( 1 ) Forty-year-old dream to raise public social standard
materialized
Four-mile Thaphanseik
Dam, largest in Myanmar and among longest in Southeast Asia, inaugurated to irrigate
500,000 acres
 
Yangon, 17 April — Thaphanseik Dam in
Kyunhla Township, Shwebo District, Sagaing Division, was commissioned into service this
morning, attended by Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council
Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe.
Also present were Secretary-3 of the State
Peace and Development Council 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
Minister for Military Affairs Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Tin Hla, Chairman of Mandalay
Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint,
Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North-West Command
Maj-Gen Soe Win, ministers, deputy ministers, senior military officers, heads of State
Peace and Development Council Office and other departments, Tatmadawmen, departmental
personnel, local authorities of Shwebo, Wetlet, KhinU, Kanbalu, Kyunhla, Tabayin, Taze and
YeU, staff of Thaphanseik Dam Project, members of Union Solidarity and Development
Association, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigade,
teachers, students, members of dance troupes and local people totalling over 35,000.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary-3
Lt-Gen Win Myint said Thaphanseik Dam is a large facility built on Mu River. The over
4-mile-long dam of the multipurpose project will irrigate 500,000 acres of land and
generate 30 megawatt of electricity.
It is the largest dam in Myanmar and also
among the list of longest dams in Southeast Asia region.
Today’s ceremony marked the opening
of the main irrigation dam which was built by the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation.
The dam will generate hydroelectric power soon as plans are under way to instal the
imported machinery when they arrived at the project.
Water from Tha-phanseik Dam will be
distributed through Kindat Diversion Dam which was opened in March 1997.
Kindat Diversion Dam and a feeder canal
system was built in advance in order to operate Thaphanseik Dam effectively and soonest.
Kindat Diversion Dam began irrigating 150,000 acres with water from Mu River through the
right and left feeder canals and Kaboe Dam three years earlier.
Thanks to the Kindat Diversion Dam and the
feeder canal system, the water level of Maha Nanda Lake in Shwebo, the centre of the Third
Myanmar Empire founded by King Alungphaya, has reached the high mark and the surrounding
areas of Shwebo has become pleasant.
Thaphanseik Dam is the main facility which
will supply water to Kindat Diversion Dam. Beginning this rainy season, the dam will start
to hold water from Mu River to irrigate 500,000 acres the whole year round. In accord with
the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, feeder canals are being extended
not only to Taze, YeU, Tabayin, Kanbalu, KhinU and Shwebo townships, but also to Ayadaw
and Budalin townships.
The dam will help beautify the west bank
of Ayeyawady River in Sagaing Division and expand the paddy cultivation areas. Sagaing
Division will soon become a region which produces surplus paddy.
The government has built 13 dams and
underground water irrigation projects in Sagaing Division to boost its crop production. It
has also set up 46 pumped-water stations along Ayeyawady and Chindwin rivers. If the
irrigation capacity of about 200 small dams are added, the total irrigation capacity of
the division reaches nearly 900,000 acres.
Prospects are bright for the division to
firmly stand as the rice bowl of upper Myanmar as construction of irrigation facilities,
including Kyebin-et Dam and Yebutalin and Indaw pumped-water stations is in progress.
Due to its soil and climate conditions,
Sagaing Division can produce the main crops, which are, paddy, cotton, sugarcane and beans
and pulses and kitchen crops. The division is contributing over 10 percent to the gross
domestic products. Thus the economic downs and ups of Sagaing Division have effects on the
national economy. Especially, the development of the division’s agriculture sector is
very important for the nation.
Local farmers of the division should fully
utilize the favourable conditions created by the government to grow crops on all available
land. It is required to effectively use the abundant land and water resources of the
division. Effective methods should be applied to raise the per acre yield of crops and to
reduce wastage.
The State Peace and Development Council
(the Tatmadaw government) under the leadership of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe
is making strenuous efforts in carrying out tasks benefiting regions and farmers. The
Secretary-3 quoted the Senior General as saying, "It is required to gave priority to
poverty alleviation and development in rural areas, home to the majority of the people.
Priority should be given to implementing region-wised rural all-round development tasks
such as rural roads development, rural water supply, rural economic development and rural
health and education improvement as a duty."
It is true that only when the rural areas
gain progress, will the towns, which are relying on them, also develop. The towns and
villages are inter-related and inter-dependent.
Based on this belief, dam projects,
pumped-water projects, transport improvement projects, regional greening tasks and rural
health and education tasks are being implemented costing millions of kyats. The fruits of
the projects are not only for the current economic benefit; they are to be handed down to
the posterity.
Due to the correct policy, systematic work
programmes and the noble goodwill of the present government, endeavours benefiting the
nation and farmers are achieving success after success. Up to now, the government has
opened 120 dams and 133 major bridges. These facilities are benefiting the people.
The State and the people have to make
harmonious efforts to lay a foundation for the nation to make progress in all sectors.
He said future prospects for national
development are becoming brighter with the leadership of the government, cooperation of
the people and efforts of service personnel.
He thanked Commander Maj-Gen Soe Win,
Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, engineers and staff of Irrigation Department and local people
for their participation in construction of the dam.
He urged local people to conserve
watershod areas, maintain the dam and irrigation systems for posterity and make efforts
for boosting production of crops utilizing water from the dam beneficially.
Commander Maj-Gen Soe Win said in the past
Kindat Diversion Dam and Kaboe Dam could use 30 percent of water from Mu River to irrigate
350,000 acres of farmlands. The Thaphan-seik Dam will irrigate over 500,000 acres of lands
for all year round and generate 117.2 million kilowatts annually.
As regards agricultural development in the
division, there were 3.39 million cultivated acres in 1997-98 and the figure increased
into 3.758 million acres in 2000-2001 showing an increase of 0.368 million acres three
years, he said. Total cultivation in 2000-2001 was 6.05 million acres and altogether 2.292
million acres were put under multiple crops, he said. Hence, the agricultural productivity
was 161 per cent and this year’s per acre yield of paddy has increased one and half
baskets than that of the previous year.
 
Due to availability of water 2,245 pieces
of farm equipment were used for multiple cropping. According to the 2000-2001 figures
altogether 29,263 farm machineries 421 tractors, 5,927 power tillers, 18,053 water
pumps, 759 paddy harvesters, 1,759 threshing machines and 50 transplanting machines are
used.
Altogether 91.8 million baskets of paddy
were produced from present cultivation acreage of 1.417 million with the objective of
becoming Upper Myanmar to be rice bowl under the guidance of the Head of State. There were
surplus of 8.4 million baskets of paddy. With the development of techniques 1.58 million
of farmlands were extended during the Third Five Year. Altogether 2.13 million of acres
including double cropping will be cultivated. There will be 156.5 million baskets of paddy
and surplus will also be 64 million baskets of paddy. Therefore the requirements of states
and divisions in Upper Myanmar will be fulfilled.
He said cultivation of cotton will be
extended up to 200,000 acres and efforts are to be made to exceed 35 million viss, yearly
requirement for industrial raw materials.
He said GDP of Sagaing Division increased
up to 12,057 million Kyats from this year target of 11,247 million Kyats and economic
growth is 11.2 per cent.
He said the Head of State gave guidance on
carrying out five rural development tasks agriculture, sufficiency of drinking water,
transport, health and promotion of education. He also spoke on digging of wells,
construction and repair of roads and renovation of schools, rural health care units and
dispensaries in accord with the guidance.
Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin said only 30
per cent of over 2.8 million acre feet of Mu River were used for monsoon paddy in
agricultural production work. The Thaphanseik Dam Project was implemented for cultivation
of double crops in summer and a large support work for development of agriculture emerged,
he said.
He said the project was implemented on Mu
River near Thaphanseik Village for cultivation of double and mixed crops after irrigating
30,000 acres of farmlands in Ayadaw and Budalin regions besides 500,000 irrigated areas of
Kintat diversion embankment lies nine miles down the dam.
He spoke on world’s largest dams in
Russia, Egypt, Malaysia and Thailand. The Thaphanseik Dam is 22,250 feet long.
Emergence of such a large and magnificent
dam is the goodwill and far-sightedness of the Head of State to promote economic life of
farmers in the rural areas who live on agriculture and to improve agricultural production,
basic economy of the State.
  
He said as is known to all farmers the
government is making efforts for development of agricultural sector, basic economy of the
State.
One fourth of total 167.7 million acres in
Myanmar are cultivable lands. Besides conventional production methods of farmers,
arrangements are under way to undertake reclamation of land and cultivation as private
economic enterprises.
At a time when the Tatmadaw government
took up the duties of State in 1988-89 cultivation acreage was 19.3 million and it
increased up to 25 million in a short time.
In 1988-89, irrigated areas were 2.5
million and another 1.8 million acres of farmlands were irrigated. Since 1988, altogether
119 irrigation projects were implemented to irrigate water to about 1.7 million
acres of cultivated lands. The Thaphanseik dam is the 120th irrigation facility and
it will be a historical milestone in agricultural production as it will ensure multiple
cropping of 0.53 million acres in Sagaing Division which can be dubbed as the rice bowl of
Upper Myanmar. The gigantic Thaphanseik Dam is a prestigious heritage to future
generations and all must strive to ensuring long-term durability of the dam, urged the
Minister. He also called for collective efforts for keeping catchment areas green and
pleasant, and keeping the irrigation system intact.
Senior General Than Shwe greeted the local
people who attended the ceremony, saying, the people as well as the government are happy
for the completion of Thaphanseik Dam.
Though the survey work was made 40 years
ago, Thaphanseik Dam Project could not be implemented for various reasons.
The 40-year-old dream has been materalized
in the time of the present government with the firm resolution that the task to raise the
social standard of the people will be carried out without fail.
The State and the people should
harmoniously utilize the natural resources for national development.
The are many potentials to tap the
nation’s large volumes of water resources for agriculture and hydel power generation.
But till now, the water resources are not able to be fully utilized.
The nation is also rich in forest and
mineral resources; the nation’s waters are also rich in marine resources. Wider use
of material resources will lead to national development and prosperity.
The State is making arrangements for
progress of qualified human resources who can effectively harness the material resources.
Thaphanseik Dam was built with the firm
belief that the facility will change the cultivation of local farmers from single to
double and triple cropping and seasonal cultivation lands into regular farms, leading to
development of social life of the people. Efforts are being made in producing the required
human resources and the infrastructures.
As the State has the duty to develop the
required resources to narrow the development gap between all the regions to the most
possible degree, so does the public cooperation is a need.
The State service personnel need to work
with patriotism; more success will be achieved if the State and the people work in
harmony.
As the world nations are changing and
developing with high momentum in the 21st century, Myanmar should develop and effectively
use her human resources to able to advance together with the pace.
The State and the people should
collectively safeguard and maintain the Thaphanseik Dam for its duration and the
effectiveness.
Then, Senior General Than Shwe presented
gifts of honour. Director of Construction-4 of Irrigation department U Maung Maung Tin
representing the staff and Tactical Operation Commander Col Hla Ngwe representing those
participated in the project accepted the gifts. At the auspicious time, Senior General
Than Shwe formally unveils the stone plaque of the dam. Next, Secretary-3 Lt-Gen Win
Myint, Commander Maj-Gen Soe Win and Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin formally opened the dam by
cutting a ribbon. Afterwards, Head of State Senior General Than Shwe and party inspected
round the main dam, main spillway and auxiliary spillway.
The Dam is built on Mu River near
Thanphanseik village in Kyunhla Township. The earth dam is 22,578 feet long and 108 feet
high. Its maximum water storage capacity is 2,888,000 acre-ft. The surface area of the dam
at full brim is 106,200 acres. Its main spillway is of Ogee type radial gate reinforced
concrete and has 12 sluice gates each measuring 15 feet by 30 feet. The auxiliary spillway
is also of Ogee type.
It is multipurpose project and the dam
will not only irrigate water but also for generating electricity. The project was
implemented at a cost of over 7,500 million kyats.
Afterwards, the Senior General and party
went to briefing hall of the project. Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin reported matters on
benefited acreage of the dam, and the possibility for cultivating paddy, gram, sesamum,
cotton in 900,000 acres. Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut reported matters on
the hydel-power generation. Senior General Than Shwe gave necessary guidance. Then,
Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin presented souvenirs to Senior General Than Shwe and
party.Afterwards, the senior General and party left for Mandalay by motorcade.
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( 2 ) Teaching for 2000 2001 academic year,
management and future tasks of International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University
coordinated
 
Yangon, 17 April-A coordination nation meeting on teaching
for 2000 2001 academic year, management and future tasks; of International Theravada
Buddhist Missionary University was held at the central hall of ITBMU, attended by
Secretary-l of the State Peace and Development Council Lt Gen Khin Nyunt. Also present
were Ovadacanya. and Honorary Professor Thitagu Sayadaw Bhaddanta Nanissara, Pro Rector
(Academic) of ITBMU Sayadaw Bhaddanta Neminda, Head of Faculty of Pariyatti Sayadaw
Bhaddanta Kumarabhivamsa, Head of Faculty of Religion and Missionary Sayadaw Dr Bhaddanta
Ardiccavamsa, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin
Hlaing, Minister for Culture U Win Sein, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and
Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Vice-Chairman
of Yangon City Deve10pment Committee Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa, Deputy Minister for
Construction U Tint Swe, Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko,
officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, the directors-general of
Religious Affairs Department and Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana,
Pro-Rector of ITBMU, Heads of Faculties, professors, associate professors, visiting
professors and officials.
 
Minister U Aung Khin reported on the number of students
and courses, instructor Sayadaws, foreign students, initiated into temporary monk hood,
financial matters, donations, excursion, establishment of library, collection of books,
examinations, programmes for 2001-2002 academic year, construction of buildings and tasks
to be undertaken.
Pro-Rector (Admin) Dr Hla Pe reported on teaching and
management matters for 2000 2001 academic year and future tasks.
 Deputy
Superintending Engineer of Public Works U Kyi Tun reported on work undertaken and
construction of the central hall. Ovadacariya and Honorary Professor, Pro-Rector
(Academic) and Heads of Faculties gave counsel on curriculum of ITBMU and teaching. The
Secretary-l then said there has been two or three years since ITBMU was established and
the meeting would discuss courses and administrative matters. The Sayadaws' instructions
were very appropriate and valuable. Tasks are to be carried out for appointment of
instructor Sayadaws and fulfillment of teaching aids, he said.
He spoke of the need to review subject-wise curriculum and
combination for more effective teaching based on experiences gained and time and condition
in conformity with the standard of an intentional university.
The Secretary-l inspected library building, present
library at the central hall and greening of its environs and gave instructions.
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( 3
) Pagodas in Yangon crowded with devotees on Myanmar New
Year Day
 
Yangon, 17April-As today is Myanmar New Year day, the
Buddhists in Yangon perform meritorious deeds such as meditating and making donations.
Sule, Botahatung, Kaba Aye, Maha Wizya, Kyaikkasan, Sacred Tooth Relic, Maelamu and Shwe
Phone Pwint pagodas and Koehtatgyi, Ngahtatgyi, Chaukhtatgyi, Bronze Hsutaungpyi
Chanthagyi images were crowded with devotees and pilgrims who were paying obeisance,
offering flowers, light, water, incense sticks, telling beads, meditating, reciting
parittas and sharing merits gained. Fisheries Department of Ministry of Livestock and
Fisheries distributed fingerlings at the shops near Dagonsiri Sanctuary Lake at Kaba Aye
Hill, Aquarium in Kandawgyi and Thadu Lake to the people who wished to free them. The Sun
paid homage twice at 8.25 am and 3.15 pm today to the Buddha image in the Gandhakutitaik
of Maha Wizaya Pagoda on Shwedagon Pagoda Road. The Buddhists said prayers to the Buddha
at those moments.
Executives and members of Hitaythi Association of Mahasi
Sasana Yeiktha and devotees paid obeisance to 30 elderly persons who are over 70. Over 500
trainees of Basic Buddhists Culture course led by Course Instructor Bhaddanta Pannasami
(Magadi-Thazi) celebrated Myanmar New Year Day ceremony at Maha Pasana Cave on Kaba Aye
Hill. The trainees donated offertories to the Buddha and recited religious verses and
panttas. A ceremony to pay obeisance to the aged was held at Mon Dhammayon on Shwedagon
Pagoda Road The attendance paid obeisance and presented cash to 150 aged persons who are
over 70. On behalf of the aged, Bho Naing Htoo, 93, and Mi Ngwe Shin, 85, gave counsel.
A similar ceremony was held at Maha Punopakara Dhammayon
on Kyaunggyi Road in Kyimyindine Township. Obeisance was paid to 410 aged persons. The
attendance presented gifts to the elderly and received The Five Precepts from Maha
Gandhavacaka Pandita Bhaddanta Agga Nana of Shwe Hlaing monastery.
Like other departments, News and Periodicals Enterprise
offered soon to the members of the Sangha and listened to the religious sermon at the hall
of the enterprise on Theinbyu Road this morning.
Giving sanctuary to the animals, offering soon to the
members of the Sangha and paying obeisance to the aged were performed at every township in
Yangon. Devotees and pious people kept Sabbath peacefully and members of the Sangha
recited panttas at Dhammayons and Yeikthas in every ward and township in Yangon.
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( 4 ) Alodawpyi
Sayadaw honoured
Yangon, 17 April-A ceremony to honour Agga Maha
Saddhammajotikadhaja title recipient Aungmye Bodhi Sasana Yeiktha Presiding Nayaka
Alodawpyi Sayadaw Bhaddanta Ariyagamsa was held at Thiri Mingala Hall in Maungtaw
:Township on 3 April.
Present were Chairman of Maungtaw District Peace and
Development Council Lt-Col Htay Win and members, control commander of Border Areas
Immigration Control Command and officials..
Lt-Col Htay Win supplicated on religious matters and the
Sayadaw's biography. Then, Lt-Col Htay Win presented religious title to the Sayadaw and
offertories to members of the Sangha. Mandalay Masoeyein Taikthit Nayaka Sayadaw Bhaddanta
Sucittabhivamsa delivered a sermon.
Parittas recited for residents of
Yangon
Yangon, 17 April-Nine members of the Sangha led by member
of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Bhaddanta Sujata flew in a helicopter reciting
parittas and poured paritta water over Yangon on Myanmar New Year Day today for all the
residents of Yangon to be safe and free from harm and danger.
Soon and alms offered to members of
the Sangha
Yangon, 17 April - A ceremony to offer soon and alms to
members of the Sangha sponsored by families of the State Peace and Development Council
Office and Central Offices was held at Pyithu Hluttaw building this morning.
Present were Presiding Sayadaw of Aletawya Sanpya
Sartintaik Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Silasarabhivamsa and members of the Sangha,
Director-General of President's Office U Khin Kywe, director generals, directors and the
staff of the Central Offices. Families of Central Offices offered soon to members of the
Sangha Presiding Sayadaw of Aletawya Sanpya Sartintaik Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta
Silasarabhivamsa the Five Precepts. Members of the Sangha recited the parittas. Officials
presented alms to members of the Sangha and shared merits.
Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni image crowded with devotees and
pilgrims
Yangon, 17 April-Devotees and pilgrims thronged Mindhamma hill, where Lawka Chantha
Abhaya Labha Muni image is kept, today, Myanmar New Year day. For all-round renovation of
the image, Dr San Oo (Chief Engineer) of MEPE-Daw Than Yee donated K 25,000, officers of
Course No 38 OTS K 164,038 and Maj Zaw Win-Daw Khin Mya Ohn of No 968 Works Company
(Engineer) and families of the company K 60,000 to Joint-Secretary of Central Committee
for All-round Renovation of Mindhamma Hill Commander Khin Maung Oo (Navy) who accepted the
donations and presented certificates of honour to the donors to keep Sabbath. Members of
the Sangha administered the Precepts to the visitors. Staff of departments offered food
and soft drinks to the visitors. Wut associations recited parittas from morning till night
in turn. Donation Centre is opened daily and donations made by the public have amounted to
K 169,967,412 from 5 August 2000 to date.
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( 5 ) Myanmar Thingyan celebrated in Macao
 
Yangon, 17 April-Sixth Myanmar Traditional Thingyan was celebrated at the corner of
Meebonlon Park in Meebonlon ward of Macao Special Administration Region on 15-4-2001
attended by the Myanmar Consul-General and family, departmental heads of Macao Special
Administrative Region, liaison representative of PRC China Myanmar Association chairman
and about 10,000 guests. After the opening ceremony of the Myanmar Traditional Thingyan
Festival, the Photo Exhibition on Myanmar's scenic sights was held. In the afternoon, the
guests were served with Myanmar traditional foods and snacks such as coconut rice,
mohinga, shwe-yin-aye, htamane, hsanwin-makin, pickled tea, etc. In the evening,
traditional dance numbers including Thingyan group dance, kabya-lut dance, etc were
staged. Heads of departments were presented miniature Myanmar harps as souvenirs of
Myanmar Thingyan.
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( 6 ) Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs attends
China-ASEAN ICT Seminar
Yangon, 17 April-A Myanmar delegation led by Minister for Communications, Posts and
Telegraphs Brig-Gen Win Tin, at the invitation of Minister of Information and Industry Mr
Wu Jichuan of People's Republic of China, attended China-ASEAN ICT Seminar held at
Shenzhen from 10 to 12 April. During the meeting, Minister Brig-Gen Win Tin read the paper
" Infocom Development Strategies and Policies In the New Century" that reflects
endeavours being made in information technology sector in Myanmar.The paper reads;
In this new millenium, many Asian countries including
China and ASEAN have initiated many ICT development projects, although the absorption,
diffusion and application of the new technologies by the countries differ. While Asian
leading economics like Japan, Korea, China especially Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore
are pursuing the creation of high-capacity fiber-optic networks and the formation of IT
centres, India, Mongolia, Pakistan, Vietnam and Philippines are moving into the
information age. The IT centres may be focused firmly on the 21st century, while much of
the countries is still lodged in the 19th Century.
The reasons that the ICT is welcome by the countries lie
in various factors: the ICT is the primary engine for economic growth in many of the
richest Asian countries; the ICT plays a crucial role in accelerating economic growth,
promoting development, eliminating poverty and facilitating the economies"
integration into the global market; ICT has immense potential for a vast range of
applications for development purposes-ranging from electronic commerce to financial market
access, from generating employment to providing investment opportunities especially in
small and medium sized enterprises, from improved productivity in agriculture and
manufacturing sectors to the empowerment of all sections of society, from long-distance
education to telemedicine, from environmental monitoring and management to disasters
prevention and management. ICT also offers the cost effective and far better efficient
business transactions.
Therefore, it is widely recognized that the ICT forms the
centrepiece of the creation of better quality-of life. On the other hand, ICT revolution
also poses challenges and risks, as it breaks down information barriers and country
borders while it opens all societies to the fierce force of the global competition. For
the developing economies, it will be quite challenging to build technological capacity and
to exploit the opportunities offered by the ICT revolution, while they have unaddressed
profound structural issues, such as lack of infrastructure, limited technical manpower and
technology-based institutions, inadequate capabilities for Technology Assessment, lack of
support facilities and technical information services, lack of information intensive
industries, low level of urbanization and limited trade and connection with the globe.
The costs involved in building the physical information
infrastructure in general and setting the national platform for software developments will
be colossal. Only the nations that have heavily invested in IT connected fields will be
the biggest beneficiaries of the IT revolution, whereas those cannot afford for such
investment will be lagged far behind. And thereby the issue of widening disparities among
societies, which is referred to as social divide or digital divide will be immense. It is
also possible that certain types of crime are made easier.
Regarding the ICT development strategies and policies in
this new century, determinations of how far and how fast to usher into the IT revolution,
and the policy design to form the information society by individual country depend on the
circumstances of the country concerned. In pursuit of ICT development countries focus on
five factors, namely establishments of human capital, information-intensive industry,
international relations, urbanization and the English language skill. May I now turn to
the Infocom development strategies and policies development in my own country, Myanmar.
Before I deal with this, let me first associate you with the current position of Myanmar
telecommunications developments. Recognizing the importance of IT revolution and
establishing knowledge society, Myanmar government has laid down the policy guidelines and
strategies for the realization of information society.
To build a learning society in order to meet challenges
that may arise in this Knowledge Age and to be capable of taking part in the global
competition, Myanmar has placed emphasis on advancement of technologies. Towards this end,
the government is firmly committed to giving encouragement and providing incentive.
Increased investment has been made especially in education and human resource development
for IT.
At the same time, in order to create a favourable
environment to facilitate cooperation with other countries, the government synchronized
its IT principles and codes enacting necessary laws and standardizing criteria. The
government encourages the private sector participation not only with the legal
enforcement, but also with the supporting for institutional developments. Various seminars
and workshops on IT development have been organized in collaboration with private sector
institutions from domestic and abroad. Recently, an IT park has been established by a
consortium of IT companies. As Internet is becoming a fundamental means of communications,
internet and intranet access via existing telephone network has become a necessity. Myanma
Posts & Telecommunications (MPT) is providing data services in the two major cities,
Yangon and Mandalay, with a Packet Switching System. There are now over 2,500 internet
e-mail users. Web-surfing is at present allowed to selective government and educational
departments and computer organizations.
The internet Gateway facility is under continual
expansion. Satellite technology is providing connectivity for both international and rural
access. Lease circuits for overseas connection are provided for user's specific
requirement. Although analog and digital radio national backbones have sufficient capacity
for the moment, MPT is preparing to introduce Fiber Optics Long Distance Systems for high
bandwidth requirement in the near future. Currently optical systems are used as junctions
for multi-exchange networks in Yangon and Mandalay. MPT is using circuits in the SEA-ME-WE
(3) submarine cable system for international linkage, and is speeding up digitization of
the automatic telephone switches. Ministry of Education (MOE) has been setting up
Multimedia Classrooms in schools and universities, and has successfully introduced
nationwide Electronic Data Broadcasting via satellite. Steps are now being taken to
establish MOE. net.
Myanmar, as a member of ASEAN, joins other members in
signing the e-ASEAN frame work agreement at the 4th ASEAN informal Summit in November
2000, in order to facilitate the establishment of ASEAN information infrastructure, to
facilitate the growth of e-commerce, to establish a common market place for ICT goods,
services and investment, to promote capacity building and e-society and e-government. To
implement the e-ASEAN Framework Agreement, Myanmar has formed an e-National Task Force
with four working committees under it.
Two important IT related organizations, namely, Myanmar
Computer Development Council and Myanmar Computer Federation, which is NGO, are also set
up in recent years. As mentioned, earlier, Myanmar is committed to international and
regional declarations and action plans, especially e-ASEAN initiative, for bridging the
digital divide-to provide access to the population whose livelihoods can be enhanced
through ICT; this indeed is quite a task for a country with over 50 million people, and a
teledensity of 0.53 per 100 population. Myanmar government has illustrated its political
will and policy to move into IT evolution and provided support to private sector to take
active role in IT developments, Investment has been made increasingly, especially in
education and Human Resources Development for IT.
Necessary organization are set up and to address
structural issues and to acquire technical cooperation, Myanmar has seeked external
cooperation through bilateral and regional cooperations. Regarding the techno development,
the fast-changing technologies in ICT were brought about with the wider use of optic
fibres in the place of copper cable and microwave transmissions, and the widespread use of
optic fibres caused the high speed transmission which then determine the pace of IT
development and effective and extensive exploitation of digital technologies.
In fact the developments of telecommunications and ICT
developments are interdependent. For further development of IC technologies, government
should subsidise the production of new ideas on the cutting edge of technology. Clear
property rights should be provided to new thoughts, as well. Governments should take a
role to provide educational investment, as education is the key to take advantage of new
technologies. Public-private cooperation should be promoted in establishing information
intensive industries and in accumulating urbanized work force. Government policy to
facilitate openness to foreign technologies should be further enhanced. While the rich are
moving into the better quality services of ICT, eliminating the widening disparities
between the developed and the developing worlds should be concentrated too, in order not
to leave the developing countries behind.
I wish you all enjoy the highest benefit from IT
developments. The minister together with ministers of information technology of ASEAN
nations and delegates visited Shenzhen Telecom Corporation in the afternoon on 10 April
and studied multimedia broadband network there. He paid a courtesy call on Minister of
Information and Industry Mr Wu Jichuan at 8 pm the same day. He discussed present
conditions of communication work, measures to be taken for the development of information
technology in Myanmar and matters relating to cooperation between the two countries. He
attended the seminar on 11 and 12 April.
The minister met with Chairman of ZTE Corporation at 10.30
am on 12 April and discussed matters relating to extension of CDMA ( Mobile ) phone system
to be carried out in Myanmar. The minister approved the resolutions and closed the seminar
as a member of chairmen at the seminar on 12 April evening. The minister and delegates
left Shenzhen for Shanghai at 9 am on 12 April. They visited Shanghai Bell Company Limited
at 2 pm on 12 April and studied research and development work at Shanghai Telecom at 8 am
on 13 April. The minister and delegates arrived back here via Hong Kong at 7 pm on 16
April.
They were welcomed back at Yangon International Airport by
Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Minister at the Prime
Minister's Office U Than Shwe, departmental officials and family members of delegates.
Members of delegation Pro-rector U Kyaw Zwa Soe of University of Computer Studies
(Mandalay), Ministry of Science and Technology and Superintending Engineer U Tint Lwin of
Myanma Posts and Telecommunications also arrived back on the same flight.
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( 7 ) Minister inspects hospitals in Magway
Yangon, 17 April-Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, accompanied by Deputy
Director-General of Health Department Dr Hla Pe and officials, inspected hospitals in
Magway Division from 14 to 16 April. Minister Maj-Gen Ket Sein and party inspected
construction of Institute of Medicine (Magway) on 14 April. Magway Division Peace and
Development Council Chairman Brig-Gen Thein Zaw and Pro-Rector of Institute of Medicine
(Magway) Professor Dr Thein Myint reported to the minister on preparation for construction
and academic matters.
The minister gave instructions to them and inspected progress of work. The minister and
party inspected Kanma Station People's Hospital in Pakokku on 15 April. Pakokku District
Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col Tin Oo and Medical Superintendent of Station
Hospital Dr Sanda Thein briefed the minister on their work.
The minister met staff of the hospital and gave instructions. He then inspected the
Pakokku District People's Hospital and met Medical Superintendent Dr Maung Htay and staff
of the hospital. In the afternoon, the minister inspected Nurses Training School in
Pakokku and Kaing Station People's Hospital. He then inspected NyaungU People's Hospital
and Kaing Station People's Hospital. He also inspected extension work of People's
Hospital.
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( 8 ) Cultural troupe members visit Thanlyin
Yangon, 17 April-Altogether 146 members of border areas national race cultural troupe
from Putao (Kachin State), Kokang and Wa Regions (Northern Shan State),
Popaankyin/Pan-kankaw Region (Eastern Shan State), Homein Region (Southern Shan State),
Dimawhso Region (Kayah State), Hongthayaw Region (Kayin State), Maungtaw (North) Region
(Rakhine State), Rikhorda and Mindat Regions (Chin State) and Nanyun/Panhsaung Region
(Sagaing Division) accompanied by officials visited Yayle Kyauktan Pagoda in Thanlyin this
morning. They were conducted around by Pagoda Trustees. They then visited Thanlyin
Kyaikkhauk Pagoda and made donations there. They also visited Hlinethaya Industrial Zone
and Shukhintha Amusement Park in Thakayta Township in the afternoon.
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( 9
) Paritta water poured into Phugyi Reservoir
Yangon, 17 April - With the patronage of Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee
Mayor U Ko Lay and wife Daw Khin Khin, a ceremony to pour paritta water into Phugyi
Reservoir to be free from harm and dangers for Yangon residents was held at the guest
house of Phugyi Reservoir in Hmawby Township this morning. Present were 27 members of the
Sangha led by member of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Dwipitakadhara Bhaddanta
Nimala, Chairman of YCDC Mayor U Ko Lay and wife Daw Khin Khin, Vice-Chairman of YCDC Col
Maung Pa and wife Daw Khin Nyunt Myaing, the Secretary and wife, the Joint-Secretary and
wife, committee members and wives, Head of Engineering Department U Thaung Yin (Water/
Sewerage) and officials. State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Member Dwipitakadhara
Bhaddanta Nimala administered the Five-Precepts. Then, members of the Sangha recited the
parittas. Mayor U Ko Lay, Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa, the Secretary, the Joint-Secretary and
the committee members presented offertories to Agga Maha ĘGandavacaka Pandita Bhaddanta
Manita Siribhi-vamsa, Bhaddanta Nimala and members of the Sangha. Then, ĘBhaddanta Manita
Siribhi-vamsa Ędelivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits. After the ceremony,
members of the Sangha and officials poured paritta water into the Phugyi reservoir. Then,
Mayor U Ko Lay and party arrived at agriculture and irrigation camp on U-to Kya-Inn Region
in Taikkyi Township. Mayor U Ko Lay and party offered alms to 10 members of the Sangha at
the camp.
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