YANGON, 20 Feb - Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt, accompanied by officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, arrived at Yangon Trade Centre on Upper Pazundaung Street in Mingala Taungnyunt Township where Made in India Show is being held under Myanmar-India bilateral trade and economic promotion programme, this morning.

He was welcomed there by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, ministers, deputy ministers, departmental heads, the president of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Indian Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Rajiv Kumar Bhatia, Secretary of the Industrial Policy & Promotion Department of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of India Mr Lakshmi Chand, the chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) of India and officials.

The Prime Minister and party viewed the booths of steel wares, industrial products, medicines and medical equipment, cosmetics, textiles, personal goods, weaving machines, leather wares, accessories, agricultural implements, hospital equipment, electric apparatus, furniture, rubber, beans and pulses and crops which are exhibited by 70 Indian companies.

The signing ceremony followed at the parlour of the centre. UMFCCI President U Win Myint and Confederation of Indian Industry Past President Mr Rajive Kaul signed the agreement on Setting Up of Joint Task Force between the UMFCCI and the CII.

The Prime Minister and party left the centre later in the morning. The admission-free trade fair will be kept open till 22 February.

YANGON, 20 Feb - Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy Implementation Steering Committee held a meeting at Zeyathiri Beikman on Konmyinttha, here at 4.30 pm today.

Speaking at the meeting, the Steering Committee Chairman Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt said that Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy was approved at the Summit Meeting on Economic Cooperation Strategy among Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand, hosted by Myanmar in Bagan in November 2003.

The meeting has also agreed to promote economic cooperation among the four countries and between the respective two countries. At the meeting, Myanmar has agreed to extend bilateral economic cooperation with Thailand. The agreement covers the relocation of manufacturing industries of Thailand, transport facilitation between the two countries, further development of border areas and raising of the standard of living, and industrial and infrastructure development. Thus, speedy realization of the agreement is required.

Yesterday, a Thai delegation led by Minister for Industry arrived in Yangon, and discussed with Myanmar counterparts the relocation of manufacturing industries, trade and economic development, tourism promotion, industrial and energy sectors, construction of deep-sea port in Dawei, and speedy implementation of Dawei-Kanchanaburi road. Myanmar will have to help facilitate the swift materialization of the discussions. Sector-wise discussions are invited for expeditious realization of agreements that serves the interest of both countries.

Secretary of the Steering Committee Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung reported to the meeting on the Myanmar-Thai economic cooperation project to implement the Bagan Declaration and the tasks of the ACMECS.

The ministers and the deputy ministers presented sector-wise implementation and future programmes.

The Prime Minister looked into their requirements.

Also present were member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Maung Bo, the Yangon mayor, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department and officials.

YANGON, 20 Feb - Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Khin Nyunt received Honourable Minister for Industries and Public Enterprises, Government of Assam Mr Bhubneswar Kalita and party at Zeyathiri Beikman on Konmyinttha at 4 pm today.

Also present at the call were Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win and Director-General Thura U Aung Htet of the Protocol Department.

The Indian Minister and party were accompanied by Indian Ambassador Mr Rajiv Kumar Bhatia.

YANGON, 20 Feb - Seminar on across borders: India-Myanmar trade and economic cooperation, jointly sponsored by Indian Embassy in Myanmar and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) of India, was opened at Sedona Hotel here this morning.

Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone addressed the opening ceremony.

Chairman of CII National Committee Mr Dipankar Chatterji, Mr Rajive Kaul, Past President of CII and Chairman and Managing Director of Nicco Corp, Indian Ambassador Mr Jajiv Kumar Bhatia and Secretary Mr Lakshmi Chand of Industrial Policy and Promotion Department of Ministry of Commerce and Industry of India also gave speeches.

Also present were Minister for Rail Transportation Maj-Gen Aung Min, Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Aung Tun, departmental officials, the president and members of Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, officials of private companies and guests.

YANGON, 20 Feb - Under the programme of cultural exchange and cementing friendship between the two countries, a ten-member Indian cultural troupe performed country music and an evening of folk dances from India at the National Theatre this evening. Among the audience were Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung and wife, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung, Indian Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Rajiv Kumar Bhatia, diplomats and officials of foreign embassies in Yangon, directors-general of the Ministry of Culture and departmental officials.

Before the dances, the minister and the ambassador formally opened the performance. Next, the Indian cultural troupe performed the dances. Later, the minister and the ambassador presented a bouquet to the troupe.

YANGON, 20 Feb - Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone met with Chairman of the Standing Committee on Commerce of the House of Representatives of Thailand Mr Rewat Sirinukul, and delegation, accompanied by Thai Ambassador Mr Suphot Dhirakaosal, at his office today.

Also present were Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Aung Tun, Director-General of Directorate of Trade U Nyunt Aye, Managing Director U Min Hla Aung of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading and officials of Border Trade Department.

YANGON, 20 Feb - The opening of import-substitute domestic industrial products exhibition organized by the Cottage Industries Department under the Ministry of Cooperatives took place in conjunction with the meeting 2004 at the department on Thudhamma Street in North Okkalapa Township this morning.

Present on the occasion were ministers, deputy ministers, departmental heads, officials, chairmen of cooperative syndicates and industrialists.

The master of ceremonies explained the purpose of the exhibition and meeting. The director-general of the Cottage Industries Department and the chairman of the Industrial Cooperative Syndicate U Tun Yi formally opened the exhibition and meeting 2004. The minister unveiled the signboard of the exhibition. The minister and guests viewed 54 booths of the exhibition. The free exhibition opens daily until 22 February from 9 am to 6 pm.

YANGON, 20 Feb - The Leading Committee for All-round Renovation of Ancient Hsaddan Cave in Hpa-an, Kayin State, held a meeting at the office of the Ministry of Culture on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road here this afternoon.

It was attended by Chairman of the Leading Committee Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Member Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Secretary Deputy Minister for Culture Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung, Members Deputy Minister for Forestry Brig-Gen Tin Naing Thein, Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko and members.

The chairman of the Leading Committee delivered a speech on the occasion. In his speech, the chairman gave instructions on forming of a work committee for launching all-round renovation tasks in June and preservation of the edifice without damaging its original style.

The secretary of the Leading Committee reported on all-round renovation tasks, followed by a general round of discussions. The chairman gave closing remarks.

YANGON, 20 Feb - Chairman of the Organizing Committee for Staging Nation-building Endeavours Exhibition of 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Minister for Labour U Tin Winn delivered an addresses at the second coordination meeting of the committee at Defence Services Museum on Shwedagon Pagoda Road here this afternoon.

The minister gave a speech on display of latest photos, data, maps and graphs related to project implementation of ministries concerned and timely completion of tasks for displaying the exhibits.

Those present participated in the discussions. The minister inspected the booth of the Ministry of Labour after the meeting.

YANGON, 20 Feb-Chairman of the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Supervisory Committee Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe met with officers and other ranks who will participate in the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day parade at the hall of Yangon Command this morning.

Also present on the occasion were Chairman of Parade working group for Observance of the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Vice-Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Win Myint, Vice-Chairman Brig-Gen Nyan Win and senior military officers, Parade Commander for the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day parade Brig-Gen Min Thein, the reserve parade commander and column commanders, battalion commanders, company commanders, officers and other ranks.

First, Chairman of the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Supervisory Committee Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe made a speech. He stressed the need for officers and other ranks of Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air), members of Myanmar Police Force, Fire Brigade and Red Cross, who will take part in the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day parade, to successfully implement the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day objectives-to strive hand in hand with the people for successful realization of the State's seven-point policy programme, to crush internal and external destructive elements hindering stability and progress of the State through people's militia strategy, to implement border area development tasks and the five rural development tasks hand in hand with the entire people and to build up a strong and efficient Tatmadaw to uphold 'Our Three Main National Causes'. He added that those who will take part in the parade are to strive in unity for enhancing the standard of the parade ceremony, observing rules and regulations strictly.

Next, Chairman of Parade working group for Observance of the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Vice-Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Win Myint reported on matters related to the parade, Vice-Chairman of Parade working group for Observance of the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Vice-Chief of Armed Forces Training Brig-Gen Nyan Win on rules and regulations.

After that, Parade Commander for the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day parade Brig-Gen Min Thein explained parade procedures to be followed for successful observance of the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day parade.

YANGON, 20 Feb- Yangon Division Development Affairs Committee held the coordination meeting to upgrade development tasks for 2003-2004 fiscal year at the meeting hall of the committee in Thanlyin at 11.30 am today, attended by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe. Also present were No 1 Military Region Commander Col Tun Kyi, Secretary of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Myint Kyi, Director of Yangon Division Development Affairs Committee U Kyan Taing Hsaung, Divisional Superintending Engineer U Nyunt Maung San of Public Works, Chairman of Yangon South District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Aung Pyay, township authorities and executive officers.

First, the commander gave a speech, saying that township development executive officers are to cooperate with respective township authorities in carrying out development tasks in accord with the motto of the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs that towns and villages must quickly be developed. At present, the Government has laid down and is implementing five rural development tasks with a view to narrowing the development gap between rural and urban regions, he added.

As 12 outside townships of Yangon City municipal area are connecting with 33 interior townships, concerted efforts are to be made for enabling respective towns to have town characteristics, he said. Next, the commander stressed the need to strive for development of outside townships of the city municipal area in upgrading and keeping Yangon City clean and pleasant.

Next, Director of Yangon Division Development Affairs Committee U Kyan Taing Hsaung reported on progress in carrying out development tasks such as roads, bridges, water supply and rural roads of the outside townships of the municipal area in 2003-2004 fiscal year and tasks to be carried out in 2004-2005.

Township executive officers of Thanlyin, Taikkyi, Hmawby, Hlegu, Kyauktan, Twantay, Kayan, Thongwa, Kungyangon, Kawhmu, Htantabin and Cocokyun townships reported their respective sectors.

Next, the commander gave instructions that local authorities and executive officers are to conduct field trips to respective townships and villages and efforts are to be made earnestly. Then, the commander attended to their needs.

YANGON, 20 Feb - Col Myo Myint, Director-General of the Development Affairs Department under the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs, together with officials, inspected development works in various townships in northern Chin State on 17 and 18 February.

On 17 February, the director-general and party arrived at Haka and inspected the Chin State Development Affairs Department. He left necessary instructions. Next, he inspected the construction of Ha Ohsan bridge across a creek and tarring of Yinmabin road. He also gave necessary instructions to officials concerned to keep the town green and pleasant. He also inspected the site for building the Township Development Affairs Department office. They proceeded to Thantlang and inspected the development works, paving of Htaunglein road.

On 18 February, the director-general met with staff at the Falam Township Development Affairs Department Office. He also went to Tiddim and Tonzang and inspected development works.

YANGON, 20 Feb- The ceremony to enshrine religious objects in Aung-mingala Pagoda was held at Aungmingala Monastery in Kayinseik Model Village, Thanlyin Township, this morning, attended by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe and wife Daw Khin Thet Htay and Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein.

Also present on the occasion were Hanthawady Meditation Centre Sayadaw Agga Maha Kammathana-çariya Bhaddanta Javana and members of the Sangha, Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, No 1 Military Region Commander Col Tun Kyi, Secretary of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Myint Kyi, Chairman of Yangon South District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Aung Pyay and members, social organizations, wellwishers and guests.

The ceremony was opened with three-time recitation of Namo Tassa.

Sayadaw Bhaddanta Javana administered the Five Precepts.

Next, the commander and wife offered Seinbudaw, Hngetmyatna-daw and provisions to a Sayadaw; Minister Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, religious objects and offertories; Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, religious objects and donations; and wellwisher U Maung Maung Oo-Daw Thet Yi (Jacob) and others, provisions to Sayadaws.

Aungmingala Monastery Sayadaw Bhaddanta Mandala delivered a sermon. Then, Maha Dhamma Kathika Bahujana Hitadhara Nyaunggan-aye Monastery Sayadaw Bhaddanta Indaka gave Ovada Katha and shared merits gained.

Next, the Commander conveyed Sein-budaw, Daw Khin Thet Htay Hngetmyat-nadaw, Minister Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein four parts of Zun, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko Hsatthaphudaw and well-wishers tiers of Htidaw round the pagoda. The commander and the minister enshrined religious objects in middle and upper reliquaries and sprinkled scented water on them. Then, the commander, the minister and officials hoisted tiers of Htidaw and Hngetmyatnadaw atop the pagoda by Annawa decorated carriage. The commander then fixed Seinbudaw atop the pagoda and sprinkled scented water on it. At the same time, small Htidaws were hoisted atop encircling pagodas.

The ceremony ended with three-time recitation of Buddha Sasanam Çiram Titthatu and they performed the rituals of golden and silvery showers to mark success of the ceremony. Next, the commander and wife offered 'soon' to the Sayadaws.

Afterwards, the commander and party went to 50-acre summer paddy high yield special zone near Sitpinkwin Village, Than-lyin Township and inspected thriving paddy. Yangon Division Manager of Myanma Agriculture Service U Aung Hsan reported on natural fertilizer instead of Urea fertilizer was broadcast in the paddy field so as to reduce cultivation and production expenses of local farmers. Later, the commander gave instructions that officials are to give advice to the local farmers to enable them to save cultivation expense.

YANGON, 20 Feb- The Seminar on ICT Linkages Connecting India & Myanmar, co-organized by Myanmar Computer Federation and Confederation of India Industry (CII), was held at MICT Park in Hline Township this afternoon, attended by Chairman of e-National Task Force Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw.

Also present were members of the e-National Task Force, the Indian Ambassador and officials, chairmen and officials of Myanmar Computer Federation, Myanmar Computer Scientists Association, Myanmar Computer Industry Association, officials of Confederation of India Industry (CII) and enthusiasts. The Indian Ambassador and the minister gave speeches. The seminar concluded in the evening.

YANGON, 20 Feb - Drug Liaison Officers being attached to Bangkok-based UN Drug and Criminal Office and embassies and senior officers of Thai Drug Control Committee Office went on one-day trip to view Yaungkha Village All-round Development tasks in Monghsat District, Shan State (East) and opium-substitute coffee and tea plantations in Wa region via Maesai-Tachilek on 17 February. On 17 February morning, Joint-Secretary of Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Police Col Hkam Aung and officials welcomed the excursion group at the border bridge. They went to 1,000 acres of opium-substitute coffee plantations and 400 acres of Woolon tea in Lwehsanhson region where officials of the local national organization conducted the guests round the plantations.

Afterwards, the guests proceeded to Yaungkha All-round Development Model Village being jointly implemented by Myanmar and Thailand under the drug elimination programme. The guests viewed the primary school, the hospital and water availability in the village.

The excursion group included Doitung Project Executive Director-General Mr Disnadda Diskul, UNODC Regional Director Mr Akira Hujino, Deputy Secretary-General of Thai Drug Control Committee Ms Rasamee Vistavet, drug liaison officers from 18 countries and DEA, INTERPOL officers totalling 136.substitute coffee and tea plantations in Wa region via Maesai-Tachilek on 17 February. On 17 February morning, Joint-Secretary of Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Police Col Hkam Aung and officials welcomed the excursion group at the border bridge. They went to 1,000 acres of opium-substitute coffee plantations and 400 acres of Woolon tea in Lwehsanhson region where officials of the local national organization conducted the guests round the plantations.

Afterwards, the guests proceeded to Yaungkha All-round Development Model Village being jointly implemented by Myanmar and Thailand under the drug elimination programme. The guests viewed the primary school, the hospital and water availability in the village.

The excursion group included Doitung Project Executive Director-General Mr Disnadda Diskul, UNODC Regional Director Mr Akira Hujino, Deputy Secretary-General of Thai Drug Control Committee Ms Rasamee Vistavet, drug liaison officers from 18 countries and DEA, INTERPOL officers totalling 136.

YANGON, 20 Feb-Poppy plantations are being destroyed in 2003-2004 poppy growing season. A combined team comprising members of local Tatma-dawmen, local intelligence unit, Myanmar Police Force, departmental officials and local people, destroyed 22.35 acres of poppy plantations illegally grown near Nampoke Creek in Hkamti Township on 10 February, making the total acres of destroyed poppy plantations grown in poppy growing regions in this year's poppy growing season to 6,316.44 acres up to 10 February 2004.