( 1 ) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to Republic of Albania

Yangon, 29 Nov - Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Rexhep Mejdani, President of the Republic of Albania, on the occasion of the Anniversary of Liberation Day of the Republic of Albania which falls on 29 November 2001.

Myanma Farm Machinery Industry Project being set up in Kyaukse Township as agro-based industry of upper Myanmar

Senior General Than Shwe stresses quality improvement of industrial products to meet customer satisfaction

Yangon, 28 Nov - Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe inspected development undertakings and farm machinery in Kyaukse Township yesterday. Accompanied by members of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thein Sein, Quartermaster-General Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Maj-Gen Tin Aye, Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Kyi Min, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Maj-Gen Myint Swe, the ministers, the deputy ministers, the Mandalay Mayor, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and heads of departments, the Senior General left Mandalay for Kyaukse by helicopter yesterday morning.

 On arrival at the industrial zone of the Ministry of Industry-1, which is being set up at a place nearly six miles east of Kyaukse, the Senior General and party were welcomed by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Win and officials. At the briefing hall of Kyaukse Cement Plant Project of Myanma Ceramic Industries, Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung explained building of the plant, raw materials supply programmes and planting of trees in the project area.

The minister also reported on implementing of Plastic Factory Project, Asbestos Factory Project, Bicycle Factory Project, Sewing Machine Factory Project, Shoe Factory Project, Vest Factory Project and Candy Factory Project in Kyaukse Industrial Zone, progress in implementing the factory projects and Blanket Factory Project which is under planning stage. In his guidance, Senior General Than Shwe spoke of the need to pay attention to improving the quality of the products and to meeting the customer satisfaction. Afterwards, the Senior General inspected the samples of the raw materials for the cement plant and machinery parts to be manufactured by the sewing machine factory.

The Senior General and party then inspected the factory projects of the ministry in a motorcade. At the Hsinmin Cement Plant Project, which is being implemented near Nwale-kauk Limestone Hill, eight miles east of Kyaukse, the Senior General and party heard a report on points of the project presented by Maj-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defence. Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance, saying that cooperative efforts are required to complete the projects according to sche-dule and to make arrangements to supply raw materials to the factories.

 The Senior General and party inspected the project. During inspection of No 2 Farm Machinery Factory of Agricultural Mechanization Department near Inngon village in the township, the Senior General and party heard a report on the brief history of the factory, production capacity, implementation of Myanma Farm Machinery Industry Project near the factory, repair of tractors and parts at No 2 Main Workshop at the village and nurturing of skilled workers presented by Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin. Director-General of AMD U Win Maw reported on the work capacity of the workshop and production of new machinery.

In giving guidance, the Senior General said the Myanma Farm Machinery Industry Project is the agro-based industry of upper Myanmar. In addition to the present products, the factories of the project will manufacture other types of farm machinery. It is important for the innovated products to meet the consumer requirement. The project should produce quality goods which meet the international stan-dard. The aim should be set to develop the project from an import-substitute industry at present to an export industry in the future.

The Senior General and party inspected pumps used in tractors produced by the workshop. They also inspected the parts of tractors and power-tillers such as pistons, cylinders, pumps and shafts, and repair of tractors. They also inspected winnowers, harvesting machines trailers, weeders, seeders, power-tillers and other machinery produced by AMD and the area of the Myanma Farm Machinery Industry Project and progress in implementing the project.

 In the evening, the Senior General and party paid obeisance to Maha Shwe-theindaw Pagoda at Thin-daunggyi village in the township. Senior General Than Shwe presented cash donations to the Pagoda Board of Trustees. In Kyaukse, the Senior General and party paid homage to Hsedawnan Pagoda.

( 2 ) Daw Kying kyaing attends ceremony to enshrine relics at Lawka Chanta Labha Muni Image
Secretary-1 hoists Htidaw of Gandakuti Kyaungdawgyi

Yangon, 28 Nov- A ceremony to enshrine relics at Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image and to hoist Htidaw at Gandakuti Kyaungdawgyi was held at the Gandakuti Kyaung-dawgyi on Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township this morning.

 Present on the occasion was Daw Kyaing Kyaing, wife of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe. Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt placed the relics in the hair-knot of the image and hoisted tiers of the Htidaw, Hngetmyatnardaw and Seinphudaw of Gandakuti Kyaungdawgyi.

Also present were member Sayadaws and members of the Sangha led by Vice- Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Maha Aungmye Bonsannkyaung Sayadaw Abhdhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Panindabhivamsa, Secretary Sayadaw Magway Maha Withokdayama Taikthit Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhdhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Bhaddanta Kumara, Daw Mya Mya San, wife of Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, wife of the Secretary-1, Daw Khin Than Nwe, wife of Lt-Gen Tin Oo, State Peace and Development Council members and their wives, the Commander-in-Chief (Navy) and the Commander-in-Chief (Air) and their wives, ministers and their wives, the Yangon City Mayor and wife, deputy ministers, Sri Lankan Ambassador to Myanmar Mr U Mapa and wife and embassy staff, Relics Conveying Team leader Mr Neranjan Wijeyerante and members, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, technicians and experts, members of the board of trustees, well-wishers, personnel of religious associations and invited guests. At 6 am, the members of the board of trustees offered flowers, water and fruits to the Image. Artistes of Fine Arts Department of the Ministry of Culture sang dhammapuja songs.

 Next, the ceremony to enshrine Buddha relics and to hoist htidaw atop the Gandakuti Kyaunghdawgyi commenced with recitation of Namo Tassa three times by Sayadaws and lay persons. The congregation received the Nine Precepts from Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Maha Aungmye Bonsan Sayadaw Abhdhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Panindabhivamsa.

Members of Upathaka Committee presented Paritta flowers, water, thread and sand to the Sayadaws. Members of the Sangha recited Metta Sutta. Next, members of Upathaka Committee sprinkled Paritta water on the image and tied Paritta thread to the image.

 In his supplication, the Secretary-1 said, Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image which was conveyed from Madaya Township on 10 July 2001 and arrived in Yangon on 5 August. The image began to reside in Mindhamma Hill on 12 September. On that day a cornerstone laying ceremony for construction of Gandakuti Kyaung-dawgyi was held. He said carving of the image has completed and the Gandakuti Kyaungdaw and two stairways have also been constructed. Construction of glass- walled hall for the image will take one month and consecration ceremony and Buddha Pujaniya will be held after completion of the glass-walled hall, he added.

He said originally, there is a hole in the hair-knot of the image. The hole is 14 inches deep and its diameter is 1 1/2 inches. To place the relics in the hole Ovada was sought from Sayadaws of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, he said. Sacred relics from various parts of the country including two relics from India and those from Sri Lanka have been collected. On 24 November, Sayadaws of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee selected the relics. These relics were kept in gold a casket, he added. He said he learnt from Sayadaws that Lord Buddha said that planting trees, building roads, wells, dams and Tazaungs paves the way to the abode of celestials beings.

The State Peace and Development Council Government is implementing such tasks with the participation of the people. Therefore, glittering and white-washed pagodas and other religious buildings can be seen in various parts of the country. There is less heat in arid zone due to the planting of trees. With the implementation of irrigation networks there is surplus of food in the country. The world's biggest ruby, the biggest pearl and the biggest jade and a white elephant emerged and it was unprecedented, he said.

 He wished to endeavour for emergence of a peaceful modern developed nation and to carry out the tasks for flourishing of Buddhism in the world. Then, leader of the relics conveying group of Sri Lanka Mr Neranjan Wijeyerante presented the Buddha's relics conveyed from Sri Lanka to the Secretary-1. Afterwards, Daw Kyaing Kyaing, wife of Chairman of State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe, presented the gem casket, in which the relics are kept, to Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Aungmye-bonsan Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Panindabhivamsa.

The Secretary-1 presented the nine-tier gem casket, in which relics of the Buddha are kept, and the Seinbudaw of central Pyatthad of Gandakuti Kyaungdawgyi to Secretary of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Magway Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Bhaddanta Kumara. Daw Kyaing Kyaing then presented offertories to the Sayadaws. Daw Mya Mya San, wife of Vice-Chairman of State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye, presented offertories to the Sayadaws.

The Secretary-1 and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe presented offertories to the Sayadaws. Daw Khin Than Nwe, wife of late Lt-Gen Tin Oo, presented offertories to the Sayadaws. Ministers, deputy ministers, departmental heads and wellwishers also presented offertories to the Sayadaws.

The Magway Sayadaw delivered a sermon. Daw Kyaing Kyaing and those present shared merits gained. Next, the relics enshrining ceremony followed. The Secretary-1 conveyed the relics, and enshrined them into the hair-knot of the Image. The Secretary-1 sprinkled scented water over the image. The Sayadaws recited Gathas, the beginning of which is " Jayanto Bodhiya Mule". Then, Htidaw hoisting ceremony was held.

The Secretary-1 conveyed the Seinbudaw around the image clockwise and put it onto the carriage float. Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than conveyed the Hngetmyatnadaw and the ministers, tiers of the Shwehtidaw around the image clockwise and put them onto the float. Patron of the Pagoda Board of Trustees U Shein Aung Bo opened the ceremony. At the auspicious time, Daw Kyaing Kyaing sprinkled scented water on the first tier of Shwehtidaw.

Then, Daw Mya Mya San, wife of General Maung Aye, the Secretary-1 and wife, and Daw Khin Than Nwe sprinkled scented water on the first tier of Shwehtidaw. Daw Kyaing Kyaing and party hoisted the tiers of Shwehtidaw, Hsatthwaphu and Zunbon atop Gandakuti Kyaungdawgyi.

 Led by Daw Kyaing Kyaing, Daw Mya Mya San and Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and responsible persons sprinkled scented water on the Sein-budaw and Hngetmyatnadaw, and hoisted them atop Gan-dakuti Kyaungdawgyi. At that time, vocalists led by U Tun Shwe and Daw Yee Yee Thant, sang religious songs. The Secretary-1 took position on the Kyaungdawgyi and fixed Hngetmyatnadaw and Seinbudaw atop the Kyaungdawgyi. The Secretary-1 offered flowers to them.

 The Secretary-1 sprinkled scented water on Seinbudaw, Hngetmyatnadaw and tiers of Shwehtidaw. Officials hoisted tiers of Shwehtidaw atop four satellite Pyatthads of the Kyaungdawgyi and the four Pyatthads of the southern and northern stairways. The ceremony came to an end with three-time recitation of Namo Tassa. After the ceremony, Daw Kyaing Kyaing performed rituals of golden and silver showers to mark success of the ceremony.

( 3 ) Secretary-1 attends Brand Launching Ceremony of LG  ( Gold Star ) Elevator into Sigma Elevator

Yangon, 28 Nov - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt attended the Brand Launchaing Ceremony of LG (Gold Star) Elevator into Sigma Elevator, organized by the Fortune International Ltd and the Sigma Elevator Co, Republic of Korea, at the Traders Hotel on Sule Pagoda Road here at 1.30 pm today. The LG (Gold Star) Elevator was renamed Sigma Elevator. Also present on the occasion were ministers, the attorney-general, deputy ministers, Ambassador of ROK Mr Chung Jung-Gum, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, national entrepreneurs, invited guests, officials from Sigma Elevator Co in Korea, Managing Director U Mya Han and members of Board of Directors and officials.

The Secretary-1 and Managing Director U Mya Han formally unveiled the signboard of the Sigma Elevator Co. The managing director extended greetings and explained facts about the ceremony. He then presented a Sigma elevator to the Secretary-1 to be used in nation-building tasks to mark the Brand Launching Ceremony. Officials from Sigma Co, Korea, explained the capacity of Sigma elevators with the help of digital video display and the ceremony came to a close.

The company, using the names Gold Star Co and LG International System Co Ltd, has distributed elevators since 1968, and now it was renamed. The Fortune International Ltd has been the sole agent of the Sigma elevators and escalators since 1991 and it has taken responsibilities concerning purchasing, installation and maintenance of elevators and escalators. The company has distributed altogether over 500 elevators to all over the country. Changing the new name is intended for convenience of users, safety, making of modern designs using digital technology and promoting the quality of the elevators.

( 4 )  Formation of SPA Scholarship Foundation held

Yangon, 28 Nov-The 10th Anniversary celebration of SPA (Myanmar) Ltd and formation of SPA Scholarship Foundation were held at Inya Lake Hotel this evening, attended by Myanmar Education Committee Chairman State Peace and Development Council Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Also 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, the ministers, the deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of departments, ambassadors, Chairman U Thein Wai (a) Mr Serge Pun of SPA (Myanmar) Ltd and members of the board of directors, local and foreign entrepreneurs and guests. Chairman U Thein Wai (a) Mr Serge Pun spoke on the occasion. Next, the Secretary-1 delivered a speech.

He said: I am greatly delighted to attend this auspicious function tonight in celebration of the 10th anniversary of SPA Myanmar. The introduction of market-oriented economic  policies in the country has resulted in a very rapid development of the private sector. In this regard, I am happy to acknowledge the contribution made by SPA Myanmar towards the development of our economy. Projects such as the FMI City and the Pun Hlaing Golf Estate in Hlaing Thayar have become models of urban residential development, providing excellent living environment for the people. Moreover, the First Myanmar Investment Company Ltd (FMI) and Yoma Bank are also two entities which have experienced tremendous growth and stability over the years.

I would like to take this opportunity to extend my warm congratulations to its Chairman U Thein Wai (a) Mr Serge Pun, their directors, and all the managers and staff for their achievement over the past ten years and wish them continued success. Myanmar is firmly committed to the development of our country in all spheres so as to bring peace, stability and prosperity to the nation. In this age of globalization and knowledge, human resource development has become a primary pre-requisite for advancement of a nation.

The Government therefore places highest priority in raising the education standards of the people so that Myanmar will be on par with the more advanced nations of the region. Consequently, more than 6100 new basic education schools have been set up during the time of our Government, many of which are in areas where previously no educational facilities were available. At the same time, the introduction of e-learning and multi-media classrooms all over the nation mean that even students in remote parts of the country can now have access to the best learning aids.

In terms of higher education, the number of universities and colleges in the nation increase from 32 in 1988 to 144 at present. Moreover, post-graduate master and doctorate courses are being conducted in many fields. Even as the Government endeavours for promoting education in the country, we fully recognize the role created by the private sector. As the Chariman of the Myanmar Education Committee, I would like to express our sincere thanks and appriciation to SPA Myanmar for the generous donation of 10 million kyats to the Myanmar Education Committee's Higher Education Fund. Allow me to say that the fund will be used to raise the education level of the people.

 I am also very glad to learn that in commemoration of its tenth Anniversary, SPA Myanmar has announced the formation of the SPA Scholarship Foundation and the contribution of 20 million kyats as the initial capital fund for the foundation. The objectives of this charitable organization to provide opportunities to worthy students of Myanmar to attain a higher education in any recognized learning institution are indeed noble and commendable. I belive that this meaningful foundation will benefit many promising young people in gaining much valuable knowledge in academic fields in the years to come, and this will certainly benefit our country and our people.

 I commend SPA Myanmar for sponsoring this Foundation wish it every success. In conclusion, please allow me to extend my sincere congratulations to SPA Myanmar again and wish all our distinguished guests health, happiness and prosperity. Works being undertaken in Myanmar by SPA (Myanmar) Ltd were screened with the aid of video slides. Daw Ohn Hlaing (a) Ms Olive Pun presented K 10 million for Myanmar Education Committee to the Secretary-1. Chairman U Thein Wai (a) Mr Serge Pun and members of the board of directors of SPA (Myanmar) Ltd presented K 20 million for SPA Scholarship Foundation to Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing. Chairman U Thein Wai (a) Mr Serge Pun and members of the board of directors cut the cake to mark the ceremony.

( 5 )  Lawka Chantha Image Information & Documentation Committee meets

Yangon, 28 Nov - Information and Documentation Committee for Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image and All-round Construction of Mindhamma Hill held a meeting at Myanma Radio and TV this afternoon. Chairman of the committee Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein gave a speech. Historian Dr Khin Maung Nyunt and officials then took part in the discussions. The meeting ended with concluding remarks by the deputy minister. Also present were Vice-Chairman of the committee Director-General of MRTV U Khin Maung Htay, the committee members and guests.

Mekong Subregion Ministers arrive to attend conference

Yangon, 28 Nov - Minister of Trade of Cambodia Mr Chan Prasidh, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office of Thailand Mr Chaturon Chaisang and Minister of Transport of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Mr Le Ngoc Hoan and party arrived here by air this evening to attend the 10th Greater Mekong Subregion Ministerial Conference on Subregional Economic Cooperation to be held in Yangon tomorrow. They were welcomed at Yangon International Airport by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development and Ambassadors and military attaches of Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.

Senior officials of Greater Mekong Sub-region tour Yangon

Yangon, 28 Nov - Deputy Administrator, General Administration of Customs Mr Duanmu Jun of the People's Republic of China, who is currently here to attend the Greater Mekong Subregion 10th Ministerial Conference on Subregional Economic Cooperation, the senior officials and representatives of Cambodia, the People's Republic of China, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Thailand and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam who attended the Senior Officials Meeting of the 10th Greater Mekong Sub-region Ministerial Conference on Sub-regional Economic Cooperation, accompanied by officials concerned, visited the Shwedagon Pagoda here this morning.

 They were welcomed there by members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees. First, Deputy Administrator, General Administration of Customs Mr Duanmu Jun, senior officials and representatives offered flowers, lights and incense sticks to the Buddha Image in the western prayer hall and signed in the visitors' book. Then, they made cash donations and paid homage to the Pagoda. Then, the senior officials and representatives visited the National Museum on Pyay Road and the Drug Elimination Museum in the morning and the Myanmar Gems Museum on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road in the afternoon.

Yangon, 28 Nov - Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone attended the closing ceremony of the Finance and Accounts Management Course No 1/2001 and opening ceremony of the Book-keeping and Quality Control Course No 3/2001 and Basic Accounting Course No 1/2001 held at the hall of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading on Pansodan Street this afternoon. Present on the occasion were Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Director-General of the Directorate of Trade U Nyunt Aye, Director-General of the Border Trade Department U Nay Win, Managing Director of the Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading U Min Hla Aung, officials and trainees. First, Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone made a speech and presented prizes to those who stood first, second and third in the course. Later, a representative of the trainees spoke words of thanks.

Oculists Conference opened

Yangon, 28 Nov - The opening ceremony of the 13th Oculists Conference of Myanmar Medical Association was held at the hall of MMA on Theinphyu Road, Mingalataungnyunt Township this morning, with an address by Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr Mya Oo. It was attended by Director of Medical Services of the Ministry of Defence Brig-Gen Mya Thein Han, Chairman of MMA Professor U Myo Myint, Chairman of Eye Specialists Association Dr Soe Nyunt and members, oculists from the United Kingdom, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India and guests.

 Professor U Myo Myint and Dr Soe Nyunt extended greetings and the opening ceremony ended. After that, the deputy minister and guests viewed the booths displayed at the conference. The Oculists Conference then followed. At the conference, oculists from the United Kingdom, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India and Myanmar oculists will submit 22 papers on eye treatment and queries raised will be replied by resource persons. The conference will continue tomorrow.