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Monday, 2 August 2004 ON LINE EDITION Headline
International Relations
- PM General Khin Nyunt attends Retreat of Govt of BIMSTEC member countries
- Thai FM calls on General Khin Nyunt
- FMs of BIMST-EC countires attend working luncheon & coordination meeting
Religion
- PM General Khin Nyunt attends opening of Natlan passage and steel door at Mahazeya Atula Marazein Buddha Image
- Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt attends Waso robes offering ceremony at Tipitaka Maha Gandayon Monastery in Kaba Aye
- Waso robes offered
Region
- Prime Minister inspects upgrading of Yangon Kandawgyi Gardens
- Serious attention paid to agricultural development
- Breastfeeding Week commences Prizes for Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, Home Delivery presented
- Wellwishers invited for sinking tube-wells
Sport
Headlines
GENERAL KHIN NYUNT ADDRESSES FIRST BIMST-EC SUMMIT
Myanmar stands ready to work closely with two new members in oder to achieve desired goal Achievement made so far in energy sector has been through cooperation and coordination among BIMST-EC countries
YANGON, 1 Aug— Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Khin Nyunt attended the First BIMST-EC Summit at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok, Thailand, at 9.30 am on 31 July.
Present on the occasion were Prime Minister of Bangladesh Begum Khaleda Zia, Prime Minister of Bhutan Lyonpo Jigmi Yoeser Thinlay, Prime Minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Khin Nyunt, Prime Minister of Nepal Mr Sher Bahadur Deuba, President of Sri Lanka Madame Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Prime Minister of Thailand Mr Thaksin Shinawatra, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win, ministers, deputy ministers, ambassadors and high-ranking officials of BIMST-EC countries and guests.
At 8.30 am, high-ranking officials of BIMST-EC countries arrived at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the venue of the summit. Next, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and other heads of government of BIMST-EC countries arrived at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs where they were welcomed by Thai Prime Minister Mr Thaksin Shinnawatra.
Afterwards, the First BIMST-EC Summit commenced at the Vithes Samonsorn Hall on the first floor of the Building of Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Thai Prime Minister Mr Thaksin Shinnawatra delivered an opening address. Next, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, the Prime Minister of Bhutan and the Prime Minister of India gave speeches.
Afterwards, Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Khin Nyunt delivered an address. He said: First of all, on behalf of my delegation and on my own, I would like to congratulate you on your assumption of the Chairmanship of the BIMST-EC Summit Meeting. I am convinced that under your experienced and able leadership, the meeting will be successful. Allow me also to extend our sincere appreciation and gratitude to you, Mr Prime Minister, and through you to the Government and the people of Thailand for the warm hospitality and the excellent arrangements made for the Summit. It is, indeed, an honour and a pleasure for me to take part in today’s historic meeting to exchange views on how to further strengthen our cooperation. I would like to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt congratulations and a very warm welcome to our two new members, Kingdom of Nepal and Kingdom of Bhutan.
We are of the view that their membership in the organization will not only promote greater economic cooperation among BIMST-EC Member States but also enhance greater contacts and better understanding among the peoples of this region. In this regard, Myanmar stands ready to work closely with our two new members in order to achieve our desired goal. The Bangkok Declaration which gave birth to our organization stated that to create an enabling environment for rapid economic development and implement specific cooperation projects which are supportive as well as complementary to national development plans of the Member States. Accordingly, six areas of cooperation have been identified and through these areas of cooperation, we have further strengthened and developed our economic ties.
Tourism, one of the sectors of cooperation identified under BIMST-EC, holds great prospect for the region. The development of tourist industry can contribute to poverty alleviation by creating new economic opportunities and rising income in rural areas. In this regard, Myanmar welcomes the launching of "Visit BIMST-EC Year 2004".
Myanmar is a cultural destination popularly known as "the Land of Pagodas". Apart from being known as "the Land of Pagodas", Myanmar also offers a variety of tourist attractions such as its rich culture, nature endowed with tropical forests, unspoiled beaches and snow capped mountain ranges, world famous gems such as rubies and jade and handicrafts. While promoting and developing our tourist industry, we also continue to preserve our cultural heritage. Promoting transportation linkages among the Member States will help to expend trade, tourism and people to people contact. In addition, transport linkages within the grouping can strengthen regional economic growth and integration and of cementing the bonds based on cultural and historical affinities.
Myanmar together with Thailand and India are discussing on a cooperative endeavor to construct a highway from Moreh in India to Mae Sot in Thailand through Bagan in Myanmar known as the "India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway Project".
In the transportation linkages sector, in addition to linkages by highways, we also need to find ways to facilitate our maritime transportation network. In this regard, Myanmar presented the "Development of the Dawei Deep Sea Port Project" to the Sixth BIMST-EC Ministerial Meeting held in Phuket. The Dawei-Nyaw Byin International Deep Sea Port will not only be to the economic benefit of Myanmar and Thailand but will also greatly facilitate trade and commerce of freight forwarders and exporters within the region. The Free Trade Area for the BIMST-EC region is appropriate and timely because BIMST-EC is an important link between South-East Asia and South Asia. We are convinced that the Free Trade Area will act as a stimulus to the further strengthening of economic cooperation among Member Countries. The Free Trade Area for BIMST-EC will also help to lower costs, increase intra-regional trade and investment, and increase intra-regional efficiency.
I would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation to the Member States of BIMST-EC for allowing us to continue our role as the lead country in the energy sector.
During six years as the lead country, we have kept our commitments, organized, and convened Committee of Experts/Officials Meetings regularly. We have also established committees, task forces and finalized the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the energy sector committee. Here, I would like to acknowledge that the achievement made so far in the energy sector has been through cooperation and coordination among the BIMST-EC countries. We are encouraged that during the short span of over seven years of existence, BIMST-EC has seen considerable progress in the identified areas of cooperation. Some of the achievements we have thus made so far include signing of the Framework Agreement on Free Trade Area under Trade and Investment Sector and launching of the "Visit BIMST-EC Year 2004" under Tourism Sector. We should also be aware of the fact that although there is progress in some sectors of cooperation, there are other areas where we still need to make greater efforts. It is our firm belief that to become a genuinely effective forum to bring progress and prosperity to our people, BIMST-EC must be more action-oriented as well as result-oriented. In this endeavor, Myanmar pledges to cooperate and work together with all its members to achieve the desired goal.
Afterwards, the Prime Minister of Nepal and the President of Sri Lanka gave addresses, and the opening ceremony concluded. After the opening ceremony, heads of government of BIMST-EC Member States had documentary photos taken.
International Relations
PM General Khin Nyunt attends Retreat of Govt of BIMSTEC member countries
Matters on tourism, agriculture, energy, water supply, development of traditional medicines, prevention against violence, poverty alleviation discussed
YANGON, 1 Aug— Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Khin Nyunt attended the Informal Meeting of heads of government of BIMSTEC Member States held on the first floor of Buakaew Room of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs at 11 am yesterday.
Also present on the occasion were Prime Minister of Bangladesh Begum Khaleda Zia, Prime Minister of Bhutan Lyonpo Jigmi Yoeser Thinlay, Prime Minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh, Myanmar Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt, Prime Minister of Nepal Mr Sher Bahadur Deuba, President of Sri Lanka Mrs Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumara-tunga, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win, ministers and deputy ministers of BIMSTEC member states.
They cordially discussed matters related to regional tourism, agriculture, energy, water supply, development of traditional medicines, prevention against violence and poverty alleviation.
Next, they approved the BIMSTEC Summit Declaration. The Declaration mentions that the Heads of Government of BIMSTEC member countries:
-Agree that our grouping shall henceforth be known as BIMSTEC or the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sect oral Technical and Economic Cooperation.
Note with satisfaction BIMSTEC’s achievements so far, including the signing of the Framework Agreement for a BIMSTEC Free Trade Area, the launch of Visit BIMSTEC Year 2004-2005 and the year-long Plan of Action on tourism, the establishment of the BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce, the first BIMSTEC Youth Football Tournament held in Phuket, the establishment of the BIMSTEC Centre in Bangkok, and a biomass gasified plant in Myanmar, and pledge to move forward with renewed vigour.
-Agree to focus on specific areas of cooperation, including but not limited to trade & investment, transport & communications, tourism, energy, human resources development, agriculture, fisheries, science & technology and people-to-people contact.
-Agree to explore the expansion of BIMSTEC cooperation into the areas of culture, education, public heath, protection of biodiversity and traditional knowledge, rural community development, small and medium-scale enterprise, construction, environment, information and communications technology, biotechnology, weather & climate research, natural disaster mitigation & management.
-Agree to take all possible steps including timely completion of the Free Trade Area negotiations for realization of the full potential of BIMSTEC trade and investment, taking into account the special needs of individual member countries.
-Recognize that future cooperation under BIMSTEC requires the development of key infrastructure, in particular transportation & communication linkages, to facilitate tourism, trade and investment and accordingly agree to strengthen and accelerate cooperation for developing concrete regional project proposals such as the ongoing negotiations on road linkages between the member countries.
- Agree to promote sustainable and optimal energy utilization through development of new hydrocarbon and hydropower projects, interconnection of electricity and natural gas grids, energy conservation, and renewable energy technologies.
- Agree to coordinate our diverse strengths in the tourism sector to derive maximum benefit from our natural , cultural and historical attractions, and recognize the need to enhance inter-regional tourism through such strategies as joint marketing of intra-BIMSTEC tourism packages, exchange of visits and information as well as sub-regional tourism cooperation.
- Agree to facilitate travel within the region for business travel, exchange programmes and tourism, including through the introduction of a BIMSTEC Business Travel Card/Visa.
- Encourage the private sector to explore ways to tap the economic partnership potential of the member economies and make full use of BIMSTEC opportunities.
- Decide to proactively promote increased interaction among our people through programmes, such as exchanges media persons, students and faculty, sports persons, as well as exchanges in the fields of performing arts and entertainment, such as motion pictures, television programmes and music.
- Agree to task their Foreign Ministers with the responsibility of coordinating overall BIMSTEC cooperation.
Afterwards, they decided to hold the next BIMSTEC Summit in India on 2006. After the retreat, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and heads of government of BIMSTEC Member States had luncheon at the hall on the second floor of the Ministry of Foreign affairs Building.
After the luncheon, Thai Prime Minister Mr Thaksin Shinawatra cordially saw off heads of government of BIMSTEC member states on their departure for respective hotels. Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and party arrived at the Peninsula Hotel at 2.15 pm.
Before their departure from the hotel, the wife of the Myanmar Ambassador and the wife of the Military Attaché, staff of the Myanmar embassy and families bade farewell to Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and party. Next, the Prime Minister and party went to Bangkok International Airport. At the special lounge, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt cordially greeted Thai Deputy Prime Minister General Thammarak Issarangura, the Thai Ambassador to Myanmar and officials.
Afterwards, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and the Thai Deputy Prime Minister exchanged souvenirs.
Next, General Khin Nyunt greeted Myanmar Ambassador U Myo Myint, Military Attaché Col Ko Ko Maung and officials. Later, the General and party left Bangkok International Airport and arrived back here in the evening.
Thai FM calls on General Khin Nyunt
YANGON, 1 Aug—Foreign Minister of Thailand Dr Sutakirat paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Khin Nyunt at Room No 3609 of the Peninsula Hotel in Bangkok yesterday morning.
Also present on the occasion together with Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and Deputy Minster U Khin Maung Win. After the meeting, the Prime Minister and the Thai Foreign Minister exchanged gifts.
FMs of BIMST-EC countires attend working luncheon & coordination meeting
Yangon, 1 August - Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung attended the luncheon and coordination meeting of Ministers for Foreign Affairs of BIMST-EC member states at the Vithes Samonsorn room of the building of Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok, Thailand at 1.30 pm on 30 July.
Present on the occasion were the Foreign Affairs Ministers of BIMST-EC member states and senior officials. First, they were served with luncheon at the Vithes Samonsorn 3 room in Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. Afterwards, they together posed for documentary photos. Next, the coordination meeting continued.
Religion
YANGON, 1 Aug — Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt attended the opening of Natlan passage to Mahazeya Atula Marazein Bronze Buddha Image and steel door in conjunction with the gold foil offering ceremony at the archway of the Image in Bahan Township this morning.
Also present on the occasion were ministers, the Yangon mayor, deputy ministers, the deputy commander, senior military officers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads and authorities, members of the pagoda board of trustees and wellwishers.
Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Chairman of All-round Renovation Committee for the Buddha Image No 3 Military Region Commander Col Tint Hsan and wellwisher U Tun Aye formally opened the Natlan Passage to the Image.
Afterwards, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt pressed the button to open the steel door at the image. Then, the Prime Minister sprinkled scented water on it.
The Prime Minister offered gold foils to the Image. Next, the Prime Minister and party offered flowers, water, lights and joss sticks to the Image in Gandakuti Taik.
At the merit sharing ceremony, State Ovadaçariya Shwekyin Nikaya Upa Okkatha Maha Nayaka Joint Shwekyin Sasanabaing Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Shwehintha Thirimanta Sankyaung Sayadaw Bhaddanta Rajindabhivamsa, Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Bahan Aungmyebonsan Monastery Sayadaw Bhaddanta Paññindabhivamsa and members of the Sangha.
Sayadaw Bhaddanta Rajindabhivamsa administered the Five Precepts. Members of the Sangha recited Parittas.
Next, the Prime Minister offered Waso robes and alms to the Shwekyin Nikaya Joint Sasanabaing Sayadaw and the Vice-Chairman Sayadaw.
Similarly, the ministers, the deputy ministers and departmental heads donated provisions to the Sayadaws.
Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung accepted K 4,640,550 donated by ACE Construction Co Ltd Managing Director U Tint Hsan-Dr Htay Htay Nyein; K 4.1 million by U Tun Aye-Daw Ni Ni Win of No 7, Yuzana Street, Mingala Taungnyunt Township; K 1 million by U Myo Win of Steel Brothers Co; K 1 million by U Ye Chan-Daw Yu Tin Moe and family; K 700,000 by U Bo Gyi-Daw Than Than; K 600,000 by Teingyar U Than Hla; K 500,000 by Daw Lun Htay; K 200,000 by Daw Tint Tint; K 130,000 by U Kyaw Myint-Daw San San; K 100,000 by U Than Gyoung-Daw Tin Sein; K 200,000 by U Hlaing Yi-Daw Mya Ngwe; and K 3,194,850 by wellwishers.
Next, Sayadaw Bhaddanta Paññindabhivamsa delivered a sermon, and the Prime Minister and the congregation shared merits gained.
The Prime Minister performed the ritual of golden and silvery showers to mark the successful completion of the ceremony. Wellwishers are invited to donate gold foils to the Buddha Image.
At Shwedagon Pagoda, the Prime Minister went round the pagoda and cordially conversed with pilgrims. The Prime Minister offered flowers, water, lights and joss sticks to Razamuni Buddha Image near northern stairway and paid homage to the image. The Prime Minister planted a moonseed vine sapling at north-east corner of Shwedagon Pagoda. Also present were the ministers, the mayor, the deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads and authorities and pilgrims. Next, the Prime Minister paid homage to Shwedagon Pagoda. He then inspected Bandaya mango tree at north-east corner and performed the ritual of golden and silvery showers to mark successful completion of planting a moonseed vine sapling.
The Prime Minister offered flowers, water, lights and joss sticks to Padamyar Myetshin Buddha Image upper terrace of the pagoda. The Prime Minister inspected the platform of the pagoda.
YANGON, 1 Aug — Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt attended the Waso robes offering ceremony at Kaba Aye Tipitaka Maha Gandayon Monastery in Mayangon Township at 3 pm today.
Also present on the occasion were State Ovadaçariya Upa Okkatha of Shwekyin Nikaya Maha Nayaka Joint Sasanabaing Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Shwehintha Thirimanta Sankyaung Sayadaw Bhaddanta Rajindabhivamsa and members of the Sangha, Presiding Nayaka of the monastery Tipitakadhara Dhamma-bhandagarika Agga Maha Pandita Abhidhamma Pali Paragu Sayadaw Bhanddanta Sumangalalankara (PhD) and Sayadaws, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, ministers, the mayor, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads and wellwishers.
Sayadaw Bhaddanta Rajindabhivamsa administered the Five Precepts. Members of the Sangha recited Parittas.
Next, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt, the commander, the ministers, the mayor and the deputy ministers donated Waso robes and alms to the Sayadaws.
Administration Sayadaw of the Maha Gandayon Monastery Maha Ganthavaçaka Pandita Bhaddanta Kavidhaja supplicated on arrangements for presenting prizes to winner monks of the monastery in Dhammaçariya and Pahtamabyan examination in 1365 and for honouring the lecturer Sayadaw and the deputy lecturer Sayadaw of the Kaba Aye Tipitaka Maha Gandayon Monastery.
Yangon Division Religious Affairs Department Staff Officer U San Thinn Hlaing read out the list of wellwishers to the fund— K 1 million donated by Thiri Thudhamma Manijotadhara Dr Tha Yin Myat -Thiha Thudhamma Theingi Daw Nwe Nwe Aye, daughter Ma Chaw Su Myat; K 500,000 each by U Ohn Zaw-Daw Aye Aye Mon, Agga Maha Thiri Thudhamma Theingi lawyer Daw Khin Kyi; a family from Po Sein Road in Bahan Township; and Thiri Thudhamma Manijotadhara U Sein Hla Win; K 300,000 by Twantay Ashin Indaka, mother Daw Hla Sein and family; K 200,000 each by U Tun Tun Oo-Daw Mar Mar and family; and Dr Naing Htut Aung-Dr Wai Wai Yin and family; K 100,000 by Daw Khin Myint; U Lin Myint-Daw Khin Khin Win; and Ko Win Myint and brothers and sisters; K 50,000 by Ma Aye Nanda, Maung Kutho Aung of US; K 20,000 by Dr Daw Htay Kyi and family; K 10,000 each by U Banyar Than Hein-Daw Win Mu Tin; and Daw Hla Htwe.
Later, Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sumangalalankara delivered a sermon and the Prime Minister and the congregation shared merits gained.
YANGON, 1 Aug — The 11th Waso robes offering ceremony of the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs was held at Sipinthayayay Dhammayon on Arzani Road in Bahan Township here this morning.
Minister for PBANRDA Col Thein Nyunt and wife Daw Kyin Khaing, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Than Tun, Deputy Minister Col Tin Ngwe and wife Daw Khin Mya Chit, officials and staff offered Waso robes and alms to members of the Sangha.
Similarly, the Thanantana Dhammapalaka Association offered Waso robes and "soon" to members of the Sangha at a ceremony held at Mogok Refectory on Kaba Aye Hill here this morning. Religious Affairs Department Director-General Dr Myo Myint, Vice-Chairman of Thanantana Dhammapalaka Association U Kyi Min and wellwishers offered Waso robes to Sayadaws.
Region
Prime Minister inspects upgrading of Yangon Kandawgyi Gardens
YANGON, 1 Aug — Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt this morning inspected upgrading of Yangon Kandawgyi Gardens.
On arrival at the Agricultural Museum in Education Zone in Kandawgyi Gardens, the Prime Minister was welcomed by ministers, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department and officials of respective zones.
Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin and officials presented reports on upgrading tasks of respective zones in the gardens and requirements, and the Prime Minster fulfilled the needs. Next, the Prime Minister inspected Elephant Plaza where the mayor and officials reported on construction of the plaza. After inspecting the nursery shops and booths of flowery plants in Education Zone, the Prime Minister instructed officials to raise oil palms and Gangaw trees, and to clear the decaying lotus and weeds in the lake.
The Prime Minister and party looked into construction of Fresh Water Fish Garden and heard reports by Minister Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein and officials on scale model of Fresh Water Fish Garden and construction for display of crocodiles and pet fish. Afterwards, the Prime Minister and party visited Central Forest Zone and inspected construction of a restaurant and Water Plaza.
At Recreation Zone, the zone construction in charge Dr Khin Shwe and officials reported to the Prime Minister on arrangements for laying concrete blocks in the zone and construction of a jetty in Kandawgyi Gardens and a recreation centre. The Prime Minister and party inspected construction of the bridge linking between Baganlon Island and Thihadipa Island in Relaxation Zone. Later, the Prime Minister gave necessary instructions to the officials of respective zones and left there.
YANGON, 1 August— A ceremony to mark completion of paddy cultivation for 2004-2005 in Yangon Division, division-level direct seeding competition and ceremony to present outstanding awards for agricultural produce in 2003-2004 were held on 25 acres of paddy fields—11 acres of farmer U Ye Myint Aung, 7 acres of farmer U Aung Soe and 7 acres of farmer U Myat Thein— on Yangon circular road at West Malit Village in Hlegu Township, Yangon North District this morning, attended by Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein.
Also present on the occasion were Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen Khin Maung, Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa, officials of the SPDC office, departmental heads, farmers from Dagon Myothit Townships representing Yangon East District, Kyimyindine Township representing Yangon West District, Kyauktan, Thongwa, Kayan, Thanlyin, Twantay, Kungyangon and Kawhmu Townships representing Yangon South District, Shwepyitha, Hlinethaya, Mingaladon, Htandabin, Hmawby, Hlegu and Taikkyi Townships representing Yangon North District, entrepreneurs and guests.
First, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein delivered an address. He said: In Yangon Division, altogether 1.145 million acres have been put under monsoon paddy against the target of 1.2 million acres and thus 95.43 percent of paddy cultivation has been completed. All the cultivable land in Yangon Division have been put under paddy and only wetland areas were left to be put under paddy. It is heartening to see that in this monsoon cultivation season, the wetland will be put under paddy to meet the target. Although paddy cultivation has been completed, farmers are to make continuous efforts till the harvest time.
The economy of the State depends on development of the agriculture sector. Therefore, development of agriculture as the base and all-round development of other sectors of the economy as well is one of the four economic objectives out of 12 objectives of the State. Thus, all are to pay serious attention to development of the agriculture sector.
It is pivotal to build an industrialized nation for national development. Therefore, the government has established industrial zones throughout the nation for industrial development and provided necessary assistance to them. Moreover, to gain technical know-how and for human resource development, universities and colleges have been opened to produce intellectual and intelligentsia.
Under the current circumstances of the State, efforts are being gradually made to transform the conventional farming into mechanized one and use of farm machinery may be witnessed throughout the country. Using the farm machinery from the time of broadcasting seeds to the time of harvest will save time, labour and cost and thus it is necessary to use more farm machinery. A look at the agricultural production of the State shows that in 1962-63 about 1.2 million acres were put under monsoon paddy and its yield was about 400 million baskets. In 1982-83, altogether 12.9 million acres of land were put under paddy and its yield was 680 million baskets. In 2001-2002, altogether 13 million acres were put under monsoon paddy and 2 million acres under summer paddy and its yield was 1050 million baskets. In 2003-2004, altogether 13.43 million acres were put under monsoon paddy and 3.1 million acres under summer paddy and the yield was 1156 million baskets. As the State has set the target of yielding 100 baskets per acre and to produce 1200 million baskets nationwide, all are to make concerted efforts to meet the target. Four methods must be applied to boost per acre yield. They are to apply correct agricultural methods, to grow quality strains, to use organic and inorganic fertilizers, and to extend sown acreage.
In the hilly regions of Shan State, quality strains that can yield 180 baskets per acre have been used and thus in the plain region also, it is necessary to use quality strains that are suitable to the regions. For the development of the agriculture sector, dams and reservoirs and river water pumping stations have been built and underground water tapping projects implemented. With the effective use of water supplied from these facilities, efforts are to be made to boost agricultural produce. For equitable development of the regions in the Union, border areas and national races development projects, projects for 24 development regions and rural area development projects are being implemented. As the rural areas are places where majority of the population reside and its main business is farming, emphasis is to be placed on economic development of rural areas, raising the living standard of rural people and development of the agriculture. At the same time, all are to strive for development of the livestock breeding tasks.
Next, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe made a speech. He said that the government is striving for national development based on the agriculture sector. Head of State Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance on setting goals for 10 major crops for agricultural development. Using the correct methods is very important in farming, he said. The State has laid plan to put 1,200,080 acres of land under monsoon paddy in Yangon Division and set the target to yield 70 baskets per acres to produce 84 million baskets this year, he elaborated. Local authorities in cooperation with experts are to make efforts to realize the goal. Moreover, local authorities are to pay attention to using inorganic and organic fertilizers, he added. Moreover, farmers are to make efforts for ensuring greening of 30-mile radius of Yangon International Airport, he stressed.
Afterwards, the chairmen of Yangon South, North, East and West Districts presented reports on completion of paddy cultivation in 2004-2005 to Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe. Later, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein and party viewed round the pilot plot of growing quality strains, breeding of azola, modern transplanting methods, direct seeding plot, thriving field that was put under paddy by using direct seeding by machines, paddy transplanting, broadcasting fertilizers and producing EM bokashi fertilizer.
Next, the Secretary-2, the commander, the deputy minister, the vice-mayor and party released the fingerlings into the paddy fields followed by the ceremony to present outstanding awards for agricultural produce in 2003-2004. Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein presented outstanding award for excellent performance in the agriculture sector on the World Food Day 2003-2004 to the chairman of Hlegu Township Peace and Development Council.
Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe presented third prize in central level monsoon paddy production on World Food Day 2003-2004 to Kyauktan Township through the Chairman of the township PDC. Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Khin Maung presented third prize for summer paddy cultivation to Htantabin Township and Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa outstanding award for cultivation of beans and pulses to Thongwa Township. Officials presented outstanding farmers awards to U Hla Win of Kyauktan Township for excellent performance in monsoon paddy cultivation, U Aye Han of Kayan Township for excellent performance in cultivation of green gram, U Khin Nyein of Kyauktan Township for excellent performance in cultivation of sunflower. Thongwa Township won third prize in crop cultivation, Kayan Township the second and Taikkyi Township the first. The third prize full for repayment of bank loans for monsoon paddy went to Twantay Township, the second to Thongwa Township and the first to Hlegu Township. Hlegu Township also won a prize for repayment of bank loans for summer paddy. Next, prize presentation for direct seeding competitions was held. In the competitions, Taikkyi Township won consolation prize and Hmawby Township, the third. Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe presented the second prize in the competitions to Kyauktan Township and Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein, the first prize to Hlegu Township.
The chairman of District PDCs presented certificate of honour to those who rendered assistance to the ceremony. In this competition held today, a farmer can put 3 acres of land under paddy per day by using direct seeding machine. After the ceremony the Secretary-2 and party viewed exhibition booths.
In Yangon Division, 1,145,264 acres have been put under monsoon paddy against the target of 1,200,080 and thus 95 percent of land have been put under monsoon paddy. Moreover, 878,256 acres of land have been put under timely (Yaytaw Moetaw) monsoon paddy cultivation against the target of 877,436 acres and thus it has exceeded the target. The remaining 54,816 acres will be put under paddy later.
Breastfeeding Week commences Prizes for Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, Home Delivery presented
YANGON, 1 Aug — A ceremony to present prizes to hospitals and townships acknowledged as Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative and Baby Friendly Home Delivery, organized by the Ministry of Health was held at the hall of the Institute of Nursing on Bogyoke Aung San Street this morning, with an address by Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint.
Also present on the occasion were Deputy Minister for Health Dr Mya Oo, President of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, Vice-President Dr Daw Tin Lin Myint, directors-general, deputy directors-general and officials of the departments under the ministry, resident representatives of UN agencies, officials of NGOs, heads of health departments at division/state and township levels who won prizes, health staff and guests.
First, Health Minister Dr Kyaw Myint made a speech on the occasion, saying that the World Breastfeeding Week has been launched since 1992 in all parts of the world and so has been in Myanmar yearly. The movement of Thirteenth Breastfeeding Week 2004 in Myanmar commenced today.
The aims of the World Breastfeeding Week are— to stress the importance of breastfeeding of the baby during the first six months from birth and to find ways and means for mothers to realize this importance and breastfeed their babies until six months old. The Ministry of Health, on its part, is laying down a series of projects and implementing them to enhance health standard of the entire people in accord with the guidance given by the National Health Committee. The movement of breastfeeding week is also a project to promote the health standard and its implementation has started since 1993 January. A total of 339 hospitals have been acknowledged as Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative and 117 townships as Baby Friendly Home Delivery. One motto is selected for holding the World Breastfeeding Week every year and this year’s motto is Exclusive Breastfeeding: the Gold Standard, Safe, Sound, Sustainable. Breast milk is a gift of nature and it is the most suitable for a child. It contains antibiotics which prevent common diseases of humans. Breastfeeding means the baby is to be fed only the breast milk, and not any other food or liquid. Breastfeeding Week will be launched continuously from 1 to 7 August.
The minister urged health staff to cooperate with health related ministries, NGOs and local people for successful realization of breastfeeding project.
Next, resident representative of UNICEF Ms Carroll C Long made a speech on the occasion. Minister Dr Kyaw Myint, Deputy Minister Dr Mya Oo, President of MMCWA Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, resident representative of UNICEF Ms Carroll C Long and directors-general of the ministry presented prizes to winners of Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, and Baby Friendly Home Delivery through the responsible personnel.
After the ceremony, Minister Dr Kyaw Myint and President of MMCWA Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe cordially greeted those present.
Wellwishers invited for sinking tube-wells
YANGON, 1 August— The Development Affairs Committees under the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs are making concerted efforts in sinking tube-wells in order to get sufficient fresh water in rural areas in States and Divisions where water is scarce.
One 200 feet deep two-inch diameter tube-well costs K 250,000; one 400 feet deep two-inch diametre tube-well costs K 500,000; and one 200 feet deep four-inch diametre tube-well costs K 500,000.
Those wishing to donate cash for the tube-well sinking projects for rural areas may contact the Director-General (Tel: 01-245420 & 253088), the Deputy Director-General (Tel: 01-240118), the Director (Engineering) (Tel: 01-291967), the Directors (Sagaing Division Development Affairs Committee) (Tel: 071-21012), the Director (Magway Division Development Affairs Committee) (Tel: 063-23164) and the Director (Mandalay Division Development Affairs Committee) (Tel: 02-54657).
Sport
Course for basketball referees concludes
YANGON, 1 Aug — The FIBA Asia Referees' Clinic, 2004, jointly sponsored by Ministry of Sports, FIBA Asia and Myanmar Basketball Federation, concluded with ceremony at Youth Training centre in Thuwunna here at noon today.
Myanmar Olympic Committee Chairman Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, MBF President Prof Dr Sein Myint, General Secretary U Maung Maung Myint and others were present at the ceremony.
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