N980412

THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
( Saturday, 1 April 2000)

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Secretary-1 meets Ambassador of Japan
UMFCCI holds ninth annual general meeting
Enshrinement and central pivot erecting ceremony of Pyithaya Hsutaungpyi Pagoda in Mongyai Township held
Minister inspects Nankathu Dam Project and maintenance of sluice gates
Ordination ceremony of Ministry of CPT
Minister meets Executive Director of ADB
Minister for Commerce meets foreign guests
Rawan national IPRD staff leave for home
Minister inspects IMT, Myanmar Shipyards
Upper Myanmar branch of CID opened
Demonstration for Intergraph Technology held
35th Meeting of ASEAN Committee on Culture and Information to be held in Myanmar
0.407 kilo of heroin seized in Phakant
32 Ngaputaw NLD members resign of own accord
WEATHER

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(1) Secretary-1 meets Ambassador of Japan
YANGON, 31 March - Secretary- 1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received Ambassador of Japan Mr Kazuo Asakai, who has completed his tour of duty in Myanmar, at the Guest House of Ministry of Defence this morning.
Also present together with the Secretary-l were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy
Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Director-General of Protocol Department Thura U
Aung Htet and officials.

(2) UMFCCI holds ninth annual general meeting
YANGON, 31 March- Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo addressed the ninth annual general meeting of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry at Yuzana Plaza this afternoon. President of UMFCCI U Win Myint made an opening speech.
The Secretary-2 said that as efforts have been made in adopting market-oriented economic system in the country, an association which is concerned with entrepreneurs and which will organize them in an extensive manner is also required; in addition, the association must be a free and active non-
governmental one.
Therefore, the Union of Myanmar Chamber of Commerce and Industry was upgraded into UMFCCI on 1 April 1999. To expedite tasks of the federation, the panel of patrons and the advisory committee have been formed, and the central executive committee, the executive committee and 12 work committees set up.
During the one year period, the federation has served as a bridge between the Government and
merchants and entrepreneurs, and co-ordinated business undertakings between foreign economic
organizations t and local ones. The federation sponsored ASEAN-CCI 56th Council Meeting and
ASEAN-CCI Business Forum in May 1999. It was attended by 148 entrepreneurs of 13 foreign nations, 27 foreigners from Myanmar and 147 Myanmar national entrepreneurs totalling 450. Moreover, it is found that workshops and training courses have been conducted and personnel of the federation have attended seminars, meetings and training courses abroad.
These activities display the experience and high quality of the federation and entrepreneurs.
Within a year after formation of the federation, its membership increased to over 8000 from 1000.
Emphasis should be laid on the consolidating the associations included in the federation and the
effectiveness of their activities.
The Secretary-2 spoke of the need for members of the federation to nurture themselves to be qualified.
On condition that market-oriented economic system has become firmer and firmer, the private sector will have a more important part in the economic life of the State. The quality of national entrepreneurs needs to be more brilliant.
The private sector accounts for 76% of GDP, and the private export volume constitutes 72% of the total export volume of the State.
In short, the private sector has an extensive role in the economic life of the State. Included in the
production sector, the service sector and the commercial sector are private businesses of all sizes. To enable the private entrepreneurs to participate in these sectors, the Government is paving the way for them.
Therefore, national entrepreneurs are becoming an economic force comprising merchants, bankers,
agricultural entrepreneurs, industrialists, hoteliers and developers.
With this improvement and changing conditions, the role of the federation representing private
entrepreneurs has become wider and wider. It is the main duties of the federation to strive for the
economic development of the State and to contribute to the emergence of stable economic environment in the nation.
The Secretary-2 urged merchants and entrepreneurs to work for long-term interest of the State and the people with goodwill and farsightedness. their own. The Secretary-2 also urged all to implement the noble objective "the initiative to shape the national economy must be kept in the hands of the State and the national people", bearing in mind the fact that if economic life is not independent, the independence of the State will be infringed. With the advancement of science and technology, the socio-economic condition of the world has be come wider. The event happening in a part of the world produces a chain reaction in other parts of the world. The use of the term "globalization period" has become very common.
However, efforts are to be made for the improvement of living conditions of national people and the
establishment of national economy without losing track of world events. Emphasis is to be laid on the boosting of production, export promotion. import substitute products and the control of loss and wastage with a view to strengthening national economy.
The acts of upsetting normal demand and supply and causing currency fluctuation impede the
flourishing of market-oriented economic system, and they are also tantamount to the attempts to
destroy the objectives of the State. In conclusion, the Secretary-2 lauded the central executive
committee, the work committees and the office staff of the federation for its achievements, and urged all to carry out the activities of the federation with mutual understanding and consideration and goodwill, to work actively and properly for one's own interests as well as for the interests of the State and the people and to participate conscientiously in efforts for implementation of economic objectives of the State.
Afterwards, the Secretary-3 and Ministers Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, U Soe Tha and U Win Aung made
speeches. Then, General Secretary of UMFCCI U Zaw Min Win submitted the annual report and the financial statement.
Then, CEC member auditor U Sein Win Haing submitted the article of association of the federation. Vice-President of the federation U Htain Win discussed matters related to papers of three work committees. Altogether 39 well-wishers donated K 51.38C million for the federation.

(3) Enshrinement and central pivot erecting ceremony of Pyithaya Hsutaungpyi Pagoda in Mongyai Township held
YANGON, 31 March -Enshrinement and central pivot erecting ceremony of Pyithaya Hsutaungpyi
Pagoda was held on Maha Myat Muni Hill in Mongyai Township,. Lashio District, Shan State (North), in 29 March morning, attended by Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Win Myint.
Also present to pay respects to Sayadaws led by Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga- Maha
Saddhammajotikadhaja Bhaddanta Kavindacara of Myole Pariyatti Sarthintaik in Lashio were member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Shan State (North) Peace and Development Council and other social associations, local elders and the publish. Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kavindacara administered the Nine Precepts.
Secretary-3 Lt-Gen Win Myint, Commander Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and wife Daw Khin Saw Hnin, ministers, national race leaders and party presented Buddha images and other religious objects, which will be enshrined in the pagoda, to Sayadaws . The Secretary-3 and party presented offertories to Sayadaws, who later recited parittas.
State Ovadacariya Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Muninda of Kamaing Monastery, Lashio, delivered a sermon.
The congregation shared the merits gained. Secretary-3 Lt-Gen Win Myint, Commander Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, ministers, national race leaders and party enshrined the Buddha images and other religious objects in the main reliquary. After closing the reliquary, the Secretary-3 and party sprinkled scented water on it. Sayadaws recited parittas.
Afterwards, the Secretary-3 and party enshrined the Buddha images and other religious objects in the central reliquary. Then, the ceremony to erect the central pivot was held. First, the Secretary-3 and party sprinkled scented water on the pivot. Later, they erect the central pivot. The Secretary-3 and party performed the ritual of golden and silver showers to mark the success of the ceremony.
Secretary-3 Lt-Gen Win Myint had photos taken together with national races leaders. 'Soon' was offered to Sayadaws at Hsaimein Monastery in Mongreh.

(4) Minister inspects Nankathu Dam Project and maintenance of sluice gates
YANGON, 31 March - Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, together with officials, attended the ceremony of demonstrating hybrid paddy seed production at the hybrid paddy production farm of Myanma Agriculture Service in Thegon Township, Pyay District, the western section of Bago Division, on 29 March morning.
On the occasion, the minister spoke of efforts for the development of the agriculture sector and for
boosting per-acre yield and agricultural matters. The minister, together with farmers, observed the
demonstration of hybrid paddy seed production.
In the afternoon, the minister and party went to Nankathu Dam Project being implemented by
Construction-2 of the Irrigation Department near Thayetpinoat Village, Ingapu Township, Hinthada
District, Ayeyawady Division.
Afterward, the minister and party inspected the construction of Bawdi Sluice gate at the confluence of Bawi Creek and dredging of silt at Panhlaing Sluice gate and Mezali Sluice gate.

(5) Ordination ceremony of Ministry of CPT
YANGON, 31 March-The 14th Ordination and becoming nun ceremony of Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs was held at Chanmyay-yeiktha Kyaung on Kaba-Aye Pagoda Road this morning. Present on the occasion were Minister for CPI Brig-Gen Win Tin and wife Daw Ni Ni Tin, directors-general and managing directors of departments and enterprises under the ministry, heads of departments and staff.

(6) Minister meets Executive Director of ADB
YANGON, 31 March - Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein met Executive Director of Asian Development Bank Mr Prasit Ujjin at his office at 9 am today. Also present were Governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar U Kyaw Kyaw Maung and Director-General U Soe Lin of Foreign Economic Relations Department.

(7) Minister for Commerce meets foreign guests

YANGON, 31 March-Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone met President Mr Jean Ma Rc Beaujolin of Europ Continents S A Co, Malaysia, at his office at 11 am this morning.
They cordially discussed matters related to economy co-operation, trade and investment. Also present on the occasion Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Director General U Nyunt Aye of the Directorate of Trade, Director- General Col Nay Win of the Border Trade Department, Managing Director U Min Hla Aung of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading and officials.

(8) Rawan national IPRD staff leave for home
YANGON, 31 March-Rawan national staff of Putao, Nagmon and Machambaw Township Information and Public Relations Department Offices in Putao District, Kachin State left for home today after making an excursion tour of Yangon and other cities at the invitation of Minister for information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung. Before going home, they paid a courtesy call on the minister at the Myanma Radio and Television this afternoon. Also present were Director-General of IPRD U Chit Naing and officials.

(9) Minister inspects IMT, Myanmar Shipyards

YANGON, 31 March- Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, accompanied by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kvaw Myint and officials, inspected the Institute of Marine Technology this morning.
Principal of the IMT U Win Thein took them on a tour of the institute and reported on construction of the archway of the institute, repair of parade ground and the building of an annexes.
The minister gave instructions on completing the project as scheduled and planting kitchen crops on
the campus.
The minister and party proceeded to Myanma Shipyards, where they inspected repair of Myatyadana Ship which will ply in Bagan and Nyaung U for tourist the assembling of a 56-metre ship and the. site for the building of a modern dockyard for 12000-ton ships under the agreement between Myanma Shipyards and Shandong Agricultural Industry Commerce Group Corporation of the People's Republic of China.
The minister gave instructions on completion of projects as targeted, meeting the set quality standards, of the production sector, exceeding the targets and production of required raw materials.

(10) Upper Myanmar branch of CID opened
YANGON, 3 1 March- The opening ceremony of branch of Criminal Investigation Department under Myanmar Police Force was held in Mandalay on 30 March, attended by member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint. The Commander of CID explained the opening of branch.

(11) Demonstration for Intergraph Technology held
YANGON 31 March- A demonstration ceremony of Intergraph Technology on construction was held at the Head Office of Public Works this afternoon.
Present were Deputy Ministers for Construction U Tint Swe and Brig-Gen Myint Thein, Adviser Lt-Col Than Htut, Managing Director of Public Works U Nay Soe Naing, officials of Ministry of Rail Transportation, Ministry of Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs, Ministry of Science and Technology, Yangon Technological University, Directorate Signals and Directorate of Military Engineers, officials of Myanmar Intergraph and Intergraph Systems South East Asia Pte Ltd. The ceremony ended with concluding remarks by Lt-Col Than Htut.

(12) 35th Meeting of ASEAN Committee on Culture and Information to be held in Myanmar
YANGON, 31 March-The 35th Meeting of the ASEAN Committee on Culture and Information will be held at Traders Hotel from 3 to 7 April.
Representatives of ten member countries of ASEAN and representatives of the ASEAN Secretaries and Australia will attend the meeting. The 34th Meeting of the ASEAN Committee on Culture and
Information was held in Manila, the Philippines, from 10 to 14May, 1999.
At the 35th meeting, participants will approve the draft paper on ASEAN cultural heritage, review
implementation of cultural and information plans, plans being implemented in collaboration with
dialogue partners, and reports from the meetings of ASEAN Cultural and Information Subcommittee, discuss future programmes to be carried out and resolutions made at the ASEAN Summit and meetings of the permanent committee, approve minutes of the 34th Meeting of the ASEAN Committee on Culture and Information, assess proposed plans to be presented at the present meeting, and designate the venue and date for the 36th meeting.

(13) 0.407 kilo of heroin seized in Phakant
YANGON. 31 March-A combined team comprising local Tatmadawmen, intelligence unit, Myanmar Police Force and departmental officials, acting on information, waiting on the road, No 2 Ward, Seikmu Village, Phakant Township, Kachin
State 19 March, arrested Daw Nan Mya, daughter of U Ba Kyaw, B/58, Thayagon Village, Seikmu Village tract, Phakant Township, together with 0.407 kilo of heroin. Action is being taken against her under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.

(14) 32 Ngaputaw NLD members resign of own accord
YANGON, 31 March-Thirty-two members resigned from the National League for Democracy of
Ngaputaw Township, Ayeyawady Division.
Thirty-two members of Ngaputaw Township NLD, Ayeyawady Division, of their own accord, resigned by sending letters of resignation to Ngaputaw Township Multiparty Democracy General Election Sub-commission and the party concerned on 5 September 1999 as they no longer wished to participate in the party politics of NLD.

(15)WEATHER
Maximum temperature on 30-3-2000 was 35.0°C (95°F)
Minimum temperature on 21-3-2000 was 24.5°C (76°F)

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