THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

(Saturday, 10 January 1998)

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  1. Secretary-1 attends first donation ceremony for construction of Aungmyaybodhi Dhamma Yeiktha Alodawpyi Kyaungtaikthit (Yangon)
  2. Development of Mongla region attributable to concerted efforts of the Government, regional people
  3. Preparations for Observance of 53rd Anniversary Armed Forces Day discussed
  4. Coordination meeting on publishing 'Facts About Myanmar', 'Nation Building Endeavours' (Volume-III)
  5. Commander-in-Chief (Air) presents wings to Air Force officers
  6. Prize winners in Brunei First ASEAN Nations' Painting Contest for Disabled honoured
  7. Minister calls for boosting production of export-oriented goods
  8. 20th Inter-State/Division Amateur Team Golf Championship Tournament to be held
  9. Cruise liner ms Sea Goddess II arrives with 63 tourists
  10. Minister visits National Archives Department
  11. CSO releases Agricultural Statistics

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(1) Secretary-1 attends first donation ceremony for construction of Aungmyaybodhi Dhamma Yeiktha Alodawpyi Kyaungtaikthit (Yangon)

YANGON, 9 Jan - The first donation ceremony for construction of Aungmyaybodhi Dhamma Yeiktha Alodawpyi Kyaungtaikthit (Yangon) was held at the Kyaungtaik on Shwenyaung Street, Tarmwaylay Ward, Tarmway Township, this morning. Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt accepted the donations.

Present also were members of the Sangha led by Sayadaw of Aungmyaybodhi Dhamma Yeiktha Alodawpyi Kyaungtaikthit Maha Gandhavacaka Pandita Maha Saddhama Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Ariyavamsa, Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Minister for Culture U Win Sein, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, Mayor U Ko Lay, deputy ministers, officials of the Office of the State Peace and Development Council, department heads, members of Tarmway Township Peace and Development Council, members of Township Union Solidarity and Development Association, donors and guests.

The congregation received the Five Precepts from Sayadaw Bhaddanta Ariyavamsa.

Then, the Secretary-1, the ministers and the deputy ministers offered alms to the Sayadaw and members of the Sangha.

Altogether 67 donors presented K 18.6 million for construction of Alodawpyi Kyaungtaikthit.

The donations included K 5 million presented by Mayor U Ko Lay on behalf of the Yangon City Development Committee, K 2.1 million for 2,000 bags of cement by U Kyaw Win of Shwe Thanlwin Construction, K 1 million each by Chairman of Olympic Committee Co Ltd U Aik Tun, Chairman of Yuzana Construction Co Ltd U Htay Myint and Chairman of Zaykaba Co Ltd U Khin Shwe, K 500,000 each by Chairman of Asia World Co Ltd U Tun Myint Naing, U Tin Aye and U Khin Aung of Nanmyint Construction, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, U Khin Maung Aye of Kaytumati Co Ltd and Htetarkarkyaw Cooperative Syndicate and U Htay Aung and Daw San San Myint (Thitagu Family), K 300,000 each by Deputy Minister for Commerce Commodore Myo Tint on behalf of Minister Maj-Gen Kyaw Than, Minister for Culture U Win Sein, U Aung Myaing and Daw Tin Hla family (Kalunhtaw Auto Service, Mawlamyine), U Ko Gyi and Daw San San Myint family of 12/A, Aungmingala Housing Complex and U Soe Aung of Aungthukha Construction, K 270,000 each by U Khin Nyein and Daw Kyin Hsaing family (Myanzabu Co Ltd) and Daw Kyin Than and Daw Than Yee family, K 200,000 each by Minister for PBANRDA Col Thein Nyunt and family, U Ye Myint and Daw May Thin family of Panyoma Co, U Than Hla and Daw Kyu Kyu Win of Winsa Hotel, U Aung Min of Top Star Construction, U Tun Shwe (Empire Construction), Daw Khin Aye (Store), U Win Thein of Phwintphyoaung Construction and U Win Aung of Dagon International, K 180,000 by U Hoak Sein and Daw San San Yu family (Boss Drinking Water), K 100,000.each by Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, U Maung Maung Yee and Daw San San Yee family of 17, Thukhita Street, Baukhtaw, Lt-Col Hla Aung of the Office of Strategic Studies and Directorate of Defence Services Intelligence, U San Kyaw Aung and Daw Ma Ni family of 10th mile, U Maung Ohn and Daw San Moe Shwe family of 56, Yekyaw Road, U Kyaw Soe Lin and Daw Thanda family of 17, Kyaunggyi Street, Kyimyindine, Daw Khin Mar Win (Baby) of 432, Theinbyu Road, U Tin Aung and Daw Khin May Nwe family of 27, Thayettaw Street, Sangyoung, U Maung Maung Thaung and Daw Win Kyi family, U Toe Maung and Daw San San family of 597/8 street, East Gyogon, U Thein Win and Daw Yee Yee Win family of Shwepyisoe Paper Mill, Mandalay, U Nay Lin and Daw May Than family of Mayzabu Paper Mill, Mandalay, U Aung and Daw May Mi Ain family of 90/d, Ngwewuthmon Street, Shwetaunggya, U Tha Sein and Daw Sein Hla family of 120, Mahathukha Street, Mingala Taung Nyunt Township, U Hla Thein and Daw May Lay family of Maungtaw, Rakhine State, U Maung Maung and Daw Hnin Hsi family of 19, Magga Street, Kyaukmyaung and U Aung Sein and Daw Khin Kye Myint family of Kyaunggyi Street, Kyimyindine, K 80,000 by Zabuhla Construction Cooperative Ltd. K 55,000 by U Myint Thein and Daw Khin Thi family of 18, Thukhita Street, Baukhtaw and K 50,000 by U Kyaw Kyaw and Daw Ma Phyu family of 10th mile.

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Mayor U Ko Lay, Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Maj-Gen Saw Tun, Brig-Gen Lun Thi and U Win Sein accepted the donations.

Sayadaw Ariyavamsa delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits, for pious deeds.

Then, the Secretary-1, the ministers and party inspected the construction of Alodawpyi Kyaungtaikthit being undertaken by Olympic Co Ltd.

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(2) Development of Mongla region attributable to concerted efforts of the Government, regional people

YANGON, 9 Jan - A coordination meeting on progress of border areas was held in the meeting hall of the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs this morning, attended by Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo.

Present also were Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, Minister for Education U Than Aung, Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Win Tin, Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein, Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut, Deputy Minister for Health Dr Mya Oo, Deputy Minister for PBANRDA U Kyaw Tin, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Officer on Special Duty at the Office of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Than Tint, directors-general and managing directors and officials.

Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo said eastern Mongla region has become a narcotic drugs free zone, and economic and social progress has been achieved unprecedentedly .

The development of the Mongla region is attributed to concerted efforts of the Government and regional people, he noted and added endeavours are to be exerted for the development of the remaining regions such as Kokang, Wa, Monghtaw, Monghta and Homain regions.

He called on officials of the ministries concerned to lay special stress on the development of border areas and national races, assess work done and form inspection groups and conduct inspection tours if necessary.

Inspection tours are aimed at enabling the regional people to understand the genuine goodwill of the Government more and more, he remarked and urged the officials to join hands with the regional people in striving for all-round development and prevalence of law and order at the border regions.

Then, department heads reported on the respective work being undertaken for the development of border regions including Kunheng region and contiguous areas.

The ministers and the deputy ministers gave supplementary reports.

Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo gave instructions.

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(3) Preparations for Observance of 53rd Anniversary Armed Forces Day discussed

YANGON, 9 Jan - A coordination meeting on the tasks for organizing the 53rd Anniversary Armed Forces Day was held at the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army) this afternoon, attended by Chairman of the Leading Committee for Observance of the 53rd Anniversary Armed Forces Day Chief of the Bureau of Special Operations Chief of Staff (Army) Lt-Gen Tin Oo.

Also present at the meeting were Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, Deputy Ministers for Information U Thein Sein and Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo, Director of Public Relations and Psychological Warfare Col Khin Aung Myint and officials.

Lt-Gen Tin Oo spoke of the need for systematic arrangements to broadcast and telecast marching and military songs, teleplays and radio plays and other programmes honouring the Armed Forces Day.

He said marching and military songs programmes should exist perpetually and teleplays to honour the Armed Forces Day need be professional and fascinating, with costumes and scenes corresponding to history.

Joint Secretary of the Leading Committee General Staff Officer (Grade I) Lt-Col Win Kyi reported on the 53rd Anniversary Armed Forces Day Objectives to be confirmed.

A general round of discussions followed and the meeting ended with Lt-Gen Tin Oo's remarks.

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(4) Coordination meeting on publishing 'Facts About Myanmar', 'Nation Building Endeavours' (Volume-III)

YANGON, 9 Jan -A coordination meeting on publishing 'Facts About Myanmar' and 'Nation Building Endeavours' (Volume III) was held in the meeting hall of the New Light of Myanmar Daily this afternoon.

Present were Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, deputy ministers from various ministries, Director-General of the Office of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Pe Nyein, directors-general, managing directors, directors of departments and enterprises, officials and guests. The minister spoke on the occasion.

Then, publishing of 'Facts About Myanmar' and 'Nation Building Endeavours' (Volume III) was discussed, and respective committees were formed.

The minister disclosed the purpose of compiling and publishing the books is to acquaint the entire people with the national building endeavours of the State Peace and Development Council, which is leading the country, and its efforts for stability and tranquillity of the State, national reconsolidation and building a peaceful, modern and developed nation and to pre vent and dispel false and fabricated accusations made against Myanmar.

In addition, if it is necessary to make correct assessment on and study historical matters in the future, the books will serve these purposes as firm milestones and stand the test of time, he noted.

This tasks, though demanding much effort, will have to be implemented in so short a time, he remarked and called on members of various committees established to strive to accomplish the tasks in addition discharging their main duties without fail.

He urged all to seriously carry out the assigned tasks with historical and political outlook.

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(5) Commander-in-Chief (Air) presents wings to Air Force officers

YANGON, 9 Jan - Commander-in-Chief (Air) Maj-Gen Kyaw Than presented wings to Air Force trainee officers who had completed No 62 Pilot Course at Flying Training Base in Meiktila Township, this morning.

Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Rear-Admiral Nyunt Thein, Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Military-Appointments-General Maj-Gen Tin Ngwe, Judge Advocate-General Maj-Gen Than Oo, Defence Services Inspector-General Brig-Gen Win Myint, Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Commandant of National Defence College Maj-Gen San Aung, Commander of Flying Training Base Col Thein Myint, other Air Force officers, military officers of Meiktila Station, families of trainees and guests were also present.

Maj-Gen Kyaw Than presented wings to 21 officers individually.

He presented Outstanding Academic Award to 2nd-Lt Than Naing Soe, Outstanding Pilot Award to 2nd-Lt Hlaing Myint and Model Pilot Award to 2nd-Lt Htet Aung.

Speaking on the occasion, he said the trainees have learnt to fly aircraft and helicopters to discharge national duties, urging them to train themselves to be skilled in combat flights, to be healthy and to acquire extra aviation knowledge.

He elaborated on aviation combat skills, health and fitness, advanced space technology and aviation knowledge, organization and administration which are essential requirements for them.

Training, administration, welfare and morale are the four tasks in building a modern and strong Tatmadaw, he pointed out.

They should have the spirit of sacrifice in discharging national defence duties, he said.

The Tatmadaw today is implementing its three tasks, which are national defence, training and public welfare programmes, he noted, adding active participation of Tatmadawmen in nation-building tasks has led to speedy completion of projects and early bearing of fruits for the people.

He urged them to take part in public welfare programmes with greater cetena and momentum.

The nation has become an ASEAN member and the Government is striving for the emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation, he noted.

The State Peace and Development Council has laid down the four national tasks, which are, non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity, perpetuation of sovereignty and emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation, he stated.

It is implementing the 12 political, economic and social objectives to strengthen the political, economic and military power of the nation, he pointed out.

The Commander-in-Chief (Air) also presented wings to 34 trainees who had completed the No 13 Navigation Course in Shande, Meiktila, at 10 am.

Senior Air Force officers, families of trainees and guests were also present.

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(6) Prize winners in Brunei First ASEAN Nations' Painting Contest for Disabled honoured

YANGON, 9 Jan - A ceremony to honour the prize winners in Brunei First ASEAN Nations' Painting Contest for the Disabled was held at the International Business Centre this morning.

It was attended by Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Ministers at the Office of the Prime Minister Brig-Gen Lun Maung and Maj-Gen Tin Ngwe, Deputy Minister for Labour U Kyaw Aye, Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Brig-Gen Maung Kyi, the Resident Representative of UNDP, officials of WHO and UNICEF and guests.

In his address, Brig-Gen Pyi Sone spoke about Myanmar's endeavours to provide assistance such as medical care, disease prevention, intellectual development and rehabilitation to the disabled through respective departments and the on-going tasks being undertaken for the disabled in the South-East Asian region.

He said that it is prime time for Myanmar to expedite efforts for national economic development through cooperation with fellow ASEAN members, speaking of the six areas including cultural exchange and social development programmes being carried out on the national level with the leadership of Myanmar's ASEAN Steering Committee and ASEAN's aims for cultural development.

He also dealt with the preparations to send 39 paintings of the disabled contestants to the First ASEAN Nations' Painting Contest for the Disabled.

He said Myanmar contestants won one first prize, three second prizes, one third prize and six consolation prizes and was third among the competing nations.

Afterwards, Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone and Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Maung Kyi presented cash awards to the prize winners.

Brunei presented 400 Brunei dollars to a first prize winner, 300 Brunei dollars to a second prize winner, 200 Brunei dollars to a third prize winner and 50 Brunei dollars to a consolation prize winner.

The Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement presented K 5,000 to a first prize winner, K 4,000 to a second prize winner, K 3,000 to a third prize winner and K 2,000 to consolation prize winners.

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(7) Minister calls for boosting production of export-oriented goods

YANGON, 9 Jan - Minister for Commerce Maj-Gen Kyaw Than addressed the meeting on export promotion at the Ministry of Commerce this morning.

The minister elaborated on export and import undertakings and export promotion of new items.

He urged officials of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry to disseminate knowledge of export and import procedure with a view to enabling members to correctly undertake export and import.

He called for boosting production of export-oriented goods.

Minister at the Office of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman Brig-Gen Maung Maung spoke of matters relating to export and import and changing the border trade system into the regular trade system. and called on CCI officials to strive for export promotion.

The officials replied to queries raised by those present.

The meeting was attended by advisers to the .ministry, Acting Director-General of the Trade Department U Khin Maung Oo and officials, the director general of the Directorate of Investment and Companies Administration and the chairman of the Union of Myanmar Chamber of Commerce and Industry and officials.

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(8) 20th Inter-State/Division Amateur Team Golf Championship Tournament to be held

YANGON, 9 Jan - The 20th Inter-State/Division Amateur Team Golf Championship Tournament 1998 will be held at Yangon Golf Club in Danyingon from 3 to 6 February.

Any state or division teams may consist of only one Myanma selected golfer who took part in Myanma selection team from 1993-97.

The leaders of the teams will hold a meeting at the YGC in Danyingon at 10 am on 1 February.

The teams may send names of their golfers to Secretary-General U Aung Kyi of Myanmar Golf Federation, National Golf Practice Course, Thuwunna, Thingangyun Township or dial 01-663930 and 01-579911 not later than 30 January.

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(9) Cruise liner ms Sea Goddess II arrives with 63 tourists

YANGON, 9 Jan - Cruise liner ms Sea Goddess II arrived Nanthida Jetty of Yangon at 11.40 am on 9 January with 63 tourists.

They were welcomed by managers and service personnel of Myanma Hotels and Tourism Services and officials of Myanmar Voyages company.

At noon, the tourists went sightseeing in down town Yangon and visited the Shwedagon Pagoda.

They were entertained to variety dances on board the Cruise liner by Myanmar Hotels and Tourism Services in the evening.

The trip was arranged by Myanmar Hotels and Tourism Services and Myanmar Voyages.

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(10) Minister visits National Archives Department

YANGON, 9 Jan - Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha visited the National Archives Department this morning.

Director-General U Win Han and a director reported on the functions of the department.

The minister gave instructions on future tasks.

Then, the minister toured the department.

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(11) CSO releases Agricultural Statistics

YANGON, 9 Jan - The Central Statistical Organization of the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development released Agricultural Statistics (1985-86 to 1995-96) today.

The 440-page publication presents detailed statistical information on Myanmar Agriculture for 1970-71, 1980-81 and for the period from 1985-86 to 1995-96.

It provides 245 statistical time-series on seven subjects, such as population, weather and land, agricultural inputs, agricultural production, livestock and fishery, prices and share of agriculture in GDO, food and non-food expenditure per month at household level and export and import of agricultural commodities, in response to the urgency of the need for reliable statistics on agriculture to support the realization of basic economic objectives of the country.

The publication is the joint undertaking of the Central Statistical Organization and the Department of Agricultural Planning, Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, and now available at Sarpay Beikman Bookshop and above-mentioned agencies, for the user in government complex and private business.

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