( 1 ) General Maung Aye meets with departmental officials in Mon State, calls for concerted efforts for prosperity of the State and the people

Yangon, 31 March— Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye, accompanied by Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Rear Admiral Kyi Min, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Military Affairs Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Tin Hla, ministers, senior Tatmadaw officers, the Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation, heads of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departments, left here for Mawlamyine, Mon State, by Tatmadaw flight yesterday morning and arrived there at 9.30 am.

General Maung Aye and party were welcomed at Mawlamyine Airport by Deputy Commander of South-East Command Brig-Gen Myo Hla, Tatmadaw officers, Secretary of Mon State Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Aung Maw Maw and members, departmental officials and members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association. General Maung Aye met officials of Mon State at Yamanya Hall of Mon State Peace and Deve-lopment Council.

Present were senior Tatmadaw officers of South-East Command, members of Mon State Peace and Development Council, departmental officials of Mon State, chairmen of Mawlamyine and Thaton District and Township Peace and Deve-lopment Councils, managers of State-owned factories and officials.

Deputy Commander of South-East Command Brig-Gen Myo Hla reported on matters related to gross national product (GNP) of Mon State for 2000-2001 and progress of work, cultivation and production of paddy, rice sufficiency of Mon State and preparations for realization of the objectives of the short-term five-year plan beginning 2001-2002.

Mon State Manager of Myanma Agriculture Services U Aung San reported on cultivation of monsoon paddy and summer paddy, beans and peas, rubber, sugar-cane, kitchen crops; Deputy Director of Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department U Aung Myint on the fisheries sector of Mon State; and Director of Regional Industrial Coordination and Inspection Department U Nyan Tun on productivity of the State-owned factories in Mon State.

Then, Deputy Director of Planning Department U Wan Shwe also reported on matters pertaining to the net value of goods produced and services provided in respective economic sectors of Mon State and the rate of economic growth.

Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha reported on matters related to the total value of goods produced and services provided in states and divisions, the contribution of Mon State to gross national product (GNP) of the State, per capita income and tasks to be carried out by Mon State in connection with the short-term five-year plan.

General Maung Aye said the State Peace and Development Council is building a peaceful, modern developed nation by laying down the correct political, economic and social objectives and upholding Our Three Main National Causes — non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty. Only when the State has economic, political and defence strength, will Our Three Main National Causes be safeguarded forever and the prestige of the nation be recognized in the community of the world.

He spoke of the need for officials of Mon State and the people to uphold national policies and objectives laid down and practised by the State in all seriousness and to make concerted efforts in harmony and unity for progress of the nation. Endeavours are to be made for national development and progress of Mon State with patriotism.

General Maung Aye said according to the reports of officials, the total value of goods produced and services provided of Mon State for 2000-2001 has increased. Similarly, economic progress rates of other states and divisions are on the increase as well. He spoke of the need to implement the plans in order that Mon State does not lag behind other states and divisions in terms of development.

According to the production condition, there is surplus food sufficiency for over 51 million population at present. But arrangements are to be made now for food sufficiency of over 100 million population in the future, he said.

He spoke on extended cultivation of main crops of the State such as paddy, cotton, sugarcane, peas and maize and other successful crops in the region and seeking ways and means to boost per acre yield.

Duties have been assigned to states and divisions to make arrangements in the regions for sufficiency of vegetable and fish and meat besides paddy. Arrangements are also to be made in Mon State and perennial crops that contribute toward economy are to be cultivated, he added.

In an effort to develop economic progress, the government has made plans for participation of national economic entrepreneurs and by promoting the participation of national entrepreneurs in Mon State, the private economic sector will develop.

Beginning from 1992-93, the First Short-Term Four-Year Economic Plan was implemented and average 7.5 % developed annually. The Short-Term Five-Year Economic Plan was also implemented and the plan would end at the end of March 2001, he said. According to the figures received, economic progress of the State is expected to be over 8% average a year and individual income is also on the increase, he said.

The General spoke of the need to make efforts for further increase in individual income of Mon State than those of the whole country, to compete among districts and townships and to fulfil requirements by making field trips to townships and districts. Development of every township will bring about development of the State, he added.

He said Myanmar is rich in above and underground resources and natural resources and arrangements are being made for development of investment and human resources by utilizing those resources beneficially for national development. The State economy will develop with added momentum at the end of the Five-Year Economic Plan, he said.

He called for development of rural regions where most citizens live, better transportation, promotion of health and education standard of rural people, supply of potable
water and arrangements for agriculture and livestock breeding to raise the socio-economic life of rural people.

The General emphasized that all are to make concerted efforts for prosperity of the State and the people when there is opportunity to serve the nation for national development.

He said attention is to be paid on efficient use of funds and minimizing loss and wastage of fuel, power and crops.

Next, The General cordially met officials of State, Districts and Townships.

Then, the General and party proceeded to Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine) Construction Project where they were welcomed by Deputy Chief Engineer (Bridge) U Khin Maung Aye and deputy superintending engineers and engineers.

In the briefing hall, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun reported on facts about the bridge construction project and tasks being implemented and Deputy Superintending Engineers U Myo Chit and U Ohn Han on construction of approach roads on Mawlamyine and Mottama banks and progress of work.

Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Myo Hla reported on assistance provided to the bridge construction project.After hearing reports, the General gave necessary instructions and inspected the scale model of the bridge and preparations for construction of the piers.The bridge to be linked Mawlamyine and Mottama will be 11,635 feet long.

The main bridge will be 7,698.87 feet and approach roads 1,623.80 feet on Mawlamyine Bank and 2,312.19 feet on Mottama Bank. The Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine) will be the rail-cum-road one.

Construction of 23 foundation piles on Mawlamyine Bank and eight on Mottama Bank were completed.

At 1.45 pm, the General cordially met officers and other ranks and family members of regiments and units in Mawlamyine Station at Aung San Hall of South-East Command Headquarters.

In the evening, the General and party paid obeisance to U Khanti Maha Myatmuni Hsutaungpyay Pagoda on Nagawitha Mountain Ranges in Mawlamyine.

The General presented donations towards the funds of the pagoda and signed in the visitors’ book.

Secretary-3 Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint and Deputy Prime Minister Minister for Military Affairs Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Tin Hla also donated cash towards the funds of pagoda and signed in the visitors’ book.Then, the General and party paid obeisance to Maha Myatmuni Buddha Image, made donations and signed in the visitors’ book.Next, the General and party went to historic Kyaikthanlan Pagoda and paid obeisance to the Buddha images. The General presented cash towards the funds of pagoda to the pagoda board of trustees and signed in the visitors’ book.

Afterwards, the General and party went round the pagoda.In the evening, Myanmar War Veterans Organization Central Organizing Committee Chairman State Peace and Development Council Secretary-3 Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint, who accompanied the General, together with members of MWVO Central Organizing Committee Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung and Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, met the chairman of Mon State WVO Supervisory Committee and members, chairmen and members of Mawlamyine and Thaton District WVO Supervisory Committees, the chairman of Mawlamyine WVO and members at Yamanya Hall of Mon State Peace and Development Council. The chairman of Mon State WVO Supervisiory Committee reported on undertakings of the Mon State WVO Supervisory Committee. After hearing the report, the Chairman of MWVO Central Organizing Committee gave necessary instructions.

Similarly, General Secretary of USDA U Than Aung and Central Executive Committee members U Aung Thaung, U Soe Tha, Col Thein Nyunt and Brig-Gen Khin Maung, who accompanied the General, met secretaries and executives of Mon State, Mawlamyine and Thaton districts and 10 township USDAs in Mon State at Aung San Hall of Mon State Peace and Development Council Office in the evening.

General Secretary U Than Aung and CEC member U Aung Thaung gave instructions. In the afternoon, Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut, who accompanied the General, met the Mon State and township engineers and personnel at the office of Mon State Myanma Electric Power Enterprise in Mawla-myine and fulfilled the requirements. Then, the minister inspected Ngantay Sub-power Station. In the evening, Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein inspected Mawlamyine Hospital (350-bed) and met Head of Mon State Health Department Dr Thein Win Naing, Medical Superintendent Dr Maung Maung and officials.

In the afternoon, Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen Khin Maung, who accompanied the General, inspected Azin Horticultural Farm in Mudon, special summer paddy zone and Central Rubber Farm in Beyan Village of Mudon Township and private chilli farm in
Pha-auk Village.

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( 2 ) UMFCCI members urged to work with patriotism and clear national outlook in the interests of national people

Yangon, 31 March — The tenth Annual General Meeting of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry was held at the Traders Hotel this afternoon, addressed by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Also present were ministers, the deputy minister for commerce, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, the president and executives of UMFCCI, chairmen and secretaries of committees, the chairmen and secretaries of State/Division Chambers of Commerce and Industry, guests, media persons and members of UMFCCI.

The Secretary-1 said that at a time when the government has placed emphasis on efforts to strengthen the national economic life with the aim of enabling the Union of Myanmar to keep abreast with other nations, the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry formed with national entrepreneurs is making progress, and this evinces the solidarity of a national force on which the State can rely.

The State Peace and Development Council is implementing economic policies and national economic plans which contribute to development of the State and improvement of living standard of national people.

In view of the international situations, it can be found that science and technologies are advancing at a blistering pace, and globalization is taking place. It can be seen that every nation is making all-out efforts to uplift their national economic life and not to lag behind others in the process of international development.

On the other hand, some developed nations who have gained the upper hand in terms of technology and economy have come to use their advances in technology and strong wealth as a weapon; the gap of technology and wealth among the nations in the world is getting wider and wider.

Therefore, developing nations like Myanmar need to place emphasis on technological advances and strong economy, and their entire national people need to work in unity and with might and main.

Similarly, some developing nations which want to safeguard against inequality of opportunity for economic development have come to place emphasis on cooperation on a mutually beneficial basis rather than economic competition, and formed economic cooperation organizations. It is a significant condition of the world today.

Therefore, the State Peace and Development Council, taking into consideration the affairs of Myanmar and those of the world and relying on the strength of national forces, is striving for the improvement of national economic life. It is also cooperation with regional economic cooperation organizations such as ASEAN and BIMSTEC in the international front.

In striving for the prosperity of the State and emergence of favourable economic foundations, the government is promoting economic cooperation with other nations and encouraging national economic forces with the aim of keeping the economy of the State on the trend of national causes.

Due to encouragement of the government, businesses of national entrepreneurs are today thriving in the various fields of the economic sector.

Head of State Senior General Than Shwe has also given guidance that in order to expedite the development of the State, the businesses of national entrepreneurs are to be combined into national economic forces such as agricultural force, livestock breeding force, industrial production force, commercial force and financial force.

In accord with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, all the national economic forces have been combined into a national economic force and the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry was formed in 1999.

Today, the UMFCCI represents all the businesses of national entrepreneurs and is serving as a focal point in the international front.

As a matter of fact, the formation of the chamber of commerce representing private entrepreneurs is an international practice. It is learnt that the first chamber of commerce was formed in France in 1599.

In Myanmar, Burma Chamber of Commerce was formed in 1906 during the colonial period. Myanmar national entrepreneurs were not allowed to joint it. It is safe to say that BCC did not promote the interests of Myanmar.

Myanmar Chamber of Commerce was formed with Myanmar national entrepreneurs in 1919, and it was operating with the attitude that only when economy is strong, can nationalistic spirit be strong. It is a legacy which Myanmar entrepreneurs today should inherit.

In the time of the present government, self-reliant efforts have been made for the development of the State, and national forces on which reliance could be placed were formed as social organizations. In 1989, the Union of Myanmar Chambers of Commerce and Industry became alive again, and it was upgraded into the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry in 1999.

UMFCCI is operating with 13 work committees. It is encouraging to see that today UMFCCI has a membership of 5,815 Myanmar companies, 708 foreign companies and 2,840 members totalling 9,363. In addition, among the members of UMFCCI, there are 16 state/division chambers of commerce and industry, nine border trade associations and 16 other associations totalling 41 associations.

With regard to international cooperation, it has joined Paris-based International Chamber of Commerce - ICC and ASEAN - CCI, and has signed the memorandums of understanding with 18 organizations from 13 nations.

It has held discussions with foreign economic organizations and private entrepreneurs, and the federation has also sent its members to foreign nations to attend seminars, meetings, training courses and trade fairs as well as on study tours.

In view of the regional and international economic climate, the nations in South-East Asia region which suffered economic stringency in 1997 have already recovered, and are working for their economic development. Cooperation not only in trade but also in other economic sectors is improving more and more. The role of private entrepreneurs is becoming higher and higher. The challenges in the region are the rules and restrictions which have come into existence due to agreements of WTO, protectionist measures of the nations, economic uncertainties which strong economic organizations in other regions and the world economic powers are now faced with and restrictions on trade concerning environmental conservation.

ASEAN has respective committees in connection with promotion of economy and trade and it has also formed business councils in cooperation with China, India, Japan, Korea, American, Australia and Canada. In the sub-regions, some nations are implementing development programmes of three nations such as Growth Triangle and Growth Area. Some nations have signed agreements on bilateral cooperation with other nations as well as cooperating with the organizations in the region. There are programmes for ASEAN Free Trade Area and ASEAN Investment Area which are to be implemented by ASEAN member nations. In view of these conditions, UMFCCI needs to safeguard the interests of the State and entrepreneurs in the nation.

International organizations have set up Websites to be able to establish contact with foreign organizations. Permission has been given to UMFCCI to set up Website, and it is expected that UMFCCI Website will soon emerge. These are basics of e-commerce.

Local entrepreneurs who have to penetrate the international market need to study and know international commercial terms. They need to understand and know commercial laws of Myanmar, commercial laws of trading partner nations and Incoterms of International Chamber of Commerce - ICC. The federation needs to disseminate knowledge about local and international rules and regulations and commercial terms to local entrepreneurs. Likewise, arrangements are to be made to provide local entrepreneurs with the condition of the international market, information about prices and business knowledge. If local entrepreneurs know these facts and economic knowledge, they can become successful entrepreneurs who know how to work in the trade sector in a right way.

The role of private businesses is becoming higher and higher day by day in Myanmar today.

In view of the participation of the private sector in the export and import business, during the period of ten months in 1999-2000 fiscal year, the total export value was US $ 910.10 million including US $ 237.94 million by the State-owned sector and US $ 672.16 million of the private sector; during the same period, the import value was US $ 1,963.99 million including US $ 522.51 million by the State-owned sector and US $ 1,441.48 million by the private sector. During the period of ten months this 2000-2001 fiscal year, the total export value was US $ 1,236.56 million including US $ 394.77 million by the State-owned sector and US $ 841.79 million by the private sector; the total import value was US $ 1,884.99 million including US $ 363.55 million by the State-owned sector and US $ 1,521.44 million by the private sector. In view of these figures, the State-owned sector improved by 65% in the export sector and the private sector only by 25 %. The State-owned sector reduced its imports by 30% and the private sector increased its imports by 5 %. In view of the total value of foreign trade, the export value increased by 35% and the import value by 4%.

As expected by the State, the import value decreased and the export value increased. However, it can be said that the performance of the private sector is still weaker than that of the State-owned sector.

Adopting the attitude that only when the businesses of private national entrepreneurs are thriving, will national economic life become strong and will living standard of national people become higher and higher. Measures are being taken to reduce the participation of the State-owned sector and to enhance that of the private sector.

It can be seen that efforts to strengthen national economic life are replete with national essence such as trying to enable the Union of Myanmar to keep abreast with other nations in the world, trying to deal with other nations on an equal footing and trying to stand tall in the international community.

Today is the time when the nation is being built. Therefore, economic competition is to be done not only from the economic point of view but also from the national point of view. All are to work and cooperate in the interests of the entire national people with patriotism and clear national outlook.

In conclusion, the Secretary-1 quoted Head of State Senior General Than Shwe’s attitude and guidance on national entrepreneurs as saying that it is necessary for national entrepreneurs to be prosperous and successful in the economic life of the State. Their wealth is the nation’s wealth. Economic powerhouse should be in the hands of the national entrepreneurs for the nation to be politically and economically independent. The government is nurturing the national entrepreneurs in enabling them to stand firmly with broad political, economic and national outlook.He said the Senior General’s goodwill and hope on the national entrepreneurs are prominent.

The Secretary-1 urged members to make endeavours for prosperity of the UMFCCI, stable economic environment and better economic foundations, firm national economic life, economic progress of the State and keeping abreast with international community under the banner of UMFCCI.

Then, President of UMFCCI U Win Myint spoke words of thanks.Before the meeting, President U Win Myint and Vice-President U Win Aung reported to the Secretary-1 on condition for construction of UMFCCI Building with the use of scale model and charts.The Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions to officials.

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( 3 ) Yangon Division Vegetable Production and Livestock Breeding Special Zone established to overcome dependence on food from other regions

Yangon, 31 March—Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office inspected Yangon Division Vegetable Production and Livestock Breeding Special Zone in Nyaunghnapin Village in Hmawby Township this morning.

On arrival at the special zone, the Secretary-1 was welcomed by member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, the ministers, the deputy ministers, heads of departments and agriculture and livestock breeding entrepreneurs.

At the briefing hall of Taing Myan Kyaw poultry farm, Dr Myo Win reported to the Secretary-1 on objective of the poultry farming, work undertaken, investment and future tasks. The Secretary-1 gave instructions.

The Secretary-1 was conducted round the farm by Dr Myo Win.There are 10,000 CP Brown layers in the farm which produces 9,500 eggs a day. Another 10,000 layers will be raised in the coming year.

At the Hmawby San hall, Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than reported on implementation of Yangon Division Vegetable Production and Livestock Breeding Special Zone, location of the zone, roads, areas of the zone, reclamation of land, work undertaken for agriculture and livestock breeding, construction of roads in the zone, power and water supply, allotment of land to private entrepreneurs and the ministries concerned, agriculture and livestock breeding, cultivation of vegetables in the zone, sale of vegetables and formation of management supervisory committees at different levels.

Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation U Ohn Myint reported on methods for availability of water.

The Secretary-1 said the Vegetable Production and Livestock Breeding Special Zone Project is for food sufficiency of five million population in Yangon City. No systematic projects for food sufficiency of the people in the city were laid down in the past. People relied on vegetable and food transported from various regions, he added.

He said the government is making efforts for food sufficiency region-wise. Head of State Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance on production of food in the environs of Yangon in order to overcome the dependence on transported food from other regions, he said.

Therefore, he said, paddy, beans and pulses and fish breeding special zone project is being implemented in Uto-Kya-in region and vegetables and poultry farming special zone in Nyaunghnapin region under the supervision of the Head of State Senior General Than Shwe himself.

As agriculture and livestock breeding activities in Uto-Kya-in and Nyaung-hnapin regions are successful, there will be food
sufficiency for five million population in Yangon, he said. Export of surplus food will be of much benefit to the State, he added.

These projects will also promote cooperation between the State and the private sector and contribute to the progress of national private economic enterprises, he said.

He called for concerted efforts to realize the lofty objectives of the State.The aims of establishing the vegetable production and livestock breeding special zone of Yangon Division are to enable the people to consume fresh vegetables, meat and fish, to sell them at tax-free markets, to keep commodity prices stable, to produce vegetables, fish and meat which can be put in the foreign market and to augment the income of agricultural and livestock breeding entrepreneurs. For the agricultural and livestock breeding work, there are 9,018 acres of land  3,089 acres of land in the zone-1, 3,345 acres in the zone-2 and 2,584 acres in the zone-3.

Then, the Secretary-1 and party viewed vegetable patches in the compound of the supervisory committee.

Next, the Secretary-1 and party inspected vegetables produced by the agricultural group of Marlamyaing and Sein Enterprise Ltd.The Secretary-1 and party went to the agricultural site of Aung Engineering Company.

They were welcomed there by Managing Director U Aung Gyi and agriculturalists.The personnel concerned reported on fertilizer and water supply.The Secretary-1 and party inspected cultivation of vegetables with the application of the high tunnel method and green house method.

Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the zone-1, the zone-2 and the zone-3 by car.

At the farm of the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs, the Secretary-1 and party were conducted round the vegetable patches by Deputy Minister U Kyaw Tin and Brig-Gen Than Tun.

Next, the Secretary-1 and party proceeded to the farm of Myanmar Police Force and General Administration Department and inspected vegetable patches there.Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing reported on agricultural and livestock breeding work.

At the farm of the Ministry of Energy, the Secretary-1 and party heard a report presented by Minister Brig-Gen Lun Thi on cultivation and production of vegetables, income and poultry farming.The Secretary-1 inspected vegetable patches there.Then, the Secretary-1 and party went to the farm of Myanma Agriculture Service of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation.

Managing Director of Myanma Agriculture Service U Tun Than reported on the type of soil, the total area of the land, the purpose of setting up the farm, cultivation of monsoon and cold season crops in 2000-2001, arrangements for cultivation of crops in summer, tasks being carried out by Myanma Agriculture Service, distribution of strain seeds, transfer of agricultural methods and condition of cultivation of vegetables at Nyaunghnapin.Next, the Secretary-1 and party inspected vegetable patches.The Secretary-1 and party also inspected construction of the basic education middle school at Nyaunghnapin Village.Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung and officials reported on progress of work.The Secretary-1 gave instructions and left there.

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( 4 ) Visiting Laotian Vice-President and wife pays homage to Inlay PhaungdawU Pagoda

Yangon, 31 March- Visiting Vice-President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic Lt-Gen Choummaly Sayasone and Madame Keosaychay Sayasone and delegation members, accompanied by Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone and wife, Director of Supply and Transport of the Ministry of Defence Brig-Gen Than Htay and wife, Ambassador of Lao PDR Mr Ly Bounkham and wife and officials, left here by Tatmadaw aircraft on 29 March and arrived at Heho Airport at 9.45 am. The visiting Vice-President and wife and party were welcomed at the airport by Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Maj-Gen Maung Bo and wife Daw Khin Lay Myint, Commandant of Command and General Staff College Col Nyan Win and wife, senior military officers and division level officials. After that, the visiting Vice-President and wife and party, accompanied by Commander Maj-Gen Maung Bo and wife and officials, went to Inlay Khaungdaing Hotel by car. They were welcomed there by local people. At the hotel, they were served with luncheon. Then, the visiting Vice-President and wife and party toured Inlay Lake by motor-boat and proceeded to Inlay PhaungdawU Pagoda. They offered flowers and lights and paid homage to the pagoda. The Vice-President offered gold foil to the Buddha image and signed in the visitors' book. Commander Maj-Gen Maung Bo and Chairman of the pagoda board of trustees U Hla Kyaw and the Vice-President exchanged religious souvenirs. After that, the guests visited Shwehintha Loom in Inlay Thalay Village and went back to Taunggyi via Nyaungshwe in the evening.

In the evening, Commander Maj-Gen Maung Bo and wife Daw Khin Lay Myint hosted a dinner at Thanlwin Hall of Eastern Command Headquarters in honour of the Vice-President and wife and party. Also present at the dinner were Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone and wife, senior military officers, Ambassador of Lao PDR Mr Ly Bounkham and officials. At the dinner, traditional dances were presented to the audience and gifts were exchanged. After the dinner, the Vice-President and wife presented the flower basket to members of traditional dance troupe.

This morning, the guests, accompanied by Commander Maj-Gen Maung Bo and wife, visited Shwephonepwint Pagoda in Taunggyi, paid homage to Shwephonepwint Kyaung Sayadaw Bhaddanta Nan-damala and paid obeisance to Padamaya Myatshin Cave Pagoda. They then paid obeisance to ‚ulamuni Lawka Chantha Pagoda in Taunggyi. The Vice-President signed in the visitors' book. Afterwards, they visited Taunggyi Myoma Market and viewed development of Taunggyi. Next, the LPDR Vice-President and wife and party left Heho Airport by Tatmadaw aircraft to continue the goodwill tour in the country. They were seen off at the airport by Commander Maj-Gen Maung Bo and wife, senior military officers and departmental officials.

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( 5 ) Bagan Security Services opens

Yangon, 31 March — The launching ceremony of Bagan Security Services was held at International Business Centre on Pyay Road this morning.

Present were Deputy Chief of the Office of the Strategic Studies Deputy Director of Defence Services Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, the deputy ministers, senior Tatmadaw officers, heads of department, entrepreneurs and officials. Member of Board of Directors of Bagan Security Services Co Ltd U Myint Aung explained the work of the Security Services. Then, General Manager of FISCA Security and Electrical Engineering Co Ltd U Zaw Min explained the work programme.

Merits sharing ceremony held

Merits shared for renovation of CPT Ministry Dhammayon

Yangon, 31 March-A ceremony to share merits for renovation of the Dhammayon of the Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs, in Arzani Street, Bahan Township, was held at the Dhammayon this morning. Present on the occasion were Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Win Tin and wife Daw Ni Ni Tin, Managing Director of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications U Maung Maung Tin, Director-General of Directorate of Telecommunications U Kyi Than, departmental heads, wellwishers and staff families.

The minister and wife and the departmental heads presented offertories to the Sayadaws. The 40 years old Dhammayon was in disrepair and so it has been renovated and extended to contribute to promotion and propagation of the Sasana. It was renovated with the contribution of 5,000 FECs by Certified Public Accountant and Financial Consultant U Hla Tun and K 11 million by wellwishers and families of the staff.

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( 6 ) UMFCCI holds annual meeting

Yangon, 31 March— The Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry held the 10th annual meeting at the Traders Hotel on Sule Pagoda Road this afternoon.

Present were Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, departmental heads, advisers to the UMFCCI, President of UMFCCI U Win Myint, vice-presidents, officials and guests. President U Win Myint presided over the meeting.Secretary-General U Zaw Min Win submitted the executive committee report and the financial report to the meeting.Then, the 2000-2001 central executive committee members and executive committee members resigned.

Next, Director-General U Nyunt Aye of Directorate of Trade read out the lists of 20 CEC members and 40 EC members including President U Win Myint, Vice-Presidents U Htein Win, U Htay Myint, U Win Aung and Daw San San Yi, General Secretary U Zaw Win Min, Joint-Secretary-1 U Pyone Maung Maung, Joint-Secretary-2 Dr Maung Maung Lay, Treasurer U Sein Than, Auditor U Sein Win Hlaing for 2001-2003 fiscal year.Then, President U Win Myint gave the concluding remarks.

Delegates of Mekong Meeting of APC  Refugees Displaced Persons arrive

Yangon, 31 March— Delegation members arrived here by air this evening to attend the Second Mekong Sub-Regional Meeting of APC Refugees Displaced Persons and Migrants.

Deputy Director-General Mr Bui Dinh Dinh of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Socialist Republic of Vietnam and Asia and the Pacific Region Director Mr Francois Fouinal of UNHCR Office arrived here by air this evening. They were welcomed at Yangon International Airport by Director-General Col Maung Htay of Immigration and National Registration Department, Deputy Director-General U Zaw Tun, officials of the Vietnamese Embassy and UNHCR Resident Representative Mr Rajin Alochan Kapur.

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( 7 ) Weinkaung region USDA tours Yangon

Yangon, 31 March— The prize presentation ceremony of the snap-shot photo contest of the Photo Exhibition & Book Fair and Market Festival 2001 was held at Yadanabon New Market in Mandalay this morning, attended by Vice-Chairman of the Organizing Working Committee for the exhibition Chairman of Mandalay City Development Committee Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein.

Also present were Secretary of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Tin Ohn, Deputy Director-General U Aung Hsan of IPRD and officials. Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein presented first, second and third prizes to respective winners. After the ceremony, U Khin Maung Sein (Zaw Literati House), on behalf of all wellwishers, presented 1,909 books worth K 149,140 to the Deputy Director-General.

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( 8 ) Minister inspects Thaphanseik Dam Project

Minister inspects industrial zone

Yangon, 31 March—Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, accompanied by Deputy Minister Lt-Col Khin Maung Kyaw and officials, arrived at Indagaw Industrial Zone of the Ministry in Indagaw Region, Bago Division, this morning.

Out of targeted over 150,000 acres, 140,000 acres of land have been put under summer paddy in Mandalay Division with water supply from Sedawgyi, Kinda, Zawgyi, Hsinthay, Ngalaik and Yezin dams. Over 96,000 acres of summer sesame were targeted and over 60,000 acres of land have been placed under summer sesame. Quality cotton strains are also cultivated on 38,005 acres of land in 39 zones of pre-monsoon long-staple cotton.

High school level completion certificates presented

Yangon, 31 March- A ceremony to present the high school level completion certificates to students who completed lessons of tenth standard was held at Pazundaung Basic Education High School No 2 this noon. Present were Director (Education) U Khaing Soe of No 3 BED (Yangon City), Headmistress Daw Tin Win and officials and parents. First, students sang the National Anthem and Myanma School song. Then, the headmistress presented cartificates to students.

Similarly, the high school level completion certificates presentation ceremony was held at Botahtaung BEHS No 3. Present on the occasion were Director-General U Tin Win of No 3 BED (Yangon City) and officials. Headmistress Daw Tin San presented certificates to students. Kyimyindine BEHS No 4 held the high school level completion certificates presentation ceremony this morning. Present were Deputy Director U Nu of No 3 BED, officials and students. Headmistress Daw Khin Soe explained the purpose of the ceremony and presented certificates to 80 students. At Thingangyun BEHS No 4, a similar ceremony was held on 29 March. Headmistress Daw Tin Tin Mya presented certificates to 284 students.

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