State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends message of felicitations to India
Yangon, 26 Jan — On the occasion of the 54th Anniversary of the Republic Day of India which falls on 26 January 2003, Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent messages of felicitations to His Excellency Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, President of the Republic of India and to His Excellency Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee, Prime Minister of the Republic of India.
State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends message of felicitations to Australia
Yangon, 26 Jan — On the occasion of the anniversary of the Australia Day which falls on 26 January 2003, Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, had sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Dr Peter Hollingworth, AC, OBE, Governor-General of Australia.
Development of township and district-wise human resources necessary for national development in the future and regional development
Senior General Than Shwe meets officials of Ngazun, Myingyan Townships
Yangon, 25 Jan— Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe arrived at Ngazun and Myingyan in Myingyan District, Mandalay Division on 23 January and met departmental officials, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association and social organizations and townselders.
Senior General Than Shwe, left Mandalay for Ngazun by helicopter on 23 January. Chairman of Ngazun Township Peace and Development Council U Myint Ko Than reported on the area of the township, land and water resources, cultivation, per acre yield, efforts for rice sufficiency in the region, sufficiency and surplus of edible oil and variety of beans and pulses, measures undertaken for development of livestock breeding sector, objectives and implementation of the project of the township, individual income, education, health and transport, peace and tranquility and the rule of law. Next, officials concerned reported on implementation of the tasks in the respective sectors. Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint took part in the discussions.
Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin reported on dam and river water pumping projects in Ngazun township. Lt-Gen Ye Myint reported on electric power requirements in Ngazun Township.
In giving guidance, Senior General Than Shwe said there is no sufficiency of rice in Ngazun Township. He spoke of the need to make concerted efforts for rice sufficiency in the region. Spending a large amount of money, the government is implementing dam and river water pumping projects for irrigation needed most in the region, he said.
These projects meant to extend paddy cultivation and provide rice sufficiency. Especially, extended cultivation of monsoon paddy is to be undertaken with the use of rain water and irrigation, he added. Efforts are to be made for turning the cultivable lands in Anya regions into farmlands. Proper cultivation of paddy is to be carried out with the substitution of high yields for increasing per acre yield. He also spoke of the need to boost production of cotton and beans and pulses. Only when there is progress in agriculture and productivity, can agro-based industries be established. He urged officials to strive for boosting production of paddy, cotton and beans and pulses and rice sufficiency by making field trips to rural regions. By doing so, individual income will increase and their living standard will also improve, he said.
Development of township and district-wise human resources is necessary for national development in the future and regional development. Progress of the State economy is needed for human resource development and economic progress depends on power of human resource. He said economic progress, human resource development, education and health are interrelated.
Therefore, the government is effectively implementing the border region development project, the rural development project and other development projects relating to 24 major development regions for development of economy, education, health and transport sectors.
Of the projects, he said, those in-charge are to implement the related projects and urged them to strive for more progress after reviewing development in the region correctly. He said progress and weakness of the township are to be assessed practically. Sound and correct figures which represent actual conditions of practical life are to be compiled. He said the government is making strenuous efforts to narrow economic and social gaps between one region and another and development gap among the national races as much as possible. After taking up the duties of State, the government is making endeavours for uplift of the quality of life of the people. The government has seriously accepted the development of the country and raising the living standard of the people as its life and it is carrying out the task with full goodwill, he said. He said there are still a lot of tasks to be undertaken in connection with economic, social, transport and power supply sectors for development of the entire Union including rural regions and some projects are under way with greater momentum. The Senior General urged those in-charge in the regions to make strenuous efforts for development of the regions with goodwill. Senior General Than Shwe cordially greeted those present.
After the ceremony, Senior General Than Shwe and party toured Ngazun where they were welcomed by teachers, students, members of USDA and social organizations and local people.
Senior General Than Shwe and party left Ngazun by helicopter and viewed Natthar-daw Dam under construction and Simeekhon 1, 2, 3 and 4 river water pumping projects in the north of Myingyan Township.
Senior General Than Shwe and party arrived at the regional battalion in Myingyan where they were welcomed by Commander of No 99 LID Brig-Gen Aung Khin Soe, the chairman of Myingyan District Peace and Development Council and members, the chairman of Myingyan Township Peace and Development Council and officials. Senior General Than Shwe and party went to Mani Kinsana Hall. They were welcomed there by Tatmadawmen and families, teachers, students, members of USDA and social organizations and local people.
Senior General Than Shwe met with Chairman of Myingyan District Peace and Development Council and members, Chairman of Myingyan Township Peace and Development Council and members, departmental officials, members of USDA and social organizations and townselders. Myingyan District Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col Win Myint and officials reported on cultivation, rice and edible oil sufficiency, rural development activities, progress in education and health and Myingyan industrial zone.
Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin and Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung gave supplementary reports.
At the meeting Senior General Than Shwe said dams and river water pumping projects had been implemented in Myingyan District and therefore there were almost no other projects left to be undertaken.
He said efforts are to be made effectively for rice sufficiency and extended cultivation of paddy with the application of conditions created by the government. Cultivation of cotton, peas and maize is to be undertaken in the region for realization of the targets.
He said industries designated to raise the living standard are to be established while making efforts to achieve progress in agriculture sector and to fulfil food, clothing and shelter needs.
The people in cooperation with government are to take part in efforts for development of industrial sector. That is why private industrial zones like Myingyan industrial zone are being established. Today’s implementation of projects create better foundations for posterity. Better agricultural, industrial and economic foundations are being built for uplift of living standard and job opportunities for new generation, he said. At the same time, arrangements are being made to achieve better foundations for education and health sectors. He spoke of the need for officials to avoid carrying out the tasks only when asked to do so and discharging the duty perfunctorily. Brighter future for posterity is to be created with belief and concept. Next, Senior General Than Shwe cordially greeted those present. Senior General Than Shwe and party toured Myingyan.
Excerpts from guidance of Senior General Than Shwe
* Efforts are to be made for turning cultivable lands in Anya regions into farmlands
* Only when there is progress in agriculture and productivity, can agro-based industries be established
* Officials are to strive for boosting production of paddy, cotton, beans & pulses and rice sufficiency
* Economic progress, human resource development, education and health are interrelated
* Progress and weakness of the township are to be figured out in practice
* Officials are to avoid carrying out the tasks only when asked to do so and discharging the duty perfunctorily
International Relations
Foreign Head of State sends felicitations to Senior General Than Shwe
Yangon, 25 Jan — The following is the message of felicitations from Mr John Agyekum Kufuor, President of the Republic of Ghana, sent to Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, on the occasion of the 55th Anniversary Independence Day of Myanmar.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Ghana and on my own behalf, I wish to extend my warmest felicitations and best wishes to you, the Government and people of Myanmar, on the happy occasion of your National Day. It is our sincere hope that succeeding anniversaries will witness the further strengthening of the cordial relations existing between our two countries for the mutual benefit of our people. Accept, Excellency, our best wishes for your continuous good health and personal well-being, and for the success and prosperity of the Government and people of the Union of Myanmar”.
State Peace and Development Council Vice-Chairman
Vice-Senior General Maung Aye sends message of felicitations to India
Yangon, 25 Jan — On the occasion of the 54th Anniversary of the Republic Day of India which falls on 26 January 2003, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, Vice-President of the Republic of India.
Foreign Affairs Minister arrives back from India
Yangon, 25 Jan — Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung arrived back here by air yesterday evening after paying an official visit to the Republic of India at the invitation of Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India Mr Yaswant Sinha.
The minister was welcomed at Yangon International Airport by Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman’s Office Lt-Gen Min Thein, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office U Than Shwe, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, directors-general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador of India Mr Rajiv Kumar Bhatia.
During his stay in New Delhi, Minister U Win Aung paid courtesy call on Vice- President Mr Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and Prime Minister Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee of the Republic of India.
On 20 January 2003, Minister U Win Aung met with Mr Yaswant Sinha, Minister for External Affairs and held bilateral talks at Hyderabad House. The two ministers exchanged views and discussed a wide range of matters of mutual interest. After the talks they signed the Protocol on Consultations between the Ministry of Foreign of the Union of Myanmar and the Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India.
The Minister also met with Minister of Finance Shri Jaswant Singh and Minister of Disinvestment and Commerce Shri Arun Shourie at their respective offices and held discussions on matters of bilateral cooperation. Home Secretary Mr Gopal Swami and Dr Smt Najma Heptulla, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha and President of Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) called on Minister U Win Aung at the Imperial Hotel.
On 2o January 2003, he addressed the Confederation of India Industries (CII) on Myanmar trade and investment opportunities.
On 20 January 2003, Minister U Win Aung also addressed the Association of Indian Diplomats (AID) on “the Potential of Indo-Myanmar Bilateral Relations” at Sapru House.
The Minister also visited Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh State of India on 22 January 2003 where he met with Chief Minister Mr N Chandrababu Naidu of Andra Pradesh State at his office. While he was in Hyderabad, the minister visited Hitech City and witnessed first-hand success achieved by India in the field of Information Technology.
On 23 January 2003, the minister visited Kolkata. He called on Governor Viren J Shah and Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattarcharjee of West Bengal State and exchanged views on promotion trade, commerce and tourism.
The members of the Bengal Initiative led by its Chairman Mr Amiya Gooptu called on Minister U Win Aung at the Taj Bengal Hotel. Myanmar delegation members Deputy Director-General U Nyan Lynn and Deputy Director U Ye Tun of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also arrived back here with the minister.
U Khin Maung Win to attend ASEAN-EU meeting
Yangon, 25 Jan — The leader of Myanmar delegation, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, HE U Khin Maung Win left here by air this evening to participate in the 14th ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting to be held on 27-28 January in Brussels, Belgium.
The Deputy Minister was seen off at the Yangon International Airport by heads of department and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Myanmar Ambassador to France U Wunna Maung Lwin, Myanmar Ambassador to Germany U Nyunt Maung Shein, Director-General U Thaung Tun and Director U Denzil Able of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will also be attending the Meeting as members of the Myanmar delegation.
Demonstration of polyfelt geotextile
Yangon, 25 Jan — Agricultural and Development Co Ltd gave demonstration of polyfelt geotextile at the company on Thiri Yeiktha in Lower Kyimyinedine Street, Ahlon Township this morning.
Senior Technical Engineer Mr Albert Lim of Polyfelt Asia Sdn Bhd explained advantages of using polyfelt geotextiles for sub grade stabiligation, subsoil drainage and filtration, reinforced slopes and embankments, embankment foundation (Stabilization polyfelt), stabilization of soft soil using polyfelt and bamboo and coastal and riverbank filtration. By applying the geotextile technique in construction of airports, runways and railways, the cost will be decreased from 30 to 50 per cent.
The company will sell farm machinery, accessories of sugar mill, cement factory, and textile factory, motorcar parts and laboratory equipment in kyat at reasonable prices.
Yangon, 25 Jan — Cruise liner MV Astor of Transocean Co Ltd based in Germany today moored to Myanmar International Thilawa Terminal. The tourists will be on trips to Bagan, Bago, Yangon, Thanlyin and Kyauktan in separate groups.
Demonstration of polyfelt geotextile
Yangon, 25 Jan — Agricultural and Development Co Ltd gave demonstration of polyfelt geotextile at the company on Thiri Yeiktha in Lower Kyimyinedine Street, Ahlon Township this morning.
Senior Technical Engineer Mr Albert Lim of Polyfelt Asia Sdn Bhd explained advantages of using polyfelt geotextiles for sub grade stabiligation, subsoil drainage and filtration, reinforced slopes and embankments, embankment foundation (Stabilization polyfelt), stabilization of soft soil using polyfelt and bamboo and coastal and riverbank filtration. By applying the geotextile technique in construction of airports, runways and railways, the cost will be decreased from 30 to 50 per cent.
The company will sell farm machinery, accessories of sugar mill, cement factory, and textile factory, motorcar parts and laboratory equipment in kyat at reasonable prices.
Region
Secretary-1 attends opening of multimedia teaching centres at BEHSs in Namhsan, Tamoenye
Yangon, 25 Jan — Chairman of the Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt, left here by Tatmadaw aircraft yesterday morning and arrived in Lashio, Shan State (North), at 10.30 am.
Then, the Secretary-1 and party proceeded to Namhsan, Shan State (North) where they were welcomed by Kyaukme District and Namhsan Township authorities, departmental personnel, Shan State (North) Special Region-7 national race leader U Aik Mone and party, national race leader U Kyaw Yin and party of Ta-aung Palaung peace group in Kyaukme, cultural troupes and local people.
At 11 am, the opening ceremony of the multimedia teaching centre was held at Namhsan Basic Education High School, with an address by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt.
Then, Headmistress Daw Mya Mya Khin and Chairman of SBT U Hla Aung formally opened the multimedia teaching centre.
Next, the Secretary-1 unveiled the signboard of the centre.
The General and party then inspected the Audio Room & Reading Corner, the Language Lab, the Projected Media Room, the Computer Skills Room, the Computer Aided Instruction Room and the Domestic Science and Art Room and the students learning at the centre.
They then inspected performance of the students at the music room.
Afterwards, the opening ceremony of the multimedia teaching centre was held at the hall of the school. Headmistress Daw Mya Mya Khin reported on the purpose of opening the multimedia teaching centre and installation of modern teaching aids. Member of SBT U Su also reported on efforts made for opening of the centre.
Then, the Secretary-1 presented a computer set, TV and VCR and teaching aids for Namhsan BEHS to Township Education Officer Daw Win Kyi.
The General then accepted K 3.8 million for the school donated by Commander Maj-Gen Myint Hlaing; K 1 million by Shan State (North) Special Region-7 national race leader U Aik Mone; K 500,000 by national race leader U Kyaw Yin and party of Ta-aung Palaung peace group in Kyaukme; K 500,000 by Asia World Co Ltd Managing Director U Tun Myint Naing; K 500,000 by Kyaukme District and Namhsan Township Peace and Development Councils and departmental personnel through Kyaukme District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Maung Maung Kyi; and K 7 million by Vice-Chairman of School Board of Trustees U Tha Oo and local people in Namhsan.
Next, the Secretary-1 presented school uniforms for the teachers of Namhsan BEHS to Headmistress Daw Mya Mya Khin.
Afterwards, Kyaukme District PDC Chairman Lt-Col Maung Maung Kyi reported on the location and area of Namhsan Township, population and national races, tasks of education, health, agriculture and transport and implementation of the instructions given by Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt during his visit to Mantung region.
Then, the Secretary-1 fulfilled the requirements and delivered an address. Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt said that he and officials were there to fulfil the needs for development of Namhsan Township.
He said systematic arrangements need to be made for extended cultivation of paddy in the township to ensure self-sufficiency in rice. The local authorities in cooperation with officials of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation need to make efforts for extended cultivation of cold season crops including maize by means of highland cultivation, he said.
The conventional methods of cultivation of tea will need to be improved gradually. Organization work should be carried out in order to increase sown acreage, boost production and enhance quality. With the aim of enhancing the living standard of the local people and promoting regional economy in accord with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, steps are being taken for implementation of highland cultivation system. The system will stamp out the ill effects of the shifting cultivation while creating favorable weather condition, he said.
Since Namhsan region is the hilly and mountainous one there are limits for regional development. However, the natural barriers are to be overcome by all means.
Head of State Senior General Than Shwe has given guidance calling for bringing about equitable development the length and breadth of the nation. In the process, the development zones have been designated in the respective regions and work is well under way for national and regional development.
In accord with the guidance of the Head of State, plans for development of border areas and national races and the 24 development zones, and the five rural development tasks have been laid down and are being implemented. All the ministries have been striving in harmony for successful implementation of the project, he said. He spoke of the need for departmental officials at different levels to make collective efforts like the ministries for regional development after forming the respective committees sector wise.
At the same time, the township level officials are to make field trips right down to the villages at border areas and fulfil the requirements. Sustained and relentless efforts will have to be made to bring about equitable development across the nation while striving for higher living standard of the entire national people and for regional development.
As regards the education sector, it is encouraging to see the skills of the students at the multimedia classrooms of Namhsan Basic Education High School. It can be attributed to the nurturing of the students by the teachers and the efforts of the students and it is required to make continued efforts for development of the school. He called on the teacher 2 to try their utmost in training and teaching the students and the students, on their part, to strive to become highly-qualified and outstanding ones and to raise the education to the international level. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party had documentary photos taken together with national race leaders, members of the School Board of Trustees, the headmistress, teachers and students.
Then, the Secretary-1 and party went to Maha Muni Buddha Image in Namhsan and paid homage to the image. They then donated cash towards the funds of the image.
The General and party proceeded to Tamoenye of Kutkai Township where they were welcomed by local authorities, Tamoenye Region national race leader U Myint Lwin and party, cultural troupes and local people.
Next, the multimedia teaching centre was opened at Basic Education High School in Tamoenye, Kutkai Township, in the afternoon.
First, Headmaster U Soe Myint and Chairman of SBT U Myint Lwin formally opened the multimedia teaching centre. Then, the Secretary-1 unveiled the signboard of the multimedia teaching centre.
The General then inspected the Computer Skills Room, the Computer Aided Instruction Room, the Projected Media Room, the Domestic Science and Art Room, the Audio Room and the Language Lab and learning of the students at the centre. Next, the General viewed performance of the students at the music room.
At the opening ceremony of the centre, the Secretary-1 presented a TV set and VCR, a set of computer and teaching aids for the school and school uniforms for the teachers to Headmaster U Soe Myint.
Afterwards, the General accepted four computers and K 1 million for the school donated by Commander Maj-Gen Myint Hlaing; K 500,000 by Asia World Co Ltd Managing Director U Tun Myint Naing; a computer and K 1,750,000 by Chairman of SBT U Myint Lwin; K 2 million by wellwisher U Aik Hawt, K 2,321,564 by Tamoenye People’s Militia Troops; K 892,111 by Tamoenye BEHS School Board of Trustees; K 2 million each by Tamoenye People’s Militia member U Kyaw Myint; and Shaukhaw People’s Militia member U Than Myint; K 1 million by Lonthang People’s Militia member U Kyan Su Wam and K 500,000 by U Aung Yin of Tamoenye.
After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party posed for documentary photos with national race leaders, members of SBT, the headmaster, teachers and students.
Next, the ceremony to open the national race cultural hall was held in Tamoenye.
Chairman of Muse District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Soe Win, Tamoenye Region Traditional Cultural Committee Chairman U Yan Pe Zon (a) U Than Htay and Secretary U Myint Lwin opened the hall.
Later, the General unveiled the signboard of the hall. Afterwards, General Khin Nyunt met with district and township authorities, departmental personnel and the national race leaders at the Cultural Hall.
First, Lt-Col Soe Win reported on development tasks
being undertaken in Tamoenye Region and requirements. Tamoenye national race leader U Myint Lwin reported on implementing of Namhsa hydel power project, tasks of education and health, construction of TV retransmission station, task of telecommunications and drug elimination, cultivation of opium-substitute crops and development tasks.
Then, the Secretary-1 attended to their needs and delivered an address. In his address, he said that he and his party came there to fulfil the requirements for development of Shan State (North) and to promote the living standard of the local people. They arrived in Namhsan Township of Kyaukme District this morning and proceeded to Tamonye region, he said. The Union of Myanmar is home to various national races residing in various parts of it. It is the prominent and significant fact that the national races have been living in different states and divisions forming the Union. It is also required to forge unity among the national races who are enhancing dignity and essence of the Union. Stability and peace did not prevail due to lack of unity among the national races in the past. In the time of the present Government, efforts have been made for restoring stability and peace in the region with the national unity. Hence, there now prevails stability and peace in the region.
At a time when the national unity has been flourishing and the Union is peaceful and tranquil due to the joint efforts of the Government and the national races, there emerge attempts to sow discord among the national brethren to undermine national unity. It is necessary for all the national races to collectively wipe out such attempts so as to ensure the prevalence of regional peace and tranquillity. To ensure harmonious developments throughout the nation, State leaders make field tours of all the regions in the Union and are fulfilling the requirements for regional development and socio-economic improvements of the local people.
Hence, departmental personnel at township level are to make field trips right down to village level to bring about regional developments. Tamoenye region in the past was engaged in production of narcotic drugs. Continued efforts for annihilating the narcotic drug menace will have to be made as a national task. While the Government is striving to totally wipe out the drug menace which is threatening the entire mankind, the regional people on their part are to make strenuous efforts in cultivating opium-substitute crops and ensuring success of agriculture and livestock breeding works.
Departmental personnel concerned and the regional people are to participate in the Government’s endeavours in agriculture, livestock breeding and transportation.
Tamoenye region is a border town and conscientious and cooperative efforts must be made for bilateral interests of Myanmar and the neighbouring countries. Departmental officials and local people are to take part in bilateral cooperation programmes such as trade and commerce, ensuring the rule of law, administrative works and anti-narcotic drug activities. At a time when the Government is making efforts for ensuring all the national peoples of the Union to live in peace as brethren, the national peoples on their part are to collectively safeguard the Union with the conviction that they are brethren born of the same family.
Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party left there and arrived back in Lashio in the evening. The Secretary-1 and party proceeded to the opium substitute integrated poultry and fish breeding farm of the North-East Command.
First, the Secretary-1 and party arrived at the model livestock breeding booth. Commander Maj-Gen Myint Hlaing and officials showed them round the poultry farm.
The Secretary-1 inspected the poultry farm where 5,700 Sinshweli layers were raised. They also inspected the pig breeding farm.
Later, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and party inspected the nursery where 400,000 saplings of Cattimoe coffee are grown.
The Secretary-1 and party proceeded to Shweli Yeiktha of Lashio.
Development tasks explained to local people in Pyay
Yangon, 25 Jan — Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win of the Ministry of Defence arrived in Pyay on 21 January morning. Accompanied by Chairman of Bago Division (West) Peace and Development Council Col Tin Maung Win, Lt-Gen Soe Win inspected Khittaya e-Library in Pyay and gave necessary instructions.
At Thiri Khittaya Hall in Pyay, Lt-Gen Soe Win met with members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, social organizations an local people. Col Tin Maung Win reported on regional development tasks.
After hearing the reports, Lt-Gen Soe Win delivered an address. He said that he would like to explain progress of development tasks being undertaken by the local authorities in cooperation with the people in Bago Division during the period of Tatmadaw Government. There were 2.4 million acres of farmland in the past and there are 3 million acres of farmland now with an increase of 0.6 million. With regard to water supply sector, 32 dams and reservoirs have been built in Bago Division - 15 in Bago Division (West). In addition, 15 river water pumping projects have been implemented there. Therefore, there were 3.1 million acres of cultivable land in the region in the past, and there are 4.8 million acres of land at present with an increase of 1.7 million. In the road sector, there were 815 miles in length and there are 947 miles now. A total of 134 miles of road have been increased. In the bridge construction, a total of 11 bridges which are above 180 feet long including Nawade Bridge have been built; four bridges are under construction; and plans are under way to build another three.
In the education sector, there were 4,056 basic education schools in the region in the past and there are 4,449 ones at present with an increase of 387. Although there were 24,155 teachers at the basic education schools in the past, a total of 26,012 teachers have been appointed now more 1,857 than the number of the past. Therefore, 214,664 basic education students increased from student number 602,756 in the past to 817,421 at present.
In the higher education sector, there were only two colleges in the past. Now there are three universities, four degree colleges and two colleges totalling nine with an increase of seven. With regard to health care sector, there were 61 hospitals in the past, but 74 now with an increase of 13.
Then, Lt-Gen Soe Win urged those present to carry out extended opening of basic education schools for cent per cent enrolment of school going children, academic matters, public health care service and rural development tasks, and to participate in peace and tranquillity of the region and development tasks. Later, Lt-Gen Soe Win presented two computers and 1,000 CD-ROMs to the library.
Minister meets with officials of National Holdings Ltd
Yangon, 25 Jan—Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman’s Office Brig-Gen Abel met with Chairman of National Holdings Ltd U Khin Shwe and General Secretary U Than Myint and the directors at the firm at the junction of Thuwunna Road in Thingangyun Township at 4 pm yesterday.
At the meeting, Chairman U Khin Shwe explained that the firm is running business on a profit-sharing basis with the capital of K 3289.3 million; that there are 2,491 shareholders with 258,830 shares in the firm and the sub-companies under it are engaged in exports and import of construction materials; that arrangements are being made for construction of advanced apartments and production and distribution of oxygen and argon and services.
Then, Minister Brig-Gen Abel made a speech. He said that the national holdings companies were formed in Myanmar with the aim of keeping the national economy in the hands of the State and the people, adding that since National Holdings Ltd is the public company, the MSEC will provide assistance to the firm as much as it can. Being the public company, it is required to lay down the business plan and the financial plan firmly and to have good performance, he stressed.
The firm is making progress with trading, construction, industrial and services undertakings. It is reasonable for the company to make arrangements for sharing at least 20 % profit this year and it thus will contribute to an increase in the demand of shares. The Condominium Act has been drafted and is being presented to the authorities concerned. The MSEC has drafted the law after coordinating with Tokyo Stock Exchange and Daiwa Institute Research Limited (DIR). The firm will make more progress by cooperating with the MSEC.
Sanitation and dredging work inspected
Yangon, 25 Jan — Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Yangon City Development Committee Vice-Chairman Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa inspected sanitation work and arrangements for proper drainage carried out by Tatmadawmen, members of Myanmar Police Force, staff of YCDC, members of USDA, Red Cross and Fire Auxiliary Brigades, MCWA and Women’s Affairs Committee and public in districts, townships and wards.
On arriving at Kamayut Creek bridge between Kamayut and Hline townships. They then inspected dredging of ditches on either side of Baho Road and the creek and sanitation work being carried out along the road. The commander next gave necessary instructions to YCDC officials.
Next, the commander and party went to the site for dredging tasks at the ditch between Ingyinmyaing Street and the railway in Industrial Zone, Shwepyitha Townshup where they viewed dredging tasks by using machinery and sanitation tasks being implemented along the street. He then urged the officials to organize people to take part in implementation of sanitation work for the sake of people’s good health.
The commander and party proceeded to the construction site for Kyusan Village short-cut road linking No 1 and No 4 Highways. Officials reported on the tasks being carried out. The commander then inspected paving of gravel on the road.
Similarly, led by Mingaladon Station Commander Col Win Naung, Yangon West District Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein, 500 people carried out sanitation work and dredging tasks in the precinct of Kaba Aye Pagoda.
Information Technology
Myanmar ICT Week, 2003 continues
Yangon, 25 Jan — As today is a holiday, youths, students, service personnel, and the public who are interested in ICT and Internet visited the fifth day exhibition of the Second Annual Myanmar ICT Week, 2003 in groups or individually at MICT Park on Hline University Campus here today.
Myanmar Information Technology Private Ltd (MIT) staged a computer music demonstration at the conference hall of the park. Vice-Chairman of Myanmar e-National Tasks Force member of the Public Service Selection and Training Board U Aung Myint, entrepreneurs and technicians of IT companies including Bagan Cybertech and youths viewed the demonstration.
Vocalist Hsaung Oo Hlaing and Assistant Manager Daw Nan Thin Swe of MIT demonstrated the creation of song with the use of computers, and e-music shopping respectively.
Then, General Manager U Zaw Moe Tun of MIT and General Manager Daw Yin Min Oo gave talks on Broad Band Hotelier and Internet Access Hotel Software of Bagan Cybertech respectively.
Patron of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club U Hla Htwe, Chairman U Sao Kai Hpa and foreign correspondents visited the exhibition today.
Officials of MICTDC explained salient points of the park, purposes of the exhibition and future tasks and replied queries raised by the correspondents. Then, the correspondents viewed the booth of Myanmar Mayflower Bank, and 42" Plasma TV of BENQ at the booth of Queen Star Computer.
The sale of Plasma TVs at reasonable price have been offered to the visitors during the exhibition.
Digital copiers, TVs, LCDs and Projects of Sharp, Services of Bagan, Cybertech, computers and accessories of Lucky Bird Co Ltd were on sale at the respective exhibition booths. Fervent youths visited the first Myanmar Cyber Cafe.
Arrangements of the Ministry of Information for publishing the existing newspapers as e-newspapers, books and web pages of the Institute of Medicine-1, and learning medical science from one’s home via internet were on display at the booth of the respective ministries.
A total of 198 booths displayed by 64 local companies and 12 foreign companies were crowded with visitors and buyers.
The Myanmar ICT Week 2003 will be kept open daily free of charge from 9 am to 5 pm till 31 January 2003.
Workshops continue in 2nd Myanmar ICT Week
Yangon, 25 Jan — The seminars and workshops of the Second MICT Week continued at the MICT Park in Hline Universities Campus today. The Certification Authority Workshop was opened at Room 205 in MICT Park this afternoon. Present were Vice-Chairman of e-National Task Force member of Civil Service Selection and Training Board U Aung Myint, MICT DC Chairman Brig-Gen Thein Swe, officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Attorney-General, Directorate of Telecommunication, Bureau of Special Investigation, Customs Department, Immigration and National Registration Department, Central Bank of Myanmar and Directorate of Trade, Senior Consultant Mr Mohd Affendi Abd Razak of MSC Trust Gate Com of Malaysia, Head of Sales and Marketing Mr Peter Rathgeber and party and IT technicians.
Speaking on the occasion, MICT DC Chairman Brig-Gen Thein Swe said that sub-committees have been formed for implementation of e-ASEAN Frame Work Agreement and development of the ICT sector. Today’s workshop is to coordinate establishment of Certification Authority (CA) using Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) technology which plays a vital role in implementing the e-Government Projects.
Officials of the departments concerned are to cordially participate in the workshop for taking measures for smooth application of e-Government and e-Commerce tasks of the nation. The Government is rendering assistance to implementation of e-ASEAN Frame Work of the nation among ASEAN countries. Now, there are four Certification Authority (CA) countries in the ASEAN. Therefore, technology and regulations for CA are to be taken and the Certification Authority is to be established as soon as possible. And efforts are to be made for uplift of the prestige of the State among other ASEAN countries. Next, Senior Consultant Mr Mohd Affendi ABD Razak of MSC Trust Gate Com of Malaysia explained software matters.
Similarly, the e-Procurement Workshop continued today. Officials of the ministries concerned and Vice President Mr Ringo of Commerce Dot Co Ltd of Malaysia and party discussed materials to be imported to Myanmar from foreign countries through ICT. The seminars and workshops will continue tomorrow.
Data broadcasting of Ministry of Education booth on 27 Jan
Yangon, 25 Jan — Second Myanma Information and Communication Technology Week continued for the fifth day at the MICT Park on Hline Universities Campus today. The programmes on robot hand, the video conferencing, use of VSAT, information network, Internet and Intranet and online education in the booth of the Ministry of Education will be broadcast on e-learning centres of schools, universities and degree colleges, colleges through Electronic Data Broadcasting System for two times on 27 January — once at 10 am and another at 1 pm.
Interested persons may join at the e-Education Learning Centres.
Yangon, 25 Jan — A combined team comprising members of the local intelligence unit and Taunggyi Special Anti-drug Squad, acting on a tip-off, on 23 December 2002 searched Ma Nawsaphaw Ladynar at Mani Yadana Street in Monghsu and seized 4.735 kilos of raw opium in her basket. Action is being taken against Ma Nawsaphaw Ladynar, 27, daughter of U Kyataw of Womsin Village, Kehsi Township under Section 15/19 (A) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by Loi Saung Htauk Police Station.
