Arrangements made for enabling Taninthayi Division to become oil pot similar to  Magway Division by growing oil palm for ensuring local edible oil sufficiency Kawthoung and other border towns become developing district-level towns Vice-Senior General Maung Aye tours Khamaukkyi, Kawthoung

YANGON, 14 Jan — Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, accompanied by Prime Minister General Soe Win, members of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Maung Bo, Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and Lt-Gen Tin Aye, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein, the ministers, the deputy ministers, senior military officers, and officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, left here by Tatmadaw Aircraft on 12 January morning, and arrived Kawthoung at 9.45 am.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party were welcomed at Kawthoung Airport by Chairman of Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Coastal Region Command Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe and senior military officers, and departmental officials. They proceeded to Khamaukkyi of Kawthoung Township by car and oversaw thriving oil palm plantations on both sides along Kawthoung-Bokpyin Road .

At the station hall in Khamaukkyi, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye met with officers, other ranks and family members of the station. Next, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye presented gifts for Tatmadawmen and families of Khamaukkyi Station to Col Kyaw Phyo, and cordially greeted the Tatmadawmen and family members.

Meanwhile, the ministers arrived at at the Khamaukkyi Town Administrative Office, and met with departmental personnel, members of social organizations and local people. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye arrived at the office and heard reports on progress of the town, agriculture, education, health and land reclamation for the town by Col Kyaw Phyo and Town Administrator U Kan Htoo.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye gave instructions on efforts to be made for gaining more development in the town and growing physic nut, and cordially greeted them. Next, they viewed round the town.
On arrival at the briefing hall of Yuzana Co Ltd, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party heard reports on oil palm plantation project being implemented by Yuzana Co Ltd in Kawthoung and Bokpyin Townships in 1999, progress of tasks, completion of the crude palm oil mill and test-running, construction of the oil mill, appointment of skilled employees and workers, welfare functions and cultivation of oil palm by Chairman of Yuzana Co Ltd U Htay Myint.

Commander Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe reported that so far, Taninthayi Division has put over 160,000 acres of land under oil palm plantations against the target of 500,000 acres.

A total of 35 companies of national entrepreneurs participate in the oil palm plantation project. At present, efforts are being made for growing oil palm to meet the target of 500,000 acres.

After hearing the reports, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye said that Magway Division was the oil pot of the State at a time when the nation has had a few million of population. As the number of population is increasing in the nation, palm oil is being imported from abroad due to edible oil requirement.

Hence, arrangements have been made for enabling Taninthayi Division to become the oil pot similar to Magway Division by growing oil palm for ensuring local edible oil sufficiency. Permits were given to national entrepreneurs to reclaim vacant and virgin land to grow oil palm plantations. Thanks to assistance given by the State, oil palm plantations of the entrepreneurs can be witnessed in the region.

Government is giving encouragement to national entrepreneurs including oil palm entrepreneurs to turn out rich and successful businessmen. Realizing goodwill and aims of the State, the entrepreneurs are to strive for becoming Taninthayi Division as oil pot and for ensuring local edible oil sufficiency. Efforts are to be made for growing 500,000 acres of oil palm plantations as soon as possible.

At present, the Government is implementing the plan to produce 1,500 million baskets of paddy not only for local food sufficiency but also for its surplus. It is the future plan to supply food to the number of people to be increased. In conclusion, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye urged all to grow physic nut in the area where oil palm cannot be cultivated, for producing bio-diesel.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and Prime Minister General Soe Win signed in the visitors’ book of Yuzana Co Ltd, and greeted the oil palm entrepreneurs.

They viewed sample oil palm fruits of the company, machinery and agricultural equipment. They also inspected Palm Oil Mill of the company that can produce 30 tons of oil per hour. Officials conducted them round the mill. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party planted oil palms in front of the hall of the company.

Yuzana Co Ltd reclaimed vacant and virgin lands in Kawthoung and Bokpyin Townships in 1999, and so far the company had put 66,272 acres of land under oil palm plantations. The company plans to grow oil palm plantations to meet the target of 100,000 acres in 2007.

Yuzana Co Ltd built a 30-ton Palm Oil Mill with assistance from abroad in Khamaukkyi region of Kawthoung Township , and the mill commenced its test-running on 6 April 2005. Furthermore, the company is building a purified palm oil mill that can produce 400 tons of oil daily near the bank of Bago River in Thakayta Township . The construction tasks have been completed by 95 per cent.

Other national entrepreneurs also are implementing the oil palm cultivation plans in the regions of Taninthayi Division. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party went back to Kawthoung.

Prime Minister General Soe Win, who accompanied Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, accompanied by Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Maung Bo, Commander Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe, the ministers and the deputy ministers, met with departmental personnel of Kawthoung District and Township, members of social organizations and local people at Myintzuthaka Hall in Kawthoung.

Acting Chairman of Township PDC U Hla Htay and Chairman of Kawthoung District PDC Lt-Col Tin Soe reported on matters related to the township and the district.

Lt-Gen Maung Bo and Commander Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe gave supplementary reports.

Ministers Maj-Gen Htay Oo, Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, U Soe Tha, Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, and Brig-Gen Ohn Myint explained implementation of development plans by respective ministries, and participation of local people for carrying out tasks of the ministries and departments.

In response, the Prime Minister heard reports on progress of education and health sectors in Kawthoung region, and delivered a speech, saying that Taninthayi Division is rich in water and land resources. Due to interrelationship between natural resources and economic and transport infrastructures facilitated by the Government, Taninthayi Division is making remarkable progress more than the past. At present, opportunities can be created firmly in economic, education and health sectors.

He continued to say that Kawthoung is a town conducting border trade with other country. It is necessary to transform from the border trade system into normal trade for benefiting the Government and the merchants in the long run. Therefore, efforts are to be made for setting up functions of normal trade. The Government is implementing development plans systematically for enabling the people to enjoy fruitful results of new era and system, and for ensuring equitable development of States and Divisions including Taninthayi Division. Social organizations representing the people are also actively taking part in the tasks. With the cooperation of the people, the Government plans to march to the State goal as a peaceful, modern and developed nation.

At Myintzuthaka Hall, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye met with departmental officials, social organization members and local people, and gave instructions. He said that Kawthoung region was a township with lack of development in the past. In the time of Tatmadaw Government, Muse, Tamu, Maungtaw, Tachilek and Myawady including Kawthoung sharing borders with neighbouring countries were upgraded from townships to districts. It was aimed at dealing with the other country on equal terms, and performing regional development tasks.

At present, Kawthoung and other border towns become developing district-level towns. Local people are to actively participate in construction tasks of the Government and development tasks of the regions. In addition, the people are to reside in the border town with nationalist spirit. Later, he cordially greeted those present.

Afterwards, they went to Bayintnaung Hill in Kawthoung and oversaw keeping the hill pleasant and clean. They viewed the statue of King Bayintnaung and Bayintnaung Cape .

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party viewed round the strand road and Kawthoung by car. From the view point, they observed progress of Kawthoung.

At Kawthoung District Hospital , Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party greeted specialists, doctors and nurses.

In the evening, Secretary-General of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Minister Maj-Gen Htay Oo, Secretariat Member Brig-Gen Thein Zaw and CEC member Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein met with secretaries, executives, organizers and members of Kawthoung District and Township USDAs at the District USDA Office.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye inspects oil palm plantations, development tasks in Bokpyin Township 6,429 acres of land have been put under oil palm plantations against the target of 7,000 acres in Bokpyin Township

YANGON, 15 Jan — Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye met with officers, other ranks and family members of regiments and units in Kawthoung Station at Bayintnaung Hall of the local battalion in Kawthoung on 13 January morning.

Also present on the occasion were Prime Minister General Soe Win, members of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Maung Bo, Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and Lt-Gen Tin Aye, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein, Chairman of Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Coastal Region Command Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe, the ministers, the deputy ministers and senior military officers.
Next, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party flew to Zadetkyi Island of Kawthoung Township by helicopter. They were welcomed by Commodore Win Shein (Navy), Tatmadawmen and family members.

At the briefing hall, Commodore Win Shein reported on matters related to Zadetkyi Island and its environs, and progress in culture of seaweed. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye gave necessary instructions.

Afterwards, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye cordially greeted Tatmadawmen and family members of Defence Services (Navy) and presented gifts for them to Cmdr Tun Lwin Oo of the local military unit. They viewed Yaykin Jetty of the island.

They proceeded to Bokpyin where Brig-Gen Thura Thet Oo Maung and officials of Bokpyin Station welcomed them.

Yesterday morning, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye met with Tatmadawmen and family members of regiments and units in Bokpyin Station at the meeting hall in Bokpyin. Next, he presented gifts to Brig-Gen Thura Thet Oo Maung and greeted the Tatmadawmen and family members.

They arrived at Crude Palm Oil Mill, that can produce 7.5 tons of oil per hour, of South Dagon Oil Palm Co in Mahe region of Bokpyin Township . Officials of the company conducted them round the mill. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party viewed sample bunch of oil palm fruits and sample crude oil. Director U Maung Maung Latt of South Dagon Oil Palm Co reported that the company has been implementing the plan to grow oil palm in Bokpyin Township in 1999. So far, 6,429 acres of land have been put under oil palm plantations against the target of 7,000 acres, and efforts are being made for meeting the target.

The Crude Palm Oil Mill, that can produce 7.5 tons of oil per hour, was built by local technicians. The mill started its test-running in September 2003, and produces crude palm oil. Furthermore, a purifying palm oil mill is being built in South Dagon Industrial Zone in Yangon Division.

Lt-Gen Maung Bo, Commander Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Htay Oo also presented reports on oil palm cultivation tasks and functions of crude palm oil mills.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye gave necessary instructions. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and General Soe Win signed in the visitors’ book.

Prime Minister General Soe Win, accompanied by Member of the SPDC Lt-Gen Maung Bo, Commander Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe, the ministers, the deputy ministers and departmental heads, met with departmental personnel, social organization members and townselders at the Bokpyin Township PDC Hall on 13 January afternoon.

Chairman of the Township PDC U Thein Win submitted reports on progress of the township and requirements. Township level officials also briefed them on education, health, communication and transport matters. Lt-Gen Maung Bo gave a supplementary report.

Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw reported on enhancement of telecommunications status in the township and requirements for participation of the local people in maintaining natural resources and natural beauty of islands in the area of the township. Minister Maj-Gen Sein Htwa reported on arrangements being made for providing fire engine for Bokpyin Township and setting up Fire Services Department, Minister Maj-Gen Htay Oo assistance being provided by the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation for boosting production of agricultural sector, Minister Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein on preservation of fish species offshore and onshore of Taninthayi Division, domestic poultry farming and prevention against avian flu, and Minister U Soe Tha on implementation of the plans for economic development of the nation, facts and figures of the development, and constitution of Taninthayi Division in economic growth of the State.

After fulfilling requirements of Bokpyin Township , Prime Minister General Soe Win said that the Government has laid down political, economic and social objectives and is carrying out the tasks to built a modern and developed nation, upholding Our Three Main National Causes to always serve the interests of the nation and the people.

Under the leadership of the Head of State, State-level officials and ministers made field trips to grassroots level, and are performing development of the State and regional development tasks. At present, the people can witness progress of their regions and improvement of living standard. The Government and the people are joining hands in implementing region-wise development plans.

Fruitful results of the development have been achieved through endeavours of the entire national people. At present, Kawthoung-Myeik-Dawei-Mawlamyine-Yangon Union Highway has emerged in Taninthayi Division. Likewise, Yangon-Mawlamyine-Ye-Dawei new railroad has been constructed. In addition, airports were built in Kawthoung, Bokpyin, Myeik and Dawei regions.

The Government is implementing construction projects for cent per cent equitable development of States and Divisions including Taninthayi Division as soon as possible.
Taninthayi Division has favourable conditions for economic development due to enrichment of water and land resources in addition to prospects of offshore oil and natural gas production, ecotourism, fisheries and mining tasks. All are to make self-reliant efforts for development of the nation and the region based on Union Spirit and patriotic spirit without relying on others.

As region-wise food sufficiency is the State policy, Taninthayi Division is to cultivate and produce paddy for ensuring its food sufficiency. It is necessary to extend cultivation of oil palm, rubber and pepper that can earn good income and to put land under physic nut plants that can contribute to rural development. Afterwards, the Prime Minister greeted those present.

In the evening, USDA Secretary-General Minister Maj-Gen Htay Oo, CEC members Minister Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein and Minister Maj-Gen Thein Swe met with the secretaries, executives, organizers and members of Bokpyin Township USDA at its office and attended to the needs.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye inspects pearl culture in Pearl Island

YANGON, 16 Jan — Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, accompanied by Prime Minister General Soe Win, members of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Maung Bo, Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and Lt-Gen Tin Aye, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein, Chairman of Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Coastal Region Command Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe, the ministers, the deputy ministers, senior military officers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, left crude oil palm mill of South Dagon Oil Palm Cultivation Project in Bokpyin Township for Pearl Island on 14 January.

They were welcomed by Brig-Gen Win Shein and officials.

They went to pearl culture camp of Myanma Pearl Enterprise. Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint reported on history of pearl culture, kinds of pearl in the world, data of pearl, joint venture with local and foreign companies, achievements and production of pearl.

Managing Director of Myanma Pearl Enterprise U Maung Toe reported on conditions of state-run pearl culture and production process.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye gave instructions on production of quality pearl which is better than any other pearl in the world and investment in the pearl enterprise by local entrepreneurs.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye inspected pearl culture and extraction of pearl from oysters. He also inspected pearls with silvery or golden hue produced in pearl culture camp and 45 days old oysters and 60 days and above. One and half years old and two and half years old oysters.

There are four kinds of pearl in international pearl market— Akoya pearl, Tahitian pearl, South Sea pearl and fresh water pearl. Myanmar pearl, a kind of South Sea one, is large and its value is high.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye met Tatmadaw (Navy) members and families and presented gifts to them. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party observed beauty of Pearl Island and beaches.

In the afternoon, they went to Kyunzu by helicopter.

At the Station Hall, Brig-Gen Win Shein reported on cooperation for development of Kyunzu, cultivation of rubber and pepper, plantation of physic nut, ring road of Katan Island . Vice-Senior General Maung Aye then gave instructions and met Tatmadaw (Navy) members and families.

They toured Kyunzu and inspected ring road of Katan Island . They went to Myeik by helicopter. They were welcomed by Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Hon Ngaing and senior military officers.

Prime Minister General Soe Win and party met departmental officials, members of social organizations and towns elders.

Chairman of Kyunsu Township Peace and Development Council U Than Nyunt reported on area and population, rice cultivation, oil palm, rubber and pepper and sufficiency, fish and meat sector, construction of ring road, education, health and communication matters.

Officials concerned reported on education and health matters of Kyunzu. Prime Minister General Soe Win fulfilled the requirements. He spoke at length the government’s tasks for peace and tranquility, pre-valance of law and order, implementation of short-term plans, sufficiency of rice and cultivation of cash perennial crops in the region, implementation of regional and national development and development of Taninthayi Division which possesses land and marine resources.

Secretary-General of USDA Minister Maj-Gen Htay Oo and CEC members Ministers Brig-Gen Thein Aung and Dr Chan Nyein met secretaries, executives and organizers at the Myeik District USDA office on 14 January.

On 12 January, Minister Maj-Gen Sein Htwa met service personnel of Social Welfare Department and Immigration and National Registration Department and Fire Brigade members at Kawthoung District INRD.

On 15 January, the minister met trainees of vocational training course for women in Kashet Village and presented cash and clothes for them.

Growing of 500,000 acres of oil palm in Taninthayi Division will contribute not only to self-sufficiency but also to turning the division into the oil bowl of the nation Vice-Senior General Maung Aye meets departmental officials and entrepreneurs

Yangon, 17 Jan - Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye on 15 January morning met with officers and other ranks of local battalions and units and their families at Taing Yan Aung Hall in Myeik Station and gave necessary instructions.

Also present on the occasion were member of the State Peace and Development Council Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, member of State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defence, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein, and Director of Directorate of Military Engineer Maj-Gen Tin Tun.

Next, Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye arrived at the Coastal Region Command where the Prime Minister and members, and division, district and township level departmental officials and entrepreneurs are holding a meeting. He made a speech. He said that he and his party arrived there to fulfill the requirements for regional development. Thanks to concerted and collective efforts of the State, the people, the Tatmadaw and entrepreneurs and the supervision of officials concerned, remarkable progress has been made in states and divisions including Taninthayi Division.

As the end of the third five-year plan is just around the corner it is safe to say that the plan has been successfully implemented according to target. Hence, based on the achievement, continued efforts are to be made to successfully implement the coming fourth five-year plan. Progress will be achieved in all aspects as long as the State, the people and the Tatmadaw make concerted efforts. Taninthayi Division will become a division on which the State can rely economically if aquatic and terrestrial resources in the division are applied in an effective way.

That is why extended cultivation of paddy, oil palm, rubber and pepper are to be carried out for boosting production of agricultural produce. Only then, will self-sufficiency in the region be achieved.

The growing of 500,000 acres of oil palm in Taninthayi Division will contribute not only to self-sufficiency in edible oil but also to turning the division into oil bowl of the nation.

At present, oil palm entrepreneurs established palm oil mills and have begun producing crude palm oil. There will be palm oil at the markets in the very near future.

In the same way, extended cultivation of rubber and pepper will lead to regional development and generating more income for local farmers. In the process, it is needed to transform manual farming into mechanized farming. Only then, will agricultural produce be on the increase.

Afterwards, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye called on officials and local farmers to engage in extended cultivation of physic nut plants, source of bio-fuel, and greeted those present on the occasion.

After the ceremony, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party proceeded to Myeik University where they inspected progress of construction of the main building.

Next, they greeted rector, lecturers and assistant lecturers.

After that, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party arrived at Myeik General Hospital and they were welcomed there by the head of Taninthayi Division Health Department, Medical Superintendent Dr Maung Maung Hla and specialists, doctors and nurses.

Next, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party cordially greeted doctors, nurses and health staff.

Later, they inspected development of Myeik in a motorcade and inspected Kyweku-Kyaukpha Bridge .

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party looked into the sites chosen for construction of Myeik Computer College and Myeik Myothit, construction of bypass and jetty.

At the briefing hall of the Government Technological College Construction site, Managing Director of Civil Tech Co U Ohn Myint reported on work being carried out and future tasks to Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party.

Next, member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Maung Bo, Commander Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe and Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung gave supplementary reports.

Prime Minister General Soe Win, member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Maung Bo, the commander, the ministers, the deputy ministers and officials met members of Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council, departmental officials of Myeik District and Township, oil palm and rubber entrepreneurs at the hall of Coastal Region Command on 15 January.

Commander Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe reported on the set-up of districts, townships and villages in the division, implementation of five rural development tasks, establishment of Myeik Myothit, cultivation of rice, oil palm, rubber, pepper and physic nut in accord with the agricultural objectives of the division, sufficiency of rice after extended cultivation of monsoon and summer paddy, rubber and pepper, cultivation of over 160,000 acres of oil palm, construction of crude oil palm mills, production of fisheries and mineral, increase of GDP in the division and per capita income and health and transport matters.

Assistant Director U Tin Maung Oo of Border Trade Department in Myeik Township reported on border trade.

The entrepreneurs reported on 500,000- acre oil palm cultivation project and Division Manager of Myanma Perennial Crops Enterprise U Khun Shwe Thin gave a supplementary report.

Pro-rector of Myeik University Dr Than Swe reported on construction of the university, academic matters and others.

Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Htay Oo, Minister for Forestry Brig-Gen Thein Aung and Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha also reported on assistance provided by the ministries concerned and tasks to be implemented by division, district and township levels.

In his discussions, Prime Minister General Soe Win said private entrepreneurs are to make efforts for realization of targeted acres of oil palm.

He spoke of the need to strive for sufficiency of edible oil through coordination and understanding, and to build palm oil mills.

Oil palm, pepper and rubber are to be grown in order to improve the economy of Taninthayi Division. Physic nut plants which can produce bio-gas are to be cultivated for fuel and increase of income.

He said concerted efforts are to be made for fish and meat and mineral production and promotion of trade.

He also spoke on practice of normal trade in check points from sea and border areas. Economic enterprises are to be undertaken for stronger economy like that of major divisions in accord with the law.

He said there are better basic foundations in Taninthayi Division. If one does work hard, success will be achieved and per capita income will increase, he added.

Smooth transport among regions will contribute toward forging friendly relations among national brethren and flourishing of Union Spirit Vice-Senior General Maung Aye inspects construction of approach railroad at Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine)

YANGON, 18 Jan — Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, accompanied by Prime Minister General Soe Win, members of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Maung Bo, Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and Lt-Gen Tin Aye, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein, Chairman of Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Coastal Region Command Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe, ministers, deputy ministers, senior military officers, and officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, left Myeik for Mali Island of Palaw Township on 16 January morning.

At Malikyun Yeiktha, Commodore Win Shein reported on transport links to Mali Island , and agriculture and livestock breeding tasks on the island. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye gave necessary instructions.

At Mali Hall, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye met with officers, other ranks and family members of Tatmadaw (Navy) and presented gifts to them.

Next, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party inspected the port at Mali Island .

At Malikyun Affiliated BEHS, they were welcomed by townselders, Headmistress Daw Hla Hla Aye, teachers and students. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party inspected the classrooms and school buildings and attended to the needs.

They flew to Palauk of Palaw Township by helicopter. Col Tin Myint of Palauk Station briefed them on progress of Palauk Station, regional development tasks, agriculture and livestock breeding undertakings. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye gave necessary instructions. At Aung Nan Taung Hall in Palauk Station, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye met with Tat-madawmen and family members, and presented gifts for them to Col Tin Myint of Palauk Station.

On arrival at Dawei, they were welcomed by Tactical Operations Commander Col Aye Ko of Dawei Station, General Staff Officer (Grade-I) Lt-Col Aung Kyaw Moe, Chairman of Dawei District PDC Lt-Col Khin Maung Nyo and officials.

At the construction site of Dawei Airport Project, Director of Military Engineers Maj-Gen Tin Tun reported on construction of Dawei Airport and progress of tasks. Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Thein Swe gave supplementary reports on the construction project. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye instructed them to put on record project-wise implementation of the airports.

Next, they oversaw progress in construction of the runway at the airport and tasks being carried out with the use of heavy machinery. The runway of the Dawei Airport is being upgraded to the new one measuring 12,000 feet by 100 feet.

Afterwards, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye met with Tatmadawmen and family members of regiments and units of Dawei Station at Aung San Hall in the station.

On 17 January, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party proceeded to Heinze of Yebyu Township where they were welcomed by Commodore Maung Oo Lwin of Heinze Station and officials.

At Heinze Station Hall, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye called on Tatmadawmen and family members and presented gifts for them to Commodore Maung Oo Lwin. Next, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party viewed physic nut saplings.

At 11.15 am, they went to Mawlamyine where Chairman of Mon State Peace and Development Council Commander of South-East Command Maj-Gen Soe Naing, senior military officers and departmental officials welcomed them.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party inspected beautifying tasks along Strand Road and progress of Mawlamyine.

On arrival at the construction site of Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine) Project, they oversaw Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine). Senior Engineers of Public Works reported on construction of the approach railroad at the bridge and progress of tasks.

Deputy General Manager U Moe Naing of Myanma Railways and Project Engineer U Lwan Thu briefed Vice-Senior General Maung Aye on laying of rail tracks on the approach road, tasks of the approach structures and construction of Mawlamyine Station.

After hearing the reports, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye delivered an address, saying that efforts are to be made for timely completion of building the approach railroad bridge, laying of rail tracks and construction of the railway station according to schedule. Construction of roads and bridges were carried out for better transport among States and Divisions. Smooth transport among the regions will contribute much toward forging friendly relations among the national brethren and the flourishing of Union Spirit. Therefore, it is necessary to complete the project tasks meeting set standard as early as possible. Duties have been assigned to officials for building Yangon-Dawei railroad to become the one-day trip. After inspecting Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine), Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party oversaw construction of the approach road (railroad) on Mawlamyine and Mottama banks.

Myanma Railways is performing construction of the approach railroads at Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine) on both sides. So far, the construction tasks of the approach railroads have been completed by 78 per cent on Mawlamyine bank and 76 per cent on Mottama bank.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye inspected construction of Mawlamyine Station and gave instructions on keeping the station pleasant and clean.

In the afternoon, they went to Kyaikhtiyoe Pagoda and paid homage to it. Next, they left there and arrived back here in the evening.

On 16 January afternoon, Prime Minister General Soe Win, who accompanied Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, met with local authorities of Dawei District, and Dawei, Launglon, Yebyu and Thayetchaung Townships, departmental officials, members of social organizations and local people at the city hall in Dawei. Local authorities reported on progress of the district and respective townships. The commander gave a supplementary report.

Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Htay Oo explained assistance being provided for enhancement of agricultural task and boosting the yield of agricultural products, efforts to be made for ensuring local food sufficiency and use of quality strains in cultivation.

Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha also explained progress of short-term economic plans, data and facts related to yearly achievements. He stressed the need for Taninthayi Division to strive for gaining more progress in development with added momentum.

Afterwards, Prime Minister General Soe Win delivered a speech, saying that Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party arrived Dawei from Myeik on inspection tour of Taninthayi Division. They left instructions in the regions on the inspection tour for strengthening region-wise economy, ensuring local food sufficiency, extending cultivation of oil palm and rubber, utilizing water and land resources, and enhancing education standard of the people by creating learning opportunities.

Not only Dawei District but also townships in the district need to ensure food sufficiency. Due to favourable climatic and geographical conditions, Dawei region is to place emphasis on growing of 200,000 acres of rubber to meet the target. The Government will provide facilities for higher production as much as possible. The Government had laid down and is implementing necessary plans for equitable development of all regions of the Union , for narrowing of the gap among the regions and for uplift of the living standard of the people. The people, who trust and rely on guidance and leadership of the Head of State and endeavours of the Government, participated in the development tasks. Hence, progress can be witnessed in all regions.

In Taninthayi Division, Ye-Dawei Railroad and Kawthoung-Bokpyin-Myeik-Dawei Motor Road have emerged. Thus, local people have easy access to all parts of the nation through motor road in addition to waterway and airway. In the economic sector of the division, local people will have the opportunities to engage new businesses such as pearl culture, oil palm cultivation and tourism industry in addition to fisheries tasks.

Only when natural resources will be exploited and utilized by man power, will economy of the region be strengthened. Therefore, living standard of the people can be raised.

The Government is implementing the policies for ensuring uplift of the people’s living standard. Upholding the State’s policies, state service personnel and local authorities are to look after the local people in their respective regions and they are to be one with the local people. Only when the service personnel can win trust of the people, will the people cooperate with them.

At Dawei University , the Prime Minister heard reports on construction and academic matters of the university by Pro-Rector U Kyaw Kyaw Htay. Assistant Engineer U Khin Maung Than of Public Works and U Tezar Win of Ever Green Co reported on construction tasks at the university. Minister for Education Dr Chan Nyein gave a supplementary report. After greeting the faculty members, the Prime Minister inspected construction of the main building at the university.

On 16 January evening, USDA Secretary-General Minister Maj-Gen Htay Oo, together with CEC members Minister U Soe Tha and Minister Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, met with Division USDA Secretary U Kyaw Kyaw Htay, secretaries, executives, organizers and members of Dawei District, Dawei, Launglon, Yebyu and Thayetchaung Township USDAs at Dawei District USDA Office.

On 16 January, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa called on district and township level employees of Immigration and National Registration Department, Fire Services Department, Social Welfare Department, and Relief and Resettlement Department at the Dawei District INRD in Dawei, and urged them to conscientiously discharge duties and functions of their departments with patriotic spirit.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife visit Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda

YANGON, 18 Jan — Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San, accompanied by Prime Minister General Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe, Members of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Maung Bo, Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and Lt-Gen Tin Aye and their wives, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein, Chairman of Mon State Peace and Development Council Commander of South-East Command Maj-Gen Soe Naing and wife, ministers, deputy ministers, senior military officers and heads of department yesterday visited Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda in Kyaikto, Mon State.

They offered flowers, lights and water, and paid homage to the pagoda.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye also made a cash donation at the pagoda.

Afterwards, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party signed in the visitors’ book and offered gold foils to the pagoda.