Senior General Than Shwe calls on General Secretary of Central Committee of Communist Party of SRV
Yangon, 18 March — Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe met with General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam Mr Nong Duc Manh at the hall of the headquarters of the central committee at 10.30 am yesterday.
General Secretary Mr Nong Duc Manh said he believes that the Senior General’s State Visit will further enhance the friendly relations. Bilateral relations in political sector are good and so will in the economic sector. He also expressed the desire of the SRV and its people to promote bilateral relations with Myanmar. He continued to say that he is delighted to know development of Myanmar. The two countries have traditional ties of friendship and they had relations before the independence was regained. Myanmar rendered assistance to the SRV before the SRV regained her independence.
He then expressed the SRV’s wish to promote Myanmar-Vietnam relations and to realize this, high-ranking officials are to be sent by the two countries. Good friendly relations will make not only the two countries but also the world peaceful. The Senior General’s visit opens a new chapter in friendly ties of the two countries.
Then, Senior General Than Shwe expressed his thanks for being hosted dinner. He arrived there to promote bilateral relations and the visit is a successful one. The two countries have traditional friendly ties, and cooperation is to be made in all sectors. He also explained endeavours for development of Myanmar. After meeting with General Secretary Mr Nong Duc Manh, the Senior General arrived back at the hotel where they were putting up by car.
Senior General Than Shwe visits Hanel Co in Sai Dong Industrial Zone
Yangon, 18 March—Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe and party, accompanied by Chairman of the Presidential Office Mr Nguyen Van Chien and officials, arrived at Hanel Co in Sai Dong Industrial Zone yesterday.
Officials of the company reported to the Senior General and party on production of video and CD players, TV sets and computers and quality control work. Senior General Than Shwe and party observed video and CD players, TV sets, computers, rice cookers and refrigerators.
General Manager Trinh Minh Chaw of Hanel Co extended greetings and reported on establishment of the company and the government’s encouragement. Senior General Than Shwe said he came to study bilateral cooperation in the field of computer science.
Efforts required for domestic media network to reach remote border areas; TV Myanmar and Myawady TV to beam programmes to areas beyond dailies’ range
Government has spent K 40,551.83 million for border areas and national races development drive
Yangon, 18 March — The Working Committee for Progress of Border Areas and National Races held its 2/2003 meeting at Zeyathiri Beikman Hall, Konmyinttha, here, yesterday, with an address by the Chairman of the Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.
The Secretary-1 said although successive governments applied many means in trying to end the internal strife that broke out soon after the independence was regained, the nation lacked peace for over 40 years. Only at the time of the present government, the nation has been able to restore peace thanks to its magnanimous efforts. The endeavours to restore peace will stand as a milestone in the history of the nation for many years. Peace has been restored in Kokang region on 31-3-89. As soon as peace has been restored, the government has started to launch the border areas development drive in the region. Thus, the armed groups in the remaining regions have come to understand the State’s goodwill, and returned to the legal fold one after another. The second group that returned to the legal fold on 9-5-89 was the Wa group, and up to now, 17 armed groups have made peace. In addition, U Khun Sa who was engaging in the narcotic drug business also exchanged arms for peace.
Now, the border area development drive has been nearly 13 years. There has been unprecedented progress in socio-economic infrastructure in the border areas if the present situation is compared with that before the 13-year period. For example, the regions including Panhsan, Laukkai, Mongla, Nantip and Chinshwehaw are achieving rapid development due to the harmonious efforts of the Working Committee, the regional committees, subcommittees and the respective ministries in realizing the policy and directives laid down by the Central Committee. Moreover, the national brethren have realized the State’s goodwill and therefore they have energetically taken part in developing their own regions.
Concerning the government’s significant accomplishments in the drive since 1989 to date, the Secretary-1 said that the government million, building 2,746 miles of earth roads, 1,572 miles of gravel roads and 297 miles of tarred roads, and repairing and upgrading 2,743 miles of existing ones. The Government has also built 42 major bridges and 640 minor ones and 16 suspension bridges, ensuring smooth transport for goods and passengers in the border areas.
In the education sector, it has used over K 3,173 million in building 627 primary schools, 61 middle schools and 62 high schools.
In the border areas alone, 52 hospitals, 82 dispensaries, 28 rural health centres and 41 sub-health care centres have been built at a cost of over K 1,438 million. Due to the existence of the facilities, disease control, treatment and health education measures can be taken on a wider scale.
In the public relations sector, over K 682 million has been used in building 97 TV retransmission stations, to let the local people know the prevalence of peace and development of the nation. These stations are also contributing towards development of the economic and social sectors.
In the energy sector, the government has spent over K 880 million, building small-scale and middle-scale hydel power stations in eight border towns, and installing 248 generators in 184 villages. Thus, towns and villages in the border areas now have electricity for small industries.
In the communications sector, the government has spent over K 1,018 million, to install 47 post offices, 35 telegraph offices, and 80 telephone services, helping develop the economic, social and administrative sectors of the areas.
The government has spent over K 1,205 million in building agricultural facilities including 31 offices, 115 farming centres, 40 completed dams and those under construction, 17 dam projects surveyed, four canals, and 11 tractor stations. The facilities have paved the way for ensuring regional food sufficiency and created opportunities to grow cash crops.
Livestock breeding projects including 19 farms, 41 livestock breeding and veterinary centres and the task to distribute 194 pigs, cows and donkeys have been implemented in the border regions. The projects have cost over K 572 million.
The projects to systematically exploit the mineral deposits and generate job opportunities for local people have been implemented in the border areas at a cost of over K 134 million. Thanks to the project, mining can be conducted on commercial scale in some border areas.
Necessary education and organizational measures have been taken in the border areas to nurture the youths. Up to now, over K 264 million has been used in these measures.
The government has spent over K 855 million in launching the youth resource development drive. The drive covers opening of one National Races Youth Resource Development Degree College each in Yangon and Mandalay, 17 national race youth development training schools, and 13 women’s domestic science training schools. Plans are under way to build six national race youth development training schools in Lashio, Panglong, Hpa-an, Matupi, Kanpelet and Pakokku.
In addition to the border areas development drive, 24 development zones have been set up for advancement of the areas which are not included in the drive in order to narrow the development gap among the regions. The 13 development zones — Myitkyina, Bhamo, Loikaw, Hpa-an, Sittway, Kale, Dawei, Myeik, Mawlamyine, Taunggyi, Panglong, Kengtung and Lashio development zones — are included in the drive. A university or a degree college, a government computer college, a government technological college and a 200-bed general hospital have been built in every zone.
The government has used a total of over K 2,383 million for the Panglong development zone including over K 1,414 million for Panglong University, over K 289 million for Panglong Computer College, over K 627 million for Panglong Technological College, over K 10 million for 25-bed Panglong Hospital Extension Project, over K 20 million for Panglong water supply project, and over K 23 million for energy project. Further financial and material assistance will be provided for the project.
Thus, the government has spent K 40,551.83 million for the border areas and national races development drive from 1989 to date. In addition, about 500 million units in foreign currency have been spent on the drive. The amount was spent by the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs alone. The expenditures of other ministries to develop the border areas and national races are not included in the amount. Because of the drive covering the whole nation, the development gap between the national races is narrowing, and the national people have come to realize that their regions have developed due to the assistance of the government; thus, the local people have accepted the need to perpetually cooperate with the government, and forge Union Spirit and the spirit of national solidarity.
On the other hand, the internal and external destructive elements are perpetrating instigative to cause disturbances and hurl accusations against Myanmar with the intention of creating instability. These destructive elements would not want to see the unprecedented peace that has been restored by the Tatmadaw government. Thus, the national people are required to understand the conspiracies to destroy peace and to ward off all such attempts. The media is also required to respond to the wicked attempts of the internal and external destructionists to break up the national solidarity. The local media will have to organize and educate the people. Thus, efforts are required for the domestic media network to reach the remote border areas, and the TV Myanmar and Myawady TV to beam their programmes to the areas beyond the reach the of dailies.
In this regard, the State has been providing assistance for the two TV stations to reach every place that were beyond their range in the past. Officials will have to present the requirements in implementing the project.
In accord with the guidance of the Head of State, the three projects — the border areas and national races development drive, the 24-development-zone project, and the five rural development tasks — should be harmoniously implemented for ensuring proportionate progress in every part of the Union.
The staff of the administrative, health, education, transport, legal affairs and agricultural and livestock breeding sectors will have to make systematic efforts to enable the local people of the developing regions to understand the salient points of the administrative machinery.
More schools should be built and the existing ones, upgraded in some border areas where health and education sectors are weak.
In the health sector, rural health care centres should be gradually upgraded up to 16-bed, 25-bed and 50-bed hospitals.
In the hill regions, most of the ethnic races are nomads practising shifting cultivation. They are living under the poverty line and their living standard is low. It is required to alleviate their poverty and prevent forest depletion and environmental degradation resulting from the slash-and-burn method.
Therefore, in accordance with the guidance of the Head of State, the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation has been implementing the highland cultivation method to substitute the shifting cultivation method, especially in Chin State, Shan State (North), Shan State (East) and Kachin State, by systematically laying down plans and it is necessary for various ministries and regional organizations concerned to help realize these plans.
The State has regarded the eradication of narcotic drugs as a national duty and is trying to wipe out the menace to mankind by laying down two strategies — to carrry out the task on eradication of narcotic drugs as a national duty through various ways and means and to improve the living standard of the national people in border regions and totally wipe out the cultivation of poppy — and three tactics, namely, to eliminate production, to take preventive measures and to eradicate drug abuse. The State has also been implementing the “New Destiny Project” for total eradication of narcotic drugs. However, the international community is still putting pressure on and making unfair accusations against our government’s war on drugs.
For the New Destiny Project, the State has financed cultivation of poppy-substitute crops and the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation has been disseminating cultivation methods and reclaiming land. Local farmers, on their part, have been actively cooperating. Therefore, all those responsible are required to help them carry on with the cultivation of poppy-substitute crops.
In accord with the New Destiny Project, cultivation of poppy-substitute crops, destruction of poppy plantations and educational programmes are being carried out. Local farmers, of their own accord, have also been handing over to authorities concerned poppy seeds set aside to grow in the coming cultivation season. Thus, destructions of poppy-seeds — four times in Shan State (North), once in Shan State (East), three times in Shan State (South) and once in Kachin State — have been carried out. As destruction of poppy seeds is very effective for prevention of many acres of poppy cultivation, it is necessary to continue with this process.
The State has been taking all the necessary measures to make the whole nation free of opium by the year 2014 by implementing the 15-year drug elimination project starting from 1999. However, as we have made a promise that Wa and Kokang regions will be free of opium by the year 2005, various ministries and all the regional committees should render as much assistance as they can to keep our word.
It is also necessary to root out the production of metaphetamine manufactured with chemical agents which enter from abroad.
To eradicate narcotic drugs and stimulant tablets, efforts are being made to become three border towns of Tachilek, Myawady and Kawthoung drug free zones under the guidance of the Head of State. Educative campaigns are being launched, he said. He spoke of the need for officials to participate in efforts to become the three towns drug free zones.
He said township level is the most fundamental in systematic implementation of equal development in border areas in accord with the guidance of the Head of State. Township level officials are to implement the tasks effectively. The project being implemented will be slow if there is weakness at the township level. The township level officials would have to find out the desire of the people and development requirements by making field trips to grassroots levels. Then only, would implementation of the tasks be speedy and effective. The officials can foster close relationship among the local people and their field trip will strengthen national solidarity, in other words, connection, Union Spirit. The Secretary-1 spoke of the need for township officials to make field trips to the grassroots levels and to try to be one with local people. In this the initiative of the respective sub-committees, educational campaign and active participation are important. He urged them to raise the momentum.
In connection with young women in border area sector, he said local young women were illiterates and had no vocational education because of weakness in educational campaign. They got into trouble when they worked in the other country. There are many illiterate young women in border areas. The Three R’s Courses will be opened for them so that they can watch TV and listen to the radio and gain knowledge.
He spoke of the need to conduct the Three R’s Courses in border areas. Necessary assistance will also be provided. Information and Public Relations Offices in border areas are to make arrangements for showing of educative videos.
In conclusion, he said his clarifications beginning 1989 showed how the government was serious about development of border areas and national races. With the development of border areas and national races, national solidarity will be strengthened and perpetuation of the Union ensured.
He called on officials to make strenuous efforts for border area development tasks in accord with the policies laid down by the Central Committee.
In his report, Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt said in 2002-2003 financial year, out of 235 projects on construction of bridges and roads, agriculture, housing, public relations, energy and communication in Kachin State, Shan State (North), Shan State (East), Shan State, Kayah, Rakhine and Chin States, Sagaing Division, Mon and Kayin States and Taninthayi Divisions, 136 had been completed and 99 were under implementation. The majority of border area development projects cover building of socio-economic infrastructures, which could mainly be implemented in the open season. Supervisory measures were being taken for ensuring timely completion of the remaining projects.
He added that there were 108 projects planned for border area development to be carried out in 2003-2004 financial year. They would be implemented beginning in the open season and measures would be coordinated for timely completion next open season. Funds of K 40,551.83 million were set up for development of border areas — K 17,484.74 million by MPBANRDA and K 23,067.09 million by other ministries. He continued that regarding the projects being carried out with the cooperation of international organizations, the five-year southern Wa Region alternative development project was being implemented in cooperation with the UNDCP in the period from August 1998 to July 2003 with the funds of US$ 11.62 million and Myanmar government contributed K 28.36 million to the project, which covered nine buildings, vaccinating children and carrying out health care services in 234 villages, water supply for 17 villages, construction of four basic education primary and two middle schools, two rural health care centres and one hospital, installation of power line between Panhsan and Mongpauk, construction of 13.24-km Mongpauk-Mongka earth road, establishing a nursery and distributing seeds of crops and quality strains of pigs. Tasks were being carried out with US$ 1.16 million for reclamation of 2,000 acres of land for double cropping and digging an 11-kilometre canal. Efforts were being made for completion during the present agricultural season. He said development project phases No 1, 2 and 3 for far-flung townships had been implemented in cooperation with the UNDP and it covered construction of 281 primary schools, renovation of 198 primary schools, construction of 24 pre-primary schools, one station hospital and 71 dispensaries, water supply for five towns and 200 villages, building 1,786 reservoirs for storing rain water, and 685 wells, construction of 6,924 fly-proof latrines and three small dams, distribution of 4.386 million coffee plants, construction of 38 bridges and reconstruction of nine old bridges in ten townships of Kachin, Chin and Rakhine States in the period from 1994 to 2002. Plans were under way to implement the phase No 4 in 12 townships of these states. The UNDP contributed US$ 5.5 million to the three-year project (from 2003 to 2005). Different levels of supervisory committees had been formed to implement the projects under the supervision of local authorities and respective departments.
With the assistance of the Nippon Foundation in Japan, the Progress of Border Areas and National Races Department and an organization in Japan were implementing the five-year project (from 2002 to 2007) for building 100 basic education schools in Shan State. In the first phase, ten schools were under construction — four in Shan State (North) and six in Shan State (South). The already-built primary school in Ganaingywe, Taunggyi Township, had been opened on 11-2-2003 and the remaining ones were being constructed.
Similarly, he said, the Kachin and Shan States development project (from 2001 to 2004) was being implemented in cooperation with the SWISSAID of Switzerland with US$ 0.45 million. The SWISSAID provided K 28 million for Metta Development Foundation to conduct agricultural and pest control course, K 10.5 million for establishing of a livestock breeding bank in Kachin State, K 12 million for small loan enterprises, rural water supply and conducting vocational training courses in Myitkyina, Mogaung and Bhamo, and K 17.5 million for introducing highland cultivation and establishment of plantations for firewood in Putao, Myitkyina, Lashio and Kutkai townships.
He said that K 18.85 million has been provided for establishing a sweet chestnut nursery and reclamation of 460-acre land for perennial crops by Kokang Region Poppy Control Work Committee after a field trip of four deputy ministers led by the deputy minister for Agriculture and Irrigation. In addition, K 9.999 million was provided for the expenses of drug addicts at Shwepyitha and Shwepyiaye Rehabilitation camps, trainees of the six rehabilitation camps under Social Welfare Department and drug addicts of Laukkai Rehabilitation Hospital, 3,000 bags of rice and 3,000 viss of salt worth K 4.241 million for the former poppy farmers at the opening ceremony on Laukkai Drug Elimination Museum, two power-tillers and one trailer for Shwepyitha Rehabilitation Centre on 20-10-2000, K 5 million for families of 3,805 households whose poppy plantations had been destroyed, K 10.07 million for distribution of seeds of poppy-substitute crops and perennial crops to the national races groups who have exchanged arms for peace by the agricultural subcommittee, 500 bags of rice, 500 viss of salt and K 3 million for 1,184 people of 243 households of former poppy farmers whose poppy plantations had been destroyed along Namtlwe Creek in Mongphyan Region, Mongyan Township, K 10 million for drug elimination project in southern Wa Region, K 50 million for Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control in 2003-2004 to lay down the New Destiny Project to beef up for Drug Elimination. Arrangements are being made to provide K 50 million to the CCDAC in 2003-2004, K 0.23 million for medical expenses of 28 drug addicts in Mongpauk under the programme of Mongpauk District, K 63.982 million by four deputy ministers led by Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen Khin Maung during their tour of Kachin State, K 79.382 million for reclamation of 500 acres of land in Mon Region and K 6.945 million for Namhsanyan-Padaung Road in Kachin State.
Afterwards, Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing reported on tasks for emergence of drug free zones; Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Khin Maung, on speedy implementation of agriculture, irrigation and highland reclamation tasks, cultivation of macademia and coffee, and making macademia widely known to the public; Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, on information and public relations; Minister for Education U Than Aung, on annually conducting three ‘R’ courses in border areas starting 2000 and arrangements for conducting three ‘R’ courses in Summer of 2003; Deputy Minister for Health Dr Mya Oo, on progress in construction of hospitals in border areas and requirements; Deputy Minister for Livestock and Fisheries U Aung Thein, on distribution of breeds of cattle, pigs, poultry and goat and fingerlings to border areas and gaining achievements; and Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun and Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, on electric power, construction of bridges and roads and communication in border areas respectively. Next, the Secretary-1 made concluding remarks.
Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than addresses opening of course on breeding of hybrid broilers
Yangon, 18 March — The course on breeding of hybrid broilers, organized by Livestock, Feedstuff and Dairy Products Enterprise of the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, was opened at the meeting hall of LFDPE (Head Office) this morning.
Chairman of the supervisory committee for extended meat and fish production member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence addressed the opening ceremony.
First, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than delivered a speech. He said livestock breeding training course was conducted for purchase of broilers at a reasonable price in Yangon Division. The division needs 50,000 viss of broilers a day. There is insufficiency of fowls although departments and private farms including Yangon Command produce fowls daily, he said.
In order to fulfil the requirement of fowls in the division, poultry farming courses sponsored by the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries are being conducted, he said. Arrangements are being made for sale of chickens by the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, he added.
Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe said raising of fowls in regiments and battalions under Yangon Command contributes towards the development of economy of the State. Lectures on techniques of broilers raising and feeding will be given, he said.
Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein also spoke. A total of 276 trainees from the battalions and units are attending the course. After the opening ceremony, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, the commander and the minister went to Nwegway poultry farm undertaken by LFDPE. Farm Manager Dr Sein Thaung conducted them round the farm.
As of 2 April, the farm will distribute 10,000 chickens to battalions and units daily. There are over 27000 chickens in the farm.
Then, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party proceeded to the camp for the cross-breeding of chicken in Pyinmabin, Mingaladon Township, and inspected semi-broilers and layers. Manager Dr Mu Mu Hlaing conducted them round the camp. There are four farms at the camp, and over 3000 chickens are reared. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party went to the central chicken and duck hatchery in Pyinmabin where they inspected the hatchery processing. The hatchery can produce 40000 chicks and ducks per day.
Self-reliant roads opened in North Okkalapa Township
Yangon, 18 March — As a gesture of hailing the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, self-reliant tarred roads were put into service in Shwepaukkan, North Okkalapa Township in Yangon East District this morning.
Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay and officials formally opened the roads.
The roads put into service today were 600 feet long Yangon Road and 700 feet long Seikkantha Road in Ward-21, 800 feet long Naymyokyawthu Road and 830 feet long Naymyothiha Road in Ward-14, 1,800 feet long Banya Nwe Road, 1233 feet long Khatta-2 Road and 1350 feet long Khatta-1 Road in Ward-17.
The roads are 12 feet wide and total length of them is 7313 feet long. They were constructed at a cost of K 26,726,550 including K 16926550 contributed by YCDC and K 9.8 million by the public.
Jade lots fetch over US$ 1.5 M
Yangon, 18 March — Chairman of Central Committee for Holding the Myanma Gems Emporium Deputy Minister for Mines U Myint Thein visited the 40th Myanma Gems Emporium at the Myanma Gems Emporium Hall on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road here this morning.
He viewed the sale of jade lots through tender system. The sale of jade lots started at 9 am today. Local and foreign merchants have bought 182 jade lots at the price of US$ 1,515,619. The sale of jade lots continued late in the evening. Moreover, today’s sale of gems and jewellery and jade figurines at fixed prices amounted to US$ 20,663. The jade lots will be sold through tender system and competitive bidding on 19 and 20 March. Up to now, 1,029 gem merchants — 434 local and 595 foreign merchants— have arrived at the emporium.
GIS applications course opened
Yangon, 18 March — The GIS applications training course, jointly sponsored by the Settlement and Land Records Department of the Ministry of Agriculture & Irrigation and UNESCAP, was opened with ceremony at the branch office of the department here yesterday. The one-week course is being attended by 20 trainees and 17 observers.
Roads to be closed temporarily during parade drills
Yangon, 18 March — The parade columns for the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade will practise the parade drills marching from the Myoma Grounds to the Resistance Park, and from the latter to the former as well.
On 20, 22, 24, and 25 March, as well as on 27 March, Armed Forces Day, Shwedagon Pagoda Road-U Wisara Road, Shwedagon Pagoda Road-Pantra Road, Shwedagon Pagoda Road-Mawguntaik Road, Shwe-dagon Pagoda Road-Ziwaka Road, U Htaungbo Road-Kaba Aye Pagoda Road (Up to Bahan roundabout), Shwegondine Road-Kaba Aye Pagoda Road (Up to Shwedagon traffic lights), Inya Road-Dhammazedi Road, U Wisara Road-Hanthawady roundabout, U Wisara Road-Chindwin Road, Pyay Road-Bagaya Road, Pyay Road-Dhamma-zedi Road, Alon Road-Pyay Road,Manawhari Road-Pyay Road, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road-Pyay Road, Pyay Road-Sakawa Road, and Myoma Kyaung Street-Samon Street will be closed temporarily for the security and traffic enforcement reason.
Yangon, 18 March — As a gesture of hailing the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day which falls on 27 March 2003, a book fair organized by Sarpay Beikman of Printing and Publishing Enterprise, Ministry of Information, is to be opened on the first floor of the Central Press of the enterprise at No 228, Theinbyu road from 21 to 30 March. The draw for arrangement of shops will take place on 19 March.
International Relations
Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Soe Win visits farm machinery factory in Vietnam
Yangon, 18 March — Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win, visited a farm machinery factory in Thanh Tri District, Hanoi, at 2 pm on 16 March.
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Mr Le Huy Ngo, Vice Minister Mr Pham Hong Giang, entrepreneurs and officials of the factory welcomed the Secretary-2 and party.
At the briefing hall of the factory, Director Mr Le Van An of Corporation for Agricultural and Irrigational explained the production and quality of farm machinery, irrigation equipment, rubber processing machines, coffee grinders, tea processing machines and feedstuff manufacturing machines to the Secretary-2 and party.
Then, The Secretary-2 and Director Mr Le Van An exchanged souvenirs. The Secretary-2 and party were conducted round the factory by officials. The Secretary-2 and party viewed round the production of farm machinery, motors, power tillers and hand-driven tillers, threshing and winnowing machines, and compressors. Then, the Secretary-2 and party studied the generators, transformers, switch boxes and bulbs displayed by companies.
Afterwards, the Secretary-2 and party cordially greeted the Vietnamese minister, vice minister, entrepreneurs and officials and arrived back at the hotel, where they were putting up by car.
Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, who accompanied Senior General Than Shwe on the State Visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, called on Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Mr Le Huy Ngo of SRV at the ministry on 17 March morning. They discussed matters related to promotion of agricultural cooperation such as exchange of technology and cooperation in cultivation of hybrid rice and quality strain cotton, coffee and tea and production of farm machinery and compressors. Also present at the call were the vice minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and departmental heads of SRV.
Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung called on Minister of Industry Mr Hoang Trung Hai of SRV, at the ministry on 17 March morning. Exchange of visits between the industries of the two countries, exchange of technology and cooperation in investment were discussed at the meeting.
Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone called on Minister of Trade Mr Tuong Dinh Tuyen of SRV at the ministry on 17 March morning. Promotion of trade between the two countries, arrangements for trade account and counter account, exchange of visits between the entrepreneurs of the two countries, and holding trade fairs in respective countries were discussed at the meeting. Also present were President of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry U Win Myint, Secretary-General U Zaw Min Win and Chairman of Myanmar Rice and Paddy Wholesalers Association U Nyein.
Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein met with Vice Minister of Fisheries Mr Nuen Viet Thang of SRV at the ministry on 17 March morning. Cooperation in fisheries, technological cooperation in production of feedstuff for fish and prawn and cooperation between the two ministries and entrepreneurs of the two countries were discussed at the meeting.
Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone and Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, accompanied by Counsellor of Myanmar Embassy in SRV U Tun Myint, President U Win Myint of UMFCCI, Secretary-General U Zaw Min Win, Chairman U Nyein of MRPWA, Chairman U Htay Myint of Yuzana Co Ltd, and Director U Hla Than of Pyae Phyo Tun Co Ltd, met with President of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of SRV Mr Doan Duy Thanh and party at the office of the federation on 17 March morning. Promotion of trade and exchange of visits of trade organizations between the two countries, holding trade fairs in cooperation between the two countries and coordination between the ministries, merchants and entrepreneurs of the two countries were discussed at the meeting.
Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi called on Minister of Industry Mr Hoang Trung Hai of SRV, at the ministry on 17 March morning. Cooperation in energy sectors of the two countries was discussed at the meeting.
Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint, accompanied by Director-General of the Medical Research Department (Lower Myanmar) Dr Paing Soe, called on Minister of Public Health of SRV Madame Tran Thi Trung at the ministry on 17 March morning. Cooperation in health care services, human resources development, research work, traditional medicine and medicine sectors between the two countries were discussed at the meeting.
Curriculum Vitae of Begum Khaleda Zia, Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh
Yangon, 18 March —Begum Khaleda Zia, Prime Minister of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, was born on 15 August 1945.
She was the third among the five chidren of her parents. She passed her Matriculation Examination from Dinajpur Government School and was admitted to Surendranath College, Dinajpur. She married Ziaur Rahman, then a Captain in the Pakistan Army in August 1960. Lt-General Ziaur Rahman proclaimed inde-pendence of Bangladesh in 1971 and later became the president of the Republic in 1977.
Begum Khaleda Zia was neither involved in politics nor in matters of the state even when her husband Lt-General Ziaur Rahman became the President after political changes in 1975. After the assassination of her husband in an abortive coup in Chittagong in May 1981, Begum Kha-leda Zia start-ed coming to public life and politics. She was appoint-ed in 1982 as the Vice Chairperson of the Bangla-desh Nationa-list Party-BNP which her husband founded. She was elected by the Ban-gladesh Na-tionalist Party-BNP as Chairperson on 10-8-84.
In the Parliamentary elections that followed on 27 February 1991 under a Non-Party Caretaker Government, Begum Khaleda Zia led her party to victory, herself emerging as the most popular political leader of the country. On 20 March 1991 she was sworn in as the country’s first woman Prime Minister in a Presidential form of Government. She became Prime Minister for second consecutive term after the February 1996 general election.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party-BNP under the leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia formed a four-party opposition alliance on January 6, 1999. The alliance participated in the 1 October 2001 general election held under a Non-Party Caretaker Government and won the polls with two-thirds majority. Begum Khaleda Zia was sworn in on 10 October 2001 as the Prime Minister of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh for the third time.
She has two sons. Her hobbies include reading, listening to music and gardening.
Minister U Win Aung leaves for Malaysia
Yangon, 18 March — Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung left here for Malaysia by air this afternoon to participate in the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Informal Meeting to be held on 18-20 March 2003 in Kota Kinabalu Sabah, Malaysia. The minister is accompanied by Director-General U Thaung Tun and Assistant Director U Hlaing Myint Oo of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Bangladeshi guest calls on Ministers
Yangon, 18 March — Home Secretary of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Mr Muhammad Omar Faroog called on Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing at the latter's office at 9 am today.
Minister for Immigration and Population Maj-Gen Sein Htwa received Home Secretary of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Mr Muhammad Omar Farooq at his office at 10 am today.
Information Minister receive guests
Yangon, 18 March — Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan received Mr Koji Chino, producer and director of “Thway” film, and party of Japan at his office at 2.45 pm today.
The film entitled “Thway” is being shot with the aim of promoting the Myanmar-Japan friendship.
Similarly, Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan received Director of Hua Sheng Co Ltd, Japan, Mr T Saima at his office this afternoon.
Yangon, 18 March — Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Thein Zaw received Director Mr Lertsak Nopburanand of LP Holding Co Ltd at 1 pm, President Mr Yasuhiro Matsuda and party of Myanmar Innwa Co Ltd at 2 pm, President Mr Hiroyuki Suzki and party of INDEX, World Wide, at 2.45 pm and President Mr Toh, Jin-Gyu of MTT Co Ltd, Republic of Korea, at 3.30 pm at his office today.
F & R Minister greets Malaysian university students
Yangon, 18 March — Minister for Finance and Revenue Maj-Gen Hla Tun greeted the students of Camberson University Business Management Department of Malaysia visiting here on a study tour of the Central Bank of Myanmar at the central bank this morning.
The minister greeted the students and explained the set-up and tasks of the central bank. Responsible officials replied to the queries raised by the students.
Information Technology
Seminar on ICT Awards Competitions held
Yangon, 18 March — A seminar on the competition for the second Myanmar National ICT Awards to be organized by the Myanmar Computer Federation, and the competition for the Asia Pacific International ICT Awards to be held in Australia from 24 to 26 September, took place at the Myanmar Information and Communication Technology Park in Hlaing Township yesterday.
Chairman of the MCF U Thein Oo spoke on the occasion. Then, Secretary U Tin Win Aung explained the purposes of organizing the Myanmar ICT Awards. Chairman of the Myanmar Computer Industry Association U Aung Zaw Myint also explained the functions of the panel of judges and experiences gained from ICT Awards competitions.
Next, Vice Chairperson of the MCIA Daw Wa Wa Tun elaborated on matters relating to the work committee for the holding of Myanmar National ICT Awards and the set-up of the scrutinizing boards.
The competition for Myanmar National ICT Awards is held with the aim of developing Myanmar ICT industries and uplifting the innovations of Myanmar youths, sending IT products to international markets, and enabling Myanmar technicians to study international ICT developments.
Those who win prizes in the Myanmar National ICT Awards Competition will be allowed to compete in Asia Pacific International ICT Awards. Interested persons can obtain application forms beginning today from the MCF and should send their products not later than 15 July to the MCF. The list of successful candidates will be released at the end of July.
Yangon, 18 March — Under the arrangement of the Sports and Physical Education Department and Myanmar Golf Federation, and sponsored by Isuzu Mortor Ltd, Japan, the 25th Inter-State and Division Golf Tournament, opened this morning at Yangon Golf Club, Danyingon, here.
At the opening ceremony, Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint made an address. Then, Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, MGF President Maj-Gen Win Hlaing, Deputy Director-General of SPED U Thein Aung and Resident Representative of Isuzu Mortor Ltd U Aye Cho teed off to open the championship. After today’s first round 18-hole event, Yangon Division Golf Team was leading with total 239 strokes in the team scratch event, followed by Mandalay Division with 243 and Taninthayi Division with 244. In Team Handicap event, Kachin State is in the first position with total nett 202 strokes, followed by Taninthayi Division with total nett 203 and Sagaing Division with total nett 205.
In Individual Scratch event, Thein Zaw Myint of Yangon Division led with total 75 strokes and the runner-up was Aye Ko of Mandalay Division with total 78 strokes. In Individual Handicap event, Aung San (Kachin State) led with total nett 63 strokes. The tourney continues tomorrow.
Myanmar CP Inter Club Tennis Tournament to be held
Yangon, 18 March — As a gesture of hailing the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, the Myanmar CP Co Ltd sponsored a Myanmar CP Inter Club Tennis Tournament, which will be held at Theinbyu Tennis Court from 22 to 28 March.
The competitions will be held in two — A-level and B-level. Selected athletes and state/division level athletes are to take part in A-level competitions while those who are not state/division level athletes are allowed to take part in B-level competitions. Retired selected athletes over 45 years old are allowed to one person per team; but to those over 50 and 55, there is no limitation in the number of persons.
Detailed information can be obtained at Myanmar Tennis Federation, Tel: 372360 and 09-5001714, by 19 March at the latest.
