( 1 )  Yamethin District regional development work inspected

Yangon, 28 Aug- District level transplanting skill competition for Year 2001-2002 of Yamethin District was held on farmer Daw Thaung's farm in Thittat Village-tract, Pyinmana Township, yesterday morning. Present were Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Central Command Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint, senior military officers, departmental officials, members of Division, District and Township Agricultural Supervisory Committees, the Union Solidarity and Development Association, transplanting teams and local residents.

The commander spoke on the occasion. After the competition, the commander and the officials presented prizes and individual prizes to outstanding teams and outstanding competitors. In Yamethin District, Mandalay Division, out of 231,792 targeted acres for cultivation of monsoon paddy in 2001-2002, 193,544 acres have been cultivated and 37,888 acres of cotton, 32,025 acres of beans and pulses, 161,573 acres of edible oil, 27,272 acres of maize and 470,053 acres of sugar-cane have been cultivated.

At the briefing hall of Paundlaung Dam multi-purpose project in Pyinmana, the commander heard a report by Director of Construction-5 of the Irrigation Department U Win Maung and officials on projects being implemented. The commander gave instructions and inspected the worksite. In the afternoon, the commander inspected cotton gin of Myanma Cotton and Sericulture Enterprise in Yamethin and plantations of green gram and sunflower of farmer U Tun Hla in Toni Village-tract, Pyawbwe Township, and attended to the needs. In Pyawbwe Township, 49,313 acres or 76.61 per cent of edible oil have been cultivated against 64,369 targeted acres in 2001-2002. The commander attended the coordination meeting for development of Yamethin District at the office of the District Peace and Development Council and left specific instructions. After hearing the reports of the officials concerned, the commander fulfilled the requirements.

Commander attends vegetable marketing workshop

Yangon, 28 Aug- A workshop on marketing of vegetables was held at the hall of Myanma Agriculture Service in Yangon Division Vegetable Cultivation and Poultry Farming Special Zone-1 near Nyaunghnapin Village in Hmawby Township this morning. Present were member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Brig-Gen Saw Hla Min of Phugyi Station, Myanma Agriculture Service General Manager U Pyay Nyein, Yangon Division Vegetable Cultivation and Poultry Farming Special Zone Supervisory Committee members, departmental officials, national entrepreneurs engaging in agriculture and enthusiasts.

The commander said Yangon Division Vegetable Cultivation and Poultry Farming Special Zone Project is being implemented near Nyaunghnapin Village in Hmawby Township for dwellers in Yangon in accord with the guidance of the Head of State. However, it is found that success has not been achieved fully, he said. He called for seeking effective ways and means to sell fresh vegetables at reasonable prices. Manager U Kyaw Myint of MAS reported on data on vegetable cultivation and marketing, cost and prices. The commander fulfilled the requirements. The commander inspected cultivation of paprika, cantaloup, pumpkin, lady's fingers, tomato and other vegetables of MAS on 100 acres of land and plantations on 85 acres of land of Myanma Farms Enterprise. The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation has grown vegetables on 185 acres of land against 300 acres of land in the project.

Commander's Shield Boxing tournament ends

Yangon, 28 Aug- The final match and the prize-presentation ceremony of the Yangon Command CommanderÕs Shield Boxing tournament were held at Hline Sports Grounds in Hline Township this afternoon, attended by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than. Also present on the occasion were Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Hsan Hsint, commanders of regiments and units, station commanders, senior military officers, participants and fans. After the final match, prizes were presented to the winners. Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than presented the championship shield to the Defence Services Self-defence and Sports Institute team. The deputy commander and Commander of No 4 Military Region Brig-Gen Myo Myint presented the championship shields to the C level and novice level Defence Services Self-defence and Sports Institute teams.

Coord meeting on boosting agricultural production held

Yangon, 28 Aug- The coordination meeting on boosting agricultural production of Rakhine State for 2001-2002 was held at the office of Myanma Agriculture Service in Rakhine State on 25 August. Present were Chairman of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Commander of Western Command Maj-Gen Aung Htwe, local authorities, departmental officials and agricultural managers of 17 townships. The commander discussed promotion of agricultural work, supply of water for cultivation, systematically carrying out tasks for high yield, extended cultivation of pepper and arrangements for cultivation of crops in cold season and summer paddy. Rakhine State Manager of Myanma Agriculture Service U Kyaw Maung reported on work being done and future tasks, Head of Rakhine State Settlement and Land Records Department U Maung Kyi on tasks being implemented for land reclamation, future tasks and the breeding of prawn and Head of Rakhine State Irrigation Department U Shein Lin on maintenance of dams and efforts being made for water supply for cultivation. Chairmen of District Peace and Development Councils and officials gave supplementary reports. The meeting came to a close with concluding remarks by the commander.

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( 2 )  Minister inspects new and existing dams in Mandalay Division

Yangon, 28 Aug- Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin inspected the new Kyauktalon Dam Project which is being implemented about 2.5 miles upstream the existing Kyauktalon Dam in Taungtha Township, Myingyan District, Mandalay Division yesterday. Deputy Director U Myo Myint of construction division 7 of the Irrigation Department and Director-General of ID U Kyaw San Win explained progress in implementing the project and water storage and water supply of the dams in the township.

The minister gave suggestions. Accompanied by officials, the minister observed the main dam and the outflow canal which is directly linked with the underground conduits to generate power for nearby villages, inflow of water and the spillway. At the existing Kyauktalon Dam, the minister and party observed inflow of water, water storage, irrigation, inflow canal and outflow conduit. The minister also discussed with officials matters relating to supplying of clean water to the villages in the irrigated areas downstream the dam through the siphon system. During inspection of the cultivation of the second cotton crop after completion of the harvesting of the first crop at Simigan station of the Myanma Cotton and Sericulture Enterprise in Taungtha Township, the minister spoke of the need to grow late monsoon cotton in the irrigated areas in addition to the pre-monsoon cotton. Located in the irrigated area of the existing Kyauktalon Dam, the station is disseminating agricultural techniques to the local farmers.

In Myingyan Township, the minister and party inspected the inflow of water to South Pinle Dam, the main dam, the irrigation facilities and the feeder canal. The minister also discussed with officials of the dam maintenance division. At the North Pile Dam another dam built on the Pinle Creek, the minister and party observed the main dam, control tower, maintenance of feeder canals and inflow of water. Officials should try to always maintain the dam, he stressed. At the briefing hall of the North Pile Dam, the minister heard reports on irrigation of monsoon crops and summer crops by the two dams, the amount of water stored this year. The minister discussed with officials the need to effectively use the irrigated water and maintain the irrigation facilities and the crop patterns of the irrigated areas.

During inspection of the new Phaungkadaw Dam Project, the minister heard a report on construction of the main dam presented by U Kyaw San Win and engineers. The construction division 7 of ID is building the dam on Phaungkadaw Creek near Phaungkadaw village in Ngazun Township, Myingyan District. The minister and party inspected building of the dam which will be 2,850 feet long and 67 feet high. Along the way to Myotha, the minister and party observed cultivation of cotton and pigeon pea in the projected irrigation areas of the dam. At a local camp, the minister met with farmers in the region. They presented the situation of crop cultivation and requirements. Managing Director of MCSE Dr Thein Htay and Director-General U Kyaw San Win of ID reported on means to boost cotton production and water supply for crops the villages and towns. Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin spoke of the need to set up special zones to boost production of crops for food and also for industrial raw materials. The minister and party then inspected Myotha Dam.

New Digital Auto-Exchange opened in Shan State (North)

Yangon, 28 Aug- A ceremony to open the new digital auto exchange was held at the Kutkai Sinbinthaya hall in Kutkai, Muse District in northern Shan State, attended by member of State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Shan State (North) Peace and Development Council Commander of North-East Command Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, heads of departments, division level officials, local authorities, members of Union Solidarity and Development Association, Red Cross, Auxiliary Fire Brigade, Women's Affairs Committee and Maternal and Child Welfare Association, ethnic cultural troupes and townselders. Commander Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw gave speeches.

A townselder spoke words of thanks. Bonuses were presented to staff of the project. Later commemorative pennants were presented to the guests. The guests then made local and foreign calls. The commander and the minister inspected the auto-exchange and microwave stations in Kutkai. They looked into the requirements. Local and trunk calls can be made at the digital auto-exchange which has a 500-line capacity. In Nanthpatka and Muse, the commander and the minister inspected auto-exchange and microwave stations. They then met with staff of the Myanma Telecommunications in Muse. Direct local and trunk calls are available at the 2,600-line digital auto-exchange in Muse. On 26 August, the commander and the minister attended the ceremony to open the new digital auto-exchange in Namkham. They then presented bonus to staff of the project. The commander and the minister then inspected the digital auto-exchange. The digital auto-exchange can handle 600 lines.

F&R Minister attends opening of Basic Course on WTO Appraisal

Yangon, 28 Aug- The opening of the Basic Course No 13 on WTO Appraisal of the Customs Department of the Ministry of Finance and Revenue was held at Customs Training School on 50th Street here this afternoon, with an address by Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein. Also present on the occasion were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Than Tun, Governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar U Kyaw Kyaw Maung, Director-General of Customs Department Lt-Col Khin Maung Lin and departmental officials, course instructors and trainees. The minister said among three tasks of the department Ñ classification of goods, appraisal and tax levying Ñ appraisal is an important one; accurate trade statistics can be obtained by using WTO Appraisal System, and the system among the countries trading together will be the same, and the mutual understanding between the importer and the department will also be enhanced. The trainees are urged to make further studies as the system to be conducted at the course is a basic one. Altogether 60 customs officers are attending the two-week course.

( 3 )  Minister attends meeting to boost mineral production

Yangon, 28 Aug- Officials of the No 2 Mining Enterprise and its private-owned joint ventures sought means to boost mineral production at a meeting which was held at Thiri Yadana Hall of the Ministry of Mines this afternoon. Present were Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, Deputy Minister U Myint Thein and departmental officials. The minister urged the national entrepreneurs of the joint ventures to strive for the progress of the mining industry in cooperation with the ministry.

Basic Printing Course ends

Yangon, 28 Aug- The closing ceremony of the Basic Printing Course No 2/2001 conducted by the Printing and Publishing Enterprise was held at the hall of the GTC press in Aung San, Insein Township this morning, with an address by Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung. It was attended by Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Director-General of the Information and Public Relations Department U Chit Naing, Managing Director of the News and Periodicals Enterprise U Tin Kha, Managing Director of the Printing and Publishing Enterprise U Myint Thein, Managing Director of the Myanma Motion Picture Enterprise U Bo Kyi, Adviser at the ministry U Than Maung, Deputy Director-General of TPRD U Aung San, General Manager Lt-Col Thet Soe, Head of Office Capt Soe Aung, deputy general managers, the chief editor of Sarpay Beikman, officials, course instructors and trainees. The minister delivered a speech. Then Managing Director U Myint Thein presented certificates to the trainees and the ceremony came to an end. Altogether 21 trainees from Ministry of Information and Ministry of Defence attended the 8-week course. The Minister also inspected printing of textbooks at the press.

Minister for Rail Transportation meets SEA Games athletes

Yangon, 28 Aug- Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung met athletes of the ministry who will be taking part in the XXI SEA Games to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia at the ministry this afternoon. The minister urged the athletes to bring honour to the nation. Present were Deputy Ministers Thura U Thaung Lwin and U Pe Than, the directors-general and managing directors, chairman of central sports committee and chairman of sub-committee and coaches.

( 4 )  Course on fish procession system concludes

Yangon, 28 Aug- The concluding ceremony of the Training Workshop on Auditing of Hazard Analysis Critial Control Point (HACCP) System for Fish Procession Plants, jointly organized by the Fisheries Department of the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries and World Food and Agriculture Organization, was held at the Fisheries Department on Hsin Min Road, Ahlon Township here this morning, with an address by Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein. Resident Representative of FAO Mr Francis Rinville and expert Ms Sirilak of FAO extended greetings. Director of the Fisheries Department U Tin Win presented certificates to the trainees. A total of 40 trainees of companies on fish procession attended the five-day course.

Minister Commerce receives Korean guest

Yangon, 28 Aug- Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone received Commercial Attache of the Korean Embassy Mr Kim Jae-Chan and party at his office at 1 pm today. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Director-General of the Directorate of Trade U Nyunt Aye, Managing Director of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading U Min Hla Aung and officials of Border Trade Department.

Minister for H&T receives guest

Yangon, 28 Aug- General Manager of Summit Parkview Hotel Ms Linie T Cortez called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin at his office this morning. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu, Director-General of Directorate of Hotels and Tourism U Khin Maung Latt, Managing Director of Myanmar Hotels and Tourism Services U Kyi Tun and officials.

( 5 )  Measures for developing Dagon Seikkan Township co-ordinated

Yangon, 28 Aug- A coordination meeting on implementation of Infrastructures for Dagon Myothit Seikkan Township Development Project was held at the City Hall this afternoon, with an address by Chairman of Implementation of Infrastructures Committee for Dagon Myothit Seikkan Township Development Project Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay.

Also present were members of the committee Deputy Minister for Forestry Col Thaik Tun, Deputy Minister for Construction U Tint Swe, Deputy Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs U Kyaw Tin, Deputy Minister for Health Dr Mya Oo, Deputy Minister for Transport U Pe Than, Secretary of YCDC Col Myint Aung, officials of the Ministry of Electric Power, Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, Department for Human Settlement and Housing Development, Fire Services Department, Public Works and Zaykabar Co, the managing directors and directors-general and officials concerned. Mayor U Ko Lay spoke on the occasion. Head of City Planning and Land Reclamation Department U Tun Than Tun reported on progress of work and tasks to be done. Members of the committee took part in the discussions. The mayor fulfilled the requirements and gave instructions.

New Thinking in Regional Security; the Challenges of Uncertainty Workshop opens

Yangon, 28 Aug- The opening ceremony of the New Thinking in Regional Security; the Challenges of Uncertainty Workshop, under the patronage of the Ministry of Defence in cooperation with Malaysian Strategic Research Centre of Malaysia and with the sponsorship of Sasakawa Peace Foundation, was held at the Traders Hotel on Sule Pagoda Road here this morning. Present were ministers, the chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, the minister of Defence of Malaysia and party, deputy ministers, officials of the Ministry of Defence, Ambassadors and Military Attaches of the Embassies in Yangon, officials of Malaysian Strategic Research Centre, private banks and NGOs and guests. Executive Director of MSRC Mr Abdual Razak Baginda and Programme Adviser of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation Mr Lau Sim Yee extended greetings. Maj-Gen Kyaw Win of the Ministry of Defence gave an opening address. Then, Minister of Defence of Malaysia Mr Dato' Seri Mohammed Najib Bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak delivered a speech.The workshop continues up to 30 August.

Seminar on In-born German measles held

Yangon, 28 Aug- The opening of the Seminar on Observation of In-born German measles of under-one-year babies in Yangon, co-organized by Medical Research Department (Lower Myanmar) of the Ministry of Health and WHO, was held at the hall of the department on Ziwaka Street in Dagon Township here this morning, attended by Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr Mya Oo. Also present on the occasion were directors-general, rectors, directors, medical superintendents and professors of the ministry, professors/heads of departments from Defence Services Medical Academy and invited guests. Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr Mya Oo made a speech. Deputy Director-General Dr Soe Thein presided over the seminar. Prof Dr Thein Thein Myint discussed opinion of paediatricians on in-born German measles, Prof Dr Than Than Tin on pregnant women and in-born German measles, Prof Dr Than Aung on in-born German measles and defective vision, Prof Dr Myo Min on in-born German measles and defective hearing, Prof Dr U Aung on in-born German measles and heart disease, and Dr Kyaw Zin Thant on observation of in-born German measles of under-one-year babies in Yangon.

Seminar on how to approach processed seafood market held

Yangon, 28 Aug- A seminar on how to approach the processed seafood market jointly sponsored by Fisheries Department of the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries and Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) was held at Hotel Nikko Royal Lake on Natmauk Road this morning. Present on the occasion were Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Deputy Minister U Aung Thein, officials of the Fisheries Department, Myanmar Fisheries Federation and marine products companies and observers. Seafood expert of Japan Mr Makoto Nakamura participated in the seminar.

( 6 )  UMFCCI officials meet foreign guests

Yangon, 28 Aug- Adviser Dr Kyaw Htin and members of the Central Executive Committee of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry met a Japanese delegation led by Professor Dr Ishii Susumu of the Association of Japan Myanmar Mutual Cooperation of Japan at the hall of the federation at 1 pm today.

Myanmar delegation back from ROK

Yangon, 28 Aug- The Myanmar youth delegation led by Director of the Department of Myanmar Missions Abroad of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs U Naing Tun and General Staff Officer (Grade II) of the Office of Strategic Studies of the Ministry of Defence Maj Than Naing arrived back here by air yesterday evening after attending Year 2001 Get-together of Youth held in Seoul, the Republic of Korea, under the Korea-ASEAN Future Oriented Youth Exchange Project 2001. They were welcomed back at Yangon International Airport by officials of the ministries concerned and their relatives.

Japanese youth delegation arrives

Yangon, 28 Aug- Under the International Youth Development Programme sponsored by the Japanese Government Office, the youth delegation from Japan headed by Mr Taisuke Togashi, arrived here by air at 6.50 pm today. The delegation was welcomed at the Yangon International Airport by officials of the Union Solidarity and Development Association. The Japanese youth delegation paying goodwill visit will stay in Myanmar till 18 September.

( 7 )  USDA CEC member attends opening of Management Multiplier Course

Yangon, 28 Aug- A ceremony to present membership applications and the opening of Management Multiplier Course No 21 for the executives of the Union Solidarity and Development Association were held at Pinnya Naychi hall of Thingangyun Education College here this morning. Secretary U Tin Hlaing of Yangon East District USDA and executives, Chairman of Thingangyun Township Peace and Development Council U Nay Win and members, departmental officials, Secretary U Khin Wai and executives of township USDA, organizers, members of social organizations, invited guests and trainees were present. Member of the Central Executive Committee of the Union Solidarity and Development Association U Aung San delivered a speech on the occasion.

The CEC member accepted 10,168 membership applications. Then, U Than Win presented K 20,000, U Aung Kyaw Moe K 5,000, township Government Employee Cooperatives K 5,000, Ma Nila Win K 5,000, Ma Khin Thida K 5,000 for the course to the CEC member. Altogether 120 trainees are attending the two-week course. After the ceremony, In-charge of Yangon West District Industrial Zone Minister for Cooperatives U Aung San accompanied by officials inspected the factories in Mayangon Township. The minister arrived at Tri-Diamond garment factory of Ngwe Sanda Co Ltd on Aungmingala Street in Ward 3, Mayangon Township where Director U Sein Win of the company and officials conducted the minister around the factory. The minister heard the reports by the officials at the briefing hall of the factory and gave instructions. The minister also inspected Lwin Battery Industry on U Ba Han Street in Ward 2 in the township where owner U Ohn Lwin briefed on production line. After hearing the report of the owner, the minister gave instructions.

Billboard hailing Annual General Meeting of USDA set up in Seikkan Township

Yangon, 28 Aug- A ceremony to unveil the billboard hailing the Annual General Meeting 2001 of the Union Solidarity and Development Association was held at Nan Thida Jetty in Seikkan Township this morning. It was attended by Chairman of Organizing Group under Information Sub-committee U Bo Kyi and members, Secretary of Yangon Division USDA U Aye Myint and executives, Secretary of Yangon West District USDA U Tin Win and executives, chairmen and members of Seikkan, Botahtaung and Dalla Township Peace and Development Councils, departmental officials, Secretaries and executives of Seikkan, Botahtaung and Dalla Township USDAs, war veterans, members of Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Township Women's Affairs Committee and Red Cross Brigade and Auxiliary Fire Brigade, local authorities, teachers and students, band troupe and pom pom dance troupe of No 1 BEHS in Dalla, members of Dobat troupe of Fine Arts Department of the Ministry of Culture totalling 1,200 students and others. Seikkan Township Peace and Development Council Chairman U Maung Maung Kyi, Botahtaung Township Peace and Development Council Chairman U Khin Win, Dalla Township Peace and Development Council Chairman U Tin Maung Soe and Seikkan Township USDA Secretary U San Kyaw formally unveiled the billboard.

( 8 )  Co-ord meeting on CEPT scheme begins

Yangon, 28 Aug- Myanmar hosted the 22nd Coordination Meeting on the Implementation of the Agreement of the CEPT Scheme for AFTA in Yangon. The opening ceremony of the meeting was held at Sedona Hotel here this morning, with an address by Director-General of the Customs Department Lt-Col Khin Maung Lin.The 36 delegates from the ASEAN nations will discuss matters on reduction of tariff to promote trade in the ASEAN region till 29 August.

Nursery Market Festival continues

Yangon, 28 Aug- The Nursery Market Festival continued today at Myepadetha Park in Bahan Township. Seeds and nurseries are available there daily. Seasonal crops and farm produce are also available at the festival. Booths of poultry farming and fish breeding were kept open.