( 1 ) Greater and more important role of Ministry of Industry-1 stressed Ministry savy 29.1 percent production growth in fiscal 2000-2001

Yangon, 17 Aug- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt met with staff of the Ministry of Industry-1 this morning and discussed the ministry's accomplishments in fiscal 2000-2001 and in the first four months of fiscal 2001-2002.

Also present at the meeting were ministers, Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen Thein Tun and Brig-Gen Kyaw Win, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, directors-general and managing directors of departments and industries of the ministry, directors, general managers, deputy directors, deputy general managers, heads of state/division offices, factory managers and officials. Minister U Aung Thaung reported on progress in realizing the Head of StateÕs guidance, implementing the tasks in fiscal 2000-2001 and in the first four months of fiscal 2001-2002, efforts been made to promote industrial power and productivity, arrangements being made to extend production of import-substitute goods and new factories, renovation, maintenance of the existing industries and efforts being made for acquisition of more modern industrial methods.

Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thein Tun reported on the target production, production capacity, efforts being made to run the factories at full capacity, production of quality goods and direct distribution of goods to the consumers. Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Win explained extension of factories, maintenance of the existing factories, organizational set-up, staff strength, exports and joint-venture enterprises.

Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary-1 said the State Peace and Development Council has been laying down and implementing the national plans to develop the national economy in with greater momentum for the nation to get abreast of the world nations. It is also giving priority to enabling the people to fully enjoy the fruits of national economic development and sufficient food, clothing and shelter condition with peace of mind. All the staff of the ministry should have the conviction that the ministry's task, which is to promote productivity and to fulfil the food, clothing and shelter needs of the people, is becoming greater and more and more important.

The government is laying down programmes for progress of all the economic sectors including the industrial sector based on rapid development of agriculture. It is systematically implementing programmes to extend the agro-based industries and other industries and to develop other sectors including the energy and mineral and raw material sectors to build an industrial nation in accord with the national plans. In this manner, the industrial sector is required to give priority to acquiring the developing modern production methods and equipment of the world in order to set up international-level industries. At the same time, the government and the private sector should collectively strive for progress of the small, medium and cottage industries to meet the domestic demand.

They should also strive with the aim of combining the productivity of the small, medium and large industries to develop the production sector with greater momentum in order to produce surplus amount of consumer goods for local markets and for export. The Ministry of Industry-1 and the Ministry of Industry-2 should play a leading role in realizing the nation's industrial goal. Especially the Ministry of Industry-1 should work as a model for progress of the small, medium and cottage industries in accord with the national goal. When the development and the future situation of the industrial sector inclusive in the national plans are reviewed, it can be seen that the sector's participation in the national economic sector is 7.6 per cent in the fiscal 2000-2001; the target ratio of the sector in the national economy in the fiscal 2005-2006 at the end of the third five-year national plan is 10.2 per cent.

In the previous five-year national economic plan, the industrial sector saw an annual average growth of 10.6 percent; the target annual average industrial growth for the present five-year plan is 16.6 percent. In addition to realizing its objectives, the ministry should give assistance for the success of the entire industrial sector including the private and the cooperative sector. The government will continue to render encouragement, management and assistance for progress of the national economy and to fulfil the basic food, clothing and shelter needs of the people till the market-oriented economic system is fully realized. Thus, the ministry will have to continue to maintain is leading role for industrial development especially development in production of import-substitute goods and social goods; the ministry staff should understand their role and should strive to fully realize the aims.

The task of the ministry is related to the economy and can give effective assistance to industrial progress. The ministry is also producing and distributing consumer goods and materials required for the health, education, develop and social sectors. The ministry staff are urged to harmoniously realize the three objectives, which are, to promote the quality of the products, to make profits and to produce sufficient amount of consumer goods at reasonable prices. The 83 main industries and 61 sub-industries totalling 144 industries of the six branches of the ministry are manufacturing 542 kinds of goods. The ministry is also making arrangements to extend new factories, new enterprises and new kinds of products. According the statistics, the ministry is successfully implementing its tasks, whose scope is enormous. In fiscal 2000-2001, the accomplishment of the ministry's production sector reached 116.62 percent of the target.

The production development reached 29.1 percent in fiscal 2000-2001 up from 11.3 percent in fiscal 1999-2000. It is targeted to achieve progress by 12.7 percent in 2001-2002, and during the period of first three months, 21 percent of the target set for the whole year has been achieved. Last year only 19.7 percent of the target was achieved. Therefore, the work performance of this year is higher than that of last year. It is also found that sales of products have increased up to 115 percent. As the ratio of expenditure to income is 85.9 percent, it is found that profits have been made. So ways and means are to be sought to reduce expenditure. Only 41 percent of the target of exports has been achieved, and it is found that only 61.3 percent of the target of earning foreign exchange has been achieved.

Therefore, more efforts are to be exerted to earn more foreign exchange. All the industries under the Ministry of Industry-1 are making considerable progress, and it can also be said that production work and joint-venture companies have also achieved success. However, the ratio of expenditure to income of all the joint-venture enterprises is over 98 percent, and ways and means are to be sought to reduce expenditure. Now the Ministry of Industry-1 is setting up new factories and plants. Plans are afoot to build textile factories and firebrick factories. Factories and plants are being built with foreign companies, and some are built with spare parts of existing factories and plants and machinery innovated by local industrialists. As new factories and plants are being built, ways and means are to be sought to fulfil such requirements as industrial raw materials, skilled labour and energy.

The government is seeking ways and means to ensure sufficient engine oil and power, and the ministry is also required to take remedial measures for its weaknesses and to strive to boost productivity. The Ministry of Industry-1 is using industrial raw materials of other departments and fulfilling the requirements of raw and finished products. Therefore, departments concerned are required to cooperate in striving to meet the targets. The government is working to develop the private sector and to combine the strength of the private sector and that of governmental organizations with the aim of using the efficiency of governmental departments and entrepreneurs in promoting national economic interests. Therefore, the government and entrepreneurs are working together on a mutually beneficial basis, and the government is also renting out State-owned factories and plants to national entrepreneurs. Moreover, factories and plants which cannot be run at full capacity due to various reasons and limitations are now being sold to national entrepreneurs.

Therefore, the Ministry of Industry-1 is required to work together with the National Privatization Committee in handing over factories and plants which should be done so to national entrepreneurs. At the same time, it is necessary to maintain machinery of individual factories and plants, to boost productivity, to promote quality of products, to use new production techniques and new machinery and to nurture technicians and skilled employees. In addition, effective management and organizational work are very important in order to employ correct ways and means in promoting productivity, to be thrifty and reduce loss and wastage, to be free from malpractice and to have high moral character. The Ministry of Industry-1 is required to successfully carry out the tasks assigned by the government.

Arrangements are to be made to promote production of consumer goods in order to fulfil the needs of the people and to directly sell these goods to the people. The Secretary-1 quoted the Senior General as saying that goods of high quality which can be sold at reasonable prices and used by people from all walks of life are to be produced and distributed right down to the grassroots level all over the nation. In accord with the guidance of the Head of State, the Ministry of Industry-1 has been systematically opening Win Thuza Shops throughout Myanmar, and now there are altogether 24 shops including six in Yangon. Products of the Ministry of Industry-1 are being sold by car at tax-free markets, and 49 shops including those opened by respective factories are selling the products of the ministry to the people directly.

The sales of products at Win Thuza Shops, big or small, amount to K 200,000 or K 300,000 up to over K 2 million. Products worth K 450,000 are being distributed to individual shops every day. The aim of Win Thuza Shop is to sell consumer goods of high quality to the people at reasonable prices in accord with the guidance of the Head of State. All the officials are to provide supervision in order not to lose sight of that aim, to get the goodwill of the government known to the people, to sell enough consumer goods and to enable the people to buy consumer goods with ease and convenience. Supervision is to be provided at different levels in order to make sure that the prices of consumer goods do not go up due to shortage of goods and are not sold directly to the public as a result of weaknesses in management.

Effective action is to be taken if there is any malpractice. It is necessary to keep production and sales of consumer goods in balance. In short, the Ministry of Industry-1, while discharging the tasks assigned in connection with national plans, is required to promote the capacity of the factory and run factories and plants at full capacity, to take measures in order to encourage the use of local raw materials and local-made spare parts in place of imported raw materials and spare parts, to set up new factories and plants and, at the same time, work for the improvement of capacity of old factories and plants, to strive for the systematic development of the private industrial sector as well as of the State-owned industrial sector, and to boost production of consumer goods and directly sell them to the public.

In conclusion, the Secretary-1 urged all the employees to work hard in unity while maintaining favourable conditions for progress, to strive for the development of the industrial sector with the aim of developing the nation, improving the living standard of national people and further strengthening national economy, and to carry out the tasks of setting up factories and plants, disseminating modern technology and boosting productivity with national determination with the aim of ensuring the emergence of a modern, industrialized nation. Then, the ceremony came to a close.

up
___________________________

( 2 ) MEC Chairman attends fifth graduation ceremony of Central Cooperative College

Yangon, 17 Aug- The fifth graduation ceremony of the Central Cooperative College for 2000-2001 academic year was held at the International Business Centre on Pyay Road this afternoon, attended by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Also present on the occasion were ministers, chairman of the Civil Service Selection and Training Board, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, the principal of the Central Cooperative College, teachers, guests, students and their relatives. Minister for Cooperatives U Aung San delivered a speech. He said that today is an auspicious day on which not only could economists be nurtured but also the State gets new generation youths who will take the leading role in business management.

The Ministry of Cooperatives has placed emphasis on training and education. One degree college and three regional colleges have been opened under the ministry. They are Yangon Cooperative Degree College, the Central Cooperative College and Mandalay and Sagaing Cooperative Regional Colleges. Moreover, Myanmar Education Employee Cooperative Syndicate in collaboration with the International Academy Association (IAA) of the Republic of Korea, an NGO, has been opening part-time and full-time diploma courses at Yangon Cooperative Degree College such as applied computer technology and spoken English. The Central Cooperative College was opened in 1994-95 academic year. The diploma courses rendered at the college are the secretarial course for business firms, the business management course, the banking, finance and insurance course, the business development course and the budget management course.

Altogether 711 diploma holders have been produced during the period of five years since the college was opened. The number of diploma holders from Yangon, Mandalay and Sagaing Regional Degree Colleges totals 1431. Therefore, a total of 2142 trainees have gained diplomas. The majority of diploma holders from cooperative colleges and cooperative regional colleges, except for those who are continuing their studies, are now working for government departments, banks and private companies and firms. Some of them are running their own businesses and family businesses handed down by their parents. The number of applicants for the entrance of the colleges are increasing yearly because job opportunities for the degree holders of the colleges in the business sector are improving and they can enjoy chances of pursuing further studies.

The State is practising market economy. Courses in accord with the system are being offered at the colleges. In conclusion, he urged the diploma holders to serve the country with the use of knowledge of business in which they have specialised. Later, Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt presented first, second and third prizes to Ma Su Myat Kyaw, Ma Khine Mon Swe and Ma Myat Kyay Mon Thwin respectively. Principal of the College U Saw Lwin presented diploma certificates to 46 trainees of the business management course, 47 of the banking, budget and insurance course, 19 of the business development course and 35 of the finance management course. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party posed for photos together with the students.

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt receives Senior Adviser of Liberal Democratic party of Japan

Yangon, 17 Aug- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received Senior Adviser of Liberal Democratic Party of Japan Mr Tomomitsu Iwakura and party at Dagon Yeiktha of the Ministry of Defence at 5 pm today. Also present at the call were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Director-General of the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet and Japanese Ambassador Mr Shigeru Tsumori. Mr Tomomitsu Iwakura explained matters related to implementation of opium substitute buck wheat cultivation project in Kokang and Wa Regions.

( 3 ) Secretary-3 receives President of Malaysia-Myanmar Friendship Association

Yangon, 17 Aug- Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Lt-Gen Win Myint received President of Malaysia-Myanmar Friendship Association In-charge of International Affairs of UMNO of Malaysia Dato Haji Mustapha bin Yaakub and party at the guest house of the Ministry of Defence at 6 pm today. Also present at the call were Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office U Than Shwe, Deputy Minister for Rail Transportation Thura U Thaung Lwin, Deputy Minister for Labour Brig-Gen Win Sein and Malaysian Ambassador Dato Mohammad bin Noh.

Minister receives foreign guest

Yangon, 17 Aug- Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin received Managing Director of Scantrade Co Ltd Mr Bjorn Burchard at his office this morning. Also present at the call were Managing Director of Myanma Hotels and Tourism Services U Kyi Tun and officials.

( 4 ) Contract signed for Myanmar farm machinery factory project

Yangon, 17 Aug- The Agricultural Mechanization Department of the Ministry of Agricultural and Irrigation and the Institute of Project Planning and Research (IPPR) of the People's Republic of China and Zhejiang Sifang Group Corporation signed a contract for the Myanmar farm machinery factory project (Ingon, Kyaukse) to be implemented in Ingon, Kyaukse, with the assistance of PRC, at the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road this morning. Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin expressed thanks PRC for the assistance to implement the project which will produce 10,000 power-tillers and 5,000 paddy harvesters per year. Chinese Ambassador Mr Li Jinjun also gave a speech. Director-General of the Agricultural Mechanization Department U Win Maw and Chairman of Zhejiang Sifang Group Corporation Mr Lin Guang Ping singed the contract and exchanged the notes related to the contract.

Beans and peas purifying plant opened

Yangon, 17 Aug-  Myanma Agriculture Service under the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation opened a beans and peas purifying plant at the plant on Bo Chan Street in Shwenatha Village in Mingaladon Township this morning. Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin addressed the opening ceremony and formally unveiled the stone plaque of the plant.

The plant was opened with the aim of enabling Myanma Agriculture Service, companies and entrepreneurs to export goods of high quality and contributing to export promotion. In his address, the minister said that out of ten ASEAN member nations, Myanmar produces beans and peas most. Altogether 1.8 million acres were put under beans and peas in 1988-89, and 410,000 tons of beans and peas were produced. In 2000-2001, beans and peas were cultivated on 7.25 million acres of land, and over 2.2 million tons of beans and peas were produced.

Therefore, the production of beans and peas has increased by 43.65 per cent within 12 years. In 1988-89, only 17,000 tons of beans and peas were exported, and in 2000-2001, about one million ton of beans and peas could be exported. Therefore, Myanmar has ranked second in exporting beans and peas. In 2001-2002, beans and peas will be grown on 7.49 million acres and it is targeted to produce over 2.55 million tons of beans and peas. As local consumption accounts for about 950,000 tons, in 2001-2002 there will be beans and peas surpluses of 1.6 million tons. There are prospects of producing more beans and peas in coming years.

In conclusion, the minister urged all to strive to be able to export beans and peas of high quality. Managing Director of Myanma Agriculture Service U Tun Than reported on the salient points of the plant. Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin formally unveiled the stone plaque of the plant. Managing Director U Tun Than and General Manager of MAS U Nyan Tun formally opened the plant. Then, the minister and party inspected the plant and observed purified beans and peas. The beans and peas purifying plant can purify 20 tons of beans and peas by eight-hour shift. With the use of the air screen cleaner, the specific gravity table, the polishing machine and the weighing and packing machine, beans and peas can be graded according to quality and size.

( 5 ) Ministry honours outstanding students

Yangon, 17 Aug- The Ministry of Industry-1 honoured children of the staff who were outstanding in their studies in the 2000-2001 academic year at the training hall of the ministry this afternoon. Present on the occasion were Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen Thein Tun and Brig-Gen Kyaw Win, directors-general and managing directors of departments and enterprises under the ministry and the outstanding students. First, the minister gave a speech. He then presented gifts to Maung Htet Thu Aung, who passed the matriculation examination with five distinctions, and 10 students who passed with four distinctions.

The deputy ministers presented gifts to 48 students who passed the examination with three and two distinctions. The directors-general and the managing directors also presented gifts to students who passed with one distinction and students from primary level to ninth grade who stood first in the school final examinations. A student, on behalf of the outstanding students, spoke words of thanks. A total of 597 students, including 20 three-distinction winners, 28 two-distinction winners, 67 one-distinction winners and 471 first-prize winners were honoured at the ceremony.

Minister U Soe Tha attends coord meeting

Yangon, 17 Aug- The Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development held a coordination meeting at the Planning Department this afternoon. Present were Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, the director-general, the deputy director-general and directors of the Planning Department, planning officers of states and divisions and officials. Minister U Soe Tha made an opening speech. Director-General of the Planning Department Daw Than Nwe reported on matters related to departmental tasks. Then, the planning officers of states and divisions reported on the GDP data sent from respective states and divisions and the data sent by ministries for the first three months of 2000-2001. The minister made a concluding speech, which brought the meeting to a close.

( 6 ) Projection of UTM maps of pilot project in Meiktila region explained

Yangon, 17 Aug- A ceremony to give an explanation on work of projection of UTM maps of pilot project in Meiktila region of Survey Department, Ministry of Forestry to the leading committee for changing system was held at Myanma Timber Trade Centre in Shwe-taunggya Street this morning. It was attended by Chairman of the Leading Committee for Changing System Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone and ministers who are members of the committee, senior officers of the Ministry of Defence, Deputy Minister for Forestry Col Theik Tun, heads of Departments under the ministry, officials, guests and experts of the Survey Department. First, Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone spoke.

He said: tasks regarding projection of maps with the use of Universal Transverse Mercater (UTM) system for the entire country have assigned systematically to the leading committee, the working committee, the survey committee and the quality control team. Tasks have been carried out by Suntac- Fimmap Co that could perform the tasks at minimum expenditure and time since 10 August 2001, after discussing with five local and foreign companies. He gave an account of the work done and introduction of drawing of maps with the use of UTM with the assistance of modern technology and equipment as a pilot project.

Afterwards, Director-General U Maung Maung Tin of the Survey Department elaborated on matters related to projection of maps with the use of UTM system surveying work with the use of GPS equipment, advantages of taking measurement and checking data used internationally, progress of the pilot project, programmes of Survey Department for drawing digital maps with the use of UTM system by equipment, softwares and high technologies gotten from this project. Then, the director-general replied the queries. Later, members of the leading committee viewed high-tech surveying instruments, softwares for projection of maps and accessories and sample maps drawn with the use of UTM system. A ceremony to explain Summit Evolution Softwares will be held at the International Business Centre on 18 August.

Outstanding students honoured

Yangon, 17 Aug- A ceremony to honour the students of the training schools for women and the school for the blind under the Social Welfare Department of the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, who passed matriculation exams in 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 was held at the meeting hall of SWD at No 64, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, here, this afternoon. Present at the ceremony were Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, Deputy Minister U Hlaing Win, Director-General of the Social Welfare Department U Sit Myaing, Director-General of the Fire Services Department U Myint Tun, Director-General of the Relief and Resettlement Department U Than Oo, officials, teachers and students.

The minister spoke on the occasion. Director-General U Sit Myaing reported on assistance being provided for the students studying at the training schools and departments. The minister, the deputy minister and the officials presented honorary awards and certificates of honour to the students. On behalf of the students, Maung Zaw Htwe Oo of Kyimyindine School for the Blind and Ma Nwe Nwe Oo of Yangon Training School for Women spoke words of thanks. The students of the training schools under the Social Welfare Department are sitting for the matriculation exam yearly. In 1999-2000, two students passed the exam. In 2000-2001, out of 15 students, nine got through the exam and one with a distinction.

Minister inspects bridge projects

Yangon, 17 Aug- Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun inspected Baingda Bridge Project on Yangon-Mandalay Road yesterday. Officials of the project reported on progress in implementing the project. The minister gave instructions. The reinforced concrete type bridge will be 300 feet long. It will have a 48-foot wide motorway. In Yenwe Bridge Project, the minister inspected piling work and urged officials to give supervision to build the facility in accord with the set standard. The 360-foot bridge will have a 48-foot wide road. Accompanied by officials, he also inspected Phyu Bridge Project on Yangon-Mandalay road. The 486-foot bridge will have a 48-foot wide motorway.

( 7 )  Myanmar beat Sri Lanka in soccer friendly

Yangon, 17 Aug- The friendly soccer match of under-23 selected Myanmar team and under-23 Sri Lanka team was held for the first day at the Youth Training Centre in Thuwunna at 4 pm today. Among the spectators were Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, officials, Ambassador of Sri Lanka Mr U Mapa and Embassy staff, members of Leading Peanel of Patrons of Myanmar Women Sports Federation and guests. The teams took position in the ground. Secretary of MOC Director-General of the Sports and Physical Education Department President of Myanmar Football Federation U Thaung Htaik and leader of Sri Lanka team Mr Prnb Abeyratne shook hands with the players. The leaders of the teams exchanged pennants and the teams posed for documentary photos. In the first match, Myanmar team beat Sri Lanka team 3-0. The second friendly match to be held on 19 August was cancelled.

Boosting agri and livestock production coordinated

Yangon, 17 Aug- The Supervisory Committees for Boosting Agricultural and Livestock Breeding Production in Ayeyawady Division held a coordination meeting at the meeting hall of South-West Command on 16 August. It was attended by Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, senior military officers, local authorities and members of the supervisory committees. The master of ceremonies reported on progress of work and future tasks and those in charge of the supervisory committees on work done sector-wise. The commander gave instructions on experimental cultivation of cotton, extended cultivation of jute and pepper and production of meat and prawns in the inundated areas and wetlands in accordance with the guidance of the Head of State. Commander of South-West Command Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann fulfilled the requirements.

Regular transmission of MRTV-3 English programmes begins 19 August

Yangon, 17 Aug- Myanma Radio and Television (MRTV-3) English programmes will be regularly broadcast as of 19 August morning. The morning one-hour programmes of MRTV-3 will continue to be broadcast for viewers at home after the regular programmes of MRTV. The extended transmission hours of MRTV-3 for viewers from abroad will be from 13.00 am to 14.00 am, from 18.00 pm to 19.00 pm and from 02.00 am to 04.00 am totalling four hours on weekends. Transmission hours are as follows:

TRANSMISSION HOURS (EXTERNAL)

Satellite Data

MRTV-3 cooperation plan discussed

Yangon, 17 Aug- A coordination meeting was held to invite other ministries to partake in the MRTV-3 programme being broadcast by the Myanma Radio and Television of the Ministry of Information in Studio A at the MRTV this afternoon. Present at the meeting were Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, representatives of the ministries, Director-General of MRTV U Khin Maung Htay and officials. Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein explained the cooperation programme. The participants presented suggestions. The meeting ended with concluding remarks by the deputy minister.

( 8 )  Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image Construction Committee meets

Yangon, 17 Aug- The Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image Construction Committee held a coordination meeting at the briefing hall on Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township this evening. Committee Chairman Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, Vice-Chairman Deputy Minister for Science and Technology U Nyi Hla Nge and members, officials, members of the pagoda board of trustees and guests were present. Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko gave a speech. The participants then presented reports on progress in implementing the project. The deputy ministers gave suggestions.

Educative course opens

Yangon, 17 Aug- Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay attended the Orientation and Participatory Communication Workshop on Facts for Life organized by Tawlati Station health care centre in Taikkyi Township and inspected U-to-Kya-in region agricultural and livestock breeding project this morning. Later, he inspected sugarcane plantations, Magayi sluice gate, the raising of pigs and landscaping in the golf course.

USDA CEC member tours Shan State (North)

Yangon, 17 Aug- Central Executive Committee member of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Col Tin Hlaing met with USDA members in Shan State (North) from 12 to 14 August. Accompanied by officials and USDA executives, he met USDA members in Bantpwe village in Naungkhio Township and Naungpain village in Kyaukme Township on 12 August. During the meetings, Col Tin Hlaing explained the aims of the association and the programmes to improve the qualifications of the members. The next day, he met with secretaries and executives of Momeik and Mabein Township USDAs in Momeik.

The USDA members reported on sector-wise implementation and requirements. Col Tin Hlaing looked into their requirements. On 14 August morning, he inspected Phyothiha Rice Mill of the association in Momeik Township. Officials explained milling and distribution of rice. In the afternoon, he held a meeting with USDA members at Mogok Township USDA Office in PyinOoLwin District, Mandalay Division. He explained the programmes to develop the qualification of the members. Col Tin Hlaing also met with Tactical Operations Commander of Central Command Col Thein Hlaing, local authorities and officials at the General Administration Office in Mogok Township. The meeting discussed matters relating to the rule of law.