THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
( Wednesday,  3 May  2000)

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  1. General Maung Aye tours Kunlon and Laukkai in Shan State (North)
  2. General Maung Aye and Daw Mya Mya San pay homage to pagodas in Namhsan Township, Shan State (North)
  3. Secretary-l receives Trade Ministers of PRC, Japan and ROK
  4. Stakes driven in to build Yangon-Thanlyin Bridge No 2
  5. Deputy Prime Minister receives Chinese entrepreneurs
  6. MAPI Bernas Co of Malaysia sign Counter Trade Agreement
  7. Minister for Hotels and Tourism meets foreign visitor
  8. Minister for Health meets Japanese visitors
  9. Economic Ministers of ASEAN and China, Japan and South Korea meet
  10. Joint Press of the First AEM
  11. Press Conference on meeting of ASEAN Economic Ministers with Economic Ministers of PRC, Japan and ROK held
  12. ASEAN economic ministers leave for home
  13. Myanmar delegation arrives back
  14. 260,000 stimulant tablets seized in Nawnghkio
  15. 10 members of Yinmabin Township NLD resign of own accord
  16. WEATHER
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(1) General Maung Aye tours Kunlon and Laukkai in Shan State (North)

YANGON, 1 May-Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander--in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye, accompanied ministers and senior military officers, left Lashio for Kunlon by helicopter on 30 April. The General met with the officiating tactical operations commander and officials in the hall of the regional battalion, and gave instructions.

Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing and with departmental personnel from Kunlon District and Township and Kunlon Township in ThanlwinU Hall. Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung met with employees of Kunlon District and Township Information and Public Relations Department at the district office. Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt inspected the development school for national youths from border areas in Kunlon.

Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa went to the monastery donated by Youth Development Parahita Gayha of the Social Welfare Department in Kunlon, and paid respects to the Sayadaw. Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein inspected Township People's Hospital. Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung met with the township education officer and teachers at Kunlon Basic Education High School, and inspected the school. The General and party left Kunlon for Laukkai by helicopter.

They were welcomed there by Col Zaw Win and senior military officers of Laukkai Station, chairmen of Laukkai District and Township Organizational and Administrative Committees and members, families, Kokang national race leader U Phon Kya Shin of Special Region-1 of Shan State ( North) and party. The General had a cordial meeting with U Phon Kya Shin and party, and gave to officials instructions on regional development tasks. Then, the General presented gifts to U Phon Kya Shin and party. The ministers, the deputy ministers and the department heads, who accompanied the General, met with members of Laukkai District and Township Organizational and Administrative Committee and government employees, and inspected offices and departments. The ministers also met with local national race leaders and discussed matters related to regional development. The General and party left there by helicopter at 3.30 pm and arrived back at Lashio.

(2) General Maung Aye and Daw Mya Mya San pay homage to pagodas in Namhsan Township, Shan State (North)
 
YANGON, 2 May-Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San paid obeisance to Maha Myat Muni Pagoda in Namhsan Township, Shan State (North) yesterday. On arrival at Namhsan, they were welcomed by departmental personnel and local people. The General and party paid homage to historic Maha Myat Muni Buddha Image in the township. After visiting the Gandakuti Taik, they offered Shwethingan to the image.

General Maung Aye and Daw Mya Mya San presented donations to the pagoda funds. The pagoda board of trustees presented a photo of the pagoda to them. At Zaitonsan Monastery, General Maung Aye and Daw Mya Mya San paid respects to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Labha and Sayadaw Bhaddanta Tejavamsa. General Maung Aye and Daw Mya Mya San presented rice and offertories to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kondinna. The General and party paid homage to Phaungdawsaik Pagoda, Mya Pagoda and Koenawin Pagoda.

They also presented offertories to members of the Sangha and nuns. This morning, they paid obeisance to Maha Myat Muni Buddha Image in Mandalay. They also offered Shwethingan to the image and donations to the pagoda.

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(3) Secretary-l receives Trade Ministers of PRC, Japan and ROK

YANGON, 2 May-Chairman of ASEAN Steering Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of the People's Republic of China Mr Shi Guangsheng, Minister of International Trade and Industry of Japan Mr Takashi Fukaya and Minister of Trade of ROK Mr Han Duck-Soo, currently here to attend coordination meeting of ASEAN Economic Ministers and Trade Ministers of the PRC, Japan and the Republic of Korea at the guest house of the Ministry of Defence this morning. Present on the occasion together with the Secretary-1 were Minister U Aung Thaung, Minister Sone, Minister Brig-Gen Abel, Minister U Khin Maung Thein, Minister U Win Aung, Minister Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Minister Hla Myint Swe, Minister Lun Thi, Minister Maj-Gen Tin Htut, Minister U Saw Tun, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win and Director-General of Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet.

(4) Stakes driven in to build Yangon-Thanlyin Bridge No 2

YANGON, 2 May -Stakes were driven in to build Yangon-Thanlyin Bridge No 2, spanning Bago River between Dagon Myothit (Seikkan) Township and Kalawe village in Thanlyin Township, this morning in Dagon Myothit (Seikkan) Township. Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt drove in the stake and the Yadana pile. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun drove in the stakes.

 The Secretary-1 pressed the button to drive in the Yadana pile. Scented water was sprinkled on the stakes and the Yadana pile. At the briefing hall of the project, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe,-Deputy Minister for Transport U Pe Than and officials reported on points of the project and the conditions of waterways. The Secretary-1 gave suggestions. The four-lane bridge will be 3,940 feet long. Flanked by two six-foot pedestrian ways, the four-lane motorway will be 48 feet wide. Its clearance is 26 feet. The waterway under it is 130 feet wide. It can bear up to 60 ton loads. The bridge will ensure easy and smooth transport for large container trucks to Thilawa Port. Accompanied by officials, the Secretary-1 inspected Maha Bandoola Bridge Project in Pazundaung Township. The Secretary-1 gave instructions.

The 3,643-foot long suspension bridge will have a 72-foot wide motorway flanked by two six-foot pedestrian ways on either side. Its clearance is 45 feet. The waterway under it is 400 feet wide. It can withstand up to 60-ton loads. Ninety-two per cent the project has been completed so far.

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(5) Deputy Prime Minister receives Chinese entrepreneurs

YANGON, 2 May- Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Admiral Maung Maung Khin received Director Mr Zhou Baodong and party of Shandong Provincial Government Observation Group (Economic Observation Group) of the People's Republic of China at his office this afternoon. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister for Energy U Tin Tun and officials of the Government's Office.

(6) MAPI Bernas Co of Malaysia sign Counter Trade Agreement

YANGON, 2 May-A signing ceremony of Counter Trade Agreement between Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading of the Ministry of Commerce and Bernas Co of Malaysia was held at Toungoo Hall of Traders Hotel on Sule Pagoda Road this evening. Present on the occasion were Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Minister Dato Seri Rafidah Aziz of Intentional Trade and Industry of Malaysia, Ambassador of Malaysia Dato Muhammad Bin Noh and Managing Director Mr Mohd Ibrahim Nor of Berns Co of Malaysia and officials. Managing Director of MAPT U Min Hla Aung and Managing Director Mr Mohd Ibrahim Nor of Bernas Co signed the agreement and exchanged the documents. Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone and Minister Dato Seri Rafidah Aziz also made speeches.

(7) Minister for Hotels and Tourism meets foreign visitor

YANGON, 2 May-Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin met Director (Travels and Tours) Mr Ronnie Phauh Soom Hai of Star Cruise, Singapore at his office this afternoon. The director reported on the voyages of cruise liners to be made to Myanmar. Also present were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu, Managing Director U Kyi Tun of Myanmar Hotels and Tourism Services and officials and those of Myanmar Voyages International Tourism Co Ltd

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(8) Minister for Health meets Japanese visitors

YANGON, 2 May-Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein met visiting President Mr Tadataka Koide and Professor Nagato Natsume of School of Dentistry AICHIGAKUIN University at Hotel Equatorial this evening. Also present were Deputy Minister Professor Dr Mya Oo, directors-general of departments under the ministry and officials.

(9) Economic Ministers of ASEAN and China, Japan and South Korea meet

YANGON, 2 May- The Meeting of Economic Ministers of ASEAN with the Ministers from the People's Republic of China, Japan and Republic of Korea took place at the Traders Hotel here this morning.

The meeting, which was the first for ASEAN and the three countries, was attended by delegates led by Minister Pehin Dato Abdul Rahman Taib of Industry and Primary Resources, Brunei Darussalam, those by Minister of Commerce of Cambodia Mr Cham Prasidh, those by Mr Hatanto Reksodipoetro, Special Representative of the Minister of Industry and Trade of Indonesia, those by Minister to the Prime Minister's Office of Lao PDR Mr Bountiem Phissamay, those by Minister of International Trade and Industry of Malaysia Dato' Seri Rafidah Aziz, those led by Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel, those by Mr Mar Roxas II, Secretary of Trade and Industry of the Philippines, those by BG (NS) George Yeo, Minister of Trade and Industry of Singapore, those by Dr Supachai Panitchpakhdi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce of Thailand, those by Mr Vu Khoan, Minister of Trade of Vietnam, those led by Mr Shi Guangsheng, Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of the People's Republic of China, those by Mr Takashi Fukaya, Minister of International Trade and Industry of Japan, those by Mr Han Duck-Soo, Minister of Trade of the Republic of Korea, and Secretary-General of ASEAN Mr Rodolfo C Severino and officials. It was presided over by Minister of Trade and Industry of Singapore BG (NS) George Yeo.

The ministers exchanged views on the follow-up to the Joint Statement on East Asian Cooperation issued by leaders of ASEAN, China, Japan and Republic of Korea at their Summit held in Manila on 28 November 1999. They discussed matters related to strengthening efforts in accelerating trade, investment and technology transfer, encouraging technical cooperation in information technology and e-commerce, encouraging active participation in development of growth areas involving ASEAN, including the Mekong River Basin, heightening cooperative efforts on Human Resources Development, promoting broader private sector participation through networking initiatives such as East Asian Business Council and industries specific business fora, promotion of agricultural, industrial cooperation and tourism, strengthening small and medium enterprises and supporting industries, cooperation in scientific and technological development, and coordination and cooperation in various and international and regional fora and others.

At the meeting, they also considered a wide range of international and regional economic issues and exchanged views on them. The joint Press Release on the Meeting was then released.

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(10) The First Meeting of the ASEAN Economic Ministers and the Ministers of People's Republic of China, Japan and Republic of Korea 2 May 2000, Yangon, Myanmar
 

 Joint Press Statement


l . The First Meeting of the ASEAN Economic Ministers and Misters of the People 's Republic of China, Japan and the Republic of Korea was held in Yangon, Myanmar on 2 May 2000.

2. The meeting followed from the mandate of the Leaders of ASEAN, People's Republic of China, Japan and Republic of Korea at their Summit in November 1999 in Manila for enhancing cooperation between ASEAN and the three Northeast Asian countries. The joint Statement on East Asian Cooperation had agreed on a broad range of cooperation in the economic field and tasked the Ministers to oversee the implementation of the areas of cooperation.  Significance of the ASEAN+People's Republic of China, Japan and Republic of Korea

3. The Ministers were pleased to participate in the First ASEAN+3 Economic Ministers Meeting, an important process contributing towards the ASEAN+People's Republic of China, Japan and Republic of Korea Summit to be held in Singapore in November 2000. The Ministers recognized the importance of cooperation and collaboration in industry, trade, investment and other economic areas among ASEAN, People's Republic of China, Japan and Republic of Korea against the background of the deepened economic interdependence in the region spurred by globalization and the rapid development of Information and Communications Technology (ICT). The Ministers shared the view that the Meeting could provide a valuable opportunity for further collaboration, promote a cohesive response to the challenges of globalization, and recover the region's role as a growth centre in the world.

 4. The Ministers also recognized the significance of the Meeting to discuss intentional economic issues with a view to promoting coordination and cooperation among ASEAN+People's Republic of China, Japan, and Republic of Korea in international and regional economic fora such as WTO, APEC and ASEM. The Ministers thanked Japan for her offer to articulate the concerns and interests of ASEAN in the G8 Summit to be held in Okinawa in July 2000.

5. The Ministers noted the large flow of trade between ASEAN and the three Northeast Asian countries, which in 1998, totalled US $ 122 billion. The Ministers agreed that, with the sustained economic recovery of the region, there was a huge potential for further expanding trade and investment flows among the countries of East Asia. Areas of Cooperation

Among the major areas of cooperation discussed and agreed to at the meeting were:
(i)Strengthening efforts in accelerating trade, investment and technology transfer;
(ii)Encouraging technical cooperation in information technology and e-commerce;
(iii)Encouraging active participation in the development of growth areas involving ASEAN, including the Mekong River Basin;

(iv)Heightening cooperative efforts on Human Resources Development;
(v)Promoting broader private sector participation through networking initiatives such as East Asian Business Council and industries specific business fora;
(vi)Promotion of agriculture, industrial cooperation and tourism;
(vii) Strengthening small medium enterprises and Supporting industries;
(viii) Cooperation in scientific and technological development; and
(ix) coordination and cooperation in various international and regional fora.

7. The Ministers stressed the importance of equal partnership as a basis of cooperation between ASEAN+People's Republic of China, Japan and Republic of Korea, under which the cooperation should bring about mutual benefit. The Ministers recognized the importance of further improving the investment environment in the region. In this regard, the Ministers expressed hope for further progress of ASEAN economic integration. The Ministers also recognized the importance of human resources development in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Supporting Industries (Sl).

8. The Ministers tasked their senior officials to lake the necessary follow-up actions to ensure that concrete outcomes could be presented to the ASEAN + People's Republic of China, Japan and Republic of Korea Summit in Singapore in November 2000. The Ministers recognized the benefits of meeting on a regular basis. They agreed to meet in October 2000 in Chiang Mai, Thailand with the 32nd AEM.

9. The Ministers considered a wide range of intentional and regional economic matters of common interest. They agreed that they need to make active contributions, with one voice, to the establishment of the international economic framework with a view to continuing further economic growth in the region.

10. The Ministers discussed how to move the WTO process forward after the Seattle Ministerial Conference. They agreed that the agenda of any new round should be wide ranging to achieve a balance of interests for all WTO members, including the implementation of capacity building for developing countries. They emphasized that the market access in industrial goods should be further enhanced, in addition to agriculture and services. They also stressed that the negotiation should improve existing agreements, including the antidumping agreement, to ensure enhanced market access. They agreed to continue discussions how Members could address the need of global economy in the 21St century.

11. The Ministers noted the importance of universal membership of WTO. They agreed that the process of accession of the Least Developed Countries to WTO should be simplified and accelerated as has been stated in the Communiqué by the Ministers of Trade of the Least Developed Countries adopted at UNCTAD X, in Bangkok, on 13 February 2000. They strongly supported the membership of Cambodia, People's Republic of China, Lao PDR and Vietnam to the WTO.

12. The Ministers noted the preparations for APEC 2000 being undertaken by Brunei Darussalam. They expressed their strong support for the theme of "Delivering to the Community". The theme was comprised of three sub-themes, namely, the building of stronger foundations for growth, the creation of new opportunities and making APEC matter more to the community. The Ministers agreed on the need to come up with a concrete action plan at the APEC SME Ministerial Meeting covering HRD, ICT and the role of commence, SME financing and strategic alliance between SMEs and large scale enterprises. They also discussed preparations for the next month's meeting of the APEC Minister Responsible for trade in Darwin, Australia.

13. The Ministers noted the preparations being undertaken by the Republic of Korea for ASEM III in October 2000 in Seoul, Korea. They supported the theme of "Asia-Europe Partnership for Prosperity and Stability in the New Millennium". They agreed to work together in the ASEM context to address the challenges and opportunities offered by the 21St Century. To this end, they agreed on the need for the Economic Ministers to participate actively in the ASEM III process, as was the case in ASEM II in London.

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(11) Press Conference on meeting of ASEAN Economic Ministers with Economic Ministers of PRC, Japan and ROK held

YANGON, 2 May- A Press Conference on Meeting of ASEAN Economic Ministers and Trade Ministers of the People's Republic of China, Japan and the Republic of Korea was held at Traders Hotel this evening. Present were Chairman of Central Committee for holding of AEM Retreat Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman Office Brig-Gen Abel, Chairman of AEM Retreat Minister of Trade and Industry of Singapore BG (NS) George Yeo, Secretary-General of the ASEAN Secretariat Mr Rodolfo C Severino, Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of PRC Mr Shi Guangsheng, Minister of International Trade and Industry of Japan Mr Takashi Fukaya, Minister of Trade of ROK Mr Han Duck-Soo, Patron of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club U Sein Win, President of MFCC U Sao Kai Hpa and correspondents, local and foreign journalists led by Director (News) of News and Periodicals Enterprise U Hla Tun, correspondents of Yomiuri Shimbun, Asahi Shimbun, Sankei Shimbun, Ji Ji Press, Nihon Keizai Shimbun, Kyodo

News, AP, ABC, Fuji TV, Reuters, AFP, BBC, NHK, Straits Times, Dow Jones Newswires and TCS. Chairman of AEM Retreat Minister of Trade and Industry of Singapore BG (NS) George Yeo said the meeting held for the first time was the one that implemented the resolutions of the summit of leaders of ASEAN and the People's Republic of China, Japan and the Republic of Korea held in November 1999 in Manila, the Philippines. Views among ASEAN and three dialogue partners were broadly exchanged and economic cooperation and prospects were sought, he said. The Minister of International Trade and Industry of Japan Mr Takashi Fukaya said Japan wished to render any possible cooperation with ASEAN countries in equal spirit of equal partnership and the meeting was useful not only for Asia but also for the entire world.

The Minister of Trade and Industry of Singapore said that ASEAN accepted there were differences in South-East Asia region and recognized the plurality of cultural and political systems in ASEAN countries. He added ASEAN members respect the basis of common interest and on the basis of deep respect for sovereignty and for each other's diversity. "As far as ASEAN and Myanmar are concerned we have very good relations and for the reason that we meet here for this meeting", he said.

(12) ASEAN economic ministers leave for home

YANGON, 2 May-Minister of International Trade and Industry of Malaysia Dato Seri Rafidah Aziz and party, Chairman of E-ASEAN Mr Roberto R Romulo and party and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce of Thailand Dr Supachai Panitchpakdi and party left here by air this morning and this evening respectively after attending the ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Retreat and the Meeting of the ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) with the Economic Ministers from the People's Republic of China, Japan and the Republic of Korea on East Asia Cooperation. They were seen of at Yangon International Airport by Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone and Brig-Gen Abel ,Ambassador of Malaysia Dato Mohammad Bin Noh, Ambassador of Thailand Mr Pensak Chalarak, Charge d'Affaires ai of Philippine Embassy and official.

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(13) Myanmar delegation arrives back

YANGON, 2 May-Myanmar Health delegation led by Deputy Minister for Health Dr Mya Oo arrived back here this afternoon. The delegation attended 5th Meeting for ASEAN Health Ministers and the Senior Officials Meeting held in Jogjakata, Indonesia, from 24 to 29 April. The delegation was welcome by the directors-general of departments under the Ministry of Health, Minister Counsellor Mr Saut Maruli Tua Gultom of Embassy of Indonesia, officials of the Ministry of Health and families of the delegations.

(14) 260,000 stimulant tablets seized in Nawnghkio

YANGON, 2 May-A combined team comprising local intelligence unit and Myanmar Police Force, acting on information, search a passenger van with number plates 2Ka/6428 at the check point of Nawnghkio, Shan State (North) on 18 April and arrested Yan Myint Shin (a) Kyaw Kyaw, son of U Swun Aye, 8 block, No 5 ward, Lashio and Maung Htoo (a) Ah Sein, son of U Le Chun Yi, Yankin Street, 8 block, No 5 ward, Lashio, together with 260,000 stimulant tablets bearing the words WY. Action is being taken against them under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.

(15) 10 members of Yinmabin Township NLD resign of own accord

YANGON, 2 May-Ten members resigned from National League for Democracy of Yinmabin Township, Sagaing Division. Ten members of Yinmabin Township NLD, Sagaing Division, of their own accord, resigned by sending letters of resignation to Yinmabin Township Multiparty Democracy General Election Commission and the party concerned on 18 January 2000 as they no longer wished to participate in party politics of NLD.

(16)WEATHER
 
Maximum temperature on 1-5-2000 was 30.5°C (87°F)
Minimum temperature on 2-5-2000 was 24.0°C (75°F)

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