Senior General Than Shwe inspects construction of Shweli Bridge
Yangon, 24 Jan - Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe, left PyinOoLwin in Mandalay Division by helicopter on 22 January morning and arrived at the construction site of Shweli Bridge to link Katha Township in Sagaing Division and Mabein Township in Shan State (North).
At the briefing hall of the project site, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun reported to the Senior General on construction tasks and work done for the completion of the bridge. Deputy Minister U Pe Than reported to the Senior General on axis of the bridge and waterway of the Shweli river. Lt-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence made a supplementary report.
Then, the Senior General gave guidance and inspected the completion of the bridge from the briefing hall.
Afterwards, the Senior General and party walked past the bridge and inspected the completion of the main frame and the waterway. Then, the Senior General and party inspected Mandalay-Shwegu-Bhamo strategic road. For the development of the eastern bank of the Ayeyawady River, new Mandalay-Tagaung-Katha-Bhamo-Myitkyina strategic road was built under the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe. Shweli bridge is situated on the strategic road, linking Pyinhtaunggale Village in Katha Township, Sagaing Division, and NgaO Village in Nabein Township in Shan State (North). Ninety-two per cent of construction works of the 2330-foot long bridge have been completed so far.
For the development of the western bank of the river, new Shwebo-Myitkyina strategic road has been built.
The Senior General and party left the project site by helicopter and arrived at Thabeikkyin in Mandalay in the afternoon. At the meeting hall of the Township Peace and Development Council, Chairman U Thein Win reported to the Senior General on the affairs of the township including area, population, condition of cultivation tasks, measures for local rice sufficiency, production of edible oil and pulses and bean beyond the need of the township, livestock breeding tasks, economic development and per capita income, condition of health, education, transportation sectors, and electricity requirements in the township.
Then, the Senior General gave guidance. In his guidance, he said that ways and means must be sought for ensuring self-sufficiency of rice. Cultivated acreage of paddy must be increased as much as possible and systematic cultivation of paddy be carried out using high-yield pedigree seeds in order to ensure self-sufficiency of rice. On the other hand, cultivation of new crops including coffee which are suitable to the Township’s geographical and climatic conditions should be introduced. Basically, efforts must be made for economic development of the region with a view to ensuring developments in education and health sectors as well as for prevalence of peace and tranquillity and the rule of law and order, he said.
Afterwards, the Senior General and party round the town and accepted the warm welcome of the local people. Then, the Senior General and party left the town by helicopter and arrived at Mandalay in the evening.
Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, who accompanied the Senior General, inspected the site for a new pharmaceutical factory, barley plantations and barley factory in PyinOolwin on 21 January. U Aung Thaung, as a secretariat member of the USDA, met with the secretaries and executives of USDAs in Aungmyethazan, Chanayethazan, Chanmyathazi, Mahaaungmye, Chanmyathazi, Pyigyidagun, Amarapura, Patheingyi, TadaU, Singaing, Myittha and Madaya Townships at the office of Mandalay Division USDA at 6.30 am yesterday.
Foreign Head of Govt sends felicitations to Senior General Than Shwe
Yangon, 24 Jan - The following is the message of felicitations from Prime Minister of Jamaica the RT Honourable Percival J Patterson, PC, QC, MP, sent to Senior General Than Shwe, Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, on the occasion of the 55th Anniversary Independence Day of the Union of Myanmar.
The Government and people of Jamaica join me in extending congratulations to the Government and people of the Union of Myanmar as you celebrate the anniversary of the revolution. It is our hope that Myanmar will have continued peace, security and enhanced prosperity.
Region
IPRD holds 12th founding anniversary
Yangon, 24 Jan - Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan presented prizes to 33 districts of Information and Public Relations Department through Staff Officer U Ohn Khaing of Yangon West District IPRD Office at the 12th Anniversary of IPRD at the meeting hall of the Head Office of the department on Pansodan Street this morning.
Before the prize presentation ceremony, the minister gave a speech. Then, Deputy Minister U Thein Sein gave away prizes to 38 township IPRDs through Deputy Head Daw Yi Yi Shein of IPRD in North Okkalapa Township.
Next, IPRD Director-General U Chit Naing, Deputy Director U Aung Hsan, Director (Admin) U Kyaw Zin Oo and Director (Information/Relations) U Tun Min presented prizes to the respective outstanding service personnel.
Afterwards, Director (Production) U Than Tun presented gifts for staff of the IPRD head office to Staff Officer U Nyunt Hlaing.
Later, Staff Officer U Ohn Khaing spoke words of thanks. After the ceremony, Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan cordially conversed with the service personnel of IPRD.
USDA secretariat member meets executives in Sittway
Yangon, 24 Jan - Secretariat member of Union Solidarity and Development Association Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan met with executives and organizers of Rakhine State, Sittway District and Sittway Township USDAs at Township USDA office in Sittway on 23 January.
In meeting with them, he said that it is required for the association to take part in nation-building tasks and organize people in implementation of five rural development tasks. Every member of the association is to strive for sharpening his ability, he added.
Secretariat member Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan presented 500 books to libraries in Sittway District and Naing Construction donated K 150,000 for Sittway District USDA.
MNWCWA meets with WCWA in Taninthayi Division
Yangon, 24 Jan - Leader of Field Excursion Group member of the Myanmar National Committee for Women’s Affairs and the Myanmar National Working Committee for Women’s Affairs Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe arrived at Ingamaw village-tract in Myeik Township on 22 January morning.
Group Leader Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party were welcomed there by members of Ingamaw model village WCWA, the Union Solidarity and Development Association, the Maternal and Child Welfare Association, teachers, nurses, Red Cross and Fire Brigade and local people.
Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party paid homage to the Buddha Image with flowers, light and joss sticks at the
monastery of the village and offered provisions to Presiding Sayadaw U Javanatikkha. Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe then met with members of the WCWAs of Myeik District, Myeik Township and Ingamaw village-tract. It was also attended by local people, members of USDAs and MCWAs from nine villages in Ingamaw village-tract totalling about 300. On the occasion, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe explained the purpose of their visit to Taninthayi Division and expressed her thanks. Then, they held discussions.
Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe handed over medicines and stationery donated by the MNWCWA to the WCWA of Ingamaw model village, to Chairman of Taninthayi Division WCWA U Maung Maung Win. The MNWCWA also donated K 250,000 to the monastery of Ingamaw model village. Next, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party visited Maha Theikdizaya Pagoda, where she made cash donations to the fund for the construction of the pagoda. Commander Brig-Gen Tha Aye and Command Staff Colonel Than Myint accepted the donation. Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party, together with the commander, arrived at the vocational training school for women conducted by the Social Welfare Department on Myeik-Kyweku Road and donated cash to the training school. In the afternoon, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party also visited the vocational training school for women conducted by the Education and Training Department of the Ministry of Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs at Kanphya Ward in Myeik. Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, together with the commander, also went to the youth education training camp conducted by the Maternal and Child Welfare Association of Taninthayi Division at Pale Yadana Hall in Myeik, where she met with youths.
On arrival at Ah Saung Kaung industries Co Ltd in Inlemyine Industrial Zone of Myeik, officials reported on job opportunities for women and condition of income in fish, prawn and crab export enterprises. Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party arrived back at the guest house of the command in the evening. Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party, accompanied by the commander’s wife Daw Wei Wei Khaing and officials, visited “Kyauk” fish breeding farm conducted by Pyae Phyo Tun Int’l Co Ltd in Mawtongyi region, Kyunsu Township, Myeik District, on 23 January morning. Officials conducted them round the farm.
On arrival at Kyunsu in Myeik Township, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party were welcomed by Taninthayi Naval Regional Command Headquarters Commander Commodore Maung Win and departmental officials, members of USDA, social organizations and townselders. Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party then attended a meeting between the MNWCWA and Kyunsu Township WCWA at Kyun Yadana Hall of Township Peace and Development Council in Kyunsu. Also present at the meeting were Commodore Maung Win, local authorities, members of social organizations and local people totalling some 500.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe said that she would like to explain the development of women’s life during their stay in Kyunsu Township. The MNWCWA, in line with the policies laid down by the Government, is implementing the tasks for education, health, the prevention of violence against women and rehabilitation, economy, the development of young women’s life, women and information, women and environmental protection, and international relations sectorwise. The prevention of women against violence and rehabilitation group carries out the tasks for the development of women’s life and gives educational talks. Every woman should know about violence against women. However, as Kyunsu possesses the education, health and living standard as well as the religious devotions there will probably be less violence against women.
Later, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe handed over medicines and stationery donated by the MNWCWA to Kyunsu Township WCWA, to member of Township WCWA Daw Nan Hla Htwe. Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe also cordially met with those present at the meeting and left Kyunsu for Myeik. Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe then accepted K 1 million donated by Chairman of Vantage Co Ltd U Sai Than Aung and Daw Nan Yin to the MNWCWA, at the guest house of the command. Vice-Chairperson Prof Dr Daw May May Yee spoke words of thanks on the occasion. The cash donation ceremony was also attended by the commander’s wife Daw Wei Wei Khaing and members of Taninthayi Division WCWA and wellwishers. Afterwards, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party left Myeik and arrived back here in the afternoon.
Reproductive Health Project Teachership Course opened
Yangon, 24 Jan - Reproductive Health Project Teachership Course, organized by Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association and United Nations Funds and Population Activities, opened at the meeting hall of MMCWA at the corner of Parami and Thanthuma roads in South Okkalapa Township this morning.
It was attended by Chairperson of MMWCA Prof Daw Kyu Kyu Swe, Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, CEC members, patrons, officials of Health Department, resident representative of UNFPA Dr Najib Assifi and officials and trainees.
On the occasion, Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and Dr Najib Assifi made speeches.
A total of 75 trainees from Gyobingauk, Monyo, Minhla, Htantabin and Ottwin Townships are attending the course.
Officials discuss traffic rules enforcement drive
Yangon, 24 Jan - Yangon Division Traffic Rules Enforcement Supervisory Committee held a meeting at All Bus Lines Control Committee Office here this evening.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairman of the committee Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe explained the body’s functions to ensure convenience for all travellers in Yangon and other parts of the country entering and leaving the city daily, safety of city buses and taxies, traffic rules enforcement drive, and punishment against over charging.
Members of the committee reported to the meeting on tasks to ensure passenger convenience, operation of the city commuter trains and buses in accord with the schedule and sanitation of jetties and airports, and the chairmen of the city bus lines on the supervision being given to the drivers and ticket conductors to observe the traffic rules and to stay away from the practice of overcharging. Maj-Gen Myint Swe gave suggestions.
Kidney transplant performed at DSGH
Yangon, 24 Jan - A combined team comprising specialists of the kidney surgery team of Mt Elizabeth Hospital of Singapore and those of medical corp of Defence Services this morning performed kidney transplant and surgery on a kidney patient and a kidney donor at Defence Services General Hospital (1000-bed). For the first time in Myanmar, the medical corp successfully conducted kidney transplant on five patients in cooperation with kidney specialists from England in 1995. Then, it performed kidney transplant on two patients in 1997 and three patients in 1999, with medical doctors from Singapore.
Work Committee for Oraganizing 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day
Commemorative Poetry and Arts Competition holds coord meeting
Yangon, 24 Jan - The Work Committee for Oraganizing the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commemorative Poetry and Arts Competition held its fourth coordination meeting at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Culture on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road here this morning.
It was attended by Chairman of the Work Committee Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, Vice-Chairman Assistant Chief of Armed Forces Training (Air) Col Ko Ko Naing of the Office of Chief of Armed Forces Training, the work commiitee members, the chairmen of the sub-committees and members and officials.
First, Chairman of the Work Committee Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt made a speech.
In his speech, he stressed the need for members of the work committee and sub-committees to make efforts for successful holding of the competition since it is being held in accord with the objectives of the Tatmadaw Day, adding that the Tatmadaw and the people have been in unity.
The Tatmadaw was born of the people, and the people and the Tatmadaw cannot be separated. All are to make strenuous efforts for further strengthening the national culture, he noted.
Arrangements are to be made to carry the news of the competition in the dailies and on TV and to present what to be presented for successful holding of the competition, he said.
Then, the chairmen of the respective sub-committees presented progress of work and future tasks, followed by a general round of discussions.
Next, those present dealt with the Centre Piece painting which is to be displayed at Tatmadaw Convention Hall.
The meeting ended with the concluding remarks by the deputy minister.
Myawady Magazine Vol II in good demand
Yangon, 24 Jan - The Myawady Magazine has attained golden jubilee and is considered as the esteemed periodical among other publications. Since the first issue of the magazine was published in November 1952 it was 50 years old in the year 2002.
The Golden Jubilee Special Issue of Myawady Magazine for November 2002 has been in circulation in two volumes with the works of noted writers.
Volume I of the magazine has been sold out in a couple of days. Volume II of the magazine have also been in good demand, and just a few of copies are left.
The bookworms who want to keep the magazines for life are to contact the Myawady Literary House Branch, No 180, 32nd Street, Pabedan Township, Yangon (Tel: 282674).
Joint Economic Quadrangle Committee (JEQC) Conference and Annual General Meeting held
Yangon, 24 Jan - The Joint Economic Quadrangle Committee (JEQC) Conference and Annual General Meeting was held at Sedona Hotel here this morning. The JEQC is formed with the chambers of commerce of Myanmar, Laos, Chiangmai (Northern Thailand) and Yunnan Province ( People’s Republic of China).
It was attended by Director-General U Nyunt Aye of Directorate of Trade and departmental officials, President of Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry U Win Myint, advisers, CEC members and executives, President of JEQC Vice-President of UMFCCI U Htein Win, the representatives of Chambers of Commerce of Laos, Chiangmai and Yunnan Province, and Laotian Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Chanthavy Bodhisane and guests.
First, UMFCCI President U Win Myint and Director-General U Nyunt Aye made speeches.
President of Laos Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mr Chanphen Bounnaphol presented a paper on Tourism Industry in JEQC, President of Chiangmai Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mr Rachan Veeraphan a paper on Export Processing Zones (EPZ) in JEQC, Vice-President of Yunnan Province Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mr Lu Xinjian a paper on Investment and Business Perspective of Yunnan, and UMFCCI CEC Member U Way Phyoe paper on Cross Border Trade and Investment Opportunities in JEQC and they replied to queries raised by those present.
At 1.30 pm, the JEQC Annual General Meeting continued with an address by JEQC President U Win Htein. Then, UMFCCI General Secretary U Zaw Min Win read out the annual report of 2002.
President U Win Htein handed over the responsibility of JEQC Chairman to President of Chiangmai Chambers of Commerce and Industry Mr Rachan Veeraphan and made concluding remarks.
Yangon, 24 Jan - Under the supervision of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism and the sponsorship of the Ministry of Transport, the Cruiseliner MV Arion, which arrived at Bo Aung Kyaw Jetty on 22 January under the arrangement of Tour Mandalay Co Ltd, left here this afternoon. Officials bid farewell to it.
Yangon, 24 Jan - The workshops of the Second Myanmar Information and Communication Technology Week continued at the MICT Park on Hline Universities’ Campus today.
The Workshop on Trade Electronic Data Interchange-TEDI was held at the Room 205 in MICT Park. Present were Vice-Chairman of e-National Task Force Vice-Chairmen Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement U Hlaing Win and member of Civil Service Selection and Training Board U Aung Myint, officials and IT technicians.
Director-General U Nyunt Aye of Directorate of Trade gave a speech.
Assistant Director U Myint Soe of DT reported on master plans laid down and being implemented by the Ministry of Commerce for its tasks related to export & import and border trade under control of ICT after forming a committee for development of ICT and future tasks; Assistant Director U Ko Ko Oo of Customs Department on custom control and computer application tasks being undertaken with the use of ICT based on data from departments in connection with the Customs Department; and matters related to IT Application in line with a norm laid down by World Custom Organization; General Manager U Tin Soe of Myanma Port Authority on tasks to be carried out with the use of ICT in maritime, aviation, departments, universities and MPA under the Ministry of Transport.
In the afternoon, those present reviewed the discussions.
The Trade Electronic Data Interchange-TEDI is a part of the project for establishment of e-Government. TEDI System will turn conventional service of trade, financial, Custom and port tasks into electronic service through Internet.
Similarly, the e-Procurement Workshop continued at Room 105 this morning. Present were Vice President Mr Ringo and party of Commerce Dot Com of Malaysia and officials of the ministries. The Commerce Dot Com of Malaysia reviewed yesterday’s discussions. The workshop will continue tomorrow.
Yangon, 24 Jan - Entrepreneurs, Tatmadawmen and members of Myanmar Police Force, service personnel, teachers, students and the public who take keen interest in IT visited the fourth day exhibition of the Second Myanmar ICT Week 2003 in groups or individually at MICT Park on Hline University Campus here today.
At the booth of the Ministry of Telecommunications, Posts and Telegraphs, video phones, Inmarset-M4 phone and fax, global positioning systems, cordless phones for rural areas were on display. Visitors have been permitted to use E-mail, Internet and phone free of charge at the booth.
On display at the booth of Bagan Cybertech were demonstration of a system enabling Bagan Net Users to found a club at the On Line Club and act as the master of the club, as well as seek membership in the club founded by another one. In this system, information exchange can be carried out between men of the same hobby and enterprise.
Computer software, hardware and electronic equipment can be bought at special prices through hire purchase system at the booth of Asia Wealth Bank during the exhibition. Yoma Bank and Myanmar Mayflower Bank demonstrated the e-services and banking products at the respective booths.
Queen Star Computer Booth showed latest model BENQ and LCDTV.
Booths of the exhibition including 64 local companies and 12 foreign companies have participated in the exhibition, and books on IT can also be bought at the shops of the exhibition.
For the convenience of the visitors, buses are plying free of charge from the junctions of Parami Road and Insein Road, and Pyay Road and Parami Road to the park. The Myanmar ICT Week, 2003 will be kept open daily free of charge from 9 am to 5 pm till 31-1-2003.
Stimulant tablets seized in Hpa-an
Yangon, 24 Jan - A combined team comprising members of the local intelligence unit and Hpa-an Special Anti-drug Squad, acting on information, on 16 January searched the house of Tin Win of Naung Lon Village in Hpa-an Township and seized 723 stimulant tablets. Action was taken against Tin Win (a) Hpa Pwe, 40, son of U Kyaw under Sections 15/19 (A)/ 20(A)(B) of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by Hpa-an Police Station. The Hpa-an District Court handed down 5 years’ imprisonment on Tin Win (a) Hpa Pwe under Section 15 and 15 years’ imprison-ment under Section 19(A) to serve separately.
