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(1) Secretary-1 urges Pado Aung San and brethren to concentrate on agriculture, livestock breeding
YANGON, 4 Aug - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt helicoptered to Gyaing (Zathabyin) Bridge Construction Project near Zathabyin Village in Hpa-an Township, Kayin State, this morning and arrived there at 10:15 am.
He was accompanied by Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Sein Win, Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Deputy Minister for Livestock and Fisheries U Aung Thein, Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung, Deputy Minister for Electric Power Brig-Gen Maung Maung, Director-General of the State Peace and Development Council Office Lt-Col Pe Nyein, heads of department and officials.
The Secretary-1 and party were greeted by member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Mon State Peace and Development Council Commander Brig-Gen Myint Aung, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, Chairman of Kayin State Peace and Development Council Col Saw Khin Soe, military and civilian officials, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association and local people.
Accompanied by Commander Brig-Gen Myint Aung they proceeded to Payagon Village in Hpa-an Township. They were welcomed there by members of the District and Township Peace and Development Councils, departmental personnel, USDA members, Pado Aung San and members of KNU armed group who have exchanged arms for peace and their families.
In the village hall later, Commander Brig-Gen Myint Aung and Pado Aung San reported to the Secretary-l on construction of residences, education, health, supplying electricity, cultivation of monsoon and summer paddy, poultry farming, fish and prawn breeding for the development of the village and regional development.
The Secretary-1 made arrangements to fulfil the requirements in coordination with the officials concerned. He said his party comprising the ministers had provided what was needed in projects covering agriculture, livestock and health for development of Payagon Village area. He urged the local people to concentrate on agriculture and livestock breeding so that the village would become a model agricultural village.
Next, Secretary-l presented gifts to Pado Aung San and Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung also gave him stationery.
The Secretary-l and party then inspected houses built at Payagon Village for Pado Aung San and members and their families. The Secretary-1 cordially met with Pado Aung San and members and their families and posed for a souvenir.
Bridge Project
The Secretary-1 and party went on to Gyaing (Zathabyin) Bridge Construction Project where they inspected fixing of steel ropes. At the worksite office later, the Secretary-1 was briefed by Commander Brig-Gen Myint Aung, Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun and officials on relevant facts about the project and progress of work.
Col Saw Khin Soe also briefed him on construction of the Hpa-an Kawkyaik Kawparan Zathabyin Highway.
The Gyaing, (Zathabyin) Bridge lies on Mawlamyine -ZathabyinEindu-Hpa-an Road across the Gyaing River. The suspension bridge is being supported by reinforced concrete piers. The bridge is 2900 feet long and the motorway 24.5 feet wide. It can bear 45-ton loads.
The Secretary-1 and party proceeded to Gyaing (Kawkareik) Bridge Construction Project in Hpa-an Township where they were greeted by Brig-Gen Lun Maung of Kawkareik Station, District and Township Peace and Development Council members, department personnel, Superintending Engineer U Khin Maung Lay and employees of Public Works.
Commander Brig-Gen Myint Aung, Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun and officials reported on the project and progress of work.
The Secretary-1 and party toured the project site.
The Gyaing (Kawkareik) Bridge is on Hpa-an Kawkareik-Myawady Road in Kayin State across Gyaing River. The suspension bridge is built with reinforced concrete and steel beams. The main structure of the bridge is 500 feet long and approach bridge on either side 350 feet each totalling 1200 feet. The motorway is 24 feet wide and walkways on either side 3.5 feet each.
The Secretary-1 and party next went to Sittoung Paper Mill No.1 of the Myanma Paper and Chemical Industry of the Ministry of Industry-l at Theinzayat Village in Kyaikhto Township, Mon State.
They were welcomed by Deputy Minister for Industry-1 Col Than Zin, District and Township Peace and Development Council members, departmental personnel, USDA members, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigade members, Managing Director of Myanma Paper and Chemical Industry U Zaw Sein Win, Manager of the mill U Yi Mon and employees.
In the hall of the mill later, the Secretary- 1 was briefed by Minister U Aung Thaung and Managing Director U Zaw Sein Win on history of the Sittoung Paper Mill No I and arrangements for securing raw materials and more power supply, production of pulp and paper, various types of paper produced by the mill, production and distribution, use of cutters created through innovative means, production of waterproof ceiling boards and experiments on production of newsprint as import substitute.
The Secretary-1 discussed matters related to obtaining more raw materials and boosting production. He later inspected machinery parts invented by the mill and products of the mill. He then toured the mill.
The Secretary-l and party returned to Yangon in the evening.
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(2) Early completion of monsoon paddy ploughing season in Yangon Division paves better ways to put land under multiple-cropping
YANGON, 4 Aug - Monsoon paddy ploughing season in Yangon Division concluded with a ceremony held in conjunction with division-level paddy transplanting contest at an agricultural farm in Taikkyi Township this morning.
Addressing the ceremony, Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo said the paddy transplanting contest was held to improve modern transplantation methods for boosting agricultural production.
Early completion of monsoon paddy ploughing season has paved better ways to put the land of the Division under multiple-cropping, leading towards successful implementation of its agricultural plans for 1998-99, he noted.
The government has given priority to the progress of farmers' income and
social life, offering better conditions by various means, he said.
More encouragement is being given to put more land under paddy, the main crop, and cotton, beans and sugarcane, he noted, stressing the need to give priority to crops that are suitable to the respective regions.
Increase of one basket per acre will lead to rise in monsoon paddy production of 12 million baskets in the entire Division, he pointed out, speaking of the need to apply advancing techniques.
Minimizing of wastage in the farms will help increase in food production, he suggested, saying paddy transplanting' contests also contribute towards disseminating modern techniques.
Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than said the day marked the completion of putting 905,751 acres under monsoon paddy in the Division and contest will select the model transplanter.
The ceremony also marked the Division's earliest completion of the monsoon paddy ploughing season in the nation as in the previous years, which was a result of harmonious cooperation among local authorities at different levels, departments and farmers, he lauded, stressing the need to keep this tradition.
Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe and Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha also spoke.
Three teams each from Yangon South District and Yangon North District and one each from Yangon West District and Yangon East District took part in the contest. Kyimyindine Township won first prize, Hlegu Township second and Kayan Township third.
Lt-Gen Tin Oo, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe presented prizes to the teams.
Deputy Minister for Construction U Tint Swe, Col Saw Hla Min of Taikkyi Station and officials presented gifts to consolation prize winners, Taikkyi, Thongwa, Htantabin, Kyauktan and Dagon Myothit Townships.
The Ministry of Industry-2 presented pumps to participating teams, the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation weeders and fertilizers and Golden Green Company cash.
Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than presented prize to model transplanter award winner Ma San San Aye of Kyimyindine, U Soe Tha second best transplanter award winner Ma San San Oo of Kayan and Deputy Minister for A&l Brig-Gen Khin Maung third best winner Ma Than Than of Hlegu.
Heads of department and officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departments, local authorities, service personnel, farmers, people and others were also present.
Farmers of Taikkyi Township presented requirements. Director-General of Agricultural Planning Department Dr Mya Maung gave suggestions.
Yangon Division has put 1,087,575 acres under paddy at present, completing 97.5 percent of the Ministry of A&l's target of 1,115,000 acres and 1 20 percent of its target.
It has planned to put 20,000 acres more than the ministry's target.
Later, the Secretary-2 inspected progress in renovation of 15 miles five furlongs long TaikkyiUtochaung-ThongwaAphyauk toad and land reclamation.
Accompanied by officials, he met departmental personnel and local people of Taikkyi.
Means were sought to improve the agricultural, transport and power generating sectors.
Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Brig-Gen Khin Maung, U Soe Tha and U Tint Swe also joined in the discussions.
Lt-Gen Tin Oo gave advice on means to ease the people's social needs, stressing the need to strive for perpetuation of the nation, emergence of a modern nation and development of the agricultural sector.
The government, the public and the Tatmadaw should work harmoniously and on self-reliance basis for regional progress, he noted.
In Hmawby, the Secretary-2 and party inspected a poultry farm of Yangon Command.
Officials briefed them on farming and egg and meat distribution.
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(3) MIC Chairman receives MD of Myanmar Sampoerna Tobacco
YANGON, 4 Aug - Deputy Prime Minister Chairman of Myanmar Investment Commission Vice-Admiral Maung Maung Khin received Managing Director Mr Bambang Sulistyo and party of Myanmar Sampoerna Tobacco Co Ltd at his office at 4 pm today.
Present were Minister at the Office of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman Secretary of Myanmar Investment Commission Brig-Gen Maung Maung and officials of MIC Office.
They discussed cigarette production in Myanmar by Sampoerna Tobacco Co Ltd and future tasks.
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(4) Officials visit warded NC delegates at YGH
YANGON, 4 Aug - Chairman of National Convention Convening Management Committee Brig-Gen Tin Aye, accompanied by Secretary of the Committee Lt-Col Win Naung and members, Joint-Secretary of Health Subcommittee Lt-Col Kyi Lin and members, visited the delegates of National Convention who are receiving treatment at Yangon General Hospital at 9:30 am today.
The committee chairman and party were welcomed by Medical Superintendent U Taik Wan and officials of YGH and briefed them on the health condition National Convention delegates U Sam Beak, U Myat Htwe, U Maung Ohn and U Saw Vorterloo.
Brig-Gen Tin Aye spokes with the delegates individually.
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(5) Construction of production platform for Yedagun Natural Gas Project inspected
YANGON, 4 Aug - Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, during his stay in Singapore on 27 July, inspected fabrication of production platform for Yedagun Natural Gas Project in Sembawang Yard, Singapore.
The minister and party were conducted around by the officials of the Premier Petroleum Myanmar Ltd. They discussed completion of the platform in time.
On 29 July, the minister went to Loyang Offshore Supply Base and observed operations of Janco Co which supplied equipment and other transport service for Yedagun Natural Gas Project.
On 31 July, the minister and party studied Baker Hughes Co's worldwide seismic services and production of petroleum equipment in Jurong.
Officials reported on production and sale of equipment and cooperation at Mann oil field and the minister visited Jurong Industrial Park.
The minister and party observed preparations for laying of 24't pipeline from Pipe Laying Barge KP-1 owned by McDermott Co.
On 2 August, the minister, accompanied by Myanmar Ambassador U Myo Myint, went to Batam Island, Indonesia, by boat and inspected construction of Yedagun Jacket Platform at McDermott Yard.
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(6) UMEHL gem, jade sale continues
YANGON, 4 Aug - Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited continued its ninth gems and jade sale at Myanma Gems Emporium, No. 66, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, from 9 am to 5 pm today.
Present were Managing Director Brig-Gen Win Hlaing of UMEHL and members of Board of Directors.
A total of 435 local and foreign merchants today viewed the gems, jade and jewellery there.
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(7) Minister visits power generating plants, oilfields
YANGON, 4 Aug - Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut, accompanied by Deputy Chief Engineer U Htay Myint of Myanma Electric Power Enterprise, Director (Finance) U Myo Naing and Adviser U Tin Shein, visited Zalun on 31 August and went on to Hinthada.
Meeting with MEPE employees in Hinthada, the minister told them to deal with the electricity-consuming public amicably, find solutions to the inconveniences of the public during the period when electricity is supplied alternately, strictly abide by the procedures and discipline, practise thrift and work for staff welfare.
The minister and party proceeded to Myanaung and then got to Myanaung Oilfield of Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise on 2 August morning. They met responsible personnel and discussed oil and natural gas output of Myanaung Oilfield and Shwepyitha Oilfield and work done for producing more oil and natural gas. They later toured the oilfield.
The minister then inspected the natural gas-powered Myanaung power generating plant and power output. He called for minimizing power losses, preventing damages and losses of machinery and equipment, encouraging employees to take up small scale agriculture and livestock breeding, worksite safety, fire prevention and staff welfare. He fulfilled the requirements.
The minister and party next left for Methanol Plant of Myanma Petro-Chemical Enterprise of the Ministry of Energy in Kyangin. They inspected drilling at Hseiktha Test Well No 1 and urged the employees to try to meet natural gas requirements.
They proceeded to natural gas-powered Shwedaung Power Generating Plant and inspected the plant yesterday morning.
They next visited the 250-ton rice mill construction project of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading.
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(8) Minister for CPI
receives Chairman of Iphone Co
YANGON, 4 Aug - Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Win Tin received Chairman Mr Tarwom Yaowakun and party of Iphone Co Ltd of Thailand at his office at 4:30 pm today.
Present were Managing Director Col Maung Maung Tin and officials of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications.
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(9) Meeting on ensuring smooth administration of justice
YANGON, 4 Aug - A coordination meeting on ensuring smooth administration of justice was held in the meeting hall of the Supreme Court this morning.
Present were Chief Justice U Aung Toe, Attorney-General U Tha Tun, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Deputy Minister for Immigration and Population U Maung Aung, justices of the Supreme Court, Vice- Attorney-General, Director-General of Myanmar Police Force, directors-general of General Administration Department, Ministry of Health, Bureau of Special Investigations, Immigration and National Registration Department, Social Welfare Department, Offices of the Supreme Court and Attorney-General, Commander of Criminal Investigation Department and guests.
The meeting focused on medical evidence, report of chemical examiner, matters pertaining to the accused whose addresses could not be found and fugitives, arrest of escaped convicts, issuing of warrant, sending cases to court and court hearing.
The meeting ended in the evening
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(10) Review of Financial, Economic and Social Conditions (in English) on sale
YANGON, 4 Aug - The Review of the Financial, Economic and Social Conditions of Myanmar for 1997/98 (English Version) published by the Planning Department of the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development is on sale at K 500 per copy at the Planning Department, Ministers Office and the Sarpay Beiklnan Bookshop at 529, Merchant Street, here.
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(11) Minister for Energy receives economic delegations
YANGON, 4 Aug - Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi received Chairman Dato Capt Ahmad Sufian and party of Global Maritime Ventures Berhad of Malaysia and Director-General Mr T Hatano and party of the Export-Import Bank of Japan at his office this evening.
They discussed energy sector.
Deputy Ministers U Tin Tun and Brig-Gen Thein Aung and Director-General U Soe Myint of Energy Planning Department were present.