( 1 ) Chairman of State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe receives Iandian Minister of External Affairs

Yangon, 15 Feb- Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe received Minister of External Affairs Shri Jaswant Singh of India and party at the Pyithu Hluttaw Building on Pyay Road at 11 am today.

Also present at the call were Vice-Chairman of the State Peace andDevelopment Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win and Director-General Thura U Aung Htet of the Protocol Department. The Indian External Affairs Minister and party were accompanied by Ambassador of India Mr Shyam Saran.

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( 2 ) Secretary-1 hosts dinner in honour of ministers and delegates of BIMST-EC Meeting

Yangon, 15 Feb- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt hosted a dinner at Karaweik Palace in honour of ministers and delegates who attended the Third BIMST-EC Trade/Economic Ministerial Meeting, this evening. Present on the occasion were the ministers, deputy ministers, diplomats, departmental heads and observer the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nepal and party. Before the dinner, variety dances were presented by Karaweik dance troupe.

Secretary-1 receives BIMST-EC Ministers

Yangon, 15 Feb- On behalf of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received Minister of Commerce of the People's Republic of Bangladesh Mr Md Abdul Jalil, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry of the Republic of India Mr SS Kapur, Minister of Internal & International Trade Commerce, Shipping Development and Muslim Religious Affairs of Democratic Republic of Sri Lanka Hon Rauff Hakeem, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce of the Kingdom of Thailand Mr Krirk-Krai Jirapaet, Programme Manager Mr Kasu Sakai of ADB and Director of International Trade & Industry Division of ESCAP Mr Ravi Saw Hney, who are attending the Third BIMST-EC Trade/Economic Ministerial Meeting here, at the Yeiktha of the Ministry of Defence at 8 am today.

Also present at the call 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-General Thura U Aung Htet of the Protocol Department and Observer of BIMST-EC Trade/Economic Ministers' Meeting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nepal Mr Chakra Prasad Bastola.

Secretary-1 receives Indian External Affairs Minister

Yangon, 15 Feb- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received Minister of External Affairs Shri Jaswant Singh of India and party at the Dagon Yeiktha of the Ministry of Defence this afternoon. Also present at the call were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win and Director-General Thura U Aung Htet of the Protocol Department and officials. The guests were accompanied by Ambassador of India Mr Shyam Saran.

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( 3 ) Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt receives Deputy Minister of Malaysia

Yangon, 15 Feb - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received Deputy Minister of Agriculture of Malaysia Dato Seri Haji Mohd Shariff Bin Haji Omar and party at the Guest House of the Ministry of Defence at 4 pm today. Also present together with Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt were Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Director-General of Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet and officials. The guests were accompanied by Ambassador of Malaysia Dato Mohammad Bin Noh. The Malaysian deputy minister presented US $ 2,000 donated by fisheries entrepreneurs of ASEAN Fisheries Federation of Malaysia to Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt for Myanmar Education Committee.

Secretary-2 receives Malaysian delegation

Yangon, 15 Feb - Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo received ASEAN Fisheries Federation of Malaysia delegation led by Deputy Minister of Agriculture of Malaysia Dato Seri Haji Mohd Shariff Bin Haji Omar at his office at 8 am today. Also present together with Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo were Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Brig-Gen Lun Maung, Deputy Minister for Livestock and Fisheries U Aung Thein and heads of department. The Malaysian deputy minister was accompanied by Ambassador of Malaysia Dato Mohammad Bin Noh.

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( 4 )BIMST-EC is crucial link between nations of South Asia and South East Asia Progress achieved in laying down foundations for greater economic cooperation among member countries

Yangon, 15 Feb- A ceremony to open the Third BIMST-EC Trade/Economic Ministerial Meeting, hosted for the first time in Myanmar, was held at Sedona Hotel on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road this morning, with an address by Chairman of the BIMST-EC Steering Committee and Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. Also present on the occasion were ministers of the Union of Myanmar, Chairman of the Central Organizing Committee for the Third BIMST-EC Trade/Economic Ministerial Meeting Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel and members, work committee member deputy ministers, Minister of Commerce of the People's Republic of Bangladesh Mr MD Abdul Jalil, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry of the Republic of India Mr SS Kapur, Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan of Myanmar, Minister of Internal & International Trade and Commerce, Shipping Development and Muslim Religious Affairs of Democratic Republic of Sri Lanka Mr Rauff Hakeem, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce of the Kingdom of Thailand Mr Krirk-Krai Jirapaet, delegates of the respective countries, observer Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Chakra Prasad Bastola and members of Nepal, diplomats of the embassies of BIMST-EC member countries, representatives of ADB and ESCAP, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental officials, local and foreign journalists and guests.

Assistant Manager Daw San Yu Yu Ohn of International Business Centre of the Ministry of Forestry, who acted as master of ceremonies, read the meeting agenda. Then, Chairman of the BIMST-EC Steering Committee and Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt delivered an opening address.

He said: This is the first time that Myanmar is hosting the BIMST-EC Trade/Economic Ministerial Meeting and I am greatly delighted to have the opportunity to give this opening address. As Chairman of the BIMST-EC Steering Committee of the Union of Myanmar, I would also like to extend a very warm welcome to our BIMST-EC Ministers and Delegates as well as to the representatives from ADB and ESCAP. Although your stay in the country is all too brief, it is our hope that you will be able to have an insight of our " Land of Golden Pagodas "a country rich in beauty and culture, a country that is peaceful, stable and economically vibrant, with people confidently welcoming the twenty-first century and the third millennium.

We are living in an era of rapid technological advances and globalization. This globalization process has brought with it new opportunities as well as new challenges, particularly to the developing nations. We live in a world of increasing interdependence, growing economic competition and widening digital divide. In these times, no nation can stay aloof and in isolation. To overcome these challenges, the developing nations must learn to cooperate with each other in the most effective and efficient way possible. In this context, the Asian nations need to work together to thrive and to progress.

The formation of BIMST-EC in 1997 is of great significance not only for its Member states but also for the region as a whole. It is our belief that BIMST-EC is a crucial link between the nations of South Asia and Southeast Asia. Although BIMST-EC had emerged only three and half years ago, it can be said that notable progress has been achieved in laying down the foundations for greater economic cooperation among the Member countries. We were able to identify six main areas for cooperation. In New Delhi, we were able to add two new areas, agriculture and disaster management, for future cooperation. We should not be discouraged if the pace of cooperation in some areas is not as fast as we would like. If we all devote special attention and focus on those areas where  progress is to accelerate, we shall surely be on track again. On the whole, I believe that the level of cooperation so far achieved can be to a large extent a source of satisfaction for al of us. At this juncture, allow me to say that we in Myanmar have confidence in the economic strength of BIMST-EC and its Members.

With a combined population of over 1.2 billion people and abundant natural and human resources, our organization shall surely be able to bring about greater prosperity to the region. In this regard, it is vital importance for all countries to implement the various sectoral action plans effectively and as early as possible. I am also heartened to learn that attention is being devoted for establishing the shared vision for a Free Trade Arrangement in the BIMST-EC region. We fully appreciate the complexities and sensitivities involved.

However, I remain confident that working together in the spirit of good will and accommodation we shall be able to produce a blueprint in our march towards a Free Trade Area. Myanmar looks forward to making a meaningful contribution to progress and prosperity of the BIMST-EC region. Despite the negative impacts caused by the financial crisis that hit the region in 1997, our economy was able to grow due to the adoption of correct and timely policies and their vigorous implementation. At the end of March this year, we will be completing the 1996-97 to 2000-2001 Short Term Five Year Plan. Against a Plan target of 6 per cent, we were able to achieve an average annual growth of 7.2 per cent in the first four years of the Plan. In this last year of the Plan, GDP growth is projected to be at least 8 per cent. Despite the progress made, circles holding negative views inside and outside the country continue to make all sorts of remarks and comments regarding our economy.

Actually, in recent years there had been tremendous infrastructure buildup, greater income, higher standards of living and better quality of life of the entire people as well as the narrowing of gap between cities and countryside. We are therefore very glad that Your Excellencies will have a chance to observe at first hand the true conditions of our economy. The truth of the matter is that our agricultural production is increasing, the industrial sector is growing and the services sector improving. Moreover, the economic achievements that you witnessing today are being attained by our own efforts and without any assistance from abroad. At the same time, we look forward to cooperating with the friendly nations for mutual benefit.

] Our agriculture, forest, mining, livestock breeding, industry, energy and services sectors including tourism, offer vast prospects for doing business in Myanmar as well as for cooperation with our Asian partners. It is our hope that Myanmar's economic potential will contribute towards regional prosperity. Myanmar joined BIMST-EC in 1997. We did so with full conviction of the goals, aims and purposes of the organization. I wish to reiterate our commitment to BIMST-EC. Myanmar will not be found lacking in its obligations. We will forge ahead with our efforts to promote cooperation with BIMST-EC Members. The Agenda before this Third BIMST-EC Trade/Economic Ministerial Meeting is both wide-ranging and of great significance for the Member States and their peoples.

I am confident that the Ministers with their wisdom and vast experiences will be able to guide the Meeting to fruitful and beneficial results. In conclusion, May I wish all of you success in your deliberations and a pleasant stay in Myanmar. Thank you all for your kind attention. Next, the Secretary-1 had the documentary photo taken together with Minister Brig-Gen Abel , observer Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Chakra Prasad Bastola of Nepal, Minister of Commerce of the People's Republic of Bangladesh Mr MD Abdul Jalil, Minister of Internal & International Trade and Commerce, Shipping Development and Muslim Religious Affairs of Democratic Republic of Sri Lanka Hon Rauff Hakeem, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce of the Kingdom of Thailand Mr Krirk-Krai Jirapaet, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry of the Republic of India MR SS Kapur and Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan of Myanmar. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 cordially met delegation members of respective BIMST-EC member countries.

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( 5 ) BIMST-EC Trade/Economic Ministerial Meeting issues joint Press statement

Ministers accentuate important role of SMEs and SMIs in Region's development

Yangon, 15 Feb- The following is a Joint Press Statement of the Third BIMST-EC Trade/Economic Ministerial Meeting held at Sedona Hotel in Yangon this morning.

1. The Third BIMST-EC Trade / Economic Ministers' Meeting was held in Yangon, Myanmar on 15th February 2001. It was preceded by the Second BIMST-EC Senior Trade/Economic Officials' Meeting on 14th February, 2001. The Ministers' Meeting was inaugurated by His Excellency Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Chairman of the BIMST-EC Steering Committee of Myanmar and Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council.

Opening Speech

2. In his opening speech, HE Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt highlighted the fact that globalisation has brought new opportunities and challenges, particularly to the developing nations. To overcome these challenges, the developing nations must learn to cooperate with each other. In this context, BIMST-EC is a crucial link between the nations of South and Southeast Asia. Myanmar has confidence in the economic strength of BIMST-EC. H.E. is also heartened to learn that attention is being devoted for establishing the shared vision for a Free Trade Arrangement in the BIMST-EC region. H.E. explains Myanmar's economic growth and how some quarters are expressing all sorts of negative remarks and comments on it. Finally, he explained that Myanmar joined BIMST-EC with full convictions of the goals, aims and purposes of the organisation.

3. The Meeting was attended by Trade/Economic Ministers of Member Countries and their Senior Trade/Economic Officials. Nepal attended as an observer. The Programme Manager of the Asian Development Bank and the Director of International Trade and Industry Division of Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific were specially invited. His Excellency, Brig- Gen D O Abel, Myanmar's BIMST-EC Trade/Economic Minister and Minister at the Chairman's Office, State Peace and Development Council, presided over the Meeting. Chairmans Statement

4. Chairman, Brig-Gen Abel said that in this age of globalisation, to stand still is to fall back. The Minister commended the Inter-Governmental Group for their efforts to find a possible free trade arrangement. He urged Member Countries to first trade amongst themselves in accordance with the multilateral trading system, and then amongst Asians. Intra-regional trade and investment will remain a vital force, and the Chair emphasized the need to arrive at substantive outcomes in trade liberalization, to be supported by trade facilitation measures. The Minister highlighted the significant role of small and medium enterprises/industries in the BIMST-EC region's development, and that Governments must act as facilitators.

Overview 5. The Ministers exchanged views on the international economic environment. With rapidly increasing globalization,

global competition for markets and investments. The strategy for the period beyond economic recovery and towards economic resurgence is broader and deeper integration. The Ministers agreed that member countries must have one " voice " in sending the message of commitment to integration in international fora.

Trade

6. The Ministers noted the importance of trading within the Group, as well as, amongst Asian nations in accordance with the rules of the multilateral trading system. The Ministers felt a need for exploring the possibility of a free trade arrangement. They commended the Inter-Governmental Group on their Concept Paper. The Ministers agreed to set up an experts group consisting of officials, academia, and private sector to study approach and modalities, and make recommendations to the next Trade/Economic Ministerial Meeting.

7. The Ministers shared the view that BIMST-EC should have a coordinated position to the possible extent and form a common position in international trade related fora, such as the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Developing countries should be proactive and formulate initiatives, rather than be reactive to proposals put forward by developed countries. They agreed on the need for a balanced agenda and for the interests of developing countries to be taken into account in future WTO negotiations. The commitments made so far for the integation of LDCs in the global trading system should be address adequately.

Trade Facilitation

8. The Ministers noted that trade liberalisation efforts be considered together with trade facilitation measures. To begin with, the Ministers concentrated on short-term deliverables such as customs matters, standards and confirmity, and establishment of Customs Experts Group. They also agreed to the recommendations made by STEOM on these trade facilitation measures.

9. The Ministers also noted the need for developing a longer term programme. The Ministers discussed measures for facilitation of transport, strengthening the banking arrangements, IPRs, mobility of business people, and establishment of the trade database which is part of the e-BIMST-EC. Similarly, they agreed to the STEOM recommendation on these matters.

10. The Ministers stressed the importance of e-commerce. It was noted that there is a need to harmonise standards and regulations. The Ministers took note of the on-going activities and discussions at international fora so they may be utilised and applied in the BIMST-EC context.

Small and Medium Enterprises/Industries

11. The Ministers accentuated the important role of SMEs and SMIs in the Region's development and realised that each government acts as a facilitator. The Ministers agreed to prioritise the promotion of SMEs and SMIs in the Region's collaborative efforts. As an initial step, they reviewed the problems and potentials of these small scale entities and discussed possible actions to mitigate the problems and enhance the potentials.

Other Matters

12. The Ministers took note of the following issues: (a) The request by the Kingdom of Nepal for membership to BIMST-EC; and (b) setting of a permanent BIMST-EC Secretariat. Next Meeting 13. The Fourth BIMST-EC Trade/Economic Ministerial Meeting will be held in Colombo, the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, in February 2002.

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( 6 ) The third BIMST-EC Trade/Economic Ministers' Meeting held

Yangon, 15 Feb - The third BIMST-EC Trade/Economic Ministers' Meeting, hosted by Myanmar for the first time, was held at the Sedona Hotel on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road this morning. Chairman of the Central Committee for Organizing the third BIMST-EC Trade/Economic Ministers' Meeting Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel made a speech. Also present were delegates of the People s Republic of Bangladesh led by Minister for Commerce Mr Md Abdul Jalil, the delegates of the Republic of India led by Minister of State, Ministry of Commerce and Industry Mr Omar Abdullah, Myanmar delegates led by Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, the delegates of Sri Lanka led by Minister for Internal and International Trade and Commerce, Shipping Development and Muslim Religious Affairs Mr Rauff Hakeem, the delegates of Thailand led by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce Mr Krirk-Krai Jirapaet, the observers led by Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Chakra Prasad Bastola of Nepal and delegates of the National AFTA Unit of the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development.

Minister Brig-Gen Abel said: As Secretary-1 had said, the twenty-first century is certainly an era of rapidly increasing globalisation. To survive and to thrive, everyone must learn to work, cooperate and compete in the most effective and efficient ways possible. To stand still is to fall back. The rest of the world has not stood still. Ever closer integration is taking place all over the world. Continent sized economies, regional free trade areas and other forms of economic partnership mount a serious challenge to BIMST-EC region as a whole, in a global competition for markets and investments.

The strategy for the period beyond economic recovery and towards economic resurgence is broader and deeper integration. In our deliberations today, there is an urgent need to consolidate the existing economic linkages among Member Countries and create a basis for deeper cooperation. We must resolve to invigorate efforts to accelerate trade and investment by strengthening policy dialogue, coordinate and collaborate on issues of common interests. In the context of WTO, advanced countries need to reform their trade policies in areas that discriminate against the poorest countries. They need to introduce new ways of supporting agricultural incomes at home that do not jeopardise the world-wide fight against poverty. I would like to place an emphasis on intra-regional trade. People have been trading all over the globe since time immemorial. It is one of the basic elements for countries to develop and advance. Then, in the last century, a multilateral trading system emerged as symbolised by the WTO.

The System is to promote fair and orderly trade among many nations and corporations. To be able to participate in this System to our advantage, I felt that we must first trade amongst ourselves according to the rules of this System. If we do not trade amongst members of our Group, how can we trade with other Asian nations? If Asians do not trade amongst themselves, how can they expect to trade with other regions of the world? Myanmar's trade with BIMST-EC member countries have been increasing. Intra-regional trade and investment will remain a vital force. We can find ways of working closely and concertedly with the common goal of realising the potential economic and developmental benefits of our Group. Our efforts will underpin the growth of trade and investment relationships in the future. We are thankful to the Inter-Governmental Group for their efforts to find a possible free trade arrangement. It is important to achieve substantive progress in trade liberalisation.

The agenda needs to be forward looking, focusing on concrete time-bound steps towards achieving its objectives. Our region should not only liberalise trade, but we should also facilitate trade. Trade facilitation is the " flip-side "of trade liberalisation, and one without the other will lead us nowhere. The aims should be at reducing non-tariff barriers and promoting trade opportunities within BIMST-EC. I am of the opinion that, for now, we should concentrate on short-term deliverables that are of relevance and usefulness. This will include customs matters and standards, including sanitary and phyto-sanitary standards. While working on the short-term deliverables, we should initiate programmes for liberalisation of trade in services, facilitation of transport and strengthening the banking arrangements. All efforts should have well defined targets, time frames and review mechanisms. As we progress with our libe-ralisation efforts, we can pick up issues such as intellectual property rights, mobility of business people and so on. I would also like to mention e-commerce.

The establishment of common standards is required. The differences in existing regulations and standards need to be identified and reduced. We may take note of the on-going activities and discussions at international fora so we may utilise and apply them in the BIMST-EC context. Like in the rest of Asia, small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and small and medium sized (SMIs) industries will play a significant role in our Region's development. Governments must play a facilitating role to help solve their problems of getting information, credit, technology etcetera, that are associated with small scale (SMEs/SMIs). Identifying trade barriers with a view to reducing and removing them, together with trade facilitation measures mentioned above, will result in direct and tangible gains to business, especially SMEs. Then, the ministers, delegates and observers discussed trade and economic matters. Afterwards, they discussed the report of the BEMST-EC Trade/Economic Senior Officers' Meeting held yesterday. Next, a general round of discussions followed.

The place and date to hold the fourth BEMST-EC Trade/Economic Ministers'Meeting and the third BEMST-EC Trade/Economic Senior Officers' Meeting were fixed. The meeting approved the report of the third BEMST-EC Trade/Economic Ministers' Meetings. It is learnt that the fourth BEMST-EC Trade/Economic Ministers' Meeting will be held in Sri Lanka in February 2002.

Third BIMST-EC Trade/Economic Ministers meet Press

Yangon, 15 Feb - A Press Conference on the Third BIMST-EC Trade/Economic Ministerial Meeting was held at Sedona Hotel at 5 pm today. Present were Chairman of the Central Committee for Organizing of the Third BIMST-EC Trade/Economic Ministerial Meeting Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel, Minister of Commerce of the People's Republic of Bangladesh Mr MD Abdul Jalil, Provincial Minister of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of India Mr Omar Abdullah, Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan of Myanmar, Minister of Internal & International Trade and Commerce, Shipping Development and Muslim Religious Affairs of the Democratic Republic of Sri Lanka Rauff Hakeem, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce of the Kingdom of Thailand Mr Krirk-Krai Jirapaet, members of the Central Committee for Observance of the Third BIMST-EC Trade/Economic Ministerial Meeting and work committees, delegates of the respective nations, Managing Director of News and Periodicals Enterprise U Tin Kha, Director (News) U Hla Tun, Adviser to the Minister U Kyaw Min, Chief Editor of The New Light of Myanmar daily U Maung Maung Aye, Chief Editor of Myanma News Agency (Internal) U Win Tin, President of Myanmar Correspondents Club U Sao Kai Hpa and member journalists. Minister Brig-Gen Abel gave a speech. Minister Brig-Gen Abel said that the third BIMST-EC Trade/Commerce Ministers' Meeting and BIMST-EC Trade/Commerce Senior Officers' Meeting have been held successfully in Yangon, and these meetings will be held in alphabetical order of the names of member nations. As far as Myanmar is concerned, it has held the meetings successfully.

In replying to questions put by journalists, the Indian minister said that India has been setting up small-size and medium-size enterprises and industries starting from the village level. With regard to transfer of technology, it will cooperate in accord with the conditions of BIMST-EC. Then, Brig-Gen Abel said that BIMST-EC came into existence three and a half years ago. Protection of BIMST-EC is necessary in the process of globalization. The member nations have to have a part in the globalization. Collaboration and cooperation in the region will help member nations in a very positive manner to be players in the globalization. Globalization cannot be avoided.

There are challenges as well as benefits in the process of globalization. The member nations can play the game according to the multilateral role, and they can cooperate Regionwise and globalwise, and there are a lot of benefits. In replying to a question related to membership of Nepal of BIMST-EC, Minister Brig-Gen Abel said that this matter is to be put to the meetings of Ministers for Foreign Affairs. He added that although there are all sorts of negative remarks and comments on the economic growth of Myanmar, only what responsible officials say and facts and figures which they give are to be regarded as authentic. In replying to a question of how the prospect of investment flow among members of BEMST-EC can be evaluated, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Commerce of Thailand said that there are persons from Thailand who are dealing with telecommunication services in certain parts of India. There is also investment in hotel management, hotel construction and department stores in Myanmar.

There are also some types of investment in Sri Lanka. This sort of flow can be further strengthened and enhanced. Then, the Indian minister said that BEMST-EC is a very young organization. It is necessary to conclude bilateral investment protection agreements among member countries of BEMST-EC. So the fundamental structural framework for investment protection exists among all the member nations when investors come forward to invest in other countries. They will have this sort of safetiness. In replying to a question concerning balance of trade between Myanmar and India, the Indian minister said that India had a trade deficit with Myanmar, which exported more to India. In 1999-2000, Myanmar's export to India was US$ 141.14 million, and its import from India was US$ 75.36 million. India is Myanmar's largest export market according to the figures. Then, the Press Conference ended at 5.45 pm.

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( 7 ) Myanmar-India Friendship Centre for Remote Sensing and Data Processing inaugurated

Yangon, 15 Feb - A ceremony to inaugurate Myanmar-India Friendship Centre for Remote Sensing and Data Processing was held at the Technical and Vocational Education Department on Natmauk Street in Bahan Township this morning, attended by Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo.

Also present were Minister , Deputy Minister, heads of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departments concerned, Minister of External Affairs of India Mr Shri Jaswant Singh and party, Ambassador of India Mr Shyam Saran and embassy staff, Director of the Centre for Remote Sensing and Data Processing Professor Dr Swe Swe Aye and officials, students of Insein Technical Training Centre, post-graduate trainees and guests.

Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung and Minister of External Affairs of India Mr Shri Jaswant Singh formally opened the Centre. Then, the Secretary-2 formally unveiled the bronze plaque of the Centre. Minister U Thaung said: Allow me to extend a warm welcome to Your Excellency and to the members of your delegation at the opening ceremony of the Centre for Remote Sensing and Data Processing.

This is the first centre of its kind in Myanmar. It will have a vital role to play, in the processing, and dissemination of data from satellites. The data, provided by the centre, will surely assist Myanmar, in its development efforts. It is firm conviction that the

opening of the centre is the beginning of closer cooperation between our two countries in space and related technologies. We in Myanmar are aware that in this rapidly changing world, the future will depend on knowledge-based societies. We are therefore, seeking to develop own human resources to meet the challenges of our times. In this regard we appreciate the assistance provided to us by India with regard to science and technology. We are indeed honoured that Your Excellency has so kindly agreed to inaugurate this Remote sensing and Data Processing Centre an outstanding example of Indo-Myanmar friendship.

Minister of External Affairs of India Shri Jaswant Singh said: It gives me great pleasure to be present here today on the significant occasion of the inauguration of the Myanmar-India Friendship Centre for Remote Sensing and Data Processing. The establishment of the Centre is not only a symbol of the cooperation that has grown between India and Myanmar, it is also a manifestation of the warm and friendly ties that have traditionally existed between our two countries since historical times. I am particularly grateful to HE Lt-Gen Tin Oo, Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council, who has honoured this occasion with his kind presence. This reflects the importance which the leaders of Myanmar attach to this new area of bilateral cooperation in frontier technologies.

The new millennium has commenced, and with it, we have entered an enhanced phase in the relationship between our two great nations. We in India look forward to a relationship of partnership and of beneficial interdependence with Myanmar, supporting each other in our quest for peace, prosperity and national development, drawing upon the strengths and resources, both human and material, of both our countries. Excellencies, a new millennium brings new hope; the expectations that we cherish remain the same: for an improved quality of life for ourselves and coming generations, for a better society, a better tomorrow. The economic enrichment of society encompasses basic issues such as education and technological development. In fact, in addressing national development, these issues assume critical importance. We are fortunate that today we have the strength of science and its applications in this endeavour.

Excellencies, this Centre, which we have jointly inaugurated today, is a manifestation of Myanmar's desire to encourage the development of a scientific temper in this country. We therefore laud the founding of this important venture and are appreciative of the opportunity to share our experience and capabilities with you. It gives us immense pleasure to be partners in this project with Myanmar. Remote sensing is today an essential tool of science with multifarious social benefits. In developing countries like India and Myanmar, resource surveys are vital for national infrastructure development. The applications of remote sensing cover weather forecasting and disaster management capabilities, determination of forest cover and other land use delineation's, cropping surveys, urban planning, environmental monitoring and ground water survey.

The Centre we have inaugurated today will continue to be an enduring symbol of our partnership as we move ahead into subsequent phases of upgradation. Excellencies, in this endeavour we have drawn on our scientists and take pride in their calibre and vision. Any Centre of Remote Sensing brings to mind the contributions of scientists such as the late Dr Vikram Sarabhai or Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, for their pioneering role in the development of space technology in India. Achieving results is neither easy nor quick; nor can it be done in isolation. The process of exploring science and technology for the purpose of modern sustainable development generates team spirit, patience and determination Persist, for in science one learns from failure as well as from success.

Before I conclude I wish to express our appreciation to Shri RP Dubey of the Space Application Centre of the Indian Space Research Organisation and his dedicated team of Myanmar scientists and technicians of the Myanmar Ministry of Science and Technology, who worked tirelessly during the past week to make the Centre fully operational and ready for inauguration today. For all who will work here, I wish them satisfaction, success and the joys of applying the power of the scientific mind to the process of national development I am happy to convey my very best wishes for the success of this Centre to the Government of Myanmar. Thank you. After the ceremony, the Secretary-2 and party and the Minister of External Affairs of India and party observed the Centre.

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