YANGON, 12 Feb - Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing hosted a reception and dinner to mark the 57th Anniversary Union Day on the lawns of the Presidential Residence on Ahlon Road here this evening. Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing arrived there at 6.30 pm. They were welcomed by State Peace and Development Council Vice-Chairman Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, Prime Minister of the State General Khin Nyunt, member of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann, State Peace and Development Council Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Chairman of the Management Committee for Observance of the 57th Anniversary Union Day, Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Chairman and also Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, and officials. On the occasion, Senior General Than Shwe and Daw Kyaing Kyaing cordially greeted leaders of national races, cultural troupes from respective states and Taninthayi Division, Union Day delegates from Union Solidarity and Development Associations of states and divisions, and distinguished guests. Next, Senior General Than Shwe and Daw Kyaing Kyaing hosted the dinner to those present on the occasion. Present at the dinner were members of the State Peace and Development Council, the Commander- in-Chief (Navy), the Commander-in-Chief (Air), Yangon, Comand Commander, ministers, the attorney-general, the chief justice, the auditor-general and their wives, the chairman of the Civil Service Selection and Training Board, chairman of Yangon City Development Committee and wife, members of the central committee and the management committee for observance of the 57th Anniversary Union Day, deputy ministers, deputy attorney-generals, deputy chief justices, deputy auditors-general, members of CSSTB, the vice mayor, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence (Army, Navy and Air), personnel of the National Convention Convening Commission, the Work Committee for Convening of National Convention, the manage ment committee for Convening of National Convention, the director-general of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departmental officials, rectors and medical superintendents from general hospitals, USDA delegates to Union Day, national cultural troupes from states and divisions, police officers of Myanmar Police Force, local authorities, responsible personnel of News and Periodicals Enterprise, representatives from foreign news agencies, Myanmar Agriculture, Forestry, Livestock and Fisheries Technicians Organization, Myanmar Academics of Medical Science, Myanma Historical Commission, Myanmar Language Com mission, Myanmar Academy of Technology, Myanmar Academy of Arts and Science, Myanmar War Veterans Organization, Myanmar Red Cross Society, Myanmar Medical Associ-ation, Myanmar Veteri narians' Association, Myan-mar Dental Associ ation, Myan mar Nursing Association (Central), Myanmar Women's Affairs Federa tion, Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Child Care Association, Myanmar Health Assistants Association, Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Myanmar Rice Dealers Association, Myanmar Banks Associ ation, Myanmar Women Entrepreneurs Association, Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association, Myanmar Engineering Society, Myanmar Archaeo logists Association, Myanmar Computer Federa tion, Myanmar Computer Scientists Association, Myanmar Computer Industrialists Association, Myanmar Computer Enthu siasts Association, Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association, Myanmar Thabin Asiayon, Myanmar Music Asiayon, Myanmar Motion Pictures Asiayon, Myanmar Floriculturalists Association, Myanmar Florists Association, Myanmar National Work Committee for Women's Affairs, Myanmar Anti-Drug Association, Myanmar Garment Entrepreneurs Association, Myanmar-Thai Cultural and Economic Cooperation Association, ASEAN Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ASEAN-CCI), Myanmar Edible Oil Dealers Associ ation, Myanmar Goldsmiths Association, Myanmar Tourism Entrepreneurs Association, Myan mar Hoteliers Association, Myanmar Timber Entrepre neurs Association, Myanmar Fisheries Federation, and other social organizations. Before and during the dinner, Myanma modern music troupe entertained the guests with music and songs. Union national races and vocalists also entertained with songs to the accompaniment of Myanma modern music troupe. After the dinner, gold medalist students of the 11th Myanma Traditional Cul tural Performing Arts Competition, national tradi tional cultural troupes of Kachin State, Taninthayi Division, Chin State, Mon State, Kayah State, Shan State, Rakhine State and Kayin State, and those from the Fine Arts Department of the Ministry of Culture also entertained with a variety of song dances.

YANGON, 12 Feb- The 57th Anniversary Union Flag hoisting ceremony was held with full political essence in accord with the 57th Anniversary Union Day objectives: for all national races to safeguard the national policy- non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty; to keep the Union Spirit ever alive and dynamic among the national people; for all national people to defend and safeguard the Union for its perpetual existence; to prevent, through national solidarity, the danger of internal and external destructive elements undermining peace and stability of the State and national development; and for all national races to make concerted efforts for successful implementation of the seven-point future policy programme, at People's Square on Pyay Road this morning. The Union Flag that stopped over one night each in four Yangon districts arrived at the People's Square on Pyay Road at 7.20 am on board the Union Boat.

Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin accepted the flag from Chairman of Yangon West District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Kyaw Tint. Next, the mayor, flanked by members of the panel of patrons of 57th Anniversary Union Day Flag hoisting ceremony Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Secretary-General of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Maj-Gen Htay Oo, Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, U Pe Be Yan of Kayah State representing the Union Day delegates, Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) and police officers, Union nationals and USDA members, conveyed the flag to the People's Square. At 7.30 am, the flag was planted in the silver bowl on the dais in front of emblems of Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Mon, Rakhine and Shan States. Then, members of the panel of chairmen took the places. The ceremony was attended by CEC members of USDA, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence, head of central offices, division and district level authorities, senior military officers of the command headquarters, directors-general and managing directors of departments and enterprises, OSDs, members of YCDC and heads of department, rectors, members of 16 NGOs, local and foreign journalists, cultural troupe members of States and Divisions, representatives of State and Division USDAs and representatives of peace groups, totalling over 1,200. With a view to ensuring further national consolidation and strengthening friendly relations among national races in hill and plain regions, members of traditional cultural troupe were positioned at the places together with members of the Union Day Organizing Working Committee, senior military officers, departmental heads, rectors and principals and representatives of NGOs. Altogether over 10,700 public including 3,000 people from townships in Yangon East District, 5,000 from townships in Yangon West District, 1,000 from townships in Yangon North District, 500 from townships in Yangon South District attended the ceremony.

Master of ceremonies Secretary of Yangon District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Myint Kyi read out the agenda of the ceremony. Those present saluted the Flag to the strains of National Anthem played by the State Band. Next, the commander read out the message sent by Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe. At 7,50 am, the mayor took out the flag from the silver bowl on the dais and carried it. He then handed it over to YCDC Secretary Col Myint Aung. Flanked by Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) and police officers, Union nationals and students, Col Myint Aung conveyed the flag and planted it in the silver bowl on the Union Boat. Afterwards, the Union Flag, flanked by Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) and police officers, Union nationals and students, was conveyed from the People's Square to City Hall to stop over one year period through Pyay Road, Phonegyi Road, Maha Bandoola Street and Sule Pagoda Road. The flag was accorded a rousing welcome by local people including local authorities, social organizations, departmental personnel, students, departmental personnel and people waving miniature flags and hoisting flags at officers, shops and houses. In front of the City Hall, Col Myint Aung took out the flag from the silver bowl and handed it over to the mayor. Next, the mayor, flanked by Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) and police officers, Union nationals and USDA members, conveyed the flag and planted it in the silver bowl on the dais in the City Hall where the flag will be kept for one year. Later, they saluted the flag. Marking the 57th Anniversary Union Day, State Flags were hoisted at officers, parks, roads, bridges, markets and schools.

YANGON, 12 Feb- Chairman of National Health Committee Prime Minister of the State General Khin Nyunt, accompanied by officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, arrived at the site of Hepatitis-B Vaccine Factory construction project of Medical Research Department (Lower Myanmar) in Hlegu Township this morning.

The Prime Minister was welcomed there by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint, Yangon Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin, Deputy Minister for Health Dr Mya Oo, departmental heads, officials of departments under the Ministry of Health, the deputy director-general of MRD (Lower Myanmar) and researchers. At the briefing hall, Deputy Director-General Dr Soe Thein of the department reported on progress of the project, installation of machines, test-running, production of vaccines, power and telephone installation, water supply and construction of roads, greening tasks at environs of the factory, implementation of works instructed by the Prime Minister. Minister Dr Kyaw Myint and Deputy Minister Dr Mya Oo gave supplementary reports. Then, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe reported on construction of roads and bridges connected with Dagon Myothit (East) Township. Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt fulfilled the requirements. Next, the Prime Minister inspected the vaccine production department, the vaccine quality control department and finishing departments where the minister and the deputy minister conducted the Prime Minister round there.

The Prime Minister and party proceeded to Mental Health Hospital (Yangon) in Dagon Myothit (East) Township where they were welcomed by Medical Superintendent Dr Zaw Sein Lwin, doctors and nurses. At the hall, Dr Zaw Sein Lwin reported on history of the hospital, location and area, treatment, training and rehabilitation tasks, improvement of in-patients and out-patients, treatment duration, therapies, training programmes, progress of construction works and requirements.

Afterwards, the General gave instructions on construction of Day Care Centre, buildings, the playground and gymnasium in phases in accord with the Master Plan. The General then donated cash for the patients. Next, he saw over the patient wards, the dinning hall, construction of patient ward-5 and the Dhammayon.

Later, the Prime Minister, together with the commander and the mayor, inspected progress of Minye Kyawswa Road and Razadarit Road which connect with No 7 Highway and Pyidaungsu Road in Dagon Myothit (South) Township and Panglong Road in Dagon Myothit (North) by car and gave instruction to the mayor and officials on maintenance of the roads to be carried out.

YANGON, 12 Feb - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Aung Htwe inspected Heho-Taunglelon section of the Meiktila-Taunggyi-Kengtung-Tachilek road upgrading project yesterday. The project is being implemented by Public Works. At the project briefing hall in Taunglelon, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe heard a report on progress of work sector-wise presented by engineers and officials. Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Myint explained section-wise implementation of the project, distribution of heavy machinery and priority sectors. In response to the presentations, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe said in accord with the guidance of the Head of State, the Meiktila-Taunggyi-Kengtung-Tachilek road has been upgraded to a facility on which cars can drive at a minimum speed of 40 miles per hour. Thus, efforts should be made to reinforce its foundation, smoothen and widen its surface and ensures safety of the traffic. The staff of the project are required to carry out their work with goodwill and use the machinery most effectively.

Accompanied by officials, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe inspected tarring and the task to widen the surface at the section between mile post 97 and 98, saying the facility should meet its required standard. He then inspected the poultry farm of the No 55 Light Infantry Division in Heho. At the briefing hall, officials reported to him on pig breeding, plans to raise chicken, digging of ponds for fish farming and paddy, beans and pulses and seasonal crops cultivation. Lt-Gen Aung Htwe inspected crop samples of rice, beans and pulses, corn, sunflower at the hall and the poultry farm, speaking of the need to strive for the success of the farm.

YANGON, 12 Feb - Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan presented offertories to member Sayadaws of the Central Working Committee of the Sangha and Sayadaws of Township Sangha Nayaka Committee and supplicated on religious matters at Myokhintha Monastery (South) in Gangaw on 9 February morning. Afterwards, the minister held a meeting with departmental officials, townselders, members of social organizations, people and students. On the occasion, the minister spoke of the need for the entire people to take part in implementing the State's seven-point policy programme joining hands with the Government for building up a peaceful, modern developed democratic nation.

The minister presented K 200,000 each to Gangaw District and Township Union Solidarity and Development Associations, school textbooks and exercise books to basic education schools, publications to libraries and clothes and soap to the villages in the district. Zahaw and Pyaewa villages Peace and Development Councils donated two TV sets and Township video organization books to the village library. Next, the minister presented offertories to Pyay village monastery Sayadaw and supplicated on religious matters. After the meeting with village elders, the minister presented K 50,000, textbooks, exercise books, publications, clothes and soap to the village. The village Peace and Development Council donated a TV set to the library. The minister also presented K 100,000 for construction of a new building of Nyaungpinle village basic education primary school and publications to the village library. Afterwards, the minister met with the people in Yaymyetni village, Htilin Township, and presented textbooks and exercise books to the schools and soap to the villagers. The minister inspected construction of self-reliant building of Kyaw Station Hospital in Kyaw village, Gangaw Township, and progress in construction of the X-ray room and attended to the needs. In the evening, the minister attended the opening of Oo Hnauk village self-reliant library in Pale Township and presented K 100,000, school textbooks and exercise books to the village BEPS, publications to the village library and clothes and soap to the village. Next, the minister looked into progress in completion of the two-storey school building in Mindaingbin village, Pale Township, and fulfilled the needs.

On 10 February morning, the minister inspected Monywa Information and Public Relations Department. Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan met with the service personnel and gave instructions on excellent media coverage.

YANGON, 12 Feb - The 57th Anniversary Union Day commemorative Exhibition went on for the fifth day at the Tatmadaw Convention Hall here from 9 am to 5 pm today. A total of some 5,000 members of the Sangha, people, students and members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association visited the booths of the exhibition. There, various kinds of publications are available at fair prices at the shops of Sarpay Beikman Publishing House and the News and Periodicals Enterprise under the Ministry of Information.

YANGON, 12 Feb - The opening of a manual water pump was held at Taloktaw village, Hinthada Township, on 10 February morning. District Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col Maung Pyone, Township Chairman U Soe Thein and Executive Deputy Director U Saing Tun Tun formally opened the facility, which was provided by Township Development Affairs Committee. Similarly, the 8,970 feet long and 20 feet wide Wayindok-Ngantzin rural earth road undertaken by Pyawbwe Township DAC and a two-inch diameter 400 PVC tube-well donated by U Kyaw Thura-Daw Aye Aye Nwe (Fire Services Department) and family were commissioned into service in the Township on 7 February morning.

YANGON, 12 Feb- The Union Flag that stopped over for one night each on the silver bowl on the dais in the sports grounds in Thanlyin Township on 8 February, in Dagon Myothit (South) Township on 9 February, in Hmawby Township on 10 February and in Hlinethaya Township on 11 February was conveyed to the People's Square on board Union Boat from the sports ground of Hlinethaya Township this morning, and conveyed it again to keep it in the silver bowl on the dais of the parlour of the City Hall. The ceremony to convey Union Flag to the People's Square was held in the sports ground in Hlinethaya Township this morning, attended by more than 8,000 local people. First, they together with the Guard of Honour of Yangon Command saluted the flag to the accompaniment of the band of Tatmadaw (Air). At 6.25 am, Chairman of Yangon West District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Kyaw Tint, flanked by Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) and police officers, took out the flag from the silver bowl on the dais in the sports ground of Hlinethaya Township and conveyed it. He next handed over the flag to flag relay teams. Later, Lt-Col Kyaw Tint accepted the flag from the relay team and conveyed it onto the Union Boat. He then planted the flag into the silver bowl. Flanked by Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) and police officers, the Union Flag was conveyed on a grand scale from Prince Kanaung Road in Hlinethaya Industrial Zone to the People's Square through Yangon-Pathein Road, Bayintnaung Bridge, Bayintnaung Road, Nanattaw Road, Pyay Road. The Flag was accorded a rousing welcome by over 25,000 local people including local authorities, students, departmental personnel and people with dancing troupes. At the People's Square, Lt-Col Kyaw Tint, flanked by Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) and police officers, conveyed the flag, and handed it over to Yangon Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin.

YANGON, 12 Feb - Myanmar Women's Affairs Federation met with Magway Division Organization for Women's Affairs in Magway on 10 February. Vice-president of MWAF Dr Daw May May Yi said the federation was founded on 20 December 2003 with the aim of developing the womenfolk, applying the strength of the womenfolk in the nation-building task, and ensuring security for women. It is a non-governmental organization, inviting womenfolk to join hands in implementing its task in accord with the slogan - Let's join forces for the development of women. She also explained the functions of bodies working in the interest of women. Vice-president of MWAF Daw Than Than Nwe elaborated on the work of the cultural, young women's and national races affairs working bodies. Secretary of MWAF Dr Daw San Shwe explained the organizational set-up and the application for membership. Later, leader of Information Working Group Daw Mya Mya clarified the organizational set-ups and functions of Information, Organization, Discipline Enforcement and Finance and Management groups; leader of Educational Working Group Prof Daw Min Thet Mon, the organizational set-ups and functions of Education, Health, Economic and Environmental Conversion groups; leader of Rehabilitation group Daw Kyi Kyi Mya on the organizational set-ups and functions of Rehabilitation Group, Group for Prevention of Violence Against Women, and Human Trafficking Elimination Group. Patron of Magway Division Organization for Women's Affairs Daw Khin Mi Mi presented K 500,000, donated by the organization, for the MWAF; and Commissioner U Aung Win, K 500,000, donated by Magway Division Peace and Development Council. Daw Than Than Nwe accepted the donations. Vice-Presidents Dr Daw May May Yi and Daw Than Than Nwe and party cordially greeted the participants. Afterwards, they visited Bagan Cultural Beikman.

YANGON, 12 Feb - Myanmar Traditional Sports Federation of the Ministry of Sports will hold the traditional kite-flying contest in Bagan region in the last week of March. Ministry of Hotels and Tourism will render assistance to the organizer. President of the federation Daw Mi Mi Khin and executives and kite-flying experts will leave Yangon for Bagan on 13 February to choose sites and make arrangements for the competitions in advance. The experts will disseminate the kite-flying techniques to the participants (under-12 school boys and girls) in accord with the rules prescribed by the federation.

YANGON, 12 Feb - The Myanma Television will broadcast the first semi-final match of the first U-18 BIMST-EC Soccer Tournament between Myanmar and Bagladesh held on 7 Ferbruary at Phuket, Thailand, at 1 pm tomorrow. -

YANGON, 12 Feb- In order to enhance friendship and mutual understanding with the diplomat corps in Yangon, a new harvest Htamane feast was jointly held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Myanmar ASEAN Women's Friendship Association at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thantaman Street in Dagon Township today. Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and wife Daw San Yon, Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing and wife Daw Khin Hla Hla, Deputy Ministers for Foreign Affairs and diplomats were present on the occasion. The month of Tabodwe which falls in February is the eleventh month of Myanmar lunar calendar. It is also the time when the first crops begin to appear. So, the Htamane Festival can be regarded as sort of a new harvest festival of Myanmar nationals.

Htamane is a savoury food prepared with a special recipe of glutinous rice and other ingredients such as oil, ginger, coconut kernel, sesame seeds, peanuts and salt. Htamane making is usually done outdoors collectively, mostly by young men taking turns to stir the sticky food by large wooden ladles in a concave cast-iron pot, resembling a gigantic work. The feast was held for the second time as the first of its kind, Diplomatic Htamane Festival, was celebrated in the preceding year. This jolly fete, the New Harvest Htamane Feast, has become the second annual get-together event for the diplomatic corps in Yangon.

YANGON, 12 Feb- A ceremony to sign the joint communique on establishment of diplomatic relations between the Union of Myanmar and Ireland at the office of the Myanmar Ambassador to Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur at 3 pm on 10 February. Present on the occasion were Myanmar Ambassador to Malaysia U Hla Maung and staff of the embassy, Ambassador of Ireland to Malaysia Mr Daniel Mulhall and Deputy Minister Counsellor Mr Michael Smith. Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador U Hla Maung said that it is pleasure for establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries due to a historic undertaking. He believed that more friendly relations and cooperation would be promoted between governments and peoples of the two countries. The Ireland Ambassador also made a speech. He said that he was pleased with establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries. He hope to cooperate economic, trade, culture and other sectors between Myanmar and Ireland. Next, the two Ambassadors signed the joint communique and exchanged documents.

YANGON, 12 Feb- His Excellency Dato' Seri Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi, was born on 6 November 1939. He studied at Bertam Primary School, Kepala Batas, High School Bukit Mertajam and Methodist Boys School, Penang. He graduated with BA (Hons) in Islamic Studies from University of Malaya in 1964. After serving in various capacities in Government Service from 1964 to 1966. His Excellency Dato' Seri Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi was appointed as a Parliamentary Secretary in the Federal Territory Ministry in 1978. He was then promoted to Deputy Minister in the same Ministry in 1980. His Excellency Dato' Seri Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi later held the post of Minister in the Prime Minister's Department from 1981 to 1984; and Minister of Education from 1984 to 1986; Minister of Defence from 1986 to 1987; and Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1991 to January 1999. From January 1999 to 30 October 2003, His Excellency Dato' Seri Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi had served as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs. His Excellency Dato' Seri Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi assumes the post of premiership and Minister of Finance after the retirement of Dato' Seri Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad from his premiership on 31 October 2003. He retains his post as Minister of Home Affairs which he held during the previous government.His Excellency Dato' Seri Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi is married to Datin Seri Endon Bt Dato' Mahmood. They have a son and a daughter.

YANGON, 12 Feb- The Seminar on An Introduction to the Bangkok Hospital was launched at Traders Hotel at 4 pm today. Head of Department of Medicine Prof U Saw Naing of Institute of Medicine-1, Yangon, extended greetings. Next, Managing Director Dr Win Zaw Aung of Sea Lion Co Ltd made a presentation about Introduction of Bangkok Hospital Office, Myanmar; and IMC Marketing Manager of Bangkok Hospital Mr Ralf Krewer, Introduction and Information on the Bangkok Hospital. Finally, the seminar was closed with dinner at the hotel. Royal Physician Prof Nithi Mahanonda, Professor, Associate Director, Bangkok Heart Institute, Bangkok Hospital, together with Dr Kiertijai Bhurpanyo and Dr Sureerat Panyarachun conducted a PTCA demonstration workshop at the Sakura Medical Centre. The same afternoon, the Symposium on Advanced Cardiological and Neuro- Surgical Practices was held at the same hotel. Prof Kiertijai Bhuripanyo provided What's New and What's Next about Cardiology, followed by Dr Dittapong Boonampol, Consultant of Neuro-surgery, Bangkok Hospital provided Neuro-surgical Revolution. Dr Sureerat Panyarachun also provided Indication and Benefits of Angioplasty. Also present on the occasion were doctors from Yangon and Mandalay, persons from private clinics, old patients from Bangkok Hospital and guests. Bangkok Hospital is currently taking care of Thai Royal Family's health care and also to the public and international patients from around the world. Bangkok Hospital Chain is the biggest private hospital group not only in Thailand but also in ASEAN countries. Those who want overseas medical check-up and treatments can contact Bangkok Hospital Office, Myanmar, at 223, Bo Myat Tun Street, Botahtaung Township, Tel: 202120 and 299576 and 300, 81st Street between 24th and 25th Streets, Mandalay, Tel: 02-32981

YANGON, 12 Feb- The press conference related to Made in India Show was held at Grand Plaza Parkroyal Hotel on Alanpya Pagoda Road at noon yesterday. The Show, co-organized by the Indian Embassy and the Confederation of Indian Industry of India, will be held at Yangon Trade Centre on Upper Pazundaung Road in Mingala Taungnyunt Township from 19 to 22 February. Present were Indian Ambassador Mr Rajiv Kumar Bhatia and staff, Deputy Director Mr S Sen and officials of Confederation of Indian Industry of India, Director (News) U Hla Tun of News and Periodicals Enterprise and chief editors of dailies, Patron of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club U Hla Htwe, President U Sao Kai Hpa and members, journalists and guests. First, the Indian Ambassador made a speech, saying that the Made in India Show will be held in Yangon from 19 to 22 February. India achieves industrial and technological as well as economic development. India is practising the "look east" policy. In recent years, relationship between India and ASEAN has been renewed and it will be promoted in the long-run. It is one of the main objectives to strengthen trade and economic cooperation. Relationship between India and Myanmar is being developed in all sectors, particularly in trade and economic sectors. With the encouragement of the Indian Government, the Made in India Show will be held and a large number of companies will participate in it. Next, Mr S Sen explained matters related to products and companies, production technology and service. Later, the ambassador and officials replied to questions raised by journalists. Iron and steel products, bicycle and spare parts, construction equipment, medicines and medical equipment, cosmetics, garments, handiworks, leatherwares, health service, farming equipment, rattan and furniture, kitchen items, hospital equipment, electronics and pumps will be displayed at the show between 10 am and 6 pm daily from 19 to 22 February.