( 1 ) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe receives special envoy of Cambodia

 Yangon, 9 Oct - Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe received Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of the Royal Government of Cambodia Senior Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mr Hor Namhong and party at the Credentials Hall of the Pyithu Hluttaw on Pyay Road at 10.30 am today.

Also present at the call together with Senior General Than Shwe were Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and Director-General of the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet. The Cambodian delegation was accompanied by Ambassador of Cambodia to the Union of Myanmar Mr Nim Chantara.

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( 2 )  Secretary-1 receives Japanese Deputy Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry

Yangon, 9 Oct-Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received visiting Deputy Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan Mr Keiji Furuya and party at the guest house of the Ministry of Defence at 5 pm today.

Also present at the call were Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel, Minister for Foreign Affair U Win Aung, Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement U Hlaing Win and Director-General Thura U Aung Htet of the Protocol Department. The Japanese Deputy Minister and party were accompanied by Ambassador of Japan Mr Shigeru Tsumori.

Secretary-1 attends diploma certificate presenting of Yangon Cooperative Degree College

Yangon, 9 Oct - The Diploma Courses in Applied Computer Technology and Foreign Language (English) have produced the first batch diploma certificate holders for academic year 2000-2001. The two diploma courses were jointly organized by the Centre for Human Resources Development of the Cooperative Degree College (Yangon) of the Ministry of Cooperatives and the International Academy Association (IAA) of the Republic of Korea. A ceremony to present diploma certificates to the students was held at the International Business Centre on Pyay Road this morning, attended by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Also present were member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, the ministers, the deputy ministers, Ambassador of ROK Mr Chung Jung-gum and officials, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, rectors of Yangon University, the Institute of Economics, the University of Computer Studies and the University of Distance Education, representatives of IAA, the principal of the Cooperative Degree College, course instructors, trainees and their relatives and guests. Daw San Yu Yu Ohn, master of the ceremonies, explained facts about the diploma courses of the Centre for Human Resources Development.

Then, the Secretary-1 presented gifts to Ma Myat Moe Aye, who passed the Diploma Course in Applied Computer Technology with highest marks, Ma Phyu Thet Khaing, who passed with the second highest marks and Ma Kyawt Shin Phyu, who passed with third highest marks. He also presented the first prize for the Diploma Course in Foreign Language (English) to Ma Lin Yadana Myo, the second prize to Ma Theint Theint Thu Zaw and the third prize to Ma Hla Hnin Phyu. Principal of the Cooperative Degree College U Ko Ko Aung presented certificates to the trainees.

After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party and officials, together with the students, posed for a documentary photo. With a view to promoting education standard of the new generations youth and to enabling them to study international standard technology in the nation, the college has conducted the courses under the Joint Training Programme of IAA as a new division. The curriculum and syllabus of the courses have already been approved by the Universities Education Council and Universities Central Council of MEC, and full time and part time courses were opened. The Secretary-1 attended and formally opened the courses of the college for 2000-2001 Academic Year on 30 August 2000. A total of 76 trainees passed the Diploma Course in Applied Computer Technology and 65 the Diploma Course in Foreign Language (English).

( 3 ) General Secretary of Thai-Myanmar Cultural and Economic Cooperation Association General Sanan Kajornklam arrives

Yangon, 9 Oct-A delegation led by General Secretary of Thai-Myanmar Cultural and Economic Cooperation Association General Sanan Kajornklam arrived here on a goodwill visit this morning. The guests were welcomed at the Yangon International Airport by Myanmar-Thai Cultural and Economic Cooperation Association led by General Secretary of Myanmar-Thai Cultural and Economic Cooperation Association Col Ba Hein (Retd) and members. Chairman of Myanmar-Thai Cultural and Economic Cooperation Association Lt-Gen Kyaw Than (Retd) received the goodwill delegation led by General Secretary of Thai-Myanmar Cultural and Economic Cooperation Association General Sanan Kajornklam at Tatmadaw guest house this afternoon.

Present were Vice-Chairman of Myanmar-Thai Cultural and Economic Cooperation Association Vice-Admiral Nyunt Thein (Retd) and executives. They discussed bilateral cultural and economic cooperation. In the evening, Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel received the goodwill delegation at his office. Chairman of Myanmar-Thai Cultural and Economic Cooperation Association Lt-Gen Kyaw Than (Retd) hosted dinner for the goodwill delegation at Karaweik Palace.

Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung inspects overpasses

 Yangon, 9 Oct - Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung, accompained by officials, inspected Bandoola overpass between Mahlwagon and Hninzigon railway stations, Pyidaungsu overpass between Ngamoeyeik and Toechaunggalay stations, Okponseik overpass between Yegu and Tadagalay stations, Thamaing overpass on Thamaing Station Road and Insein overpass between Insein and Ywama stations, which were constructed by Myanma Railways, at 2 pm yesterday. The minister gave instructions on maintenance of the overpasses.

Cambodian Minister leaves for home

Yangon, 9 Oct- Special envoy of the Cambodian Prime Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mr Hor Namhong and party, who arrived here at the invitation of Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, left here by air this evening. They were seen off at Yangon International Airport by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Ambassador of Cambodian Mr Nim Chantana and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

( 4 )  Minister U Win Aung hosts luncheon in honour of Minister and party from Cambodia

 Yangon, 9 Oct- Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung hosted luncheon in honour of Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Cambodia, Senior Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mr Hor Namhong and party at Zizawa Yeiktha, the annex of the Ministry at noon today. Also present on the occasion were officials and Ambassador of Cambodia to Myanmar Mr Nim Chantara.

Seminar on Business Interruption Insurance opens

Yangon, 9 Oct-Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein attended the opening of the Seminar on Business Interruption Insurance, jointly organized by Myanma Insurance and Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co Ltd, Japan, held at Hotel Nikko Royal Lake on Natmauk Street here this morning.

Also present on the occasion were Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Deputy Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen Than Tun, Governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar U Kyaw Kyaw Maung and officials, Managing Director of Myanma Insurance U Thein Lwin, the directors-general, managing directors and officials from the departments and enterprises under the Ministry of Finance and Revenue, the managing director and officials of Myanmar International Insurance Corporation, insurance agents, representatives, General Manager Mr Hiroo Endo of Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co Ltd, Japan, and Manager Mr Kiyoshi Yoshida of Mitsui Sumitomo Management Services (Singapore) Pte Ltd. Minister U Khin Maung Thein and Managing Director U Thein Lwin delivered speeches. Then, Manager Mr Kiyoshi Yoshida explained facts about business interruption insurance. The seminar continues tomorrow.

Prize presented to winners of competition to mark World Post Day

Yangon, 9 Oct - The Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs held a ceremony to mark the 127th World Post Day in conjunction with presenting prizes to winners of the 30th World Post Day commemorative under-15 letter writing competition (local division) for 2001 and to the staff's children of the departments of the Ministry, who passed matriculation examination with three distinctions and above for the academic year 2001 at the Communications and Postal Training Centre of the Ministry this afternoon.

It was attended by Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, departmental heads, members of the Board of Judges, principals, teachers and prize winning students. Director-General of the Directorate of Telecommunications U Kyi Than extended greetings. The departmental heads and officials concerned presented prizes to Maung Thant Zin Oo, eighth standard student of No 1 Basic Education High School in Taunggyi, Shan State, who won the first prize in the competition, the second prize to Ma Zin Phyu Win, ninth standard student of BEHS in Chaungzon, Mon State, the third prize to Ma Le Le Bo Ni, eighth standard student of the Practising School of the Institute of Education (Yangon), the consolation prizes to Ma Htet Htet Win, eighth standard student of No 1 BEHS in Myeik and Ma Yadana, seventh standard student of No 8 BEHS in Aungmyethazan Township, Mandalay, and gifts to member teachers of the Board of Judges.

Then, the minister and officials presented prizes and gifts to Maung Aung Ko Htet of Kyaukphyu who passed matriculation exam with five distinctions, Maung Nay Thiha Oo of Mawlamyine, Ma Phyo Ei Win Shwe of Mandalay and Ma Sandi Win of Yangon with four distinctions and Ma Ei Mon Aung of Yangon, Ma Poe Ei Sein of Yangon and Ma Yu Nanda Aung of Sittway with three distinctions. Two prize-winning students and a member of the Board of Judges spoke words of thanks, and the ceremony came to an end.

( 5 )  Minister inspects regional greening tasks

Yangon, 9 Oct - Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone met with Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command and discussed provision of sawn timber required for regional development undertakings in Taunggyi on 5 October. During his meeting with officials of Forest Department and Myanma Timber Enterprise, the commander discussed timber extraction, conservation of catchment area near Inlay and the pine plantation in Kalaw.

Together with officials, the minister inspected the task to upgrade the National Kandawgyi Gardens in PyinOoLwin. He met with officials of FD and MTE and discussed speedy transport of teak logs and greening of the environs of the Mandalay International Airport. In Natogyi Township, the minister visited Minson Sanctuary. At Shwepontaung in Chauk Township, he held a meeting with the director-general of Dry Zone Greening Department. The meeting discussed water supply to need plantations and greening of the hills in Myingyan region, Tantkyitaung hill and Tuywintaung hill. 

Minister inspects pumped-water projects

Yangon, 9 Oct - Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin inspected mixed plantations of green gram and pigeon pea at Palin Village-tract on NyaungU Township, Mandalay Division, yesterday. At his meeting with departmental personnel and farmers, the minister called for application of advanced methods to boost crop production. At Letpanchaypaw Pumped-Water Project in the township, the minister heard a report on water supply for of 1,500 acres of crops and the situation of the pumped-water stations in the region presented by Director-General U Win Shwe of Water Resources Utilization Department.

 The minister said officials should strive to extend paddy cultivation to meet the local demand and to cultivate crops that need less water for the second crop of the season. The minister then viewed the long-staple cotton fields and paddy fields. The minister then inspected the chosen site to install the main pump, build the feeder canal and the tank.

He then spoke of the need to disseminate technologies to cultivate double cropping in the region. At Kyawzi Pumped-Water Station, the minister observed progress in digging the feeder canals. At Tameiktha village, he inspected digging of the No 2 feeder canal. In Taungtha Township, he inspected monsoon groundnut cultivation. Officials reported on facts about the pumped-water stations in the region, the plans to irrigate 8,000 acres of land in the region and to effectively use water from Ayeyawady River.

Yangon, 9 Oct- Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Deputy Minister Professor Dr Kyaw Myint, Director-General of Health Department Dr Wan Maung, Director-General of Health Planning Department Dr Kyi Soe and officials inspected construction of Yangon Psychiatric Hospital in Dagon Myothit (East) Township this afternoon. Director U Maung Kyay of Asia World Co Ltd reported on progress of work, Project Engineer U Aung Sein on construction of 100-bed-capacity wards and the deputy minister and the directors-general on arrangements for movement of Psychiatric Hospital. The minister gave instructions on treatment during the movement of the hospital and administration matters. The minister inspected the site and progress of work and fulfilled the requirements.

Minister inspects construction of Ayeyawady Bridge (Magway)

Yangon, 9 Oct-Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, accompanied by officials of Public Works, left Padan Camp on Pathein-Monywa Road and inspected sections along Minbu-An Road on 7 October morning. The minister and party inspected the approach road on Minbu bank, the approach bridge and construction tasks and fixing of frames at the piers of Ayeyawady Bridge (Magway). Then, the minister and party inspected completion of piers No P8 and P10.

Afterwards, officials conducted the minister and party around the work site. The minister gave instructions on supervision for work site safety and proper use of construction materials. Steel frames are being fixed at both sides of Ayeyawady Bridge (Magway). In the briefing hall, Deputy Chief Engineer U Han Zaw reported on the target of the work and requirements to the minister.

Then, the minister attended to the requirements. Ayeyawady Bridge (Magway) is being built across Ayeyawady River to link Mingala Road in Magway and Phayakoehsugon in Htauks-habin Village of Minbu. The 8,989-foot bridge has 28 feet wide motor way. It can bear 60 tons of weight and the clearance under it is 56 feet high at minimum. At 6 pm, the minister and party arrived at Pyintha Heavy Machinery Workshop of Public Works. He inspected the repair work of the workshop and gave necessary instructions.

( 7 )  K 8m donated for renovation of ancient pagodas in Bagan

Yangon, 9 Oct- A ceremony to donate cash toward the renovation of ancient pagodas in Bagan was held at the Kanbawza Yeiktha of the Ministry of Culture this morning, attended by Minister for Culture U Win Sein. Also present on the occasion were Deputy Minister U Soe Nyunt, Director-General U Myint Thein Swe of the Department of Cultural Institute, Director-General U Nyunt Han of Archaeology Department, Director-General U Kyaw Win of Fine Arts Department, Rector of the University of Culture U Tin Soe, officials and wellwishers. Minister U Win Sein accepted the donations and presented certificates of honour to the wellwishers. Today's donations by 18 wellwishers amounted to K 8 million. So far, altogether K 529 million and US$ 37.55 has been donated to the renovation of ancient pagodas in Bagan.

Centennial Celebrations of Strand Hotel and Australia Federation held

Yangon, 9 Oct- An opera performance, co-sponsored by the Strand Hotel and the Australian Embassy to mark the centenary of the Strand Hotel and the Australia Federation, was held at the Strand Hotel at 7 pm today. Present on the occasion were Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, Ambassador of Australia Mr Trevor David Wilson and wife, foreign ambassadors and their wives, diplomats, officials of periodicals and guests. At the reception, Australian Opera Vocalist Ms Joanna Cole presented 16 Australian classic songs to the accompaniment of the pianist Ms Maryleigh.

577 gem merchants arrive

Yangon, 9 Oct- A total of 577 gem merchants 283 from 107 foreign companies and 294 from 102 local companies arrived here to attend the Mid-year Gems Emporium for 2001 at Myanma Gems Mart on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road today. They are from Hong Kong SAR, Japan, China, Thailand Singapore, Russian Federation, USA, Italy, Korea and Britain.