( 1 )  Myanmar determined and firmly committed to develop Information Technology Efforts should be more directed towards how ICT should be effectively put to use and how to build a strong ICT Industry
Secretary-1 attends opening of Third International ICT Exhibition and ICT Forum

Yangon, 19 Oct- The Third International ICT Exhibition and ICT Forum jointly conducted by Myanmar Computer Scientists Association and Myanmar Computer Industry Association under the sponsorship of Myanmar Computer Federation was held at the Traders Hotel this morning. Chairman of Myanmar Computer Science Development Council Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt addressed the opening ceremony.

Also present on the occasion were member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, ministers, deputy ministers, ambassadors, charges d'affaires ai, officials of UN agencies, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, participants, officials and members of Myanmar e-National Task Force, Myanmar Computer Federation, Myanmar Computer Scientists Association, Myanmar Computer Industry Association and Myanmar Computer Enthusiasts Association, officials of computer-related companies and guests. The Secretary-1 said: It gives me great pleasure to have the opportunity to deliver the opening address at this Opening Ceremony of the Third ICT Exhibition and ICT Forum. I would also like to extend a most cordial welcome to all the participants to the Exhibition and the Forum and wish all the foreign participants a most enjoyable stay in our country, Myanmar.

On behalf of Myanmar Computer Science Development Council and on my own, I wish to congratulate the Myanmar Computer Federation, Myanmar Computer Scientists Association and Myanmar Computer Industry Association for organizing not only the Exhibition but also complementing it with a Forum. The present Exhibition and Forum would not have been possible without the assistance and support from the sponsoring institutions and organizations and our heartfelt thanks and appreciation go to all of them. We live in a period of rapid change and technological advancement. Our Government is fully aware that in order to transform Myanmar into a prosperous and developed state, we must be able to meet the challenges of the time. We also realize that to reach our goal, we must transform our society into a knowledge-based society in which the Information and Communication Technology will play a leading role.

Therefore, Information Technology plays a vital role in our concentrated and determined efforts for socio-economic development. We fully believe that Information Technology can provide a means to leapfrogging the nation into the more advanced ranks of the world. Myanmar is therefore determined and firmly committed to develop Information Technology in our nation. Towards this end, the Government is providing the guidance, encouragement and necessary support and assistance to advance ICT development. This programme is being implemented systematically and extensively. As a result, during the last couple of years, through the cooperation and coordination between public and private sectors, considerable progress has been made and we intend to speed up the development process. Advancement in IT field can only be achieved through nurturing of required human resource development. With a view to making the children of our nation computer literate, e-Education has been introduced in the nation and the significant progress achieved. Today, almost all Basic Education Schools including the primary level schools have already established or in the process of establishing multimedia classrooms.

At the same time, twenty Computer colleges have been established in States and Divisions to supplement the two universities dedicated to IT professional education to ensure a steady pool of computer professionals. An e-learning center was opened recently with the assistence of Japan to train IT professionals who want to sit for JITEE (Japan Information Technology Engineer Examination). This certification programme will create an informal education environment in which IT professionals can obtain internationally recognized certificate. As Myanmar is a signatory to e-ASEAN Framework, e-National Task Force was formed to implement the framework. Efforts on development of e-Commerce, e-Government, e-Education, preparation of Cyber laws and improving the ICT infrastructure by the e-National Task Force are progressing satisfactorily. In the efforts to develop IT Industry, with the full support of the state, a consortium of private companies is constructing an ICT park which will be equipped with adequate ICT infrastructures to compete in the international IT market. It will be operational by the end of this year. Teleport facility presently under construction beside ICT Park is also planned to be operational by the end of this year. The Teleport will provide VSAT satellite link to create an Intranet covering the whole Myanmar.

It will also provide Internet access service for companies and for business and educational purposes through MPT gateway. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Myanmar Computer Federation and Associations for their sustained efforts on ICT development. The activities such as the scholarship programmes, monthly seminars and workshops, Special Interest Group, Resource center, training programmes are driving forces for development of ICT. Under the guidance of Myanmar Computer Science Development Council, Myanmar Computer Confederation has also successfully prepared the first draft of IT Master Plan. I believe that this ICT Exhibition and ICT Forum will contribute considerably to the ICT development in Myanmar. ICT Exhibition will provide a very good opportunity for IT companies to show their products and services and open the door for business opportunities. The Exhibition will reflect the current status of ICT in Myanmar as well as indicate the future trends. It will also provide the business enterprises to look at and compare the alternative solutions of IT applications Equally important, the Exhibition and Forum will acquaint general public with the power and capabilities of ICT.

The themes of the ICT Forum, Opportunities and Issues for ICT Applications and ICT Industry Development are indeed very appropriate at this point of time. During last couple of years, most of the efforts have been directed to improve awareness of the value of ICT and its development. At this point of time, I think that not only the business community but also the whole society recognizes the importance of ICT in economic and social development. Our efforts now should be more directed towards how ICT should be effectively put to use and how to build a strong ICT Industry so that it will become a key industry contributing considerably to the economy. Presentations of our guest speakers from various countries at the present Forum will surely provide us with valuable lessons in our effort to formulate the policies and strategies and preparation of action plan for ICT development as a vehicle for socio-economic development. Once again I would like to thank our guest speakers and their institutions for their cooperation and support. Then, Chairman Computer Industry Association U Tin Win Aung reported on the third International ICT Exhibition and ICT Forum, and Chairman of Myanmar Computer Scientists Association U Thein Oo on the ICT Forum.

Next, the Secretary-1 and party and guests went to the Tatmadaw Convention Centre on U Wisara Road where the third International ICT Exhibition would take place. U Thein Oo and U Tin Win Aung formally opened the third International ICT Exhibition. The chairmen of MCSA and MCIA and officials presented a Acer LCD Monitor set for Myanmar Computer Science Development Council to the Secretary-1. Later, the Secretary-1 and guests viewed the exhibition booths. Thirty-five companies and organizations will display computers, computer equipment and books on computer science at the exhibition. The exhibition will be opened from 9 am to 5 pm up to 21 October, and admission is free. The ICT Forum will be held at the Traders Hotel on 20 October, and computer technicians and entrepreneurs of computer industry will discuss matters related to application and development of ICT.

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( 2 ) Ninth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions continue for fifth day

Yangon, 19 Oct- The Ninth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions continued for the fifth day at the respective venues today. The singing competition of the Ninth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions was held at the National Museum on Pyay Road in Dagon Township; the dance competition at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street in Dagon Township; the song composing competition at the Kanbawza Theatre of the Fine Arts Department on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road in Bahan Township; the music competition at the Padonma Theatre in Sangyoung Township and the Kanbawza Theatre.

Present at the competitions were Patron of the Ninth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, member of the Panel of Patrons of the Ninth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions Chairman of the Leading Committee for Organizing the Competitions member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, members of the Panel of Patrons Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe and Minister for Culture U Win Sein, Vice-Chairman of the Leading Committee Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt and members of the Leading Committee, Chairman of the Working Committee for Organizing the Competitions Commander of No 3 Military Region Col Yan Naing Oo and members, chairmen and members of the subcommittees, senior military officers, heads of department, teachers and students and enthusiasts. At the singing competition held at the National Museum, altogether 15 contestants took part in the amateur level (men) classical song competition with the song "Akayanhte .

" In the afternoon, 15 contestants participated in the basic education level (boys aged 5-10) singing competition with the song "Withakha." Chairperson of the Panel of Judges Daw Tin Tin Mya supervised the competition. The professional level (men) classical song competition and the basic education level (boys aged 15-20) old and modern songs competition will be held at the same venue tomorrow. The dance competition held at the National Theatre was supervised by Chairman of the Panel of Judges Wanna Kyawhtin U Sein Aung Min. Altogether 15 contestants took part in the amateur level (women) dance competition. In the afternoon, 13 contestants took part in the higher education level (men) dance competition. The professional level (men) dance competition and the basic education level (girls aged 10-15) dance competition will be held at the National Theatre tomorrow. The song composing competition was held at the Kanbawza Theatre this morning. The contestants of the higher education level (aged 15-20) song composing competitions practised singing the songs which they composed. Chairman of the Panel of Judges Bogalay U Tint Aung supervised the competition.

The contestants of the amateur level song composing competition will practise singing songs which they composed at the same venue tomorrow. The music competition was held at the Padonma Theatre this morning. Altogether 11 contestants took part in the basic education level (girls aged 10-15) individual saing competition and six contestants in the higher education level (women) individual saing competition. Chairman of the Panel of Judges U Sein Hla Myaing supervised the music competition. The higher education level (men) Ozi competition and the basic education level (boys aged 15-20) Ozi competition will be held at the same venue tomorrow. The xylophone competition was held at the Kanbawza Theatre this morning. Altogether ten contestants participated in the professional level xylophone competition. In the afternoon, seven contestants took part in the amateur level (women) xylophone competition. Altogether 16 contestants took part in the basic education level (boys aged 10-15) xylophone competition. Chairman of the Panel of Judges Saung U Ye Nwe supervised the competition. The amateur level (men), the higher education level (women) and the higher education level (men) xylophone competitions will be held at the same venue tomorrow.

( 3 ) Minister receives foreign guests

Yangon, 19 Oct- Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing met Deputy Executive Director Dr Kathleen Cravero, Associate Director Dr Werasit Sittitrai of UNAIDS of Geneva and Senior HIV/AIDS Advisor Mr Mark Stirling of UNICEF of New York at the Minister's office at 1 pm today. Present on the occasion were Director-General U Aung Thein of General Administration Department, Director-General U Kyaw Tun of Prisons Department, Deputy Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Police Brig-Gen Zaw Win and Head of the Ministry U Thet Tun.

Minister for Finance and Revenue receives Japanese delegation

Yangon, 19 Oct- Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein received Adviser to the Board of Directors of Sumitomo Corporation of Japan Mr Nishida at his office at 10.30 am today. Also present on the occasion was Adviser at the ministry U Kyi Shein.

Minister receives PRC delegation

Yangon, 19 Oct- Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung received Chairman of China CAMC Engineering Co Ltd Mr Su Wei Ke and party at 1 pm, and Vice-President of China New Era Group Corporation of the People's Republic of China Mr Liu Ji Min and party at his office at 2.30 pm today. Also present on the occasion were Deputy Minister for Industry-1 Brig-Gen Kyaw Win and the directors-general and managing directors of departments and enterprises under the ministry.

( 4 )  Minister inspects Win Thuza Shop

Yangon, 19 Oct- Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, together with Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thein Tun and officials, inspected the sale of foodstuffs, clothing, consumer goods and medicines manufactured by the Ministry of Industry-1 at Win Thuza Shop at 8th Mile Junction, Mayangon Township, this morning. The minister gave instructions on the sale of products of the Ministry of Industry-1 and systematic stockpiling of goods. The Ministry of Industry-1 is producing import-substitute goods and has so far opened 23 Win Thuza Shops in states and divisions. Arrangements are being made to open more Win Thuza shops.

Refresher Course No 17 for Law Officers concludes

Yangon, 19 Oct - Refresher Course No 17 for Law Officers concluded with ceremony at the Attorney-General's office this morning. Present on the occasion were Attorney-General U Tha Tun, Deputy Attorney-General U Khin Maung Aye, Director-General Dr Tun Shin, directors and deputy directors, Yangon Division law officer, the head of the Attorney-General's Office, course instructors and trainees. Attorney-General U Tha Tun made a speech and presented the first prize to Deputy Township Law Officer Daw Mya Mya Lay of Hpa-an Township, the second prize to Deputy Township Law Officer U Than Tun of Pyu Township and the third prize to Deputy Township Law Officer Daw Hla Hla Htay of Insein Township.

Minister's Cup soccer tourney ends

Yangon, 19 Oct- The final match and prize presentation ceremony of Commerce Minister's Cup Soccer Tournament (under-21) were held at Aung San Stadium yesterday afternoon. Among the spectators were Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone and wife, Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan and wife, heads of department, invited guests, family members and fans. Ayeyawady Division (Commerce) team beat Mandalay Division (Commerce) team 3-0. After the match, the prize presentation ceremony was held. Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan presented the third prize to Bago Division and Yangon Division, the second prize to Mandalay Division and individual prizes and cash awards to respective teams. Then, Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone presented individual prizes, cash awards and championship cup to Ayeyawady Division team.

( 5 ) Yangon Command to raise 1m more chicken next year

Yangon, 19 Oct- 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 visited livestock breeding farms of Yangon Command this morning. During the inspection of No 2 Chicken Farm in Hmawby Township, the commander met with officials. He said Yangon Division won the commercial-scale layer and broiler breeding prize at the 2001 World Food Day ceremony held on 16 October.

The battalions and units under the Yangon Command are raising over 2.4 million chicken for meat and eggs at present. They should add another one million chicks to their farms next year. Farm in-charge Maj Myat Nyein reported to the commander on layer and broiler breeding, production and distribution of meat and eggs and hatching of RIR chicks. Secretary of Yangon Command Agriculture and Livestock Breeding Committee Lt-Col Thein Hsint briefed the commander on raising of over 100,000 broilers and over 50,000 layers at the farms of the command, distribution of over 600 viss of meat and over 10,000 eggs daily to tax-free markets and other markets, producing of over 10,000 RIR chicks per month and distribution of the chicks to the farms of the battalions and units at K 35 per chick which is cheaper than the market price of K 75 per head. Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than looked into their requirements. After inspecting raising of CP layers under battery cage system, raising of RIR layers, raising of RIR chicken for hatching and incubating of chicks, the commander gave suggestions to officials. At No 1 Chicken Farm, the commander heard a report on breeding of broilers presented by in-charge Capt Khin Maung Kyaw.

The commander gave instructions. He then looked into the requirements of the officials in producing briquettes at the farm. The workshop can produce 5,000 briquettes per day. The commander then inspected production of Chicken sausages. He then inspected the 20-ton capacity animal fodder factory and plans to build an advance 40-ton capacity feeds-tuff factory. He urged officials to strive to start operations of the factory in December. During the inspection of broiler breeding at the No 1 Farm, the commander heard a report on selling 300 viss of chicken per day for participants of the Ninth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions. At the No 3 Chicken Farm, the commander attended to the needs of the officials in breeding chicken and quail. He then inspected Taing-shwegon Shop which is selling the produce of the farms of units and battalions under the command. Officials should make efforts to sell fresh vegetables and meat at reasonable prices, he said. Under the supervision of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council, the departments, Yangon City Development Committee and Yangon Command are setting up farms to supply enough eggs and chicken to Yangon-ites. Yangon Command is raising over 2.4 million chicken, the private entrepreneurs over one million, townships in the division over 2.8 million at present to fulfil the consumer demand.

Commander inspects monsoon paddy fields in Amarapura Township

Yangon, 19 Oct- Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, accompanied by departmental officials, inspected the sample of natural fertilizer produced by Myanma Agriculture Service for boosting per-acre yield of paddy at Magyikaing Village-tract in Amarapura Township on 17 October morning. Deputy Manager of Mandalay Division Myanma Agriculture Service U Kyaw Thein reported on demonstration of wide use of that kind of fertilizer to the farmers and quality of it. The commander inspected the broadcasting of different kinds of fertilizers into 12.30-acres of paddy field of farmer U Ohn Maung and attended to the needs.

Then, the commander inspected 100 acres quality strain paddy field of Manawthukha model village, Tamoakhso Village-tract in Amarapura Township and attended to the needs. In Amarapura Township, 13,258 acres of monsoon paddy have been cultivated against the target of 13,998 acres and concerted efforts are being made for boosting per-acre yield of paddy in 2001-2002. Natyaykan model Village, Tamoakhso model Village and Daungyway model Village each have cultivated Manawthukha quality strain paddy on 100 acres of fields. In the afternoon, the commander visited the Sayadaw of Eindriya Rama Shwegutaik member of the State Ovadacariya Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Vicitta warded at room No 11 of Intensive Care Unit of Mandalay General Hospital. The commander asked after the health of the Sayadaw and fulfilled the needs.

Commander attends Tatmadaw Chinlon Contest

Yangon, 19 Oct- Myanma Traditional Chinlon Contest 2001 for Tatmadaw Commander-in-Chief's Trophy was opened at the stadium of North-West Command on 15 October morning. It was attended by Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North-West Command Maj-Gen Soe Win, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Soe Myint and senior military officers, the commanding officers of Monywa Station, departmental officials, Tatmadaw officers, other ranks and their families, athletes of 14 teams and others. On behalf of the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, Commander Maj-Gen Soe Win made a speech. Then, the Myanma Traditional Chinlon Contest was held in the stadium.

( 6 )  Prize-winners for outstanding performance in agricultural production honoured

Yangon, 19 Oct- A ceremony to honour those who won prizes for oustanding performance in agricultural production presented in commemoration of the World Food Day was held at the office of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council on 17 October afternoon, attended by Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and council members, the chairmen of District/Township Peace and Development Councils, departmental officials, and prize-winners.

Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Supervisory Committee for Boosting Agricultural and Livestock Production Commissioner of Division General Administration Department U Than Win and Deputy General Manager of Ayeyawady Division Myanma Agriculture Service U Ohn Than explained matters related to awarding the prizes. Then, Farmer U Tin Thein of Wakema Township, the first prize-winner for outstanding performance in summer paddy cultivation, explained his cultivation tasks. Next, the commander made a speech and the ceremony came to a close. At 2.30 pm, the commander met with members of the Committee, and District and Township authorities in the same hall and gave instructions on cultivation of summer paddy and cold season crops, minimizing loss and wastage and boosting yield of crops, and fulfilled the requirements.

Maha Janaka Drama Competition continues for fifth day

Yangon, 19 Oct- The Maha Janaka Drama Competition of the Ninth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions was held for the fifth day at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street in Dagon Township this evening. The drama troupe of U Moe Moe of Ayeyawady Division took part in the Maha Janaka Drama Competition.

Among the spectators were member of the Panel of Patrons for Organizing the Competitions member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, members of the Panel of Patrons for Organizing the Competitions, Vice-Chairman of the Leading Committee Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt and members, Chairman of the Work Committee Commander of No 3 Military Region Col Yan Naing Oo and members, subcommittee members, members of the panel of judges, departmental officials and enthusiasts. The drama troupe-2 of Mandalay Division led by U Min Thura will participate in the competition tomorrow.

Educational and regional development work inspected in Gwa Township

Yangon, 19 Oct- Chairman of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Commander of Western Command Maj-Gen Aung Htwe, accompanied by departmental officials, inspected arrangements for opening multimedia teaching centre of Kyeintali Village Basic Education High School in Gwa Township on 17 October morning. At the hall of the school, the commander discussed preparations for opening the centre with Headmaster U Htein, teachers, members of the School Board of Trustees and townselders. After fulfilling the requirements, the commander presented K 500,000 for opening the centre to the Township education officer. In the afternoon, the commander met with Chairman of the Township Peace and Development Council U Khun Soe Lwin, departmental officials and members of social organizations at the office of the council.

Chairman U Khun Soe Lwin reported on cultivation of monsoon paddy, cultivation targets of cold season crops, cultivation of kitchen crops and pepper and cleanliness and greening of the Township. Departmental officials reported on the work done sectorwise. The commander gave instructions on the work being carried out for regional development, cooperation of departments for agriculture and transport sectors, and attended to the needs. The commander, together with departmental officials, offered "soon" and presented alms to eight Sayadaws led by Chairman of the Township Sangha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw Bhaddanta Revata at Nanda Thanthitinyon Kyaung-taik in the township on 18 October. Afterwards, the commander proceeded to Daungchaung camp of road construction project (special group) of Yekyi-Ngathaing-chaung-Gwa road construction. At the briefing hall of the project, Deputy Superintending Engineer U Soe Tint reported on repairs of the road with the use of charts. The commander gave instructions on conducting constant checks on the road, repair of it and collecting essential materials in advance to that the road can be used in all seasons. Later, the commander inspected Gwa-Ngathaingchaung road section.

( 7 )  Tatmadaw Body-Building and Physical Culture Contest opens

Yangon, 19 Oct- The opening ceremony of the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services' Bowl Tatmadaw ( Army, Navy and Air) Body-Building and Physical Culture Contest for 2001 was held at Pyizarni gymnasium in Mawlamyine yesterday morning. Present on the occasion were Chairman of Mon State Peace and Development Council Commander of South-East Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Myo Hla and military officers, Chairman of Defence Services Weight-Lifting and Physical Culture Federation Cmdr Myint Thein and committee members, departmental officials, members of social organizations, officers and Tatmadaw members and their families, contestants and guests. First, on behalf of the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, Commander Brig-Gen Myint Swe made an opening speech. Later, the Commander and those present watched the women's 48-kilo and 53-kilo weight-lifting contests. Altogether 225 contestantsÑ163 men and 62 women Ñfrom 13 teams took part in the contest.

Mayor inspects agriculture and livestock breeding work in Uto-Kya-in

Yangon, 19 Oct- Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay , together with officials, this morning inspected agriculture and livestock breeding projects in Uto-Kya-in region, Taikkyi Township, Yangon Division, and gave instructions. The mayor inspected perennial crops plantations where lemon, mango, pineapple, banana and others are grown and left instructions on fertilization of crops, weeding of the plantation, extended cultivation of orange and pineapple.

Then, the Mayor inspected cultivation of vegetables with the use of green house system and gave instructions on extension of pepper and grape cultivations, constant sale of vegetables at markets. Afterwards, the Mayor proceeded to Kyontamyin and Tawyart farms. He inspected monsoon paddy fields which are thriving, reclamation of cultivable land, breeding of over 1,100 pigs and gave instructions on cultivation of monsoon paddy to meet the target, systematic breeding of ducks, and raising up to 1,500 pigs as soon as possible.

( 8 ) Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister arrives