(1) Chief Executive and Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of Islamic Republic of Pakistan His Excellency General Pervez Musharraf and Begum Pervez Musharraf conclude visit to Myanmar

YANGON, 3 May- The goodwill delegation led by Chief Executive and Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of Islamic Republic of Pakistan His Excellency General Pervez Musharraf and Begum Pervez Musharraf left here by special flight this afternoon at the conclusion of the visit to the Union of Myanmar beginning 1 May at the invitation of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing.

General Musharraf and wife and party visited PyinOoLwin in Mandalay Division yesterday and Mandalay today, and arrived back here by special flight. They were welcomed at Yangon International Airport by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and wife, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win, officials of the Embassy of Pakistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe greeted General Musharraf at the VIP Lounge of the airport.   Similarly, Daw Kyaing Kyaing, greeted Begum Pervez Musharraf, at the VIP Lounge.

The guests were seen off at Yangon International Airport by Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing, Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief  (Army) General Maung Aye and wife, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt and wife, Secretary-3 Lt-Gen. Win Myint and wife, member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and wife, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and wife, Minister for Energy Brig-Gen. Lun Thi and wife, Ambassador of Myanmar to Pakistan U Soe Win and wife, Director-General of Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet, Ambassador of Pakistan to Myanmar Mr Mian Yusuf Shah and wife and staff of the Embassy.

Then, General Musharraf and wife cordially met the Senior General and wife.  General Musharraf and wife also greeted Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye and wife, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt and wife, Secretary-3 Lt-Gen. Win Myint and wife, and party, Ambassador Mr Mian Yusuf Shah and wife and staff of the Embassy of Pakistan.

Schoolgirls saw the Chief Executive and Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of Islamic Republic of Pakistan and wife and party off at the airport waving miniature flags of the two countries and wishing the guests and the Senior General and Madame Than Shwe good health and hailing Pakistan-Myanmar friendship.  The special flight carrying the goodwill delegation took off at 12.20 pm.  Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing and party bade farewell waving to the guests from the VIP lounge. 

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(2) Need to proceed further and cement already existing bonds into t4ade and commercial bonds General Pervez Musharraf meets Press on official goodwill visit to Myanmar

YANGON, 3 May- Chief Executive and Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of Islamic Republic of Pakistan His Excellency General Pervez Musharraf met local and foreign journalists at the VIP Lounge of Yangon International Airport at 11 am today before his departure for Pakistan with regard to his official goodwill visit to Myanmar. Also present on the occasion were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Minister for Energy Brig-Gen. Lun Thi, Minister of Science and Technology of Pakistan Prof Dr Datta ur Rehman, Mr Tariq Ikram, Minister and Chairman of Export Promotion Bureau, Government of Pakistan and high-ranking officials, Myanmar Ambassador to Pakistan U Soe Win, Pakistani Ambassador Mr Mian Yusuf Shah, departmental heads, officials of the Ministry of Information, editors, Patron of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club U Sein Win, President U Sao Kai Hpa, member correspondents, reporters from Myanmar Times and Bangkok-based NHK TV. Director-General U Thaung Tun of Political Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs acted as master of ceremonies. First, with regard to his official goodwill visit to the Union of Myanmar, Chief Executive and Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of Islamic Republic of Pakistan His Excellency General Pervez Musharraf said:

It is my unique and personal experience, personal pleasure and honour to have visited this beautiful country of Myanmar and have interacted with the senior leadership including Senior General Than Shwe. It was a great experience and it was a most fruitful, profitable and mutually beneficial for me and my delegation. We are extremely grateful to Myanmar government for having given us this warmth and cordiality and hospitality during our entire stay in this beautiful country. In replying to questions put by journalists, he said, "In connection with the sanctions the answer is very short. We certainly do not support sanctions being imposed on a country because of what is happening in a particular country.

Myanmar and Pakistan share a commonality of this perspective, what happened in 1998 in Pakistan and 1988 in Myanmar were the results of the problems that the countries were suffering in the hands of  political forces. Therefore I would say to the Western countries that they need to look at the environment  in a particular country from their point of view, that country's point of view, and not from their own points  of view. This may be a very self-righteous view of democracy as seen in the West. I think it is not what  should be done, one should see, one should have a view of that country's environment and that particular  country's environment and the wishes and aspirations of the people of that country and then decide on  what actions are to be taken against any particular country. Having said that I would certainly say what  happened in 1988 in Myanmar was the dictates of the environment of this country and therefore sanctions  against Myanmar are not at all well founded. Replying to the sustain- able bilateral relations in future, the  General said:

I think what we have done we all shared a common historical perspective, we have had a common colonial experience in the past, we got independence just about 3 and a half months apart from each other,  you on 4th January of 1948 and we on 14th August of 1947, we have the same commonality of historical  perspective and we have commonality of all views on international issues also. We have certainly historic  bonds that we shared with each other. We have strengthened these bonds, historical, cultural bonds can be  strengthened through economic, commercial and trade relations. So, with this bonds that we are trying to  strengthen. There is no reason why any other government coming in will not sustain whatever we have  done. So, I am very sure that whatever we are doing is in the interest of both Pakistan and Myanmar.

So, it will be continuing and it will be sustainable in the future. We have already signed an MoU on science and technology between our two countries and now we need to see and going to detail of focusing  on how exactly we can assist in this area for the mutual benefit of the two countries. Little time is required  to focus on the exact areas of assistance but we have already signed an MoU in this respect and I think we  will go forward from there. In reply to a question on his meeting with Senior General Than Shwe, the  General said: The very fact that two of us are people in uniform. Uniform culture has a certain bond of  each other. To that extent, I certainly enjoy the relationship with the Senior General and the Chairman.  And to that extent, our desire is certainly to get closer to Myanmar and I am sure similar desire was  demonstrated by your government - by the government of Senior General Than Shwe - and the future  looks very bright.

We certainly are desirous of proceeding on a faster track with this mutual relationship in trade and economy and commerce. And that is why a broader team it here which consists of members who could focus on areas of mutual economic relationship is here. We now need to proceed further and cement our  already existing bonds into this trade and commercial bonds. Certainly, the future looks bright. Replying  to a question on the programme of an agreement, the General said: "We signed an MoU and then I left my  minister here to interact with his counterpart here to identify the areas of focus while I was enjoying  myself in Mandalay. I would like to ask the minister what he has achieved. Minister of Science and  Technology Prof Dr Datta ur Rehman said, "We had very indepth discussions yesterday with the minister  for Science and Technology here.

The areas that we have identified for cooperation include the area of pharmaceuticals especially pharmaceutical from medicinal plants, your country has the rich heritage of biodiversity and in the plant kingdom and in the engineering sector cooperation in the field of engineering and in biotechnology both agriculture and health biotechnology, development of high yielding plant species using biotechnological means and particularly in the area of information technology and telecommunication where we have launched a major programme in Pakistan and we could share some of our experience and knowledge with  our brothers here. So, these are some of the areas that we have identified and we hope to start a collaborative programmes within a matter of months between the two countries. Previously, trade relationships were limited to around 120 million dollars which is barely anything. So therefore, the first task was to have a desire for generating this mutual cooperation and expanding this commercial relationship. After that desire, it is to sit down and identify areas of focus which the minister has highlighted. We have identified the areas of focus.

Now we want to go a step further certainly to execute whatever we identified and what ought to be happening in the coming months certainly. Minister and Chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau Mr  Tariq Ikram said, "Our businessmen had very fruitful meeting with the Chamber of Commerce of Myanmar and the areas that have been identified relate to yarn, textile, surgical goods which we are exporting to Germany, the US, the UK etc, and in the pharmaceutical products areas. Apart from that I have had very fruitful meetings with the Minister for Commerce and with the Minister for Industry-1, Minister for Industry-2 and also the Minister for Agriculture and in these areas, there are possibilities that  had emerged of a Pakistan being able to help with the plants, fertilizer plants.

There is a possibility of compound fertilizer which has been developed in Pakistan to be exported to
Myanmar. Similarly, there are various other oppotunities. Oppotunities for import from Myanmar are of  course pulses, sesame seed and are also the timber, teak wood, we are also importing at the moment via  Singapore and we are very keen to increase the direct trade between Myanmar and Pakistan for which a  kind of commodity trade programme would need to be considered and we have agreed to do that. We also  agree a delegation from Myanmar to come to Pakistan and from Pakistan to Myanmar. I think the  oppotunities are very significant.

" As a closing remark, General Pervez Musharraf said, "I"ll take this oppotunity our extreme gratitude for  the hospitility, the warmth shown by Senior General Than Shwe, his government and the entire Myanmar  people. The reception that we got, we were overwhelmed by the warmth of feeling this express for us. I  would like to thank the entire people of Myanmar for this warmth and hospitility. We depart from your  lovely country with fond memories which we shall cherish in the future definitely and I would also like to  take this oppotunity of saying that certainly we look forward to an official visit, a formal visit by the  Senior General to Pakistan so that we are given an oppotunity to reciprocate the warmth and feeling that  we were awarded here. Thank you ladies and Gentlemen." Then, the Press Conference came to a close.

Myanmar-Pakistan Joint Communiqué issued

YANGON, 3 May- The Pakistani goodwill delegation led by His Excellency General Pervez Musharraf, Chief Executive and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Begum Pervez Musharraf paid an official goodwill visit to the Union of Myanmar from 1 to 3 May 2001 at the invitation of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe. The following is the text of the Myanmar-Pakistan Joint Communiqué issued today at the end of the goodwill visit:

Joint Communiqué Issued on the Occasion of the Visit of His Excellency General Pervez Musharraf, Chief Executive and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Union of Myanmar.

1. At the invitation of the Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council, Prime Minister and  Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services of the Union of Myanmar Senior-General Than Shwe and  Madame Daw Kyaing Kyaing, His Excellency General Pervez Musharraf, Chief Executive and Chairman  Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Begum Pervez Musharraf, paid an official visit to the Union of Myanmar from 1 to 3 May 2001. His Excellency General Pervez Musharraf and Begum Pervez Musharraf were accompanied by HE Prof Dr Atta ur Rehman, Minister of Science and Technology, HE Mr Tariq Ikram, Minister and Chairman Export Promotion Bureau, Government of Pakistan, HE Mr Inam ul Haque, Foreign Secretary and other high-level officials and businessmen.

2. The Chief Executive and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Party were accorded a warm welcome by His Excellency Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council, Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services of the Union of Myanmar and the Government and the people of the Union of Myanmar,  reflecting the goodwill and friendly ties that exist between the two countries.

3. His Excellency Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council, Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services of the Union of Myanmar had a friendly exchange of views with His Excellency General Pervez Musharraf, Chief Executive and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on bilateral, regional and international matters of mutual interest during the visit. The two leaders noted with satisfaction the development of friendly relations between the two countries and expressed their common desire to further enhance these ties of amity and friendship.

4. The two sides recognized that there exists great potential for strengthening economic and trade ties and  agreed to further promote bilateral cooperation in all fields. They also stressed the need for strengthening  intra-regional solidarity and co-operation between South Asia and Southeast Asia and to that end call for  stronger links between SAARC and ASEAN.

5. At the discussion held between His Excellency Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace Development Council, Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services of the Union  of Myanmar and His Excellency General Pervez Musharraf, Chief Executive and Chairman Joint Chiefs  of Staff Committee of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, those present on the Myanmar side were the  Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services and Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Manung Aye, Secretary (1) of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, Secretary (3) of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen. Win Myint and Minister for Foreign Affairs HE U Win Aung, Minister for Energy HE Brig-Gen. Lun Thi, Minister for Science and Technology HE U Thaung, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs HE U Khin Maung Win and HE U Soe Win, Ambassador of the Union of Myanmar to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Present on the Pakistan side were HE Prof Dr Atta ur Rehman, Minister of Science and Technology, HE Mr Tariq Ikram, Minister and Chairman Export Promotion Bureau, Government of Pakistan, HE Mr Inam ul Haque, Foreign Secretary, HE Air Marshal (Retd) Zahid Anis, Secretary of Defence Production Division, Brig (Retd) Mian Khalid Habib, Chief of Protocol, Brig Nadeem Taj, Military Secretary to the Chief Executive, Mrs Nadeem Taj, Mr Moshil Hafeez, Joint Secretary (D), Chief Executive’s Office, Brig (Retd) Saeed Ahmad Rafi, Director-General (East Asia Pacific), Ministry of Foreign Affairs and HE Mr Mian Yusuf Shah, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Union of Myanmar.

6. His Excellency Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council, Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services of the Union of Myanmar apprised the Chief Executive and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan of the  endeavours of the Government of the Union of Myanmar for national reconsolidation and for the realization of economic and social development of the country. The Chief Executive and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan expressed his admiration for the dedication  of the leadership of the Union of Myanmar and the resilience of its people and extended the best wishes of  the Government and people of Pakistan for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of the  Union of Myanmar.

7. The two leaders reviewed the international economic situation and called for urgent international action to narrow the wide disparity between the developed and developing countries and establish justice  and equity in order to bring economic prosperity to the developing countries of the world.

8. The two leaders stressed the importance of the need for globalization to benefit every country. They reiterated their determination to continue their cooperation in the international forums to achieve this objective.

9. In their review of the world situation, the two leaders expressed concern over the continuing tensions and instability in certain parts of the world. The situation reflected the increasing tendency on the part of some states to resort to the policy of intervention, hegemony and use of force in the conduct of international relations.

10. The two leaders reiterated their firm support for the United Nations Charter and underscored the need  to strictly observe the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence, sovereign equality, non-aggression and  non-use of force, non-intervention and non-interference in the internal affairs.

11. The Chief Executive briefed the Senior General on the initiatives taken by Pakistan for a peaceful settlement of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiri people and for the commencement of a meaningful dialogue with India for this purpose. Senior General Than Shwe  expressed the hope for a just resolution of this long-standing problem.

12. The Chief Executive briefed the Senior General on the efforts of the Government of Pakistan to bring  about lasting peace in Afghanistan. In this context, they agreed that the parties to the conflict should seek  a negotiated settlement and that the UN Secretary General should be given every encouragement and  support from the international community.

13. An Agreement on Science and Technology Cooperation between the Government of the Union of Myanmar and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan was signed during the visit. The agreement will enable the two countries to develop closer cooperation in the field of science and technology.

14. While in Myanmar, the Chief Executive and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and party visited places of historical and cultural interests including Mandalay, the ancient capital of Myanmar and PyinOoLwin.

15. The Chief Executive and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan expressed his deep gratitude to the Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council, Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe for the cordial reception and warm hospitality extended to him, Begum Pervez Musharraf and  other members of his delegation during their stay in Myanmar.

16. The two leaders agreed to promote exchanges between the two countries in order to further develop their friendly and cooperative relations. In this context, they decided that trade and cultural delegations would be exchanged in the near future. They also agreed to consider proposals for the expansion of  commerce and cultural ties between the two countries.

17. The Chief Executive and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan General Pervez Musharraf extended an invitation to Senior General Than Shwe and Madame Daw Kyaing Kyaing to pay a visit to Pakistan at a time convenient to both sides. The invitation was accepted with great pleasure. 

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(3) General Pervez Musharraf and Begum Pervez Musharraf visit PyinOoLwin, Mandalay

YANGON, 3 May - The visiting Chief of Executive and Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of Islamic Republic of Pakistan General Pervez Musharraf and Begum Pervez Musharraf and Pakistani goodwill delegation, accompanied by Minister for Energy Brig-Gen. Lun Thi and wife, Ambassador of Myanmar to Islamic Republic of Pakistan U Soe Win and wife, Director-General of Protocol Department  Thura U Aung Htet and wife, Pakistani Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Mian Yusuf Shah and wife, left here  by special flight for Mandalay yesterday morning.

Chief of Executive and Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of Islamic Republic of Pakistan General Pervez Musharraf and Begum Pervez Musharraf and members of the delegation were welcomed  on arrival at Mandalay International Airport at 9.30 am by member of the State Peace and Development  Council Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central  Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint and wife Dr Daw Tin Lin Myint, Tatmadaw officers, Mandalay Mayor  Brig-Gen. Yan Thein and wife and departmental officials.

Then, the visiting General and party, together with Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint, left Mandalay for  PyinOoLwin by helicopter and arrived at the Parade Ground of Defence Services Technological Academy  in PyinOoLwin.

They were welcomed by Rector of the Academy Brig-Gen. Win Myint, Principal of Administration Training School Brig-Gen. Kyaw Swe and Tatmadaw officers.  At the meeting hall of the Academy, Rector Brig-Gen. Win Myint extended greetings and Head of Department Lt-Col Nyan Tun explained the  set-up of the academy to the delegation and a day’s activities of cadets with video.

Then, General Pervez Musharraf signed in the visitors’ book and exchanged gifts.  General Pervez Mushar-raf and party visited the library of the Academy and had souvenir photos taken.  General Pervez  Mushar-raf and party went to Defence Services Academy where they were welcomed by Rector of the Academy Brig-Gen. Tin Oo, professors and heads of department.

Rector Brig-Gen. Tin Oo extended greetings and Pro-rector Col Aung Myo Min explained facts about the  Academy and three-year activities of cadets with video to the delegation.  Then, General Pervez  Musharraf signed in the visitors’ book and exchanged gifts.  The visiting General Pervez Musharraf and party inspected training of cadets at computer room, cadet unit by car and demonstration of body fitness of  cadets at the parade ground. The visiting General Pervez Musharraf and party arrived at the National  Kandawgyi Garden.

At the briefing hall of the garden, Deputy Director-General of Arid Zones Greening Department U Soe  Myint explained the construction of garden and renovation work and presented gifts to the General and party.  Afterwards, General Pervez Musharraf and party visited National Kandawgyi Garden by car.  In the evening, visiting General Pervez Musharraf together with Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint and Minister Brig-Gen. Lun Thi played the golf tournament to mark the goodwill visit in PyinOoLwin golf club.

Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint and wife Dr Daw Tin Lin Myint hosted dinner inhonour of visiting General Pervez Musharraf and party at the Tatmadaw guests house in PyinOoLwin in the evening and exchanged souvenir gifts.  The visiting General Pervez Musharraf and wife and party left PyinOoLwin for  Mandalay by helicopter this morning.  They were welcomed at Mandalay Nanmyo by Deputy Commander  Brig-Gen. Nay Win and wife Daw Nan Aye Mya, Mandalay Mayor Brig-Gen. Yan Thein and wife,  Tatmadaw officers and their wives.

The visiting General Pervez Musharraf and wife and party visited Mandalay Myanansankyaw Shwenandaw.  Director of Department of Archaeology U Pauk Pauk conducted the General and party round the Shwenandaw.  General Pervez Musharraf then signed in the visitors’ book.  Later, Visiting General Pervez Musharraf and Begum Pervez Musharraf and delegation went to Mandalay Hill by car.

The General and party enjoyed the view of Mandalay from the hill and signed in the visitors’ book. Then, visiting General Pervez Musharraf and party left Nanmyo for Mandalay International Airport by helicopter.  They were seen off at Mandalay International Airport by Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint and wife Dr Daw Tin Lin Myint, Tatmadaw officers and Mandalay Mayor Brig-Gen. Yan Thein and wife and departmental officials.  The visiting General Pervez Musharraf and party arrived back here by air at 11.30 am today.

Begum Pervez Musharraf tours Mandalay and PyinOoLwin

YANGON, 3 May- Begum Pervez Musharraf, wife of Chief Executive and Chairman of Joint Chiefs of  Staff Committee of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan General Pervez Musharraf, and party, during their  goodwill visit, accompanied by Daw Khin Mar Aye, wife of Minister for Energy Brig-Gen. Lun Thi, Daw  Khin Win Kyi, wife of Myanmar Ambassador to Pakistan U Soe Win, and wife of Ambassador of Pakistan  to Myanmar left Mandalay International Airport for Theingi Shwewa silk industry in Amarapura  Township where U Thaung Nyunt and Daw Thaung Thaung briefed them on silk industry and presented  souvenirs. The guests viewed furniture industries in Chanayetha-zan and Maha Aungmyay Townships,  and U Sein Myint tapestry industry and museum in Maha Aungmyay Township. U Sein Myint conducted  them around the museum and presented souvenirs. The guests also visited National Kandawgyi Gardens  in PyinOoLwin in the evening.

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(4) Construction of No 2 Ahlon Jetty Project in progress

YANGON, 3 May - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt  inspected repairs of a cruise riverboat and No 2 Ahlon Jetty Project this afternoon.

On arrival at the shipyard in Kamayut Township where Myatyadana, the double-decker boat, is being built, the Secretary-1 was welcomed by Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman’s  Office Lt-Gen. Min Thein, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, deputy ministers and officials.

The boat is owned by Phwa Saw Typical Village Tour Services of Ancient Bagan Cultural Region. The contractor is Myanma Shipyards of the Ministry of Transport.  It will run a nine-night and ten-day pleasure trip along Ayeyawady River from Pyay to Bagan ancient region for local and foreign visitors. After hearing reports from Minister Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe and the officials, the Secretary-1 gave suggestions.  At No 2 Ahlon Jetty Project, which is being implemented by Asia World Co Ltd, the Secretary-1 heard reports on extension of jetties at the Ahlon Port area, progress of work in implementing  the project, plans to inaugurate the jetty and installation of container gantries presented by Minister Maj- Gen Hla Myint Swe and Managing Director of the company U Tun Myint Naing.

The Secretary-1 gave suggestions and inspected container gantries at work, progress of work in building  the No 2 Ahlon Jetty and the computerized control room. The Secretary-1 was accompanied by the  officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office.

Secretary-1 attends dinner to mark success of signing MoU for shrimp farming

YANGON, 3 May - A dinner to mark the success of MoU-signing ceremony between Shwe Ayeyar Co  Ltd and Regal Integrated Marine Resources Limited for shrimp farming in Kan Maw Island in Taninthayi  Division was held at the Traders Hotel on Sule Pagoda Road at 7 p.m. today, attended by State Peace and  Development Council Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. Also present were ministers, the Chief Justice, the  Attorney-General, Deputy Chief of the Office of Strategic Studies and Deputy Director of Defence  Services Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, Tatmadaw officers, deputy ministers, Ambassador of Japan to  Myanmar Mr Shigeru Tsumori and officials, members of the Board of Directors of Shwe Ayeyar Co Ltd,  Chairman Mr Yoshitaka Kawamoto and members of the Board of Directors of Regal Integrated Marine  Resources Limited, officials and guests.

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(5) A & I Minister meets Pakistani guests

YANGON, 3 May- Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin met Minister and Chairman of Export Promotion Bureau of Government of Pakistan Mr Tariq Ikram and Pakistani entrepreneurs, accompanied by officials of Embassy of Pakistan, at his office on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, this morning. They discussed matters pertaining to bilateral technology and economic cooperation. Also present at the call were departmental heads of departments and enterprises under the ministry and officials.

H & T Minister meets Hotelier of Yangon International Hotel

YANGON, 3 May- Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin met Chairman of Yangon International Hotel Mr Koki Onodera at his office this morning. They discussed matters related to arrangements to be made in Japan for promotion of Myanmar tourism service. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen. Aye Myint Kyu, Managing Director of Myanma Hotels and Tourism Services U Kyi Tun and officials.

Fire fighting course opened

YANGON, 3 May- A ceremony to open a spoken English course and a modern fire fighting course to mark the 55th Anniversary of Fire Services Department of the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, was held at the training hall of the department in Mayangon Township this morning, with an address by Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa. Also present were  FSD director-general, the deputy director-general, directors, deputy directors, assistant directors, course  instructors and 24 graduated officer trainees. The course will last 12 weeks. The minister inspected  teaching aids of the course, and met with the trainees. The minister met with members of the Union  Solidarity and Development Association, Myanmar Police Force, Myanmar Red Cross Society and Fire  Brigade who are attending Life Saving Method Course No 8/2001.
 

Power plant opened in Hinthada Township

YANGON, 3 May - A ceremony to open a power plant running on paddy husk was held at the plant in Yonthalin Village-tract, Hinthada Township, Ayeyawady Division, on 1 May morning. The 130-KVA power plant built by Ayeyar Swanar Engine Production Enterprise can electrify 1,010 houses in Yonthalin Village. Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann made a speech. Chairman of Hinthada District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Win Htain and Chairman of Yonthalin Village-tract Peace and Development Council Mann Tin Win formally opened the power plant. The commander and the guests inspected the power plant.

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(6) Minister inspects airport construction

YANGON, 3 May- Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, together with officials, arrived at the construction site of Hanthawady International Airport yesterday afternoon. At the briefing hall,
Superintending Engineer of Airport Construction Project U San Lwin, Director-General of Civil Aviation Department U Win Maung and officials reported to the minister on construction work. The minister gave instructions on timely completion and implementation of the project with sufficient heavy machines and man power. The minister then inspected the runway and apron, and fulfilled requirements. The minister left the project site for Yangon at 4 p.m. by car.

Australian Police General calls on Minister

YANGON, 3 May- Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing received Director-General of Australia Police Force Mr Michael Joseph Keelty and party at his office this morning. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen. Thura Myint Maung, Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Police Maj-Gen Soe Win and Deputy Director-General Police Brig-Gen. Hla Tun. Police Maj-Gen Soe Win met the director-general of Australia Police Force at the meeting hall of the Narcotic Drugs Elimination Museum at 11.30 am. The officials of MPF briefed the guests on narcotic drugs elimination measures of Myanmar and the tasks of the police. Mr Michael Joseph Keelty and party arrived at Yangon International Airport from Bangkok at 9.30 am, and they were welcomed there by MPF Director-General Police Maj-Gen Soe Win, Deputy Director-General Police Brig-Gen. Hla Tun and senior police officers. At 7 p.m., Police Maj-Gen Soe Win hosted a dinner in honour of the director-general of Australian Police Force and party at Royal Garden Restaurant.

MoU signed for shrimp farming project

YANGON, 3 May - Shwe Ayeyar Co Ltd and Regal Integrated Marine Resources Ltd signed Memorandum of Understanding on the shrimp farming project at Kan Maw Island. The signing ceremony was held at the Traders Hotel this morning. Present on the occasion were ministers, the Chief Justice, Deputy Chief of the Office of Strategic Studies Deputy Director of Defence Services Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win and senior military officers, Ambassador of Japan Mr Shigeru Tsumori, officials of Shwe Ayeyar Co Ltd, Chairman Mr Yoshitaka Kawamoto of Integrated Marine Resources Ltd and members of the Board of Directors and guests. Maj-Gen Kyaw Win and Mr Yoshitaka Kawamoto made speeches. Then, Shwe Ayeyar Co Ltd and Regal Integrated Marine Resources Ltd signed MoU on shrimp farming and exchanged related documents. 

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(7) Asian-Oceanian Computing Industry Organization (ASOCIO) Officers' Meeting commences

YANGON, 3 May - Asian-Oceanian Computing Industry Organization (ASOCIO) Officers' Meeting, jointly organized by Myanmar Computer Federation and ASOCIO, was opened at the Traders Hotel this morning.

Present on the occasion were Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen. Win Tin, Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, deputy ministers, heads of department, members of the working group of e-National Task Force, personnel of Myanmar Computer Federation, Myanmar Computer Scientist Association, Myanmar Computer Industry Association and Myanmar Computer Amateurs Association, delegates of 14 member nations of ASOCIO and guests. Chairman of e-National Task Force Deputy Minister for Science and Technology U Hlaing Win read the message of Chairman of Myanmar Computer Technology Development Council Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. In his message, the Secretary-1 said:

At this auspicious occasion, I would like to express my appreciation to ASOCIO (Asian-Oceanian Computing Industry Organization) and MCF (Myanmar Computer Federation) for their joint effort in organizing this important ASOCIO Officers' meeting and Strategic Planning session. It may be recalled that the Last Officers' Meeting held in Seoul in December 2000 decided to choose Myanmar for next ASOCIO Officers' Meeting to support Myanmar ICT development. Science this is the very first time Myanmar is hosting such a meeting, allow me to extend our most cordial welcome to all the participants. Although the Asian-Oceanian Computing Industry Organiztion (ASICIO) was established on 4 June 1984, the Myanmar Computer Federation (MCF) became an associate member only in 1998. However, since that time, the relations have been very fruitful.

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge with thanks the continuous support given by ASOCIO to Myanmar in its endeavours for ICT development. Information Technology in the world is developing at tremendous speed and nations are making concentrated and determined efforts to keep abreast with these rapid advances. On the part of Myanmar, it is also making maximum efforts by utilizing avaialble natural and human resources. Although Myanmar's IT infrastructure is not as strong as that of other nations at the moment, we are already pooling our resources and making the necessary preparations to close the gap in digital divide.

As a national objective, efforts are being made to expand the IT infrastructure already in place, whenever  conditions are favourable and with whatever resources that may be available. Myanmar is also taking the  systematic steps for the development of the information Technology in Myanmar. In this regard, Myanmar Computer Science Development Act was promulgated on September 30th 1996 and Myanmar  Computer Science Development Council was duly established. Subsequently, Myanmar Computer  Secientists Association, Myanmar Computer Industry Association and Myanmar Computer Enthusiasts  Association were formed successfully. With these three Associations serving as the base, the Myanmar  Computer Federation was established on October 15, 1998.

All three Computer Associations are striving to create a synergy force in the drive for the development of  IT. Progress in the Information Technology cannot be separated from comparable progress in the field of  communication. For ICT infrastructure development, Myanmar is focusing both on International  connectivity and national connectivity. Through the use of satellite, under sea cables, microwave stations,  fiber optics, the Government is making vigorous endeavours to improve the communication facilities  including high-speed data transmission facilities. May I also take advantage of this opportunity to inform  those attending this meeting of what we have done so far to lay firm and solid foundations for IT development.

We have set up over 400 IT Classrooms from the primary school, middle school and high school levels right up to the University level. The Ministry of Science and Technology has also gather up its strength by  opening two Computer Universities in Yangon and Mandalay and 19 Government Computer Colleges in  major cities. Cross certification programmes have also been initiated by the Japanese Government to  certify skills, of the Myanmar IT professionals. With a view to speeding up human resource development,  the Committee for the Advancement of Information Technology sponsored by the Government of  Myanmar has also drawn up short-term and long-term plans that are currently being implemented.

Myanmar being a member of ASEAN has signed the e-ASEAN Framework agreement at the Fourth ASEAN Informal Summit on the 22nd- 25th November 2000 in Singapore. The Agreement commits ASEAN Member to an implementation schedule to achieve digital readiness for the region to develop the  basic for ASEAN's competitivenes into the future through the application of Information and Communication Technologies. In line with the e-ASEAN Framework Agreement, the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office formed the Myanmar e-National Task Force on 30 November 2000. One of the recent ICT developments in the nation is the establishment of a Government lead but private sector driven consortium.

The consortium, called the Myanmar ICT Development Corporation Ltd consists of 25 leading IT Companies, and has as its first project, the development of an ICT Park. I am happy to inform that work  on the building of the ICT Park has already started on 22nd March 2001 in Yangon University Hlaing  Campus. This ICT Park is the first attempt to develop High Technology Zone along with its implementation of an export oriented software industry. The Government and the Industry at large now  have a clear vision for the future of Myanmar IT Industry especially on the Software Development aspect.  This is a brief overview of our endeavours in the ICT Sector in Myanmar.

We may still be in a nascent stage at the moment, but given the guidance, encouragement and support of the Government and the active participation of computer community in Myanmar, we are confident that Myanmar has a great potential and a very bright future in ICT. We are indeed honoured to welcome all the important computer Industry delegates from Asian-Oceania to this ASOCIO Officers' Meeting. I am  confident that the gathering will provide a great opportunity for exchanging the information, building the  relationships, creating network and business collaboration for mutual benefit. In conclusion, allow me to  wish the meeting every success and may all the endeavours for the enhancement of the IT Industry in the ASOCIO region be equally crowned with success. Chairman of ASOCIO Mr Harres Tan then made a speech. At 9.30 am, the meeting was held. The meeting will continue tomorrow. 

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(8) Pachee outpost recaptured

YANGON, 3 May - The Tatmadaw recaptured Pachee outpost today after attacking the insurgents in a much difficult position as it had to take great care to make sure that not any of its heavy weapon or small arms rounds landed inside the other country’s territory.

The Tatmadaw columns advanced with care so as to stay away from trespassing on other’s territory in attacking the enemy and recapturing the outpost and its surrounding areas at 6.45 am. The occupying forces of the SURA opium trafficking insurgents retreated to Thailand. Myanmar soldiers guarding the outpost had to make a temporary withdraw from it on 22 last month due to inequality in manpower and firepower. Under the assistance of Thai heavy weapon barrage, the SURA insurgents attacked the outpost from Thailand on 22 April. The Tatmadaw had to seize Pachee and station an outpost there in March 1988, as it was a base for the insurgents to transport narcotic drugs. The outpost was built for national security and defence and to check and control the flow of illicit drugs.

Foodstuff sent to Tatmadawmen in forward areas

YANGON, 3 May - Officiating Head of Department of the Office of Strategic Studies of the Ministry of Defence Lt-Col Win Myint and party continued sending local-made foodstuff and gifts donated by wellwishers to Tatmadawmen discharging national defence duties at the risk of their lives in far-flung forwards areas.

Deputy Chief of the Office of Strategic Studies and Deputy Director of Defence Services Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win supervised the sending of local-made foodstuff and gifts this morning.  The Tatmadaw flight with local-made foodstuff and gifts left here at 12.45 p.m. and arrived at Monghsat at 2.25 pm.  Lt-Col Win Myint and party were welcomed there by General Staff Officer (Grade I) of Monghsat Station Lt-Col Than Htut and officials.  Then, Lt-Col Win Myint explained facts about the transport of the foodstuff and gifts.  Lt-Col Than Htut spoke words of thanks.

Aung Hsu Myat jewellery shop opens

YANGON, 3 May- A ceremony to open Aung Hsu Myat jewellery shop was held at the shop at 181, Banyadala Road, Tamway Township, this morning. Commander of No 2 Military Region Lt-Col Tin Oo Lwin, film actress Academy Nanda Hlaing, Gold Shop owners U Sein Hlaing, U Zaw Win Hlaing and Daw Aye Aye Mar formally opened the shop and unveiled the signboard. Then, the guests visited the shop and bought jewellery and gold items.

Myanmar beat Yunnan 4-3 in soccer friendly

YANGON, 3 May- The first Myanmar and China friendly soccer match was held at Youth Training Centre (Thuwunna) at 4 p.m. today. Among the fans were Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen. Thura Aye Myint, Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing Auditor-General Brig-Gen. Tin Aye, senior military officers, Director-General of Sports and Physical Education Department President of Myanmar Football Federation U Thaung Htaik, officials, Patrons of Myanmar Women's Sports Federation, officials of the Chinese Embassy and guests. President of MFF U Thuang Htaik and the Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy greeted footballers of the two sides. At the match, Myanmar beat Yunnan 4-3. The second match will be held at 6.30 p.m. on 5 May. 

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(9) Seized monosodium glutamate destroyed

YANGON, 3 May- Thai-made unclaimed monosodium glutamate packets were found in Myeik and Thayetchaung Townships. The authorities concerned seized 200 bags each containing 96 500-gram packets of smuggled pot brand monosodium glutamate and 100 bags each containing 100 00-gram packets of palace brand at the top of 8th Street, Naukle Ward in Myeik on 25 February. Similarly 80 bags each containing 100 500-gram packets of palace brand were seized on the creek of Kanatthiri Village in Thayatchaung Township on 8 April. The seized monosodium glutamate totalling 32,700 packets were destroyed in the compound of Myeiktaung village in Myeik Township under the supervision of Chairman of Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Coastal Region Command Brig-Gen. Aye Kyway and officials on 26 April.

Opium refinery raided

YANGON, 3 May- A combined team comprising members of the local Tatmadawmen, local intelligence unit and Myanmar Police Force, acting on information, found a drug refinery hut, one hut and two storehouses in a ravine near Manjaryan Village in Kutkai Township, Shan State (North) on 28 February. The authorities also arrested Kyaw Win, 25, of Tashwehtan Village in Kutkai Township, Law San, 26, Li Lauk Chan, 26 and Yan Ae, 23 of Monekoe Myo together with 8.05 kilos of heroin, 1.2 kilos of brown opium, two M-20 pistols, one .38 pistol, one M-22 rifle, one M-16 rifle, three magazines, 40 rounds of various ammunitions, 62.5 litres of hydrochloric acid, 36 litres of acetic acid, 1872.5 litres of spirit, 36 litres of chloroforms, 36 litres of acetic anhydrite, 245.48 litres of ether, 4 kilos of white chemical powder and 15 other related equipment used in drug-refining.  The police station concerned has taken action over the seizure.

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