( 1 ) Senior General Than Shwe attends dinner to mark graduation of 44th Intake of DSA

Yangon, 6 April-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services Senior General Than Shwe, who is currently in PyinOoLwin, Mandalay Division, together with members of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Maj-Gen Soe Win, Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Maj-Gen Thein Sein, Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Maj-Gen Kyaw Win and Maj-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defense, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Kyi Min, Chief of Staff (Air) Brig-Gen Myat Hein, Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Ye Myint, the ministers, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defense, the Mandalay Mayor, the Deputy Minister for Health, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departments concerned, attended the dinner to mark the graduation of the 44th Intake of Defense Services Academy held at the parade grounds of the DSA in PyinOoLwin at 7 pm on 5 April.

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( 2 ) Secretary-1 fixes pivot at Shwephonepwint Pagoda, accepts donations for all-round renovation

Yangon, 6 April- A ceremony to fix the pivot at the Shwephonepwint Pagoda in Pazundaung Township was held at the pagoda at 8.30 am today, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

First, the Secretary-1 paid obeisance to the pagoda and took the designated place to fix the pivot atop the pagoda. The ceremony was opened with three-time recitation of Namo Tassa. Staff Officer of Yangon Division Religious Affairs Department U San Thin Hlaing supplicated on fixing the pivot atop the pagoda. Then, the Secretary-1 and party fixed the pivot atop the pagoda and sprinkled scented water on it. Saya U Kyaw recited religious verses and Teingyar Htidaw hoisting team blew conch shells and beat the gongs. Next, the ceremony came to an end with three-time recitation of Buddha Sasanam ‚iram Titthatu.

Afterwards, the Secretary-1 performed the rituals of golden and silver showers to mark the successful completion of the ceremony. Then, the fifth donation ceremony for the funds of all-round renovation of the religious buildings and the pagoda was held at the Dhammayon of the pagoda. Chairman of the Central Committee for All-round Renovation of the Pagoda Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan reported on renovation of religious buildings including matters related to hoisting Seinbudaw and Hnget-myatnadaw atop the pagoda and offering gold foils at the pagoda.

The Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Commander Brig-Gen Myint Swe, Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister Col Tin Hlaing, Minister Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Minister Maj-Gen Sein Htwa and Mayor U Ko Lay accepted K 13,680,000 donated by Excellent Performance for Social Field (First Class) medal winner Thiha Thudhamma Manijotadhara U Thein Win-Thiha Thudhamma Theingi Thiri Thudhamma Theingi Daw Ni of Shwe Thanlwin, K 1,092,500 by U Maung Ko-Daw Shwe U, K 1 million by Daw Phyu Phyu Myint and family, K 150,000 by Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing-Daw Khin Khin Hla and family, K 150,000 each by Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay, Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa and staff and Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone-Daw Aye Pyi Wai Khin and family, K 500,000 by U Khin Maung Win-Daw Khin Hlaing Myint, U Tun Tun Win-Daw Tin May Win, Ma Thuza Win of Shwemanntaung Clinic, K 500,000 by U Tin Aung Naing-Daw Khin Ma Ma, K 500,00 by Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan-Daw Kyi Kyi Win, K 233,210 by U Kim Whee-Daw Than Than Htay, K 200,000 by U Win Shwe-Daw Aye Myint, K 193,200 by U Ye Htut Win-Daw Aye Thida Oo, K 180,000 by U Maung Maung Oo-Daw Khin Yadana Oo, K 150,000 each by U Soe Nyunt-Daw Tin Kyi, Capt Ye Win (Assistant Division Manager)-Daw Yi Yi Aye and U Ko Ko Maung-Daw Win Win San, K 133,200 each by U San Thein-Daw Aye Aye Myint, U Zaw Htut Aung-Daw Ohmma Than, Ko San Naing-Ma Phyu Phyu Khin and Maj Aung Thura-Daw Soe Soe Aung, K 120,000 by Daw Nyunt Yin and family, U Sai Myint Aung-Daw San San Yi, U Than Khaing Soe (a) U Khin Maung Gyi-Daw Win, U Aung Kyaw Thin-Daw Su Su Aung, U Kyaw Myint-Daw Myint Myint Kyu, U Tun Aye and brothers and sisters and U Aung Kyi Soe-Daw Marlar Khin, K 110,000 by Daw Tin Kyi Kyi and family and other well-wishers totaling amount K 25,428,600. Later, the ceremony came to a close with three-time recitation of Buddha Sasanam ‚iram Titthatu.

Secretary-1 receives Executive Vice President of Sumitomo Corporation

Yangon, 6 April - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received Executive Vice President of Sumitomo Corporation Mr Kosaburo Morinaka and party at the guest house of the Ministry of Defense at 5 pm today. Also present were Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister for Energy U Tin Tun, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win and Director-General of the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet.

 An opening ceremony of India-Myanmar-Thailand Ministerial Meeting

Since ancient times, Myanmar has served as conduit for trade, culture and religious contacts between civilizations of Ganges Basin and Mekong Basin Secretary-1 addresses opening of India-Myanmar-Thailand Ministerial Meeting on Transport Linkages

Yangon, 6 April - An opening ceremony of India-Myanmar-Thailand Ministerial Meeting on Transport Linkages was held at the Sedona Hotel on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road at 11 am today, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. Also present at the ceremony were the ministers, Minister of External Affairs of India Shri Jaswant Singh, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand Dr Surakiart Sathirathai, the deputy ministers, officials of the Office of the State Peace and Development Council, heads of department, ambassadors and Charge daffier air of Foreign Missions in Yangon and invited guests. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt delivered the opening address at the ceremony. He said: It gives me great pleasure to address the inaugural session of the India-Myanmar-Thailand ministerial meeting on transport linkages being held in Yangon.

I truly believed that this is a landmark meeting and that it will pave the way for greater inter-action between the peoples of our countries. It is my distinct pleasure to welcome our brothers, the Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India Shri Jaswant Singh and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand Dr Surakiart Sathirathai. I would like to extend a warm welcome to you and your delegations and I wish you a most productive and pleasant stay in Yangon. Our three countries are linked by history, trade, culture and religion since ancient times. We in Myanmar will never forget that India is the cradle of Theravada Buddhism which is the main religion for both Myanmar and Thailand. Myanmar lies at the crossroads of south and southeast Asia and we are honored to play a role in linking India and Thailand as well as the two regions as a whole.

From ancient times, Myanmar has served as the conduit for trade, culture and religious contacts between the civilizations of the Ganges Basin and Mekong Basin. The trilateral meeting being hosted by Myanmar is a significant initiative. Never before have the foreign ministers of the three countries come together in such a manner to develop common regional solidarity. Although the three countries have always enjoyed good bilateral relations with each other, it had not been possible in the past to deepen the integration of our economies. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss and agree upon land transport linkages that would link our three countries and the two regions to which we belong. Such a venture will bring immense benefits to all our peoples. A successful outcome will complement national development plans as well as the on-going cooperation under BIMST-EC, Mekong-Ganga Cooperation and the dialogue partnership between India and ASEAN.

Today, every nation in the world, particularly the developing nations, faces the challenge of globalization. The age of globalization has brought with it the era of regionalism. In an increasingly interdependent world, no nation can act alone. In the face of this reality, developing countries must join together sub-regionally and re-finally, to strengthen solidarity and advance their common interests. They must join voices in calling for a fairer and more equitable market place. Economic ties are the usual and obvious starting point to develop links between countries and regions. But trade and development cannot proceed without transport linkages. It is in this light that India, Myanmar and Thailand should take the initial step towards a regional network of highways. The three countries together would represent a significant growth area. Such an area will provide economic opportunities for long term investments.

Our response to the challenge of globalization must not be greater national assertion but greater cooperation. Myanmar is prepared for closer cooperation with its neighbors. Since 1988, it has begun to take a more active part in the international system, increasing both bilateral and multilateral relations in the region. Myanmar's membership in the ASEAN and BIMST-EC are significant indicators of our orientation. Myanmar is making systematic efforts to cope with globalization including the adoption of a market-oriented economic system, the opening of our doors to foreign direct investment, the emphasis on the development of science and technology, and the enhancement of human resources.

However, these measures could not be achieved without peace and stability in the country. The seeds of discord sown by the colonialists resulted in dies-unity and armed strife in the country for more than four decades since our independence in 1948. However, as a result of the government's efforts, national reconciliation has been achieved and all the major armed groups except one have returned to the legal fold. Today, these groups are working for the development of the respective areas together with government. Restoration of peace has enabled the Government to concentrate on national development endeavors. Consequently, unprecedented construction of new roads, bridges, ports, railways, dams, reservoirs, power plants, hospitals, dispensaries and schools have not only restored but also strengthened the country's economic and social structures.

The economy as a whole also grew by an average annual growth of 8.4 per cent during the 1996-97 to 2000-2001 five-year short term plan. We are now implementing the 2001-2002 to 2005-2006 five-year plan, at the end of which we believe Myanmar will be at the stage of rapid economic take-off. We live in the Age of Knowledge. Therefore, human resource development is a prerequisite for sustained economic development. As such, the Government has given special priority to the education sector with the vision of creating an education system that can generate a learning society capable of facing the challenges of the Knowledge Age.

Special efforts have been made for all parts of the country including the remote border areas, to have access to education facilities up to tertiary level. Thus, Myanmar now has 144 universities and colleges compared to 32 when the Government assumed responsibilities in 1988. All-in-all, it could be said that in keeping with its twelve political, economic and social objectives, Myanmar is steadily moving towards its goal of a peaceful, developed and modern state. I would also like to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to India and Thailand for all the assistance and cooperation extended to us in our national development endeavors. In conclusion, we are fortunate today to have the unique opportunity to initiate measures that will benefit the peoples of our three countries in terms of trade, investment, people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges. The journey ahead will be long and arduous.

But as friends traveling together, we must overcome difficulties and assist one another in whatever way we can. The cooperative measures envisioned in the trilateral cooperation are modest and perhaps for that reason practical and achievable. May I assure you that Myanmar will do its best and sincerely to ensure the success of our endeavors. I wish you all success in your deliberations. The Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Minister of External Affairs Mr Shri Jaswant Singh, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand Dr Surakiart Sathirathai had a documentary photo taken.

( 3 ) Sixth ASEAN Finance Ministers Meeting ends successfully

Yangon, 6 April- The Sixth ASEAN Finance Ministers Meeting, hosted by the Union of Myanmar, continued for the second day at the Traders Hotel on Sule Pagoda Road here this morning. Present were Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein, finance ministers of ASEAN member countries, the Secretary-General of ASEAN and delegation members of ASEAN member countries.

Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein presided over the meeting and delivered an address. Then, matters related to financial cooperation among ASEAN member countries were discussed. Next, President of Asian Development Bank Mr Tadao Chino and ASEAN finance ministers discussed tasks related to financial cooperation between ADB and ASEAN countries. Afterwards, ASEAN finance ministers signed the Protocol to Implement the Package of Commitments on Financial Services Under the ASEAN Frame Work Agreement on Services.

Then, the Joint Ministerial Statement was issued and the meeting came to an end. At 11 am, a press conference on completion of the Sixth ASEAN Finance Ministers Meeting was held. Present were Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein, the finance ministers of ASEAN member countries, the Secretary-General of ASEAN and delegation members of ASEAN member countries, local and foreign correspondents, journalists and officials. At the Press conference, Minister U Khin Maung Thein, the ASEAN Secretary-General and respective finance ministers answered the queries raised by journalists and foreign correspondents.

6th AFMM issues Joint Statement

Yangon, 6 April - The Sixth ASEAN Finance Ministers' Meeting successfully ended at the Traders Hotel here today. After the meeting, the Joint Statement was issued as follows:

Introduction

1. We, the ASEAN Finance Ministers, convened our Sixth Annual Meeting in Yangon on 5-6 April 2002 under the chairmanship of HE U Khin Maung Thein, Minister for Finance and Revenue, Myanmar. We exchanged views on recent economic developments and discussed the outlook for the ASEAN economies and the policies being adopted by Member Countries to sustain the economic recovery of the region. We are confident that, after registering moderate growth in 2001, the ASEAN economies will grow more strongly at 3.5-4.0 percent this year. This is based on the projected recovery of the global economy, our sound domestic macroeconomic policies and ongoing structural reforms, and the closer economic cooperation that ASEAN has fostered.

2. We reviewed the progress of regional financial cooperation initiatives, such as the Chiang Mai Initiative, liberalization of the financial services sector, and development of the capital market. We agreed to undertake a number of initiatives for 2002, including the launch of the third round of negotiations on financial services liberalization.

 Recent Economic Developments

3. We noted that the global economic slowdown, exacerbated by the September 11 attack, had hampered efforts to sustain ASEAN economic recovery, which had built strong momentum since 1999, when growth recovered from negative 7.2 percent in 1998 to positive 5.5 percent in 2000. External demand, particularly the demand for electronics goods, which has underpinned strong export growth in our economies since 1999, slowed significantly. Member Countries that were more dependent on external demand were more affected, as seen in sluggish manufacturing activities and negative export growth. This, together with a general decline in foreign direct investment, resulted in economic growth for the ASEAN countries moderating to 2.8 percent in 2001.

4. Global monetary easing, especially the interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve, and generally well-contained inflation in the region, allowed ASEAN central banks to ease monetary policy last year. Past prudent fiscal management provided some Member Countries the flexibility to adopt expansionary fiscal policies to support domestic demand and sustain growth in 2001. These measures helped to mitigate the impact of weak external demand.

5. Despite more challenging economic conditions, we continued to make significant progress in financial and corporate sector restructuring last year. More non-performing loans from commercial banks were transferred to, and resolved by, asset management companies. This significantly improved the banking system's capital adequacy ratio. Some of our Member Countries have taken positive  steps to consolidate the banking sector. In addition, measures were instituted to further strengthen banking regulation and supervision, as well as corporate governance.

Sustaining ASEAN Economic Recovery

6. The outlook for the global economy has improved, supported by positive developments in the US. Although the outlook for the Japanese economy remains uncertain, there are signs of a turn-around in the US and some European economies in the first quarter. The signs point towards a gradual recovery in the global economy, with increased momentum in the second half of 2002. We therefore expect our exports to perform better in 2002. Domestic of demand will continue to strengthen on the back of fiscal expansion and higher income. These developments are expected to stimulate recovery in the region with real GDP growth of between 3.5 and 4.0 percent in 2002.

7. Despite encouraging signs of global recovery, downside risks remain. In 2002, we will continue to be supportive domestic demand through appropriate fiscal and monetary policies. We will also move forward with structural reforms, including financial and corporate sector restructuring.

8. To ensure fiscal sustainability in the medium term, we shall strive to further improve revenue collection and public expenditure management. In this regard, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines and Thailand aim to achieve balanced budgets in the next three to five years. Privatization will be carefully phased to adequately support prudent fiscal measures in the near term, as well as maintain the ability to generate a sustained stream of revenues.

9. While we have made substantial progress in strengthening the financial sector, we have resolved to enhance the regulatory and supervisory framework, as well as promote the development of our capital markets as an important alternative to bank financing. Priority will be accorded to facilitating effective operational restructuring and the revitalization of the small and medium-sized enterprises sector, as well as ensuring that this sector continues to have adequate access to financing.

10. We recognized the significance of good governance, greater transparency and disclosure. We have seen substantial progress made in a number of Member Countries. We agreed to enhance public sector and corporate governance in the region through closer cooperation and exchange of information in these areas. We also resolved to make further progress on good corporate governance through the evaluation and possible adoption of relevant OECD principles of corporate governance.

11. To further strengthen our financial systems, we agreed to adopt and implement the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) principles for securities regulators most relevant to our respective markets. Our insurance regulators also agreed to largely observe 11 International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) core principles by the end of this year.

12. We noted the Report on Monitoring Hedge Fund Activity and supported the move for greater transparency and disclosure from this sector.

Regional Finance Cooperation

13. We are pleased to note the substantial progress made in the implementation of regional self-help and support mechanisms through the Chiang Mai Initiative (CMI). To date, six bilateral swap agreements (BSAs) have been signed between Japan and Malaysia, Japan and Thailand, Japan and the Philippines, China and Thailand, Japan and China, and Japan and Korea with a combined size of US $ 14 billion. Eight more BSAs are being negotiated.

14. We successfully concluded the second round of negotiations on the liberalization of financial services, with commitments of further liberalization made by all Member Countries in a variety of financial services sub-sectors. We signed the Protocol to implement the package of commitments this morning. We remain committed to further liberalize our financial services sector. Therefore, we are pleased to announce the launch of the third round of negotiations, which we expect to be concluded in 2004. Our Working Committee will explore ways to form an ASEAN common position on issues related to financial services negotiations under GATS.

15. We also noted the progress made on customs cooperation. In particular, we welcomed the initiative to strengthen the exchange of best practices on duty deferment and security management as well as on the adoption of Customs Declaration, recommended by the World Customs Organization and UN agencies. The Protocol on the ASEAN Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature (AHTN) is being finalized.

16. The ASEAN+3 framework is working well with our regular economic reviews and enhancing policy dialogues with China, Japan and the Republic of Korea.

17. We exchanged views with the President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on global and regional economic developments. We welcomed ADBÕs confirmation of its continued support for the ASEAN Surveillance Process and other regional and sub-regional cooperation activities such as the Initiative for ASEAN Integration, the Greater Mekong Sub-region and BIMP-EAGA(Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area).

18. We also exchanged views with representatives of the US-ASEAN Business Council on recent economic developments, US investment in ASEAN and cooperation activities implemented over the past year, including the visit of our senior central bank officials to the US. We reviewed with them the progress of ASEAN economic integration and discussed possible cooperation in capacity building in such areas as information technology and customs administration.

( 4 ) India-Myanmar-Thailand Ministerial Meeting on Transport Linkages held

Yangon, 6 April - India-Myamar-Thailand Ministerial Meeting on Transport Linkages was held at the Sedona Hotel this morning.

It was attended by Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar U Win Aung, Minister of External Affairs Mr Jaswant Singh and delegates of India, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Surakiart Sathirathai and delegates of Thailand and departmental heads of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar. Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung presided over the meeting and delivered an address.

Then, the ministers of the three countries discussed and approved matters related to cooperation in transport of the three countries and the meeting came to a close. In the afternoon, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung hosted luncheon to the ministers and delegates of India and Thailand. The ministers and delegates of India and Thailand left Yangon in the afternoon. Minister U Win Aung and responsible officials saw off them at Yangon International Airport.

Press release on India-Myanmar-Thailand Ministerial Meeting on Transport Linkages issued

Yangon, 6 April - The India-Myanmar-Thailand Ministerial Meeting on Transport Linkages was held this morning at Sedona Hotel here and successfully ended in the afternoon. After the meeting, a press release was issued as follows:-

1. The India-Myanmar-Thailand Ministerial Meeting on Transport Linkages was held on 5 and 6 April 2002 at the Sedona Hotel in Yangon, Myanmar.

 2. The Ministerial Meeting was opened with a Keynote Address by His Excellency Lt-General Khin Nyunt, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar.

 3. In his Address, His Excellency Secretary-1 Lt-General Khin Nyunt recalled the historical, cultural and civilization link that had existed among the three countries, and in particular, the common spiritual link provided by Buddhism. He spoke of the joint aspirations of the leaders and peoples of the three countries to restore and develop transport linkages in order to promote investment and the flow of trade, tourism and people to people contact.

 4. His Excellency Secretary-1 noted that the meeting was a landmark event and reaffirmed the commitment of Myanmar to successful cooperation among India, Myanmar and Thailand on transport linkages. His Excellency Secretary-1 expressed the conviction that the meeting would result in a programmed of action of transport linkages that would be of benefit to the three countries and to the two regions of South and Southeast Asia.

5. Present for the Opening of the Meeting were Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Heads of Diplomatic Missions and UN Agencies and invited guests.

 6. The Meeting was attended by His Excellency Shri Jaswant Singh, Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India, His Excellency U Win Aung, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar and His Excellency Dr Surakiart Sathirathai, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand. The Ministers were accompanied by their senior officials.

 7. His Excellency U Win Aung chaired the Meeting. The Ministers discussed a wide range of issues pertaining to transport linkages among the three countries, including the possibility of constructing a new highway through Myanmar, which will link the three countries, and promote cooperation between Southeast Asia and South Asia.

 8. The Ministers agreed that the objectives of the trilateral cooperation shall be to develop and promote cooperation in multi-modal transport and other linkages, with a view to enhance trade and investment, tourism and people to people contact, so as to further contribute to the economic development of the three countries and two regions.

 9. Cooperation between the three countries shall be supportive and complimentary to BIMST-EC, Mekong-Ganga Cooperation as well as ASEAN-India Dialogue. Cooperation shall include the participation of both private and public sectors as well as funding by countries, regional organizations and international financial institutions.

10. The Meeting agreed on the following areas for cooperation:

      (a) construction of a highway from Moreh in India to Mae Sot in Thailand through Bagan in Myanmar to be completed within a timeframe of two years;

     (b) promotion of a highway from Kanchanaburi in Thailand to Dawei deep seaport in Myanmar and shipping links to seaports in India;

     (c) promotion of trade, investment and tourism through facilitation of movement of goods and peoples across borders;

     (d) cooperative efforts on human resource development and transfer of technology; and

     (e) collective efforts in acquiring funds and advisory services from countries, regional organizations and international financial institutions, for the transport linkages.

11. The Meeting agreed to establish the following cooperation mechanism with a view to effectively implement the objectives already agreed upon:

     (a) The Ministerial Meeting of the Foreign Ministers shall be held annually;

     (b) The Meeting shall propose, review and give policy guidelines to the Senior Officials Meeting (SOM);

     (c) The SOM shall be held annually back-to-back with the ASEAN-India Dialogue SOM and shall oversee the              cooperation mechanism;

     (d) The Chairmanship shall be rotated in alphabetical order; and

     (e) The Ministers of Foreign Affairs shall be the focal point of the mechanism.

12. The Meeting agreed to set up two Task Forces-one on financing and the other on technical matters Ñ to be chaired by Thailand and India respectively.

13. The respective host country shall provide secretariat services for the meetings held under the trilateral cooperation.

 14. The Ministers agreed that the next Ministerial Meeting shall be held in Brunei Darussalam. It was further agreed that the next SOM meeting shall be held back-to-back with the ASEAN-India Dialogue SOM.

 15. The Ministers expressed their satisfaction with the outcome of the Meeting, which was conducted in a friendly atmosphere and in the spirit of brotherly understanding and cooperation. The Ministers of India and Thailand expressed their deep appreciation to the Government of the Union of Myanmar for the warm welcome and generous hospitality accorded to them and their delegations during their stay in Yangon and for the excellent arrangements made for the Meeting.

( 5 ) Seventh Mekong Tourism Forum continues

Yangon, 6 April-The 7th Mekong Tourism Forum sponsored by Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and hosted by Myanmar continued at the Sedona Hotel on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road here this morning. Present on the occasion were high ranking delegates of member countries of the Greater Mekong Sub region Cambodia, the People's Republic of China, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, the Union of Myanmar, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and Thaialnd, officials of Pacific Asia Travel Association, Economic and Social Commission of Asia and Pacific, Asian Development Bank, Agency for Coordinating Mekong Tourism Activities, UNESCO, officials of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, international airlines and private tourism agencies.

Editor of Travel Impact Newswire Mr Imtiaz Muqbil and party, Ms Buathon Theinaarom and Managing Director of Pacific Asia Travel Association Mr John Koldowski presented papers on Appling the Brakes on Child Sex in Tourism, Lifestyle Tourism Nourishing the Senses in the Mekong and Statistics-Playing the Numbers Game and replied to the queries raised by those present. An official of Pacific Asia Travel Association presented gifts to Director-General of Directorate of Hotels and Tourism U Khin Maung Latt. Then, an official of PATA presented prizes for Community Based Tourism Development Project to Population & Community Development Association of Thailand that won Mekong Innovative Tourism Product Award.

Next, those present approved the programmed, date and venue of the 8th Mekong Tourism Forum to be held in 2003, and the 7th Mekong Tourism Forum ended. Those who attended the 7th Mekong Tourism Forum, accompanied by officials of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, visited the Myanma Gems Mart, the Drug Elimination Museum and the Shwedagon Pagoda this afternoon. The 8th Mekong Tourism Forum will be held in Hanoi, Vietnam in 2003.

Yangon, 6 April- Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein met President of Asian Development Bank Mr Tadao Chino who attended the 6th ASEAN Finance Ministers' Meeting hosted by Myanmar at the Traders Hotel this afternoon. Matters relating to cooperation with ADB were discussed. Present also was Director-General of Foreign Economic Relations Department U Soe Lin.

( 6 ) Regional development tasks inspected in Kawthoung District

Yangon, 6 April - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Maung Bo of the Ministry of Defense met with members of Kawthoung District and Township Union Solidarity and Development Associations, War Veterans Organization and departmental officials and elaborated on implementation of five rural development tasks at Bayintnaung Hall in Kawthoung on 3 April. Officials of USDA reported matters on work progress and future tasks. Maj-Gen Maung Bo fulfilled the requirements.

Together with Col Khin Zaw of Kawthoung Station and departmental officials on 4 April, Maj-Gen Maung Bo inspected the farm of the oil palm project 15th Mile camp of Yuzana Co Ltd in Bankachun Village, Kawthoung Township, and discussed matters for ensuring Taninthayi Division to become oil bowl of the StateÓ. Then, Maj-Gen Maung Bo went to the 35th Mile camp Shuyatgon of Yuzana Co Ltd and inspected nurturing of 600,000 saplings of oil palm to be planted at Khamaukkyi region in 2002. He next arrived at Sungebaline camp and inspected nurturing of 200,000 saplings of oil palm to be planted in 2003. He attended to the needs concerning reports presented by officials.

According to the oil palm project, Yuzana Co Ltd is making arrangements for planting oil palms on 8,000 acres in Khamaukkyi region in Kawthoung Township and 4,000 acres in Bodah, Chaungpun, Karathu and Hankachin regions in Bokpyin Township this year. At the briefing hall, Chairman of the Co Ltd U Htay Myint reported on strength of the employees and machinery of oil palm farms in Kawthoung and Bokpyin township, progress of land reclamation and future tasks; Division Manager of Myanma Perennial Crops Enterprise U Zaw Win on targets on planting oil palms being implemented company-wise in the Division; and local in charge U Than Htay of Super One Oil Palm Farming Co and local in charge U Aung Naing of SI Oil Palm Farming Co on progress of plantation of oil palms and tasks to be carried out. Maj-Gen Maung Bo gave instructions on implementation of tasks to meet the targets and fulfilled the needs.

In the afternoon, Maj-Gen Maung Bo inspected upgrading of Kawthoung-Aungba road into a gravel one by Township Development Affairs Committee and met local residents. The eight miles and two furlongs long road links Kawthoung-Bokpyin road and Aungba Village. Later, Maj-Gen Maung Bo visited Aung Mingalar Monastery in Kawthoung Township and presented offertories to the Presiding Sayadaw and members of the Sangha. Afterwards, Maj-Gen Maung Bo met with local authorities, members of USDA and MMCWA, health personnel and village elders at Dhammayon of Hsandawshin Lawka Chantha Pagoda in Aungba Village and called on them to strive for regional development. Maj-Gen Maung Bo and party also inspected Aungba village affiliated basic education middle school.

Commander attends tree planting ceremony in Indaing Station

Yangon, 6 April - Under the arrangement of Yangon Command, the tree planting ceremony of Indian Station was held at the ground in front of No-1 Central Workshop (E/M) near No-2 Highway in Indian Station this morning, attended by Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Yangon Command Commander Brig-Gen Myint Swe.

Speaking on the occasion, Commander Brig-Gen Myint Swe said the tree planting ceremonies were being held at the respective battalions and units under the Yangon Command and Indian Station and that the present tree planting ceremony was the last one. Battalions and units are to nurture over 700,000 saplings and to plant them in coming rainy season. Then, the commander, the deputy commander and party inspected the process of planting Thithseint saplings (Terminalia Belerica) of Hlegu Township Forest Department.

Later, they inspected demonstration on planting pepper presented by Hlegu Township MAS and nurturing of seeds and gathering saplings. In Indian Station, 18,000 saplings of tamarind, 16,800 name tree, 2,000 toddy palm, 7,500 Thithseint, 45,900 pepper, 2,658 valuable trees, 63,204 perennial trees and 10,392 shady trees, totalling 166,454 saplings will be planted this tree planting season. Battalions and units under Yangon Command will also plant 746,567 saplings and Yangon Division Forest Department 1.2 million. Yangon Division is making arrangements to plant 1,946,567 saplings in this tree planting season.