( 1 ) Shwepyitha Bridge opened to contribute towards regional and national development

Yangon, 2 Jan- Shwepyitha Bridge linking Shwepyitha and Hlinethaya townships, Yangon North District, Yangon Division, was commissioned into service this morning, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and Secretary-3 Lt-Gen Win Myint.

Also present on the occasion were member of the Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen Tin Tun, ministers, Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Yangon Mayor, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, local authorities, others associations, teachers, students,   music troupes and dance troupes, local people of Shwepyitha, Hlinethaya, Htantabin, Insein, Hmawby, Hlegu, Taikkyi and Mingaladon townships and guests totalling over 35,000.

Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than delivered an address. He said Shwepyitha Bridge lies at the network of roads leading to four townships  Insein, Hlinethaya, Shwepyitha and Htantabin  and it spans Hline River linking Htantabin and Hlinethaya on the western bank with Insein and Shwepyitha on the east. He spoke of the benefits that would accrue to the people of Hlinethaya and Htantabin Townships on Tetthitkyun, as they can now use not only the existing Bayintnaung Bridge and Aung Zeya Bridge but the newly-built Shwepyitha Bridge. The social, economic and health sectors of the townships will improve further, and transport will be smoother in Hlinethaya and Shwepyitha industrial zones.

When Yangon-Hline-thaya-Twantay Road Project, which is under way, is completed, people in Dalla, Twantay, Kawhmu and Kungyangon townships of Yangon South District will be able to reach Yangon by road through Shwepyitha Bridge without taking ferry across Yangon River, and they will be able to plan trips to Upper Myanmar.

Products of Ayeyawady Division can be carried along Yangon-Nyaungdon and through Shwepyitha Bridge, and No-1 and No-4 Highways to Upper Myanmar, and trade and flow of commodities will therefore become swifter. On completion of Htantabin-Ayeywalay-Rakhine Yoegyi-Hlinethaya Road being built with the supervision of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council, people of Htantabin Township will also be able to go to Yangon through Shwepyitha Bridge, and Htantabin will become more prosperous.

In conclusion, the Commander expressed thanks to Senior General Than Shwe, who gave guidance on construction of the bridge, and urged the local authorities and people to maintain it for its durability.

Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun gave a speech.

He said the ministry is undertaking the projects for construction of roads, bridges, new airports and buildings for promotion of the transport sector in keeping with the guidance by the State Peace and Development Council.

He noted that the purpose of implementing these projects is to bring about equal economic and social progress for all the national races, and to consolidate national unity and vitalize the conviction to safeguard the nation upholding Our Three Main National Causes. The countries making a good progress have reliable and smooth transport sector, and for Myanmar to develop, roads and bridges are built on the first stage, and in Yangon Division, there are altogether 20 bridges, including Shwepyitha Bridge, which have been built.

The government, he noted, has built 119 bridges of 180 feet in length and above in all states and divisions. Building of Shwepyitha Bridge which will contribute to smooth transport all over the country starting from Yangon Division began on 1 January 1998 with the pile-driving ceremony. The construction cost was US$ 4.44 million plus over K 3.251 billion. Roads in 1988-89 stretched just 13,635 miles, and today, there are 17,479 miles of roads.

He said the government has also built Mandalay International Airport, and Hanthawady International Airport Project is under way. Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary-3 said opening of the bridge is a victory of the State and the people as it not only benefits the people but also helps development the respective township, Yangon Division and the nation. The Tatmadaw government since its assumption of the State power has given priority to the prevalence of peace and stability and winning back national consolidation.

When theses endeavours began to gain gradual progress, it laid down short-term national economic plans; success has been achieved in implementing the production, trade and services sectors. Special projects have been laid down in implementing the trade sector which helps develop the nation and strengthen national solidarity. Building of roads and bridges in the entire nation has led to the progress in the transport sector, resulting in flourishing of links and unity among the national people.

At the conclusion ceremony of Advanced Management Course No 7 for Executives of Union Solidarity and Development Association and Management Course No 21 for USDA Executives which was held on 3 May 2000, Head of State Senior General Than Shwe said "Extended building of trade infrastructures has assisted the political, economic and social situations of the respective regions and also the relations among the nation people. "

He elaborated on the State's endeavours for progress of the entire nation including Yangon, saying the population of Yangon was 620,000 in 1948, 2.8 million in 1988 and 3.85 million in 2000. Endeavours to develop Yangon's situation to meet the international standard are gaining momentum. High-rise buildings and modern houses appeared at the places where squatters occupied in the past.

New satellite towns have been built and arrangements have been made in enabling the people to move to the new towns in lessening the congestion of the city. Plans are being made for the emergence of industrial towns in the suburban areas of the city. Yangon now is splendid with detached houses, high-rise buildings housing apartments and officers, international-standard hotels, economic centres and other modern social facilities. Advanced parks and international-level sports grounds have been added to the city. Gateway roads to the city and city belt roads, which are included in one of the characteristics of a modern city, and roads linking the city and the new satellite towns have been built. City roads have been extended to four-lane or six-lane highways such as Baho, Ahlon, Dhammazedi, Bayintnaung, Mindhamma, Watzayanda, Parami, Airport, Okkala, Gandama and Nanataw and city circular roads emerged in and around the city.

He said 64 miles tarred roads in Hlinethayar and 53 tarred roads in Shwepyitha were constructed, adding that North Okkalapa, Parami and Thingangyun Bridges linking Dagon Myothit, Maha Bandoola Bridge linking Pazundaung and Dawbon Township, Thanlyin Bridge, Bayintnaung Bridge, Aung Zeya Bridge and newly opened Shwepyitha Bridge have been constructed. He added that by doing so, communications between industrial zones and industries, flow of commodities will ensure easy and smooth and products from factories can easily be transported to Yangon and Thilawa ports for export. He said one can travel to Ayeyawady Division and Rakhine State through Bayintnaung, Aung Zeya and Shwepyitha Bridges and ensuring smooth flow of commodities among Yangon and Ayeyawady Divisions and Rakhine State will bring about rapid progress.

Therefore, priority has been given to construction of roads and bridges that bring about national development and national solidarity, economic and social progress, he said.

The Secretary-3 expressed thanks for the Minister for Construction, engineers, technicians, skilled workers and personnel who participated in the construction. He said Hline River Bridge (Shwepyitha) will contribute towards development of Yangon City, Yangon Division and the entire Union and socio-economic life of local people and the entire national races. He called for maintenance of the bridge for durability.

Secretary-3 Lt-Gen Win Myint presented bonus to the personnel of Shwepyitha Bridge Project through the Project Superintending Engineer U Myint Lwin. Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun formally opened the bridge. Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun unveiled the plaque. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and Secretary-3 Lt-Gen Win Myint and party inspected the bridge. The bridge 3,415-foot long has a 52.5 feet wide fourlane motorway and six-foot pedestrian lands on either side. The clearance is 345 feet wide and 36 feet high. It can withstand 60-ton trucks.

Secretary-1 inspects Ninth Mayor's Trophy Horticultural Show

Yangon, 2 Jan- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt inspected the Ninth Mayor's Trophy Horticultural Show to mark the 53rd Anniversary Independence Day at the corner of Mindhamma and Tawwin Roads in Mayangon Township this morning. At 10 am, the Secretary-1, accompanied by Secretary-3 Lt-Gen Win Myint, member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, arrived at the show where they were welcomed by Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay, Secretary of the Organizing Committee for the Show Head of Parks & Playgrounds Department U Nyunt Pe, Deputy Head of Health Department Dr Daw Yi Yi Thein and officials. Then, the Secretary-1 and party were conducted round the show by officials. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions and left the show at 10.30 am.

Two Mitsubishi Strada vehicles presented to Office of Strategic Studies

Yangon, 2 Jan-With the patronage of mother Daw Yin Yin May, wellwishers Dr Tha Yin Myat and wife Daw Nwe Nwe Aye and daughter Chaw Su Myat of Thuwunna Ingyin Myaing Street in Thingangyun Township, donated two Mitsubishi Strada vehicles to the Office of the Strategic Studies of the Ministry of Defence this evening in memory of late father Maj Tha Din Gyi. Wellwisher Dr Tha Yin Myat and wife Daw Nwe Nwe Aye and family presented two Mitsubishi Strada vehicles to Chief of the Office of the Strategic Studies Director of Defence Services Intelligence Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt inspected the vehicles. Present were Deputy Chief of the Office of the Strategic Studies and Deputy Director of Defence Services Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win and officials.

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( 2 ) Myanmar Beans, Pulses and Sesamum Merchants Association holds eighth annual meeting

Yangon, 2 Jan-The eighth annual meeting of Myanmar Beans, Pulses and Sesamum Merchants Association was held at the Hotel Equatorial this afternoon, attended by Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo and Secretary-3 Lt-Gen Win Myint.

Also present on the occasion were ministers, the deputy minister for Commerce, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, the president of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry and officials, Patrons of MBPSMA, chairman, CEC members and guests.

Chairman of the Central Executive Committee of Myanmar Beans, Pulses and Sesamum Merchants Association U Thein Shwe delivered the opening address. Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo said the government is providing opportunities for local and foreign entrepreneurs to participate in the market economic system. In the agriculture sector, emphasis is being paid to cultivation of the four-pillar crops  paddy, beans, cotton and sugarcane   for increasing hard currency earnings.

It is a vital task to cultivate beans for local sufficiency and export quality. Cultivation of beans has been a great change since 1988 due to foreign market   demand, low cost in production, and favourable conditions to grow beans as mixed crops. Of the six beans-producing countries of the ASEAN, Myanmar has the most acreage under beans crops and exports the most volume.

The Secretary-2 spoke of the need to expand cultivation of beans crops and produce better quality beans to reach the second place from the third on the list of the world's beans-exporting countries. He stressed the need to expand cultivation, boosting production and trade in beans with an accelerated momentum.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation is implementing beans cultivation projects designing matpe, pedisein and pesinngon special zones, he said and underscored the need to develop the technology in storage, cleansing and export of beans. Today, quality beans are fetching good prices in foreign market, and Myanmar needs to strive for boosting beans export in quality and volume. In conclusion, the Secretary-2 called for cooperation of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, the Ministry of Commerce and the Myanmar Beans, Pulses and Sesamum Merchants Association to cooperate for boosting cultivation, production and export of beans.

Next, Secretary-3 Lt-Gen Win Myint explained efforts to gain progress for MBPSMA, tasks to be undertaken, extending of market for beans and sesamum and matters on fixing deceivingly price. Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Brig-Gen Lun Maung and President of UMFCCI U Win Myint put suggestions on purchase of beans and sesamum, export and progress of the association. CEC member Daw Soe Soe Aung submitted the report of the executive committee and financial statement for approval. Next, amendment of the memorandum of association and resignation of executives were submitted to the meeting. Director-General of Directorate of Trade U Nyunt Aye announced new CEC members and executives for 2001-2002. The meeting came to a close after extending greetings by Chairman of new CEC U Tun Aung.

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( 3 ) Secretary-2 visits booths of School Family Day for 2000-2001 academic year

Yangon, 2 Jan- Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo viewed booths of School Family Day for 2000-2001 academic year in Diamond Jubilee Hall on Pyay Road this afternoon. Accompanied by Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Brig-Gen Lun Maung and officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo arrived at the Diamond Jubilee Hall at 1 pm today.

They were welcomed by Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Minister for Education U Than Aung, deputy ministers, senior Tatmadaw officers and departmental officials. First, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo and party viewed booths of book fair on the ground floor. Then, the Secretary-2 and party viewed domestic and handicraft booths of No 1 and No 2 Basic Education Departments, booths of Bagan art and e-Education on the second floor, learning of students with multi-media teaching aid and language lab on the third floor at Diamond Jubilee Hall. Later, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo fulfilled the requirements.

Secretary-2 receives Vice-Mayor of City of Fujian Province

Yangon, 2 Jan- Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo received Vice-Mayor Mr Lin Long Qui of Quanzhou City and party of Fujian Province of the People's Republic of China at the Yeiktha of the Ministry of Defence at 9.30 am today.

Also present at the call were Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Brig-Gen Lun Maung, Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu, Deputy Minister for Transport Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint, Vice-Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa and officials.

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( 4 ) Minister inspects institutes of medicines

Yangon, 2 Jan- Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, accompanied by Deputy Minister Professor Dr Mya Oo, inspected institutes of medicine here on 31 December. The minister and party arrived at Institute of Medicine-1 in Lanmadaw Township. Director-General Professor Dr Maung Maung Win of Medical Sciences Department, Director-General Dr Wan Maung of Health Department and Rector Dr Myo Myint reported on arrangements being made for the Special Four-Year Plan for the Promotion of National Education and improvement of teaching. The minister gave instructions on work and inspected the computer room, the multimedia room and the electronic library of IM-1. At IM-2, Rector Dr Tha Hla Shwe and officials reported on turning out the skilful persons and uplift of teaching standard. The minister gave instructions on prompt installation of teaching aid, effective teaching and systematic use of the accessories.

Extension of Meat & Fish Breeding and Production Committee holds coord meeting

Yangon, 2 Jan- The Extension of Meat and Fish Breeding and Production Committee held the coordination meeting at the meeting hall of Fisheries Department on Hsinmin Road in Ahlon Township this afternoon. Chairman of the committee Minister at the Prime minister's Office Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe and Vice-Chairman Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein gave instructions on progress in extended production of meat and fish sector in respective States and Divisions and arrangements for tasks to be carried out with added momentum. Member of the committee in-charge for Yangon Division Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan reported on implementation of extended breeding in Yangon Division. Members of Extended Prawn Breeding and Production Special Work Group, members of Extended Meat Production Special Work Group and officials took part in the discussions. After hearing reports, Secretary of the Extension of Meat and Fish Breeding and Production Committee Deputy Minister for Livestock and Fisheries U Aung Thein gave a supplementary report. Then, the chairman and the vice-chairman attended to requirements to officials.

Minister inspects booths of 53rd Anniversary Independence Day Exhibition

Yangon, 2 Jan- Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung this evening inspected the 53rd Anniversary Independence Day Exhibition to be opened at the Tatmadaw Convention Centre on U Wisara Road in Dagon Township from 3 to 11 January. It will remain open between 9 am and 5 pm daily. It is organized by the 53rd Anniversary Independence Day Exhibition Committee.

On arrival at the Tatmadaw Convention Centre the minister was welcomed by Chairman of Sub-committee for the Exhibition Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein and officials.

Afterwards the minister inspected booths of the exhibition. Then the minister gave necessary instructions and lift the venue in the evening.

Minister inspects multimedia apparatus booth in Mandalay

Yangon, 2 Jan- Minister for Education U Than Aung, accompanied by Director-General Lt-Col Win Htein of No 2 Basic Education Department, Director-General Dr Thein Myint of Higher Education Department (Upper Myanmar) and Mandalay Division Education Officer U Tun Shein and officials, arrived at the gymnasium of No 14 Basic Education High School in Chanayethazan Township on 31 December morning. The minister viewed display of the multimedia apparatus booth of School Family Day (Upper Myanmar). The minister gave necessary instructions. A total of 334 charts, 106 kits and 55 models were displayed at the multimedia apparatus booth which will open till 5 January.

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( 5 ) UDE lectures carried through e-Education programmes

Yangon, 2 Jan- The subjects of University of Distance Education through e-Education programmes' English, Botany, Myanmar, History, Physics, Oriental Studies, Geography, Chemistry and Zoology were launched at Electronic Learning Centres throughout of the country with the use of Electronic Data Broadcasting System from 7 am to 4.30 pm on 1 January (Monday) 2001 which was a significant and remarkable day in Myanma education history. Students of UDE together with teachers in Myeik College, No 2 Basic Education High School in Kyauktan Township in Yangon Division, Sittway University in Rakhine State, Hpa-an College in Kayin State and Shwebo College in Sagaing Division learnt broadcast programmes at the learning centres.

Prizes presented to winners in School Family Day Boat Race

Yangon, 2 Jan- The prize presentation for the boat race of 2000-2001 academic year School Family Day was held at the University Boat Club on Inya Road this morning. Present were Minister for Education U Than Aung, Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, Deputy Ministers for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung and U Myo Nyunt and officials. Minister U Than Aung presented prizes to the winners in the boys' novice four oars event. Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint also presented prizes to the winners in the girls' four oars event. Then, deputy ministers and officials presented prizes to other winners.

USDA Management Multiplier Course concludes in Mingala Taungnyunt

Yangon, 2 Jan- The USDA Management Multiplier Course No 9 for executives, organized by Mingala Taungnyunt Township Union Solidarity and Development Association, concluded at the township USDA Office this morning. Member of Central Executive Committee of USDA U Aung San gave instructions. Then, the CEC member accepted donations for the course and presented prizes to outstanding trainees. Later, officials presented certificates to the trainees.

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( 6 ) Mindhamma Hill teeming with devotees

Yangon, 2 Jan- Members of the Sangha, nuns, people and students visited Lawka Chantha Abhaya Laba Muni Buddha Image on Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township today.

The engineers and staff of Building Project Special Group-2 of Public Works going on construction of the Gandakudi Kyaungdawgyi, southern and northern stairways and retaining wall. Stone sculptor U Taw Taw and son, Myanmar handicraft technicians U Ohn Tin and U Hla Kyu and party are making the finishing touches of Buddha image, the decoration work of Gandakudi Kyaungdawgyi and southern and northern stairways. Chairman of Central Committee for Construction of Mindhamma Hill Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin together with Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko and officials inspected all round construction and handicraft work yesterday evening. Books on religious affairs and general knowledge, Lawka Niti books and 2001 calendar were sold at the book shops of Ministry of Religious Affairs and Ministry of Information on Mindhamma Hill. Donations for the project up to date have amounted to K 120,271,383.

Stakes driven for Korean-Myanmar Buddhist Monastery

Yangon, 2 Jan- The stake-driving ceremony for Korean-Myanmar Buddhist Monastery to be donated by Ven Young Wol (Kim Hyung Soo) of Korean Buddhism Jokye Jone in Seoul, Republic of Korea, and built in the compound of Inya Kanpya Kyaungtaik on University Avenue in Bahan Township was held in the compound this afternoon. Present on the occasion were State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee member Sayadaws, well-wishers and guests. At the ceremony, State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee member Sayadaws drove stakes for construction of the monastery.

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( 7 ) Thallawady 6 launched for Monywa-Homalin voyage on Chindwin River

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