( 1 ) Commerce Minister receives guests

Yangon, 18 Sept - Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone received Director Mr Tan Sri Dato Ernest Zulliger of Burnipulre Commerce Bank Berhad (BCBB) of Malaysia and party at his office on Strand Road at 4 pm today.

___________________________

Health Minister receives guests

Yangon, 18 Sept - Minster for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein received Chairman of the European Federation of Neurological Societies Professor Dr. h.c Fran Gerstenbrand and party at his office on Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Street in Dagon Towship at 1.30 pm today.

Similarly, also received Director of International Programme of World Wide Training Pty-Ltd A1r William J Stitts and party at the same venue at 2 pm.

up
___________________________

( 2 ) Culture of Kambawzathadi Palace inspected

YangonN, 18 Sept - Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, this morning inspected construction of Kambawzathadi Palace of King Bayintnaung in Bago.

The minister and party were welcomed there by officials of Bago District and Township Peace and Development Councils and the Archaeology Department At the briefing hall, Director-General of I the Archaeology Department U Nyunt Han reported on land preparation in the palace compound; Deputy Director-General U Tun Zaw, on progress in construction of Myaynan Pyathad Hall and Letyawin Hall; Superintending Engineer of Public Works U Kyi Tun, on future tasks; and Myanmar handicraft expert U Win Maung, on progress in cyaniding out Myanmar artistic work. The minister gave inspections on timely completion of the tasks sector-wise, systematic planting of trees for beautifying the place, and working with catena.

Then, the minister and the deputy minister inspected the ancient Handtawady Museum and gave instructions on display of antiques to draw attention to the visitors. Next, they looked into Bamarathana Throne Hall and left instructions on cleanliness of the hall, planting trees in the surrounding areas of the hall, construction of an entrance road, an exit road and parking.

Later, they went to Myaynanpyathad Hall and inspected progress in installation of Myanmar artistic works. Officials conducted them round the hall. The on installation of Myanmar artistic works and Thihathana Throne in accordance with the traditions of the palace. They left the construction site in the afternoon.

___________________________

Agriculture and Irrigation Minister arrives back from PRC

The delegation member Director-General U Tin Htut Oo of Agriculture Planning Department of the ministry also arrived back here. The minister attended the First Ministers Level Round Table Meeting for International Paddy Production in Beijing, the People's Republic of China, on 15 September. The meeting was attended by delegates from 11 largest rice producing countries. Minister of Agriculture of PRC Mr Du Qinglin presided over the meeting.

The Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation took part in the discussions on cooperation in boosting rice production between Myanmar and other countries, laying down of rice policies, matters related to rice and culture and social sectors and conducting of rice and paddy research. On 6 September, the minister and delegation attended the opening ceremony of the International Rice Congress 2002 and the first day meeting started in Beijing and the President of PRC Mr Jiang Zemin formally paned the Congress. Over 1 ,200 dele gates attended it.

The Imitational Rice Congress was organized by International Rice Re Search Institute-IRRI, State Development Planning Commission- PRC, Chinese Academy of Engineering-CAE and Chinese Academy of Agricultural Scienc-CAAS.

The 24th International Rice Research Conference-2002 and the World Rice Commerce Conference-2002 and the International Rice Technology and Cultural Exhibition were held at me same time. Managing Director of Myanma Agriculture Service of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation U Tun Than and party are attending the conference being held up to 20 September .

___________________________

Dedaye Bridge Construction Project inspected

Yangon, 18 Sept - Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, inspected road maintenance work along Dalla- Twantay-Kungyangon Road this morning.

Yangon Division Superintending Engineer U Nyunt Maung San and the district engineer reported to the minister on progress of maintenance ,work in the rainy season and future tasks. At the Kungyangon Township Engineering Office, District Engineer U Kyi Hlaing reported on work progress with the use of charts. The minister gave restrictions on maintaining the present standard of the road, gathering quality paving stones, meeting the standards in carrying out construction tasks under the supervision of the officials, and reconstruction of the small old bridges and culverts.

Then, the minister and party looked into Kungyangon-Dedaye Road. On arrival at Dedaye Bridge, the minister and party were welcomed by the project engineer and party. At the briefing hall, Deputy Superintending Engineer U Khin Maung Win reported on progress in construction of the approach bridge (Kungyangon side) the main bridge and the approach bridge (Dedaye side) District Engineer U Kyi Hlaing on progress in construction of the approach road and  future plans.

The minister gave instruction on timely completion carrying out the remaining tasks after drawing detailed plans. He said that requirements of construction materials and heavy machinery will be fulfilled soon. It is needed to make concerted to make ensure timely completion as meeting the standards set.

He then called on the officials concerned to supervise the project for ensuring worksite safety. Later the minister and party inspected the construction tasks.

( 3 ) More nurses being trained and produced every year to meet national requirement

Yangon, 18 Sept - A ceremony to open a one-day seminar on Coordinating Nursing Education, Services and Research for Effective Nursing Care was held at the Institute of Nursing (Yangon) on Bogyoke Aung San Street this morning, with an address by Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein.

In his address, the minister said that the seminar was organized by. the Myanmar Academy of Medical Science in cooperation with  Health  Department, the Medical Science Department and the Department of Medical Research (Lower Myanmar). The scholars of the medical science include physicians, nurses, midwives and other experts.

The Myanmar Academy of Medical Science is playing a role in applying various means to develop the medical science. The Ministry of Health is a sole governmental organization conducting public health care services to enable all to fully enjoy longevity and to create a disease-free society .The nursing science is requited to develop in accord with the time. The State is not only conducting the nursing science degree and master of nursing science courses, but also opening the doctorate degree courses of the field in co- operation with the Australian universities. To be more efficient, nurses need to study research, planning and administrative subjects. More nurses are being trained and produced every year to meet the national requirement. Up to now, the nation has opened two nursing institutes, 23 nursing schools, 16 midwifery training schools and four other related schools, annually accepting 300 students for degree courses, 150 for bridge courses, 1 ,200 for diploma courses, 1 ,050 for midwifery courses and 130 for woman health staff courses.

Plans will have to be formulated to enhance the qualifications of the nurses to enable them to be skilled in theoretical as well as in practical fields. In-service nurses are also required to uplift the level of their education and qualification. Nurses should study the State's health policy to serve the interests of the State, the people and the profession within its framework. They will have to make cooperative efforts to achieve more progress and to work with might and main in the respective sector to develop the  health care services till reaching the international level. They should always adhere to their codes of conduct and principles.

He then cordially greeted the participants. Then, Vice-Chainman of the Myanmar Academy of Medical Science Professor Dr Ko Lay explained die purpose of the seminar. Deputy Director of the Medical Science Department Daw Aye Myint gave a talk on education for nurses, Assistant Lecturer of the Institute of Nursing (Yangon) U Min Sein Ti, on valuable experiences of nursing education sector, Assistant Director of the Health Department Daw Phyu Phyu, on nursing services, and Director of the Department of Medical Research (Lower Myanmar) Dr Than Tun Sein, on research work on nursing, followed by a general round of discussions. The seminar ended in the evening.

___________________________

Stone plaque bearing Myanma Education Goal unveiled at Singu BEHS

Yangon, 18 Sept - A ceremony to inaugurate the stone plaque bearing Myanma Education Goal was held at Singu Basic Education High School on 16 September morning, attended by Minister for Education U Than Aung. First, 10 students of Singu BEHS formally unveiled the stone plaque and sang the song 'Myanma School' . 

Then the opening ceremony was held at Shwe Ayeya Hall in Singu BEHS. Minister for Education U Than Aung made a speech and gave instruction on efforts to be made for achieving success in implementation of 30-year long-term education promotion project. The minister presented TV and YCR sets, computer and CD-ROMs, exercise books and pencils to the headmaster and students. 

Next, Headmaster U Kyaw Sein Win spoke words of thanks. The minister and party then arrived at Affiliated BEHS of Shwepyi Village USDA and fulfilled the requirements. USDA Secretary-General U Than Aung met with USDA members of Singu Township. He gave necessary instructions and presented exercise books and stationery to the association.

___________________________

Minister inspects industrial zone

Yangon, 18 Sept - Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint arrived at the management office of North Okkalapa Industrial Zone yesterday afternoon.

There he met with the chairman of the industrial zone and officials and gave instructions on producing quality goods and import-substitute goods. At Cheery Thin Fan Industry , the minister viewed the production of fans and gave instructions on boosting other production. At Yadana Steel Works, the minister also viewed the production of iron bars for construction use, deform bars and engine sleeves and gave instructions on making efforts to produce import substitute construction materials.

Next, the minister and party went to Win Family Lathe in Shwepaukkan Industrial zone, where he viewed production of power tillers, pumping machines as well as a variety of U belt pulleys flat belt pulleys, ball bearing housing and other materials used for farming. Then, the minister proceeded to the carton factory, where he viewed production of cartons used for packaging.

___________________________

Minister inspects athletes in training

Yangon, 18 Sept - Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint viewed the athletes practicing at the training camp of Myanmar Rowing Federation yesterday morning. 

The athletes, now under camp training, are going to compete in the international four-women's professional level rowing competition of 14th Asian Games and 22nd SEA Games, which will be held in Vietnam in 2003. The President of MRF and officials reported to the minister on the practising of athletes in accord with the training timetable. Then, the minister gave instructions on making strenuous efforts to win victory as targeted so as to raise the prestige of the State.

Next, the minister and party went to Myanmar Billiards Federation at Aung San Stadium, where the minister inspected the brushing up of selected chess players who are going to participate XIV Asian Games. Afterwards, the minister presented cash awards and gave instructions on making all-out efforts to bring honour to the State. In his inspection of the athletes, the minister gave instructions on uplifting the honour of the State with full of perseverance, discipline and training, ensuring the health care and lessening the incidental injuries and close supervision of responsible coaches on weak points in technique.

( 4 ) Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe encourages national race girls in Mandalay

Yangon, 18 Sept - Members of the field group headed by Member of the Myanmar National Committee for Women's Affairs and the Myanmar National Working Committee for Women Affairs Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe visited the office of Mandalay Division Maternal and Child Welfare Association Supervisory Committee yesterday morning.

The field group, comprising member of MNWAC and Vice-Chairperson of MNWCWA, Secretary of MNWCWA Director-General U Sit Myaing and member Daw Khin Aye Win met and spoke words of encouragement to 17 girls and two boys who were forbidden by officials from going to Yodaya through Tachilek to work there. The field group members explained the youths the incidents of those who worked in the other country in which bitter sufferings were experienced.

The group led by Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe cordially asked questions to the girls Who arrived in Mandalay, 10 illegally .work in Yodaya. They explained the news of Ma Su included in 17-7-2002 issue of the dailies. She was beaten and burnt by her employer in Yodaya. Matters relating to infection of HIV / AIDS and its evil results and preventive measures; the danger of illegal employment in the other nation; difficulties to be encountered. They also explained that in other country there would be no protection according to law. One can live happily under the protection of law by working in his own country. By taking measures in time they were saved and will be sent back to their 'parents out of sheer sympathy, the group members said.

Six national girls from Saikyauk Village in Hsenwi Township, Shan State (North), were found suspicious and were stopped at Mandalay International Airport on 12 September. They were trying to go to Tachilek by Air Mandalay flight. Investigations revealed that six Shan women saved money and left their village after being persuaded by human traffickers. On arriving  Tachilek, they would stay at a monastery and world dial the phone numbers given to them by human traffickers. So, authorities told them not , to go to Tachilek because the  f phone numbers were from Maesai .

On 13 September, a  similar incident occurred  Nine national girls from Muntauk, SeU, Mawsali, Meinhon, Kyoknamt, SayU,  Saikyauk and Namsalat villages in Hsenwi Township,were found and stopped at the airport.

On 14 September, another similar event happened. Two Shan national boys and two girls from Homein Village in Hsenwi Township were stopped at Tachilek airport. They were making arrangements to stay at a hotel and to phone the numbers they were given by traffickers in persons. Officials concerned prohibited them from going to the other country and made them return to Mandalay.

The group led by Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe gave educative talks to the 19 national youths. In the afternoon, with the arrangements of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council and Mandalay Division WCWA, the group went to Lashio where the youths will be sent back to their parents through Shan State WCWA.

___________________________

The field study group led by Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, accompanied by Chairman Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Ye Myint and wife and officials; visited twins Moe Ma Ma Aung and Moe Pa Pa Aung at the Mandalay Children' s Hospital yesterday morning and presented toys and cash assistance to them.

The group members met with members of Mandalay Division Working Committee for Women's Affairs at the Yeiktha of Central Command. Also present was Commander Brig-Gen Ye Myint.Chairman of Mandalay Division WCWA U Kyin Lin reported on tasks being carried out.

Then, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe explained prevention of violence against women and prevention against trafficking in persons and future tasks. Vice-Chairperson of Myanmar National Working Committee for Women's Affairs Prof Daw May May Yi explained extension of organizing the WCWAs. Then, the commander and those present took part in the discussions.

___________________________

MWEA members leave for PRC

Yangon, 18 Sept An 8-member delegation comprising members of Myanmar Women Entrepreneurs'. Association left here by air for the People's Republic of China this afternoon to attend the meeting of Chinese Women Entrepreneurs' Association of the All China Women's Federation to be held from 18 to 29 September and to study business matters. The delegation was seen off at Yangon International Air-port by founder of  the MWEA Adviser Prof Dr Yi Yi Myint (Retd), MWEA Vice-Chairperson Daw Khin Myint Myint, executives and members and officials. The delegation was headed by MWEA Chairperson Daw Sein Sein.

( 5 ) Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe inspects tax-free markets

Yangon, 18 Sept- Chainman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe inspected sales at tax- free markets in Yangon this morning.

The commander arrived at the tax free market at the corner of Hanthawady Road and Kyupdaw Road in Kamayut Township this morning. The commander and party inspected sales at the vegetable and meat shops and grocery shops and gave instructions. The commander and party went to the Konmyinttha tax-free market in Mayangon Township.The commander inspected business activity at the market. The commander also inspected Nawadei tax-free market on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road.

The commander and party went to the tax-free market near the office of the Ministary of Industry-2 in Yankin Township. They also inspected the sale of vegetables, meat and fish. They also inspected the tax-free markets in Tamway Towniship and Dagon Township. The commander gave instructions on arrangements for shopkeepers, sanitation of  the market and its environs and proper drainage.

Shops of the ministries, Yangon City Development Committee regiments and units under Yangon Command companies, Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Myanmar Rice Wholesalers Association and the Ministry of Industry-1 sell vegetables and commodities daily.

( 6 ) Auditor-General tours Taninthayi Division

Yangon, 18 Sept - Accompanied by Director of the Auditor-General's Office U Kin Bouy and officials, Auditor-General Brig-Gen Tin Aye left here by air for Dawei, Taninthayi Division, on 13 September morning.

Next, the minister proceeded to Launglon by car and met with staff of Township accounts office and fulfilled the requirements. After inspecting the office, the auditor-general spent the night there. The auditor-general then went to Thayetchaung on 14 September  and thence to Yebyu on 15 September and he met with service personnel of respective township accounts offices and  attended to their needs and inspected the accounts offices.

On 16 September morning, the auditor-general met district/township auditors of Dawei, Launglon, Palaw of Dawei District, Taninthayi Division, and staff of accounts office of Dawei and fulfilled the requirements. Afterwards, the auditor-general inspected Taninthayi Division and Dawei district and township accounts offices.

___________________________

Commander sees over agricultural works in Pathein District

Yangon, 18 Sept -Chainman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Brig- Gen Htay Oo, attended the skill demonstration ceremony of the South- West Command Myanma martial arts team held at the station gymnasium and presented prizes to the team on 16 September.

Then the commander and officials arrived at the double-cropping farm in the monsoon paddy special zone of the agricultural education centre in Seikphuni Village, Kyaunggon Township. The commander viewed the harvesting and threshing of  paddy and gave necessary instructions to the officials, He also met with local farmers and attended to their requirements.

Later,. the commander proceeded to Kyaunggon where he met with the local authorities, departmental personnel USDA members and local farmers. He gave instructions on extension of agricultural works and making efforts to boost the yield of paddy and attended to the needs.

___________________________

Commander inspects durian farm in Myeik

Yangon, 18 Sept - Chainman of Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Coastal Region Command Brig-Gen Tha Aye, arrived at the durian farm of Myanma Agriculture Service in Shwedu Village, Myeik Township, on 14 September morning.

MAS Division Manager U Than Naing reported on tasks of the durian farm. The commander gave  necessary instructions and attended to the needs. Then, the commander inspected the farm. Next, the commander proceeded to the oil palm research centre of Myanma Perennial Crops Enterprise. After hearing reports by officials, the commander gave instructions on selling quality strain of oil palm seeds and cultivation of other crop.

___________________________

Commander inspects Mongyai-Nanlaung Road section

Yangon, 18 Sept - Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council (North) Commander of Nort-East Command Brig-Gen Myint Hlaing, inspected Mongyai-Nanlaung Road section, maintenance of Nanlaung Bridge in Mongyai Township on 14 September.

The commander was conducted round there by Superintending Engineer U Kyaw  Min Thein of Public Works of Shan State (North). The commander discussed construction of 24 mile long Mongyai- Nanlaung Road section. He went to Basic Education High School in Mongyai and met headmasters, teachers and students. The commander discussed measures for uplift of education. Next, the commander presented school uniforms and exercise books to the headmaster.

The commander inspected preparations for opening of multimedia classroom. He also inspected People's Hospital and presented medicine to the hospital. He inspected coal mine in Harput region in Tangyang Township.

___________________________

Outstanding members of the Sangha honoured in Sagaing

Yangon, 18 Sept - A ceremony to honour members of the Sangha who passed the Tipitaka and Five Nikaya examinations was held at Tipitaka Nikaya Monastery on Momeik Hillock, Mingun Hill, Sagaing Township, on 14 September.

The congregation received the Eight Precepts from Secretary Sayadaw of Tipitaka Nikaya Management Board Shweyatu Tipitakadhara Tipitaka Kovida Bhaddanta Silakkhandhabhivamsa. Then, the commander supplicated on religious matters. Then, the commander and wife and officials presented offertories to members of the Sangha who passed the examinations, and the ceremony came to an end.

___________________________

Commander looks into sanitation works at hospitals in Taunggyi

Yangon, 18 Sept - Hailing the Anniversary of the Union Solidarity and Development Association 2002, departmental officials, local people from 20 wards, totaling over 1,700 took part in sanitation works at Women's and Children's Hospital, Sao San Tun Hospital and the local military hospital in Taunggyi in the morning of 14 September.

Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint and officials viewed round the sanitation works and gave necessary instructions to the officials and attended to their needs.