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HOME		49th MYANMAR MEDICAL CONFERENCE 15^th-21^st Jan 2003, TAUNGOO
ARCHIVE	Saturday, 18 January 2003	ONLINE EDITION

Headlines

Secretary-1 receives ASEAN ministers, senior officials to 2nd Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on

Science and Technology

Yangon, 17 Jan - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt, on behalf of the Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council and Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, received Ambassador of Brunei to Myanmar Pehin Dato Haji Hussin Bin Haji Sulaiman; Secretary of State Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy of Cambodia Mr Bunchin Nhep; Secretary to Ministry of Research and Technology of Indonesia Dr Ashwin Sasongko; Minister to the Prime Minister's Office President of National Science Council of Laos Prof Dr Souli Nanthavong; Minister of Science, Technology and the Environment of Malaysia Dato Seri Law Hieng Ding; Secretary (Minister) of the Department of Science and Technology of the Philippines Dr Estrella Alabastro; Minister of State, Ministry of National Development of Singapore Dr Vivian Balakrishnan; Minister of Science and Technology of Thailand Mr Phinij Jarusombat; Vice-Minister of Science and Technology of Vietnam Dr Bui Manh Hai and Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN Secretariat Mr Ahmad Mokhtar Selat, who attended the 2nd Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science and Technology, at Zeyathiri Beikman Hall on Konmyinttha at 8 am today.

Duties assigned to extend 100,000 acres of coffee to export new types of goods

Highland cultivation project needs effective, speedy implementation to enhance human resources
capability

Programmes to invite and grant coffee-cultivation permission to entrepreneurs on comprehensive scale
discussed

Yangon, 17 Jan - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt and officials discussed coffee cultivation extension, highland reclamation and all-round development of agricultural sector this evening.

At the meeting, which was held at the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt said the government is giving priority to developing agriculture on which the national economy is based. The Head of State has already given guidance to export new types of goods in addition to conventional farm products.

Arrangements have been made to extend 100,000 acres of coffee to export new types of goods. The meeting was called for practical implementation of the project to grow coffee and other crops - tea and pepper - which have good prospects.

Although coffee, tea and pepper were cultivated in Myanmar in the past also, development pace was slow and not encouraging. Thus, extra impetus should be given to efficiently grow the crops. If possible, the exportable macadamia will have to be cultivated in coffee fields as a mixed crop.

In addition, perennial plants such as oil palm, thit hseint (bellaric myrobalam) and rubber should be grown in accord with the project. All will have to emulate the achievements of the neighbouring countries in producing and exporting agricultural goods. Permission will be granted and encouragement given to entrepreneurs wishing to grow coffee on a comprehensive scale as areas whose soil and climate are suitable to grow the plant have been discovered. However, firm determination and effective efforts are important. Priority will have to be given to using high-yield strains in cultivating the ten projected crops of the nation - rice, pedisein, pigeon pea, matpe, corn, groundnut, sesame, sun flower, cotton and sugarcane.

Only then, will the nation have an abundant array of new and old export items, and be able to extend foreign markets.
During inspection of eastern Shan State, the Head of State has assigned duties to personnel concerned to substitute highland cultivation for shifting cultivating in raising the living standard of the national races. As the old tradition of shifting cultivation will not improve the living standard of the local national races, all will have to successfully implement the highland cultivation project in accord with the schedule.

The local national races are also reclaiming land for highland cultivation. Thus, it is required to combined the experience of the national races in conducting highland cultivation under conventional system and the modern techniques to efficiently implement the project.

The project should be implemented effectively and at higher acceleration for achieving all-round development multi sectors - to change and development the living condition of the national races, conserve the environment, narrow development gap between the regions, ensure proportionate development, and enable the ex-shifting cultivators to reside in a permanent, thereby, leading to improve their health and education standard and enhance the human resources capability.

Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin explained coffee sown acreage and production in 2002-2003, plans to extend 100,000 acres of coffee in PyinOoLwin and Nawngkhio townships during the period from 2003-2004 to 2005-2006, land reclamation, region-wise plans to nurture coffee saplings and distribute coffee, programmes to invite and grant permission to entrepreneurs, who will grow coffee, on a comprehensive scale and programmes to provide assistance including loans.

The minister also reported to the meeting on the five-year highland reclamation project from 2003-2004 to 2007-2008 covering Chin State, Shan State (North), Shan State (East), the highland reclamation pilot project which has been launched in December 2002. staff organizational set up and financial condition, and plans to extend macadamia, tea and pepper cultivation.

Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone, Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing and officials gave suggestions on putting more land under coffee and corn, highland reclamation, and extension of
macadamia.

International Relations

Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt receives Thai Commerce Minister and party

Yangon, 17 Jan - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt received the Thai delegation led by Minister of Commerce of Thailand Dr Adisai Bodharamik and party at Zeyathiri Beikman hall on Konmyinttha at 3 pm today.

Secretary-1 and wife host dinner to Myanmar doctors in USA

Yangon, 17 Jan - Chairman of the National Health Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe hosted a dinner in honour of the Myanmar doctors in USA and the foreign doctors visiting Myanmar who attended the 49th Conference of Myanmar Medical Association at the Mya Yeik Nyo Royal Hotel in Bahan Township at 7 pm today.

First, Chairman of the National Health Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe greeted the Myanmar doctors in USA and the foreign doctors visiting Myanmar who attended the 49th MMA's Conference.

Before the dinner, the artistes of the Ministry of Culture presented the entertainment programme to the audience.

Secretary-1 addresses opening ceremony of 2nd Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on S & T

Economy of ASEAN region is one of largest in the world and potential high growth area

Adoption of correct policies for development of science & technology and human resource will contribute
greatly in Myanmar's modernization efforts

Yangon, 17 Jan - Chairman of ASEAN Steering Committee of the Union of Myanmar Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt delivered an address at the opening ceremony of 2nd Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science and Technology, hosted by the Union of Myanmar, at the Sedona Hotel on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road this morning.

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt said that this is the first time that our country is hosting a Ministerial Level Meeting in the Science and Technology sector. It is therefore a great privilege and pleasure to have this opportunity to deliver the Opening Address at the 2nd Informal Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers for Science and Technology. I firmly believe that the deliberations in the course of the Meeting will surely contribute towards the development of Science and Technology in the region.

ASEAN is generally recognized as one of the most successful regional organizations in the world with a combined population of more than 500 million people and the combined GDP of nearly 700 billion US dollars. Indeed, the economy of ASEAN region is one of the largest in the world and is regarded as a potential high growth area.

However, we cannot be complacent. In this Age of Globalization and rapid technological progress, ASEAN must be able to meet this challenge and create new opportunities for further growth. In this regard, the importance of science and technology cannot be over-emphasized. As envisaged in ASEAN Vision 2020, we should all strive for ASEAN to have a competitive edge in strategic and enabling technologies.

Moreover, the Hanoi Plan of Action (HPA), laid down in 1998 at the 6th ASEAN Summit focused on promoting Science and Technology Development, Development of Information Technology Infrastructure; and Promoting Human Resource Development. We are also pleased to learn that a Special Task Force (STF) was convened to study how it can best respond to the challenges of achieving Science and Technology goals and objectives as stated in the Hanoi Plan of Action (HPA).

On the part of Myanmar, we welcome the adoption of ASEAN Plan of Action on Science and Technology: Implementation Framework for 2001-2004 at the 9th Meeting of ASEAN Ministers for Science and Technology held in Brunei Darussalam in September 2001. It is our belief that this Plan of Action world contribute towards the development of regional programmes and projects over the medium-term leading to the realization of ASEAN's long-term vision of technological competitiveness.

In our endeavours to strengthen Science and Technology, we give due consideration to cooperation with our dialogue partners. It is heartening to note that cooperation with China, India and EU has been proceeding satisfactorily. We appreciate the financial as well as technical support we have received from our Dialogue Partners, Australia, China, EU, India, Japan, ROK, New Zealand and the ASEAN Foundation. I wish to acknowledge the important role of such external support in the successful implementation of Science & Technology projects and activities.
Moreover, in view of closer and more intensified cooperation between ASEAN and + 3 countries, it is our view that consideration should be given to the holding of an ASEAN+3 Ministerial Meeting on Science & Technology+3 (AMMST+3) in the future when committee on Science and Technology COST has developed a substantive agenda in consultation with the "+3" countries.

Since becoming a member of ASEAN in 1997, Myanmar has been actively participating in ASEAN activities. In the Science & Technology field, Myanmar is proud to have hosted the 37th Committee on Science and Technology COST Meeting in Yangon in May 1999. I wish to assure you of Myanmar's full cooperation in the Science & Technology field. The national objective of Myanmar is to build a peaceful, prosperous, modern and developed State. In striving towards this goal, we pay special attention to the development of science and technology as well as human resource development.

Even as we develop the various branches of technology, we are paying special attention to the ICT sector. Last year, we opened the Myanmar ICT Park which offers up-to-date ICT facilities as well as a site for development of software. Myanmar is also cooperating actively with computer-related companies from Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Thailand and others. In view of the need to promote human resource development, we have opened new institutes of higher learning. The number of universities and colleges in the country has increased from 32 in 1988 to 151 at the end of 2002. These include two computer universities and 23 computer colleges throughout the nation. Moreover, the country also has 4 Technology Universities and 26 Government Technical Colleges that are producing engineers and technicians. Recently, Aerospace Engineering University and University of Maritime Technology have been established, offering courses in aviation and maritime subjects. For the first time in Myanmar's education history, doctorate courses are now available to students in many disciplines.

We are confident that the adoption of correct policies for development of science and technology and rapid progress in human resource development will contribute greatly to our modernization efforts.

You have before you a full and varied agenda. However, I am confident that with the combined wisdom and experience of the participants, the deliberations will result in important contributions towards the development of Science and Technology in the ASEAN region.

In conclusion, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Organizing Committee for making the necessary preparations for this meeting. I wish all of you fruitful and successful discussions and a pleasant stay here in Yangon.

After the opening ceremony, the Secretary-1 had a documentary photo taken together with the ministers and the Deputy Secretary-General of the ASEAN Secretariat to the 2nd Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science and Technology. Then, the Secretary-1 cordially conversed with the ministers and ambassadors of ASEAN countries who are attending the 2nd Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on
Science and Technology.

2nd Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science and Technology held

Yangon, 17 Jan - The 2nd Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science and Technology, hosted by Myanmar, was held at Sedona Hotel on Kaba Aye Pagoda road this morning.
Leader of the Myanmar delegation Minister for Science and Technology of the Union of Myanmar U Thaung presided over the meeting and delivered an address. He said: We believe that Human Resource Development in Science and Technology is an important issue as today

global economy is knowledge based. Under the closed guidance of Head of State of Myanmar, Senior General Than Shwe, Myanmar is emphasizing on Human Resource Development Programmes. Myanmar, since becoming a Member of ASEAN, has been actively participating in all activities of ASEAN Committee on Science and Technology (COST) has hosted the 37th COST Meeting in Yangon. and I have noted the tremendous effort taken by ASEAN COST in Human Resource Development to keep abreast with the Goal of "A Technologically Competitive ASEAN with technologically trained manpower and strong network of Scientific and Technological Institutions".

Then, member of the Myanmar delegation Deputy Minister for Science and Technology Dr Chan Nyein submitted the reports of the Second ASEAN Senior Official Meeting on Science and Technology held on 16 January. The ministers discussed the reported and approved it.Next, they discussed the place and date for holding the 10th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science an Technology.

Later, Minister U Thaung gave a concluding remarks and the meeting successfully concluded in the evening. In the evening, Minister U Thaung hosted a dinner in honour of the ministers, the deputy ministers, officials of ASEAN Secretariat and delegation members who attended the meeting at Sedona Hotel. This morning, the delegation members, accompanied by officials of the Ministry of Science and Technology, visited Shwedagon Pagoda and Yangon downtown.

PRC Vice Premier of State Council Mr Li Lanqing and wife Madam Zhang Suzhen on tour of Mandalay
Yangon, 17 Jan - Visiting Vice Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Mr Li Lanqing and wife Madam Zhang Suzhen and party, arrived at Mandalay International Airport by special flight at 10.30 am on 16 January.

The visiting Vice Premier and wife and party were welcomed at the airport by Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint and wife Daw Myat Ngwe and the Chinese Consul-General in Mandalay.

Two fourth standard schoolgirls of Amarapura Basic Education Middle School presented the bouquet to the visiting Vice Premier and wife. Then, the visiting Vice Premier and wife cordially greeted Mandalay City Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein and wife, Deputy Chief Justice U Khin Maung Latt and wife of Supreme Court (Mandalay), member of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commissioner of Mandalay Division General Administration Department U Kyin Lin and wife and Mandalay Division Police Force Commander Police Col Hla Myo at the entrance to the VIP Lounge.

Next, two girls of the Chinese Consulate-General in Mandalay presented the bouquet to the visiting Vice Premier and wife. Similarly, chairmen, secretaries and members of Chinese Temples in Mandalay welcomed the Chinese Vice Premier and wife waving miniature flags of the two countries.

Then, the visiting Vice Premier and wife, accompanied by the commander and wife, proceeded to Sedona Hotel on 26th Street by car.

At 3 pm, Visiting Vice Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Mr Li Lanqing and wife Madam Zhang Suzhen and party, accompanied by Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint and wife Daw Myat Ngwe, Minister for Education U Than Aung and wife, Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, Chinese Ambassador Mr Li Jinjun, the Chinese Consul-General in Mandalay and officials, arrived at Myanan Sankyaw Golden Palace in Nanmyo by car. They were welcomed there by Mayor of Mandalay Brig-Gen Yan Thein, Secretary of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Tin Ohn and members.

At the Palace, Deputy Director-General U Aung Kyaing of Archaeology Department (Upper Myanmar) explained matters related to the Palace with the use of documentary photos. Next, the guests viewed round the Palace and had the documentary photo taken. They also viewed the Cultural Museum of the Palace and signed in the visitors' book.

Afterwards, the visiting Vice Premier and party paid obeisance to Maha Lawka Marazein Kuthodaw Pagoda and made cash donations.

The guests then went to Mandalay Hill. They paid homage to Hsutaungpyay Buddha Image on Mandalay Hill and offered water to the image. The visiting Vice Premier and party enjoyed the scenic views of Mandalay from Mandalay Hill. The Vice Premier signed in the visitors' book and donated cash. The Pagoda Board of Trustees presented a certificate of honour and a gift to him.

After viewing the wall of Nanmyo and the moat by car, the guests arrived back at Sedona Hotel at 6 pm. In the evening, the commander and wife hosted a dinner in honour of the visiting Vice Premier and wife and party at the Guest House in Nanmyo at pm. The Chinese guests were welcomed there by Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint and wife Daw Myat Ngwe, Mayor of Mandalay Brig-Gen Yan Thein and wife, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Nay Win and wife and authorities.

During the dinner, Myanmar songs and dances were presnted to the guests. After the dinner, the commander and wife and the visiting Vice Premier and wife exchanged gifts.They then cordially conversed with the artistes and presented flower basket to them. Later, the guests went back to Sedona Hotel by car.

The visiting Vice Premier Mr Li Lanqing and wife Madam Zhang Suzhen concluded their goodwill visit and proceeded to Mandalay International Airport to at 9.20 am today. They were seen off at the airport by Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint and wife Daw Myat Ngwe, Minister for Education U Than Aung and wife, Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, Mandalay Mayor Brig- Gen Yan Thein and wife, members of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council, the Chinese Consul-General and staff of the Chinese embassy, officials of Chinese Temples, and Chinese national entrepreneurs.

Before their departure Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint cordially greeted the visiting Vice Premier at the VIP lounge and presented the documentary photo album on Mandalay visit to him.

Then, the commander and wife, Minister U Than Aung and wife, Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw and the Chinese Consul-General cordially greeted the visiting Vice Premier and wife. When the plane carrying the visiting Vice Premier and wife and party left Mandalay International Airport at 9.30 am, the commander and wife and party waved at the guests from the VIP Lounge.

Minister of Education Ms Chen Zhili, Minister of Science and technology Mr Xu Guanhua and departmental officials, visited the Ancient Myanmar Manuscripts Department and the New Century Resource Centre on 80th Street in Chanayethazan Township at 2 pm on 16 January.

ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science & Technology issues joint press statement

Yangon, Jan 17 - The following is a joint press statement issued by the Second Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science and Technology (AMMST) held in Yangon on 17 January 2003.The Second Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science and Technology (AMMST) was held in Yangon on 17 January 2003. The Meeting was preceded by the Preparatory Senior Officials Meeting for the 2nd Informal AMMST on 16 January 2003.

The Meeting was officially opened by His Excellency General Khin Nyunt, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar. In his Inaugural Address, General Khin Nyunt underlined that Myanmar recognizes the important role of science and technology in developing the country's competitive edge in a global economy.

He further elaborated Myanmar's science and technology policy and strategic thrusts that included the promotion of information and communication technology as a base for building a software industry, for which Myanmar had established and ICT Park in Yangon.

General Khin Nyunt concluded with a reaffirmation of Myanmar's commitment to ASEAN cooperation in all spheres, including science and technology. He called on the S & T Ministers to consider programmes and projects that would help the region boost its competitiveness in strategic and enabling technologies, as this is among the goals of ASEAN Vision 2020. He emphasized that among such programmes, human resource development should be accorded high priority, as it will contribute to the development of highly skilled S & T personnel in the region.

The Meeting was attended by HE Pehin Dato Hj Hussin bin Hj Sulaiman, High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam in Myanmar, representing the Minister of Development of Brunei Darussalam; HE Mr Nhep Bunchin, Secretary of State, Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy of the Kingdom of Cambodia; Dr Ashwin Sasongko, Secretary to Ministry of Research and Technology, representing the Minister of Research and Technology of Indonesia; HE Prof Dr Souli Nanthavong, Minister to the Prime Minister's Office, President of National Science Council of Lao PDR; HE Dato' Seri Law Hieng Ding, Minister of Science, Technology and the Environment of Malaysia; HE Mr U Thaung, Minister of Science and Technology of the Union of Myanmar; HE Dr Estrella F Alabastro, Secretary of Science and Technology of the Philippines, HE Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister of State for National Development of Singapore; HE Mr Phinij Jarusombat, Minister of Science and Technology of Thailand; and HE Dr Bui Manh Hai, Vice-Minister of Science and Technology, representing the Minister of Science and Technology of Viet Nam, and their respective delegations. Dato' Ahmad Mokhtar Selat, Deputy Secretary General representing the Secretary General of ASEAN, and his delegation also attended the meeting.

HE Mr U Thaung chaired the meeting, and HE Mr Souli Nanthavong was elected Vice Chair of the meeting.

The focus of the Ministers' discussions was the role of science and technology in supporting the twin regional goals of integration and competitiveness. The Ministers highlighted the vital role of a strong science and technology base in building a competitive knowledge economy in ASEAN, and the regional strategies and approaches that would lead to the achievement of that goal. They cited some of their national strategies that they believed could be successfully extended to the regional level such as forming smart partnerships with the private sector, targeting S & T human resource development to respond to the immediate needs of business and industry, and promoting an entrepreneurial culture among scientists and researchers.

Long-term vision for ASEAN science and technology cooperation

The Ministers reaffirmed their long-term vision of establishing an ASEAN Science and Technology Community for Innovation, Competitiveness and Knowledge (ASTICK). In this context, the Ministers tasked the Committee on Science and Technology (COST) to continue with the ongoing efforts to formulate the programme framework of ASTICK, bearing in mind the overall ASEAN economic and social development goals and the rapidly evolving policy trends in these sectors.

S & T activities for ASEAN integration

The Ministers noted with satisfaction the successful implementation of the country initiatives launched in the past year under the ASEAN-help-ASEAN scheme of COST, a programme designed to promote S & T capacity building in the newer member countries and facilitate their integration into the mainstream regional S & T cooperation activities. They shared the view that the momentum built up by the eight training activities launched in the past year should be maintained by offering other similar initiatives. They thanked ASEAN member countries who announced new offers of assistance under the ASEAN- help-ASEAN scheme. These were Malaysia, for its new offer of scholarships for ASEAN participants in various training courses on Precision Computer Numerically-Controlled Engineering to be conducted in 2003 at the Malaysian Technology Park in Kuala Lumpur; Thailand, for its offer to all member countries to use their ground receiving facilities for remote sensing satellite data, as well as training on remote sensing and geographic information systems technologies at fundamental and advanced levels; and Brunei Darussalam for its offer to hold a seminar on genetically modified organisms (GMO) and a seminar on infrastructure.

The Ministers further noted that there were many possibilities and opportunities to enhance the ASEAN- help-ASEAN programme by leveraging on activities that the member countries undertake nationally or in cooperation with multilateral organizations and extending the benefit of such activities to the other ASEAN member countries. In view of this, the Ministers agreed as a basic commitment that whenever possible, a country's national programmes and also those activities they carry out in cooperation with UN and other similar bodies be extended to the other ASEAN member countries.

Public awareness programme in S & T

Recalling their continuing concern with the need to heighten public awareness of ASEAN S&T cooperation programmes, the Ministers reviewed the progress of the public awareness programmes that have been initiated. They looked forward to the imminent re-activation of the website of the ASEAN Science and Technology Network (ASTNET) which is envisioned to serve as ASEAN's gateway to science and technology information and knowledge in the region and in the rest of the world. They commended the partnership of the ASEAN Secretariat and the Indonesian Ministry of Research and Technology in working on the website and acknowledged the technical assistance of the Indonesian government in arranging the use of its document-sharing software for the exclusive use of ASTNET and committing to
mobilize human resources as needed for the continuing maintenance and updating of the ASTNET
website.

The Ministers also commended the cooperation initiated by COST with the ASEAN Committee on Culture and Information (COCI) to implement more public awareness programmes. They encouraged the further mobilization of COCI networks and resources to bring out more information materials and publications, such as and ASEAN S&T Development series of articles that would highlight global technology developments and ASEAN's niche in such developments.

The Ministers also called for more public awareness activities that would promote public discussion and debate on the impact of science and technology on society, citing as examples the current issues of genetic engineering and cloning. However, the Ministers emphasized that national activities could contribute greatly to the regional effort of promoting public awareness not only in science and technology but to the overall ASEAN image as well.

ASEAN Science Fund

The Ministers reviewed the progress of the augmentation of the ASEAN Science Fund, which they launched by way of signing an agreement during the First Informal AMMST in Malaysia in April 2000. They agreed that the Fund needed to be financially strengthened further so that it could support more projects. The Ministers agreed that tapping the private sector was one way of obtaining additional resources for ASEAN science and technology cooperation programmes. They directed the ASEAN COST to lay the groundwork for engaging the private sector by developing concrete business plans for enterprises that could be spun off some joint R & D activities of COST and which could attract investments from, and partnerships with, the private sector.

ASEAN+3 cooperation in science and technology

The Ministers welcomed the opportunity to add value to the separately active and successful S&T cooperation programmes with China, Japan and the Republic of Korea through the opening of a broader platform of cooperation under the ASEAN+3 framework. To this end, they directed COST to accelerate laying the groundwork for a productive ASEAN+3 cooperation in science and technology by proposing concrete mechanisms for identifying projects and funding modalities and looked forward to a possible S & T ministerial meeting among the ASEAN+3 countries sometime in the future. In this regard, the Ministers agreed that the mechanism of country-led initiatives that is proving to be effective in the case of ASEAN-help-ASEAN schemes could also be applied to ASEAN+3 activities. Bilateral projects with China, Korea and Japan and ASEAN+1 projects with the three could be expanded into ASEAN+3 projects, with one country acting as lead shepherd or coordinator of certain projects where they have national strength.

With regard to funding of ASEAN+3 projects, the Ministers agreed that ASEAN would be prepared for cost-sharing, but would also tap the resources of the +3 Dialogue Partners if they would offer some support, with the newer member countries Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Viet Nam accorded priority in accessing such resources.

Next ASEAN S & T Ministerial meeting

The Ministers noted that Lao PDR was tentatively scheduled to host the next meeting of the S & T Ministers in late 2003, pending approval by the Lao PDR government. In accordance with a previous decision of the AMMST, providing for yearly but alternating formal and informal meetings, the next meeting would be the 10th Formal AMMST. The Ministers expressed their sincere appreciation to the Government of the Union of Myanmar, in particular the Ministry of Science and Technology, for the generous hospitality accorded them and the excellent arrangements made for the Meeting.

Lt-Gen Kyaw Win receives Thai delegation
Yangon, 17 Jan - Member of State Peace and Development Council Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt- Gen Kyaw Win received the delegation led by Lt-Gen Kasemsak Plooksawat, Principal of Thai National Defence College at the hall of National Defence College at 8 am today.

Information Minister receives guests

Yangon, 17 Jan - Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan received Managing Director of Intergrafica Print and Pack Pte Ltd of Germany (Singapore Branch) Mr Toon Santen and party at his
office at 8 am today.

Thai, Malaysian ministers leave for home

Yangon, 17 Jan - Thai Minister of Science and Technology Mr Phinij Jarusombat and Malaysian Minster of Science and Technology and the Environment Dato Seri Law Hieng Ding, after attending the Second Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science and Technology, left for their respective countries by air this evening.

Region

Press conference explains accomplishments of Myanmar's anti-narcotics drive
Authorities expose expatriate NLD insurgent group's attempts to commit destructive acts, at expense of
religion

Yangon, 17 Jan - A regular press conference explained accomplishments of Myanmar's anti-narcotics drive and expatriate NLD insurgent group's attempts to commit destructive acts at the expense of religion at Tatmadaw Guest House here this morning.

At the news conference, Joint-Secretary of Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Police Col Kham Aung explained the nation's drug elimination drive in three parts - eradication, performance of the central
working bodies and international cooperation.

In the first part, he explained the illicit poppy cultivation, destruction of the crops, collection of poppy seeds, in 2001-2002 and seizure of narcotic drugs including opium, heroin, stimulant pills, marijuana, ephedrine, chemical liquid and acetic anhydride, seizure of opium refineries and stimulant pill producing machines, extradition of Chinese drug fugitives to the People's Republic of China, in 2002 and significant drug seizures in 2002.

In the second part, the police colonel elaborated on the operations of the CCDAC working bodies coordination sub-branch including facts about the New Destiny Project; formation of 26 township anti- narcotics associations in Yangon Division, one each in Tachilek and Kengtung in eastern Shan State, one in Pyay, Bago Division (West) and one in Taunggyi, southern Shan State, jointly by the CCDAC Office and Myanmar Anti-Narcotics Association under the supervision of CCDAC; opening of Tachilek rehabilitation course No 1 to keep Tachilek District free from drugs under the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe; and holding of CCDAC special meetings and regular meetings to successfully launch the anti-narcotics drive according to schedule.

In the third part, he said the US Counter Narcotic Centre (CNC) had surveyed and estimated poppy cultivation and opium production in Southeast Asian countries. The CNC stated that in Myanmar, poppy cultivation was 163,100 hectares and opium production 2,560 metric tons in 1996; poppy cultivation 155,150 hectares and opium production 2,365 metric tons in 1997; poppy cultivation 130,300 hectares and opium production 1,750 metric tons in 1998; poppy cultivation 89,500 hectares and opium production 1,090 metric tons in 1999; poppy cultivation 108,700 hectares and opium production 1,085 metric tons in 2000; poppy cultivation 105,000 hectares and opium production 865 metric tons in 2001; and poppy cultivation 77,700 hectares and opium production 630 metric tons in 2002. It also acknowledged the
gradual decrease in poppy cultivation and opium production in Myanmar. Police Col Kham Aung also explained the opium yield survey in Myanmar which was jointly conducted by the US government for eight times during the period from 1993 to 2002; the poppy cultivation ground survey jointly conducted by the UNODC; Myanmar-China anti-drug cooperation, Myanmar-Thailand cooperation, the senior officials meeting of the MoU six countries - China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia - of the sub-region, the meeting with the donor nations in Vienna, Austria, on 22 and 23 October 2002, and Germany's contribution of 1.25 million euros to Myanmar's anti-narcotics drive through UNODC and Italy's contribution of US $ 100,000; Myanmar-Australia cooperation; the northern and eastern Shan State
study tour programme of the Ambassadors of the donor countries and foreign correspondents; the PRC Ambassador's expression of praise to the Myanmar's anti-narcotics drive after witnessing the objective condition; the statement made by the Japanese Ambassador to extend technological assistance to Myanmar's anti-drug drive; and the future anti-drug programmes.

He also replied to queries raised by the journalists.

Concerning the question of Dr Zaw Than of Sankei Shimbun of Japan, Head of Department of the Ministry of Defence Brig-Gen Than Tun said two persons were arrested for distributing pamphlets to agitate the people to stage demonstrations near a bus stop of No 43 bus line and the public toilets of Maha Bandoola Park at 9.30 am on 16 January 2003, and shouting slogans on the platform in front of the City Hall at 9.45 am, holding the flag bearing the portrait of a fighting peacock.

They were Ma Than Htay, daughter of U Tun Shin, and Ma Thin Thin Oo, daughter of U Sein Than. A native of Lemyethna, Ma Than Htay went to Maesot, Yodaya, three years ago to earn her living there as a casual worker. Ma Thin Thin Oo, a native of Shwenanchaung village, Labutta Township, became a nun over a year ago and was travelling between Maesot and Bago.

Ma Than Htay became a nun only on 30 December 2002. They were trying to instigate the people under the guise of nuns. Some insurgents, who were sent by the expatriate NLD insurgent group to plant bombs and launch destructive acts in Yangon and Mandalay last December, were arrested. Some bogus nuns were among the insurgents.

The two women under arrest and investigation, had attended political defiance course, democracy and human rights course and subversive course conducted by expatriate NLD insurgent group in Maesot.

The incident was a scheme of expatriate NLD insurgent group to commit destructive acts at the expense of religion.

The news conference ended at 11.30 pm. The journalists viewed the photos showing the extradition of Chinese drug fugitives to the PRC, opium substitute crops cultivation in Wa region, destruction of poppy seeds, the meeting with the local people to keep Tachilek District free from the drugs, the opium yield survey jointly conducted by Myanmar and US and destruction of drugs.

Lt-Gen Soe Win, Lt-Gen Ye Myint inspect development tasks in Sagaing Division

Yangon, 17 Jan - Members of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win and Lt-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence, arrived at Lahe, Hkamti District, Sagaing Division, by helicopter on 14 January afternoon.
At 3 pm, Lt-Gen Soe Win and Lt-Gen Ye Myint went to the Theravada Buddhist Missionary School in Lahe Township, where they paid respects and offered provisions to Hkamti Sangha Nayaka Committee Chairman TatU Kyaung Sayadaw Bhaddanta Indagasaliya, Lahe Township SNC Chairman Bhaddanta Tejinta, Lahe Central Hill Missionary Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sondhara and members of the Sangha, and provided the requirements for the development of monastic education.

Lt-Gen Soe Win, together with Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, arrived at the USDA office in Lahe, where he met with executives and members of the USDAs of Sagaing Division, and Hkamti, Leshi, Nanyun, Homalin and Lahe Townships and asked the organizational and development conditions of respective
associations.

In his meeting with them, Lt-Gen Soe Win called for the participation and cooperation of members of the associations in building a modern and developed nation and bringing up intelligent youths of Naga ethnic group.

Lt-Gen Soe Win then presented K 100,000 each to Hkamti, Leshi, Nanyun, Homalin and Lahe Township USDAs and K 4,000 each to 26 students who passed the matriculation examination in the 2001-2002 academic year.

Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint also presented K 100,000 each to Hkamti, Leshi, Nanyun, Homalin and Lahe Township USDAs.

Likewise, Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Commander Maj-Gen Soe Naing, Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan and departmental officials went to the People's Hospital (16-bed) in Lahe in the evening. At the hospital, they cordially comforted patients undergoing treatment and presented gifts to them.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint also inspected the medicine storehouse, the X-ray room, the operation theatre and the delivery room at the hospital.

On arrival at Lahe Township Hall, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party met with departmental officials and heard reports on the area of the township, cultivable acreage and cultivation of monsoon paddy, maize, beans and pulses and tea.

Commander Maj-Gen Soe Naing then made additional reports, and Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan also reported on arrangements to be made by the ministry for the development of Lahe region.

After hearing the reports, Lt-Gen Ye Myint spoke. He said projects are under way for the implementation of rural development tasks by forming 24 development zones in 14 States and Divisions. The five rural development tasks were laid down and is being implemented broadly to ensure rural development in border areas, he said. The respective local authorities are to monitor the rural development tasks and should organize the departments and social organizations to participate in such activities. Agriculture and livestock breeding work is vital for rice sufficiency and economic development of the regions, he said.

Later, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected the nationalities youth resource development school in Lahe and attended to the requirements of the students, and spent the night there.

Production of UTM system maps explained
Yangon, 17 Jan -The Survey Department explained condition of drawing maps carried out by using the UTM mapping system at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Forestry today. Chairman of UTM System Map Drawing Leading Committee Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone made a speech concerning the tasks being carried out to produce the UTM s stem ma s of the whole country by forming the leading committee, the work committee, the technical and survey committee and quality control groups.

Officials reported on progress of work and arrangements for drawing UTM system digital maps of the whole country with use of modern technologies, computer software and equipment.

MPPE holds work coord meeting

Yangon, 17 Jan - Work Coordination Meeting of Myanma Petroleum Products Enterprise was held at the meeting hall of the Central Fuel Storage Centre (Grade-A) in Danitaw here this morning.Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi attended the meeting and made a speech.

The minister then presented prizes for minimum loss and wastage to the fuel storage centres in Chauk, Dawei and Pyay.

Academy awards presentation to be telecast live

Yangon, 17 Jan - Myanma Motion Picture Enterprise of the Ministry of Information will give away Motion Picture Academy Awards for the year 2001 at National Indoor Stadium in Thuwunna at 5.30 pm tomorrow. Myanmar Radio and Television will telecast the prize presentation ceremony live.

Military Band Competition goes on
Yangon, 17 Jan - The bands representing No 5 Basic Military Training Depot, No 101 LID, No 2 Basic Military Training Depot, Central Command, No 22 LID and No 8 Basic Military Training Depot and No 1 Band Company of Coastal Region Command participated in the 12th Defence Services (Army, Navy and Air) Military Band Competition to mark the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day at the People's Square here today.

Then, Director of Resettlements Maj-Gen Aung Thein of the Ministry of Defence accepted K 500,000 for the competition donated by Managing Director U Thet Oo of Ayeya Myay Co; K 300,000 by U Myo Aung-Daw Khin Yi Mon (Hsan Myanmar International Ink Pad; 70 wall clocks worth K 175,000 by Haji U Maung Maung Kyi-Ma Cho (Gawbya); K 100,000 each by U Than Naing-Daw Kyi Kyi Swe of Thamada Robes House; U Thaing Win-Daw Htay Htay Nyunt (BTB Co); U Aung Myint-Daw Phyu Thi of Lubyandaw Padamyar); U Hla Htay-Daw Tin Nwe Oo of Hmancho; U Hla Myint (Kaythipan); U Khin Maung Tun of Htetlin Clinic; U Tun Shwe-Daw Thin Thin Swe (Tun Shwewa Clinic); U Nyein-Daw Ohn Kyin of OK Rice Brokerage; Dr Aye Kyaw (Kyaw Traditional Medicine); and U Tin Aung-Daw Hla Hla Nwe of Win Yadana Passenger Transport; K 50,000 by U Yan Aung (Sayagyi Co) and K 30,000 by Daw Hla Hla of Lanmadaw Township Development Affairs Service.

Next, Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the Competition Vice Adjutant-General Maj-Gen
Maung Nyo presented cash awards to leaders of the band of Dagon Myothit (East) BEHS No 2,
Botahtaung BEHS No 6 and Dawbon BEHS No 1 which participated in the skill demonstration.