI made a speech. Next, MCF President U Thein 00 and Mr Toshi Matsui signed MoU and exchanged the documents. Deputy Minister U Hlaing Win presented a gift to Mr Toshi, Matsui. The MoU includes donation of computers and sending course instructors to Myanmar from abroad.

Sport

Tatmadaw Volleyball Tournament ends

Yangon, 21 Dec - The final match and prize presentation ceremony of the ninth Defence Services Commander-in-Chief' s Shield Volleyball Tournament 2002 for, those who make sacrifices for the country took place at the sports grounds of Yangon Command this morning.

Among the spectators were Deputy Director of Medical Services Col Than Aung, Rector of Defence Services Medical Academy Col Thaung Htaik, commanding officers of regiments and units in Mingaladon Station, officers and other ranks and their families.

At the final match, No66 LID team played against Central Command Team and won the shield. After the final match, Rector Col Thaung Htaik and officials presented first, second, third and the best player prizes to the winning teams and the respective contestants. Then, Deputy Director Col Than Aung, on beha1f of the Defence Services Commander-in-Chief, presented the championship shield to No 66 LID team.

Drug

Drug trafficker sentenced

Yangon, 21 Dec - A combined team comprising members of the local intelligence unit and police force, acting on information, inspected the house of Yan El in Ooyin Ward, Banyin Village, Hsihseng Township on 5 July this year and seized 146 stimulant tablets and 81.65 gm of low grade opium. Banyin Police Station filed a case against Yan El, 43, son of U Yan Nwun Saik under Section 15/19 (A) of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law. Taunggyi District Court handed down 15 years' imprisonment on Yan El under Section 19 (A) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law on 11 November.

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