( 1 ) Multiple cropping can uplift social standard of farmers constituting 35 million of total population

Senior General Than Shwe inspects dam projects in Bago Division, gives guidance on agriculture, livestock breeding, agro-based industries

Yangon, 17 Jan - Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe inspected dam and hydro-electric power projects in Bago Division and gave guidance on Hanthawady International Airport Project during his inspection tour yesterday and today. Accompanied by Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo, Secretary-3 Lt-Gen Win Myint, member of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Kyaw Than, Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Admiral Maung Maung Khin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Military Affairs Lt-Gen Tin Hla, Chairman of Bago Division Peace and Development Council Commander of the Southern Command Maj-Gen Tin Aye, ministers, the Deputy Minister for Health, the Director-General of the State Peace and Development Council Office and other departmental officials, the Senior General helicoptered from Toungoo to Khabaung Multipurpose Dam Project in Ottwin Township yesterday morning.

They were welcomed there by Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation U Ohn Myint, Brig-Gen Aung Win of Ottwin Station, member of Bago Division Peace and Development Council Divisional Police Commander Police Col Aung Gyi and other officials. In the briefing hall, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin reported to the Senior General on the salient points about the project, feasibility survey and implementation of the project. Deputy Minister U Ohn Myint reported on the project plan, requirements for ground-clearing work in the project area, the benefits that would accrue after completion of the Sittoung River basin development project, and Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut and Deputy Chief Engineer of Myanma Electric Power Enterprise U Win Kyaw on the power station project.

The Senior General gave suggestions on implementation of the project after a systematic study on the duration and nature of work.

He said Myanmar technicians and engineers have already gained rich knowledge and experience in building dams and they are to carry out the tasks boldly on self-reliance. Afterwards, the Senior General and party inspected the site chosen for construction of the main dam, and heavy machinery at work. Named Khabaung Dam, the multipurpose dam is being built on Khabaung Creek, 1.25 miles west of the confluence of Khabaung and Praing Creeks. It is an earth dam to be 700 feet long and 172 feet high, to irrigate 198,100 acres of crops on 135,000 acres of land as well as to generate 30 mega-watts. The Senior General and party proceeded to Phyu Creek Multipurpose Dam Project in Phyu Township by helicopter, and they were welcomed on arrival there by Deputy Commander of the Southern Command Brig-Gen Thura Maung Ni, member of the Division Peace and Development Council Commissioner U Chit Maung and officials. In the briefing hall of the project, Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin and Deputy Minister U Ohn Myint reported to the Senior General on the location of the project, plan to build a concrete embankment, cement requirement and detailed plans, and Minister Maj-Gen Tin Htut on the plan for generation of hydro-electric power. After giving suggestions, the Senior General inspected the project map and tasks.

The dam is being built on Phyu Creek 15 miles west of Phyu. It will be 1,000 feet long and 180 feet high, and will irrigate 270,000 acres of crops on 147,000 acres of land, and generate 65 mega-watts. The Senior General and party left Phyu Creek Multipurpose Dam Project for Kun Creek Hydro-Electric Power Project where they were welcomed by Deputy Minister for Electric Power U Myo Myint and officials. In the briefing hall, the Senior General heard reports on the salient points on the project and plans for completion of the project earlier than scheduled. The Senior General gave guidance on implementation of the project as expeditiously as possible with the available machinery, and spoke of the need to start irrigating the fields of crops while power is generated. Later, they inspected the project work and construction materials. MEPE is implementing Kun Creek Hydro-Electric Power Project on Kun Creek, a tributary of the Sittoung River, seven miles southwest of Phyu. The dam will be capable of generating 60 mega-watts and irrigate 110,000 acres. The Senior General and party stopped for the night in Toungoo. This morning, Senior General Than Shwe met with members of Bago Division Peace and Development Council, divisional level departmental officials, chairmen of Bago, Toungoo, Pyay and Thayawady District Peace and Development Councils at the meeting hall of the Southern Command, and gave guidance on agriculture, livestock breeding and economic development tasks.

Commander Maj-Gen Tin Aye reported on the salient points on Bago Division, targets for cultivation of monsoon and summer paddy in 2000-2001, cultivation, yield and purchase of paddy, rice sufficiency, growing of cotton and sugarcane, running of sugar mills, yield of sugarcane, cultivation of beans, edible oil crops, kitchen crops, rubber and cashew, targets for cultivation of crops in the third five-year short-term plan, breeding of fish and prawn, poultry and pig farming, construction of dams, arrangements for extension of cultivation of summer paddy and sesamum irrigated by the dams, conditions of dams in the division, construction of roads and GDP growth of the division. Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin and Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha also reported on the related tasks in the division.

The Senior General said the purpose of their tour was to provide effective supervision and fulfil the requirements in the project implementation in the division. As agriculture is the mainstay of the national economy, national development must be based on the agriculture sector, in which availability of water for agricultural purposes plays a vital role. On completion of all irrigation projects in Bago Division, the division will have 700,000 acres more for cultivation of crops, he noted. The government is building dams and reservoirs for the country's long-term benefits, and ways and means must be sought for availability of water for agricultural purposes.

He emphasized the need for growing crops on any vacant lands so as to use them to gain benefits, without leaving them unused. In building a modern, developed nation, water and land are the real resources, and all have to seriously find ways to use these land and water resources so that they will become value-added. He pointed out that the yield of crops has not been found satisfactory yet, and all have to strive for boosting the yield of crops, while it is not so easy to extend cultivated acreage.

Thirty-five million of the total population are rural farmers, and uplift of the social standard of farmers is equal to uplift of social standard of the entire nation. In working for uplift of social standard of farmers, multiple cropping is one of the solutions. If double cropping or multiple cropping should be possible in a short period, the living standard of farmers will improve so fast. In implementing the target to build an industrial country, agro-based industries can be established without any difficulty, and efforts must be geared up for establishment of industries such as textile mills and sugar mills based on the agriculture sector.

The Senior General also called for expansion of livestock breeding work that should go together with the agricultural development plan for farmers.

In addition to crops such as paddy, beans and pulses and sesame, efforts should be made to extend cultivation of cash crops such as tea and coffee. It is required to grow tea and coffee on thousands of acres in order to cultivate the crops on commercial scale. Cardamom is a crop which fetches good prices in the markets. Encouragement should be given to entrepreneurs to take part in the agriculture on mutually beneficial terms. All should not be satisfied with the current national economic developments as more efforts are required to further strengthen the nation.

Efforts should be made to ensure perpetuation of the Union and further strengthening of national solidarity. More efforts are needed for progress of food, clothing and shelter conditions of the people and health and education sectors. All should make efforts for the fourth or fifth fold progress of the economy. On arrival at Yenwe Multi-purpose Dam Project in Kyauktaga Township, the Senior General and party were welcomed by Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation U Ohn Myint, Deputy Minister for Electric Power U Myo Myint and officials.

After briefing hall, Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin reported to the Senior General on the feasibility study to implement the project, progress in implementing it, Deputy Minister U Ohn Myint on dam projects covered by Sittoung River basin development project and Minister Maj-Gen  Tin Htut and Deputy Minister U Myo Myit on building of a power station at the project.

After giving guidance, the Senior General inspected the project which is being implemented on Yenwe Creek 2.5 miles south of Myochaung village, Kyauktaga Township. The dam will be 1,050 feet long and 251 feet high. Irrigation Department and Myanmar Electric Power Enterprise are jointly implementing the,project. It will irrigate 118,500 acres and will benefit 237,000 acres. It will also generate 20 megawatts of electricity.

During inspection of Baingda Dam Project in DaikU Township, the Senior General heard a report on annual average water flow of Baingda Creek, rainfall of the region, benefited acres and progress in implementing the project presented by Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin and Director-General of ID U Kyaw Sein Win.

The project is being implemented on Baingda Creek 30 miles north-west of DaikU. The earth dam will be 1,400 feet long and 120 feet high. It will irrigate 46,700 acres and will benefit 86,700 acres. The Senior General and party then inspected Kawliya Palm Project which is being implemented one mile two furlongs upstream Kawliya- Kya convergence in DaikU Township. Commander Maj-Gen Tin Aye, Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin and DG U Kyaw Sein Win explained points of the project.

The earth dam will be 900 feet long and 130 feet high. The dam will irrigate 24,500 acres and will effect 45,000 acres of crops. The project will also prevent flooding of DaikU-Pyuntaza plain. During inspection of Hanthawady International Airport Project in Bago Town- ship, the Senior General heard a report on progress in implementing the project, financial ,situation,environmental greening tasks, completion of the runway and construction of a highway linking Yangon- Bago Highway to the airport, presented by Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe.

Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance. The Senior General and party arrived back here at 3 pm.Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo, who accompanied thc Senior General, attended the ceremony to open multimedia teaching centre of the basic education High school in Kaytumati Myothit, Toungoo Township, yesterday afternoon.

Headmistress Daw Khin Za Lwin briefed on the school history and academic matters. Chairman of Toungoo District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Tun Aye reported on providing assistance to multimedia teaching centre. Toungoo District and Township Peace and Development Councils and well wishers presented K 940,000 to Chairman of Township Peace and Development Council and Headmistress. Chairman of School Board of Trustees U Pyu and a well-wisher spoke on the occasion Assistant Director of No I Basic Education Department U Maung Maung Aha reported on assistance of No 1 BED to multimedia teaching centre of Kaytumati Myothit Basic Education High School.

The Secretary-2 explained the governments programme to raise education standard of the students, teaching of effective education with the use of mod- em equipment and providing assistance to the centre in cooperation with teachers, parents and the School Board of Trustees. Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr Kyaw Myint re- ported on school health. The Secretary-2 and party inspected production of bamboo chopsticks and poultry farming of the regional command. The Secretary-2 and party visited poultry farms of U Mein of Pepoke Village in Toungoo Township and U Saw Up-do. Chairman of Toungoo District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Tun Aye and Head of Division Livestock and Veterinary Department reported on poultry farming.The Secretary-2 gave instructions on efforts for progress of poultry farming. The poultry farms of U Mein can produce 19,200 chickens a month. The Secretary-2 and party visited poultry farms of U Maung Maung Than. The Secretary-2 and party, together with member of the State Peace and Development Council Commander- in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Kyaw Than met Tatmadaw members and families.

Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Win Myint met Chairman of Bago Division War Veteran Supervisory Committee and members, the chairmen of Toungoo and Bago District War Veteran Supervisory Committee and members. Present were CEC members of Myanmar War Veteran Organization Maj Gen Saw Tun and Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Thura Maung Ni and officials.

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( 2 ) General Maung Aye receives Chief of Naval Staff of India

Yangon, 17 Jan -Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye received Chief of Naval Staff and Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee of India Navy Admiral Sushil Kumar and party at Tatmadaw Hall of Zeyathiri Beikman on Konemyinttha at 4 pm today.

Also present together with General Maung Aye were Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of the Office of Strategic Studies Director of Defence Services Intelligence Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt,Secretary-2 Chief of Bureau of Special Operations Chief of Staff (Army) Lt-Gen Tin Oo, Secretary-3 Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Rear-Admiral Kyi Min, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Kyaw Than, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Military Affairs Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Tin Hla,Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung. The guests were accompanied by Ambassador of India Mr Shyam Saran, Defence Attache Col Shakti Gurung.

Commander-in-Chief (Navy) meets Indian Counterpart

Yangon, 17 Jan-Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Rear-Admiral Kyi Min of Ministry of Defence received Chief of Naval Staff and Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee Indian Navy Admiral Sushil Kumar and party at the Guest House of Ministry of Defence at 8.30 am today. Also present on the occasion were senior military officers, Ambassador of India to Myanmar Mr Shayan Saran and Defence Attache Col Shakti Gurung.

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( 3 ) Secretary-1 receives Minister of Public Security of PRC

Yangon, 17 Jan-Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received Minister of Public Security of the People's Republic of China Mr Jia Chunwang and party at the guest house of Ministry of Defence this morning. Also present at the call were Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Police Maj-Gen Soe Win, Director-General of Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet and Chinese Ambassador Mr Liang Dong.

Secretary -1 meets President of Pakistan-Myanmar Friendship Association

Yangon, 17 Jan- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt met President of Pakistan-Myanmar Friendship Association Public Affairs Consultant Mrs Shirin Niazi and delegation at the guest house of the Ministry of Defence at 5 pm today. Also present together with Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt were Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Director-Genera l of Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet and Ambassador of Islamic Republic of Pakistan Mr Mian Yousuf Shah.

UMFCCI President receives guest

Yangon, 17 Jan-President of Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce & Industry U Win Myint met with Counsellor Mr Naoki Ito of the Japanese Embassy at the Office of the Federation this morning. They discussed matters related to commerce, investment, private businesses and export.

Minister receives Thai guest

YANGON, 17 Jan-Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin met Chairman Mr Prasit Potha suthon of Vitavas International Company Ltd, Thailand at his office at 11 am today. 
Also present at the call  were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen  Aye Myint Kyu, Managing  Director U Kyi Tun and  responsible officials.

Minister meets PRC Public Security Minister

YANGON, 17 Jan-Chairman of Central Committee for Drug Abuse. Control Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing met  Minister of Public Security of People's Republic of China Mr  Jia Chunwang and party at his office this morning.

Also present at the call were Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Police Maj-Gen Soe Win, Director-General of General Administration Department U Aung Thein, Director General of Bureau of Special  Investigation U Tun Hla Aung,  Head of CCDAC and Drugs Elimination Department Police Col Kharn Aung and Head of Office U Thet Tun.

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( 4 ) Introduction of single democracy system to all countries with different backgrounds impossible

Special Refresher Course No 43 for Basic Education Teachers opens

Yangon, 17 Jan-The opening ceremony of Special Refresher Course No 43 for Basic Education Teachers was held at Nawarat Hall of the Central Institute of Civil Service in Hlegu Township this morning. Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt delivered an opening address.

Also present were the ministers, the chief justice, the attorney-general, the auditor-general, the chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, the deputy ministers, senior military officers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of departments, Rector of CICS Col Win Maung and trainee teachers. As is known to all, the Secretary-1 said the State Peace and Development Council has been making efforts for emergence of a peaceful modern developed nation in line with the historical trend and objective conditions in the nation and the people, reality, prospects, changes in international community and essence of the Union after laying down political, economic and social objectives. Political, economic and social objectives has been realized gradually and all of us can enjoy the success due to the correct policies that will promote national interest practically, he said. He said rapid development has been brought about for national races living in border areas after establishing political stability and tranquillity based on national solidarity. In economic sector, emphasis was placed on economic progress after laying down economic policies and plans based on national forces.

As a result, basic economic foundations emerged and national private economic force with high efficiency and wealth came into being, he said. He cited that Myanmar's economic endeavours have not come up to the expectation and progress is slow due to some big nations that want to influence over Myanmar, fabricated propaganda in collaboration with some news agencies, pressure, economic sanctions with the use of much money by expatriate group relying on those nations that commits subversive acts. He said continued efforts are to be made for the interest of the nation and her people through correct way and already-achieved better economic foundations no matter how they put pressure on the government and impose economic sanctions on it. Continuing, he said, the government will bring about national interests in close economic cooperation with ASEAN member nations, neighbouring countries and friendly nations. He said Myanmar is making concerted efforts for development of electronic and information communication technologies.

Moreover, Myanmar is also implementing the tasks for strengthening of national internal forces, national awareness, spirit and efficiency in social sector, he added. Education promotion programmes for development of students who are the sources of national internal forces in accord with social requirements and promotion of education up to international level are successful. Skill demonstration of the students showed the good results of the education promotion programmes on the recent School Family Day, he added. Development of electronic and communication technologies have influence on economic, education, health, management and social sector. Only when there is skill in those fields, will national interest be effectively brought about. The Secretary-1 said studying with the use of electronic and communication equipment and technology can create the situation to catch up with the modern world. Head of State Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance on systematic plans for emergence of high quality human resources in the state and division in order to overcome technological challenges in the new century.

That is why special four year plan for national education promotion in education sector, he added. The Secretary-1 spoke on introduction of e-Education in Myanmar through computer networks and satellite links, opening of over 200 learning centres nationwide and telecasting of Electronic Data Broadcasting System in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Information. He said Senior General Than Shwe attended the Fourth ASEAN Informal Summit and Meeting of Heads of State and Heads of Government of ASEAN, the People's Republic of China, Japan and the Republic of Korea and Myanmar signed the e-ASEAN Framework Agreement. Emphasis is being placed on wide use of electronic and information and communication technologies in other social, health and management fields besides education sector.

Propagation of modern technology and effective utilization for national interest is our national concern. He spoke of the need to prepare the tasks to overcome advantages and disadvantages of globalization without effecting the national interest in the process of international technological development. Though the world nations were expecting that the rapid progress of science and technology would narrow the existing gap between the rich and the poor and that it would bring equal benefits for all, in practical, some big developed nations taking the advancement in technology are trying to widen and deepen the rich and poor gap in realizing the neo-colonialism. Some big neo-colonialist countries as a means to dominate Myanmar are applying interference's and pressures in order to slow down and dwindle her political, economic and technological developments, and in addition to these, they are abusing their advancement in modern information technology in forcefully introducing their desired systems in the political, economic, social and cultural spheres.

At present, it can be witnessed that some big neo-colonialist countries while turning a blind eye on the political, economic and social developments of the Union of Myanmar and her systematic advancement on democracy path are launching interference's and oppressions on all fronts in order to form a democracy system which is exactly the same as that of theirs. In reality, it is impossible to introduce a single democracy system to all countries as foundation of the political historical path, geographical conditions, national characters, traditions and culture and the pace of political, economic and social sectors cannot be the same between the them. It can be said that only the practical national political system which reflects the objective condition of the nation and the people suites most to the respective nations. In other words, the democracy systems of the west and the east cannot be in the same way, and it is true that there will always be differences between them. Today's events are the proof that even the big democracy nations which are claiming that theirs' is the most advanced, developed and best for the entire mankind are seeing failures and weakness in practising their democracy system.

It is difficult to assume that even the western democracy system which is said to be the best for the entire nations and mankind is always correct. The global events express that changes which are in accord with the time and situation are required. Similarly, the system and the period of transformation may not be the same between the nations especially between those of the west and the east in switching to democracy system.

Thus, in the endeavours to make changes and developments for emergence of a peaceful, tranquil, modern and developed nation, a span of time is needed in implementing a national policy and a disciplined and durable democracy system which suites most to the national requirements for national progress, the nation's history and traditions and culture and the wish of all the national people. However, it is undemocratic that some big western countries turning a deaf ear on Myanmar's endeavours for emergence of a democracy nation in accord with the national policy are applying interference's, disturbances and pressures in oppressing Myanmar to switch to the western style democracy in line with their desire and that they are spreading slanderous and bias news concerning Myanmar through the news agencies under their domination.

For example, the kind of oppression applied on Myanmar by using international organizations in launching a slanderous accusation, saying, there is force labour in Myanmar, is undemocratic, and besides, the perpetration also indicates their misuse of democracy as a stepping stone in acting as will. As it is a time when the government is marching steadily and systematically on the national trend for emergence of a democracy nation which suites most to Myanmar and her people, such unjust oppressions and disturbances will hinder the flourishing of democracy in the nation.

Though Myanmar has laid down systematic plans in striving to totally wipe out narcotic drugs from her territory, some big countries ignoring her self-reliant efforts are launching slanderous accusation in order to prolong the ill effects of the existence of narcotic drugs; and such accusations brings no benefits. It should be noted that the current and historical events prove that only cooperation but not bullying will bring benefits for all. The truth has been known that fabrications distributed by the news agencies under the domination of some big western nations are wrong and that there are no oppressions and human violations in Myanmar. It is required to know that harmonious efforts of the entire people are developing under the leadership of the government. All who have witness the achievement of success and developments in all political, economic and social sectors which are occurring in accord with the national goals, further improvement of the living standard of the people and prevalence of peace and tranquillity accept these favourable conditions of the nation.

Bringing only the best for the nation and the people is not only the wish of the government but also of all those who love the nation. Similarly, the duty to serve the best for the nation and the people is not only on the government, but all the national people should harmoniously and equally share the responsibility. The most essential national requisite is the emergence of a modern, developed nation possessing the strength and capabilities to be able to retaliate the acts designed by some super powers of the West to interfere in the internal affairs and apply hegemony.

Other requisites supporting this main target are development of modern technologies and human resources, and vitalization of national solidarity and Union Spirit which can guarantee perpetuation of the State, he said. He urged all teachers to strive with patriotic and nationalistic outlook for the educational promotion programmes and the national education promotional special four-year plan to materialize, as they are the tasks for fulfillment of the national requisites aimed at perpetuation and development of the nation.

As the government's educational promotion programmes being carried out by the government today cover the tasks beyond the classroom teaching system, all teachers are duty bound to promote the habit of constantly going on learning modern technologies with the aim of using them in the tasks for national development and lead their pupils and all other citizens in this task. In conclusion, he urged the trainee teachers to study at the course with the aim of building a peaceful, modern and developed nation and for realization of the educational promotion plan implemented for development of human resources which form a basis for the nation to stand tall among the world's nations, to study with the aim of being able to organize and lead the youths in safeguarding the nation against the danger of some foreign super powers who are disrupting national consolidation, peace and stability of the State and development, and to study with the aim of keeping national unity ever alive and flourishing of the Union Spirit, which are the true strength to prevent the infiltration in political, economic and cultural sectors with the use of e-technologies, and to counterattack the fabrications of the neo-colonialists and their follower expatriates group. After the opening ceremony, the Secretary-1 cordially met with the trainee teachers. Altogether 1,502 teachers of states and divisions are attending the five-week course.

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( 5 ) Indian Naval Chief visits Shwedagon Pagoda

Yangon, 17 Jan- Chief of Naval Staff and Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee of Indian Navy Admiral Sushil Kumar and party, who are currently here at the invitation of Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Rear-Admiral Kyi Min, together with Commander of Taninthayi Naval Region Command Headquarters Commodore Soe Myint, Ambassador of India Mr Shyam Saran, Defence Attache Col Shakti Gurung, visited the Shwedagon Pagoda this morning. The delegation also visited Zafar Shah Mausoleum on Ziwaka Street in Dagon Township this afternoon. The delegation then arrived at Memorial to Fallen Heroes on Arzani Street in Bahan Township and were welcomed there by Chairman of Maintenance Committee for Memorial to Fallen Heroes Brig-Gen Myo Myint and officials. The delegation members laid a wreath and paid tribute to the fallen heroes. Then, Indian Navy Admiral Sushil Kumar signed in the visitor's book and left there.

Madame Sushil Kumar visits MMCWA

Yangon, 17 Jan-Mrs Venita Kumar, wife of Chief of Naval Staff and Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee of India, together with Dr Daw Nyunt Nyunt, wife of Commander of Taninthayi Naval Region Command Commodore Soe Myint, visited Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association, at the corner of Thanthuma Road and Parami Road, South Okkalapa, this morning. They were welcomed there by Secretary of MMCWA Daw Khin Myitzu Han and CEC members. Daw Khin Myitzu Han explained work of the Association being carried out. Honorary Auditor of the Association Daw Thin Thin presented a souvenir to Mrs Venita Kumar who presented souvenirs, and cash for the Association and signed in the visitors' book. Then, Mrs Venita Kumar viewed photos of activities and Domestic Science Centre of the Association.

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( 6 ) Minister inspects rail-bus, Magway Railway Station

YANGON, 17 Jan-Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung, together with responsible officials, inspected the testing of rail-bus for transport of tourists at Thazi Station on 15 January morning and gave instructions. He also inspected the station. Then, the Minister inspected the extension of  Sindewa Bridge and gave instructions to the engineers  and officials in the afternoon.The Minister inspected the construction of Magway Station and gave instructions on reconstruction and extension of platforms  yesterday morning. In the afternoon, the Minister inspected all-round renovation of Aungmyinzeya Pagoda in Taungdwingyi,  Magway District and gave l necessary instructions.

Minister inspects factories in Thingangyun Township

Yangon, 17 Jan-Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, accompanied by Deputy Minister Grig-Gen Thein Tun and officials  inspected Consumer Products Factory of Myanma  Pharmaceutical Industries.

The minister gave instructions on quality of Pepsodent tooth paste.Then, the minister inspected production process of V5 Pepsodent, toothpaste rhixing room and production of Thin powder balm and Myinzu perfume, and left instructions.

The minister inspected Oualitv Control Section and gave instructions on research and suggestions. Afterwards, the minister  inspected production of empty  containers for toothpaste and  plantations of kit,chen crops in  the factory compound and left  instructions on growing of  aops at vacant  Lands.

Minister inspects factories in Padaung 

YANGON, 17 Jan - Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, accompanied by officials, arrived at No 1 Agricultural  Machinery Pactory (Hsinde) of  Myanma Agricultural Machinery Industries in  Padaung Township, Bago  (West) Division on 14 January. At the briefing hall of the factory, the minister met with officials and gave instructions.

On 15 January, the minister and party proceeded to Nol Machine and Machine Tool Factory (Nyaung  Chavdauk)- of Mvanma Ma chine Tool and Electrical  Industries and met wilh  officials and 1eft instructions.  Then, the minister went to No 2 Automobile Factory  (Htonbo) of Myanma  Automobile and Diesel Engine  Industries, where he met with  officials and gave instructions.  The minister then inspected  spare parts of Mazdaa Jeep  and others. On 16 January, the  minister and party inspected  the primary school of No 2  Automobile Factory (Htonbo)  and Technological School  (Hsinde) and attended to the  needs of  officials.

Minister inspects cooperative services in Sagaing

YANGON, 17 Jan-Minister for Cooperatives U Aung San arrived at the Mandalay Branch of No 11 Cooperative  Bank Limited in Chanaye-thazan Township, Mandalay and inspected the fully computerized information system banking services and gave instructions on 15 January morning.

Then, the Minister met with the service personnel and chairmen of Cooperatives from Sagaing, Shwebo and Katha  Districts and heard the reports on cooperative agriculture sector, purchasing, oil milling, industries and livestock breeding by the division and township level officials.The Minister also heard the report on conducting courses, presenting stipend, enrolling of trainees and weaving of materials by the Principal U Kyaw Swe at the hall of Cottage Industries Department, Monywa  yesterday morning and gave instructions. The Minister then headed for Power Garment Factory of  Thiha General Trading  Cooperative Ltd, Monywa and gave instructions. He also inspected the Oil Mill of the cooperative limited and inspected the milling and sample of Monywa Pure Peanut Oil and gave instructions.

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( 7 ) Observance of 2nd Myanmar Women's Conference coordinated 

Yangon, 17 Jan-A  coordination meeting on  observance of Second  Myanmar Women's  Conference to be held under   the organization of Myanmar  National Committee for  Women's Affairs on 25 and 26  January 2001, was held at the  Bogyoke Aung San Hall of  Social Welfare Department on Kaba Aye  Pagoda Road this aftermoon. 

It ~vas attended by Chairperson of Committee for  Organizing the Conference Dr  Daw Khin Win Shwe,  Vice Chairperson Dr Daw May  May Yee, advisers Daw Khin   Than Nwe, Daw Khin Cho Oo,  Prof Daw Nan Oo and Daw  Saw Mon Nyin, Secretary U Sit  Myaing and members, leaders  and secretaries of   sub-committees. First, Dr Daw  Khin Win Shwe made a   speech. Then, the leaders of Decoration Sub-committee, Invitation and Reception Sub committee Information Sub  committee, Messing Sub committee Accommodation and Transport Sub-committee and Booths Preparation Sub-committee reported on work done, followed by a general round of discussions and resolutions were approved. The meeting came to a close with concluding remarks by Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe.

Minister attends opening of Yangon Trade Fair 2001

Yangon, 17 Jan-The opening ceremony of Yangon Trade Fair 2001 was held at Yangon Trade Centre on Upper Pazundaung Road in Mingalar Taungnyunt Township today, attended by Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone.

Also present on the occasion were the heads of directorates and departments under the ministry, President of Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry U Win Myint and officials, Chairman of Mingalar Taungnyunt Township Peace and Development Council U Hla Myint and members, the secretary of Township USDA, executives and members, members of Township and Ward Maternal Child Welfare Associations, officials from New Grace Int'l Exhibition Services Co Ltd, invited guests. The opening of the trade fair was held in front of the building.

The Minister and Managing Director U Kalow Larain (Lawrence) of New Grace Int'l Exhibition Services Co Ltd cut the ribbon to open the fair. Then, the Managing Director presented a commemorative pennant to the Minister. The Managing Director extended greetings at the opening ceremony. Managing Director Daw Cho Nwe Oo of Diamond Bridge CO Ltd spoke words of Thanks and the ceremony came to an end. After the opening ceremony, the Minister viewed the booths of export and import companies. The fair will open from 9 am to 6 pm from 17 to 21 January. Sales promoting programmes and demonstration of National Races costumes will be held. Admission is free.

Workshop on vital registration system begins

Yangon, 17 Jan-The opening ceremony of Planning Workshop on the Implementation of Modified Vital Registration System in 45 Townships in Yangon Division, co-sponsored by the Central Statistical Organization (CSO) of the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development and the Health Department, with the cooperation of United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) was held at the meeting hall of Yangon Division Health Department, yesterday morning. Present on the occasion were Director-General Dr Sein Tin and officials of the CSO, officials of the Department of Health and UNICEF. The modified vital registration system will be introduced in 45 townships in Yangon Division, beginning 1 April 2001. The Planning Workshops will be held form 16 to 19 January.

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