( 1 ) Gold crested head-dress offered to Thirimingala Maha Zineinda-bawtha Buddha Image

Yangon, 5 Feb- A ceremony to offer gold crested head-dress, ornamental gold ear-flaps and gold earrings to Thirimingala Maha Zineinda-bawtha Buddha Image in Gandakutitaik of Thirimingala Kaba Aye Pagoda was held at the Golden Jubilee Buddha Pujaniya Festival of the pagoda this morning, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Also present were Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Aungmyaybonsan Sayadaw Bhaddanta Paindabhivamsa, member Sayadaws of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, the Chairman Sayadaw of Yangon Division Sangha Nayaka Committee, the Chairman Sayadaw of Mayangon Township Sangha Nayaka Committee and Ovadacariya Sayadaw of Kaba Aye Pagoda Board of Trustees, member of the ministers, officials,wellwishers and guests.

The congregation received the Nine Precepts from Joint Secretary Sayadaw of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Candima. Then, the Sayadaws and the members of the Sangha recited Metta Suttas. The Secretary-1 offered the gold crested head-dress to Aungmyaybonsan Sayadaw Bhaddanta Paindabhivamsa.

Then, the Secretary-1 and party and wellwishers donated alms to the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha. The Secretary-1 supplicated on the donation of the gold crested head-dress.  Then, Aungmyaybonsan Sayadaw Bhaddanta Paindabhivamsa delivered a sermon, and the Secretary-1 and party and the wellwishers shared merits gained for good deeds. The Secretary-1 and the commander, flanked in celestial and regal processions, conveyed the crested head-dress round the pagoda. The Secretary-1 offered the gold crested head-dress to the Image and sprinkled scented water on the Image in Gandakutitaik. Then, the Secretary-1 performed the ritual of silver and golden shower to mark the successful completion of the ceremony.

Secretary-1 accepts cash and kind for religious and education activities

Yangon, 5 Feb- Doh Pyi Tha Enterprise Ltd and Justmeet Corporation of Japan presented cash and kind for religious and education activities and Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association at Diamond Jubilee Hall on Pyay Road this evening, attended by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Also present were Ministers, Deputy Ministers, officials, Ambassador of Japan Mr Shigeru Tsumori, the directors-general of departments under the Ministry of Education, Chairperson of MMCWA Professor Daw Kyu Kyu Swe, Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, officials, wellwishers and guests.

Chairman of Justmeet Corporation of Japan Mr Maeda Toru reported on education services for children of the two enterprises and purpose of the donation. Chairman Mr Maeda Toru and Managing Director U Tun Myint of Doh Pyi Tha Enterprise Ltd presented K 300,000 each for construction of Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image, for renovation of Ngahtatgyi Reclining Buddha, and for Seinthalyaung Buddha Image in Bago, K 10 million for MEC, K 1 million for construction of a new building at No 3 Basic Education Primary School in Ahlon Township, K 200,000 for renovation of No 4 Basic Education High School in South Okkalapa Township, K 300,000 for education of personnel of the Ministry of Forestry and primary level English language teaching aid video tapes worth $ 3,000 to the Secretary-1.

Chairperson of MMCWA Professor Daw Kyi Kyu Swe accepted K 100,000, baby towels worth US $ 1,500, indoor game tubes worth US $ 1,000 and Japanese cosmetics worth US $ 2,500. The Secretary-1 expressed thanks for the donations. The Secretary-1 and party had photo taken with the wellwishers.

Management Committee for Development of Tourism Industry holds meeting

Yangon, 5 Feb-  The Management Committee for Development of Tourism Industry held meeting No 1/2001 at the Strand Hotel this afternoon. Chairman of the Management Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt addressed the meeting.

Also present were members of the Management Committee, ministers, the Mayor of Yangon, the Mayor of Mandalay, deputy ministers and officials of various sub-committees. The Secretary-1 said that Myanmar is endowed with natural favourable conditions for the development of tourism industry. There are also tourist attractions concerning ancient culture and the traditional culture of national races. The nation also has vast and beautiful beaches such as Ngapali beach and Ngwehsaung beach. There are also breathtaking snow-capped mountains in Putao, archipelagos such as Myeik archipelago which is teeming with coral reefs and marine life, awe-inspiring natural lakes such as Inlay Lake and Indawgyi. In addition, Myanmar abounds in natural resources. Arrangements for package tours are being made to enable tourists to observe a huge block of jade weighing over 2,000 tons in Phakant. Ancient historic Mwedaw Kakku Pagodas in Taunggyi Township, Shan State, are cultural heritage which can capture the interest of tourists. Although Myanmar is rich in favourable conditions which contribute to the development of tourism industry, some news agencies of the Western nations are broadcasting false news against Myanmar with every intention of preventing tourists from visiting Myanmar. This disrupted the development of tourism industry.

In conclusion, the Secretary-1 urged the officials of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, other ministries and sub-committees to make concerted efforts to publicize the objective conditions of Myanmar to the world. Then, Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin reported on the condition of hotels run with foreign investment, a new Dawei-Maungmagan beach resort hotel, the condition of hotel industry in the country, the arrival of tourists in Year 2000 and in the third four-month period of the 2000-2001 fiscal year, efforts for the development of tourism industry, international tourism industry exhibitions, Myanma tourism industry exhibitions and future tasks. General Staff Officer (Grade I) of Office of Strategic Studies Lt-Col Tin Oo reported on the dissemination of news through the Internet. Afterwards, chairmen and officials of various subcommittees took part in the discussions. The meeting ended with concluding remarks by the Secretary-1.

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( 2 ) Minister for Education meets Indian Ambassador

Yangon, 5 Feb- Minister for Education U Than Aung met Indian Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Shyam Saran at his office this afternoon. They cordially discussed matters related to cooperation in education. Also present were Deputy Minister for Education U Myo Nyunt and officials.

Commerce Minister receives guest Director

Yangon, 5 Feb- Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone received Managing Director Mr Myung Shik-Suh of Myanmar Sunny Co Ltd and party at his office on Strand Road, here at 1 pm today. Also present at the call were Director-General of Directorate of Trade U Nyunt Aye, Director-General of Border Trade Department Col Nay Win and responsible officials of the ministry.

Officials of UMFCCI meet editor of Nihon Keizai Shimbun

Yangon, 5 Feb- Editor Mr Yukihiro Okumura of Nihon Keizai Shimbun newspaper called on Vice-Presidents U Htein Win and U Win Aung of Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Secretary-General U Zaw Min Win and CEC member U Moe Kyaw at the office of UMFCCI this afternoon. They cordially discussed matters related to economic development of Myanmar, foreign investment, implementation of tasks related to Information Technology and cooperation with Japanese entrepreneurs. The editor was accompanied by resident correspondents U Hla Htwe and U Thurein Hla Htwe of the paper.

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( 3 ) Minister inspects construction of dams in Bago Division

Yangon, 5 Feb- Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, accompanied by Chairman of Thayawady District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Ohn Myint and officials, members of Bago Division (West) Agricultural Supervisory Committee, arrived at Gadinbilin Dam Project near Kywemakaing Village, Letpadan Township, yesterday morning. Director U Khin Maung Yu of Construction-6 of Irrigation Department reported on progress of work. Director-General U Kyaw San Win and officials also reported on watershed areas and irrigated areas.

The minister then inspected construction of the main dam, conduit and spillway and attended to their needs. Gadinbilin Dam is being built on Bilin Creek which originates from Bago Yoma. It will be able to irrigate 25,000 acres of land in the region with the result that multiple cropping can be introduced in Letpadan area. Then, the minister inspected cultivation of sunflower among green gram plantations and tasks of Myanma Agriculture Service. At Thonze Dam Project, the minister and party inspected tasks being carried out with the use of heavy machinery. Thonze Dam is being built on Thonze Creek which originates from Bago Yoma. The dam will be able to irrigate 50,000 acres of land in Thayawady Township and will support greening and development tasks of the region.

Minister visits factories in Yangon

Yangon, 5 Feb- Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, accompanied by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thein Tun and officials, inspected storage of Virginia tobacco, packaging of cigarette cartoons and gave necessary instructions at No 1 Cigarette Factory on Thukha Street in Hline Township this morning.

The minister then proceeded to No 10 Garment Factory, Mayangon of Myanma Textile Industry and inspected cultivation of kitchen crops. The minister also inspected the weaving of cloth for mosquito net, and called on officials to strive to exceed the set target, keep the factory and its surrounding area clean and take fire prevention measures. The minister then made a speech at the opening of Financial Management Course No 1/2001 at the hall of the Ministry of Industry-1 on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road. Also present on the occasion were Deputy Minister for Industry-1 Brig-Gen Thein Tun, directors-general and managing directors of departments and industries under the ministry, course instructors and trainees. Altogether 39 trainees are attending the nine-week course.

Minister oversees road and bridge projects

Yangon, 5 Feb- Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun inspected road and bridge projects on 3 February. Accompanied by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Myint Thein and officials, the minister inspected Taunggyi-Kalaw-Nanpantet section of the road. At Nanpantet site, officials reported to the minister and party on repair and maintenance of Kalaw-Nanpantet section. The minister inspected Nanpantet-Pyinnyaung section. On 4 February, the minister and party inspected Anawrahta Bridge (Chauk) and gave necessary instructions. Anawrahta Bridge (Chauk) is 5,191 feet long and 39 feet and 7 inches wide.

Coord meeting on Myanmar-Japan cultural dances held

Yangon, 5 Feb-  A coordination meeting on organizing the Myanmar-Japan cultural dances to be organized by Myanmar-Japan Friendship Association under the arrangement of cultural exchange programme between the two countries was held at Mya Yeik Nyo Royal Hotel this evening.

Present were Chairman of the association Col Tin Hlaing, executives, Chairman of Myanmar Motion Picture Asiayon U Sein Tin, Chairman of Myanmar Music Asiayon Accordion U Ohn Kyaw, Chairman of Myanmar Traditional Artistes and Artisans Asiayon U Thaung Han, officials and guests. Chairman Col Tin Hlaing gave a speech. Daw Khin Thwe Myint reported on programmes of Japanese artistes. Then, Bogale Tint Aung and Gitalulin Maung Ko Ko reported on programmes of Myanmar artistes. Executive Committee member Daw Nu Nu Yi reported on formation of the Organizing Committee for Myanmar-Japan cultural dances. Vice-Chairmen Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, Dr Daw May May Yi and U Khin Shwe gave suggestions. Those present at the meeting took part in the discussions and the chairman gave the concluding remarks. Famous Myanmar artistes together with Japanese artistes will present Myanmar-Japan cultural dances at the National Theatre on 26 and 27 February.

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( 4 ) Course on import and export procedure of Ministry of Commerce opens

Yangon, 5 Feb- A ceremony to open Course No 18 on Import and Export Procedure of the Ministry of Commerce was held at the meeting hall of the ministry this morning. It was attended by Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Director-General U Nyunt Aye of Directorate of Trade, Director-General Col Nay Win of Border Trade Department, officials of the ministry, guests and trainees. The minister made a speech. Altogether 65 trainees are attending the six-week course.

CEC member presents multimedia teaching aid to schools in Htilin, Gangaw

Yangon, 5 Feb- Member of Central Executive Committee of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Minister for Cooperatives U Aung San attended the ceremony to present multimedia teaching aid to Htilin Basic Education High School in Magway Division on 3 February. First, the CEC member presented a computer and printer set to Headmistress Daw Htay Hlaing. Then, the CEC member accepted 325 USDA membership applications. Next, the minister met members of Htilin Township and Ward Peace and Development Councils. After that, the minister presented a computer and printer set to Nyaunggan BEHS. On 4 February, the minister presented a computer and printer set to Gangaw BEHS. The minister also donated a TV set and K 100,000 to Sasana Beikman of Gangaw.

Ministry of Transport holds third four-monthly work coord meeting

Yangon, 5 Feb- The third four-monthly work coordination meeting of the Ministry of Transport was held at the ministry on 2 February. Present on the occasion were Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Shwe, Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint and U Pe Than, directors-general and managing directors of departments and enterprises, advisers and officials. Minister Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe said the ministry is the main body undertaking the tasks for air and water transport services in implementing the policy to ensure smooth and secure transport.

The ministry is one of the 14 economic sectors which contribute to the State's economy, he said. He spoke of the need for service personnel to make efforts for economic progress in their respective roles and called for coordination and cooperation. Directors-general and managing directors reported on the work performance. Officials of the respective regions reported on work undertaken. The second-day session of the meeting was held today. Deputy Minister U Pe Than reported on works. The minister then said weak points are to be remedied and efforts are to be made for increased income and serving the interests of the ministry and the State in the 2001 first four-month period.

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( 5 ) Organizing religious title presentation ceremony coordinated

Yangon, 5 Feb- A coordination meeting on organizing religious title presentation ceremony and "soon" offering ceremony was held at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Religious Affairs this afternoon. It was attended by Chairman of Leading Committee for Organizing the ceremonies Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Chairman of Work Committee Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, Adviser to the State Peace and Development Council Office U Arnt Maung, Director-General U Sann Lwin of Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana, Director-General Dr Myo Myint of Religious Affairs Department, officials of the leading committee, the work committee, and sub-committees and guests. First, Chairman of the Leading Committee Minister U Aung Khin made a speech. Then, officials reported on work done by the sub-committees. The deputy minister presented a supplementary report. Then, the meeting came to a close with concluding remarks by the minister.

Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement holds annual coordination meeting

Yangon, 5 Feb- Annual coordination meeting of Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement for 2000-2001 was held at the ministry this morning, with an address by Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa. Also present were Adviser to the ministry Professor Daw May May Yi, Director-General of Social Welfare Department U Sit Myaing, Director-General of Fire Services Department U Myint Tun, Director-General of Relief and Resettlement U Than Oo and officials. Minister Maj-Gen Sein Htwa delivered a speech. State and Division Social Welfare Staff officers reported on future tasks. The minister gave instructions on nurturing children to inculcate patriotism and the Union Spirit in them and cooperation with regional authorities. The first day session of the meeting ended in the morning.

Vinaya Exam of Yangon Division Shwekyin Gana held

Yangon, 5 Feb- A ceremony to open the 81st Vinaya Examination of Yangon Division Shwekyin Gana was held at Sasanalankara Maha Dhamma Beikmandawgyi of Kyaungdawya Shwekyin Taik on Gyadawya Road in Bahan Township this afternoon. Present were Patron of Shwekyin Nikaya Shwe-U-Min Sayadawgyi and members of the Sangha, Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, officials and well-wishers. Shwehintha Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Sucittabhivamsa administered the Five Precepts. The minister supplicated on religious affairs. A total of 530 members of the Sangha are sitting for the examination which will last up to 7 February.

Yangon, 5 Feb- A ceremony to open the 81st Vinaya Examination of Yangon Division Shwekyin Gana was held at Sasanalankara Maha Dhamma Beikmandawgyi of Kyaungdawya Shwekyin Taik on Gyadawya Road in Bahan Township this afternoon. Present were Patron of Shwekyin Nikaya Shwe-U-Min Sayadawgyi and members of the Sangha, Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, officials and well-wishers. Shwehintha Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Sucittabhivamsa administered the Five Precepts. The minister supplicated on religious affairs. A total of 530 members of the Sangha are sitting for the examination which will last up to 7 February.

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( 6 ) Rehearsal of 54th Union Day Flag Hoisting and Flag Conveying held

Yangon, 5 Feb- Under the arrangements to convey Union Flag, which spent a year at Yangon City Hall, to four districts in Yangon Division, the rehearsal of the Union Day Flag Hoisting and Flag Conveying was held today. Chairman of the Organizing Sub-committee for 54th Anniversary Union Day Secretary of Yangon City Development Committee Col Myint Aung and members, members of District and Township Peace and Development Councils and officials participated in the rehearsal.

Book fair to be opened at Union Day Exhibition

Yangon, 5 Feb- The Sub-committee for observance of 54th Anniversary Union Day is carrying out the tasks to open a book fair at Tatmadaw Convention Centre on U Wisara Road from 9 to 18 February. Booths of Ministry of Information, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, Ministry of Rail Transportation, Ministry of Construction, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Home Affairs will be displayed. The book fair of publishing houses and book shops in Yangon, organised by Ministry of Information, will also be opened at the centre and front of the Tatmadaw Convention Centre. Books can be bought at discount prices at the fair.

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( 7 ) Commander inspects regional development tasks, summer paddy plantations in Htantabin Township

Yangon, 5 Feb- Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than inspected regional development and agricultural matters in Htantabin Township, Yangon North District, this afternoon.

The commander inspected Shwepyitha Bridge and progress in paving of Htantabin Road. Officials reported on progress of work. Then, the commander inspected construction of earth road, paving the road and use of heavy machinery, and gave instructions on construction of roads to be completed as soon as possible and paving the road with laterite in the open season. On completion, Htantabin-Shwepyitha Road, 10 miles long, will be six miles shorter than the 16 miles long road from Htantabin to Bayintnaung Bridge through Thidaaye junction. Four 40 feet long and 12 feet wide wooden bridges will be built on Htantabin-Shwepyitha Road. Construction of No 1 and No 2 Bridges were completed and Nos 3 and 4 are under construction. So far, the road has been paved with laterite. Afterwards, the commander met farmers from Asugyi, Paruk, Sandayaw, TadaU, Thebyu, MashweU, Yeso and Pandaing village-tracts. Speaking on the occasion, the commander said that over 140 drains have been dug along Yangon-Nyaungdon Road and Thida-aye Road in Tetthitkyun region, Htantabin Township. The drains are filled with water to be supplied to summer paddy fields.

Fertilizers will also be provided for thriving of summer paddy. Local farmers are to grow summer and monsoon paddy with a view to ensuring uplift of their living standard and the government will attend to their requirements. Then, Chairman of Htantabin Township Peace and Development Council U Thaung Han reported on regional development and agricultural matters. After hearing reports presented by local farmers, the commander attended to their needs. Afterwards, the commander inspected summer paddy plantations in the township and left there in the evening. So far, 41,516 acres of land have been put under summer paddy, 2,617 acres under edible oil crops and 5,535 acres under pulses and beans in Htantabin Township.

F&R Minister meets staff in Magway, Mandalay divisions

Yangon, 5 Feb- Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein together with Governor U Kyaw Kyaw Maung of the Central Bank of Myanmar toured Magway and Mandalay divisions from 2 to 4 February. On 2 February morning, CEC member of Union Solidarity and Development Association arrived at Chauk and met with members of USDA and staff of departments under the ministry and heard the report of Secretary U Nay Shin. The Minister explained the objectives and future plans of the association. He also inspected the Chauk Branch of Tun Foundation Bank and gave instructions. The Minister and party met with the staff of the departments under the ministry and heard the reports at the hall of Myanmar Economic Bank in Bagan-NyaungU on 3 February. Then, the Minister met with members of USDA at the hall of District USDA and attended to the needs. On 4 February, the Minister met with USDA members and staff of departments under the ministry at the office of PyinOoLwin Township USDA and accepted 1,500 membership applications.

Ayeyawady-Yangtse Friendship Poems by Htilar Sitthu comes out

Yangon, 5 Feb- "Ayeyawady-Yangtse Friendship Poems" has come out today. Ambassador of the People's Republic of China Mr Liang Dong praised the book of U Soe Nyunt (Chinese translation) published on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and the Union of Myanmar. U Soe Nyunt is a well-known poet in Myanmar and international literary world, the Ambassador said in his remerks. National Literary Award winner poet Naung noted that most of the poems by U Soe Nyunt published in Myanmar language had been translated into Chinese, Japanese, German, French and English. The book is available at Innwa Bookshop and War Moe Aung Publishing House.

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