(1) Message from Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of State Peace and Development Council & Prime Minister of Myanmar to First Joint Meeting of Japan Myanmar CCI Business Cooperation Committee
YANGON, 20 Nov - On this auspicious occasion of the First joint Meeting of the Japan-Myanmar Business Co-operation Committee, I take great pleasure in sending you best wishes for the success of the Joint Meeting. It is my hope that this Meeting will contribute to greater coherence in economic and technical cooperation.
The relations between Myanmar and Japan have been characterized by close friendship, mutual understanding and genuine goodwill. It is based on this film foundation that concerted efforts should be made for long lasting friendship between the peoples of Myanmar and Japan.
The end of Cold War has brought new prospects and new challenges. It has also imparted new dimensions, new trends and new directions in the relations between States as well. One of the features has been the impetus for more co-operation and consultation among the nations of different regions of the world. The salient features of the 21st century are likely to be advantages in industrialization, technological innovations, globalization, information technology, digital revolution and electronic commerce. The long-term trend is the development of border-less societies and economies.
In the world of interdependence, in spite of the economic turmoil, uncertainties and challenges, good opportunities exist for economic cooperation and trade. It is indeed an appropriate time for the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Myanmar and Japan to join hands and together face the challenges of the 21st century and take full advantage of the opportunities in the global trade.
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(2) Message from Prime Minister of Japan Keizo Obuchi to First Joint Meeting of Japan-Myanmar CCI Business Cooperation Committee
YANGON, 20 Nov - I would like to express heartfelt congratulations on this convening of the First joint Meeting of the Japan-Myanmar CCI Business Co-operation Committee.
Japan and Myanmar have long maintained friendly relations.
I appreciate that exchanges between small and medium sized entrepreneurs as well as those people in various are extremely meaningful. The friendly relationship existing between the people of both countries will be further enhanced if a steady build-up of such exchanges is constructed. In this respect, I sincerely hope that the active discussions among the participants at this meeting will be fruitful.
Finally, I wish to express my deepest appreciation for all both in Japan and Myanmar who have made great efforts to bring about this meeting.
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(3) Northern stairway, archway and Aryonkhan Tazaung of southern stairway of Shwedagon Pagoda inaugurated with grand religious ceremonies
YANGON, 20 Nov - Ceremonies were held at the respective places at Shwedagon Pagoda this morning to mark the inauguration of northern stairway and its archway and Aryonkhan Tazaung of southern stairway and to unveil the plaque on rebuilding of the northern stairway, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.
Also present were Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Win Myint, member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Military Affairs Lt-Gen Tin Hla, ministers, the Chief Justice, the Auditor-General, the Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay, deputy ministers, the Vice Mayor, the deputy commander, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, members of Leading Committee for General Renovation of the Shwedagon, the work committee, sub-committees, Board of Trustees and religious associations, people from townships in Yangon Division, members of Union Solidarity and Development Association, nurses, members of Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigade, teachers and their pupils, members of the associations of the respective townships, guests, donors, men wearing uniforms of ancient Myanmar elephant unit and cavalry unit, members of ceremonial celestial entourage and royal entourage, ozi dohbat troupes and dance troupes and pilgrims.
Members of ceremonial celestial entourage and royal entourage and girls wearing costumes of the ancient Myanmar court took their respective places in front of the archway of the northern stairway in the pagoda precincts and members of elephant, cavalry and infantry units on Arzani Road in front of the archway and paid obeisance to the Shwedagon Pagoda in a systematic and harmonious way.
Northern stairway Wunna Kyaw Htin U Sein Aung Min and members of religious associations with the accompaniment of sang troupes sang ratus and classical songs hailing the beginning of the ceremony.
Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt then formally opened the northern stairway at 8.01 am, followed by blowing of conch shells and beating of drums to mark the success of the ceremony.
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(4) First joint meeting held on Japan-Myanmar CCI business cooperation
YANGON, 20 Nov - The first joint meeting on the Japan-Myanmar Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business Cooperation was held at the Traders Hotel this morning.
It was attended by Minister for Commerce Maj-Gen Kyaw Than, Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel, Deputy Minister for Commerce Commodore Myo Tint, Deputy Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen Zaw Tun, department heads, presidents and members of the Japan-Myanmar CCI Business Cooperation Committees and guests.
President of the Union of Myanmar Chamber of Commerce and Industry U Khin Maung Yi and Chairman of Japan-Myanmar CCI Business Cooperation Committees Mr Tomoo Takahara extended the greetings.
Director-General of the Directorate of Trade U Khin Maung Oo read the message read the massage of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Prime Minister Senior General Than Shwe.
Minister-Counsellor of the Japanese Embassy Mr Yochihiko Kamo read the message of Prime Minister of Japan Mr Keizo Obuchi.
Minister Maj-Gen Kyaw Than and Minister Brig Gen Abel made speeches.
Vice-President of UMCCI U Htein Win submitted a paper on macro-economy and investment environment of Myanmar in 1998. Professor of Department of Economics of Osaka Sangyo University Mr Minoru Kiryu made a comment. A general round of discussion followed
President of Japan Entrepreneurs Association Mr Osamitsu Yamada submitted a paper on the current situation and the trend of Japan-Myanmar economic relations. Vice-President of UMCCI Dr Kyaw Htin made a comment. Then, a general round of discussion followed.
A seminar on possibilities of industrial development and business opportunities in Myanmar, co-sponsored by the Sasakawa Foundation was held in the afternoon. Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Zaw Tun welcomed the guests. Associate Programme Officer of Sasakawa Foundation Mr Yoshinobu Onishi made an opening address.
Director of Yathacho Industry Ltd U Wai Phyo submitted a paper on food processing, Managing Director of Myanmar Citizens Global Co Ltd Dr Khin Maung on marine products and Chairman of Shwe Yee Win Co Ltd U Kyaw Lwin on timber products.
Professor Tetsuo Minato of the School of International Politics and Economics of Aoyama Gakuin University submitted a paper on Japanese small business and inter-firm productivity. Associate Professor of Department of Management Studies of the institute of Economics Dr Nu Nu Yin made a comment.
Professor Yoshiaki Ueda of University of Marketing and Distribution Sciences submitted a paper on a Japanese direct investment in Asia - "A message for Myanmar from Vietnam".
At the closing session, Mr Tomoo Takahara and U Khin Maung Yi delivered closing speeches, and exchanged gifts.
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(5) Daiyukai Medical Foundation donates medical equipment
YANGON, 20 Nov - Daiyukai Medical Foundation of Japan donated medical equipment at the Medical Research Department on Ziwaka Road this morning, attended by Chairman of National Health Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.
Present were Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Re-settlement Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister for Education U Than Aung, Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Sein Win, Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Deputy Minister for Health Dr Mya Oo, Ambassador of Japan to Myanmar Mr Kazuo Asakai, officials of the Office of State Peace and Development Council, directors-general and officials of the Ministry of Health, President and Chief Director of Daiyukai Medical Foundation Dr Shinichi Ito and members. President and Chief Director Dr Shinichi Ito explained about the donation.
Dr Shinichi Ito presented medical-equipment to Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein.
Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein expressed thanks and said the population of Myanmar is over 48 million and majority of them are living in the rural. Health care programme is being extended to rural areas in accord with the objective "Health for All by the Year 2,000", he said. The Minister went on to explain that the national health plan was drawn and is being implemented after the National Health Committee was formed.
The donation of Daiyukai Medical Foundation will enhance the capacity and work efficiency of the hospitals and laboratories in Myanmar, he added.
After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party inspected medical equipment including an ultrasound machine worth US$ 259,483, 40 beds of high quality and other laboratory equipment.
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(6) MEPE and CITIC sign agreement on implementation of hydroelectric power projects
YANGON, 20 Nov - Myanma Electric Power Enterprise of the Ministry of Electric Power and China International Trust and Investment Corporation Technology Co Ltd (CITIC) of the People's Republic of China signed an agreement on implementation of Mone Creek Hydroelectric Power Project and Thaphanseik Hydroelectric Power Project at the International Business Centre on Pyay Road this morning, and Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo attended the agreement-signing ceremony.
Also present were Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Ministers at the Office of the Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Min Thein and Brig-Gen Maung Maung, Minister for Energy Brig Gen Lun Thi, Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut, Ministers at the Prime Minister's Office Brig-Gen Lun Maung and Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe, Minister Maj-Gen Tin Ngwe, Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation U Ohn Myint, Deputy Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office U Set Maung, Deputy Minster for Electric Power Brig-Gen Maung Maung, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China Mr Lian Dong, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, department heads and officials, the president and officials of CITIC and guests.
Maj-Gen Tin Htut said just as the agreement is on about US$ 52 million worth economic cooperation, it can also be regarded as a token which further strengthens the long-time friendly ties, mutual understanding and cooperation.
He said that in efforts to build a peaceful, modern and developed nation, electricity is essential, and with a view to fulfilling the growing demands of electricity, such hydroelectric power projects as Paunglaung, Mone and Thaphanseik are being implemented simultaneously in accord with the guidelines of the Union of Myanmar Special Projects Implementation Committee.
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(7) Deputy Prime Minister meets member of House of Representatives of Japan
YANGON, 20 Nov - Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Admiral Maung Maung Khin met member of the House of Representatives and former Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Mr Kabun Muto and party who called at his office this morning.
Also present at the call were officials of the Government's Office.
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(8) Minister for Information meets former Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan
YANGON, 20 Nov - Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung met member of the House of Representatives and former Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Mr Kabun Muto and party, who called at his office this afternoon.
Also present at the call were Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Adviser U Kyi Lwin, Director-General of Myanma Radio and TV U Khin Maung Htay, Director-General of Information and Public Relations Department U Chit Naing, Managing Director of Printing and Publishing Enterprise U Than Maung, Managing Director of Myanma Motion Picture Enterprise Col Bo Kyi, Director (News) of the News and Periodicals Enterprise U Hla Tun an behalf of the Managing Director of NPE, Chief Editor of the New Light of Myanmar Daily U Kyaw Min and Head of Office U Khin Maung Myint and other officials.
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(9) Minister meets Ambassador of Thailand
YANGON, 20 Nov - Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein met Ambassador of Thailand to Myanmar Mr Pensak Chalarak and party who called at his office this afternoon.
Also present at the call were Deputy Minister for Livestock and Fisheries U Aung Thein, heads of department of the ministry and officials.
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(10) Minister meets Ambassador of Russian Federation
YANGON, 20 Nov - Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut met Ambassador of the Russian Federation Mr Gleb A Ivashentsov who called at his office this afternoon.
Also present were Director-General U Zaw Win of Electric Power Department, Managing Director U Yan Naing of Myanma Electric Power Enterprise and officials.
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(11) Minister meets GM of China Machine-Building Intl Corpn
YANGON, 20 Nov - Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung met General Manager Mr Zheng Rongguang and party of China Machine-Building International Corporation (Sichuan Branch) of the Peoples Republic of China who called at his office at 3 pm today.
Also present on the occasion were directors-general and managing directors of departments and enterprises under the ministry.
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(12) Nihon Sogyo Co donates 200,000 to repair Thazi BEHS 2, BEPS 4
YANGON, 20 Nov - Chairman Mr Mochizuki of Nihon Sogyo Co Ltd of Japan presented Yen 200,000 to Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung at the Ministry of Education this morning for repairing Basic Education High School No 2 and Basic Education Primary School No 4 of Thazi Township under the Ministry of Education.
Present on the occasion were Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen Khin Maung, Director-General U Tin Nyo of No 1 Basic Education Department, Director-General U Bo Win of Education Planning and Training Department, Deputy Director-General U Thaung Shwe of No 3 BED (Yangon City) and officials.
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(13) Vessel built for Singapore company launched
YANGON, 20 Nov - Of the two 50-metre equipment carriers Myanma Shipyards agreed to build for Java Marine Lines Pte Ltd of Singapore, the first one was launched today at Sinmalaik Dockyard, Kamayut.
The agreement to build the boat with a price of 1.85 million Singapore dollars was reached between the two on 26 May 1997.
Building of the vessel, which is the third foreign order for MS, began on 15 August 1997.
Deputy Ministers for Transport Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint and U Pe Than formally launched the vessel, which. is 55.5 metres long and 12 metres wide, with a draught of 2.2 metres.
Built under the inspection American Bureau of Shipping, an international vessel inspection organization, the ship can carry 640 tons of freight and a crew of up to 22.
With two 540-HP engines, it can cruise at 8.3 knots per hour.
Officials of the Ministry of Transport, JMLPL and ABS and guests were also present the occasion.
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(14) MAPT to buy 10.5 million baskets of paddy Yangon Division
YANGON, 20 Nov - Agreements have been reached to buy 10 5 million baskets of paddy in Yangon Division, which put 1.2 million acres under monsoon paddy this year
This was stated by member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development 2 Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than today at a meeting to coordinate paddy purchase and cultivation Paddy purchase groups should tour down to the grassroots-levels with seriousness in carrying out the task to ensure convenience in the business, he stressed.
Preparation must be made to put over 50,000 more acres under beans and pluses and 150,000 acres under edible oil crops in the entire division, he noted.
Special zones had been set up in Dalla-kyun and Thanlyin-kyun regions to extend sun flower cultivation, he said, stressing the need to strive to exceed the target of over 30,000 acres in cultivating the crop in Kyauktan Township.
Supervision of local authorities together with the collective participation of departments was required in providing fertilizers machinery, paddy strains and fertilizers to cultivate 225,000 acres of summer paddy as projected, he noted, stressing the need to present difficulties.
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(15) Minister meets officials of joint venture airlines
YANGON, 20 Nov - Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe held coordination with officials of Myanmar Airways International, Yangon Airways and Air Mandalay, the joint ventures with Myanmar Airways, at the ministry today.
Also present at the meeting were Deputy Minister for Transport Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint and Managing Director of Department of Civil Aviation U Tin Hlaing Hmi.
In his address, the minister spoke of the need for the joint venture companies to find ways and means to achieve success in their tasks and to lay down plans to cut down expenditure.
The chairmen and members of the joint ventures explained the present situation and future plans, upon which Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint assessed the weaknesses and accomplishments.
In his concluding address, Minister Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe gave suggestions on safety on flights, increase of income and effective supervision.
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(16) Pyapon Township NLD dissolved
YANGON, 20 Nov - Altogether 41 members of National League for Democracy in Pyapon Township, Ayeyawady Division, including Chairman of Township NLD U Maung Maung, have tendered their resignations and dissolved the Township NLD out of their own volition.
Pyapon Township NLD, Ayeyawady Division was first formed on 7 December 1998.
Now 41 member of the Township NLD including the township chairman resigned from
the party membership out of their own volition since they no longer wish to
continue to participate in NLD's political activities. They notified the office
of Pyapon Township Multiparty Democracy General Election Commission and the
chairman of the party concerned. On 17 November, personnel of the township NLD
dissolved it by handing over the signboard, seals, document to the Township
Multiparty Democracy General Election Commission.