Myanmar News : The New Light of Myanmar

YANGON, 23 NOV - The prize-distribution ceremony for the life-long National Literary Award, the National Literary Award, the Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Award and the 14th National Motto, Literary and Photo Competitions for the Year 2002 was held at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung road here at 2 pm today with an address by Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt.

Also present on the occasion were President of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe wife of Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, ministers, the Attorney-General, the Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, the Yangon Mayor, deputy ministers, officials from the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, the literati, the Chairman of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association and members, social organizations, members of the Prize-Selection Committee for the life-long National Literary Award, the National Literary Award, the Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Award and the 14th National Motto, Literary and Photo Competitions, the Chairmen of Township Writers and Journalists Associations in Yangon Division and members, prize-winners and guests.

First, the Prime Minister made a speech on the occasion. He said that the government has been placing emphasis on constant development of literary sector which have a great influence on Myanmar culture. It is also paying attention to Myanmar literature to be developed on the correct path of serving the national interest.

Selection of and presenting prizes for the national level literary awards including the National Literary Award is an encouragement of great value for the national movement.

Selection of and presenting prizes for the national level literary awards reflects not only the goodwill of the government towards the literati but also the government's deserving acknowledgement of the value and might of the award-winning works that could serve the national interest.

Everyone who loves and values literature has accepted that the literature has been able to contribute the life security of an individual who is pursuing literature. In addition, the literature has been accepted as the one capable of enhancing the dignity of the State and the people to stand shoulder to shoulder proudly with those of the world.

The might of literature is of high power that could inculcate the people with knowledge, rationale and thinking, and equip them with high personality. Furthermore, it could also revitalize the nationalism and patriotism that does not want to be under the influence of an alien nation and want the State and the people to be prosperous.

As Myanmar literature is filled with the might and characteristics of literature capable of boosting the national strength it has been able to enhance the nationalistic spirit of Myanmar people, revitalize the nationalism and strengthen the national immunity in the course of history. As a result, there exists the State and the people. At such a time, it is obvious that some Western powers which gain the upper hand over development of information and communication technology are attempting to export their culture and custom, social systems and norms that are different from Myanmar culture to Myanmar politically, economically and socially with the use of the strength of wealth and media.

At such a time, it is necessary to build nationalistic immunity of Myanmar people by strengthening Myanmar literature that can vitalize the national prestige and integrity.

Only the power of own literature and culture can safeguard Myanmar national characters and traditions at a time when customs, traditions and social norm of the western countries, which neglect the respects and codes of conduct but emphasize individual freedom, are penetrating through the power of media into the cultural front.

Therefore, the government, paying great attention to the invaluable strength of Myanmar literature, is striving for emergence of the genuine national literature that can uplift the dignity of the nation and its people.

In encouraging the development of national literature, the government have recognized the gratitude of great literati who have been relaying the banner of Myanmar literature and constantly presented awards to them.

In the time of the present government, apart from the national literary award, other literary awards and cash awards have been presented to literati.

In presenting national literary awards, livelong national literary awards have been presented to the literati who have served the interests of Myanmar literature.

Moreover, the State has been presenting Excellence in Arts (First Grade) medals to literati who have participated in efforts for development of national literature and the universities have also offered D. Lit degrees to them.

In accord with the fine traditions of Myanmar literature, constant emergence of outstanding literati who deserve for their effort is the pride of the country and the Myanmar literary world.

Nowadays, with the encouragement of the government, efforts of dutiful literati, and encouragement of Myanmar readers, the quality and standard of Myanmar literature have improved and thus it can take pride in the bright future of Myanmar literature.

It is necessary for the literati, literary enthusiasts and reading public to strive for development of Myanmar literature in the future on the right path of national interest.

In accord with the wishes of the entire people, the government has been laying down the seven-point policy programme and is implementing them which would contribute to emergence of peaceful, modern democratic nation.

For emergence of the future State in accord with the national aspiration, literati are urged to take part in the tasks for the successful implementation of the seven-point policy and programme through the power of literature.

Especially, literati are urged to guide the youth through the power of literature to have correct thoughts and knowledge and view the international affairs with Myanmar outlook.

Similarly, literati are urged to make efforts through the power of literature for propagation of science and technology in the country, uplift of Myanmar customs and traditions and uplift of nationalist spirit and national immunity that can take up the challenges in various sectors.

In conclusion, the Prime Minister urged the literati to strive for spiritual development of citizens who are the true national force for the nation to stand tall among the nations of the world and uplift national spirit; to preserve and promote the fine traditions of Myanmar literature which possesses the great historical traditions; and to make efforts for the successful implementation of the seven-point policy and programme which will create modern developed democratic nation, the national goal.

Afterwards, the Prime Minister presented prizes to National Literary Award winners Ma Sanda in the novel category, Than Myint Aung in the Collection of Short Stories category, Zaw Min Min Oo in the Collection of Poems category, Maung Khin Min (Danubyu) in the Belles-letters category, Min Shwe Min (Insein) in the Children's Literature category, Yaynanmyay Maung Maung Kyi in the Youth Literature category, Hein Latt in the Translation (Knowledge) category, Nat Nwe in the Translation (Aesthetic) category, Ma Kyan in the Knowledge (Arts) category, Dr Kyaw Than Tun (Yangon Medical University) in the Knowledge (Science) category and Dr Tun Aung Kyaw (Optical) in the Knowledge (Applied Science) category. He also presented the Life-long National Literacy Award for 2002 to U Htin Fatt (Maung Htin).

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win gave away the Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Awards for 2002 to winners: second and third prizes in the Novel category to Nan Moe Saw Aung and Kay (Taungdanpya); first, second and third prizes in the Collective Short Stories category to Aung Thu Yein (Pale), Hta Myat Ma (Dagon University) and Thaung Myint Oo (Kungyangon).

Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein presented first, second and third prizes in the Collective Poems category to Shwe Myaing Maung Phu Wa, Maung Thet Hnin (North Okkalapa) and Maung Hla Myo on behalf of Zani; first, second and third prizes in the Knowledge (Arts) category to U Thaung Ngwe, Dr Aye Kyaw and Maung Nwe Than (IPRD).

Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe gave away first, second and third prizes in the Knowledge (Science and Applied Science) category to Naing Shwe Moe, Htin Lin Aung (Civil) and Shwenaga Tin Win; first, second and third prizes in to the Belles-letters category to Maung Sein Htwe, Yawnaka Pho Htaung and Maung Chit Htwe (MA).

Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan presented first, second and third prizes in the Myanmar Culture and Arts category to Bagyi Hla Tin Tun, Aung Nyein Chan (Mandalay University) and Zin Min (Thameinhtaw); first, second and third prizes in the Children's Literature category to Daw Aye Aye Myint on behalf of Hsu Labh Tun, Yebaw Mya Thein (Hopong) and Maung Mon Myat (Kyelat-Magway).

Minister Col Tin Hlaing gave away first and second prizes in the Youth Literature category to Maubin Lwin Kyaw and Tint Tun (Chauk); second and third prizes in the Play Literature category to Zin Min (Thameinhtaw) and Tin Tun Oo (Culture); first prize in the Translation Literature category to Zaw Tun Aung.

Minister Maj-Gen Kyi Aung presented first, second and third prizes in the Article contest of the 14th National Motto, Literature and Photo Competitions to Su Khin Lay Oo, Ma Hla Thein and Phyu May Thaw (Myanaung), first, second and third prizes in the Poem contest to Min Yin Su, Min Thway Nwe (Zeegon) and Maung Thin Pyant (Kyaiktaw).

Minister Maj-Gen Sein Htwa gave away first, second and third prizes in the Short Story contest to Mya Chu Ein, Than Min Htaik (Myanmasa) and Thein Zaw (Shweli Oo); first, second and third prizes in the Colour Photo contest to Sit Thway Kyaw (Photo Art-2), Kyaw Tha and Aye Lwin Oo (Shwebagyi-Yamethin).

Minister Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe presented first, second and third prizes in the Tatmadaw Quiz (University Level) to Cadet Win Latt (Defence Services Academy), Cadet Myat Ko Ko (Defence Services Technological Academy) and Maung Tin Latt Yu (University of Culture).

Deputy Minister U Thein Sein gave away first, second and third prizes in the Tatmadaw Quiz (Basic Education High School Level) to Ma Soe Thanda (BEMS-6, Pathein), Ma Seint Seint Thu (Pyuntasa BEMS) and Ma Yu Yu Maw (BEMS-2, Taunggyi).

Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aung Thein presented first, second and third prizes in the Tatmadaw Quiz (Basic Education Middle School Level) to Ma Thazin Thet Su Tin (Kyauktan Myoma BEMS), Maung Kyaw Khiang Htet (BEMS-1, Pathein) and Ma Hsu Myat Maung Maung (BEMS-2, Kyaukphyu).

Afterwards, on behalf of prize winners, National Literary Award Winner Maung Khin Min (Danubyu) spoke words of thanks.

After the ceremony, General Khin Nyunt and party together with the Life-long National Literacy Award winner, the National Literary Award winners, the Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Award winners and the winners of the 14th National Motto, Literature and Photo Competitions and Tatmadaw Quiz, posed for documentary photos.

Prime Minister hands over the flag to Myanmar sports contingent to XXII ASEAN Games

YANGON, 23 Nov - The ceremony to hand over the flag to Myanmar sports contingent to the XXII ASEAN Games to be held in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam from 5 to 13 December in 2003, was held at the National Indoor Stadium 1 on Waizayanda Street in Thingangyun Township this afternoon. Chairman of Myanmar National Olympic Council Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt addressed the ceremony and handed over the flag to the leader of the Myanamr sports contingent.

Also present on the occasion were Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein, members of the council, ministers, the mayor of Yangon, deputy ministers, members of Myanmar Olympic Committee, the Committee for Ensuring Success of Myanmar Sports, leader of the Leading Panel of Patrons of Myanmar Women's Sports Federation Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and members, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, the director-general of the Sports and Physical Education Department, departmental heads, presidents of Myanmar sports federations, officials, wellwishers, Myanmar sports team, referees and guests.

The representatives, managers, referees, coaches and members of the sports contingents were introduced to the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister delivered a speech on the occasion, saying that at a time when the government has been making sustained efforts with the concept that the nation and the people can stand tall among the world nations by raising the nation's sports standard, first and foremost, athletes of Myanmar sports contingents are urged to participate in the games being equipped with the spirit to polish and uplift the national prestige and integrity.

Today, the government has been giving encouragement and placing emphasis on revitalization of Myanmar's sports standard and regaining of the traditions that Myanmar could penetrate deep into ASEAN Games and Asia games as well as world sports events. And the entire people are also harmoniously contributing towards the tasks.

It can be found that the world nations are vying and contending each other for ensuring success in sports sector as a national concern with the concept that high sports standard and winning prizes in international sports games reflect their high and honourable position of prestige and dignity.

Therefore, performance and potential for success in the games depend much on the individuals' strength, nationalistic spirit and strong desire for victory.

Myanmar athletes are the ones who were selected and have been well trained to represent the mother land in international sports games. So, they are expected to have equipped with all-round skills and qualifications on sports.

In actual fact, undergoing severe training and fair play spirit play a main role in winning the prizes and therefore the individuals are urged to win success in order to uplift the national prestige and integrity based on national spirit.

Now, the encouragement of the government and the people regarding the sports sector as well as the spirit to win victory in international sports games have developed unprecedentedly.

Leadership of the State, systematic management of respective sports federations, assistance of national entrepreneurs and wellwishers, and enthusiastic encouragement and support of the entire people have made remarkable contribution towards physical and mental requirements of the athletes. It can be said that now is a time when basic requirements for development of sports such as health and fitness of athletes, nutrition, going under training with modern sports methods under the supervision of skilled coach and gaining experiences through international competition have been achieved.

At a time when the State and the people are encouraging the sports sector for its development, the athletes are to take part in the competitions with the conviction that to win the competitions is the duty of the athletes and to fulfil the aspiration of the State and the people. As Myanmar athletes have won victories in international competitions, all the athletes are to compete in the games with the spirit to win the competitions.

From the time of departing the country to arriving back, the athletes are to obey the orders of managers and coaches and unitedly strive to realize the goal.

With family spirit, all are to help each other, he said.

At a time when the whole nation is wishing Myanmar athletes to win victories in international competitions, all the athletes are to compete with the spirit that winning competitions means uplift of the prestige of the country; and contributing to the objective Myanmar Sports the World to Conquer.

Next, on behalf of the State, the Prime Minister spoke words of thanks to national entrepreneurs, wellwihsers and the people for providing assistance.

In conclusion, the Prime Minister wished the athletes for their victories after competing the games with the spirit of uplift of the national prestige and integrity; for becoming the ones who are discharging national duties of uplifting the prestige of the nation; and for hoisting the Myanmar flag among nations of the world.

Next, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt presented the State Flag to Deputy Minister for Hotel and Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint Myu who will lead Myanmar sports contingent.

Afterwards, Myanmar Olympic Committee Chairman Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint accepted the cash donations made by the wellwishers for the winning of Myanmar Sport teams and presented certificates of honour to them. A total of over K 13.9 million and US $ 13,000, and in kind worth K 11,750,000 were donated by wellwishers.

After the ceremony, General Khin Nyunt greeted the coaches and athletes.

In the XXII SEA Games, 21 teams of Myanmar Sports Federation will participate in football, Volleyball, track and field, archery, billiards, body building, boxing, chess, acrobats, karataedo, rowing, sepak takraw, swimming, shooting, table tennis, Taik Kwando, tennis, martial art, judo, weight-lifting and wushu tournaments and contests.

Prime Minister attends dinner hosted in honour of literary award winners

YANGON, 23 Nov - Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt attended a dinner in honour of winners of life-long national literary award 2002, national award and Sarpay Beikman manuscript award and the 14th Anniversary National Motto, Literary and Photos Competitions and prize scrutinizing committee members hosted by Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan at Karaweik Palace Hotel, Kandawgyi Lake this evening.

It was attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein, ministers, deputy ministers, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, doyen literati, Chairman of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung) and the Vice-Chairmen, secretaries, executives, prize-winners, prize scrutinizing committee members and guests.

Next, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and party together with the doyen literati and prize-winners enjoyed the dinner hosted by Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan.

After the dinner, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt greeted doyen literati and prize-winners.

YANGON, 23 Nov - The second day session of the Annual General Meeting 2003 of the Union Solidarity and Development Association continued at the Pyidaungsu Hall of the central training school of the association in Hmawby Township on 20 November morning.

Present were Member of the Panel of Patrons of the USDA Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win, Secretary-General of USDA U Htay Oo, members of the Secretariat, CEC members, and representatives of state, division, district and township USDAs.

Secretariat Member of USDA U Kyaw Hsan presided over the session together with CEC members U Khin Maung and Thura U Aung Ko. Executive of Bago Division (West) USDA Daw May Sanda Tun and member of Kayin State USDA Daw Nan May The Su Nyein acted as master and co-master of ceremonies.

First, the master of ceremonies announced the opening of the session with to the permission of the chairman of the session.

Next, implementation of future tasks by USDAs in respective states and divisions during the one year period were discussed. Member of Mindat Township USDA Daw Htan Paing, Secretary Daw Khin Cho Cho of Yinmabin Township USDA, Executive U Than Aung of Taninthayi Division USDA, Executive U Zaw Lwin Oo of Bago Division (West) USDA, Executive Daw Win Mar Shwe of Toungoo District USDA, Secretary U Nyunt Win of Magway Division USDA, Executive U Thein Tun of Mandalay Division USDA, Executive U Nyi Nyi Khine of Thaton District USDA, and Secretary U Tun Win of Sittway District USDA took part in the discussion.

Afterwards, findings of the respective seminar held on 19 November were submitted to the meeting.

Executive of South Okkalapa Township USDA U Aung Kyaw Moe reported the matters related to the organizational sector. He said the association, established on 15 September 1993, was over ten years old. The association was able to carry out organizational tasks in Kachin State, Taninthayi Division, and Shan State (North). He said he welcomed the association's increased organizational capability that reflected the stability of the respective regions.

Members of the Panel of Patrons and the Central Executive Committee themselves made organizational field trips to the basic level associations for 1,283 times during the period from July 2002 to September 2003. During their field trips, they proved themselves to be carrying out organizational matters with the noble and correct deed of the association by implementing the five rural development tasks and agricultural development tasks. He, on behalf of the association, took pride in their efforts and thanked them.

What was more significant, he said, was the holding of 17 mass rallies in support of the Prime Minister's Speech concerning the seven-point roadmap of the State in states and divisions from 20-9-2003 to 19-10-2003 under the leadership of the association. As a fruitful result of the mass rallies, dialogue partners of Myanmar such as the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Korea welcomed and supported the roadmap at the ASEAN Summit held in October 2003 in Bali, Indonesia. In conclusion, he suggested holding of such mass rallies by the association at every times when the decisive matters for the country emerged.

Next, Executive Daw Su Su Lwin of Kawthoung District USDA reported matters related to the management sector. She said assistance of the association such as distribution of book to expand the knowledge of the members, sale of exam-oriented CD-Roms at low price for matriculation students, and providing of swan timbers for repair of school furniture contributed much towards the success of basic level organizational activities, and suggested offering of continued assistance.

As for the visits of goodwill delegations to the association, she said three delegations from the PRC, four delegations from Japan and one delegation from Cuba visited the association, and invitation of such goodwill visits should also be extended to ASEAN member countries and other friendly nations. With the aims of providing international experience to the youth members of the association and promoting the friendship between the association and its foreign counterparts, four delegations of the association paid goodwill visits to the PRC, two delegations each to Japan and ASEAN member countries, one delegation to five-country tour of Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand and the PRC. She proposed to send such delegations to ASEAN and other friendly countries.

She quoted the guidance of Patron of USDA Senior General Than Shwe at the Annual General Meeting 2002 of USDA as saying that the members to be loyal to the country, to try to possess the strength, diligence and constant vigilance to overcome any difficulties, and undertake the development tasks with added momentum, to successfully implement the development zones project, economic plans and rural development tasks and to participate in human resources development tasks being carried out by the State. In conclusion, she urged the members to firmly uphold the guidance and to undertake organizational tasks and future tasks together with the people and social organizations in their respective regions.

Afterwards, member of Thabaung Township USDA U Win Thein reported on matters related to the economic sector. He said economic proposals submitted to the annual general meeting were based on the fundamental principle in undertaking the tasks for five sectors of the association such as organizational, management, economic, social and cultural, and education - Self-reliance is noble and ensures perpetual existence, so funds of the association must be raised by contributing labour of the members.

It could be seen that members of the USDA at different levels raised the fund for the association, the basic requirement for the increasing organizational strength of the USDA, in accord with the basic financial rules. It was encouraging to see the implementation of agriculture, livestock breeding and distribution of fertilizer by respective work committees under the supervision of the leading economic committee of the CEC. He proposed further extension of such undertakings in the years to come and suggested providing fertilizer and seeds in border areas as an organizational measure of USDA.

In conclusion, he thanked the CEC of the USDA for giving out K 304 million of rural development funds to state and division USDAs. With the use of the funds, he said, the associations at different levels were able to effectively fulfil the basic requirement of the rural people. Such measure in the years to come would contribute much towards success of rural development tasks being carried out by the State, he expressed his belief.

Next, Secretary of Nyaungshwe Township USDA U Soe Nyunt Shwe reported matters related to the social and cultural sector. He said it was encouraging to witness conducting of national culture and moral courses more than ever. The courses were conducted in Ayeyawady Division, Mandalay Division, Bago Division (East) and Yangon Division. Number of courses conducted in some states and division was still low, he pointed out. He suggested conducting courses on national races literature and culture.

With the aim of nurturing human resources essential for the development of the nation, the public sector group of the USDA had been able to conduct courses that produced qualified youth. Computer courses, English language courses and other various courses had been conducted. It was known to all that the computer and language skill were essential for the time being. It was required for the members to grasp the importance of computer and language skill in the age of development. Only then, the association would be able to nurture highly qualified youth and would overcome the challenges of the millennium. The nation would be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with the developed nations of the world, he said.

The sports, literature and arts group conducted various kinds of sports courses. What was significant was that the soccer championships of USDAs were held reaching to the village-tract level. It could be seen as the sound foundations for the revitalization of Myanmar football, he said. He was pleased to see the opening of increased number of libraries and suggested establishing of e-libraries in order to catch up with the time.

Next, Executive of Wundwin Township USDA Daw Khin Hlaing Myint reported on matters related to the education sector. She said with the aim of disseminating the policy and principles of the association among the members and the people, they were expressed in the books published by the educational group of the association. She suggested publishing of manuscripts that inspire Union spirit and patriotism, and VCDs and tapes of songs that inspire nationalistic spirit like "Perpetual Union". In addition, it is needed to give guidance for development of literacy talks, paper-reading sessions, cartoon, painting, poster and poem contests.

Good articles from the books, journals, periodicals and magazines published by the Education Group should be translated into languages of national races. This will help flourishing of Union Spirit among national races in border areas.

It is heartening to know that the mass rally held by the USDA to support the seven-point future policy for the State included in the Prime Minister's speech and the state and division mass rallies (2003) have already been published, and the records of Bagan mass rally has been compiled. The record books are the prominent ones in transforming the national politics. These will be the historic activities of the USDA.

Afterwards, Secretary U Myo of Pyay township USDA in Bago Division (West) took part in the discussions regarding the cooperation for successful implementation of the seven-point future programme of the State. He said all-out efforts have been made for emergence of a new peaceful, modern and developed nation. In so doing, Our Three Main National Causes, the Twelve Political, Economic and Social and Objectives, the Four-point People's Desires and the Six Resolutions of the People are regarded as national policy and development in respective sectors have been achieved. At a time when the State's development has gathered momentum, endeavours for national reconsolidation have been implemented step by step.

So, 17 national races armed groups have entered into legal fold and made efforts for the development of the State hand in hand with the government.

Based on the already- achieved good foundations for political, economic and social sectors, in accordance with the desire of the public, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt on 30 August 2003 clarified the seven-point future programme for the State to shape the country into a discipline-flourishing democratic nation.

The seven-point roadmap laid by the government with far-sightedness is very important for the State as well as for the public. So, it is specially needed to actively participate in the activities for successful implementation of it.

The association has already organized mass rallies in 17 places in the states and divisions for the public to realize the roadmap widely. After these mass rallies, the Bagan mass rally was held to pass resolutions for the future political programmes of the State in Bagan archaeological zone in Mandalay Division, on 21 October. Representatives of the people from the whole country and local people attended it to make decisions and release Bagan mass rally declaration. So it is needed to make step by step efforts for successful implementation of the seven-point roadmap. Then, the meeting came to a stop.

At 10 am, the meeting continued. The Central Executive Committee responded to the presentations. Member of the secretariat U Thaung, CEC members U Than Shwe and U Soe Tha, member of the secretariat U Tin Htut and CEC member U Tin Hlaing made reports and the meeting came to a close at 10.45 am.

YANGON, 23 Nov - A ceremony to donate cash to mark the Annual General Meeting 2003 of Union Solidarity and Development Association was held at Bayintnaung hall of the association, Hmawby on 20 November morning. Member of leading panel of patrons Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win attended the ceremony and accepted cash donations.

Present on the occasion were Secretary-General of the USDA U Htay Oo, secretaries, executives and wellwishers.

To mark the Annual General Meeting 2003, cash donations were K 500,000 by Cooperatives Bank Ltd, K 300,000 by Mingalamay Cooperatives society, K 300,000 by Myintmyat Industrial Product and General Economic Cooperatives, K 300,000 by U Htay Hlaing and Daw Le Le Oo of Malamyine Enterprise, K 500,000 by Asia World Co Ltd, K 500,000 by Adin Construction Group, K 500,000 by Fortune International Co Ltd, K 500,000 by Olympic Co Ltd and K 500,000 by Aung Ye Phyo Co Ltd. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win accepted the cash donations and presented certificates of honour to the wellwishers.

Next, a total of 72 wellwishers donated K 29 million to the USDA. Officials of the association headquarters accepted the donation and presented certificates of honour to the wellwishers. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win spoke words of thanks.

Commerce Minister inspects rice reprocessing plant

YANGON, 23 Nov - Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, accompanied by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aung Tun, this afternoon went to No 282 Rice reprocessing plant of the Myanmar Agricultural Produce Trading in Hlinethaya Township and inspected rice reprocessing with colour sorter.

He also saw over fish breeding and agricultural work in the plant compound for staff welfare and gave instructions.

USDA members tour Yangon

YANGON, 23 Nov - Union Solidarity and Development Association's outstanding youth members for 2003 from states and divisions on 20 November morning paid obeisance to the Shwedagon Pagoda.

Afterwards, they went to Drug Elimination Museum in Kamayut Township.

At the museum, officials conducted them round the museum.

During their tour, they also visited the MICT Park in Hline Township

YANGON, 23 Nov - The 77-member Thai delegation led by President of Thai-Myanmar Cultural and Economic Cooperation Association General Pat Akkanibut and General Secretary General Sanan Kajornklam arrived here this morning to attend the third meeting of Thai-Myanmar and Myanmar-Thai cultural and economic cooperation associations.

They were welcomed at the Yangon International Airport by President of Myanmar-Thai CECA Lt-Gen Kyaw Than (Retd), Vice-Chairman Lt-Gen Nyunt Thein (Retd), Secretary Col Ba Hein (Retd) and members, Thai Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Opas Chantarasap, Military Attache Col Kasam Nakpun and officials.

Later, the delegation, accompanied by officials, went to Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township and paid obeisance to Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Buddha Image. Next, they made cash donations. Afterwards, they proceeded to Yadana White Elephant Garden near the hill and also made cash donations for the white elephants.

In the evening, the delegation visited Shwedagon Pagoda and donated cash for the pagoda.

YANGON, 23 Nov - The 15th e-ASEAN Working Group (EAWG) meeting hosted by Myanmar was held on 21 November at MICT Park in Mandalay.

Vice-Chairman of e-National Task Force U Aung Myint made an opening address. At the meeting, a total of 34 delegates from ASEAN member nations took part in the discussions.

The discussions focused on development of e-Commerce tasks, free trade of equipment of ICT and making more investment in communication and ICT tasks.

The second day session of the meeting continued yesterday. Chairman of EAWG Dr Pichet Durongbaveroj presided over the meeting.

YANGON, 23 Nov - The final match and prize presentation ceremony of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Chairman's shield inter-townships soccer tournament for 2003 took place at Aung San Stadium this afternoon.

Among the spectators were Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Deputy Commander Col Wai Lwin, No 4 Military Region Command Commander Col Yan Naing Oo, Secretary of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Kyaw Tint and members, departmental officials and chairmen of district and township Peace and Development Councils.

At the final match, Mayangon township team beat South Okkalapa township team 3-1.

Afterwards, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe presented the shield to Mayangon township team.

Member of Yangon Division PDC U Hla Soe awarded K 100,000 and medals to Yankin township team which stood third and Police Col Aung Naing presented K 200,000 and medals to South Oakkalapa township team which stood second.