Sport
Yangon, 29 March - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt addressed the 12th annual plenary meeting of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry at the Sedona Hotel on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road here this afternoon.
President of UMFCCI U Win Myint first delivered a speech, saying that the UMFCCI was established in 1919 under the name of the Myanmar Chamber of Commerce, adding as was known to all, the federation stood as an experienced and mature one. With the encouragement of the government, the organization was upgraded to federation level under the name of UMFCCI on 1 April 1999. Leading the private sector, the federation had made progress in carrying out the respective tasks, he said.
Regarding the progress made during the four-year-period after the formation of UMFCCI, there were 6,841 members in the past and the membership grew to 11,348 at present, he added. Altogether 16 Chambers of Commerce and Industry at the state and division level, nine traders' associations engaged in border trade and 18 traders associations formed on the basis of the goods they trade and the tasks undertaken, totalling 43. All had been cooperating in carrying out the respective duties.
An international level 129-feet-by-489-feet 12-storey building of UMFCCI, was under construction on the 1.403-acre-plot at No 29 on Min Ye Kyaw Swa Street, Lanmadaw Township, with the assistance rendered and the permission granted by the government. He thanked the dignitiaries of the State for their assistance.
He said the federation served as a bridge between the Government and the national entrepreneurs in supervising the national entrepreneurs to see that they abide by the trade policies and rules in their business dealings. More-over, the federation had submitted suggestion papers on overcoming difficulties encountered in internal and external trade written for betterment and more convenience in carrying out work after assessing difficulties and situations on local and foreign trade, and so business was making progress.
In conclusion, he said the federation was achieving greater success under the instructions and encouragement of the government, and patrons and advisers of the federation and encouragement of respective departments in addition to active participation of the members. He said that he would like the government and respective departments to provide more assistance and give encouragement to the federation. He pledged that leading the private sector, the federation would go on making efforts in order to contribute towards economic development of the nation.
In his address the Secretary-1 said the State Peace and Development Council has been endeavouring for national economic progress in order that the nation can be able keep abreast of other nations of the world, stand tall among the nations and consolidate national economic life with resolve.
At a time when efforts are being made on self-reliance basis for progress of national economic life, success of the UMFCCI, the main pillar of national economic life leading the private economic sector, constitutes the better foundation for progress of Myanma economic life, he said.
He said in international situation, there is inequality in terms of opportunity among the world nations due to the gap in economy and wealth. Some big nations with strong economy discriminate the developing countries politically and economically in their dealings with the latter in an effort to expand their power umbrella. Such acts deepened the gap between the rich and the poor as well as technological and development gap, he said.
He said there existed international instability and future economic uncertainties due to the gap between the rich and the poor and technological and development gap, inequality in opportunities and double standard dealings of some big nations with strong economic power with the developing countries. As a result, all the world nations were found to have resorted own ways and means like protectionism for economic growth, he added.
Under the circumstances, a developing country like Myanmar will have to firmly build up the national economy, develop science and technology, strengthen national defence power and consolidate national solidarity. Then only will that the nation be able to withstand the global competitions, he said.
He said the strong national economy involves national development, better quality of life of the citizens and to be able to stand as a sovereign nation free from outside influence.
Concerted efforts are to be made for the emergence of national economic forces that can shape national economic life, promote basic elements of technology and natural resources and human resource in the country for national interest; to create and develop economic and technological foundations that can add the value of own resources; and to make the most efficient use of natural and human resources. These could then be put to use for the progress of national economic life, he said.
Therefore, he added, the State Peace and Development Council is laying emphasis on progress of the private sector in parallel with that of the government economic organizations with the aim of strengthening national economic life.
At the same time, he said, the Union of Myanmar Chambers of Commerce and Industry was reconstituted as the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry. The UMFCCI, a consolidated national force, would lead the entrepreneurs who are engaged in business, production, trade, finance and services in the private sector, he said.
Thanks to the correct economic policies and firm support and encouragement of the Government, the private sector with great wealth and high efficiency had emerged and as such national entrepreneurs would lead Myanma economy in the near future, he pointed out.
He said UMFCCI is now to make preparations for emergence of national-level industries, production and other economic enterprises with the aim of creating national economic life in the long run, while leading all national entrepreneurs.
The government is actively participating in the organizations on development and economic cooperation such as ASEAN, BIMST-EC for peace and tranquillity in the region and development and economic cooperation. It maintains friendly ties with neighbouring countries and countries in the region and is carrying out the tasks for economic cooperation, he added.
Recently, Head of State Senior General Than Shwe paid goodwill visits to countries in the region and neighbouring countries. Agreements were made for strengthening of friendly relations, economic and development cooperation with the respective countries, he said.
Officials of UMFCCI and entrepreneurs had opportunity to accompany the Head of State on his goodwill visits. This showed that the government gave encouragement to the private sector in Myanmar. UMFCCI had the chance to make contact with international economic organizations and could lay down better foundations for national economic life, he said. He said in carrying out the tasks for national interest UMFCCI is to make continued efforts for development of the private sector through economic cooperation that emerged due to goodwill visits by Head of State.
In implementation of the tasks on discussions and agreements made by the leaders UMFCCI is to lead the private sector for strengthening of bilateral economic cooperation such as regular trade and border trade, he said.
He spoke of the need for UMFCCI to organize the national entrepreneurs for development of national economic life on the correct path leading to national interest in conformity with the economic policies laid down by the government.
He said he was glad to learn that UMFCCI had realized its objectives due to the correct leadership of UMFCCI and united efforts of its members after accepting the government's encouragement.
Nowadays, he said, UMFCCI is actively cooperating with international organizations such as International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), ASEAN Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASEAN-CCI), BIMST-EC, Greater Mekong Sub-region Business Forum (GMS-BF) and Joint Economic Quadrangle Committee (JEQC) comprising Myanmar, China, Laos and Thailand.
He said it is encouraging to note that UMFCCI taking charges the duties of chairmen of ASEAN-CCI and GMS Business Forum is capable of discharging the duties at international level.
The federation could effectively serve as a bridge between the State and the entrepreneurs as it is the highest organization in the private sectors. The federation has been presenting timely proposals and good advice to the State for development of the national and private economic sectors. Accordingly, the federation has constantly been keeping in touch with the State and seeking the guidance. It is a fine tradition of the federation.
The federation is making progress since the number of its members has increased. Before the formation of the federation, there were 6841 members under the UMCCI. The UMCCI was upgraded into UMFCCI in 1999. During the four years of its term, 4507 members increased, bringing the total numbers of the federation to 11348.
The Government has laid down a policy to ensure all private business associations to be mobilized under the banner of the federation. In accord with the policy, altogether 16 state and division chambers of commerce, nine border trade associations and industrial producer association, rice and paddy entrepreneurs association, edible oil entrepreneurs association, construction entrepreneurs association, banking entrepreneurs association numbering 43 have been under the banner of the federation.
With regard to international economic relations, ten more MoUs have been signed after forming the federation, bringing the total number of the signed MoU to 30.
With a view to enabling the association members to gain knowledge, enhancing their skill and boosting the trade and economy, the federation has been conducting training courses at home and abroad, seminars and workshops and is holding meetings mutually.
The UMFCCI Level I, II and III Applied Accounting and Management Courses, the International Trade Course, Programme 1, 2, 3 have been conducted. In cooperation with Japan Overseas Development Corporation (JODC) the federation has opened the Centre for Excellence-COE at MICT Park and has been conducting the advanced courses lectured by experts from abroad. It contributes much to boosting the skill in economic sector and increasing the human resources.
The federation could conduct joint meetings, seminars and workshops with the ASEAN as well as the People's Republic of China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, India and Bangladesh. The federation could also stage trade fairs mutually with those countries, enabling it to infiltrate the spheres of international economic relations.
While extending the international economic relations, the federation has been making arrangement for widening the horizons of its members. At the same time, it is required for the federation to organize its members to be imbued with the national concept and nationalistic spirit.
With the aim of serving the interests of the State and the people through their achievements in business undertakings, the business entrepreneurs under the UMFCCI are to strive with the concept to bring about the interests of their own, of the country and of the people in contiguity. To flourish this concept among the members, the federation is required to play a leading role. It is also needed for the federation to organize the business entrepreneurs to understand that the emergence of stable economic foundations and good economic environments are principal requirements for bringing about long-term interests of their own, of the nation and of the people.
At a time when internal and external destructive elements who do not want to see economic progress of the country, are conspiring through various ways and means to make interferences and hindrances in order to harm peace and stability of the nation and to destroy good economic foundations so far achieved, the national private entrepreneurs are to stand unitedly under the banner of the federation and strive with nationalism for the national economic development.
Nowadays, various entrepreneurs such as industrial entrepreneurs, construction entrepreneurs, banking entrepreneurs, livestock breeding entrepreneurs, fishery entrepreneurs, agricultural entrepreneurs, rice milling entrepreneurs, etc are mobilized under the banner of the UMFCCI , and all the members of the federation are to make concerted efforts for ensuring harmonious developments in all economic sectors.
Nowadays, the government has been enhancing economic cooperation with friendly nations and neighbouring ones in the region while encountering the global economic rivalry and overcoming economic and political manipulations of wealthy nations. In this situation, to further enhance the national economic life with the strength of national unity is the most required national duty. The UMFCCI is to provide strong leadership to all national private entrepreneurs for further enhancing the national interests.
To enable the modern business undertakings, production, trading and banking services to keep abreast of the world, all are to strive unitedly.
As regards banking services, the situations are getting better. Those who have taken loans from the banks are to strive to repay the debts speedily considering those who had deposited money in the banks, ensuring the long-term interests of the banks and strengthening of the national economy.
In conclusion, the Secretary-1 urged all members of the federation to stand unitedly under the banner of the UMFCCI and strive
- for effectively contributing from economic and trade sector towards the national development, promoting the national economic life and uplifting the living standard of the people;
- for making collective efforts for promoting the national economic life to enable the Union of Myanmar to keep abreast of the world's nations and forging own national interests while overcoming the destructive acts of external and internal destructive elements;
- for promoting relations and cooperation with just and fair international economic organizations for the emergence of stable and sound economic environment;
- for ensuring the national economic life to be strong in the long term with ardent nationalism in view of serving the interests of their own, the nation and the people.
The Secretary-1, the Secretary-2 and party viewed Myanmar products of member companies of UMFCCI.
Secretary-1 attends birthday ceremony of Sayadaw Bhaddanta Dhammasara of Tawtaik Dhamma Yeiktha in Mingaladon Township
Yangon, 29 March - The 71st birthday ceremony of Presiding Nayaka of Tawtaik Dhamma Yeiktha in Mingaladon Township, Yangon Division, State Ovadacariya Agga Maha Kammathanacariya Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika-dhaja Sayadaw Bhaddanta Dhammasara took place in conjunction with the merit-sharing for newly-constructed Dhamma Theiddi three-storey building at the Dhamma Yeiktha at 8 am today, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.
The opening of the three-storey building was held in front of the building. Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe and Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko formally opened the building.
Then, the Secretary-1 formally unveiled the signboard of the building.
Afterwards, the birthday ceremony of Sayadaw Bhaddanta Dhammasara followed. Sayadaw Bhaddanta Dhammasara administered the Five Precepts. Members of the Sangha recited parittas. The Secretary-1, the commander, the Yangon mayor and the deputy ministers presented offertories to members of the Sangha.
U Thay-Daw Khin San Win and family of Hmawby presented K 500,000; U Tin Win Hlaing-Daw Thet Thet Mar and family of Botahtaung Township, families of Tawtaik Ward, and Daw Khwan Ti and family of Kyimyindine Township, K 300,000 each for the birthday ceremony; U Ba Wan-Daw Tin Tin and family, K 3.1 million; and family members of (U Tin Win-Daw Saw Thin) of Maha Grocery Trading in Mingaladon Township, K 1.2 million for the building. The Secretary-1 accepted the donations and presented certificates of honour to the wellwishers.
Then, U Aung Myo-Daw Aye Aye Myint and family of Windermere, U Myint Lwin-Daw Ayon and family of Lanmadaw Township, officers and other ranks of local Supply and Transport Unit, and U Sein Hlaing-Daw Yin Myint and family of Super Rice Shop in Min-galadon Market donated K 300,000 each; Shwepyitha Township Peace and Development Council, K 230,000; U Zaw Lin Nyein-Daw Sanda Lin and family of Bayintnaung, U San Hlaing-Daw Myint Myint Than and family of Insein Township, U Myint Thein-Daw Khin Mya Oo and family of Shwehintha Thingantaik in Bahan Township, 200,000 each and others totalling K 2,302,000 through the commander, who then presented certificates of honour to them. U San Thin Hlaing of Yangon Division Religious Affairs Department read out the brief biography of the presiding Nayaka Sayadaw of the Tawtaik Dhamma Yeiktha. Tipitaka Maha Gandayon Monastery Taikkyat Nayaka Sayadaw Ashin Ñanissara read Maha Theraguna Gatha.
Sayadaw Bhaddanta Pañindabhivamsa delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained.
The Secretary-1 performed rituals of golden and silver showers to mark the successful completion of the ceremony. The concrete building, 117 feet long and 54 feet wide, was constructed at a cost of K 70.2 million. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 inspected the monastic education school of the Dhamma Yeiktha.
Secretary-2 attends prize-presentation ceremony of Myawady Publishing House and Myawady TV
Yangon, 29 March - Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win attended the prize-presentation to the winners of the best manuscript awards of Myawady and Ngwetayi Magazines of Myawady Publishing House, prize-winners of Myawady colour photo competition and outstanding staff of Myawady Television to mark the 8th annual of Myawady TV held at Myawady TV this evening.
Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein presented prizes to Cartoonist Ni Hmu and Cartoonist Bagyi, who won the best one-page cartoon awards in Myawady Magazine and Ngwetayi Magazine respectively, Ko (University), who won the best poem award in Myawady Magazine and the best novel award in Ngwetayi Magazine, Maung Saw Tun (Kyaunggon), who won the best poem award in Ngwetayi Magazine, Ni Thin Aung Kyaw Moe, who won the best article award in Myawady Magazine and second prize the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commermorative Novel Competition, and Nay Soe Thaw, who won the best article award in Ngwetayi Magazine.
Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Kyaw Win presented prizes to Pyay Oo and Moe Thauk, who won the best short story awards in Myawady Magazine and Ngwetayi Magazine, Maung Yi Thway, who won the best novelette award in Myawady Magazine, and Ko Ko Sunny (Theingi Shweyi), Kyaw Kyaw Win (Myanmar Photographic Society) and Soe Lin Oo NyaungU, who won first, second and third prizes in Myawady Colour Photo Competition.
Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan presented the best editing award to WO-I Myint Myint Kyi, the best script award to WO-I Thet Oo (Min Beda-Pwintbyu),the best award in production of international news to Sgt Than Tint, the best producer award to Sgt Tin Maung Nyunt and the best cameraman award to Sgt Myint Soe Oo. Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe presented the best news caster award to Sgt May Thet Paing, the best programmer award to Sgt Nwe Yi Win, the best TV cameraman award to Cpl Soe Lwin and cash awards for technicians to Capt Phone Myint Aung. Then, Chief of Staff (Navy) Rear Admiral Soe Thein presented prizes to Capt Soe Win Kyaw of Myawady TV, Recipient of Medal for Excellent Performance in Social Field (Third Class) WOII Phone Kyaw of Production Unit (Public Relation), first prize winner of modern song (professional level) and religious song (professional level) competitions in Tenth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competition WO I Yin Yin Tun of Myawady TV, first prize winner of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day commemorative extempore talks (central level) competition WO I Than Ohn of Myawady TV, first prize winners of marionette (amateur level) competition in Tenth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competition WO II Thuza Khaing and Sgt Le Le Thuza Aung of Myawady TV. Next, Vice-Quartermaster-General Maj-Gen Kyaw Win presented prizes to the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day commemorative central level extempore talks (Corporal level) competition first prize winner Cpl Zaw Thet Win of Production Unit (Public Relations), long story (novice division) competition second prize winner WO I San Lwin of Production Unit, soldier codes of conduct competition second prize winner WO I Kyaw Aye, marching song competition second prize winner and military song competition consolation prize winner WO I Lay Naing of Myawady TV, short story (novice division) competition second prize winner WO I Aye Aye Han of Myawady TV, and Tenth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competition dancing (higher professional level) competition second prize winner WO II Waing Chit Chit Aung.
Next, Maj-Gen Khin Aung Myint of the Ministry of Defence presented prizes to 13th National Motto and Photo Competition, short story competition second prize winner Sgt Naing Oo of Myawady, marching song competition second prize winner and military song competition consolation prize winner WO I Win Tun of Myawady TV, military song competition third prize winner WO II Aung Min of Myawady TV, marching song competition third prize winner and military song competition consolatoin prize winner WO II Aye Lwin of Myawady TV, short poem level-1 competition third prize winner Sgt Khin Maung Oo of Production Unit, central level solider codes of conduct (private) competition third prize winner Private Nyan Soe of the Ministry of Defence, third prize winner (Art Subject) in the whole Myanmar in the year 2002 matriculation examination Ma Myo Myo of BEHS-7 (Pathein), aged 10-15 modern song competition third prize winner Ma Aye Mi Lwin of BEHS-2 (Mingaladon), military song (level-2) consolation prize winner Capt Aung Zin of the Ministry of Defence and short story (senior division) competition consolatoin prize winner WO I Thet Oo of Myawady TV.
Then, prizes were presented to those who rendered assistance to Myawady TV and to literary scholar and photographers for Myawady book house. Afterwards, a dinner was hosted to Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Soe Win and those present.
Upgrading of Strand Road, Aungmingala Highway Bus Terminal inspected
Yangon, 29 March - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe inspected the tasks being carried out as part of upgrading Yangon City by Tatmadawmen and staff of Yangon City Development Committee for extension of Strand Road into a six-lane one this morning.
The commander arrived at the junction of Strand Road and Sule Pagoda Road at 6.15 am. The commander was welcomed there by Commander of No 4 Military Region Brig-Gen Myo Myint and officials. The commander inspected progress of works, installation of guard rays, paving of interlocks, erecting of high masts and growing of flowering plants. Then, the commander viewed the earth works, gravelling and laying of railroads in the road section from Bo Sun Pat Road to Shwedagon Pagoda Road being carried out by Tatmadawmen. Then, the commander arrived at Ywathitchaung Bridge. Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa reported to the commander on matters relating to carrying out the task in extending of the road section phase by phase from Ywathitchaung Bridge to Nanattaw traffic lights. Then, the commander and party inspected the work being carried out by staff of YCDC, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, Red Cross Society and Fire Brigade and Maternal and Child Welfare Association. Then, the commander, the vice-mayor and party coordinated the work for extending of the road.
Afterwards, the commander, accompanied by Commander of No 1 Military Region Col Tint Hsan and the chairman of Yangon North District Peace and Development Council, arrived at Aungmingala Highway Bus Terminal in Mingaladon Township, Yangon North District. Then, the commander inspected the recreation centre of the terminal and the site chosen for construction works. Afterwards, a responsible official of YCDC reported to the commander on work done and future tasks at the meeting hall of the terminal. The commander gave instructions on measures to be taken for smooth transportation.
Supervisory committee for ensuring smooth and secure transport meets
Yangon, 29 March - The work coordination meeting of the Supervisory Committee for Ensuring Smooth and Secure Transport took place at the meeting hall of Yangon Command yesterday, with an address by Chairman of the supervisory committee Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe.
At the meeting, the commander explained the tasks to be carried out by members of the committee for ensuring smooth and secure transport in Yangon City and other regions where the people are travelling daily. Next, those present at the meeting reported on measures being taken for the punctuality of motorcars, trains, ships and airplanes, keeping the bus terminals, rail stations, jetties and airports clean and tidy, safety precautions against road and car accidents, abiding by traffic rules and charging actual bus fares from commuters. Then, the commander gave instructions to officials on action to be taken against those who break the traffic rules and use abusive language and overcharge the commuters for bus fares. He then made concluding remarks.
UMFCCI holds annual general meeting
Yangon, 29 March - The second session of the 12th Annual General Meeting of Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry was held at the Sedona Hotel on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road this afternoon.
President U Win Myint of UMFCCI and Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone made speeches. Then, General Secretary U Zaw Min Win of UMFCCI submitted the annual report of the executive committee and financial statement and sought the approval of the meeting. Afterwards, resignation of the members of the central executive committee and executive committee were announced.
Then, Director-General U Nyunt Aye of the Directorate of Trade read out the lists of those who have been elected for 2003-2004 and 2004-2005 including members of the panel of patron, advisory committee, central executive committee led by President U Win Myint and General Secretary U Sein Win Hlaing and executive committee. The meeting concluded in the evening.
Products of member companies of UMFCCI such as plastic ropes, garments, fluorescent lamps, starters, coffeemix, teamix and quakeroak, soft drinks, paints, noodle, vermicelli, soap powder, soap cream, soaps, bicycle tyres and tubes, medicines, drinking water, plastic pipes, fibre tanks, telephone cables, woodworks and cosmetics were on display at the meeting.
USDA executives' multiplier management course opened
Yangon, 29 March - Yangon West District Union Solidarity and Development Association opened executives' management multiplier course No 2 at the Ahlon Township hall yesterday.
USDA Central Ex-ecutive Committee member in-charge of Yangon Division Col Tin Hlaing addressed the opening ceremony and accepted K 490,000 donated by wellwishers. Also present were Yagon Division USDA Secretary U Aye Myint and members, those of Yangon West District and township USDAs, members of district and township Myanmar Police Force and wellwishers.
International Relations
Minister receives Japanese Ambassador
Yangon, 29 March - Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein received Ambassador of Japan to Myanmar Mr Yuji Miyamoto and party at his office at 5 pm yesterday.
Regional Workshop on global fund to fight against HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria concludes
Yangon, 29 March - Regional Workshop on global fund to fight against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, organized by International Monetary Fund continued for the second day at the Traders Hotel today.
At the meeting, Dr Purnima Mane of IMF and Director of Health Department Dr Ye Myint presented salient points of the discussions. The meeting ended in the evening.
Dinner was hosted to those who attended the meeting by IMF at Inya Lake Hotel in the evening.
Sport
Sports Minister tours Kyaukse presents sports equipment
Yangon, 29 March - Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint inspected the site chosen for construction of a gymnasium at Kyaukse District Sports Grounds in Kyaukse on 23 March.
The minister gave instructions on timely completion and meeting the set standard and fulfilled the requirements.
The minister then met with district and township level departmental officials, social organizations, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association and local people at Kyaukse District USDA Office. He gave instructions on uplifting of sports standard and presented the sports gear.
Drug
Ephedrine powder seized in Singaing
Yangon, 29 March - A combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit, Mandalay Special Anti-drug Squad and local police force, acting on information, searched the house of U Zar Ket Hle of Daukgyikwe Village in Singaing Township on 19 March and seized 70 kilos of ephedrine powder.
