(1) Economic infrastructure's strength and progress contributes to laying down development projects for rural areas home to 65 percent of nation's population

Rapid progress in agriculture sector helps strength  rural economy, industrial  advancement

YANGON, 27 June - Myanmar and International Studies Course No 3 and Advanced Management  Course No 10 for Executives of Union Solidarity and Development Association was opened at Pyidaungsu  Hall of Central Public Relations Unit in Hmawby Township, this morning, with an address by Patron of  USDA Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services  Senior General Than Shwe. Senior General Than Shwe said this is the third Myanmar and International  Studies Course and the trainees who are going to attend it are the personnel of the departments and organizations responsible for the production sectors such as agricultural, livestock breeding, forestry and  industrial fields, and services, trade and human resources development sectors.

In addition to the affairs of the State, the trainees should also study the affairs of world nations and international organizations. And apart from being lectured on the subjects, they are to conduct practical  and firsthand studies on the subjects and the nation-building endeavours. The Advanced Management  Course is opened to uplift the quality of the USDA executives who had already completed the Basic  Course. As it is the tenth course, the number of the youths who are discharging the USDA duties is increasing stage by stage.

The qualified youths have the duty to successfully implement the task to enhance the four qualities of the  Association, which are included in the resolutions of the previous year's USDA Annual General Meeting.  The USDA is continuously implementing the tasks to develop the human resources of the State without  fail. Courses on national affairs, technical courses, vocational courses and cultural courses are being  conducted for the youths down to the village levels.

Over nine million youths have attended the courses which have been conducted nation-wide during a  period of nearly eight years. The human resources play a vital role in bringing about peace, modernization  and development of the nation. Short-term national economic plans are being laid down and implemented  for the nation to be peaceful, pleasant, modern and developed.

The economic plans are being implemented mainly based on Myanmar human resources which are the  internal forces. At the present fiscal 2001-2002 the nation is implementing the third short-term national  economic plan. Specified projects on the agriculture, livestock breeding, forestry, energy, mining,  industrial, electric power, construction, transport, communications, financial, social and management,  services and trade sectors have been laid down under the headings  the production sector, the trade sector  and the services sector.

The previous fiscal 2000-2001 is the basic year of the present fiscal. The nation was able to successfully  implement the economic projects of the previous fiscal with public participation. The nation's Gross  Domestic Product reached K 899.52 billion during the previous fiscal.

The GDP target for the present fiscal is K 1001.43 billion. The trainees will have to study the ways to  implement the projects and the expected ratios of changes in the respective sectors. The nation must be  built through successful implementation of the annual plans. Measures should be taken to enable  Myanmars to enjoy a higher living standard they deserve. Due to the achievement of the good foundations, it is believed that the third five-year plan will gain success.

If an assessment is made periodically, it can be seen that the State has been able to implement economic  enterprises since 1992. Before that time, priority was given to ensure national peace and stability. The end  of the armed conflicts have resulted in winning back national consolidation, leading to restoration of  peace in the respective regions. Such a favourable situation has contributed towards emergence of national  development tasks nation-wide and success of the economic enterprises. In this way, the economic  infrastructure is being built sector by sector.

Especially, there is significant progress in building irrigation facilities, and a network of roads linking all  the states and divisions in the entire Union have also been built. Restoration of peace and stability has  paved the way for developing the human resources sector regionally.

In addition to basic education schools, institutions of higher learning have been extended in border areas  and states. The development of a sector is the basic factor contributing to the progress of another sector.  Development in the water resources utilization task, which is included in the economic infrastructure, has  led to significant development of land use in Myanmar, enabling the nation to reclaim more vacant, fallow  and virgin lands, and wetlands and inundated areas.

The nation saw a marked increase in production of the nation's four main crops, which are, paddy, cotton,  beans and pulses and sugarcane, as well as other crops during fiscal 2000-2001, the final year of the  second national economic plan. Gaining of strength and progress in the economic infrastructure has  contributed to laying down of projects for the development of rural areas Ñ home to 65 percent of the  national population in the present five-year plan. The agriculture sector is the main economy of the rural  people as well as the mainstay of the national economy. In this context, the government has invested a  large amount of capital during the previous decade in order to achieve good foundations in the agriculture  sector. Pouring of such a large amount of money into the agriculture sector has created opportunities to do  farming work with greater acceleration. As the agriculture is the nation's basic economy at present, efforts  should be made for the firmness of the agriculture sector and for progress of other economic sectors as  well. Region-wise plans are being made to extend the sown acreage in proportion to the level of  development in the water resources sector. During the present monsoon season, national resources  should  be utilized to the most possible degree to develop agriculture sector and boost its production. Strenuous efforts are required to develop all the economic sectors based on the agricultural development.

Agricultural progress is directly linked to the rural development. A goal has been set in the third five-year  plan to develop the rural economy. Rapid progress in the agriculture sector has helped strengthen rural  economy, and will contribute towards industrial advancement. It is hoped to increase the industrial sector'  participation in the national economy during the present national economic plan.

The national economy has been developed stage by stage; and the economic plans have been laid down  and implemented since the nation won back peace and stability. The first four-year national economic  plan was implemented during the period from fiscal 1992-93 to fiscal 1995-96; the success of the  economic plan halted the decline in the nation economy and created a good national economic foundation.  Based on the success of the four-year economic plan, another five-year plan was implemented with the  utmost efforts of internal forces during the period from fiscal 1996-97 to 2000-2001, helping the nation to  reach the road to progress. Necessary efforts should be made to maintain and further promote the  favourable conditions the nation has achieved so far. Only if the interests of the State and people are  safeguarded with loyalty, will a peaceful, stable, modern and developed nation emerge. The nation will  protect the restore the peace and stability and the developments the nation has achieved so far. As the  government is striving to maintain national peace and stability, so also it is desirous of the regional and  international peace and stability Myanmar has been strictly adhered to the five principles of Peaceful Co-Existence which were laid down in 1955.

Its international relations will always be based on the policy of mutual respect, equality and non- interference. It will continue to extend international relations based on its traditional practices, which are,  amity, unity and multiple cooperation. In conclusion, the Senior General urged the trainees to study the  subjects with national outlook; to study in detail the endeavours being made in all sectors and on fronts  with greater momentum in order to uplift the living standards of the entire people; and to make studies  and assessment on the efforts being made with accelerated velocity for progress of multi-sectors such as  the production, agricultural, livestock breeding, trade, education, health and social sectors, utilization of  the national resources to their highest value and capacity for gaining progress, and endeavours to  implement the third short-term five-year national economic plan with the national strength mainly based  on internal forces.

Also present on the occasion were Patron of USDA Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development  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-3 Lt-Gen. Win Myint, members of the State Peace and Development Council, Deputy Prime Ministers Vice-Admiral  Maung Maung Khin, Lt-Gen. Tin Tun and Lt-Gen. Tin Hla, ministers, the Chief Justice, the Attorney- General, the Chairman of Civil Serve Selection and Training Board, members of Panel of Patrons of  USDA, CEC members of USDA, deputy ministers, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence, the  director-general of the State Peace and Development Council Office, directors-general and managing  directors of departments and enterprises, guests, Officer in-charge of the courses Lt-Col Sein Win, course  supervisors and trainees. After the ceremony, the Senior General cordially greeted the trainees and had a
luncheon together with them. Later, the Senior General left the unit.
 
Excerpts from Senior General Than Shwe's address

* Over nine million youths have attended the courses which have been conducted nationwide during a  period of nearly eight years.

 * The national economic plans are being implemented based on Myanmar human resources which are the  internal forces.

* The State is able to implement economic enterprises beginning from the period after 1992.

* Ending of the armed conflicts have resulted in winning back national consolidation, leading to
restoration of peace in the respective regions.

* Such a favourable situation has contributed towards emergence of national development tasks
nationwide and success of the economic enterprises.

* The economic infrastructure is being built sector by sector.

* Especially, there is significant progress in building irrigation facilities; a network of roads linking in the  States and Divisions in the entire Union have also been built.

* Development in the water resources utilization task, which is included in the economic infrastructure,  has led to significant land use development in Myanmar.

* Region-wise plans are being made to extend cultivated areas in proportion to the level of development in  the water resources sector.

* During the present monsoon season, national resources should be utilized to the most possible degree to  develop agricultural sector and boost its production.

* Agricultural progress is directly linked to the rural development.

* The nation will safeguard peace and stability and the developments the nation has achieved so far.

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(2) Press conference on Myanmar delegations attendance to ILO Conference and Thai Prime Minister's official visit to Myanmar 

YANGON, 27 June-A press conference on matters relating to Myanmar delegation that attended the 89th annual conference of International Labour Organization held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 5 to 21 June and Prime Minister of Thailand Dr Thaksin Shinawatra's official goodwill visit to Myanmar from 19 to 20 June was held at the Tatmadaw Guest House on Inya Road this afternoon.

Present were Minister at the Prime Minister's Office U Tin Winn, Deputy Chief of Office of Strategic Studies and Deputy Director of Defence Services Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen. Thura Myint Maung, Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen. Aung Thein, heads of department of the Office of Strategic Studies, officials of the Ministry of Information, Patron of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club U Sein Win, President of MFCC U Sao Kai Hpa, correspondents and officials.

The leader of Myanmar delegation that attended the 89th annual conference of International Labour Organization Minister at the Prime Minister's Office U Tin Winn said at the conference a meeting on Application of Standard of Myanmar was held on 13 June. Before the meeting Myanmar delegation met the director-general of ILO and the chairman of Governing Body separately. They said they understood the development of the agreement to send Objective Assessment Team for cooperation in labour affairs with ILO. They said they would support the issue regarding Myanmar and submit it to the conference and provide help for success.

In meeting with the Chairman of the conference Minister of Labour of the Philippines, he said he would discuss the matter based on the joint communiqué of ASEAN Labour Ministers released after the meeting of ASEAN Labour Ministers held in May. On 13 June, the delegates discussed the Application of  Standard of Myanmar. The US delegate said the agreement between the government of Myanmar was a  step towards the right direction.

The ILO should provide assistance to eliminate the practice of forced labour but not punish Myanmar.  Similarly, on behalf of Asia and the Pacific countries, the delegate of Australia, standing on Myanmar  side, welcomed the agreement to send a high-level team to observe developments in Myanmar in his  discussions on the announcement by Asia and Pacific countries. Myanmar's standards on labour affairs are  to be decided based on the findings of the team at the Governing Body meeting to be held in November.  Meanwhile, all are to wait and see the situation. On behalf of ASEAN countries, the delegate from  Malaysia discussed the joint communiqué.

He welcomed ILO's constructive approach on Myanmar. Findings of the high-level team will be discussed  in November and action taken on Myanmar should be lifted. The leader of the British Trade Unions also  welcomed the US delegate's remarks that it was a step in the right direction. The arrival of the high-level  team will be in the rainy season. He expressed his concern over the findings to complete within three  weeks. Minister U Tin Winn said the discussions regarding Myanmar at the ILO conference were constructive and they led to the positive trend.

The ILO will decide the correct measures on Myanmar's labour affairs in November depending on the  findings of the high-level team that will arrive in Myanmar in September. Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win explained the goodwill visit of Thai delegation led by Prime Minister Dr Thaksin Shinawatra. It was regarded as an official visit according to the coordination between the two countries.

The Thai Prime Minister was accorded a 19-gun salute and was warmly welcomed. The visit was the first of its kind for the Thai Prime Minister in four years and it was a significant one between the two  countries. Some border incidents occurred beginning February 2001 and relations between the two  countries was not in normal position.

Border issues often occur in all countries. Myanmar approached the issues with the concept of letting the  wet hands not to get dried and making big issues become smaller and small issues to be completely  resolved. Myanmar and Thailand share over 1,300 miles of the border, have same culture and customs  and are Theravada Buddhist countries. They are also members of ASEAN and BIMST-EC. Both countries  would like to maintain goodwill relations and accept that only normal relations between the peoples of the  two countries will serve the interests of the two countries. Therefore, the visit of the Thai Prime Minister  was accepted as an official visit.

The 51-member delegation led by the Thai Prime Minister arrived in Myanmar on an official visit from 19 to 20 June. The Prime Minister met Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt at the State House on 19 June and they widely discussed common interests between the two countries in the spirit of goodwill and understanding. On 20 June, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar received the Thai Prime Minister at the Pyithu Hluttaw building and they discussed normalization of bilateral relations and promotion of economic, social and cultural cooperation in a cordial atmosphere. Moreover, the Governments of the Union of Myammar and Thailand signed the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in Narcotic Drugs, Psycho-trophic Substances and Precursor Chemical Controls and issued a joint communiqué. As an immediate outcome of the Thai Prime Minister's official visit Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung left for Thailand in 48 hours on a goodwill visit at the invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. During his stay in Thailand, Minister U Win Aung met Thai Prime Minister Dr Thaksin Shinawatra and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. Minister U Win Aung paid a courtesy call on the King of the Kingdom of Thailand. Such exchange of official visits is the result of the official visit of the Thai Prime Minister. Moreover, official opening of Tachilek-Maisai Bridge, a Thai-Myanmar border gateway on 24 June showed normalization of bilateral relations. Bilateral cooperation will be promoted, the deputy minister said. Minister U Tin Win and Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win replied to the queries raised by local and foreign newsmen. The press conference ended at 1.50 p.m.

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(3) Health Minister receives Israeli professor

YANGON, 26 June-Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein received Professor Mr Mordechai Chevion of  Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Israel together with Ambassador of Israel Mr Baruch Ram at his office  on Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road here at 1.30 p.m. today. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister  Professor Dr Mya Oo and officials.

Minister receives Indian ambassador 

YANGON, 26 June-Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Office Brig-Gen. Abel received  Ambassador of India Mr Shayam Saran, who has completed tour of duties in Myanmar, at his office at 11  am today. Also present at the call were officials from the departments concerned.

Minister receives charge d'affaires 

YANGON, 26 June-Minister at the Prime Minister's Office U Tin Winn received charge d'affaires Ms  Priscilla Clapp of the Embassy of America at his office at 2 p.m. today.

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(4) Minister meets fishery entrepreneurs

YANGON, 27 June-Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen. Maung Maung Thein met with fishery  entrepreneurs who are engaged in breeding, production and export at the meeting hall of Fisheries  Department on Hsin Min Road, Ahlon Township, with a view to developing fisheries for fiscal 2001-2002  of Fisheries Department of the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, and gave instructions on boosting  export this evening.

Then, Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen. Kyaw Hsan reported on assistance rendered for import  and export, and Deputy Director Daw Myint Myint Khin on foreign currency banking, followed by a  general round of discussions. Deputy Minister for Livestock and Fisheries U Aung Thein gave suggestions  in connection with the reports. The meeting ended with the concluding remarks by the minister.
 
Minister inspects construction of work in Sagaing, Mandalay Divisions 

YANGON, 27 June-Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, accompanied by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen. Myint Thein and officials, on 25 June inspected the chosen site for approach road on Mandalay side of Ayeyawady Bridge (Mandalay) where Deputy Superintending Engineer U Hsan Win of Special Bridge Construction Group-14 reported on targets for the construction.

The minister gave instructions on data of survey. The minister and party inspected construction of main  building of Central Institute of Civil Service (Upper Myanmar) on PyinOoLwin-Mandalay Road yesterday  morning. Rector Col Aung San Win and Senior Engineer U Win Pe of Special Construction Group-6  reported on progress of work and future tasks. The minister left instructions and inspected the construction site.

Next, the minister and party proceeded to the construction site of Tangar Bridge on Mandalay-Mogok Road where Deputy Superintending Engineer U Hsan Win reported on targets, progress of work, and  future tasks. The minister gave instructions on timely completion, mini-mising loss and wastage in using  construction materials, and close supervision in using the machinery. Then, the minister and party  inspected construction of a 300-bed hospital and heard a report on progress of work and work to be done  presented by District Engineer in-charge U Win Thein. The minister gave instructions on mini mising loss and wastage and meeting the set standard and left the site for Kyaukse.

Minister for Industry-2 inspects workshops in Bago Division 

YANGON, 26 June-Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw Lwin and officials arrived at No 1 Farm Equipment Workshop (Hsinde) in Padaung Township, Bago Division on 24 June. The minister inspected  land preparation for construction of iron foundry, production of power tillers, test run of the power tillers  and installation of machines for production of metre boxes.

On 25 June, the minister went to No 2 motor factory (Htonbo) and inspected production of connecting  rods, installation of Mazda engine and experimental production of light truck and new model Pathfinder.

The minister went to No 1 machine tools production factory (Nyaungshedauk) and inspected power cable  workshop, copper rod casting and rolling workshop. Deputy Minister Brig-Gen. Aung Thein Lin and  Managing Director of Myanma Machine Tools and Electrical Industries U Kyaw Win reported on  installation of machines and arrangements for test run of the machines.

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(5)   Minister of Commerce holds first four- monthly co-ordination meeting

YANGON,26 June- The first fourth monthly meeting 2001 of Ministry of Commerce was held at the  ministry this morning. The directors of Border Trade Department and states and divisions mangers of  Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading reported to the meeting on their progress of work. Deputy Minister  for Commerce Brig-Gen. Kyaw Hsan presented a supplementary report. Then, the meeting ended with  concluding remarks by Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen. Pyi Sone.

Transport Minister inspects dredging works in Htantabin Township

YANGON,  26 June-Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe accompanied by Managing Director U Tun Aung Myint of Inland Water Transport and officials inspected dredging work at Katwekwe water way  in Htantabin township yesterday. The hopper side cast grab dredger was purchased from Peoples' Republic  of China for Directorate of Water Resources and Improvement of River Systems. Then, they proceeded to  the side cast trailing suction dredger that was dredging at the mouth of the canal to Htamalo. On the  dredger, Chinese engineers of YEMC and Myanmar engineers reported the minister on work. Then, the  minister presented gifts to Chinese engineers. The minister and party inspected Katwekwe water way and  the canal to Htamalo.

Cooperatives Ministry meet

YANGON, 26 June- The Ministry of Cooperatives held first four-monthly meeting for 2001 this morning  at the ministry. Present were Minister for Cooperatives U Aung San, the directors-general and the  managing director of the departments and the enterprise under the ministry, officials, principals of the  Cooperative colleges and members of the Central Cooperative Society. Speaking on the occasion, the  minister urged staff to strive for success of the cooperatives and emergence of cooperative industries Cooperatives Department Director-General Col Soe Win, Director-General of Cottage Industries  Department U Sein Than and Managing Director of Cooperative Export and Important Enterprise Daw  Khin Swe Soe and officials also took part in the discussions..

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(6) Cooperative Bank holds general meeting

YANGON, 27 June-The ninth general meeting of shareholders of the Cooperative Bank Ltd was held at  the Ministry of Cooperatives this morning. Present were Minister for Cooperatives U Aung San, Governor  of the Central Bank of Myanmar U Kyaw Kyaw Maung and members of the board of directors, Director-General of Cooperative Department Col Soe Win, Director-General of Cottage Industries U Sein Than,  Managing Director of Cooperative Export Import Enterprise Daw Khin Swe Soe, officials, Chairman of  Board of Directors of the First Private Bank Dr Sein Maung and guests. Chairman of Board of Directors  of Cooperative Bank Ltd U Win Sein and Minister U Aung San spoke.

Commander inspects Yangon command's poultry farms 

YANGON, 27 June-Member of the State Peace and Development Council Commander of the Yangon  Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than inspected the poultry farms of the command and attended to the  requirements this morning. The commander was welcomed at No 2 Poultry Farm of the command in  Hmawby Township, Yangon North District and reported by Farm Manager Maj. Myat Nyein on raising of  poultry and transporting of meat and eggs to the tax-free markets and other markets .

Then, Secretary Lt-Col Thein Hsint of Agriculture and Livestock Breeding Committee of the command  reported on agricultural tasks and raising of poultry, cattle, pigs and goats and fish. The commander gave  instructions on production to meet the target, systematic supervision of the officials, raising of 50,000 hen  and production of 20,000 eggs daily. The commander arrived at No 1 Poultry Farm at Sawbwagyigon in  Insein Township and gave instructions. He inspected the farms and incubating of eggs and fulfilled the needs. The Yangon Command is breeding altogether 150,000 fowls and distributing 15,000 eggs and 500  viss of meat daily.

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(7) Cash assistance to children of MHT staff 

YANGON, 27 June- A ceremony to present cash assistance and prizes for high performing staff and  children of staff of Myanma Hotels and Tourism was held at the meeting hall of Beverage Department on  Maha Bandoola Road here this morning. Present were Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw  Lwin, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen. Aye Myint Kyu, officials of the ministry and managers of state and  division branch offices.

Minister Maj-Gen Saw Lwin made a speech and presented prizes to deputy managers and managers.  Deputy Minister Brig-Gen. Aye Myint Kyu and Managing Director U Kyi Tun presented special prizes to  managers. Then, Managing Director U Kyi Tun presented cash assistance to Deputy General Manager U  Thein Ko for children of staff. The coordination meeting was held in the afternoon. Deputy Minister Brig- Gen. Aye Myint Kyu and Managing Director U Kyi Tun spoke on the occasion. Managers and officials  reported on their respective work. The managing director attended to their needs.

Winners for colour photo competition on women's affairs activities announced

YANGON, 26 June- The scrutinization for the women's affairs activities colour photo competition, organized by the Work Committee for Organizing the Myanmar Women's Day which falls on 3 July, was  held at Bogyoke Aung San Hall of Social Welfare Department in Mayangon Township this morning.  Chairperson of the Work Committee for Organizing the Myanmar Women's Day Dr Daw Khin Win  Shwe, Vice-Chairperson Prof. Daw May May Yi and members of the Work Committee, Chairman of  Myanmar Photographic Society U Thiha Thein Nyan and scholars chose the entries.

Then, the scrutiny committee approved the first prize for AK Moe (Zoology), the second prize for Shweintha Khin Maung Win and the third prize for Lin Lin Aung (Bagan) and consolation prizes for Ma  Pwint (Thiha Photo Shop), U Tun Swe (Hla Tharaphyu-Mogok), U Hla Htwe (IPRD-Loikaw), U Chan  Tun (Mawlamyine), U Law Ku (Kengtung), Ma Pwint (Thiha Photo Shop), U Myint Than (Kyaukse), U  Tun Swe (Hla Tharaphyu-Mogok), Ko Ko Nyunt Kyi (Mandalay), U Zaw Min Htein (Saya Zaw- Education), U Soe Min (Yankin) and Than Wai (Taunggyi). Prizes will be presented to the winners at the Myanmar Women's Day ceremony in Yangon on 3 July. Prize winners must send prize-winning negatives to the Myanmar Photographic Society, not later than 30 June and the winners must contact the Myanmar Photographic Society on 2 July morning.
 
Tourists conclude visit 

YANGON, 26 June-A Boeing 767-300 of Qantas Airways carrying 219 tourists and crew arrived at the  Mandalay International Airport at 2.10 p.m. on 22 June. The tourists visited Mandalay, Mingun, Sagaing,  PyinOoLwin and Amarapura on 23, 24 and 25, and left for Uzbeistan at 12.53 p.m. on 25 June. Staff of  the Department for Civil Aviation of the Ministry of Transport offered hearty services. There will be  similar tours in future.

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(8)  Sports News

Victorious athletes of Ministry of Commerce honoured 

YANGON, 27 June-Victorious athletes of the Ministry of Commerce were honoured and cash assistance  was provided to the children of the staff at the ministry this evening. Present were Minister for Commerce  Brig-Gen. Pyi Sone, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen. Kyaw Hsan, Director-General of Border Trade  Department U Nay Win, Managing Director of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading U Min Hla Aung  and officials. Minister Brig-Gen. Pyi Sone spoke on the occasion. The minister presented cash assistance  for the children of the staff of Office of the Minister of Commerce, Border Trade Department and MAPT.  The minister presented gifts to 78 victorious athletes.
 
Myanmar bat China- 3-0 in Volleyball

YANGON, 26 June-The first day's friendly volleyball marches of Myanmar and China were held at Thuwunna Stadium-1 at 4 p.m. today, attended by Chairman of the Myanma Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen. Thura Aye Myint.

Also present on the occasion were Director Brig-Gen. Mya Thein Han of Medical Services of Ministry of  Defence, members of MOC, Ambassador of China Mr Li Jinjun and embassy staff, patrons of Leading  Committee of Myanmar Women's Sports Federation, the director-general of the Sports and Physical  Education Department and officials, the president of the Myanma Volleyball Federation and executives  and others The minister, the ambassador and the president greeted the players of the two countries.

The players exchanged commemorative pennants. Then, Myanmar Selected volleyball team beat Guang  Dong Province Selected team 25-11, 25-16 and 25-13. The second matches will be held at 4 p.m. there on  28 June.

Guang Dong beat tentatively selected Myanmar soccer team 2-0

YANGON, 27 June- The Myanmar-China women's friendly soccer match was held at sports ground in  Bago, Bago Division, this evening. Among the spectators were Chairman of Myanmar Olympic  Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen. Thura Aye Myint, Chairman of Myanmar Football Federation  Director-General of Sports and Physical Education Department U Thaung Htaik, heads of department,  members of Bago Division Committee for Women's Affairs, invited guests and officials. The Guang Dong  team beat tentatively selected Myanmar soccer team with 2-0.

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(9)  Anti-Drug Abuse Day observed 

YANGON, 27 June-A ceremony to present prizes to winners in essay and painting competitions to mark  the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was held at Yamanya Hall of Mon State  Peace and Development Council Office yesterday morning. Present were Secretary of Mon State Peace  and Development Council Lt-Col Aung Maw Maw and members, state -level departmental officials,  members of Mon State Union Solidarity and Development Association, Mon State War Veterans  Organization, Mon State Working Committee for Women's Affairs, Mon State Maternal and Child  Welfare Association and Red Cross Society, nurses, police force members, teachers and winners.

Lt-Col Aung Maw Maw made a speech. Then, Secretary of Mon State Committee for Drug Abuse Control  Police Col Thein Lin read the message of CCDAC . Member of Mon State Committee for Drug Abuse  Control Head of Mon State Health Department Dr Thein Win Naing gave talks on the danger of narcotic  drugs. Then, officials presented prizes to winners in essay and painting competitions. Similar ceremonies  were held in Thingangyun Township, Yangon East District and in Htantabin Township, Yangon Division  yesterday and in Thanlyin Township,  Yangon South District this morning.

Over 580 gms of heroin seized in Mandalay 

YANGON, 27 June-A combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit, and Myanmar
Police Force, acting on information, searched the house of Nay Nyein Kyaw (a) Kyaw Soe Hein of No Ka  Ka 5/47, Theikpan Street (between 54th and 55th Streets), Aungpinle Ward, Mandalay, on 18 June and  arrested him together with 587.8558 grams of heroin. Further information led to the arrest of Daw Khun  Taung and Ma Htay of No Na 3/33, (between 62nd and 63rd Streets) and (between 40th and 41st Streets),  Mahamyine Block-2, Maha Aungmye Township, Mandalay, and Daw Bauk Nu of No Nga 1/142,  (between 64th and 65th Streets) and (between Zalatwa and Dayliya Streets), Gandama Lane, Maha  Aungmye Township, Mandalay, and U Lamon Gan Hsaing of No 7/31, Ward 8, Lashio, who was at the  house of Daw Bauk Nu. Action was taken against the five under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic  Substances Law.

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