( 1 ) Myanmar Academy of Medical Science lays foundation for better future of Myanma medical world

Second annual meeting of MAMS held

Yangon, 14 Feb-The second annual meeting of Myanmar Academy of Medical Science was held at the Institute of Nursing on Bogyoke Aung San Street this morning, with an address by Chairman of National Health Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Also present were member of the  Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, the ministers, the mayor, the deputy ministers, members of NHC, officials , the directors-general of departments under the Ministry of Health, the rectors, officials of UN agencies, Chairman of Myanmar Academy of Medical Science Dr Ko Ko, executives and members, chairmen of social associations and guests.

The Secretary-1 expressed his pleasure for the active endeavours of Myanmar Academy of Medical Science formed by the government in order to promote development of Myanmar medical world for uplift of national health standard and promotion of public health care services.

The Academy has laid down better foundations to produce good results for future of Myanmar medical world and so it significantly contributes towards progress of the health sector, he said. The State Peace and Development Council is making concerted efforts with the united strength of the entire people while keeping abreast with development of the nations of the world to enjoy the fruits of development, he said. Health and fitness of the entire citizens is a national requirement and uplift of quality of life of the people and ensuring full enjoyment of social happiness play a vital role in health care service, he added. He noted that efforts are being made systematically to improve the standard of national health and health care service for the people after laying down the National Health Plans in accord with the national objective of uplift of health and fitness of the entire people. Continuing, he said, the world today has developed rapidly together with globalization process and science and technological progress.

In order to catch up with international development efforts are to be made with significant programmes, firm determination and strenuous endeavours for a country like Myanmar which is striving constantly for progress of the nation and its people, in order that Myanmar may not be left behind, he said. Now, the government is giving priority to uplift of capability of national forces for national development, cultivation of national forces and propagation of knowledge and technologies in harmony with international progress.

The Secretary-1 said Head of State Senior General Than Shwe had given guidance on formation of the respective academies with brilliant scholars. In accord with the guidance the government has formed Myanmar Academy of Medical Science, Myanmar Academy of Scientists and Technicians and Myanmar Academy of Agriculture, Forest and Livestock and Fisheries, he added. He said various academies have successfully implemented the tasks for effective use of modern technology in national development, progress of modern technology in the country together with international development and turning out new generation intellectuals and intelligentsia.

Lofty aims of Myanmar Academy of Medical Science formed with 208 veteran medical scientists have also been implemented within one and a half years under the leadership of the executive committee after formation of Sub-committees and Work Committees. The Secretary-1 spoke at length on accomplishments gained with the formation of Health System Development Subcommittee, Research and Technology Development Subcommittee, Medical Education Development Subcommittee and Human Resources Development Subcommittee, holding of symposiums on blood bank, care for the aged and smoking and health, implementation of proceedings of the symposiums, arrangement for holding of workshop on Research Culture, conducting surveys and suggestions by various committees of executive committee of the Myanmar Academy of Medical Science and quarterly distribution of news letters to its members. He said he was very pleased to learn that Conquest of Scourges in Myanmar, a book written in English, will be published soon. The book includes smallpox eradication, control of trachoma, leprosy elimination, iodine deficiency disorder control, poliomyelitis eradication.

He said the entire people participated in promotion of public health care services. However, some big nations with wrong attitude belittled the standard of health care services in Myanmar based on fabricated false data. The book Conquest of Scourges in Myanmar' compiled by globally renowned and well-experienced Myanmar medical experts will spread the objective conditions of Myanmar's health care standard to the world. The academy has successfully implemented its aims and the duties assigned to it by the State to a certain degree; and the subcommittees, sub-groups and individuals are actively striving to make achievements. Thus, the academy while trying to further accelerate its momentum of success should strive to promote and propagate medical sciences, uplift public health care standard, produced qualified human resources of the health sector, render assistance in drafting national health plans, apply modern techniques and for flourishing of medical science in the respective areas. Priority should be given to the harmonious progress of various medical sciences such as medical treatment, health, academic research, dental science and nursing science sectors.

The third five-year national health plan from 2001-2002 to 2005-2006 will begin in 2001, members of the academy should render assistance from the respective sectors in practically realizing the national objectives. In accord with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, they should strive to materialize the aims of the health sector of the national education promotion programme in order to implement the task of applying modern electronic technologies in the education sector. Officials of the Ministry of Health and related departments and organizations are required to pay serious attention to studying and materialize the invaluable advice of the academy. Officials of the health sector should lay down systematic plans to apply and relay the rich experiences of the academy for the development of Myanmar medical science sector. Members of the academy should seriously understand the State's reliance and trust on them in applying their invaluable experience and studies in realizing the national interest. The Secretary-1 cordially greeted the medical science experts who attended the meeting.

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( 2 ) Rice cookers and briquette making machines for PyinOoLwin Station

Yangon,14 Feb - A ceremony to hand over 47 rice cookers and eight briquette manufacturing machines for PyinOoLwin Station donated by Dry Zone Greening Department of Ministry of Forestry was held at Forest Department in Gyogon in Insein Township this afternoon.

Secretary of Leading Committee for Utilizing of Firewood Substitute Fuel Deputy Minister for Forestry Col Thaik Tun explained the purpose of the donation.

Director-General of Dry Zone Greening Department U Tun Tun presented 47 rice cookers and eight briquette making machines worth K 2.56 million to Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Win Myint for the Institutes of Defence Services in PyinOoLwin Station. Maj-Gen Win Myint spoke words of thanks. Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo said the donation of rice cookers and briquette making machines for PyinOo-Lwin Station is a nobel deed contributing toward forest conservation. Donation of the rice cookers and briquette making machines will reduce the Station's fuelwood consumption which is nearly 1,080 tons per year. The Ministry of Forestry is making efforts for the wider use of briquette and briquette stoves. He quoted Head of State Senior General as giving guidance, Depletion of forest leads to destruction of water, soil and climate, making the land uninhabitable. Thus forest conservation should be carried out in various means.

Concerning the use of wood substitute fuels, the Head of State said priority should be given to wood substitute fuel production in order to protect the thriving forests at a time when efforts are being made to nurture and protect trees for greening of the environs. Thus, providing of the equipment is a means in practically materializing the guidance. The Ministry of Forestry should make greater efforts in conserving and protecting forests and conducting greening activities. After the ceremony, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo and party inspected rice cookers and briquette making machines. Then, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo and party inspected production of briquettes the Briquettes Factory No 1 of Forest Department.

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( 3 ) Indian External Affairs Minister arrives at Yangon

Yangon, 14 Feb-The visiting Minister of External Affairs of India Mr Shri Jaswant Singh and party together with Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing and Ambassador of India Mr Shyam Saram arrived at Yangon from Mandalay by special flight at noon today. They were welcomed at Yangon International Airport by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, officials of the MOFA and staff of Indian Embassy. They later visited the Shwedagon Pagoda, and the visiting minister signed in the visitors' book and then made cash donations. Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung met the visiting minister at Kandawgyi Karaweik Palace at 7 pm today. Also present were the ministers and Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win. Then, Minister U Win Aung hosted a dinner in honour of the visiting minister and party there.

Delegation leaves for India

Yangon, 14 Feb-With a view to boosting trade activities and seeking markets between the two countries, a 17-member high-level delegation led by President of Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry U Win Myint left here by air for India this evening. The delegation was seen off at Yangon International Airport by Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan and officials, UMFCCI General Secretary U Zaw Min Win and executives and officials of the federation.

Dinner hosted in honour of Indian External Affairs Minister

Yangon, 14 Feb-Member of the State Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint hosted a dinner in honour of Minister of External Affairs of India Shri Jaswant Singh and party at Yan Gyi Aung Guest House, Mandalay, at 7 pm yesterday.

Also present were Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Deputy Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Nay Win, Mandalay Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein, Ambassador of India Mr Shyam Saram, senior military officers and guests. During the dinner, Mandalay Myoma Nyein Musical Troupe and of Culture Department in Mandalay Drama Division entertained those present with songs and variety dances.

After the dinner, the commander and the visiting minister exchanged souvenirs.

The visiting minister presented a flower basket to the musical troupe and Drama troupe and spent the night at the guest house. The visiting minister and party together with Minister Col Tin Hlaing, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Nay Win and the Indian Ambassador visited Myanansankyaw (Golden Palace) where they were briefed on the history of the Shwenandaw by Research Officer U Paing Soe of Archaeology Department. Then, they visited Shwenandaw Cultural Museum of Department of Cultural Institute. The Indian Minister signed in the visitors' book. The visiting minister and party accompanied by Minister Col Tin Hlaing and the Indian Ambassador left for Yangon by Tatmadaw aircraft later in the morning. They were seen off at Mandalay International Airport by the deputy commander and senior military officers.

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( 4 ) Minister for A&I receives Malaysian Deputy Minister

Yangon, 14 Feb-Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin received a delegation led by Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Malaysia Dato Seri Haji Mohd Shariff Bin Haji Omar together with the ambassador of Malaysia to Myanmar, at his office at 10 am today. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister U Ohn Myint, the directors-general of department and enterprises under the ministry and officials. After the call, the directors-general of department and enterprises and officials and Malaysian entrepreneurs discussed production of rice, corn, beans and pulses, rubber and oil palm, sugarcane in Myanmar.

Minister receives UNICEF officials

Yangon, 14 Feb-Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein received Director Ms Mehr Khan of South-East Asia and Pacific Region and Resident Representative Mr J Bertrand Mendis of UNICEF, at his office at 1 pm today. Also present were Deputy Minister Professor Dr Kyaw Myint and officials.

Minister receives Singaporean guest

Yangon, 14 Feb-Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Win Tin received Director of Liebert Co of Singapore Mr Francis Teo and Chairman of Aung Myanmar Co Ltd of Myanmar U Kyaw Paing at his office at 11 am today. Also present on the occasion were Managing Director of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications U Maung Maung Tin and officials.

Minister receives Malaysian Deputy Minister

Yangon, 14 Feb-Minister for Labour Maj-Gen Tin Ngwe received Deputy Minister of Agriculture of Malaysia Dato Sari Mond Shariff bin Haji Omar and party at his office this afternoon. Also present at the call were Deputy Minster for Labour Brig-Gen Win Sein and departmental heads under the Ministry.

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( 5 ) Minister receives ADB official

Yangon, 14 Feb-Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha received leader of Economic Mission of Asian Development Bank Mr Rajiv Kumar and party at his office at 1 pm today. Also present were officials of the ministry.

Minister receives foreign guests

Yangon, 14 Feb-Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone received Service Engineer and Deputy General Manager of Rites Expotech Division of India Mr V Ramachandran at his office at 1 pm today. Similarly, Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone met Mr Gunter Siemers of Institute of Asian Affairs of Germany at his office at 2 pm today. Also present were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Director-General Col Nay win of Border Trade Department and officials.

Sri Lanka Minister calls on Minister for L & F

Yangon, 14 Feb-Minister of Internal and International Trade and Commerce, Shipping Development and Muslim Religious Affairs of Sri Lanka Hon Mr Rauff Hakeen, currently here to attend Third Meeting of Trade/Economic Ministers, called on Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein at his office at 4.30 pm today. Also present were Deputy Minister U Aung Thein and departmental officials.

Minister meets Sri Lankan Minister

Yangon, 14 Feb - Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel received Minister of Internal and International Trade and Commerce, Shipping Development and Muslim Religious Affairs of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Mr Rauff Hakeen and Ambassador of Sri Lanka Mr Ubhayasekara Mapa at Sedona Hotel this afternoon. They discussed matters related to the BIMST-EC Ministers Meeting and bilateral economic cooperation between the two countries. Present also at the call were officials concerned.

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( 6 ) Malaysian Deputy Minister calls on Ministers

Yangon, 14 Feb-The delegates of ASEAN Fisheries Federation of Malaysia led by Deputy Minister of Agriculture of Malaysia Dato Seri Haji Mohd Shariff bin Haji Omar who were here to boost cooperation on sectors of fisheries, edible palm oil, agricultural services and other economic sectors between Myanmar and Malaysia, this afternoon called on Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung and Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone at the office of Myanmar Investment Commission on Merchant Street. They discussed matters related to extended investment. Minister for Labour Maj-Gen Tin Ngwe met the visiting deputy minister and party at his office this afternoon. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister for Labour Brig-Gen Win Sein and departmental officials.

Vientiane Mayor calls on Yangon Mayor, tours Yangon

Yangon, 14 Feb-Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay met Mayor of Vientiane of the Lao People's Democratic Republic Mr Bounhe Uang Douang Pha Chanh and party at his office this afternoon. Also present at the call were Vice-Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Deputy Mayor Col Maung Pa, Secretary Col Myint Aung and members U Aung Soe and Col Tin Soe, heads of departments concerned and Ambassador of LPDR Mr Ly Bounkham. The eight-member Lao goodwill delegation led by the Vientiane Mayor this morning arrived at the Shwedagon Pagoda where they were welcomed and conducted round the Pagoda by the members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees. They then went round the Pagoda clock-wise and offered flowers, lights and joss sticks to the Katthapha Buddha Image. The visiting mayor then signed in the visitors' book and made a cash donation. Afterwards, they visited People's Square and People's Park and were welcomed there and conducted round the Pyidaungsu Ayeyeiknyein by Head of Parks and Playgrounds Department of YCDC U Nyunt Pe, Deputy Head U Win Myint and officials. There the visiting mayor signed in the visitors' book.

All-round construction tasks at Mindhamma Hill continue

Yangon, 14 Feb-The Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni image at Mindhamma hill was crowded with members of the Sangha, devotees, pilgrims from far and wide toady. Stone Sculpture Thiri Thudhamma Manijotadhara U Taw Taw and sons continued carving the image. Engineers, workers of Buildings Construction Project Special Group-2 of Public Works continued construction of Gandhakuti Kyaungdawgyi, Southern and Northern stairways and the retaining walls.

Decoration works were carried out by Myanmar handicraft technicians U Ohn Tin and group, and U Hla Kyu and group. Wut associations recited parittas from morning till night in turn. Bookshops of Ministry of Religious Affairs, News and Periodicals Enterprise and Sarpay Beikman sold various kinds of books on knowledge and aesthetics. Devotees, pilgrims, members of the Sangha from far and near paid obeisance and donated cash to the image. Donation Centre is opened from 7 am to 9 pm daily and donation made by the public have amounted to K 142,978,715 from 5 August 2000 to date.

Souvenir shop opened at Mindhamma Hill

Yangon, 14 Feb-A souvenir shop, that sells souvenirs made of leftover scraps in carving of the Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni image, was opened with ceremony at Mindhamma Hill this morning. It was attended by Adviser at the State Peace and Development Council Office U Arnt Maung, Image Carving Committee Joint-Secretary Lt-Col Khin Maung Oo, Stone Sculptor U Taw Taw, Chairman of Myanmar Traditional Artists and Artisans Asiayon (Central) U Thaung Han and members, Treasurer U Aung Thwin, artists, members of Board of Trustees and invited guests. Souvenirs made of left-over scraps such as pandants, beads, rings, miniature images moulded with stone-powder and plaster, votive tablets, Banyan leaf tablets and photos of painting of the image drawn by Artist U Thaung Han can be bought at the hill starting from today.

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( 7 ) 38th Gems Emporium from 11 to 18 March

Yangon, 14 Feb - The 38th Myanma Gems Emporium will be held from 11 to 18 March this year. It was approved at a meeting of Myanma Gems Emporium Central Committee. The meeting also reviewed the previous Mid-Year Gems Emporium. Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint said over US $ 16 million worth of jade, gem and pearl lots, jewellery and jade figurines were sold at the Mid-Year Gems Emporium and over US $ 24.17 million at the 37th Gems Emporium which is a record sale. Officials of the respective subcommittees then took part in the discussions. The meeting ended with concluding remarks by the minister. Also present were Deputy Minister U Myint Thein, Managing Director of MGE U Khin Oo and officials.

Second BIMST-EC Senior Trade/Economic Officials meeting held

Yangon, 14 Feb-The second BIMST-EC Senior Trade/Economic Officials meeting, hosted in Myanmar for the first time, was held at Sedona Hotel on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road at 9 am today. It was attended by delegates from Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Nepal, and departmental heads of Trade/Economic Enterprises in Myanmar and officials. Director-General of National AFTA Unit U Maung Maung Yee chaired the meeting and extended greetings. Then, reports on progress of six major sectors of lead countries were put forward by the leaders of delegates and reports on progress of eight sub-sectors under trade and investment sector were discussed. The report of the chairman of the Inter Governmental Group (IGG) was read out by Indian delegate. Afterwards, matters related to ensure smooth trade, promoting of Intra-BIMST-EC investment and cooperation of   BIMST-EC SMEs and SMIs were discussed. Future work programmes were laid, and date and venue for the Third BIMST-EC Senior Trade/Economic Officials Meeting is fixed and the meeting came to a close in the evening.

Minister inspects Ahlon jetties

Yangon, 14 Feb-Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe together with Deputy Minister U Pe Than arrived at No 2 Ahlon Jetty this afternoon. At the briefing hall, Managing Director of Myanma Port Authority U Thein Htay reported on construction of Ahlon No 1 and No 2 Jetties and extension of No 3 Jetty. Then, Managing Director U Tun Myint Naing of Asia World Port Management Co Ltd reported on ship at No 2 Jetty which had been constructed, progress of extension of No 1 Jetty and work to be carried out for extension of No 3 Jetty. The deputy minister gave supplementary report on extension of No 3 Jetty and then the minister fulfilled the requirements.

Work coord meeting of state/division/district judges concludes

Yangon, 14 Feb-The 17th Work Coordination Meeting of judges of Supreme Court and state/division/district courts continued at the Supreme Court for the second day today. Present were Chief Justice U Aung Toe, Deputy Chief Justices U Than Oo and U Khin Maung Latt, SC Judges U Khin Myint, Dr Tin Aung Aye, U San Tint Yi, U Myint Thein, U Tun Shin, U Chit Lwin, U Myint Aung and U Sein Hlaing, the directors-general, the advisers, the state/division judges, the deputy directors, the Head of Office of SC and the district judges. The state/division judges from Shan State (North) and Ayeyawady Division reported on judiciary and functions of the courts, and Director-General U Tin Aye of Supreme Court (Yangon) and Director-General U Thet Tun of Supreme Court (Mandalay) made discussions on the reports. Then, the SC judges made speeches, and the meeting ended with the concluding remarks by the chief justice.

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