( 1 ) Senior General Than Shwe inspects Second Traditional Medicine and Medical Equipment Exhibition

Yangon, 24 Dec- Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe inspected the Second Traditional Medicine and Medical Equipment Exhibition organized by the Traditional Medicine Department of the Ministry of Health at the Tatmadaw Convention Hall on U Wisara Road this afternoon. Accompanied by 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, members of the State Peace and Development Council, the Commander-in-Chief (Navy), the Commander-in-Chief (Air) and officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, the Senior General arrived at the Tatmadaw Convention Hall at 4 pm today.

The Senior General and party were welcomed there by ministers, deputy ministers, departmental heads, members of the Traditional Medicine Council and officials. Next, the Senior General and party inspected the central booth and booths of the Traditional Medicine Department, private traditional medicine producers and entrepreneurs at the exhibition. Afterwards, the Senior General and party viewed and inspected the traditional medicine research booth of the Medical Research Department (Lower Myanmar), booths of the Ministry of Forestry, the Ministry of Industry-1 and the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and traditional medicine booths of private entrepreneurs. The officials reported matters related to the exhibition. Then, the Senior General left the Tatmadaw Convention Hall after visiting the Second Traditional Medicine and Medical Equipment Exhibition for about an hour.

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( 2 ) Donations in cash and kind to rural area water supply tasks and primary health care

Yangon, 24 Dec- Chairman of the National Health Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt attended the cash donation ceremony for rural area water supply tasks and health care at the Tatmadaw Guest House on Inya Road this morning. Also present were ministers, the vice-chief of military intelligence, deputy ministers, the director of medical services, senior officers of the Ministry of Defence, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, guests and wellwishers from companies. Wellwisher Mr Toru Kobayashi of Utopia International, Japan, explained the purpose of the donation.

The Secretary-1 accepted US $ 50,000 donated by Mr Toru Kobayashi and U Min Min Aung of Silver Wave Trading Ltd of Japan. The Secretary-1 handed over US $ 40,000 to be used for rural area water supply tasks to Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt and US $ 10,000 for rural area health care services to Chairperson of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association Professor Daw Kyu Kyu Swe. Then, the Secretary-1 accepted 20 blood circulation devices (MH SHALU) and 20 mini-blood circulation devices worth K 3.72 million donated to the National Health Committee by Director U Khin Maung Kyaw and Managing Director Daw Ni and family of Fame Hotel and Trade Co and Ngwe Zin Oo Fitness Centre and 2,900 clothes of various kinds valued at US $ 17,000 to be used in providing social assistance by Directors of Myanmar Glogon Co Ltd Mr JW Ryu and Daw Khine Mi Mi Win. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 thanked the well-wishers.

He said that Utopia International, Japan, and Silver Wave Trading Ltd donated US $ 20,000 for the first time. US $ 10,000 each was handed over to respective departments to be used for the water supply tasks of Anya region and for the primary health care of rural people. Out of US $ 50,000 donated again today, US $ 40,000 has been handed over to the Ministry of Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs to be used in supplying water to villages in Magway, Mandalay and Sagaing Divisions and border areas, and US $ 10,000 to Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association to be used in providing primary health care to rural people. Therefore, the department and the association concerned need to realize the purpose of the donation.

The government and wellwishers have been cooperating in undertaking water supply tasks in over 3,000 villages out of over 12,000 villages in Magway, Mandalay and Sagaing Divisions in the dry arid zone and over 8,000 villages in border areas. Wellwishers are making donations, and arrangements are being made to carry out water supply tasks in over 17,000 remaining villages. With the use of donations, water supply tasks can be carried out and primary health care provided. As a result, rural people will be healthy and have peace of mind. Similarly, Fame Hotel and Trade Co and Ngwe Zin Oo Fitness Centre donated blood circulation devices worth over K 3.7 million for the second time to be used in providing health care services to the people. The devices donated for the first time were distributed to the Traditional Medicine Hospital, People's Hospitals and Defence Services General Hospitals, and with the use of these devices, effective treatment can be given to patients. Blood circulation devices donated today will be distributed to remaining hospitals.

The Secretary-1 said that whenever he goes to border areas, he donates warm clothes and other clothing to national people in border areas. Well-wishers also donate clothes. The clothes donated by Myanmar Glogon Co Ltd will also be presented to national people in border areas. Requirements for development of border areas and national races are being fulfilled, which will contribute to the flourishing of national solidarity and Union Spirit. Then, the Secretary-1 inspected the donations and had a cordial meeting with the wellwishers.

( 3 ) Stakes driven for building 200-ton Bleached Pulp Factory Project (Thabaung)

Yangon, 24 Dec- A ceremony to drive stakes for the 200-ton Bleached Pulp Factory Project (Thabaung) of Myanma Paper and Chemical Industries of the Ministry of Industry-1 was held at the project site in Hlegyitet Village, Thabaung Township, west bank of Ngawun River, Ayeyawady Division, this morning. Present on the occasion were Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, Managing Director U Than Shwe of MPCI and officials, Economic and Commercial Counsellor Mr Jin Honggen and staff of the Chinese Embassy, President Mr Ma Yan Li and party of China Metallurgical Construction (Group) Corporation of the People's Republic of China, military and civilian officers, members of Township Union Solidarity and Development Association and division and township level departmental officials.

At 8.10 am, Minister U Aung Thaung and departmental heads and President Mr Ma Yan Li and party of China Metallurgical Construction (Group) Corporation drove the stakes of the factory. In his address, Minister U Aung Thaung said the 200-ton Bleached Pulp Factory Project (Thabaung) is a largest one in Myanmar. The factory will be built with the aims of meeting the paper needs of the country, substituting the import and earning the foreign exchange from export products of the factory. Similarly, projects are being implemented to built new paper mills in Shan and Rakhine States, Mandalay, Sagaing, Taninthayi and Bago Divisions.

He urged officials of China Metallurgical Construction (Group) Corporation and Myanmar side to implement project tasks as quickly as possible. Then, Economic and Commercial Counsellor Mr Jin Honggen spoke on the occasion. Mr Ma Yan Li also spoke words of thanks. The 200-ton Bleached Pulp Factory Project (Thabaung) will be built on 1,107.37 acres of land near Hlegyitet Village, Thabaung Township, west bank of Ngawun River, Ayeyawady Division. The ministry and China Metallurgical Construction (Group) Corporation signed a contract to import machines from China on 31 August 2000. Afterwards, Minister U Aung Thaung and guests visited construction tasks in the project site. All project tasks will be completed in year 2004, it is learnt. After that, the minister and party proceeded to Glass Factory of Myanma Ceramics Industries in Pathein. The minister inspected production process of the factory and gave necessary instructions.

Sibinthayayay Bank Ltd holds annual general meeting

Yangon, 24 Dec- Annual general meeting for 2000-2001 fiscal year of Sibinthayayay Bank Ltd, Ministry of Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs was held at the meeting hall of Development Affairs Department in Botathaung township this morning. It was attended by Minister for PBANRDA Col Thein Nyunt, Deputy Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen Than Tun, Deputy Ministers for PBANRDA U Kyaw Tin and Brig-Gen Than Tun, the managing director, members of board of directors of Sibinthayayay Bank Ltd, guests and shareholders. The chairman of board of directors and the minister made speeches. Managing Director U Myo Win presented report of BOD and annual accounts. Later, officials answered the queries raised by the shareholders. The managing director presented K 80 million from the profit of the bank to Director-General Col Myo Myint of Development Affairs Department for development work of township development committees of low income. The meeting then concluded with remarks by the minister.

( 4 ) Work coordinated to organize Myanmar-Thailand Friendship Trade Fair-2002

Yangon, 24 Dec- A coordination meeting on organizing Myanmar-Thailand Friendship Trade Fair-2002 with the permission of the Ministry of Commerce under the arrangement of Myanmar-Thailand Cultural and Economic Cooperation Association and Thai-Myanmar Cultural and Economic Cooperation Association was held at the ministry this morning. Present were Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Chairman of Myanmar-Thailand Cultural and Economic Cooperation Association Lt-Gen Kyaw Than (Retired) and officials, heads of department, the president and officials of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry and guests.

Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone made an opening speech. Chairman Lt-Gen Kyaw Than (Retd) explained promotion of friendship between Myanmar and Thailand. Director-General of the Directorate of Trade U Nyunt Aye reported on matters related to the trade fair. Those present took part in the discussions. Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan also spoke of economic opportunities which will result from the trade fair. The meeting ended with concluding remarks by the minister. The trade fair will be sponsored by Regina International Co Ltd of Bangkok, Thailand, and will be held at Shan Yoma Departmental Store in Tachilek, Shan State (East), from 18 to 27 January 2002.

F & R Minister receives Japanese guest

Yangon, 24 Dec- Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein received General Manager of Kinsho Corporation of Japan Mr Takenori Kosaka at his office at 9 am today. Also present at the call was Governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar U Kyaw Kyaw Maung.

( 5 ) Ministry of Rail Transportation holds 2nd, 3rd four-monthly coord meeting

Yangon, 24 Dec- The second and third four-monthly coordination meeting of the Ministry of Rail Transportation for 2001 was held at the ministry this morning. Present were Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung, Deputy Ministers Thura U Thaung Lwin and U Pe Than, the managing directors and directors-general of Myanma Railways, Road Transport, Road Administration Department, Transport Planning Department, principal of Central Transport and Communication Training School, advisers, heads of departments and officials from states and divisions. Minister U Pan Aung said the meeting was held to undertake the tasks effectively, strong and weak points of the previous four-monthly meeting are to be reviewed. He also stressed the importance of management in carrying out the projects during the specific period.

Ministry of Health holds 2nd, 3rd four-monthly coord meeting

Yangon, 24 Dec - The second and third four-monthly coordiantion meeting of the Ministry of Health was held at the hall of the Medical Research Department (Lower Myanmar) on Ziwaka Street in Dagon Township this morning, with an address by Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein. Also present on the occasion were Deputy Minister Prof Dr Kyaw Myint, directors-general, deputy directors-general, rectors, directors, medical superintendents, state/division health officers and officials. The minister made a speech.

He said momentum in carrying out public health care tasks with traditional medicine had increased in accordance with the guidance of the Head of State. For the development of human resource in carrying out the tasks at rural areas, it is needed to provide experts and equipment, and for the systematic development of health care tasks, it is needed to set up self-reliance funds and to maintain the momentum of progress of cost-sharing health care system, he added.

Then, Director-General Dr Kyi Soe of the Health Planning Department reported on the work done by the department, Director Dr Pe Thet Tun of the Foreign Relations Department of the ministry on cooperation tasks with international social organizations, Director-General Dr Wan Maung of the Health Department, Director-General Prof Dr Maung Maung Wint of the Medical Science Department, Deputy Director-General Dr Soe Thein of the MRD (Lower Myanmar) and Director-General Dr Myint Lwin of the MRD (Upper Myanmar) on the work done by the respective departments. Then, Deputy Minister Prof Dr Kyaw Myint made a speech, and Director-General Prof Dr Thein Swe of the Traditional Medicine Department reported on the work done by the department. Rectors, central level and state/division level medical superintendents also submitted reports. The meeting came to a close with the concluding remarks by the minister.

( 6 ) 87 ticals of gold donated to Shwedagon Pagoda

Yangon, 24 Dec- The 60th gold plates donation of Padindan Aryondaw Wut Association in Kyimyindine Township to the Shwedagon Pagoda was held at the Dhammayon of the association in Kyimyindine Township this morning. Present were Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, Deputy Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Hsan Hsint, Chairman of Yangon West District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein, Director-General of Religious Affairs Department Dr Myo Myint, guests and donors.

The congregation received the Five Precepts from Ovadacariya Sayadaw of the association Agga Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja Hman Kyaung Sayadaw Bhaddanta Panajota. Minister U Aung Khin and Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko presented offertories to the members of the Sangha. Next, wellwishers presented gold plates weighing 87 ticals worth over K 10 million to Minister U Aung Khin, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Hsan Hsint, Director-General Dr Myo Myint and Chairman Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein. Chairman of the association U Tin Shwe supplicated on donation of the gold plates. Ovadacariya Saya-daw of the association Bagayataik Shwe Hlaing Pariyatti Sarthintaik Bhad-danta Sanvara Bodhi delivered a sermon. The donors handed over the gold plates to the Shwedagon Pagoda Board of Trustees.

Basic Pathan Sermon of Maha Gandayon Sayadaw put on Website

Yangon, 24 Dec- A ceremony to demonstrate the CD-ROM of the basic Pathan Sermon, which was delivered by Maha Gandayon Sayadaw Ashin Janakabhivamsa of Amarapura and to put it on Website, was held at the International Business Centre on Pyay Road of Yangon at 9 am today.

Present on the occasion were Sayadaws and members of the Sangha of International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University, State Pariyatti Sasana University and Maha Gandayon Kyaungtaik of Amarapura, Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement U Hlaing Win, Director-General of the Religious Affairs Department of the Ministry of Religious Affairs Dr Myo Myint, Pro-rector of ITBMU Dr Hla Pe, responsible officials of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, officials of Myanmar Computer Scientist Association, officials of Alpha Computer (Mandalay) Co and officials of Inforithm-Maze Ltd.

The ceremony was then formally opened. U Ye Myat Thu, Managing Director of Alpha Computer (Mandalay), explained the purpose of the launch of CD-ROM and putting the Sermon on Website. Then, the ceremony came to a close. Later, the second part of the ceremony followed. The director of Knowledge Media Co explained their companyÕs arrangements to disseminate knowledge on Information Technology (IT) among the public and to resume the Internet Journal in new style. After that, queries raised by those present were replied by officials of Alpha Computer (Mandalay) Co and Inforithm-Maze Ltd.