( 1 ) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to Brunei Darussalam

Yangon, 23 Feb-On the occasion of the National Day of Brunei Darussalam which falls on 23 February 2002, 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 Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Muizzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.

Secretary-1 receives ROK Trade Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Ministry

 Yangon-22 Feb - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received Minister of Trade of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea Mr Hwang Doo-Yun and party at the Ministry of Defence this evening. Also present at the call were Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win and Director-General of the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet. The guests were accompanied by Charge d' Affaires a.i of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea Mr Park Ro Byug.

Secretary-1 attends cash and kind donation ceremony

Yangon, 22 Feb-Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee and National Health Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt accepted cash, exercise books and stationery donated by wellwishers at the Tatmadaw Guest House on Inya Road at 5 pm today. Also present on the occasion were Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, Deputy Ministers for Health Professor Dr Mya Oo and Professor Dr Kyaw Myint, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, Director-General of Health Department and wellwishers.

 The Secretary-1 accepted K 45 million by Mr Jurgen Von Jordan for Thandwe People's Hospital, MraukU People's Hospital and Kengtung People's Hospital. Then, the Secretary-1 accepted 5,000 dozens of exercise books and 5,000 dozens of pencils by wellwisher U Kan Htoo Maung for the students of the basic education schools. The Secretary-1 handed over the K 45 million to Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr Kyaw Myint. Next, wellwisher Mr Jurgen Von Jordan briefed the purpose of the donations. Deputy Minister Professor Dr Kyaw Myint spoke words of thanks.

( 3 )  Minister receives Korean guests

Yangon, 22 Feb - Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel received Mr Hwang Doo-Yun, Minister of Trade of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and 8 delegation members of the Republic of Korea at his office at 5 pm today. They discussed matters related to economic cooperation between the two countries, between ASEAN and the Republic of Korea and between Japan, China and ROK. Also present at the call were officials of the Foreign Economic Relations Department and the National AFTA Unit.

Minister receives Malaysian guests

Yangon, 22 Feb - Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone received Managing Director Dr Larry Wong Chee Yoong of BERNAS, Malaysia, and party at his office at 9 am today. Also present at the call were Director-General of the Directorate of Trade of the Ministry of Commerce U Nyunt Aye, Managing Director of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading U Min Hla Aung and officials.

S&T Minister receives guests

Yangon, 22 Feb -Chairman of Myanmar Investment Commission Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung received Minister of Trade of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea Mr Hwang Doo-Yun and party at the Myanmar Investment Commission Office this afternoon. They discussed matters related to investment, Myanmar-Korea bilateral cooperation and tasks of Korean companies which are being invested in Myanmar. Also present at the call were Member of MIC Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone and officials of MIC office.

( 4 ) Minister receives Korean delegation

Yangon, 22 Feb - Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone received Minister of Trade of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea Mr Hwang Doo-Yun and party at his office at 10 am today. They cordially discussed the bilateral economic coorperation. Also present at the call were Director-General of the Directorate of Trade of the Ministry of Commerce U Nyunt Aye, Managing Director of the Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading U Min Hla Aung and officials.

Minister and Korean delegation view MFLF

Yangon 22 Feb - Minister of Trade of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Republic of Korea, Mr Hwang Doo-Yun and party together with Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone and officials, arrived at the Myanmar Fishery and Livestock Fair-2002 at Yangon Trade Centre on Upper Pazundaung Road this morning and viewed the booths of ÒMyanmar Export Products PavillionÓ and breeding booths of the ministries.

Myanmar and Korea sign contract

 Yangon, 22 Feb - Minister for National Planing and Economic Development U Soe Tha received Minister of Trade of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Mr Hwang Doo-Yun at his office at 3 pm today. They cordially discussed matters related to economic coorporation between the two countries. Also present were officials of the ministry. Then, Minister for NPED U Soe Tha and Minister of Trade Mr Hwang Doo-Yun of Korea signed the agreement on avoidance of double taxation and prevention of avoidance of paying income tax between Myanmar and Korea at the hall of the Ministry of Finance and Revenue.

( 5 ) USDA members able to fully participate in development of rural areas where 35 percent of them live USDA Special General Meeting (2002) successfully concludes

Yangon, 22 Feb Ñ The second-day second session of the Special General Meeting of the Union Solidarity and Development Association (2002) was held at the Pyidaungsu Hall of the USDA Executives Management Training School of the Central Public Relations Unit in Hmawby at 10.10 am on 20 February. It was attended by member of the Central Panel of Patrons of USDA (Central) member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Soe Win of the Ministry of Defence, Secretay-General of USDA U Than Aung and members of the Secretariat, CEC members, secretaries of state/division USDAs and delegates of state/division/district/township USDAs. Secretary-General U Than Aung presided over the meeting with CEC members of USDA Thura U Aung Ko and U Thein Aung. Daw Aye Aye Khaing, Executive of Loikaw Township USDA in Kayah State, acted as master of ceremonies, together with Daw Aye Aye Nu, Executive of Taninthayi Division USDA. Then, the delegates of states and divisions presented the findings of the panel discussions.

 First, in his report, Secretary of Myawady Township USDA of Kayin State U Than Daing said that USDA is a national organization formed with the offspring of the national people to serve national interests. Since 1993, Kayin State has participated in regional development tasks with the assistance of local authorities. In the transport sector of Kayin State, 306 miles of tarred roads, 95 miles of gravel roads and 334 miles of earth roads totalling 735 miles of roads have been built. Eight bridges, 180 feet long and above, have been constructed. Transport in the region is now in good condition. The flow of commodity is smooth, and social dealings are improving.

 The living standard of rural people has become higher. In the communication sector, three microwave stations, one auto-telephone station, two satellite stations and 14 rural communication stations have been built, and 940 telephones and 500 telephone lines installed. Altogether 240 auto-exchange lines and 225 mobile lines have been extended in Hpa-an, Thandaunggyi and Mya-wady. As 100-watt TV sub-stations have been set up, the people in the region can now watch programmes of Myanma Radio and Television. A relay station has been set up in Hpa-an on self-reliance, and the people can also watch Myawady TV programmes. Satellite telephone system has been introduced, and the people can now contact the whole nation from Papun. With regard to rural water supply, members of the association have actively taken part in the water supply tasks. A canal, a floodgate and drains have been built in Myainggyingu region.

Htinu Dam has been repaired in Phalu region. River-water pumping projects have been implemented in Hpa-an Township. As a result, summer paddy and cold season crops as well as monsoon paddy can now be cultivated, and this can generate the income of local farmers. Executive of Haka Township USDA of Chin State Doth Hlay Par said that as the nation is in stable condition, 12 political, economic and social objectives are being implemented with added momentum. Economic infrastructures are making progress. An objective has been laid down to turn Chin State into a region of tea plants. To distribute 23,617 baskets of seeds of tea plants to farmers, the Government and Chin State have spent K 1.896 million and K 2.257 million respectively. So far, 1,003 acres of land have been placed under tea plants. Arrangements are being made to grow 7.6 million tea saplings in coming June.

The Government is building a network of transport so that people can travel throughout the nation. Haka-Kalay road, Haka-Gangaw road, Haka-Matupi road and Matupi-Mindat road have been repaired. Previously it took two days to cover 120-mile-long Kalay-Haka road, but now it takes only eight hours. Similarly, people from Haka can go to Mandalay in 24 hours. In addition, it is found that Anawrahta Bridge across the Ayeyawady River and Hsinbyushin Bridge across the Chindwin River contribute to the transport sector of Chin State. On completion of Monywa-Alone-Yagyi-Kalaywa road, the region will thrive more than before. In the time of the present Government, 98 miles of tarred roads, 252 miles of gravel roads and 710 miles of earth roads totalling 1,060 miles have been built in Chin State.

 There are 283 miles of 222 roads which can be negotiable by jeep, and 308 bridges have been constructed. Out of 1,350 villages in Chin State, basic education schools have been opened in 1,165 villages. In 25 basic education high schools, Media 3-Platform has been installed; in 10 schools, Media 2-Platform is being used. There are four e-learning centres. Arrangements are being made to open another three e-learning centres. Seven post-primary schools have been opened for students who are going to attend the fifth standard.

Measures are being taken to open another 67 post-primary schools. These tasks reflect the goodwill of the government towards development of human resources in Chin State. Health care is being provided with 21 hospitals, 67 rural health centres and 237 rural health branches in Chin State. The 50-bed hospital in Haka is being upgraded to a 200-bed one. A nursing training school has been opened in Falam. Next, Secretary of Sagaing Division USDA Daw Moe Moe Thein said that in Sagaing Division, 264 rural roads stretching 663 miles and one furlong and 173 bridges have been built at a cost of about 303 million. Arrangements are being made to build 682 roads stretching 2,429 miles and two furlongs. Altogether 918 lakes have been built in 360 villages of eight districts in Sagaing Division. Up to 2000-2002, 484 wells and lakes have been built in 324 villages. Sagaing Division USDA has built 80 wells and is arranging to build another 350 wells.

 During a period from 2002-2006, 209 lakes, 423 artesian wells and 1,134 wells will be built in 1,540 villages. In the education sector of Sagaing Division, literacy campaigns and plans to send all children of school age to school are being launched. It is found that 91% of children of school age are now going to school. Multimedia teaching centres have been opened in 83 basic education high schools; and ten branch schools, in 37 townships of Sagaing Division. Altogether 30,000 CD ROMs are being used in teaching students. Language labs have been installed in 192 middle schools, and 130 post-primary schools have been opened as well. There are 375 libraries in villages, and Myawady TV relay stations have been set up at 42 villages. E-libraries have been opened in 58 townships and villages in the division where 33,000 CD ROMs on various fields of study are available. Arrangements have been made to renovate 28 high schools, 45 middle schools and 1,035 primary schools in Sagaing Division and to install teaching aids in these schools. Secretary of Taninthayi Division USDA U Kyaw Kyaw Htay said that a total of 0.13 million net farmland has been increased in the agricultural sector with an increase of 0.16 million sown acreage per year.

Yinwa dam was built in Kawthoung and the State has provided K 100 million for land reclamation in Taninthayi Division. In transport sector, Ye-Dawai rail road that served the interests of regional and local people was constructed. Pyindaunghsu Highway which links Kawthoung and Mawlamyine is under construction. The five major bridgesÑWinwa with a length of 500 feet, Palauk with a length of 500 feet, Palaw with a length of 600 feet, Taninthayi with a length of 1,360 and Pathoung with a length of 800 feet were constructed and put into service, and Kwekukyaukpha Bridge, Thamoklutlut Bridge, and Lehnyamandaing Bridge are under construction. Altogether 663 miles of roadÑ409 mile tarred road, 86 mile gravel road and 196 mile earth road was constructed in the region.

 In the Dawei District, Zalun Station road, Shinmotti-Shwegutaung road, Sawwa-Shinmotti road, and Kyaukyat-Pauktaing road were turned into gravel ones. Tasks have been carried out for rural and regional water supply in Ketsarpyin Ward, Shinmotti Village, Zahar Village, Maungmeshaung Village, Talaingtaung Village and Pauktaing Village, and arrangement is being made for water supply in Kadet Ngeseik Village, Dewikan Village, Kanyonkun Village, Kahtawni Village and five villages in Thayetchaung Township. In addition, Roads of Pandet-in, Nabulai and Kanbauk Villages were turned into gravel ones. Arrangement has been made for establishing model villages.

 In Myeik District, Myeik-Taninthayi Road was renovated, water supply was undertaken in Sonbyaw Village, rice and clothes were provided to 18 households in Pyicha Village, rice and clothes were provided to 20 households in Kade Village, funds were provided to Zayatseik Village for electrification, sports gear was donated to Htaminmasa Village Primary School and funds were provided to Pyicha Village for water supply. In Kawthoung District, 25 needy students were given free studies in 2001-2002 academic year, the entrance road of Ten-mile Village Monastery was paved, arrangement was made for Village USDA members to be able to attend auxiliary midwifery training, books and stationery were donated to schools, sanitation work was carried out at Maliwan Village and Phawthok Village. As the Government has laid down and is implementing tasks for uplifting the national education standard, all USDA members are taking part in the project.

Altogether 70 primary schools were renovated in the district and arrangement has been made to extend the multimedia classrooms and e-Education learning centres. A total of 1405 USDA members will engage in the rural education campaign as teachers and instructors. Then, Secretary of Bago Division (West) USDA U Thet Oo Min said that two-mile and four-furlong long road was turned into laterite one, and two-mile and seven-furlong long was constructed in Pyay District in cooperation with officials, departments concerned and local people.

For agricultural purpose, altogether 14 dams including Nawin Dam, Taungnyo Dam and Pegyi Dam were constructed in the aftermath of 1988. In Thayawady District, two concrete reservoirs and two earth dams were built and the dams could irrigate 12,000 acres of farmland. Altogether 33 artesian wells have been sunk for rural water supply with the help of USDA members at different levels. New buildings were constructed for eight schools in Bago Division (West) and the schools were also renovated. A total of 22.5 miles of road was turned into laterite and gravel one under the arrangement of local authorities and 38 streets, 24-mile and 3.76 furlong-long, was being turned into laterite and gravel ones with the support of Township Development Committee. The USDA members took part in the tasks to ensure the successful implementation of the project.

 A new road with a length of nine-mile and two furlong was constructed by USDA members in collaboration with local people under their own programme. Arrangement was being made to open ten libraries in villages with the help of the respective education officers and the USDA members at different levels were making arrangement to open 24 libraries for rural development this year. Arrangement has been made to renovate 84 schoolsÑ14 with the assistance of the public, 42 with the help of the Government and the public, 28 with the aid of the Ministry of Education, and the USDA members will render their assistance in the project. The USDA members at different levels in the division are making arrangement to renovate 18 schools.

 In conclusion, he said that the USDA members in Bago Division (West) will make earnest efforts in national and rural development tasks under the guidance given by Patron of USDA Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe. Afterwards, Secretary of Bago Division (East) USDA U Saw Maw Tun said that a total of ten dams have been built in Bago Division (East) as a development task for the nation. As a result, irrigated acres have increased to 50,854 acres. Moreover, 23 122-foot embankments could be constructed so that 255,561 acres of farmland could be prevented from floods. In education sector, a university, a degree college and three colleges have emerged. Seven BEHSs, 36 BEMSs and 167 BEPSs have been opened. In transportation sector, four bridges which are 180 feet long could be built. Five other bridges are under construction. Yangon-Bago six-lane road has been built. Bago-Taungoo road is being upgraded to a four-lane road.

In addition, Hanthawady International Airport is under construction. In industry sector, eight factories including the multi-purpose diesel engine factory in Indagaw village could be built. In communication sector, six microwave stations, three auto-telephone stations, 64 local telephone stations, 119 post offices and 48 telegraph offices could be constructed. Kanbawza Thadi Palace of Bayint Naung who built the second Myanmar Empire could also be reconstructed. In 2001-2002 fiscal year, USDA in collaboration with Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Department has constructed five-mile gravel road, eight-mile laterite road and 2-mile earthen road at a cost of K 4.944 million and two concrete bridges and three wooden bridges have been built at a cost of K 3.51 million. Out of targeted 15 villages, telephones have been installed at Minywa, Kyaikpadaing, Thongwa, Myintsu and Natywa villages. In a bid to deliver post to villages, door-to-door delivery postal service has covered 22 villages after opening of a postal service in Thaya Aye village in Bago Division.

 Further extension of postal service has been under way. In economic sector, a total of 27,455 acres have been irrigated as a result of construction 36 river water pumping projects. A total of 3,973 acres could also be irrigated from 346 tube-wells and 195,000 acres from 75 other water supply projects. Paddy sown acreage has increased from 1.2 million to 1.45 million. In education sector, 141 post-BEPSs have been opened and plans are under way for opening of more 72 schools. Out of 247 schools, 28 schools have been maintained by Ministry of Education, 42 in collaboration with the ministry and the people. A total of 177 schools are being maintained under the arrangement of the people.

 In addition, e-Education Learning Centres have been introduced in 15 schools. Media 3 Platforms have been installed at 49 schools and Media 2 Platforms in three schools. In accordance with the guidance of the Head of State, basic and high school level cultural training courses could be opened. The courses were a great help to uplift of national prestige and integrity and uplift of the morale and morality of the members of the USDAs. From 1 March to 12 April in 2001, a total of 44,538 trainees could make their study at 3,289 learning groups jointly organized by Basic Education Department and the USDA as a task of total elimination of illiterate under the Education For All programme. The in-charge of special organizing group had supported 108.85 tons of sawed wood for making furniture at 36 BEPSs and 1187.85 tons for maintenance of 298 BEPSs and other schools.

Next, Executive of Magway District USDA Daw Moe Thuza said that members of USDA had participated in maintenance work gathering gravel, laying sand and surfacing with asphalt of 57-mile 7- furlong long Gangaw-Pale tar road in Gangaw township, 16-mile one-furlong Kyaukhtu-Tapyin Pauk road. Moreover, they also took part in upgrading of eight-mile long Laungshe-Thigon road in Saw township. Magway Division USDA has implemented supply of fresh water to the villages where water is scarce. The efforts covered emergence of a lake, two hand pumping tube-wells, two tube wells in five villages in Magway district. In addition, Four lakes in four villages in Pakkoku district, one lake and three hand pumping tube-wells in four villages in Minbu district, one lake, 17 hand pumping tube-wells and one tube well in 19 villages in Thayet district have been dug. To sum up, seven lakes, 22 hand pumping tube-wells, three tube wells have been implemented in 32 villages in seven townships in Magway Division.

In drinking water supply task, plans are under way for implementation of 66 hand pumping tube-wells under the sponsorship of the USDA and the people in Magway Division. Arrangement are being made for digging of three lakes and 106 tube wells in collaboration with department concerned, local authority and the people. We would like to have 34 tube wells in 34 villages in eight townships dug by the government. In conclusion, she said that Magway Division USDA will participate in rural area development tasks. Moreover, she promised that all members of the USDA would exactly follow the Guidance of the Patron of the USDAÑbreed patriotic spirit, safeguard the Union from disintegration at the cost of your lives so that the nation becomes developed and breed strong siprit as true members of USDA.

Then, Mandalay Division USDA Secretary U Tin Maung Oo said that in Mandalay Division, over 4.3 million people lived in 5,550 villages and they were doing agriculture on 3.248 million acres for a living; there were 2.5 million cultivated acres and now there are 9.9 million acres; so 25.5 million more baskets of paddy, 22 million more viss of edible oil crops and 9.5 million more baskets of beans and pulses could be produced; in addition to the Union Highway, 1,170 miles of different kinds of roads, 1,317 small and large bridges including four above-180-foot bridges were constructed; under the rural development tasks, altogether 73,380 USDA members took part in construction of 122 miles of earth roads, 58 miles of gravel roads and three bridges and plans were under way to build 44 more miles of roads in 31 townships. A total of 35 rural communication stations and 1,150 rural telephone lines had been installed and arrangements were being made for installation of rural telephone stations in 62 villages.

 Efforts were being made to promote education sector after laying down plans for the development of national human resources; in Mandalay Division the number of rural basic primary schools was extended up to 659 and post-primary schools up to 65 and plans were under way to extend up to 194 primary schools; Mandalay Division USDA had renovated 98 schools in cooperation with the public; preparations had been made for renovation of 255 schools; moreover the association had opened 67 affiliated schools. The State had been practising the modern education system and high schools in rural areas as well as in towns got multimedia teaching centres; in Mandalay Division, USDA members hand in hand with local people carried out tasks for opening multimedia teaching centres in 113 schools and continued efforts were making to open more multimedia centres for high school branches and BEMSs.

In health sector, the State had constructed 85 hospitals and dispensaries in Mandalay Division; blood donation associations were formed in each township and so 1,456 blood bottles were donated; medical treatments were given to 130 snake-bite patients and other 700 patients at Kinbat Village dispensary in Amarapura Township, which was established by the association; more 31 dispensaries and traditional clinics would be opened soon. He spoke of the development of respective regions and sectors, construction tasks and better opportunities of the public included in the guidance of Patron of USDA Senior General Than Shwe at the USDA Special General Meeting. He seriously pledged, in accordance with the guidance of the USDA Patron and future tasks laid down at the Special General Meeting, USDA members would breed patriotism and strong spirit for the development and non-disintegration of the Union and actively participate in implementation of national and rural development tasks after organizing the entire public. Afterwards, USDA Secretary-General U Than Aung declared the approval of three resolutions passed and one matter put at the Special General Meeting. Then, the meeting adjourned for a while. The second-day third session of the Meeting was held at 12.10 pm. Member of the Panel of Patrons of USDA (Central) Maj-Gen Soe Win of the Ministry of Defence presided over the third session. Aungmyethazan Township USDA Executive Daw Thin Thin Oo of Mandalay Division acted as master of ceremonies together with Bago Division (East) USDA Executive Daw Aye Thin Khaing. Maj-Gen Soe Win said that USDA members had determined to implement tasks upholding "Our Three Main National Causes" and to take part in national and rural development tasks being carried out by the State and held mass rallies in various parts of the nation.

The 70 per cent of the nation's population were rural people and 35 per cent of USDA members lived in rural areas and thus USDA members could fully participate in carrying out rural development tasks. Rural development tasks and rural area organizing tasks were to be carried out at the same time; organizing activity meant good forming, good policy, good future tasks and active organization; so it was needed just to actively carry out organizing tasks; priority should be given to implementing tasks for the interests of people in rural areas; at the same time efforts were to be made for organizing matters in rural regions with four capabilities, three abilities and four outlooks.

 The first four-year economic plan and the second five-year economic plan were successful more than expected and the third five-year economic plan was being implemented with added momentum; construction of road, bridges and dams, generation of 2,000 megawatts, extended construction of factories and development of human resources were under way by the State; at the same time rural development tasks were being implemented with might and main; consequently living standard of the rural people would be higher and basic literacy in rural areas would increase, there would be a lot of scholars in various parts of the nation and people would enjoy good health, fitness and long life expectancy; and it meant successfully making an effort for alleviation of rural poverty. The meeting successfully ended at 12.45 pm. After the meeting, Maj-General Soe Win, Secretary-General U Than Aung, secretaries and CEC members, together with secretaries of USDAs from states and divisions, posed for a documentary photo. Local USDA CEC members had a documentary photo taken together with USDA representatives from states and divisions.

( 6 )  UMFCCI and KITA sign MoU

Yangon, 22 Feb - A ceremony to sign a memorandum of understanding on Myanmar-Korea Business Partnership 2002 (KITA-UMFCCI) between the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) and Korea International Trade Association (KITA) of the Republic of Korea was held at the Traders Hotel on Sule Pagoda Road at noon today. Present on the occasion were Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister of Trade of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea Mr Hwang Doo-Yun and delegates, President of UMFCCI U Win Myint and executives, officials of the business organizations under the federation, Vice-President of KITA Mr Kun-ho Cho and Korean entrepreneurs, local entrepreneurs and guests.

 Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone made a speech on economic cooperation between Myanmar and the Republic of Korea and Minister Mr Hwang Doo-Yun on prospects of Korea-Myanmar bilateral cooperation. Afterwards, President of UMFCCI U Win Myint and Vice-President Mr Kun-ho Cho signed the MoU and exchanged documents. After the ceremony, 14 industrial and export-import companies of Korea and 77 companies of Myanmar discussed matters relating to bilateral trade.

Contracts signed for purchase of marine products

Yangon, 22 Feb - Ceremonies to sign contracts for purchase of marine products were held at Myanma Fishery and Livestock Fair-2002 on Upper Pzundaung Road in Mingala Taungnyunt Township. On 21 February, local companies including Good Brother, Ruby Consulting & Trading, Great International, Annawar Fisheries, General Myanmar and United Myeik signed contracts worth US$ 3.2 million for purchase of 560.50 MT of fish and prawn with companies from China, Japan, Macao, America, New Zealand, Hong Kong and England.

Similarly, contracts worth US$ 1.7 million for purchase of 540 MT of fish and prawn were signed by local companies including Belle Myanmar, Kyaw Soe Naing, International Fisheries and Min Zar Ni and foreign companies from Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong and Singapore. During the period of the fair held from 16 to 22 February, 19 local livestock and fisheries companies signed contracts worth US$ 27.25 million for purchase of 7,823.73 tons of fish and prawn with 14 companies from abroad.