• Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt receives national race leaders of Shan State (North) Special Region-7
• Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt receives President of World Canaan Farmer School of ROK

• Workshops of Myanmar ICT Week 2004 continue
• Packed with enthusiasts, MICT Week continues for third day

• Second and third four-monthly meeting of Industry-2 Ministry held
• Bo Aung Kyaw Container Yard inspected
• Development in multi-sectors stands witness to State's endeavours IPRD holds 13th founding anniversary
• Rail Transportation Ministry holds third four-monthly meeting
• Construction Ministry holds four-monthly meeting
• Tarred road opened to hail Union Day
• Subcommittee for Flag Hoisting Ceremony of 57th Anniversary Union Day meets
• Tamu-Kale-Kalewa Border Traders Association meets
• Wellwishers invited for sinking tube-wells
• Respect-paying ceremony to be held at BEHS No 4, Thanlyin

• Minister encourages cardiac, vascular surgical treatment

• UMFCCI meets KCCI

• Narcotic drugs seized in Bhamo, Lashio

Also present on the occasion were Ministers at the Prime Minister's Office U Ko Lay and Maj-Gen Thein Swe, Deputy Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Brig-Gen Than Tun, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Phone Swe, Director-General of the State Peace and Development Council Office Lt-Col Pe Nyein, Director-General of the Government Office U Soe Tint and senior officers of the Military Intelligence.

At the meeting the national race leaders said they fully supported the seven-point future policy (programme) of the State clarified by the Prime Minister and they would actively participate in the implementation of the political programme with the leadership of the State. They also said that emphasis was to be placed on the elimination of narcotic drugs.

Next, they reported on education, health, agriculture, economy and assistance to be rendered by the State for the development of their region.

YANGON, 23 Jan - Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt received Dr Kim Bon Il, President of the World Canaan Farmer School of the Republic of Korea, and party at Zeyathiri Beikman on Konmyinttha at 5 pm today.

Also present on the occasion were Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, Minister for Cooperatives Maj-Gen Htay Oo, Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Director-General of the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet and Korean Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Lee Kyung Woo.

YANGON, 23 Jan - The Third Myanmar ICT Week went on for the third day today here at Myanmar Information and Communication Technology (MICT) Park on Hline University Campus in Hline Township. And workshops and seminars are also being held there.

The workshop on 'Database Trend Technology' took place at the room-205 this morning. Professor Daw Nwe Nwe Win, Vice President of Myanmar Computer Scientists Association, presided over the workshop. U Nay Lin Than of Myanmar Information Technology put into discussions the database technology based on process of software development; and U Tun Khine of Integra Systems, the database technology based on the changing process owing to the shortage of speed and applications.

Also present on the occasion were Vice-Chairman of e-National Task Force and member of the Civil Service Selection and Training Board U Aung Myint, Chairman of Myanmar Computer Federation U Thein Oo, Chairman of Myanmar Computer Scientists Association U Thaung Tin and member, and computer enthusiasts.

The workshop on 'Object orientated software development with unified modelling language' was held at the same room at 1 pm. Resource persons from Biz-Soft Co, Myanmar T-Zone, Winner Computer Group, Myanmar Computer Co (MCC), CE Technology, and Myanmar Information Technology (MIT) submitted their papers on the occasion.

At the workshop on 'e-Life' which took place at the Conference Hall at 4 pm, matters related to security systems, autogate systems, IR and warehouse management systems, cameras, and remote surveillance and DVR systems were discussed.

YANGON, 23 Jan - The Third Myanmar ICT Week 2004 continued for the third day at Myanmar Information and Communication Technology (MICT) Park on Hline University Campus in Hline Township today.

Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein visited the exhibition today. The exhibition is crowded with Internet and IT enthusiasts, students, service personnel, and the general public.

Clint Focus Technology Group, the authorized distributor for Epson products in Myanmar, put on display a variety of printers, scanners, and photo printers which can be used with digital cameras. Epson (3 in 1) printers, which is the latest item in the market, are also displayed at the exhibition and can be used in three ways as copier, scanner and printer.

Technologies on computerized sounds of various musical instruments and sound editing technologies can be viewed at the booth of Youth Computer Co Ltd. The company also conducts courses on these technologies.

Myanmar World Distribution Co Ltd is providing services for networking technologies. Moreover, the company also engages in production and installation of software applications such as e-Government, e-learning, e-commerce and so on.

To show the ICT development, e-health application is displayed at the booth of Myanma Information Technology Pte Ltd. The company also provides computer-aided services.

On display and sale at the booth of NCS Co Ltd are computer accessories, digital cameras, network products, mobile disks, external hard disks, computer systems and mini computers at reasonable prices.

Tong Tah Co Ltd sell Japan-make digital laser copiers and printers at fair prices at the exhibition.

The Myanmar ICT Week is kept open daily free of charge to the general public from 9 am to 5 pm till 27 January. For the convenience of the visitors to the exhibition, free buses are employed at the junction of Insein Road and Parami Road and Pyay Road and Parami Road.

YANGON, 23 Jan - Ministry of Industry-2 held today its second and third four-monthly meeting at the meeting hall of the ministry on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road here today. It was attended by Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Deputy Minister Lt-Col Khin Maung Kyaw, directors-general and managing directors, directors and factory general managers.

The minister reviewed strong points and weak points of the respective departments and enterprises during the second and third four-monthlies and gave instructions on efforts for production of goods as targeted for the first four-months and boosting production for the year 2004-2005, which is set as the basic year of industrial development. Next, the deputy minister, Director-General of Directorate of Myanma Industrial Planning U Khin Maung and the managing directors also took part in the discussions.

Next, the minister presented awards for the sports athletes of the ministry, who won medals in the XXII SEA Games, to the directors-general and managing directors. The deputy minister and officials presented cash awards for the factories under the ministry.

Then the meeting ended with the concluding remarks by the minister.

YANGON, 23 Jan - Minister for Finance and Revenue Maj-Gen Hla Tun inspected the booth of the ministry staged at the Defence Services Museum on Shwedagon Pagoda Road here this morning.

The minister gave instructions on timely completion of preparatory measures. Next, the minister inspected customs examination of containers at Bo Aung Kyaw container yard and left necessary instructions.

YANGON, 23 Jan - Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan attended the 13th founding anniversary of Information and Public Relations Department which was held at the ministry on Theinbyu Road this morning and presented prizes to the outstanding staff. Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan said generally, there are two aims to hold an anniversary and the award presenting ceremonies, and they are: to review the degree of success a department achieved in realizing the objectives and carrying the work, and the pros and cons during the old year; and to lay down programmes to achieve more success in carrying out the work and to remedy the weaknesses in the new year, and to present awards to the staff for their brilliant efforts with a view to encouraging all employees to become active and cooperative and strive harder. All should strive to become outstanding staff, while taking the lessons of the previous year to achieve greater success in the current fiscal.

Progress in the multi sectors stands witness to the State's national development endeavours. The Head of State has already given guidance on the priority tasks that need accelerated efforts for the national development. In accord with the guidance, the ministry staff will have to strive for successful implementation of the seven tasks - to organize the public through the media for the success of the seven-point policy programme, to make innovative efforts for further development of the media and its related equipment, to extend the media coverage reach the whole nation including the border areas, to penetrate the foreign countries through media, to always make the media programmes look active and superb, and to apply means to increase income, while taking thrifty measures.

The staff must be dutiful, and have efficiency, goodwill, cooperation and initiative, while practising the system that brings improvement through competition.

The minister presented model district office award to Monywa District IPRD Office and model township office award to Yinmabin Township IPRD Office.

Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aung Thein presented prizes to 46 district offices, 43 township offices, 19 outstanding trainees of various courses, and 23 service personnel who won awards in education and quiz and the award for excellent performance in the social field through the representatives.

Director-General of the IPRD U Chit Naing presented gifts to the director-general's award winners.

Also present were heads of departments under the ministry, advisers and others.

The minister and the deputy minister cordially greeted the staff and visited the reference library.

YANGON, 23 Jan - The Ministry of Rail Transportation held its third four-monthly coordination meeting (2004) at the ministry on Theinbyu Road this morning.

It was attended by Minister for Rail Transportation Maj-Gen Aung Min, Deputy Ministers Thura U Thaung Lwin and U Pe Than, departmental heads, advisers and officials.

The minister delivered an address on the occasion. In his address, he elaborated on efforts to be made for exceeding the targets reviewing the strong and weak points of previous performances; systematic expending of local and foreign currency; maintenance of coaches, locomotives and railroads; ensuring punctual departure and arrival of the trains; extended running of trains in short trips; ensuring practice of politeness in dealing with the passengers; contribution towards the interest of the people; smooth and fast flow of commodities; and smooth and secure transport. The minister also called departmental personnel to discharge duties to the best of their ability.

The deputy ministers presented supplementary reports. The officials presented accomplishment of the goal, assessments and future plans. The minister delivered concluding remarks.

YANGON, 23 Jan - The second and third four-monthly coordination meeting (2003) of the Ministry of Construction took place at Public Works (Head Office) on Shwedagon Pagoda Road here this morning.

It was attended by Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, Deputy Ministers U Tint Swe and Brig-Gen Myint Thein, officials and engineers.

The minister assessed the reports by the officials concerned and made concluding remarks.

Next, prize-distribution ceremony for outstanding staff and outstanding students of the staff took place at the same venue.

The minister, the deputy ministers and officials presented prizes to outstanding staff and students.

YANGON, 23 Jan - Hailing the 57th Anniver-sary Union Day-2004, a self-reliance tarred road was opened at Sanpya Gange/Gagyi Ward in North Okkalapa Township, here, yesterday morning, attended by Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe and Yangon City Development Com-mittee Chairman Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin. Also present on the occasion were YCDC Vice-Chairman Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa, Secretary Col Myint Aung, officials, senior military officers, and others.

The commander, the Yangon Mayor and Chairman of the committee for construction of the road U Than Maung formally opened the road which is 1,350 feet in length and 20 feet in width. The commander and the guests walked along the new road and greeted the public.

After the ceremony, the commander, the mayor and officials inspected tarring of Bohmu Bahtoo Road that links North Okkalapa township and Dagon University in Dagon Myothit (East).

The mayor and party inspected the sports ground near Kyansittha Street in Dagon Myothit (East), tarring of the four-lane Yadana Street in Thin-gangyun Township which is 9,500 feet long and links Thanthuma and Wezayanda streets and tarring of the ring-road around Kyaikka-san Pagoda. Later, the mayor and party looked into greening tasks for the environs of Kandawgyi island, completion of the ring-road of Khemadipa island and tasks being carried out. The mayor gave necessary instructions.

YANGON, 23 Jan - The Subcommittee for Flag Hoisting Ceremony of the 57th Anniversary Union Day 2004 held its first coordination meeting at the meeting hall of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Office on Bank Road in Kyauktada Township here this morning.

It was attended by Chairman of the Subcommittee and Deputy Commander of Yangon Command Col Wai Lwin and members and officials of the work committees.

Col Wai Lwin presided over the meeting and Secretary of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Myint Kyi acted as master of ceremonies.

In his speech, Col Wai Lwin urged officials concerned to take measures with great care to avoid pitfalls in carrying out the tasks for observing the Union Day in full political essence.

Officials of work committees reported on progress of tasks being carried out by their respective committees, followed by a general round of discussions.

In his concluding remarks, Col Wai Lwin said that the Union Day is a day of great importance in Myanma history.

He also praised the efforts made by respective work committees and called upon the collective participation in observing the Union Day.

YANGON, 23 Jan - The Tamu-Kale-Kalewa Border Traders Association held the fourth annual meeting in Tamu on 11 January.

Chairman of the association U Hla Maung, Chairman of Tamu District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Win Zaw, and Deputy Director of Border Trade Department U Soe Lwin gave speeches.

Secretary of the association U Aye Ko read out the financial report, and the association presented K 277,000 for religion and health activities in Tamu District.

YANGON, 23 Jan - The Development Affairs Committees under the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs are making concerted effforts in sinking tube-wells in order to get sufficient fresh water in rural areas in States and Divisions where water is scarce.

One 200 feet deep two-inch diameter tube-well costs K 250,000; one 400 feet deep two-inch diametre tube-well costs K 500,000; and one 200 feet deep four-inch diametre tube-well costs K 500,000.

Those wishing to donate cash for the tube-well sinking projects for rural areas may contact the Development Affairs Committees under the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs.

YANGON, 23 Jan - Alumni and alumnae of Basic Education High School No 4 in Thanlyin are to hold a respect-paying ceremony for teachers at the school at 9 am on 1 February 2004.

The old students are invited to attend the ceremony, and those wishing to donate cash may contact Tel 01-243161, 256602 and 056-21211 and Mahaythi Store, Myoma Market (North-wing), Thanlyin.

YANGON, 23 Jan - Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint, accompanied by Director-General of the Health Department Dr Wan Maung, Director-General of the Medical Research Department (Lower Myanmar) Dr Paing Soe and Deputy Director-General of the Medical Research Department (Upper Myanmar) Col Than Aung, viewed the joint surgical operation conducted by cardiac surgeons teams of Myanmar and Australia at Yangon People's Hospital this morning.

When the minister and party inspected the cardiac treatment at the 'cardiac catheterisation laboratory', Professor Dr Daw Khin May San and cardiologists of Myanmar and Professor Dr David Kelly and Dr Bruce Bastian of Australia reported to the minister, who later gave necessary instructions and attended to the requirements.

Next, the minister and party also inspected the heart-disease patients, who have undergone surgical treatment, at the intensive care unit. Professor Dr Khin Maung Aye and Australian Professor Dr Alan Gale reported to the minister on conditions of the heart diseases they dealt with and the health care services they provided.

YANGON, 23 Jan - The Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry met with the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Korea yesterday at the UMFCCI Headquarters.

UMFCCI President U Win Myint, Vice-Presidents U Win Aung, U Zaw Min Win and U Aung Lwin, General Secretary U Sein Win Hlaing and Chairman of Myanmar Beans and Pulses and Sesame Merchants Association U Tun Aung met with a seven member delegation led by KCCI President Mr Hyo-Sung Kim.

They discussed investment promotion, economic cooperation, export of beans and pulses, wood, wood-based goods and rubber materials and the sending of a Myanmar business delegation to ROK.

YANGON, 23 Jan - A combined team comprising members of the local intelligence unit and Bhamo Special Anti-drug Squad, acting on information, stopped a motorcycle travelling along Se-in village road in Bhamo on 24 December 2003. At that time, Tangun, cyclist, attempted to fire his 9 mm pistol and Tan Naung, his companion, also threatened the authorities with his knife. The authorities overpowered them and seized 9 packs of raw opium weighing 15.5 kilos.

In another similar action on 28 December 2003, a combined team comprising members of the local intelligence unit and Lashio Special Anti-drug Squad, acting on information, stopped and searched the van with number plates (Ah/ 741) en route to Lashio from Mandalay near the mile post 80/4 on Lashio-Mandalay road. The authorities discovered 19 packs of heroin weighing 306.16 grams from passenger Ai Zam Htan.

Action is being taken against the drug traffickers under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by the police stations concerned.