YANGON, 31 March- Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt, accompanied by officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, arrived at the factory of Myanmar Asia Optical International Co Ltd in Mingaladon Industrial Zone, here, at 9 am today.

The Prime Minister and party were welcomed there by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint

At the briefing hall, Chairman of Asia Optical Company Inc Group Mr Robert Lai reported that as construction of the factory of Myanmar Asia Optical International Co Ltd has completed, commercial-scale production will be carried out soon.

Asia Optical Company Inc Group is manufacturing over 50 per cent of worlds" lens demand and also producing optical apparatuses, electronic apparatuses and other apparatuses. The group formed joint ventures with famous camera companies to produce brand products. The company also manufactures OEM/ ODM optical products for other global companies.

The group carries out production of office machine, cameras, optical components, rifle-scopes, prisms, laser range finders, plastic injections, cases & bags, DVD, micro motors and SMT electronics. Furthermore, the company runs moulding, precision, pressing, coating and printing businesses.

The company chose Myanmar among the FDI-inviting Asian countries as the most suitable country for investment for her human resources, stability and investment opportunities.

If Myanmar Asia Optical International Company Ltd can realize the aims of the initial stage, it will make arrangements to set up the largest lens factory in the world employing about 5,000 workers and manufacturing about 10 million units of lens monthly within a five-year period by gradually promoting investment in Myanmar and by channelling investment from other countries into Myanmar.

For the first step, lens will be manufactured and then, production of optical apparatuses and electronic apparatuses such as lens units and digital camera will be extended. Skilled personnel for production and management sectors are required. The company will cooperate with universities in Myanmar to meet requirement of technicians because the company is carrying out high-tech works. In addition to emergence of many job opportunities at technician level, it will contribute much towards technological development of Myanmar.

Documentary video tapes on production works of Asia Optical Company Inc Group was presented to Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and party.

Next, the Prime Minister and party went to the work site of the factory and viewed moulding of lens, finishing works of lens, polishing and inspection tasks.

Afterwards, the Prime Minister signed in the visitors' book and left the factory later in the morning. On completion, the factory will manufacture optical apparatuses, camera, digital camera, laser range finder, various kinds of rifle-scope, lens and prisms.

YANGON, 31 March - Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt received special envoy of Socialist Republic of Vietnam Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Nguyen Dy Nien at Zeyathiri Beikman, Konmyintta at 11am today.

YANGON, 31 March - Work Committee for National Electricity Development held a coordination meeting at Zeyathiri Beikman on Konmyinttha, here at 6.30 am today, addressed by Chairman of the work committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win.

Also present were Vice-Chairman of the work committee Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein, members of the committee Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, Minister for Finance and Revenue Maj-Gen Hla Tun, Secretary of the committee Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut, Joint Secretary Deputy Minister for A & I U Ohn Myint, Deputy Minister for Electric Power U Myo Myint, Director-General of the State Peace and Development Council Office Lt-Col Pe Nyein and officials.

Energy including electricity is essential for national development, especially, in building a modern and developed nation enjoying industrial progress. Before 1988, electricity is generated and supplied mainly from hydro power stations, gas-fired stations and steam power stations. The total generation capacity then was over 580 megawatts in which gas contributed 300 megawatts or 51 per cent; hydro power 38.8 per cent; and steam 10.2 per cent.

From 1988 to this date 34 new power plants - 28 hydro power plants and six gas-fired power plants -with a total generation capacity of over 560 megawatts have been built. The nation's power generation capacity at present reached 1,200 megawatts indicating a two fold increase when compared with that of 1988.

Due to economic development and rise in the living standard, the generation capacity to fulfil the power requirement of Yangon has reached 450 megawatts, up from 130 megawatts in 1988. The Head of State has given guidance to extend 2,000 more megawatts of generation capacity in the third five-year national economic plans based on the rich water resources of the nation and to give priority to hydro power projects.

The Ministry of Energy has already laid down the 30-year strategic plan, covering five-year projects, to develop the electricity sector. He said there are plenty of the hydro electric power projects that are to be implemented under the requirements of national development. It is impossible for the Ministry of Electric Power alone to implement these projects because some are so immense. They are to be undertaken with the combined efforts of ministries concerned under the supervision of the State, he said.

Therefore, the government formed the leading committee and work committees in order to systematically implement electric power development projects. Volume of water flowing in the streams and rivers throughout the country is over 876 million acre feet. According to the survey of experts, there are 268 locations from which nearly 40,000 megawatts can be generated through hydro electric power. At present hydro electric power stations generate only 390 megawatts. There are many projects left to be implemented, he added.

He said some projects are in the power grid area. For example, 280 mega watts Paunglaung hydro-electric power project in Mandalay Division is a power grid project which is bigger than Lawpita hydro-electric power station called Biluchaung-1 and 2 and so is Yeywa electric power project.

He said there are some projects that cover in the power grid area and some are for regional development. For instance Yazagyo electric power project in Sagaing Division. He said the work committees are to provide necessary assistance for implementation of the projects providing correct priority.

Next, Secretary of the work committee Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut reported on hydro electric power projects to be completed in 2004 and in four years and those to be implemented.

He also reported on power grid projects to be completed in 2004 and in four years and those to be implemented, sub-power stations to be completed in 2004 and those to be constructed and development.

Next, member of the work committee Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin reported on hydroelectric power projects being undertaken by the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, those being carried out in cooperation with the Ministry of Electric Power, progress of work and future programmes.

Vice-Chairman of Work Committee Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein said the government formed the leading committee for electric power development projects and work committees. Tasks are to be implemented in two parts-power grid and regional projects. He said the Head of State gave guidance on completion of the projects in four years.

He said two power grid projects-west Yoma and east Yoma are to be carried out systematically.Next, those present took part in the discussions and the meeting ended at 7.30 am.

They saw over dredging of sandbank and change of direction of the current.At the briefing hall, Director U Hla Myint Thein of Directorate of Water Resources and Improvement of River Systems reported on tasks being carried out and future plans. The deputy minister gave a supplementary report. The minister attended to their needs and inspected prevention of bank erosion tasks.

YANGON, 31 March - A demonstration on Panasonic Professional Video Systems Road Show 2004, jointly-organized by Trinity Systems & Supplies Pte, Ltd, Singpore and Panasonic Singpore was held at the Traders Hotel on Sule Pagoda Road here this morning.

Present on the occasion were Director-General of Information and Public Relations Department U Chit Naing, the Commandant of Tatmadaw Broadcasting Unit,

directors, the chief engineer and departmental personnel of departments and enterprises, member reporters of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club, films companies and directors, officials of Trinity Systems & Supplies Pte, Ltd, Singpore and guests. First, resident representative U Soe Soe of Trinity Systems & Supplies Pte, Ltd, Singpore explained the purpose of the demonstration.

Next, executive manager U Khin Maung Win demonstrated work process of film cameras such as DV, DVCPRO 50 and HD Cinema manufactured with advanced technologies, distinctive situation of movies and advertisement shot by Varicam HD camera in Asian countries, editing operation by using Varicam camera, computer graphic which is used in movies and advertisement. Officials concerned replied to queries raised by those present.

YANGON, 31 March - As a gesture of hailing the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, the opening of Sinhe-Hsele rural gravel road which was one mile and five furlongs in length and 12 feet in width constructed by Taunggyi Township Development Affairs Committee took place at the archway of the road in Sinhe village on 17 March morning.

Similarly, the opening of water supply canal undertaken by Kengtung Township Development Affairs Committee for Yanlue Lankhwe village in Kengtung Township was held at the village on 23 March morning, attended by Shan State (East) Peace and Development Council Commander of Triangle Region Command Maj-Gen Khin Zaw. Director of Shan State (East) Development Affairs Committee U Tin Soe and Secretary of Shan State (East) Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Khin Maung Kyaw cut the ribbon to open the facility.

Likewise, the opening of 11,200-foot-long water supply canal to hail the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day undertaken by Kyaukme Township Development Affairs Committee took place at the Hukwut village on 23 March morning.

The chairman of Kyaukme District Peace and Development Council, the deputy superintending engineer of Shan State Development Affairs Committee and the chairman of the village Peace and Development Council formally opened the facility.

The opening of Launglon-Anaukpyay-Sanhlan rural gravel was held at the top of the road in Launglon Township on 19 March morning.

Bilin Township hailed the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day by opening of Bilin Ahsei Mingalar tarred road on 26 March. Secretary of Township Peace and Development Council U Tin Hsan Oo and Township Development Affairs Committee Executive Officer U Yan Myo Aung formally opened the road.

To hail the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, Naungpein-Htantabin-Mawma-Mawauk village-to-village earth road with seven miles and four furlongs in length and 30 feet in width constructed by Kyaukme Township Development Affairs Committee was held at Naungpein village on 25 March morning. Chairman of District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Soe Win, Township Development Affairs Committee Executive Officer U Win Naing and Chairman of village Peace and Development Council U Ar Law formally opened the road.

Hailing the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, Kawgot gravel road undertaken by Mongyawng Township Development Affairs Committee in Shan State (East) in 2003-2004 fiscal year was commissioned into service on 19 March morning. The road is 1,150 feet long and 12 feet wide.

YANGON, 31 March - The Nursery Market Festival continued at Myay Padetha Park in Bahan Township here today with the aim of providing necessary assistance to growers and attracting the public to be interested in agriculture, horticulture, livestock breeding and vegetable farming.

Kitchen crops, fruits and saplings of herbal plants are being shown at the festival. Poultry farming and fish breeding are also exhibited there.

Booklets and pamphlets on utilization of natural and chemical fertilizers, modern scientific cultivation methods, pest control, application of insecticides, etc are available at the Nursery Market Festival. Educative books on landscaping, floral arrangements, nurturing of shady trees and flowering plants can also be bought there.

YANGON, 31 March - Institute of Economics (Yangon) opens full time two-year course for Master of Business Administration at international level every year. Those wishing to sit the entrance examination must have a degree from any university for the first year course for MBA. Those who are qualified will be chosen for an interview.

As of 30 May, application forms may be bought and submitted not later than 10 April at Ruby Hall, Hlaine Campus, Institute of Economics (Yangon).

YANGON, 31 March- The Development Affairs Committees under the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs are making concerted efforts in sinking tube-wells in order to get sufficient fresh water in rural areas in States and Divisions where water is scarce.

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

YANGON, 31 March - Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw received Thai delegation led by Chairman of Shin Satellite Co Ltd Dr Nongluck Phinainitisart at his office at 11 am today.

Also present on the occasion were officials concerned of the Myanma Posts and Telecommunications.

YANGON, 31 March - e-ASEAN agreement on information and communication technology was signed by ten ASEAN nations at the ASEAN Summit held in Singapore in November 2000.

The agreement covers five major tasks, one of which is to be implemented to help e-Governments more efficiently carry out duties in the interest of the people. Under the e-ASEAN agreement, Myanmar has formed e-National Task Force consisting of work committees so as to accomplish the tasks.

In the process, it has been implementing pilot projects including e-Visa, e-Passport, Smart Card, Smart School and Certification Authority (CT). In addition to these projects, e-Procurement, e-Government Pilot Project that contributes towards speedy implementation of tasks, will be launched with a ceremony to be held at the main hall of the MICT Park at 8 am on 2 April.

Respective departments and enterprises under the nine ministries will take part in the pilot projects. In this regard, departmental heads and CIOs concerned from the ministries, local and foreign companies which are selling goods to ministries have been invited to the ceremony. And companies interested may also attend the ceremony.Arrangements have been made for supplier registration of interested companies. Contact Tel: 652236, 652237 and 652240 for details.

YANGON, 31 March - Institute of Economics (Yangon) opens full time two-year course for Master of Business Administration at international level every year. Those wishing to sit the entrance examination must have a degree from any university for the first year course for MBA. Those who are qualified will be chosen for an interview.

As of 30 May, application forms may be bought and submitted not later than 10 April at Ruby Hall, Hlaine Campus, Institute of Economics (Yangon).