nlmtest

(1) Senior General Than Shwe inspects Indakaw Industrial Zone
YANGON, 11 Jan.-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe inspected factories of Ministry of Industry-2 in Indakaw Industrial Zone in Bago Township, Bago Division, this morning. Accompanied by Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in- Chief (Army) General Maung Aye, members of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen. Soe   Win, Maj-Gen. Aung Htwe, Maj-Gen. Khin Maung Than, Quartermaster-General Maj-Gen. Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Maj-Gen. Kyaw Win, and Maj-Gen. Tin Aye of Ministry of Defence, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen. Myint Swe, Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor of Yangon U Ko Lay, senior military officers, and officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, the Senior General arrived at
Indakaw Industrial Zone at 10 am today.

The Senior General and party were welcomed there by Chairman of Bago Division Peace and
Development Council Commander of Southern Command Brig-Gen. Aung Min, Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen. Saw Lwin and Deputy Ministers for Industry-2 Brig-Gen. Aung Thein Lin and Lt-Col Khin Maung Kyaw and officials. At the briefing hall of the Radiator Plant, Minister Maj-Gen. Saw Lwin reported to the Senior General on efforts made by the ministry yearly for increase in production, targeted production of factories and plants and implementation of work, new projects of factories and plants and projects being implemented by the ministry in Indakaw Industrial Zone.

Afterwards, Managing Director U Soe Thein of Myanma Automobile and Diesel Engine Industries
reported on the situation of plants that manufacture parts for automobiles, objectives of construction of   the plants and investment, progress of construction work of the Disc Wheel Plant, Metal Bearing Plant   and Radiator Plant and plans to be carried out for construction of the Foundry Plant, Ball Bearing Plant,   Aluminium Conductor Plant and Reinforced Steel Plant. Later, Managing Director Col Myo Tint of   Myanma Agricultural Machinery Industries reported to the Senior General on implementation of projects by the tiller engine plant, the engines to be manufactured and production capacity, requirements of electricity and water at the plant.

Next, Managing Director U Ye Tun of Myanma Industrial Construction Services reported on progress of construction the factories and plants at the zone, work done for water supply, construction of roads and greening work at the zone. Later, the Senior General gave guidance regarding the reports. He said: Efforts are to be made for timely completion of the new factories being constructed by the Ministry of   Industry-2. The factories should strive to manufacture high quality machine parts that can win the confidence of customers. Research and development work is to be performed for better quality of products year after year.

Endeavours are to be made for extended production of new brands of machinery parts. Research and   development is to be conducted without being complacent with producing of few items. Development   cannot be achieved if everything is to be made relying on foreign countries. Concerted efforts are to be   made to be independent. The Ministry of Industry-2 is to take the main responsibility of building a   modern industrialized country.

As the ministry is responsible for industrial development, tasks are to be performed with far-sightedness.   Inventions are to be made and ways are to be found with the belief that the industry sector of the State   must develop. I have already laid down five objectives for development of industry. Tasks are to be   carried out in accordance with the objectives. Later, the Senior General and party inspected various types of radiators, disc wheels and ball bearings manufactured by plants under the Myanma Automobile and Diesel Engine Industries displayed at the Radiator Plant.

Afterwards, the Senior General and party inspected power-tillers, tractors for general purpose and farm   machinery manufactured by plants and factories under Myanma Agricultural Machinery Industries and   various kinds of tires for automobiles produced by plants and factories under the Myanma Tyre and   Rubber Industries.

Then, the Senior General and party inspected Poza printing machines, parquet-making machines,
various kinds of wires, cables, batteries and dry cells manufactured by Myanma Machine Tool and
Electrical Industries. Next, the Senior General and party inspected motor vehicles assembled by the
Ministry of Industry-2. Later, they also inspected production process of radiators at the Radiator Plant.   The Senior General and party inspected samples of ball bearings produced by Ball Bearing Plant and   production process there.

Later, the Senior General and party inspected construction of the Disc Wheel Plant and installation of   machinery. Then, they inspected construction of tiller engine plant, arrival of machinery, proposed sites   for construction of foundry plant, ball bearing plant and aluminium conductor plant. Minister Maj-Gen.   Saw Lwin conducted them around the sites. Next, the Senior General and party left Indakaw Industrial   Zone for Yangon at 12.30 p.m. in a motorcade. On their return trip to Yangon, they inspected No-2   Express Road and extension of Maung-magan Kantha Road in Dagon Myothit (South) township.

(2) Secretary-1 meets with archbishops and bishops of Catholic Bishops Conference of Myanmar

YANGON, 11 Jan. - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt,   together with officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, arrived at the Catholic Bishops Conference of Myanmar on Pyay Road here this morning. Chairman of CBCM Archbishop of   Pathein Charles Bo, other archbishops and bishops welcomed the Secretary-1 and party. Also present   were the deputy commander of Yangon Command, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, archbishops and bishops of Pathein, Mawlamyine, Haka, Myitkyina, Yangon, Mandalay, Taunggyi, Kengtung, Loikaw, Toungoo, Lashio and Pyay. The archbishops blessed the gathering. Archbishop Charles Bo introduced other archbishops and bishops to the Secretary-1.

Then, Archbishop Charles Bo extended greetings. Later, the Secretary-1 said that it is an auspicious day for the State and the people as he has the chance of meeting with all the archbishops and bishops of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Myanmar. In Myanmar, there are over 100 national races living in unity. Although it is a predominantly Buddhist country, all the people have freedom of faith.

The government has also seen to it that everybody can enjoy freedom of faith. Since 1948 when the   nation regained independence, national brethren had adopted different ideologies due to foreign   instigation. Armed struggles arose. The national races and families have gone through bitter experience.   The nation lagged behind in national and regional development and improvement of living standard.   Since the Tatmadaw government assumed the duty of State, it has striven to achieve stability, peace and   tranquillity, national solidarity and mutual trust and respects among national brethren in cooperation with   religious leaders and national race leaders.

Due to mutual trust, unity and honesty of the national brethren, peace and tranquillity are prevalent in   every region. As a result of cooperation with the government in striving for regional development and   improvement of their living standard, the national brethren are now enjoying peace and tranquillity. All   faiths help promote peace, loving-kindness, goodwill and compassion for mankind. The archbishops are   also performing missionary tasks and religious duties so that the people can enjoy peace. They are in fact discharging noble religious duties to enable the people to live lives of bliss.

The government is like a parent and all the national people living in the country are the children of the   government. With parental loving-kindness, compassion and goodwill, the government has striven to   achieve peace and tranquillity and to improve the living standard of the people. As a result, peace and   tranquillity are prevailing in the country, and things are changing and developing.

Infrastructures necessary for the improvement of living standard and regional development have been   built. Efforts are being made to enable all the national people to have peace of mind in accord with religious teachings. The nation is a developing one, so it is not a wealthy one. However, measures are   being taken to enable all the people to have peace of mind. If there is material development and there are also its attendant worries and misery, it does not mean living a life of bliss. Every faith places emphasis on peace of mind, not on material development.

The essence of being rich is to have peace of mind. The government will promote freedom of faith for all   the people. Continued efforts are to be made to maintain peace and tranquillity in the nation, to enable   the people to have peace of mind and higher standard of living and to build a peaceful, modern and   developed nation. Then, the Secretary-1 presented gifts to Archbishop Charles Bo. Next, the Secretary-1 posed for photos together with all the archbishops and bishops of CBCM.

(3) Nation sees annual increase in value of exports, resulting from import-substitute industries

Secretary-1 addresses second and third four-monthly work coord meeting of Ministry of Commerce

YANGON, 11 Jan. - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt attended the second and third four-monthly work coordination meeting of the Ministry of Commerce for 2001 at the meeting hall of the ministry this afternoon. Also present were ministers, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, directors-general and managing directors of departments and enterprises under the Ministry of Commerce, advisers, directors of states and divisions, managers, officials of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry and guests. Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen. Pyi Sone reported on the basic trade policy of the ministry, condition of annual exports, work performance during the third four-month period of 2001, export promotion of the ministry, purchase of paddy and annual export of rice, import and export services, condition of border trade, staff welfare and the work performance of the ministry. The Secretary-1 said that now is the time when the government is making all-out efforts in all sectors for the development of the Union of Myanmar and the improvement of the national economy.

The government is working hard, adopting the attitude that national development and strong national economy contribute to the social development of the national people and improvement of their living standard. In an effort to improve the national economy, reliance is placed mainly on the production sector and the commercial sector, and at the same time, efforts are being made to develop the services sector. In other words, efforts are being made to develop the industrial production sector on the basis of the agriculture sector. Impetus is being given to export promotion and development of import-substitute production work. The scope of the commercial activities is to be extended.

In this way, the national economy is being improved. Production development rests on commercial
development and extension of foreign markets. Therefore, the international trade sector needs to take the lead in striving for the development of export-oriented production work and import-substitute work.

The trade sector contributes 23.9% of GDP in Myanmar. Measures are being taken to improve the trade sector so that the contribution of the trade sector to GDP can grow by 11.9 % during the present five-year plan period and up to 24.5% in the 2005-2006 financial year, the last year of the plan. As the trade sector has been assigned an important role in striving for the development of the State and improvement of the national economy, the Ministry of Commerce, which, on the State's behalf, is working for the development of the trade sector, needs to take the lead efficiently in accord with the national goal.

On behalf of the State, the Ministry of Commerce needs to give encouragement to the businesses of national entrepreneurs in accord with the economic policy of the State. Before the market conomic
system is not well-established, the ministry needs to provide supervision and necessary assistance for businesses in the private sector so that they can thrive within the framework of the law and rules and regulations and the private sector and the State sector contribute to the development of each other.

In every economic sector of the State, the participation of the State sector is being reduced gradually,   and that of the private sector and the cooperative sector is being increased. The government is also   working to formulate an economic policy to promote the initiative of national entrepreneurs in the field of   the national economy.

Therefore, the government departments and entrepreneurs need to cooperate in striving for the
development of the private sector in the trade sector in accord with the requirements of the State. A study of international economic changes shows that all the nations are competing with one another by safeguarding their own national interests and laying down the law and restrictions in opening up,
maintaining and protecting new markets. Some big nations which are gaining the upper hand in the field of science, technology and economy are attempting to wield economic influence on developing nations and international economic and financial institutions, thereby monopolizing the world economy. Under these circumstances, advances in information and communication technologies contribute to the globalization process. And big nations which are gaining the upper hand in the economic field are manipulating currencies, markets and trading activities. Therefore, the nations which have things in common in the economic and cultural fields and geographical features have allied themselves with one another and set up regional economic cooperation organizations, cooperate in the trade and economic sectors and promote trading and economic cooperation. These are significant changes in the world economic sector. Today European Union has introduced Euro Currency among its members. It is a significant change, and it is necessary to wait and see the outcome. The Union of Myanmar is actively cooperating with such regional organizations for economic development and cooperation as ASEAN and BIMST-EC. It is promoting economic and development cooperation with Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the people's Republic of China, Japan, Korea, India and Pakistan. In six nations out of ASEAN members, the system concerning the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) has been introduced. By 2006, Myanmar will integrate itself into AFTA and reduce customs duties in the trade sector among ASEAN members.
Being a leading commercial organization, the Ministry of Commerce needs to keep track of financial, currency and economic changes and condition of commercial organizations, and at the same time, to find ways and means for the promotion of national interests. It is necessary to make preparations for the further strengthening of the national economy, promotion of regional economic and development cooperation, the development of foreign trade, earning more foreign currency and stability of Myanmar Kyat. As regards export promotion, the main duty of the Ministry of Commerce, systematic arrangements are to be made for the development of export production work and for the improvement of packaging, storage and transport systems. In addition, continued efforts are to be made to produce and distribute new goods and value-added goods and to find new markets and regular markets. It is vitally important to set up a regular market based on agricultural products.

According to the data of the ministry, the volume of foreign trade in 1998-99 was over US $ 3,700
million. The foreign trade volume is increasing yearly. The volume of foreign trade during a period of
nine months at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2001-2002 was over US $ 4,200 million. Moreover, the value of exports are increasing and that of the imports are decreasing. Efforts should be made till there is no deficit in the foreign trade. Decrease in the value of imports should not be the result of trade limitations, but it should be the result of development in import-substitute industries. The government firmly believes that border trade will continue to develop as long as the nation's friendly ties with her five neighbours are further strengthening and prospering; and with this belief, the government has permitted   the legal border trade. Goods worth over US $ 152 were traded at the border in the second four months of fiscal 2001-2002 and over US $ 171 million in the third four months.

These amounts are higher than the mounts of the same period during the previous year. As border trade   has relations with bilateral ties, officials should give a close supervision for mutually beneficial progress of the border trade. In addition to US dollars, kyats should be used in the border trade to help stabilise the   local currency. Due to formation of the border area law enforcement bodies, the border trade is developing systematically and the State's revenues from the trade are increasing. Officials and traders should see the bodies as the ones which are rendering assistance to them and should make coordinations and cooperations with them. Staff of the ministry and the border areas should safeguard the interests of the border traders as the border trade is linking with the large markets.

Officials should stay away from imposing unnecessary restrictions and limitations which are against
ensuring smooth flow of commodities. The government staff of the business sector should be free from corrupted practices and should have good morality. Government staff should understand the state's policy, the national goal, apply thrifty methods and gave supervision at different levels. As the private sector is vitally important for national economic progress, the staff should render assistance to national entrepreneurs to enable them to freely conduct business within the frame of the law.

The government bodies should give encouragement to the private sector to participate more in
cooperating business with ASEAN, BIMST-EC and friendly nations. Plans are in progress to introduce the account trade system between Myanmar and Thailand and Myanmar and Malaysia. Efforts should be made for soonest realization of the system on common interests. Arrangements should be made from now on for progress of the e-Commerce system as IT is dominating the trade sector. All the staff are urged to strive in unity and harmony for progress of the Union of Myanmar in accord with the motto advance through trade. In conclusion, the Secretary-1 urged the ministry staff to strive for the trade sector to effectively assist   towards national progress, national economic development and further improvement of the living   standard; to strive harmoniously with the private sector to extend trade with the world countries and to   develop electronic-based trade businesses which are flourishing in the world; to strive to gain linkages   with friendly nations to enable the nation's products to gain regular markets; and to strive with national   outlook for the nation to get abreast of other nations without relying on anyone and to serve the national   interests.

Cooperative Products Exhibition and Market Festival open

YANGON, 11 Jan. -Cooperative Products Exhibition and Market Festival opened at the Cooperative Trade Centre at Saya San Plaza here this morning, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. The Secretary-1 unveiled the signboard. Also present were ministers, the Attorney-General, the Auditor-General, the chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, officials, members of the leading committee for holding the exhibition, guests and the public.

Minister for Cooperatives Lt-Gen. Tin Ngwe and U Maung Maung of Saya San Plaza Construction Committee formally opened the exhibition. The Secretary-1 and party visited the booths of the ministries and enterprises on the first floor. They then enjoyed the song and musical programme presented at the exhibition. On the ground floor, the Secretary-1 and party visited the booths of industrial cooperative syndicates. They were conducted around the exhibition by Minister Lt-Gen. Tin Ngwe, Director-General of Cooperative Department U Soe Win and officials.

(4) National solidarity and peace & stability are basic forces required for national progress

Kayah State USDA holds mass rally to support nation-building endeavours

YANGON, 11 Jan. - A mass rally to support national and rural development tasks organized by Kayah   State Union Solidarity and Development Association was held at the sports grounds in Loikaw, Kayah   State, on 9 January.

It was attended by members of Loikaw, Dimawhso, Shadaw and Pruhso Township USDAs in Loikaw   District, and executives of Bawlake, Pasawng and Mese Township USDAs in Bawlake District totalling   over 4,200.

Kayah State USDA Secretary U Kyaw Swe presided over the mass rally together with Bawlake District USDA Secretary U Bo Yal and Loikaw Township USDA member Dr Myo Lwin Myint. Loikaw Township USDA members Daw Kay Thwe Myo Myint and Daw Nan Aye Aye Moe acted as master of ceremonies and co-master of ceremonies.

Chairman of the mass rally Secretary of Kayah State USDA U Kyaw Swe said the USDA, a national   organization, was formed with the sons and daughters of the people to serve the national interests. All the USDA members are required to actively take part in developing the nation and rural areas.

At the opening of Myanmar Affairs and International Studies Course No 4, Management Course No 23 for USDA Executives and International Relations Course No 7, USDA Patron Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance, saying that he would like to give the duty to be discharged by the USDA members at different levels; and out of the future tasks laid down by the Eighth USDA Annual General Meeting, the fourth one is to carry out organizing work with a view to contributing to the implementation of the third short-term five-year national economic plan and the fifth one is to participate in rural development tasks.

In conclusion, he urged all the USDA members to accept the State's nation-building endeavours as the national task, to maintain and safeguard peace and stability, to actively take part in national development endeavours and pay attention to rural development tasks. Executive of Loikaw Township USDA, Kayah State, Daw Aye Aye Khaing tabled a motion supporting the nation-building endeavours of the State. She said Dawthacha Dam, Loinanpha Dam, Hsawkhidawh river-water pumping station, Hose Dam, Hohta Dam, Namhuhtwe Dam and Ngwedaung Dam have been built in Kayah State.

There were 86,000 acres in 1988, and there are now 123,000 acres of cultivated land. At present, paddy is cultivated on 76,567 acres. But there were only 61,051 acres in the past. Kayah State has produced 410,000 baskets of paddy. The Tatmadaw government has built 270 miles of tarred roads, 30 miles of gravel roads and 280 miles of earth roads totalling 580 miles in Kayah State.

Moreover, Loikaw-Aungban railroad has been extended. At the opening of Myanmar Affairs and
International Studies Course No 4, Management Course No 23 for USDA Executives and International Relations Course No 7, USDA Patron Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance, saying, "The national solidarity and peace and stability are the basic forces required for the national progress."

In accord with the guidance, the government is upholding Our Three Main National Causes non-
disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity, and perpetuation of sovereignty has striven to end internal strife. Due to the efforts, 17 armed groups have returned to the legal fold and are joining hands with the State in striving for national progress. Thus, the entire nation including border areas is gaining unprecedented progress.

The USDA members should discharge the duty of safeguarding and further promoting the national
development. On behalf of 18 million members, she tabled the motion supporting the State's nation-
building endeavours. Member of Loikaw Township USDA, Kayah State, U Tu Reh seconded the motion. He said all the people have witnessed the unprecedented national developments. due to the increase in the number of irrigation facilities, Kayah State was able to extend 15,516 acres of cultivation land. It produced 410,000 baskets of paddy. The nation put 860,000 acres of land under cotton, 400,000 acres under sugarcane and 800,000 acres under maize.

The government has open technological universities, government technological colleges, government
technological institutes, computer universities, government computer colleges and government computer institutes in the entire national for human resources development. In Kayah State, it has built the Loikaw College, a government technological college and two learning centres.

A border area youth development school, domestic school and midwifery school have also been opened in the state. Eleven high schools and some middle schools in the state have multimedia teaching centres. The government has opened a nursing training school and upgraded the hospitals in the state. Kayah State is covered by the border areas and national races development project. New roads totalling 580 miles in length have been built in the state.

The government used K 336.54 million to develop the state during the period from fiscal 1989-90 to fiscal 2001-2002. TV relay stations and communications have been extended in the state. Next, Executive of Loikaw District USDA, Kayah State, Daw Ku Myar said the rally was held to support the cooperation of USDA members in carrying out rural development tasks. In Kayah State, 26,567 sown acreage have been supplied with water from Minor 11 Hsawkhidaw River-Water Pumping Project. A total of 31 four-inch diametre tube-wells and 158 one-and-a-half-inch tube-wells for supplying fresh water in rural areas and 138 tube-wells for 138 primary schools have been sunk.

Altogether 30,000 acres of fallow and virgin land are being reclaimed. Htayhngalya Village and
Laymaing Village in Loikaw Township and Ngwedaung Village in Dimawhso Township are designated   as model villages with respect to upgrading the standard of villages, and agriculture and livestock breeding tasks are being undertaken. Arrangements are being made to extend fish breeding ponds of land up to 100 acres in three years, and at the end of 2001, 64.37 acres of fish breeding ponds have been put into service.

A total of 31 rural development roads including Noekoe-Htayhngalya road, Naungpale road and
Kyephogyi road, and 14 bridges have been constructed. As is known to all, the condition of transport in urban and rural areas and the living standard of rural areas are improving. The number of basic education schools has increased from 333 to 383 in Kayah State and another eight basic education schools have been built under the rural development project. On behalf of 18 million of USDA members he emphatically tabled the motion in support of the cooperation of USDA members in carrying out rural development tasks.

Then, executive of Dimawhso Township USDA, Kayah State, U Tin Oo said the State has opened new schools in border areas and rural regions and thus there are 16,711 more students in Kayah State; they will contribute towards human resource development for the State; Kayah State USDA has provided stationery needed to these schools. The number of rural health care centres rose from 16 to 19 and station hospitals from four to eight. Consequently the health standard of entire people including those in rural areas becomes higher than it was in the past.

Then, the rally passed the decisions in support of the State's development tasks as well as rural
development tasks laid down by the State and participation of USDA members in national and rural development tasks. Then, the rally ended with shouting of slogans.

(5) Htidaw hoisted atop ancient pagoda

YANGON, 11 Jan. - The Minister and staff of the Ministry of Agriculture & Irrigation renovated the No 87 ancient pagoda in Bagan. Shwehtidaw was hoisted atop the pagoda with ceremony on 9-1-2002 morning. Minister Maj-Gen. Nyunt Tin and officials attended the ceremony to hoist the htidaw atop the pagoda. In the afternoon, the minister inspected the Ngathayauk river-water pumping project in NyaungU Township. He also inspected cultivation of scheduled crops and long staple cotton.

Basic computer course concludes

YANGON, 11 Jan. - The Basic Computer Course 1/2001 of Fire Services Department of the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement concluded at the ceremony held at the Yangon Fire Services Training School this morning. Minister for SWRR Maj-Gen. Sein Htwa delivered an address and presented certificates of honour to course instructors. He also gave away certificates to leader of trainees. Also present on the occasion were Deputy Minister U Hlaing Win, directors-general, directors and officials. The six-week course was attended by 10 trainees.

(6) Management Committee for Observance of 55th Anniversary Union Day meets

YANGON, 11 Jan.-The Management Committee for Observance of the 55th Anniversary Union Day for 2002 held a meeting at the Pyithu Hluttaw building this afternoon. Chairman of the Management Committee Commander Brig-Gen. Myint Swe addressed the meeting. Also present were members of the Management Committee and officials.

Addressing the meeting, the commander said that it was the first meeting of the Management
Committee for Observance of the 55th Anniversary Union Day and a dinner to be hosted by Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe. Guidelines have been laid down by the coordination meeting held on 7 January 2002, led by Chairman of the Central Committee for Observance of the 55th Anniversary Union Day for 2002 Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt.

Twelve sub-committees for implementation of the tasks have been already formed. The committee and sub-committees need to make efforts for successful implementation of the tasks. Union Spirit is vital, as the nation is a union. Therefore, the tasks are to be carried out seriously. The commander called for coordination work for celebrating the 55th Anniversary Union Day for 2002 in accord with the four national objectives. The commander urged the officials to make concerted efforts for successful implementation of the tasks. Afterwards, Secretary of the Management Committee Director-General of the Pyithu Hluttaw Office U Myint Thein explained the tasks to be carried out by the sub-committees. Later, a general round of discussions followed. The meeting ended with concluding remarks by the commander.

Photo Exhibition and Film Show of China opens

YANGON, 11 Jan. - The opening ceremony of Photo Exhibition on World Cultural Heritage Sites in China and Film Show was held at the National Museum on Pyay Road this morning. It was attended by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Minister for Information Maj-Gen. Kyi Aung, Minister for Culture U Tin Winn, Deputy-Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen. Aye Myint Kyu, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China Mr Li Jinjun, ambassadors of foreign embassies in Yangon, military attaches, invited guests, directors-general and officials of the departments under the Ministry of Culture. Minister for Culture U Tin Winn delivered an opening speech. He said that China and Myanmar are friendly neighbours and the leaders of the two countries have maintained ties of friendship and adhered to the five principles of peaceful co-existence.

The leaders of the two countries have exchanged visits frequently and laid down the foundations in
political, economic and social fields between the two countries. On 8 June in 1950, Myanmar and China established the diplomatic relations. The two nations are cooperating in political, social, economic, culture, education and science and technology fields.

There have been many cultural exchanges between the two countries. Under the cultural exchange
programme, cultural exhibitions opened by China become more and more attractive year after year. Photo Exhibition on World Cultural Heritage Sites in China and Film Show feature 27 places of China which have been put in the list of World Heritage. So, Myanmar people will appreciate the historical value of cultural heritage of China.

Then, Ambassador of PRC Mr Li Jinjun made a speech. Minister U Tin Winn and Ambassador of China Mr Li Jinjun formally opened the Photo Exhibition and Film Show. Afterwards, the ministers,
ambassadors, guests and officials viewed the show. It will be kept open from 10 am to 4 p.m. till 17 January and films will be shown twice a day at 10 am and 4 p.m. daily and admission is free.

(7) Cash donated to MMCWA

YANGON, 11 Jan.- A meeting to co-ordinate matters on producing an educative video play for youths was held between Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association and film artistes at the meeting hall of the MMCWA in South Okkalapa Township here at 9 am today.

It was attended by MMCWA Chairperson Prof. Daw Kyu Kyu Swe, Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and CEC members, Myanmar Motion Picture Asiayon Chairman U Sein Tin, film director Bagywi Soe Moe, film stars Kyaw Thu, Ye Aung, Moh Moh Myint Aung, May Than Nu, Pan Phyu, Yaza Nay Win, Khine Thinn Kyi and Min Mawgon.

Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe delivered an address and then matters for producing the video play were discussed. Afterwards, a ceremony to donate cash and medicines was held. Today's donations were: K 100,000 by the military attaché of Myanmar Embassy in Hanoi of Vietnam, K 300,000 by Maj. Tun Aye Cho, Daw Hla Hla and family; K 40,000 by fourth standard student Ma Eint Tharathu of Dagon BEMS-1; K 30,000 by third standard student Ma Myat Po Khit of Dagon BEMS-1; 400 bottles of Neutroplex syrup worth K 150,000 by United Pharma Co Ltd.

(8) Minister visits floating book fair of MV Doulos

YANGON, 11 Jan.-Under the supervision of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism and with the assistance of the Ministry of Transport, the MV Doulos, registered at the GBA (Good Books for All) Organization based in Germany, arrived at Nanthida Jetty here on 7 January and has been exhibiting a book fair on board. Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen. Saw Lwin, Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen. Aye Myint Kyu and departmental officials visited the book fair yesterday evening. Project Director Mr Peter Collen and Captain Richard Prendergast of the ship showed the minister and party books on education, health, social matters, science and general knowledge.

(9) Tiger Myanmar Amateur Open Golf C'ship continues

YANGON, 11 Jan. - The Tiger Myanmar Amateur Open Golf Championship, 2002, organized by
Myanmar Golf Federation and mainly sponsored by Tiger Beer, continued for the fourth day and prize presentation ceremony was held at Yangon Golf Club, Danyingon, here this afternoon. Among the spectators were Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen. Thura Aye Myint, President of Myanmar Golf Federation Brig-Gen. Win Hlaing, officials, invited guests and funs.

After the fourth day's 18 holes event, Brig-Gen. Win Hlaing gave a speech at the prize presentation
ceremony. Tiger Beer Commercial Manager Mr Lester Tan presented ten cases of Tiger Beer to Thet Zaw Htway who scored an ace on first Day. Deputy General Manager Lt-Col Maung Maung Sein presented prizes to daily best golfers Myo Min Aung who fired with 67 strokes in first day , Kyaw Hlaing with 67 strokes in second day, Ashok Kumar of India with 66 strokes in third day and Zaw Zaw Latt with total 208 strokes from first to third day in the handicap event. Deputy Director-General U Thein Aung presented prizes to daily best golfers Keshar Misra of India with 71 Strokes, Zaw Zin Win with 71, Ashok Kumar of India with 68 and Nanda Kyaw with 71 in the scratch event.

General Manager Mr Koh Tai Hong presented the second prize to Ma Htaik Htaik with 235 strokes and first prize to Ma Khin Thu Thu (YCDC) with 221 strokes in women's event. MGF President Brig-Gen. Win Hlaing presented second prize to Nanda Kyaw (YCDC) with 228 strokes and first prize to Ashok Kumar of India with 287 in men's scratch event. Minister Brig-Gen. Thura Aye Myint presented third prize to Myanmar (A) team with 452 strokes, second prize to Myanmar (B) team with 442 and first prize to Indian team with 435 in men's team event. General Manager of Myanmar Brewery Mr Koh Tai Hong presented souvenir of Tiger Beer for Yangon Golf Club to Secretary of YGC U Aye Cho. Brig-Gen. Win Hlaing presented souvenirs of MGF to Indian, Thai and Laotian teams. General Manager Mr Koh Tai Hong spoke words of thanks. Later, Brig-Gen. Win Hlaing accepted the souvenir for MGF presented by Indian Amateur Golf Club. Han Golf Master Pte Ltd organized the championship together with the Traders Hotel, Canon and Wilson.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ADMISSION

International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University will open in June for 2002 academic year. The first semester for academic year 2002 begins in June and ends in October. The second semester begin on 1st December and ends in March 2003. Those students who are qualified for Diploma course can send their application forms to the Registrar, international Theravada Buddhist Missionary University, Dhammapala Hill, Mayangone P.O., Yangon, Myanmar. Fax 095-1-650700, Phone 095-1-650702.(1) Diploma of Buddha Dhamma(Dip.B.Dh)

EDUCATION REQUIREMENT

Foreign monks, nuns and laymen who apply for one-year Diploma course must have passed at least the Matriculation or equivalent. For the layman who is Myanmar citizen must have their first degree, B.A. or B.Sc. Myanmar monks and nuns who apply for Diploma course must not be younger than 18 and not older than 45. Age limit for students who apply for one-year Diploma course only will be given consideration. The Selection Board reserves the right to decide whether a particular applicant has met the requirements or not.

ENTRANCE EXAMINATION

Foreign candidates are required to sit for the written examination at the Embassy of Myanmar in country of their residence, or at the examination centre in Yangon, Myanmar. There will be two question papers, namely, one on English proficiency and the other on general Knowledge relevant to Buddhism. The closing date for submitting application form for Diploma course is 15th December 2001. The written entrance examination for Diploma course will be held on 8th January 2002. A candidate who passes the written examination must sit for personal interview at the Embassy of Myanmar in the country of their residence before joining the University. The admission policy of the University is liberal and flexible enough to get the qualified students for Diploma course. Priority will be givento foreign students. The students who joins the University is required to bring a proper medical certificate recently taken from any recognized authority showing physical and mental fitness.

VISA & OTHER EXPENSES

Once a foreign student is admitted to the Diploma course, the Ministry of Religious Affairs will take care of visa application and its extension. Tuition, boarding and messing for foreign students will be provided free by the University. Travelling expenses for joining the University will not be borne by the University.

For further information, inqueries may kindly be made to the nearest Myanmar Embassies or Consulates
or email to mission.myanmar@ties.itu.int

HOME
ARCHIVE	Saturday , 12 January 2002	ONLINE EDITION