Prime Minister inspects development undertakings in Kayin and Mon States
Successful realization of the plans depends on correct and speedy implementation at the rassroots levels, and correct data
YANGON, 26 Jan- Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and party, accompanied by Chairman of Mon State Peace and Development Council Commander of South- East Command Maj-Gen Thura Myint Aung, arrived in Ye, Mawlamyine District, via Mawlamyine yesterday. The Prime Minister and party were welcomed there by local authorities, departmental personnel and members of social organizations.

The Prime Minister and party proceeded to Ye Bridge. After hearing a report presented by Minister for Rail Transportation Maj-Gen Aung Min on facts about Ye Bridge, the Prime Minister and party strolled along the bridge.

Ye bridge, linking Mawlamyine-Ye road and Ye-Dawei road is rail-cum-road one.

As the bridge has been completed, trains are running daily from Mawlamyine to Dawei via Ye, passing through the bridge. Now, one can easily reach Mon State and Taninthayi Division by car, it is learnt.

Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and party, next, went to People's Hospital in Ye where they were welcomed by Medical Superintendent Dr Saw Myat Oo and staff.

The Prime Minister inspected X-ray room, medical store, patient wards, operation theatre and out-patient department.

The Prime Minister gave instructions on construction of new hospital building and providing the hospital with medical equipment.

On arrival at Basic Education High School in Ye, the Prime Minister and party were welcomed by Headmaster U Tint, teachers and students.

The Prime Minister and party inspected electronic media (language lab), printed and display media (reading corner), electronic media (video system), printed media (visual presenter) and computer room.

Next, the Prime Minister met with members of Township Peace and Development Council, departmental personnel and members of social organizations.

First, Chairman of Ye Township Peace and Development Council U Htay Win reported to the Prime Minister on location and area of the township, cultivation of summer paddy, food sufficiency in the region, cultivation of pepper, rubber and beans and pulses, measures being taken in the education and health sectors and requirements.

Township Manager U Khin Maung Aye of Myanma Perennial Crops Enterprise reported on yearly cultivation of rubber in Ye Township and cultivation of rubber on 58830 acres of land this year.

After fulfilling the needs in education, health and agriculture sectors, the Prime Minster made a speech saying that he has inspected education, health, transport and development sectors that will contribute towards the development of Ye Township. According to reports presented by officials and the findings, arrangements have been made to build two-storey building in Ye People's Hospital and provide medical equipment in order to provide better health care services to the people living in the township. Moreover, arrangements have also been made to open rural health centres where necessary, he said.

Arrangements are also being made to open basic education primary schools in areas where there are no BEPS and to upgrade the BEPS to BEMS.

At a time when the government is implementing the five rural development tasks, district and township level officials are to go right down to the grassroots level and strive for regional development and raising the living standard of local people, he said. Only when there are successes in rural development tasks will there be progress of socio-economic life of local people, he pointed out.

In addition to the conventional farming in the region, the respective departments are to render assistance to farmers for realizing the objectives laid down by the State in agriculture and livestock breeding sectors.

Rubber is the main crop of Mon State and Taninthayi Division. For achieving more development in cultivation of the crop, necessary assistance including agricultural method and strains are to be provided to farmers, he noted.

The Prime Minister urged officials concerned to strive for development of the township, ensuring community peace and tranquillity, raising the living standard of rural people after realizing the five rural development tasks laid down by the State.

Next, Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt presented a TV set, a VCR, a set of computer and teaching aids to the township education officer and medicines to the medical superintendent.

Later, they proceeded to Thanbyuzayat. Col Khin Maung Si of Thanbyuzayat Station, local authorities, departmental personnel and members of social organizations welcomed the Prime Minister and party.

The Prime Minister met with members of Township Peace and Development Council, departmental personnel, members of social organizations and townselders.

Chairman of Thanb-yuzayat Township Peace and Development Council U Thein Win reported to the Prime Minister on targeted, cultivation and yield of monsoon and summer paddy in the township, cultivation of perennial crops including rubber, Thitseint (Belleric Myrobalan), Sithabyay and pepper, cultivation of beans and pulses and edible oil crops, sea prawn breeding, measures being taken in education and health sectors and requirements.

The Prime Minister attended to the needs and made a speech saying that with the conviction that efforts are to be made for national development, he, accompanied by in-charge of the region and ministers, was in Kawkareik and Myaingyingu region in Kayin State and again in Ye, Thanbyuzayat, Mudon and Mawlamyine townships to fulfill the requirements in education, health, social and economic sectors of the townships.

In Ye, he said, arrangements are being made to fulfil the needs in health, social, transport and economic sectors in the township. In Thanbyuzayat also, necessary assistance has been provided for regional development and the success of the five rural development tasks.

The State dignitaries themselves today tour right down to the grassroots level to fulfil the needs and for harmonious development of all regions in the country.

At such a time, officials of states, divisions, districts and townships and departments are to make earnest efforts with goodwill for raising the living standard of local people, he said.

According to the reports, officials in Thanbyuzayat Township are to seek ways and means to realize the goal of regional food sufficiency, he pointed out. Efforts are to be made to meet more success in cultivation of rubber and other crops. Officials at different levels are to supervise the agricultural works such as rubber which a project item.

On completion of Singapore-Kunming railroad, which will be built in cooperation with ASEAN and China, Phayathonzu-Thanphyzayat railroad will emerge and the township will become the hub of the region, he said.

In conclusion, the Prime Minister spoke of the need of officials to form work committees for speedy implementation of development tasks for the township and rural development tasks.

Chairman of MEC Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt presented TVs, VCRs and a set of computer each for Nos 1 and 2 BEHS in Thanbyuzayat to the headmasters.

At the People's Hospital in Thanbyuzayat, the Prime Minister and party inspected the medical store, maternity ward and operation theatre.

Next, the Prime Minister and party went to No 1 BEHS in Thanbyuzayat and inspected computer aided instruction, computer application and e-mail, language lab, display media and printed media, electronic media (video system) and domestic science room.

Afterwards, The Prime Minister and party arrived in Mudon where they were welcomed by local authorities and officials. At the town hall, the Prime Minister met with members of Township Peace and Development Council, departmental personnel and members of social organizations.

Chairman of the Township PDC U Kyaw Kyaw Maung reported to the Prime Minister on land use in the township, sown acreage, dams and benefited acres, cultivation of monsoon and summer paddy, edible oil crops, beans and pulses, regional food sufficiency, measures being taken in the education and health sectors and requirements. Officials also reported on health and education matters, cultivation of paddy, edible oil crops, beans and pulses and supplying water from dams for agricultural purpose.

After fulfilling the requirements the Prime Minister made a speech.

In his speech, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt said that the purpose of the visit to Mon State is to render necessary assistance for health, education, and regional development. And such kind of provisions has also been given to Mudon. Arrangements were to be made for building schools and dispensaries in necessary places taking into consideration the density of population as the villages in Mon State were very big and densely populated.

The State is taking measures for development of human resources in all the states and divisions including Mon State to ensure the emergence of intelligentsia and intellectuals who are particularly required for building a modern nation.

Being a hereditary farming, the rubber cultivation should be conducted extensively on a commercial scale. Officials are to encourage and offer assistance to those who earn their living as breeders to enable them to enlarge their businesses from managerial to commercial scales. As Mudon Township enjoys good rainfalls, the dams the State constructed for agricultural purpose are filled with waters. Therefore, it will be necessary to grow not only monsoon paddy but also summer paddy extensively.

The Government is making all-out efforts to ensure equitable development all over the nation, including remote areas. Realizing the measures the Government is taking, township officials should devote themselves to regional as well as rural development tasks and the higher living standard of the people. Thanlwin bridge (Mawlamyine), which will be the biggest one in Myanmar, is now under construction in Mawlamyine of Mon State by spending a huge sum of money. On completion, the bridge will help the social and economic development drive in an astonishing velocity also in Taninthayi division that borders Mon State.

Bridges, roads and dams are being constructed at nobody's request. They are being built in accord with the Head of State's noble intention that every state and division must be equal in terms of development.

Officials are to go down to the grass-roots level and provide necessary assistance and should not stay aloof from the general public. Officials are also to find the requirements of the people and fulfil them. If the matter was not the one they could handle, they should inform their seniors of the matter correctly and quickly.

As the Government always learns what the general public need from the central level down to grass-roots level and attends to the requirements, it is incumbent upon officials-in-charge of the townships and departmental officials to put their energy on regional development with the sense of duty, he concluded.

Next, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt donated one television, one video cassette player, and a set of computer each to Nos 1 & 2 BEHSs through the school heads concerned.

Later, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and party inspected the emergency room, the surgical room, the medical storeroom, patient wards, the ECG room and X-ray room at Mudon People's Hospital.

The Prime Minister and party also went to Mudon No 1 BEHS, where he oversaw the projected media and language lab. Next, the Prime Minister and party flew to Mawlamyine by Tatmadaw aircraft and viewed the construction works from the aircraft.

On arrival at Maw-lamyine, the Prime Minister and party met with local authorities, departmental officials, and members of social organizations at Aung San Hall in Mawlamyine.

On the occasion, Commander Maj-Gen Thura Myint Aung reported to the Prime Minister on arrangements for cultivation of monsoon and summer paddy, possible crop yield, cultivation of winter crops and peppers, the reclamation of vacant and virgin lands to make Mon State 'rubber state', the production of chicken and eggs, the production of marine products. After hearing the reports, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt delivered an address.

He said that the purpose of his visit was to meet with local authorities and departmental personnel in Mon State and to fulfil the requirements for the development of the state and to explain the situation of the State.

The Prime Minister, accompanied by the ministers, the deputy ministers and departmental heads, arrived at Hpa-an, Kayin State, on 24 January and fulfilled the requirements for the construction of Hpa-an University and Government Technological College. Then, he and his party visited the Myainggyingu region and attended the opening ceromony of the 34-mile Myaing gyingu-Hpa-an road built by Myainggyingu Sayadaw and wellwishers with the intention of contributing to the development of the State.

Moreover, he met with local authorities and fulfilled the requirements for the development of the areas north of Hpa-an. He and his party also visited Kawkareik and exhorted local authorities to extend agricultural and livestock breeding work that could contribute to the education, health, transport and economic sectors of Kawkareik District.

Next, he proceeded to the construction project site of the Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine) and attended to the requirements.

He said he also visited Ye, Thanbyuzayat and Mudon townships and attended to the requirements for their development, giving necessary instructions to the local authorities especially for opening primary schools where necessary and for upgrading primary schools to middle schools and middle schools to high schools. Moreover, to promote health care services for rural people, rural health care centres were opened and hospitals upgraded.

Not only that, he fulfilled the needs for good transport and for the success of agricultural and livestock breeding work of the local people.

The Prime Minister went on to say he believed that the harmonious development of the entire Union depends on the concerted efforts of responsible officials of the State, local authorities, departmental personnel and the entire national people. Accordingly, he said, he was touring various regions himself and fulfilled the requirements for development.

National unity and strong Union Spirit are very important to the Union of Myanmar, home to various national races. The Head of State now and then instructed that all the necessary requirements must be fulfilled for the development of national people and their regions.

Therefore, in accordance with the guidance of the Head of State, responsible personnel of the State have been touring states and divisions, districts, town-ships and even villages. He also said that, he himself declared the seven-point policy programme of the State on 30 August, 2003, that it was being implemented and that it was necessary for the national people from all walks of life living in the Union to make concerted efforts for the success of the policy programme.

He emphasized that community peace, pre-valence of law and order, fulfilment of the basic needs of the people and development of human resources are fundamental requirements for success-fully implementing the policy programme for the emergence of a peaceful, modern, developed and discipline-flourishing democracy.

While trying to fulfil these three requirements, he said, we should put our energies into the step-by-step implementation of the seven-point policy programme.

In doing so, all the responsible officials at central, state and division and township levels should fully discharge their responsibilities with the conviction "we will surely reach our national goal".

Mon State is enjoying peace, rays of peace can be seen in Kayin State.

With mutual under-standing, respect, trust and honesty, the whole nation would be peaceful and law and order prevail all over it.

For the prevalence of law and order and community peace, depart-mental personnel at different levels including members of Myanmar Police Force must unitedly try their utmost.

The economy of Myanmar, he said, is based on agriculture. Therefore, in fulfilling the fundamental needs of the people, we must try for the success of mechanized farming system and for the establishment of an industrialized nation. He said that, as agriculture plays a very important role in raising the living standard of the people, he would like to urge all those responsible in the agricultural sector to execute their duties conscientiously and with goodwill. The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education are responsible for health and fitness and uplift of education standard in the development of human resources.

In connection with the education sector, requirements of the region are to be fulfilled. Officials concerned should make field trips to grassroots levels. He spoke of the need to open primary schools where there is no school and some are to be upgraded.

Since all service personnel are responsible for regional development, efforts are to be made for development through cooper ation, collective leadership and responsibility without separation of the duties. After formation of the sector-wise committees tasks are to be undertaken through mutual assistance.

He said successful realization of the plans laid down by the State depends on speedy and correct implementation at the grass-roots levels, and correct data. He spoke of the need for officials at state, division, district and township levels to check the data correctly and work hard in combination with diligence and goodwill.

On 17 January, he said, he met judicial and law officials in Yangon. Law is the life of the State. They must manage the State in accord with the law. Administrative machinery should be in accord with the law. He spoke of the need for those who pass judgement and observe the law to carry out the task correctly. Judicial matters should not be done lawlessly. He warned local authorities not to interfere in the affairs.

Only when the laws prescribed by the State are to be exercised uprightly in accord with the true and fair judicial policy will the life of the people be secure. He said judicial and legal officials should be aware of this fact in carrying out their tasks.

There are many development projects being undertaken by the State. One of them is Mawlamyine Thanlwin River Bridge. It is the biggest and longest rail-cum-bridge in Myanmar. He called for cooperation for completion of the project.

He said the government is carrying out regional development tasks for equal development of all states and divisions. Dams such as Azin, Winphanon and Warpar were built for development of agriculture and livestock breeding and economic progress of farmers. Kataik Dam and sluice gate are being built in the region, he added.

He said implementation of these projects aim for support of economic life of the country and economic progress of the farmers. He spoke of the need for those in charge of the projects in-charges to realize the objectives of the State.

He said the State will build canals for availability of water and cultivation of summer paddy. Realizing the fact that investments of the State are in the interest of the people, departmental officials are to make efforts with might and main and sense of duty.

The Prime Minister spoke on maintenance of dams built at a cost of a large amount of cash and utilization of water in agriculture beneficially.

He spoke of the need to understand goodwill and measures undertaken by the government for development of Mon State. Departmental officials in the state are to make efforts for successful implementation of the State's objectives.

In conclusion, he called on all to work in harmony for emergence of a peaceful modern democracy-flourishing nation in implementation of seven-point future political programme. The Prime Minister and party arrived back here on 25 January evening. On 24 January, the Prime Minister and party went to Sasana Beikmandaw in Mawlamyine and paid respects to members of the Sangha led by Kawhlar Pariyatti Sarthintaik Presiding Nayaka Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Obhasa. The Prime Minister presented offertories to the members of the Sangha.

The Prime Minister and party visited Maha Myatmuni Pagoda and donated cash to it.

The Prime Minister and party also visited Kyaik-thanlan Pagoda and donated cash. They also visited Lawkahmanku Pagoda, Lawkaokeshaung Pagoda and Hsandawshin Zina-manaung (U Zina) Pagoda.

YANGON, 26 Jan - A ceremony to open the three-storey library of Mawlamyine University took place in front of the library in Mawlamyine, Mon State, yesterday morning. Chairman of the Myanmar Education Committee and Prime Minister of the State General Khin Nyunt attended the ceremony.

Also present on the occasion were member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Maung Bo, Mon State Peace and Development Council Chairman Commander Maj-Gen Thura Myint Aung, ministers, deputy ministers, responsible personnel of the State Peace and Development Council, departmental officials, social organizations, Rector of Mawlamyine University U San Tint, professors, faculty members, and others.

In explaining why the library was opened, Rector U San Tint said that during the inspection tour of the university on 28-12-1993 the Prime Minister gave instructions that a convocation hall, a library, and buildings around the swimming pool should be built. Now that the library has been completed, researchers, teachers and students can now use it. A total of 106,920 copies of books and periodicals are kept there. Commander Maj-Gen Thura Myint Aung and Minister for Education U Than Aung formally opened the newly-constructed three-storey library of Mawlamyine University.

Next, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt unveiled the signboard of the library, and the Prime Minister and party viewed round the library. After the ceremony, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and party posed for a group photo together with the faculty members of the university and students in front of the library.

Later, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and party went to the convocation hall construction site at the university and heard reports on the architectural design of the convocation hall and progress of construction works. After giving instructions on the architectural designs, the Prime Minister looked into the construction project of the convocation hall.

YANGON, 26 Jan - Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt received the visiting delegation led by Thai Minister of Commerce Mr Watana Muangsook at Zeyathiri Beikman on Konmyinttha at 4 pm today.

Also present on the occasion were Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Protocol Department Director-General Thura U Aung Htet and Ambassador Mr Suphot Dhirakaosal, who has been accredited to Myanmar.

YANGON, 26 Jan - At the invitation of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Planning and Cooperation Committee of the Lao People's Democratic Republic Dr Thongloun Sisolith and wife Madame Naly Sisoulith arrived here by air this evening on a goodwill visit to the Union of Myanmar.

The Laotian Deputy Prime Minister and wife and members of the delegation were welcomed at Yangon International Airport by Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe and wife Daw Khin Thet Htay, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Director-General of the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet, Ambassador of the Lao People's Democratic Republic to Myanmar Mr Chanthavy Bodhisane and the staff of the Laos Embassy in Yangon.

The Laotian Deputy Prime Minster was accompanied by Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Phongsavat Boupha, Vice-Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Mr Sitaheng Lasaphonh, Deputy Head of Prime Minister's Office Mr Boviengkham Vongdala, Governor of Luang Namtha Mr Sengnhong Vongkham-chanh, Governor of Bokeo Province Mr Khammanh Sounvileuth and other high-level officials.

YANGON, 27 Jan - U Saw Hla Min, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Union of Myanmar to Japan, presented his Credentials to His Majesty Emperor Akihito, Emperor of Japan, on 16 January 2004, in Tokyo.

U Nay Win presents Credentials to President of ROK

YANGON, 27 Jan - U Nay Win, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Union of Myanmar to the Republic of Korea, presented his Credentials to His Excellency Mr Roh Moo-Hyun, President of the Republic of Korea, on 15 January 2004, in Seoul.

YANGON, 26 Jan - Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry held meeting with the Federation of Thai Industries and Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry at Kandawgyi Palace Hotel here yesterday.

President of the UMFCCI U Win Myint, Vice-Presidents U Win Aung and U Zaw Min Win and U Aung Lwin, General Secretary U Sein Win Hlaing and executives and Deputy Director-General of Foreign Trade Department, Commerce Ministry of Thailand Mr Vichak Vistenoi and officials of the two Thai business bodies discussed investment, trade, farm products, wood and wood-based industries and other sectors.

U Win Myint and party held a searate meeting with Thai businessmen led by Chairman of FTI Mr Plengsakdi Prakaspesat.

YANGON, 26 Jan - Chairman of the National Health Committee and Prime Minister of the State General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe hosted a dinner at Tatmadaw Guest House on Inya Road here this evening in honour of Myanmar doctors resident abroad and those from foreign countries who attended the 50th Conference of the Myanmar Medical Association.

Present on the occasion were Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, the ministers, the vice-chief of Military Intelligence and senior military officers, the director-general of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental officials, chairman and executives of MMA, members of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association, and guests.

Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe cordially greeted the doctors and then hosted the dinner to them.

YANGON, 26 Jan - An inauguration of Pansay Bridge constructed on the road to the Mandalay International Airport by bridge construction project special group-14 of Public Works, the Ministry of Construction was held at the Mingala Mandat near the bridge in TadaU Township Mandalay Division this morning, with an address by member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence.

Also present were Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, officials of the Ministry of Construction, local authorities, social organizations, students and local people numbering 7,000.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint delivered an address. He said Pansay Bridge lies on the road to Mandalay International Airport. The bridge leads to Innwa Bridge from the international airport.

There are two bridges crossing Dokhtawady River and Pansay Creek.

Dokhtawady River Bridge was opened on 26 January 1999. Air passengers from Sagaing, Monywa, Shwebo, Amarapura can easily go to the airport directly. Air passengers from Monywa, Shwebo and Sagaing can go to the airport in no time through the bridge.

He said after the Tatmadaw government had taken up State duties, altogether 166 bridges which are 180 feet and above were built. The bridge is the seventh one in Mandalay Division. Zawgyi River Bridge, Dokhtawady River Bridge, Panlaung Bridge, Samonpauk Bridge, Tanga Bridge and newly opened Pansay Bridge are famous. Ayeyawady Bridge (Yadanabon) is being built, he said.

Transport tasks which are basis for regional and national development were implemented one after another on self-reliance basis under the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe.

Myanmar engineers built transport infrastructures such as new airports, roads, bridges and jetties and upgraded old airports. By doing so, transport between states and divisions will become easier. Highways on which one can go from Putao-Myitkyina-Mandalay- Yangon- Mawlamyine-Dawei have emerged. One can travel from Myitkyina to Dawei by rail.

He said transport is the most important and the most basic requirement in development of a region. With better transport, trade and man-ufacturing sectors will develop and regional economy also improve. He said roads and bridges have linked all the regions of the Union. He called for active participation in efforts for emergence of a modern developed nation.

Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun spoke on the occasion. He said priority has been given to transport infrastructure and efforts are being made for development of political, economic and social structures in building a peaceful modern developed nation.

He said Myanmar engineers are now proficient in modern technology and can handle and utilize modern machinery. With the aim of forging closer relation among the national races, consolidation of national solidarity and national development, roads and bridges are being built as a priority task. In 1988, there were 13,635 miles of roads. Now there are 18,112 miles of roads.

He said the ministry is endeavouring for opening of a bridge every month and called for public participation in construction work.

Next, Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint spoke on the occasion.

On behalf of the local people, a local thanked the government. At the auspicious time the commander and the minister formally opened Pansay Bridge.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint formally unveiled the stone inscription. Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party posed for a souvenir photo together with local people.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party passed through the bridge.

The reinforced bridge is 200 feet long and 72 feet wide. It has six feet wide walkways on each side. Its clearance is 80 feet wide and 10 feet high. It can bear 60 tons of load.

YANGON, 26 Jan -Chairman of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Vice-Chairmen Minster for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, members Minister for Labour U Tin Winn and Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, together with amba ssadors of foreign missions in Yangon, diplomats, resident representatives of UN agencies, CCDAC Secretary MPF Director-General Brig-Gen Khin Yee and officials, visited Shan State (East), Shan State (West), Mandalay Division and Magway Division starting from 23 January to observe regional develop-ment tasks and drugs elimination tasks.

On 24 January, they visited the border area development training school in Kengtung where they were welcomed by Director U Khin Maung Swe of Shan State (East) Development Affairs Department and officials. Acting Principal U Kyaw Kyaw Oo and Assistant Registrar Daw Wai Wai Naing of Kengtung Degree College made presentations.

The ministers, the ambassadors, the diplomats and the UN resident representatives left Kengtung by helicopter and arrived at Mongpauk at 10.10 am. National race leader U Aik Phu and party welcomed them. Resident Represen-tative of UNODC Mr Li Ming Hu extended greetings and Project Manager Mr Jeremy Milson explained tasks for Wa region development project at the office of the project. He said altogether 44,143 people of 8,452 households are living in 337 villages of the five townships in Mongpauk District. A total of 12 ethnic groups are living there of which majority are Lahu, Shan and Wa nationals. The major objective of the project is to control drugs and to ensure no production and abuse of drugs. Of its six major branches, as regards health sector, efforts are being made to educate the public and to have better health and nutrition, to reduce the number of drugs users at present and in the future and to establish a health system that exists after the project.

As regards the infrastructure sector, with a view to promoting regional efficiency, emphasis is placed on building social and economic infrastructures, having market share, necessary services and having smooth commu- nication. As regards the education sector, efforts have been made for promoting the education standard of the people and pursuing education with the prescribed texts of the State. As regards the agriculture sector, priority is given to preserving natural resources and to producing sufficient rice and increasing incomes. As regards the information sector, opium yield survey was conducted in 337 villages in five townships in 2003. Poppy was grown on 1,915 acres of land. It shows the decrease of 19 per cent when compared with 2002. In addition, as regards the rural development sector, courses are opened to educate the people, with a view to having their participation.

As a result, poppy-growing and opium-production in the region has remarkably decreased. Poppy was grown on 1,212 hectares of land in 1999, and the number decreased to 956.37 hectares in 2002. It is estimated that the number will decrease further to about 500 hectares in 2004. Afterwards, queries of the ambassadors, the diplomats and the UN resident representatives were replied. At Mongpauk Hospital, In-charge Dr Saw Aung Hla conducted them around there.

The ministers, the ambassadors, the diplomats and the UN resident representatives left Mongpauk by helicopter at 11.30 am and arrived at Panghsan at 11.50 am where national race leader U Li Zee Yu and party welcomed them. At the briefing hall, Wa national race leader U Pauk Yu Chan made a presentation. He said arms have been exchanged for peace with the government since April 17, 1989. During the past 15 years, Wa region has developed remarkably. With the development achieved, efforts for elimination of drugs in 2005 can be carried out. As regards the transportation sector, there were only 300 kilometers of road before 1989 compared with 1,800 kilometers at present. In addition, over 250 bridges have been built and over 3,000 kilometers of road linking southern and northern townships of Wa region was constructed.

As regards the energy sector, at present there are seven hydel power stations to generate 13,560 kilowatts, up from only a 40-kilowatt hydel power station before 1989. This helps industrial and economic development. As regards civil construction tasks, Panghsan, Mongmao and Namtit in northern Wa region can be seen developing. Arrangements, for develop-ment of southern Wa region are being made.

As regards the agriculture sector, with the assistance of the State, high-land farming has developed thanks to Wanlin Dam and Mongka canal. Similarly, projects for development of agriculture sector have been implemented in every township. So, rice is sufficient for the region from 6 to 8 months, up from 4 to 6 months before 1989. There are 27 canals, six dams in Wa region and 120 tractors, and 550 cattle have been distributed to the farmers with no interest. So, 32,500 tons of rice was produced in 2003. Surplus 6,000 tons of paddy was sold to the other regions. 3,000 more tons of maize was produced. As regards the livestock breeding sector, two big-scale Hong Peng livestock breeding farms were established in northern and southern parts to fulfil local needs. In addition, rubber plants were grown on 18,122 acres of land and 80,000 teak plants were also grown. Lychee, orange, mango, citron, tea and grape were grown on 36,860 acres of land. Moreover, cigarette factory, wine distillery, gems enterprise, paper mill, match factory, drinking water factory, brick factory, beer distillery and foodstuff factories have been built. A total of 15,796 students are pursuing education at 288 schools including six middle schools. These were opened with the cash provided by the State, the UN and the people of Wa region. There are 988 teachers, 20 hospitals, 106 dispensaries and 591 health care staff. A women's organization was established in the region in 2003, he said.

Drugs elimination tasks have been carried out since 1996. The region has the population of over 600,000. Altogether 16 ethnic groups are living in 29 districts. According to the opium yield survey, there grows no poppy in Mongmao, Weinkaung, Mongpauk, Lonhtan, Namtit, Panghsan and Mongpyin regions. The difficulty is that the region is mountainous. So, it is difficult to carry out regional development tasks and there is also a problem in UNODC's project for regional development. The programme to resettle the people to the southern region needs a lot of funds. Raw materials produced from poppy-substitute agriculture tasks and livestock breeding tasks have a problem with market. Some essential chemicals for other industries cannot be imported due to the strict bilateral chemicals control programme. Those migrated to southern part need medicines. But, these difficulties will not change the opium elimination objective in 2005. If the assistance of Myanmar government, the Republic of China, Thailand and international organizations be rendered, the objectives will be realized smoothly.

The visitors left there and arrived at Mongmao 2.30 pm where national race leader U Pauk Yu Lyan and Tactical Operations Commander Col Sein Win and party welcomed them. They visited tea plantations there. At 3.30 pm, they arrived at Namtit where national race leader U Lu Shin Kya made a report. He said it took ten years for the Wa region to have the present situation. Thanks to the assistance of the State and foreign countries, the difficulties could be overcome and the region has developed. The main income comes from mining, local trade, toll tax, and the assistance of traders. Strenuous efforts have been made to reduce poppy growing for drugs elimination tasks of the region. As a result, only about 600 families of two village-tracts out of 2,800 families of six village-tracts are growing poppy. In resettling the people from the two village-tracts, housing and rice sufficiency is of prime importance. A total of 50,000 rubber plants, 100,000 lychee, 120,000 Chinese plum, 350,000 tea plants, 140,000 pineapple plants, 150,000 Chinsawkha plants (Cydonia cathayensis), 5,000 walnut plants, 50,000 mango trees and 1,050,000 flower plants have been grown to substitute poppy-growing. In addition, one factory that takes out rubber seeds, one brick tile factory and one brick factory have been built. And tasks for drinking water were implemented. In road transportation sector, 53 miles of gravel road, 115 miles of earthen road, 6 miles of tarred road, 16 bridges and 235 miles of road were constructed. Water supply tasks for 4,500 acres of plantation and 5,600 acres of land have been implemented. But, present plantation cannot provide local people with sufficient rice. Arrangements for land reclamation and digging of the canal of 115,000 feet are being made. A rubber factory will be built there. Assistance of international community will benefit the region. There are some difficulties to buy some chemicals due to the strict bilateral chemicals control programme. So, to solve these problems, the region needs a huge sum of cash for local food sufficiency in eliminating narcotic drugs.

Afterwards, queries of the ambassadors, the diplomats and the UN resident representatives were replied. The visitors then left there and arrived at Lashio 5.45 pm. At 7 pm, on behalf of the North-East Command Commander, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Hla Myint hosted a dinner in honour of the visitors.

YANGON, 26 Jan - A Thai delegation led by Mr Watana Muangsook, Thai Minister for Commerce, arrived here this morning by Special Aircraft of Thai Royal Army (Air) to attend the fourth Myanmar-Thailand Joint Trade Commission Meeting.

The Thai minister of Commerce and delegation were welcomed at Yangon International Airport by Minister for Commerce of Myanmar Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aung Tun, departmental heads, and ambassador-designate to Myanmar Mr Suphot Dhirakaosal and officials of the Thai embassy.

The Myanmar-Thailand JTC Meeting was opened at Grand Plaza Parkroyal Hotel in Dagon Township at 10.20 am.

At the meeting, Myanmar delegation leader Brig-Gen Pyi Sone delivered an address. In his speech, he said with regard to the bilateral trade between Myanmar and Thailand, the volume of trade stood at US$ 1.3 billion in the 2002-2003 fiscal year, during which the bilateral trade was increased by 24 percent. In the 2003-2004 fiscal year, the export to Thailand was US$ 530 million while the import from Thailand was US$ 126 million.

He continued that the investment promotion is one of the important projects under the Four Countries Economic Cooperation Strategy, adding that discussions are under way to establish investment projects in border areas.

Thai Commerce Minister Mr Watana Muangsook also gave a speech on the occasion.

Matters related to conditions of bilateral trade between the two countries were reviewed and discussed, and the date and time of the next meeting coordinated and designated. Also put into discussions were border trade, the organizing of trade fairs, the exchange of trade delegations, and the implementation of trade and investment programmes under the Four Countries Economic Cooperation Strategy.

After the meeting, Agreed Minutes for the Fourth Session of Joint Trade Commission (JTC) between the Union of Myanmar and the Kingdom of Thailand were signed by the two commerce ministers.

Next, officials concerned from both sides signed the 'Summary Record of the Progress on Account Trade Arrangement between Myanmar and Thailand' and the 'Memorandum of Understanding between the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Federation of Thai Industries And the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Bankers Association of Thailand'.

Afterwards, Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone received Thai Commerce Minister Mr Watana Muangsook and delegation and Thai ambassador-designate to Myanmar Mr Suphot Dhirakaosal at the hotel at noon. Later, Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone hosted a lunch to the Thai minister and delegation.

Likewise, Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen Khin Maung received the Thai commerce minister at the hotel at 11.30 am. The Thai delegation led by Thai Commerce Minister Mr Watana Muangsook left here for home by Special Aircraft of Thai Royal Army (Air) in the evening. They were seen off at Yangon International Airport by Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aung Tun, departmental heads, the Thai ambassador-designate to Myanmar and embassy staff.

YANGON, 26 Jan - The third MICT Week-2004 continued today for the sixth day at MICT Park on Hline University Campus in Hline Township here.

The seminar on Wireless & Broadband Applications was held at 9 am at the conference hall and the workshop on Better Software Faster at 1 pm, attended by officials of Myanmar Computer Federation, Myanmar Computer Scientists Association and Myanmar Computer Industry Association and those interested in computer science and IT. Similarly, The final of Myanmar National Counter-Strike Championship-2004 took place at the conference hall. MICT Director Col Tin Oo presented K 2.8 million donated by MICTDC and K 2.52 million by Bagan Cybertech to the winners.

YANGON, 26 Jan - Seminar on Energy Database System and Forecasting Techniques jointly sponsored by ASEAN Centre for Energy and Academy of Energy Economic of Japan, opened at Traders Hotel here this morning.

Director-General of Energy Planning Department U Soe Myint gave a speech. Officials of the two organizing bodies, Energy Ministry, Electric Power Ministry, Forestry Ministry, Science and Technology Ministry, Mines Ministry and National Planning and Economic Development Ministry took part in the discussions.The seminar continues on 27 January.

YANGON, 26 Jan - The third MICT Week-2004 continued today for the sixth day at MICT Park on Hline University Campus in Hline Township here.

Chairman of the central committee for organizing MICT Week-2004 Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, e-National Task Force Vice-Chairman Civil Service Selection and Training Board member U Aung Myint and officials today visited the exhibition which was packed with all walks of life. It is kept open from 9 am to 5 pm and has been extended up to 31 January.

YANGON, 26 Jan - The MICT Week 2004 has been extended up to 31 January 2004 as the number of enthusiastic visitors of the exhibition are on the increase day by day.