( 1 )  State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to Islamic Republic of Mauritania

Yangon, 28 Nov- On the occasion of the Independence Day of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, which falls on 28 November 2001, Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Maaouya Ould Sid Ahmed Taya, President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.

 Senior General attends Kathina robes offering of Masoeyein Taikthit, merit-sharing ceremony for construction of Dhamma Maheikdi Kyaunghsaung at Masoyein Taikthit in Mandalay Construction of new Ayeyawady Bridge (Mandalay) linking Mandalay and Sagaing under way

Yangon, 27 Nov-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe, together with Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, members of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thein Sein, Quartermaster-General Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and Maj-Gen Tin Aye, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Kyi Min, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Maj-Gen Myint Swe, the ministers, the Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, the deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and heads of departments, left here by Tatmadaw flight for Mandalay and arrived at Mandalay International Airport in TadaU Township at 2.30 pm yesterday.

 Senior General Than Shwe and party were welcomed by member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Mandalay Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein, Deputy Chief Justice of Supreme Court (Mandalay) U Khin Maung Lat, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Nay Win, senior military officers and heads of departments.

 Senior General Than Shwe and party attended Kathina robes offering to 2,640 members of the Sangha of Masoeyein Taikthit and merit-sharing ceremony for construction of four-storey Dhamma Maheikdi Kyaunghsaung at Masoyein Taikthit in Mahaaungmye Township this morning.

 Present were Nayaka Sayadaws led by Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Patron of Maha Nayaka of Masoeyein Taikthit Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Sirindabhivamsa and Nayaka Sayadaws led by Maha Nayaka Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Panna Samibhivamsa of Masoeyein Kyaungtaik, Senior General Than Shwe, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, members of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thein Sein, Quartermaster-General Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Maj-Gen Tin Aye, Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Kyi Min, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Maj-Gen Myint Swe, the ministers, the Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, the deputy ministers, the Mandalay mayor, the deputy chief justice, the deputy commander of Central Command, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of departments, members of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council, departmental officials, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigade, wellwishers and guests.

Senior General Than Shwe and party paid obeisance to Patron of Maha Nayaka of Masoeyein Taikthit Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Sirindabhivamsa and Vice-Patron of Maha Nayaka of Masoeyein Taikthit Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Rajadhammar-bhivamsa. Senior General Than Shwe and party offered " soon " to Nayaka Sayadaws and members of the Sangha. At 10.30 am, the second Kathina robes offering ceremony and a ceremony to share merits for construction of four-storey Dhamma Maheikdi Kyaunghsaung was held.

The congregation received the Five Precepts from Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sirindabhivamsa. Members of the Sangha then recited Parittas. Senior General Than Shwe presented Kathina robes and offertories to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sirin-dabhivamsa. Senior General Than Shwe presented offertories to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Panna Samibhivamsa. The Secretary-1 and party presented offertories to members of the Sangha of Masoeyein Taikthit.

 Assistant Director of Mandalay Division Religious Affairs Department U Khin Maung Win supplicated matters on donation of the four-storey Dhamma Maheikdi Kyaunghsaung. Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sirindabhivamsa delivered a sermon. Senior General Than Shwe and party and guests shared merits gained. Senior General Than Shwe and party performed rituals of golden and silver showers to mark the success of the ceremony. Senior General Than Shwe and party offered " soon " to members of the Sangha of Masoeyein Taikthit and Masoeyein Kyaungtaik. At 8 am this morning, Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Mandalay Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein, Deputy Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Nay Win, officials and wellwishers offered " soon " to 2,640 members of the Sangha.

 The four-storey Dhamma Maheikdi Kyaunghsaung is 195 feet long, 66 feet wide and 58 feet high. Yesterday morning, Senior General Than Shwe and party went to the site of Ayeyawady Bridge (Mandalay) Construction Project on Mandalay bank. Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun reported on selection of the axis of the bridge, pre-engineering works, holding of driving stakes on 30 October 2001 and construction of the bridge.

 Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance on taking of notice on construction of the bridge, innovations in construction and early completion of the bridge. Senior General Than Shwe inspected the site where the bridge is to be built and work. The present Innwa Bridge is over 60 years old. A new bridge linking Mandalay and Sagaing is being built about 2,000 feet away from the Innwa Bridge. The steel-beamed Aye-yawady Bridge (Mandalay) is 5,614 feet long and lower structure is reinforced concrete.

 The four-lane bridge will be built and it withstands 60 tons of load. In the evening, the Senior General and party went to Maha Lawka Marazein Kuthodaw Pagoda. Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint reported on all-round renovation of the pagoda and Sanda Muni Pagoda, progress of work, financial matters and donations. The Senior General then gave necessary guidance. The Senior General and party visited Maha Lawka Marazein Kuthodaw Pagoda and presented donations to members of the pagoda Board of Trustees. The Senior General and party inspected the renovation of the pagoda.

The Senior General and party went to Sanda Muni pagoda and inspected stone inscriptions in the pagoda precincts and building of Dhamma Zedi on the stone inscriptions. Suttas, Vinaya, Abhi-dhamma, Ahtakatha, Tika were inscribed on stone. Dhamma Zedis were built on the stone inscriptions with assistance of the State and the wellwishers. The Senior General and party visited Sanda Muni Pagoda and inspected renovation of the pagoda and presented donations to the Pagoda Board of Trustees. The Senior General and party arrived at Mandalay Nanmyo later in the evening.

( 2 ) Government endeavouring to see all school-age children to attend classes and 80 percent finish primary education

Special Refresher Course 12 for Basic Education Teachers concludes

Yangon, 27 Nov-The Special Refresher Course No 12 for Basic Education Teachers concluded at Yadana Hall of the Central Institute of Civil Service (Upper Myanmar) in Pyin-OoLwin Township, Mandalay Division, this afternoon, with an address by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. Also present were the ministers, the chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, the deputy ministers, senior military officers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, members of Division, District and Township Peace and Development Councils, the rector of the Institute, pro-rectors, heads of department, course instructors, and trainee teachers.

The Secretary-1 said that it is believed that as basic education teachers have completed the refresher course, they have had a clear understanding of the objective conditions and prospects of the nation and national requirements demanded by these objective conditions and prospects.

With the fresh outlook and ideas acquired from the refresher course, the teachers are believed to be able to assess everything from the political, economic and social points of view and to promote the interests of the people in the regions where they are assigned duty. In addition, they have already known education policies, educational aims and short- and long-term education plans and working programmes of the State. Therefore, employing the new efficiency and fresh outlook obtained from the refresher course, they are required to strive for the realization of the educational aims of the State at places where they are assigned duty.

In accord with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, government departments, government employees, social organizations and local people are cooperating in implementing the five development tasks  better transport conditions of rural areas, sufficient drinking water supply, education, health and economic development. Therefore, while discharging educational duty, teachers are to carry out organizing work to see that local people are health-conscious, live healthy lives and use hygienic drinking water. In addition, they are to organize and lead the people in carrying out health activities such as the national immunization days and the environment day.

They are also required to work for the emergence of irrigation and transport facilities at places where they are assigned duty, maintenance of these facilities and to see that local people use these facilities beneficially. Furthermore, they are to carry out educative and organizing work and provide assistance for the development of agricultural tasks, livestock breeding tasks being carried out on a manageable scale and economy of the region.

To ensure that schools possess their typical characteristics, to furnish them with necessary furniture and teaching aids, to keep schools and their environs clean and pleasant and to carry out school activities in accord with the education calendar, teachers are to cooperate with students, parents, school boards of trustees and social organizations. The government is endeavouring to see that all the school-age children go to school and 80 percent of them finish primary education. Teachers are required to actively participate in this programme designed to raise the number of children who go to basic education primary schools.

Local authorities, government departments, parents and social organizations are implementing this programme under the leadership of the government by carrying out mass activities such as the school enrolment day, collecting the number of school-age children and providing assistance such as school uniforms, exercise books, stationery and necessary expenses for children who have difficulty going to school. Therefore, there was an increase in the primary school enrolment by 91% in 1999-2000, by 91.5% in 2000-2001 and 92.1% in 2001-2002. Therefore, teachers are to carry out organizing work to see that all the school-age children go to school in coming academic years and they complete at least primary school education, middle school education and high school education.

 They are also to pay constant attention to individual students and help parents solve problems if they have any. He said the government has laid down political, economic and social objectives to enable Myanmar to stand tall among the nations of the world and is implementing them with added momentum. Accomplishments have been made, he added. An education system that effectively contributes toward the national development has emerged in line with political, economic and social conditions of the nation, he said.

He said the teachers are to nurture new generation youths who will shoulder the  State duties in the future in accord with objectives and requirements of the State for continued progress of the already-achieved accomplishments and firm foundation. Then, the Secretary-1 presented the model trainee awards to Head Master U Daung Lwan of Khaungphu Ywathit No 2 Basic Education Primary School in Myitkyina Township and Tutor Daw Khin Sein Oo of Institute of Education (Magway) in Magway Division, and other awards to the trainee teachers. The Secretary-1 also presented model hostel awards and certificates to the trainee teachers.

 Afterwards ,the trainee teachers presented K 10,000 for Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image, K 10,000 for the Tooth Relic Pagoda (Mandalay), K 10,000 for renovation of ancient pagodas in Bagan, K 5,000 for the Union Solidarity and Development Association, K 5,000 to mark the National Convention, and K 10,000 for BEHS (Branch) in Zeebingyi Village, the same township. The Secretary-1 accepted the donations, and the ceremony came to a close. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 cordially conversed with the trainee teachers and left the Institute in the afternoon.

( 3 ) Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt attends corner-stone laying ceremony of three-storey building of Kyaukse Government Technical College

Yangon, 27 - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party left Yangon for Mandalay by special aircraft on 26 November morning and arrived at the Mandalay International Airport at 2.30 pm the same day.

 Then, Chairman of the Myanmar Education Committee Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt left there for Kyaukse by special aircraft and arrived at Kyaukse at 3 pm. He was accompanied by member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Tin Aye, the ministers, the chairman of the Civil Service Selection and Training Board, deputy ministers, Deputy Commander of the Central Command Brig-Gen Nay Win, officials from the State Peace and Development Council office, departmental heads and officials.

 The Secretary-1 and members were welcomed there by Tactical Operations Commander Col Thein Hlaing, Chairman of Kyaukse District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Aung Kyi Shein, members of township Peace and Development Council, departmental officials and members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association. Then, the Secretary-1 attended the corner-stone laying ceremony of a three-storey building for Kyaukse Government Technical College held at the chosen site for the building and laid the corner stones.

Also present on the occasion were Deputy Commander of the Central Command Brig-Gen Nay Win, members of district/township Peace and Development Councils, departmental officials, the principal and tutors and demonstrators of the college, students, members of the USDA, the Maternal and Child Welfare Association and invited guests.

The Secretary-1 and members took position at the designated places and Adviser to Myanmar Calendar U Kyaw read out the inscriptions written on the stone plaque. The Secretary-1 placed a silver casket at the centre of the foundation of the building. At the auspicious time, the Secretary-1, Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin and Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Nay Win laid corner-stones at the designated places.

Then, the Secretary-1 placed the stone plaque in the foundation. He sprinkled scented water on the foundation and the ceremony came to a close. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party performed ritual of silver and golden showers to mark the success of the ceremony.

Basic Education High School No 3 in Kyaukse. The ceremony to open and hand over the new school building of the school was held at 3.45 pm at the school with an address by the Secretary-1. Present on the occasion were the Secretary-1 and party, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Nay Win, members of district/township Peace and Development Councils, departmental officials and members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association and social organisations, the director-general of No 2 Basic Education Department and officials, the township education officer, school heads, members of School Board of Trustees and Parent - Teacher Association, wellwishers, the headmaster of the school and teachers and students. Headmaster U Htay and donors of the new school building Owner of Mya Bayin Dairy in Kyaukse U Win Maung-Daw Mya Yin cut the ribbon to open the school building.

 The Secretary-1 pressed the button to unveil the signboard of the building. Then, the ceremony to open and hand over the new school building was held at the hall of the school. Managing Director U Taik Tun of Myanma General and Maintenance Industries of the Ministry of Industry-1 explained the donation and handed over the documents related to the building to Director-General Lt-Col Win Htain of No 2 Basic Education Department.

 Afterwards, donors U Win Maung-Daw Mya Yin family presented K 30 million for the school to the Secretary-1. Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung spoke words of thanks.

The Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, in his speech, said that first of all he would like to thank local authorities, wellwishers and the staff of the Ministry of Industry-l for being able to hold the handing over ceremony of the new school building and the assembly hall of No.3 Basic Education High School, Kyaukse.

In accordance with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, the Ministry of Industry- 1 built these new school buildings for the growing population of students in Kyaukse region to be able to pursue their education in peace and, due to the efforts of all responsible personnel concerned, new school buildings had emerged within six months. Therefore, it was an auspicious day for Kyaukse region, the Secretary-l said.

He also said that in addition to more and more basic education high schools, technological colleges and universities were going to be built for the students in Kyaukse region to be able to pursue basic education and higher education in their own region and become able and outstanding persons who could shoulder weighty responsibilities of the State.

For agricultural development around Kyaukse, he continued, irrigation facilities had been built. Moreover, in accordance with the guidance of the Head of State, the Ministry of Industry- 1 was going to build nine factories and the Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings two cement factories and these factories would pro vide employment for the graduates of technological colleges and universities and contribute to the rapid development of the region as well as
that of the State.

Therefore, the secretary-l stressed, the local people and student youths should realize the goodwill of the Head of State and accordingly lend themselves to the successful realization of the measures taken by the State. As teaching learning centres had been opened at No 3 Basic Education High Schoel, Kyaukse, he urged the teachers to carefully nurture the students so that they could be come brilliant persons of international standing.

He finally said that parents and teachers, grasping the opportunity generously offered  the Head of State and the government, should do their best to turn out youths who could lead the State and serve its interests.

Then, the secretary-l and party inspected the Projected Media Room, the Computer aided Instruction, the Language Lab and the Audio Visual Room. Afterwards, he inspected the domestic science room where girl students gave him their handiwork as a present.After that, the Secretary- 1handed over to the Headmaster U Htay the video tapes to be used as teaching aid.

The new school buildings opened today included two 180-foot-long and 30-foot-wide two-storey buildings, one 1 50-foot-long and 30-foot-wide two-storey building and a 106-foot-long and 62-foot-wide lecture hall. Moreover, volleyball and basketball courts are going to be built.

Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party this mornings arrived at the Vegetable Plantation and Production of Meat and Fish Camp of Mandalay City Development Committee at Yetaguntaung, Patheingyi Township, where they were welcomed by officials.

At the briefing hall, the Secretary-l heard a report presented by Chairman of MCDC Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein on plantation of vegetables on 50 acres of land at Hsinbyukan Farm, cultivation and production of chili, corn, sesame, beans and other vegetables and breeding of chickens, pigs and fish on 300 acres of land at No 1 and 2 Agriculture and Livestock Breeding Farms in Yetag-untaung, cultivation of vegetables, papaya, mango and grape and breeding of fish, ducks and pigs on 50 acres of land at Chanthagon Multi- Purpose Agriculture Farm in TadaU Township, cultivation and production of paddy and winter crops such as sunflower, wheat and vegetables on 3,000 acres of land at Sagaing Yemyatkyi  in Agriculture and Livestock Breeding Camp, the situation of land reclamation for 1,000  acres, fishg breeding ponds on 450 acres, extended digging of fish ponds on 1,000 acres and sale of eggs, fish and meat and vegetables produced by MCDC Vegetables and Meat and Fish Production Camps.

The Secretary-l gave necessary instructions. Then, the Secretary-1and party inspected round the layer breeding house, pig sty, fish pond and vegetable plantation at Yetaguntaung Agriculture and Livestock Breeding Farm. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party arrived back at Mandalay.

Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-l of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt attended and delivered an address at the conclusion ceremony of the Special Refresher Course No 12 for Basic Education Teachers held at the Central Institute of  Civil Service (Upper Myanmar) this afternoon. Later, Secretary- 1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party proceeded to University of Culture (Mandalay) in Patheingyi Township.

The Secretary-l and part were welcomed there by Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, Rector of the university U San Win, head of  departments, lecturers, assistant lecturers and tutors.

Deputy Minister U Soe Nyunt and Rector U San Win reported on construction of the University of Culture (Mandalay), teaching and management affairs and the courses conducted at the university which was opened on 5 November 2001 and Managing Director U Ye Tun of Myanma Industrial Construction Services of the Ministry  of Industry 2 on the conditions of the building being built at the university, water and sanitation works, power supply and road construction works to the Secretary-l, who gave necessary instructions. Then, the Secretary-l met with the students at Painting, Sculpture, Music and Thabin Halls and inspected the teaching of respective subjects. The Secretary-l and party arrived back here in the evening.

( 4 )   Minister receives Japanese delegation

Yangon, 27 Nov - Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone received President of Tomia Apparel Co, Ltd , Japan, Mr Katsuya Kida and party at his office at 2 pm today. Also present were Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Director-General of Border Trade Department U Nay Win, Managing Director of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading U Min Hla Aung and officials.

Investment on construction of resort hotel discussed

Yangon, 27 Nov - Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin received President of Societe Tourist and Leisure Madagascar of France Mr Vellutini Jacques Francois at his office on Sule Pagoda Road this afternoon.

They discussed matters related to implementing project on international standard resort hotel with foreign investment. Also present at the call were Director-General of Directorate of Hotels and Tourism U Khin Maung Latt, officials, and Director of Scansia Myanmar Ltd U Saw Lu Lu Htaw.

( 5 )  Minister inspects development tasks of airports in Tachilek

 Yangon, 27 Nov - Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, accompanied by Deputy Minister U Pe Than, Director-General of the Department of Civil Aviation U Win Maung, Director-General of the Directorate of Water Resources and Improvement of River Systems U Chit Khin, arrived at Tachilek Airport on 25 November morning. Director-General U Win Maung, Engineer U Kyaw Soe and officials reported on development tasks being carried out for the airport. The minister inspected the worksite and gave instructions.

The minister and party proceeded to the construction site of Wanpon Jetty. The deputy minister, the director-general and officials reported on the project with the use of scale models of the jetty to be constructed. The minister inspected the construction site and attended to the needs. The minister met with district level departmental officials at the Golden Triangle Hotel yesterday morning and fulfilled the requirements. The minister and officials concerned next inspected the sites where stone can be produced for the airport, and stone production at the stone-grinder. Then, the minister arrived at Loikaw Airport in the afternoon and heard reports presented by the officials on extension and repair of the runway. The minister then gave instructions and fulfilled the needs.

Health Minister inspects hand surgery

Yangon, 27 Nov- Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein inspected hand surgery at the Orthopaedic Hospital in Kyimyin-dineTownship this morning. A group led by Professor of the Orthopaedic Department of the Institute of Medicine-1 Dr Kyaw Myint Naing and an eight-member group from Australia led by Mr Danny Low and Prof W Bruce Conolly exchanged techniques on tendon injuries, tendon transfers and commpon congenital hand deformities.

The minister met with the members of Australian delegation and inspected modern surgical equipment and attended to the requirements. The Myanmar-Australia Hand Surgical Group operated 5 patients today, and will operate another 15. Chairman of Rotary Club of Mosman Mr Danny Low and Surgical Group Leader from Hand Unit of St Luke's & Sydney Hospital and Prof W Bruce Conolly donated books on Stryker (Total Performance System) Digital Tournique System and surgical equipment worth US $30,000 to the Orthopaedic Hospital.

Coordination meeting on development of airports holds

Yangon, 27 Nov - The coordination meeting on development of airports was held at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Transport this morning attended by Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint, Director-General of Department for Civil Aviation U Win Maung, Managing Director of Myanma Airways U Tin Hlaing Hmi, Managing Director of Myanma Petroleum Products Enterprise Col Sein Tin Win and officials of Air Mandalay and Yangon Airways. The minister made a speech. Then, The deputy minister, director-general and managing director took part in the discussions.

Yangon, 27 Nov-The Senior Officials Meeting of the 10th Greater Mekong Sub-region Ministerial Conference on Sub-regional Economic Cooperation was held at Sedona Hotel this morning. Present were officials of Asian Development Bank, personnel of UNDP, experts who participated in Economic Cooperation Project among the Mekong Sub-region, donor countries, representatives of non-governmental organizations, senior officials of Cambodia, the People's Republic of China, Lao People's Democratic Republic, the Union of Myanmar, Thailand and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and delegates. Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel presided over the meeting with Senior Project Officer of ADB Mr C R Rajendran and Director-General of Foreign Economic Relations Department U Soe Lin as joint-chairmen. Minister Brig-Gen Abel delivered an address.

 He said: According to the agenda, the first topic to be discussed will be on the Review of priority Subregional project and Agreements at the Meetings of GMS Forum and Working Groups and the 2nd topic of Promoting the Long Term Sustainability of Regional Cooperation in the GMS, which will be of great interest to bring all of you into a very broad base for discussions and deliberations. As you all may very well recall the Asian Development Bank initiated this Subregional Economic Cooperation in 1992 to bring together Countries along the Mekong River and chart the road map for Peace and Progress in this Subregion.

Taking note of the geo-strategic position of the region, the first meeting in 1992 tasked itself to put together a Subregional Economic Cooperation Programme to cover critical sectors, such as transportation, trade, investment, communications, energy, tourism, human resources development and the environment. The First Conference was inaugurated on the 20-21 October 1992, a draft paper on Subregional Economic Cooperation was drawn up and decided upon covering the above sectors. Consequently meetings were convened to identify and program each country's requirement. Investments of multilateral and bilateral agencies and the private sector in funding identified projects was vital. The various yearly conferences and ad hoc meetings helped foster dialogue and understanding among the six GMS countries and continued participation of aid agencies and donor countries in its implementation.

 The spirit of cooperation and determination to resolve obstacles for development with the joint effort approach was firmly established. Over a hundred projects for the six countries were identified and the much needed project software was drawn up by expert consultant teams. In the first decade not many of the projects could be implemented due to financing constraints. However, it remains clear that the gradual build up would occur in the next decade. Looking forward to the development of this great region it is highly commendable that the programme of cooperation has nominated the next decade as the decade of " strategic thrust" forward, also recognizing the need to strengthen the capacity, effectiveness and efficiency of the countries concerned and to implement the vital projects.

The strategic thrust will include;

* Development of East-West Economic Corridor (Linking the China sea to the Bay of Bengal i.e. from Dah Nang in the East to Maw-la-myaing in the West)

 * Power Generation and Power trade in the Region

* Public - Private Partnership Strategy for Telecommunication

* Review Institutional roles in orientation to tourism

* Adopt a strategy for environmental framework

* Review Human Resources Development

* Enhance Trade and Investment

 * Cross Border People to People Contact and movement It is observed that mechanisms and structures were recommended for adoption and implementation of the projects.

 It is encouraging to note the keen interest taken by the UN Agencies, ASEAN, International Donor countries, NGOs and private sector groups to accelerate the implementation of this dynamic region. In conclusion, I believe that by reviewing the status of the projects and by exchanging views and deliberating various issues in today's meeting it will help support to draw up Common Agenda for further strengthening of the Subregional Economic Cooperation Programme.

 Once again, I wash to express my sincere thanks to Asian Development Bank for every support rendered for the successful convening of this 10th GMS Ministerial Conference in Yangon. Now I have the pleasure to hand over the Meeting to the Chairperson Mr Rejendran, Manager, Program Department, ADB and Co-Chairperson U Soe Lin, Director General, Foreign Economic Relations Department for the Morning Session.

 Participants discussed work done during the first decade from 1992 to 2001 and work to be undertaken in the second decade and compiled proposals to the Greater Mekong Sub-region Tenth Ministerial Conference on Sub-regional Economic Cooperation, work programmes and the report which included in priority project. ADB hosted dinner in honour of officials of ADB, personnel of UNDP, experts who participated in Economic Cooperation Project among the Mekong Sub-region, donor countries, representatives of non-governmental organizations, senior officials of Cambodia, the People's Republic of China, Lao People's Democratic Republic, the Union of Myanmar, Thailand and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and delegates. The ministerial conference will be held on 29 November.