(1) Rail Transportation Ministry staff urged to ensure safe public transport Government has built 1,069.79  miles of new railroads in nation

Secretary-1 meets officials of Ministry of Rail Transportation

YANGON, 9 July- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt met with  officials of Ministry of Rail Transportation at the meeting hall of the ministry at 9 am today and gave  instructions on implementation of tasks and targeted work. Also present were ministers, Minister for Rail  Transportation U Pan Aung, Deputy Ministers Thura U Thaung Lwin and U Pe Than, officials of the  State Peace and Development Council Office, directors-general and managing directors of departments  and enterprises under the ministry, the principal of Central Institute of Transport and Communications,  officers in-charge of States and Divisions and officials. First, Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan  Aung elaborated on work carried out in 2000-2001 fiscal year and targeted work for 2001-2002 fiscal  year.

Director-General U Kyaw Hsan of Transport Planning Department gave an account of targets, set-up and  manpower, financial situation, work of Road Transport and Inland Water Transport, work of Central  Coordination Committee for Transport and State/ Division Coordination Committees for Transport,  targeted income for 2001-2002 fiscal year and expenditures and future tasks. Afterwards, Director-General U Hla Thaung Myint of Road Administration Department reported on tasks of the department,  man- power, set-up, work carried out in 2000-2001 fiscal year, registration of automobiles, issuing of  driving licences, work plan for 2001-2002 fiscal year and future tasks. Then, Principal of Central  Transport and Communications Training School U Win Aung gave an account of background history of  the institute, location, objectives, set-up, manpower, tasks, opening of training courses, work implemented  in 2000-2001, work targeted for 2001-2002 fiscal year and future tasks.

Managing Director U Maung Maung Naing of Road Transport elaborated on tasks of the department, set up, manpower, number of vehicles in the department, work carried out in 2000-2001 fiscal year, income  and expenditure of 2000-2001 fiscal year, repair of vehicles and innovation of spare parts. Transport  provided in nation- building work and future tasks. Then, Managing Director U Min Swe of Myanma  Railways presented a report on objectives, set-up, man- power, condition of locomotives and carriages,  maintenance of railroads, production of locomotives, carriages and 389 spare parts manufactured by  factories under the department for saving foreign exchange, work carried out in 2000-2001 fiscal year,  new railroads constructed by Myanma Railways, work plan for 2001-2002 fiscal year and future tasks.

Later, Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung reported on, set-up of departments under the ministry, manpower, boosting of income during the period from 1991/92 to 2000/2001 fiscal year, income  of the departments for 2000-2001 fiscal year, foreign exchange income and expenditures, transport of  passengers and freight, production of locomotives, carriages and spare parts by factories under Myanma  Railways, targeted income for 2001-2002 fiscal year, targets and future tasks. Speaking on the occasion,  the Secretary-1 said the State Peace and Development Council is endeavouring for the nation to get  abreast with other nations; all the working bodies, including the ministries are striving to strengthen  the  national economy and enable the people to enjoy the fruits of national development. Based on the rich  natural resources and the forces of the national people and the economic infrastructures, the national  plans, which will bring practical progress to the nation, have been laid down and implemented.

Due to the systematic implementation of the national plans the nation now is on the development track  and gaining good foundations for economic progress. It is required for the ministries to make efforts with  the conviction that exceeding of the targets in implementing the work plans to raise the momentum of  national progress is the national cause. Especially, they should understand that transport is vital for  facilitating coordinated work among the State's management, economic, trade, production, transport and  social sectors and their harmonious progress. Success of the transport sector can help develop other  sectors while its failures and shortcomings can cause adverse effects to them. Thus, the transport sector  should give effective and efficient services to economic, social, administrative and trade sectors for  national economic progress. Moreover, the smooth transport will lead to progress in the flow of  commodities and transport, resulting in bringing good results such as proportionate development to all  regions, national economic growth and improvement in the living standards. Better communications among the regions will also strengthen friendship among the national people leading to propagation and  promotion of the unity and Union Spirit. The government since its assumption of the State duties has been  giving priority to the transport development.

A network of roads and railroads has been built in the nation including the regions which were difficult of  access due to natural barriers or instability in the past; at present the entire nation is witnessing progress  due to the new river bridges, roads and railroads. As 1,065.79 miles of new railroads have been built in  the nation, the country now has a total of 3,859.65 miles of railroads up from 2,973.86 miles in the past.  (See page 6) Rail Transportation MinistryÉ (from page 1) Shwenyaung-Taunggyi-Banyin-Hsaikkaung  railroad and Mongnai-Namhsan railroads have been built in Shan State; as Hsaikkaung-Namhsan railroad  is being built at present to the link it with Shwenyaung-Namhsan-Mognai railroad. Similarly, Aungban- Pinlaung-Loikaw railroad linking Shan State and Kayah State, Ye-Yebyu-Dawai railroads in Taninthayi  and Aunglan-Hsatthwa railroad in midland have been built. The Yoma belt railroad emerged as the Pyay- Aunglan-Hsantthwa and Hsatthwa-Taungdwingyi-Kyaukpadaung have been linked and Kyaukpadaung-Bagan-Myingyan-TadaU railroads was built. Except in the section passing the Pondaung-Ponnya  mountain range, trains are running on all the sections of the ChaungU-Pakokku-Gangaw-Kalay railroad.  The tunnel passing the Pondaung-Ponnya mountain range and the Yemyitni-KyawOoMin bypass are  being built with greater momentum.

There are now 9,009 large and small railroad bridges in the nation up from 5,650 in the past. In the past  there were only two river railroad bridges, the Sagaing Bridge and the Sittoung Bridge. Seven new river  bridges including Thanlyin Bridge, Myittha River Bridge, Hsinbyushin Bridge, Bwetkyi Bridge, Mu River  Bridge whose lengths are between 500-foot and nearly 6,000-foot. Construction of Donthami Bridge  linking Mon and Kayin States and the 11,575-foot Thanlwin (Mawlamyine) Bridge, which will become  the longest bridge in Myanmar, is under way. The government has built over 250 new railway stations;  the nation now has 739 railway stations. The Yangon Railway Station was upgraded and the new  international-level Mandalay Railway Station was built. In generally, it can be said that the Ministry of  Rail Transportation is gaining success in fulfilling the national and region needs. Especially new train  runs are being extended. The ministry exceeded the income and passenger and freight transport targets in  fiscal 2000-2001.

The ministry transported a total of 3.55 million tons of freight which is a new record of the post- independent era. On the other hand, there are drawbacks and shortcomings due to the widening scope of  the work, weakness in maintenance sector and budget limitations. Not only the number of passenger and  volume of freight, but also the safety and smoothness, the convenience and the cordial and excellent  services should be considered in pondering the success of the railway transport enterprise. About half the  number of locomotives, passenger coaches and cargo wagons are vintage ones; accidents often occur due  to the weakness in maintenance sector.

As the railroads are facing deterioration and loss of durability due to the time, systematic checks should be  conducted on them to repair the deteriorated or damaged parts. The Secretary-1 then compared the  railroad inspection and maintenance systems of the past and present, speaking of the need to make work  assessments to ensure an adequate railway maintenance and repair system. There were no major repair of  the railroads and only 75 percent of the work volume could be implemented in the medium-scale repair  task. On the other hand, the number of skilled workers is dwindling. New methods should be sought to  solve the problem of the lessening supply of sleepers and rocks. Priority should be given to railroad  maintenance work in order to reduce the number of accidents. The ministry is now launching the  mechanized rail maintenance system, using reinforced concrete sleepers and setting up quarries. Duties  should be assigned to staff at different levels systematically and projects should be made to conduct minor,  medium and major repair of the railroads in order to prevent further occurring of accidents resulting from  lack of inspection and maintenance work.

To ensure a safe public transport, officials at different levels starting from the minister, the deputy ministers and the heads of departments and enterprises should make inspections to know whether of not  the staff are actually carrying out maintenance and repair works. The strength of the bridge piers should  be checked especially in the rainy season as floods or the strong water course may weaken their durability.  He pointed out that officials and lower level personnel have some weaknesses in discharging their duties  because the measures could be taken only after the danger had occurred. He said remedial measures for  conditions should be undertaken as soon as possible. He said systematic plans are to be laid down for  maintenance of locomotives, coaches and freight wagons.

He praised the innovation of spare parts and other rolling stocks in the country and spoke of the need to  speed up the momentum. He said arrangements are to be made for mental reforms of service personnel  and producing skilled persons while fulfilling the materials. He also pointed out the needs for coaches of  Myanma Railways, failure to perform duty and less service of the service personnel. The Secretary-1 spoke  on making arrangements for convenience of travelling public, supervision at different levels, deserving  service and better mental development of the service personnel dealing with the people. Over 50 courses  are being conducted at the Central Communication Training School for turning out skilled workers and  the Railways section alone opened 25 courses. The objectives of the courses should be reviewed, he added.  In order to catch up with the changing situation, new techniques and systems are to be studied for human resource development and arrangements are to be made for linking international railways networks in accord with the time and situation, he said.

There are many nations in the world that use sky trains and bullet trains in the rail transport sector. When  the situation permits, railways networks system and other communications systems of those countries are  to be implemented and arrangements are also to be made in road transport in accord with the rules and  regulations for gaining international standard, he said. The Secretary-1 spoke at length on avoiding  malpractice and taking bribe, systematic supervising the issue of licenses for motor vehicles and driving  license, collecting taxes, increasing numbers of motor vehicles and holders of driving license, carrying out  the tasks in accord with the rules and regulations, laying emphasis on promotion of efficiency in the  transport sector, speedy flow of commodity, road safety for travelling public, development of trade,  participation in the State-sponsored national movement and study tours with the use of passenger buses.

He said it is necessary to implement the plans for innovation of spare parts needed in Myanma Railways  and Road Transport, distribution of technology and manufacturing new coaches and locomotives in the  country. He urged officials to strive for development of the transport sector, to promote work efficiency, to  minimize loss and wastage in production of import-substitute spare parts, to implement the tasks  successfully, to fulfil the requirements after making field trips to grassroots levels and make strenuous  efforts for completion of the projects as scheduled. He spoke of the need to train the service personnel to  have high efficiency and spirit. Accomplishments in the transport sector can effectively bring about  national development, prosperity of national economic life and uplift of socio-economic life of the people,  he said. He urged officials at different levels are to discharge their duties conscientiously with this belief  and concept. In conclusion, the Secretary-1 urged officials of the Ministry of Rail Transportation to make  strenuous efforts for uplift of efficiency of the transport sector, development of international standard, safe  public travelling, speedy flow of commodity, raising the momentum of State economy and uplift of quality  of life of the people.

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(2) Deputy Prime Minister receives foreign guests

YANGON, 9 July-Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Admiral Maung Maung Khin received President Mr  Daniel Kunz of Ivanhoe Myanmar Holdings Ltd and party at his office at his office here at 10.30 am  today. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister for Mines U Myint Thein and officials.

H & T Minister receives guest

YANGON, 9 July-Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin received General Manager Mr Rodney Tan Trutwein of the Sofitel Plaza Yangon Hotel, that was under the management of Accor Group,  at his office on Sule Pagoda Road here at 11.45 am today. Also present at the call were Managing Director  U Kyi Tun of Myanma Hotels and Tourism Services and officials, Human Resources Development  Manager Ms Myitzu Chit of Accor Asia and Director of Communication Ms Vicki Thinn Myat Kyaing of  Sofitel Plaza Yangon.

Commerce Minister receives Singaporean guest

YANGON, 9 July- Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen. Pyi Sone received Mr Vijay Iyengar of Agrocop,  Singapore at his office here at 12.30 p.m. today. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen.  Kyaw Hsan, the directors-general, managing directors and departmental officials.

Minister meets members of JFCCI

YANGON, 9 July- Chairman of Myanmar Investment Commission Minister for Science and Technology  U Thaung met member of Japan Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Yangon led by  Ambassador of Japan Mr Shigeru Tsumori at the hall of the commission on Merchant Street here at 9.30  am today. Also present at the call were Vice-Chairman Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut and  member Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen. Pyi Sone, Deputy Minister at the State Peace and Development  Council Office U Set Maung, Adviser at the Prime Minister's Office Daw Khin Than Tin, Director Dr  Tun Shin of Attorney-General's Office and responsible personnel. They openly discussed matters related  to investment and trade for mutual interest between the two countries.

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(3) "Soon" offered to members of the Sangha

YANGON, 9 July- The families of the Ministry of Energy offered "soon" to members of the Sangha led by  the Chief Patron Sayadaw of the State Pariyatti Sasana University (Yangon) at Mogok Soonsarsaung on  Kaba Aye Hill this morning. The congregation received the Five Precepts from Chief Patron Sayadaw  Agga Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Bhaddantavannita. Then, Daw Khin Mar Aye, wife of the Minister for  Energy Brig-Gen. Lun Thi, presented offertories to the Sayadaw. Deputy Minister U Tin Tun presented K  100,000 for a day's meal for the members of the Sangha. Daw Khin Mar Aye and staff families offered  "soon" to members of the Sangha.

Kidney transplant continues

YANGON, 9 July- Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Deputy Ministers Prof. Dr Mya Oo and Prof.  Dr Kyaw Myint and party looked into the requirements in performing the kidney transplant at the New  Yangon General Hospital on Bogyoke Aung San Street this morning The minister and party inspected the  operation. Prof. Dr Paing Soe, Medical Superintendent Dr Aung Htut and officials briefed them. The  minister fulfilled the needs. Afterwards, the minister met patient Daw Than Than May who underwent  operation on 7 July and donor daughter Ma Cho Mi Htet and patient U Tin Maung Win who underwent  operation on 6 July and donor Maung Lay Win. The kidney of the patient, today, Dr Kyaw Kyaw Htay, No  139, Bo Myat Tun Road, Botahtaung Township, will be transplanted with the kidney donated by his 25- year-old younger sister, Ma Chit Chit Htay. A 12-member medical team led by Dr Paing Soe, Specialist  Dr Tin Shwe and Dr Khin Maung Htay, lecturer of Mandalay Institute of Medicine and Renal Department  is giving treatment to the patient.

The five-member anaesthetic team of the kidney transplant surgery operation led by Prof. Dr Tin Myint,  with Specialist Physicians Dr Kyi Lin, Dr Kyi Kyi San and Prof. Dr Thant Zin. The surgery operation and  kidney transplant operation are being conducted by a six-member team led by Prof. Dr Than Aye of Renal  Department, and comprising Prof. Dr Khin Tun, Lecturer Specialist Physician Dr Win Myaing, Dr Htay  Htay Myint, Specialist Dr Kyaw Swa Hlaing, Dr Min Thu, Prof. Dr Sai Lun Maung of Mandalay General  Hospital, Specialist Dr Toe Lwin and Dr Phone Myint. Medical Superintendent Dr Aung Htut and party  are helping manage the transplant. A 14-member nurse team under the supervision of Matron Daw Kyu  Kyu Mon are helping the doctors. Head of Cardiac Ward, Prof. Dr Khin Maung Aye and party are also  taking part in the surgery operation process. Lecturer Dr Tin Hein of Institute of Medicine-1 is lecturing  the final-year and third-year students of IM-1 with the help of ICT system.

Commerce Minister honours victorious footballers

YANGON, 9 July- Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen. Pyi Sone attended a ceremony to honour the Ministry of Commerce football team that won the ISD and Ministries Invitational Football Championship  held at the hall of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading at the corner of Pansodan Street and Merchant  Road here this morning. Also present were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen. Kyaw Hsan, the directors-general,  managing directors and departmental officials. The minister gave a speech and presented K 220,000 for  the team to Best Player Award Winner Tin Min Tun. Then the minister greeted the players warmly.
 
Minister for Energy Brig-Gen. Lun Thi attends ASEAN Energy Ministerial Meeting

YANGON, 9 July-  Minister for Energy Brig-Gen. Lun Thi arrived back here after attending the 19th  ASEAN Energy Ministerial Meeting in Brunei and visiting Vietnam. The minister was welcomed back at  Yangon International Airport by Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut, Minister at the Prime  Minister's Office U Than Shwe, Deputy Minister for Energy U Tin Tun, heads of departments, officials,  relatives and Charge d'Affaires ai of the Embassy of Vietnam Mr Nguyen Dinh Tang. At the meeting on 5  July, the minister discussed Myanmar's continuous efforts to develop the energy sector.

The participating energy ministers made assessments and discussions on the implementing of the Hanoi  action plan, future projects and global crude oil production. During his stay in Brunei, the minister met  with the Myanmar Ambassador and staff and explained the nation's developing political and economic  situations. The next day, the minister flew to Vietnam. He met with Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam  Mr Nguyen Cong Tung and also with Minister of Industry Mr Dang Vu Chu on 7 July and sought  prospects to extend bilateral cooperation in the energy sector. Director-General of Energy Planning  Department U Soe Myint and party who attended the Senior Energy Officials Meeting also arrived back  here on the same flight.

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(4) GAD holds first four-monthly coordination meeting

YANGON, 9 July- The first four-monthly coordination meeting (2001) of General Administration Department was held at GAD (Head Office) this morning. Present were Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen. Thura Myint Maung, Director-General of GAD U Aung Thein, the directors-general of departments under the ministry, Police Brig-Gen. Zaw Win of Myanmar Police Force and officials. The minister said GAD staff are to successfully implement the objectives of the department Ñ rule of law and order, community peace and tranquillity, regional development and community welfare service  in building a new, peaceful, modern and developed nation with the leadership of the State Peace and Development Council.

The government is also implementing the plans for the uplift of the quality of life of the people in all aspects. GAD staff are to support the project for success, he said. All service personnel have to review the situation with economic, administrative and international views, he said. GAD Staff are to be trained to possess good qualifications and the government have laid down five rural development tasks, he added. He called for crushing the danger of external and internal destructive elements in cooperation with regional authorities and people. Deputy Minister Brig-Gen. Thura Myint Maung also spoke. The meeting continues tomorrow.
 
Minister inspects Bran Oil Mill and Edible Oil Mill

YANGON, 9 July- Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen. Pyi Sone, together with Managing Director of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading U Min Hla Aung, inspected No 01 Bran Oil Mill in Hlaing Township and No 03 Bran Oil and Edible Oil Mill in Insein Township yesterday afternoon. At the briefing hall of No 1 Bran Oil Mill of MAPT, the mill manager reported on production and purchasing of raw materials to the minister who gave instructions on exceeding the targeted production and  maintenance of machinery. Then he inspected the production line. He also inspected No 3 Bran Oil Mill and heard the reports on production process and distributing of finished product by the mill manager. The minister gave instructions on minimizing the import of oil from abroad and urged the officials to seek means and ways to produce more and inspected the production line.

Judo equipment to be provided

YANGON, 9 July- A ceremony to exchange notes on provision of judo sports equipment worth 40,200,000 for Myanmar Judo Federation by the government of Japan was held at the National Indoor Stadium-1 in Thuwunna this evening. Present were Minister for Sports Brig-Gen. Thura Aye Myint, Ambassador of Japan Mr Shigeru Tsumori, President of Myanmar Judo Federation and executives and officials. Ambassador of Japan Mr Shigeru Tsumori spoke. Minister for Sports Brig-Gen. Thura Aye Myint thanked the donor. The Ambassador and the minister then exchanged of notes.

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(5) Commander attends opening of multimedia teaching centre

YANGON, 9 July- Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North-West Command Maj-Gen Soe Win attended the opening of multimedia teaching centre of Parainma Basic Education High School in Myaung Township, Sagaing Division on 4 July morning. Headmaster U Kyi Maung and Chairman of School Board of Trustees U Po Htaw formally opened the teaching centre. Then, the commander pressed the button to unveil the billboard, and with the attendance, viewed the skill demonstration of the students. At the school assembly hall, the officials reported on the purpose of opening the teaching centre to the commander who delivered a speech on educational tasks in Sagaing Division in detail and presented books and tapes for the Language Lab. The commander then attended the meeting on greening tasks for Monywa held at the hall of the Irrigation Department in Monywa and attended to the requirements.
 
Commander meets with Tanai Township USDA members

YANGON, 9 July- Chairman of Kachin State Peace and Development Council Commander of Northern Command Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, accompanied by Brig-Gen. Kyaw Oo Lwin of Tanai Station, senior military officers and departmental heads, inspected progress in construction of new building of Tanai Township Union Solidarity and Development Association on 5 July. Then, the commander met with departmental personnel, executives of Township USDA, members of Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigade at the Township Hall and gave instructions on implementation of objectives of the Association and cooperation in sectors of regional development, agriculture, social affairs and health care services.

Secretary of Township USDA U Sai La reported on increase of members and cooperation in regional development, and the commander fulfilled the requirements. The commander also met with the chairman of Phakant Township Peace and Development Council and members, members of Township Agricultural Supervisory Committee and officials of Public Works at the briefing hall of Shduzut Village and left instructions on improvement of regional agricultural work and constantly carrying out for ensuring smooth transport. Later, the commander inspected demonstration of monsoon paddy transplanting at the field of farmer U Sein Maung in Hsidayan Village, Nanmati Village-tract, Mogaung Township, and gave instructions to the officials concerned.

Mandalay observes International Day of Cooperatives

YANGON, 9 July - The International Day of Cooperatives was observed in Chanmyathazi Township, Mandalay on 7 July. Present were Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Mandalay Mayor Brig-Gen. Yan Thein, departmental personnel, officials of Mandalay Division Cooperative Society and other cooperative  syndicates and guests. The commander gave a speech. Officials read out the messages of the Minister for Cooperatives and the International Cooperative Society. The commander, the mayor and officials also presented gifts to students and other persons for the excellent performances in the respective fields. Anawrahta Jade Producers Cooperative Syndicate and Seinthiha Tile Producers Cooperative Syndicate presented cash and stationery to Mandalay Cooperative Regional College. After the ceremony, the commander took part in the tree planting ceremony at the Mandalay Cooperative Regional College in Patheingyi Township.

The ceremony was held in hailing the International Day of Cooperatives. Accompanied by officials, the commander attended the opening ceremony of the meeting to assess the region-wise implementing of the National Health Plan and aims of the national tasks at Thiri Myanmar Hotel in PyinOoLwin Township. The meeting was held by Health Planning Department (Upper Myanmar). Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint and Director-General Dr Kyi Soe of the department gave speeches. Also present at the meeting were officials of the department, officials of Health Department Offices of Kachin State, Mandalay Division and Shan State (North), Education Department, Social Welfare Department, Water Resources Utilization Department and Development Affairs Department and representatives of Union Solidarity and Development Association. The meeting continues till tomorrow. Together with Brig-Gen. Hla Shwe and Brig-Gen. Win Myint of PyinOoLwin Station and officials, the commander visited the National Kandawgyi Garden. They inspected the water inflow management, upgrading of the garden, water supply of the dam near Sitha village and maintenance work.

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(6) Malaysian insurance agents attend third meeting

YANGON, 9 July- The visiting Malaysian insurance group attended the third meeting of Agency Leaders Conference 2001 sponsored by MCIS Insurance Co. in Malaysia, held at the Kandawgyi Palace Hotel here this morning. President of the group Mr A G Thilagan extended greetings and Persatuan Mr Gunaraj gave a speech. Chief Executive Officer Mr Meyyappen AMN ACH, Managing Director of Myanma Insurance Col Kyaw Myint and Malaysian Ambassador Dato' Muhammad Bin Noh delivered speeches. The attendance exchanged views on insurance services. Three Malaysians and two Myanmars read papers and the meeting came to a close.

Myanmar May Flower Bank meets entrepreneurs

YANGON, 9 July- A meeting to present modern banking services of the Myanmar May Flower Bank and dinner was held at the Sedona Hotel and the Traders Hotel here on 7 and 8 July. Executive Director U Win Naing, Managing Director U Khin Maung and officials, the managers of Bayintnaung, Lanmadaw, Pansodan, Latha and Yankin branches, and entrepreneurs attended the ceremony held at the Sedona Hotel on 7 July evening. The executive director explained the policy of the bank, progress, financial and investment matters with the help of charts and slides, and the managing director explained modern banking services and services offered at the branches in detail and answered the queries. Gifts were given and a dinner was held. A similar ceremony was held at the Traders Hotel yesterday. The executive director and the managing director answered the queries raised by the attendance. Then, a dinner was held.

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(7) Jade exported by land

YANGON, 19 July- Chairman of Gems Enterprise Supervisory Committee Deputy Minister for Mines U Myint Thein inspected utility jade which will be exported by land. The private-owned jade will be exported by car under the supervision of the Myanma Gems Enterprise. He inspected the valuation and weighing of the jade and putting them into containers at MGE. The deputy minister spoke of the need to ensure correctness on valuation and weighing of the jade and to conduct payments in accord with the rules. The export of the jade valued at US $ 5,127,663 is the 121st undertaking of the MGE in selling private-owned gems abroad under its supervision. On arrival at MGE, he was welcomed by Managing Director U Khin Oo and officials.
 
Cash donated for hospital

YANGON, 9 July- A ceremony to present cash donations by wellwishers for Ayeyawady Division General Hospital and township hospitals was held at the General Hospital in Pathein on 6 July. It was attended by Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Chairman South-West Command Commander Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and wife Daw Khin Lay Thet, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen. Tint Swe, senior military officers, local authorities, officials of health departments, nurses, members of Women's Affairs Committee, wellwishers and guests. Medical Superintendent U Khin Maung Tin reported on functions of the hospital. Then, the commander presented K 9,315,000 donated by wellwishers for the hospital through the officials. Dr Khin Maung Than spoke words of thanks. The commander gave instructions and inspected the hospital. Later, the commander met with Division, District and Township Health Officers at the Division Peace and Development Council Office and left instructions on health care services and  promotion of health standard in the Division and attended to the needs.

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(8) USDA soccer begins in Monywa

YANGON, 9 July- Sports Minister's (USDA CEC's) cup inter-State/Division new generation soccer opened at Monywa in Sagaing Division yesterday evening. Present were member of the Panel of Patrons of Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA) Commander of North-West Command Maj-Gen Soe Win, USDA Central Executive Committee member Minister for Sports Brig-Gen. Thura Aye Myint, officials of the ministry and the command, members of USDA, Women's Affairs Committee, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Auxiliary Fire Brigades, students, footballers and soccer fans. Speaking on the occasion, the minister said some of the youth who had taken part in the tourney last year were selected to the national youth team. Thus all the footballers of the tourney should make utmost efforts in competing in the matches. Then, the two tentatively selected national teams played a warming up match and ended in a 3-3 draw. Fifteen teams from states and divisions are taking part in the tourney. The winning team will be presented the trophy and K 300,000, the runner-up, K 200,000 and the third-place winner, K 100,000.

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(9)  English Course for law officers opens

YANGON, 9 July- The English proficiency course on legal terms for law officers at the Attorney-
General's Office was opened at hall-2 of the office at 8.30 am today, with an address by Attorney-General U Tha Tun. Also present on the occasion were Director-General Dr Tun Shin, the directors, the Yangon Division law officer, the deputy directors, the head of office, course instructors and 29 trainees. The course lasts for three weeks.

Results of Dhammacariya and Pahtamabyan exams announced

YANGON, 9 July- The Ministry of Religious Affairs announced that out of the members of the Sangha who sat for the Dhammacariya Examination for 2001 Academic Year, 296 members of the Sangha passed three treaties, 266 two treaties, 360 one treaty, four with Myanmar Language distinction and three with Pali distinction. In 2001 Academic Year Phatamabyan Outstanding Candidates Selection Exam (members of the Sangha and nuns), four candidates passed Phatamagyi Exam, four Phatamalat Exam, four Pahtamange Exam and four Primary Exam.

In Dhammacariya Exam, roll No Ma-3 Ashin Koliniya of Abbots Training School in Myitkyina stood first (Agga Maha Akyaw), roll No KaNa-1,839 Ashin Kumara Lankara of Pali University of Nyaungdon Kyaungtaik in Bahan Township, Yangon, second and roll No Pha-12 U Tejavamta-1 of Kangyi Kya- Kungtaik in Nyaungshwe third. In Phatamagyi Exam, roll No BaHa-16 U Khemika Lankara of Pali University of Nyaungdon Kyaungtaik in Bahan Township was first (Phatamagyaw), roll No MaHaMa-20 Shin Kondin-a of Dhamma Thidagu Kyaung of Masoeyein Taikthit in Mandalay second, roll No Sein-4 Ashin Javana Lankara of Ywama Pariyatti Sarthintaik in Insein Township, Yangon, third and roll No BaHa-306 Ma Ariya  anesi of Shwetaunggon Sasana Yeiktha first in (Nun Division).

In Phatamalat Exam, roll No Kway-51 Ashin Paasami of Maha Yadana Rama Sarthintaik in Magway was first, roll No Taung-96 Shin Manita of Khemasivam Kyaungtaik in Kyaukpadaung second, roll No Ha-1 U Candobhasa of Moegaung Kyaungtaik in Hinthada third and roll No Lin-44 Ma Rupavadi of  Dhammaduta-tawya Kyaungtaik in Taungsun, Bilin first (Nun Division). In Pahtamange Exam, roll No MaHaMa-227 Ashin Candavara of Dham-mavinaramsikyaung of Masoe-yein Taikthit in Mandalay was first, roll No Ku-90 Ashin Jhanabuddhi of Maha Visutaramataik in Pakokku second, roll No Mon-125 Shin Einnacara of Maha Jotikara-mataik in Monywa third and roll No PaBha-67 Ma Tikkha  ani of Yindawminkyaung in Pyawbwe first (Nun Division). In Primary Exam, roll No PaBhaTa-2 Shin Vimala of Maha Theindawgyi Kyaung-taik in Pabedan Township, Yangon, was first, roll No Myit-21 Shin Sucitta of Abbots Training School in Myitkyina second, roll No MaHaMa-25 Shin  aninda of Dhamm- asamiddhikyaung of Masoe-yein Taikthit in Mandalay third and roll No PaBhaTa-18 Daw Win Win Maw of Maha Theindawgyi of Pabedan Township first (Women Division).

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