( 1 ) Biographical sketch of Mr Tran Duc Luong, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Yangon, 5 May - The following is the biographical sketch of Mr Tran Duc Luong, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Mr Tran Duc Luong was born on 5 May 1937 in Pho-Khanh Commune, Duc-pho District, Quang Ngai Province. He was graduated from the University of Mining and Geology.

Mr Tran Duc Luong returned to the North in February 1955 under the 1954 Geneva Accord. He became Head of the Geological Team and Deputy Head of Geological Group from 1959 to 1966. From 1970 to 1976, he served as Deputy-in-Chief of the Geological Mapping Department and became Deputy Head and acting Head of the department. From 1977 to 1979, he became Deputy Head, Acting Head Geological Mapping League of General Department of Geological Survey and member of Vietnam's Trade Union. From 1979 to 1987, he held the posts of Director-General of the General Department of Geologic Survey, Vice-Chairman and then Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee for Science and Technology, and Vice-Chairman of the Central Committee of the Vietnam-Soviet Friendship Association. Mr Tran Duc Luong was elected Alternative Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam at the V Party Congress in March 1982. He became Member at the VI Party Congress in December 1986 and Member of the Central Committee of the Party at the VII Party Congress in June 1991. He also held the post of Vice-Chairman of the Council of Ministers from 1987 to 1992. He was appointed Deputy Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in September 1992. In 1996, he became Member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party. He was elected President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam at the first session of the National Assembly in September 1997.

He is married to Mme Nguyen Thi Vinh. They have one son and two daughters.

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( 2 ) Secretary-l pays reverence to Seinbudaw, Hngetmyatnadaw and Htldaw to be hoisted atop replica of Shwedagon in Indonesia

YANOON, 4 May -Secretary-l of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt paid obeisance to Seinbudaw, Hngetmyatnadaw and Htidaw to be hoisted atop the replica of the Shwedagon Pagoda in Marlam; Indonesia, at the Shwedagon Pagoda here this morning.

The sacred objects are temporarily being kept in Chanthagyi Tazaung of Rahu corner (North-West corner) of the Shwedagon Pqod at present.

The Seeret.ry- 1 arrived It the Shwedagon Pagoda at 6.30 am. He was welcomed there by Chairman of Yangon  Division  Peace and  Development Council  Commander of  Yangon  Command  Brig-Gen     MyinSwe, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Minister for Culture U Tin Winn, Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin and Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aung  Ko, officilas of the  State Peace And Development Council Office, departmental heads and members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees.

The Secretary-l and  party circled round the pagoda     and then paid    reverence  to   the  Seinbudaw,  Hngetmytnadaw and Htidaw. The Secretary-l give instructions to the officials and left the pagoda later in the morning.                           

 Secretary-1 inspects progress of work of Yangon-Mandalay Union Highway Extension Project

Yangon, 4 May - Chairman of the Central Supervisory Committee for Ensuring Secure and Smooth Transport Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, left here by Tatmadaw aircraft this morning and arrived at Mandalay International Airport in TadaU Township at 9 am.

The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed by Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Ye Myint, Minister for Education U Than Aung, Mayor of Mandalay Brig-Gen Yan Thein, military and civilian officers and members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association.

The Secretary-1 and party, accompanied by Commander Brig-Gen Ye Myint, went to the site of Yangon-Mandalay Union Highway Extension Project of Hong Pang Co near Myothagon Village in Singaing Township.

At the briefing hall, Managing Director U Khin Maung Myint of Hong Pang Co reported on the finding of a 50-foot-long axis on 48-mile Mandalay-Kume section of 84-mile Mandalay-Meiktila road section being built by Hong Pang Co, earth work, the paving of roads with gravel and tar, construction of bypasses, arrangements for construction of Kume-Meiktila Road section and bridge work.

The Secretary-1 then gave instructions. The Secretary-1 inspected a tar-dissolving machine and construction of a 50-foot road between Singaing and Kyaukse.

The Secretary-1 inspected construction work being undertaken by the Higher Education Department for the development of human resources and implementation of 24 major development regions and five rural development tasks in Kyaukse in accord with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe. Minister for Education U Than Aung and officials reported on academic matters and construction work. The Secretary-1 then gave instructions.

The Secretary-1 and party went to the People's Hospital in Kyaukse. Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein reported on the 200-bed hospital project in Kyaukse.

Deputy Director-General of the Health Department Col Than Aung and officials of Olympic Co reported on construction of the 200-bed hospital. The Secretary-1 gave instructions on construction of buildings.

The Secretary-1 inspected progress of work and the construction site. The Secretary-1 and party went to the Government Technological College in Kyaukse and inspected extension of buildings.

Then, the Secretary-1 inspected the plant tissue culture laboratory and the workshop equipped with modern machines and used for teaching at the Government Technological College in Kyaukse.

Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung and officials conducted him around the college.

The Secretary-1 and party went to the construction site of six-lane Yangon-Mandalay Union Highway in Pyawbwe Township, Mandalay Division.

The construction of the Union Highway is being undertaken by Yuzana Highway Company Ltd.

In front of the project office, the Secretary-1 formally unveiled the stone inscription marking the construction of the Union Highway.

Chairman of Yuzana Highway Company Ltd U Htay Myint reported on the widening of the tarred road up to 24 feet and the earth road up to 50 feet for the first phase in a year along the 48-mile Yamethin-Meiktila section being built by Yuzana Highway Co Ltd, the widening of the tarred road up to 48 feet and the earth road up to 72 feet for the second phase in two years, use of machinery, availability of gravel, use of fuel oil, earth work, construction of bridges and culverts, construction of a bypass, completion of a two-lane tarred road 6 miles and 4 furlongs long and 24 feet wide, a 14-mile-long gravel road and a 20-mile-long earth road.

Commander Brig-Gen Ye Myint gave an additional report.

The Secretary-1 gave instructions and inspected construction of the two-lane road between Mile Posts 318 and 319, earth work for extension of the road and the surfacing of the road with gravel and tar.

Afterwards, the Secretary-1 proceeded to the construction site of 6-lane Yangon-Mandalay Union Highway near Bodhi Village in Pyinmana Township, Mandalay Division.

The construction work is being undertaken by Asia World Co Ltd.

Managing Director of Asia World Co Ltd U Tun Myint Naing reported on the upgrading of the old road along 48-mile Pyinmana-Yamethin section by Asia World Co Ltd, arrangements to upgrade the highway to a 6-lane one, the finding of anises for construction of Pyinmana-Yamethin bypass and Pyinmana-Lewe bypass, production of gravel, construction of bridges and culverts, use of machinery, earth work for construction of a 6-lane Pyinmana-Yamethin section and the laying of gravel and tar.

The Secretary-1 gave instructions on construction of the highway.

Later, the Secretary-1 inspected the flowing of water into Yezin Dam, irrigated fields and thriving paddy fields by helicopter.

 The Secretary-1 and party arrived at the construction site of 6-lane Yangon-Mandalay Union Highway near Intha Village, Lewe Township.

The construction work is being undertaken by Dagon International Ltd.

Chairman of Dagon International Co Ltd U Win Aung reported on the finding of an axis for construction of Lewe-Pyinmana bypass along Yedashe-Pyinmana section and progress of work in building the bypass and bridges and maintenance of the road.

The Secretary-1 gave instructions.

Next, the Secretary-1 inspected construction of Lewe-Pyinmana bypass.

The Secretary-1 and party arrived at Toungoo and were welcomed by Chairman of Bago Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Southern Command Brig-Gen Aung Min, military and civilian officers and members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association.

They arrived back here in the evening.

( 3 ) Amending and Supplementing the Air Transport Agreement signed

Yangon, 4 May - The Union of Myanmar and the Federal Republic of Germany signed an Amending and Supplementing the Air Transport Agreement at a ceremony held at Ottara Hall of Karaweik Palace here yesterday evening.

The ceremony was at  tended by Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, Minister at the office of the Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Brig-Gen Abel, Minister for Cooperatives Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe, Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Minister for Labour U Tin Winn, Deputy Minister for Transport Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint and U Pe Than Ambasador of the Federal Republic or Garmany  to Myanmar Dr Marius Haas, Third Secretary Ms Vera Gebhardt and Attaché Ms Regina Werner, the director-general of Attorney-General's Office, directors-general and managing directors of the Ministry of Transport, chairmen of airline and departmental officials. The ambassador spoke on the occasion. Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint and Ambassador Dr Marius Haas signed the agreement and exchanged the documents.

It has been long since air link between the two countries we first set up signing an Air Transport Agreement on 27 December, 1977. The agreement is now amended to be in harmony with present day conditions. According to the agreement, three Airlines from the Federal Republic of Germany  will be able to fly to Myanmar.                       

Minister visits industrial zones

Yangon, 4 May - South Okkalapa and Thakayta Industrial Zones in charge Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone met with management committee members of the industrial zones and industrialists At Kanaung Hall of the Industrial Zone Management Committee on Industrial Zone 3rd Street, Ward 8 in South Okkalapa Township this morning.

The committee members reported on matters related to production of automobiles in South OkkAlapa  lndustrial Zone.

The minister discussed production of trucks which contribute to commodity production of the State as the first phase and plans for fulfilling  requirements.

Then, the management committee members and industrialists reported on devclopment of the industrial zones and requirements. The minister attended to their needs.

Course on Winthuza shops concludes

Yangon, 4 May - Course No 1/2002 on Procedures and Management of Winthuza shops under the Ministry of Industry-1 concluded at the training hall of the ministry on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road here this afternoon with an address by Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung.

Also present were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Win, directors-general and managing directors under the ministry, directors, general managers, course instructors, those in charge of Winthuza shops in states and divisions and staff. Minister U Aung Thaung made a speech and presented prizes to outstanding service personnel.

Hokey Tournament conclude

Yangon, 4 May - The final matches and prize-presentation ceremony of the year 2002 Myanmar Olympic Committee Chairman's Trophy Four-Nation Invitational Men's Hockey Tournament were held at the Youth Training Centre (Thuwunna ) this evening.

Among the spectators were Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Chairman of MOC Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, Vice-Chairman of MOC Vice Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo, President of Myanmar Hockey Federation Brig-Gen Myo Myint, officials of the Ministry of Sports, members of panel of patrons of Myanmar Women's Sports Federation, General Secretary of Asia Hockey Federation Mr Tan Seri Datu Seri P Alagendra, ambassadors of foreign embassies in Myanmar, invited guests and hockey fans.

Selected Myanmar team beat Selected Indian National Team 3-2 for the third place.

In the final match, Bangladesh Defense Services (Anmy) Team beat Malaysia Project Youth Team 2-1.

After the final match, President of MHF Brig-Gen Myo Myint presented the third prize to Myanmar Team.

Then, Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint presented the second prize to Malaysia Team, the Myanmar Olympic Committee Chairman's Trophy to Bangladesh Team and other prizes for respective positions in the tournament.

Afterwards, General Secretary of AHF Mr Tan Seri Datu Seri P Alagendra presented the molt progress  save award to Selected Myanmar Team. At 7 pm the chairman of MOC hosted dinner to coaches and officials of the hockey teams and hockey athletes at the Karaweik Palace.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam arrives

Yangon, 4 May  The Vietnamese Delegation led by Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Government of Vietnam Mr Le Huy Ngo, arrived here by air this evening to attend the Fourth Meeting of the Myanmar-Vietnam Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation which is to be held in Yangon from 4 to 5 May 2002.

The delegation was welcomed at Yangon International Airport by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Ambassador of Myanmar to Vietnam U Khin Aung, Ambassador of Vietnam to Myanmar Mr Pham Quang Khon, Directors-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and officials. Minister U Win Aung hosted a dinner in honour of the Vietnamese Delegation at Sedona Hotel on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road in the evening.

        ( 4 ) Commander inspects agriculture and regional development work in Taikkyi
                            
Yangon, 4 May - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe inspected agriculture and regional development work in Taikkyi Township, Yangon (North) District, this morning.

First, the commander attended the harvesting ceremony of a summer paddy model patch of Myanma Agriculture Service of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and CP Group cultivated the crop with the use of advanced technology near Ohnbinsu Village in the township at 8.45 am.

 The commander was welcomed there by DeputyMinister for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen Khin Maung, Col Tin Tun of  Phugyi Station, Secretary of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Lt- Col Kyaw Tint, departmental officials, Chairman of CP Group Mr Montri and members and local peasants.

Then. the commander  the deputy minister and the chairman opened the ceremony  by  reaping  the paddy with golden sickles.

Afterwards, the commander and party viewed the functions on boosting of paddy-yield being carried out by MAS and CP Group and booths of the seed section and the land utilization section of Yangon Division MAS. The commander and the deputy minister gave necessary instructions. At the briefing hall, the commander and the deputy minister met with departmental officials and peasants and explained matters related to the targeted production of monsoon and summer paddy and oil crops in 2002-2003 cultivation season and profits of the trial cultivation of summer paddy respectively.

Then, the chairman of CP Group reported on efforts exerted jointly by MAS and CP Group in generating high quality paddy. On behalf of the local farmers, U Aung Yin reported on cooperation being done for producing quality paddy. Deputy Manager of Yangon Division MAS reported on categories and presentation of prizes. Afterwards, the commander presented the first prize to U Aung Yin, who stood first by reaping 153 baskets of paddy per acre, and the second and third prizes to the winners. The deputy minister and the chairman of CP Group also presented the best estimation of per-acre yield prize, the most beautiful ear of paddy prizes, the best cooperation prize and harvesting of model patch competition prizes to the winners. On behalf of the prize-winning peasants, U Win Lwin spoke words of thanks. Chairman of Myanmar Rice and Paddy Wholesalers Association U Nyein explained matters related to the increase of income of peasants by cultivating high quality paddy. Next, the commander and party proceeded to Myainghaywun elephant research camp in the township. Assistant General Manager of Myanma Timber Enterprise reported on research work and condition of other elephant camps in the township.

The commander viewed the elephants and presented gifts to elephant keepers. Afterwards, the commander inspected completion of a 55-foot long and 12-foot wide wooden bridge on Nyaunglebin creek near Luthantinn Village constructed by Taikkyi Township Union Solidarity and Development Association and gave necessary instructions. The commander also inspected the construction of 5-mile-4-furlong long inter-village road linking Phugyi Village and Lemawchan Village and fulfilled the requirements.

Commander inspects regional development tasks in Kutkai Township

Yangon, 4 May - Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council (North) Commander of North-East Command Brig-Gen Myint Hlaing, together with Col Soe Oo of Hsenwi Station and officials, met with Dr U Thaung Dan Oo and staff at Tarmonye Station Hospital on 1 May morning and gave instructions on greening of environs of the hospital and health care services.

Next, at the briefing hall of Monsi Village, Col Soe Oo explained construction of Monsi-Tapar Road with the use of the maps. The commander gave necessary instructions. The commander then inspected the multimedia class- rooms of Monsi Basic Education High School (Branch) where Headmistress Daw Khin Than Nwe conducted him round the multimedia classrooms. The commander presented K 50,000 for the teachers of the school to the headmistress.

Afterwards, the commander proceeded to the construction site of 21-mile-long Monsi Tapar Road and met with service personnel and local Tatmadawmen and presented cash assistance and provisions. In the afternoon, the commander went to the Tapar ferry and at the briefing hall, Superintending Engineer U Kyaw Min Thein reported on implementation of preliminary tasks for construction of Tapar Bridge across Thanlwin. Then, the commander gave necessary instructions. In the evening, the commander met with departmental personnel, leaders of national races and local populace at the cultural hall of Tar Monye and urged them to actively cooperate in implementation of regional development tasks.

The commander then arrived at the chosen site where tea and coffee will be cultivated with the use of the terrace farming method. Deputy Manager U Kyaw Shwe of Myanma Agriculture Service (Shan State) reported on work at the briefing hall. Then the commander gave instructions on implementation of systematic cultivation tasks with the use of terrace cultivation method and extension of plantations from 40 acres to 110 acres Later, the commander inspected sloughing work done on the 40 acres of land.

( 5 )  Myanmar and Thailand discuss establishment of Yaungkha Modle Village in Wa region

Yangon, 4 May - Myanmar and Thai delegations met to discuss  implementation of Yaungkha Model Village Establishment Project for Wa nationals in Monghsat Township at the meeting hall of the office of the special antidrug squad 1n Tachilek yesterday morning.

Present were Deputy Head of Department of the Office of the Chief of Military Intelligence Cot San Pwint, Director-General of the Department for Development of Border Areas and National Races Col Than Swe, Head of the Drug Elimination Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs Police Col Khan Aung, U Pauk Yu Ri of the Wa group of Shan State (North) Special Region. The Thai delegation comprised Chief Executive Officer of Doi Tung Project Mr Disnada Diskul, Dr Riksh Syamananda of Doi Tung Project, Mr Pornthep Lamprapai (ONCB) and Mr Narong Apichai (Chief of Agricultural).

The meeting focused on the cooperation programmer for providing assistance of 20 million baht to build Yaungkha Model Village in Wa region for the eradication of narcotic drug.

The delegations agreed to the cooperation programmer for construction of schools and dispensaries covered by the project.
   
The Myanmar delegation hosted a luncheon for the Thai delesation. 

The Thai delegation left Tachilek for Maisai in the afternoon.

                                          ( 6 ) Kachin and Naga study group tours Yangon

Yangon, 4 May - Altogether 54 Kachin and Naga nationals 30 Naga nationals  from Nanyawng Panhsaung regions in Sagaing Division  and 24  Kachin nationals from Panwa, Chiphwe, Kanpaikti, Phimaw and Sawtlaw regions in Kachin State who arrived here at the invitation of Chairman of the Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Race Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by Deputy Director Maj San Wai of Department of Border Areas and National Races Development, visited Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image kept on Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township this morning.

Patron of the Pagoda Board of Trustees U Shein Aung Bo and officials conducted them round the Image. The study group then proceeded to Management Office of Hlaingthaya Industrial Zone where they were welcomed by Project Manager U Myint Swe and officials. At the project office, they were briefed on the salient points of the industrial zone by officials.

They then studied polythene factory, hat factory and FMI City. In the afternoon, they visited Yangon Zoological Gardens. They were welcomed there by Head of Information and Education Division of YZG Daw Thin Thin Yi and officials who also conducted them round the site. After viewing round the site, they visited the Aquarium.