( 1 ) Secretary-1 receives Executive Secretary of ESCAP

Yangon, 25 Feb- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received Executive Secretary Mr Kim Hak-su and party of Asia and the Pacific Economic and Social Commission (ESCAP) of the United Nations at the Guest House of the Ministry of Defence at 7.30 am today. Also present at the call were Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win and Director-General Thura U Aung Htet of the Protocol Department.

Yangon, 25 Feb - Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung received a goodwill delegation of diplomatic trainees of the Foreign Service Institute, Republic of India, led by Mr Dalip Mehta, Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs and Dean of Foreign Service Institute, New Delhi, together with Charge d'Affaires ai Mr Ashok Tomar and Counsellor Mrs Mukta D Tomar, at the Wungyi Padetha Raza Hall of the ministry this morning. Also present at the call were directors-general and officials of the departments under the ministry.

NPED Minister receives guests

Yangon, 25 Feb- Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha received visiting Executive Secretary of United Nations, Asia and Pacific Regional Economic and Social Commission (ESCAP) Mr Kim Hak-Su and members at the former's office at 9 am today. Also present at the call were officials of the ministry.

Minister receives Executive Secretary and party of ESCAP

 Yangon, 25 Feb - Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone received Executive Secretary Mr Kim Hak-Su and party of ESCAP at his office this morning. Also present at the call were Director-General of the Directorate of Trade U Nyunt Aye, Managing Director of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading U Min Hla Aung and officials.

( 3 )  80 major roads linking states and divisions in the country being upgraded as Union Highways

 Transport network development important for national and regional progress

 Matlan Bridge across Namting Creek on Leikha-Mongnaung-Mongshu Road opened in Leikha

Yangon, 25 Feb- A ceremony to open Matlan Bridge built across Namting Creek on Leikha-Mong-naung-Mongshu Road by Bridge Construction Group-9 of Public Works of the Ministry of Construction, was held at the pandal on the bank of Mongshu, two miles from Leikha, Loilem District, Shan State (South), on 24 February morning, with an address by member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Aung Htwe of the Ministry of Defence.

Also present on the occasion were Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, Brig-Gen Thein Lwin of Loilem Station, senior military officers of Eastern Command and Loilem Station, local authorities, Chairman of Loilem District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Myint Tin, executives of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Working Committee for Women's Affairs, War Veterans Organization, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigade, a dance troupe and local people. Before the ceremony, students of Lecikha Basic Education High School and the band presented dances to the audience. Junior Assistant Teacher Daw Khin Khin Htwe of Leikha BEHS acted as master of ceremonies and PAT Daw Nang Thiri Mon as co-emcee.

First, member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Aung Htwe of the Ministry of Defence delivered an address. Maj-Gen Aung Htwe said local people from Taunggyi, Loilem and Leikha in southern Shan State can now travel easily to Mongshu Gems Land and its environs as Matlan Bridge has been opened. Out of the 180-foot and above bridges built in the country, 240-foot Matlan Bridge is the 139th of its kind. The opening of the bridge will bring about speedy and smooth transport in the region and also contribute to security, goodwill relationship among the national races and economic and social development, he said.

Altogether 80 major roads linking states and divisions in the country are being upgraded to Union Highways in accord with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe. A lot of bridges, big and small, are being built along the highways with the aim of ensuring easy transport the length and breath of the nation, he said. He said Loilem-Leikha-Mongkai-Panketu-Namlang-Hsipaw Road is a strategic road linking southern and northern Shan State. Loilem-Namhsam-Monai-Mongpan-Tarhsan Road, Namhsam-Kunhein-Tarkaw Road and Panketu-Kyethee-Mong-naung Road are being built. He said it is important to develop transport network for national and regional development. He spoke of the need to maintain the roads, to ensure peace and stability and to put an end to insurgency in the region.

 If there is no regional stability and peace, regional development tasks and trading activities cannot be undertaken peacefully. He stressed the importance of regional stability. Maj-Gen Aung Htwe quoted Patron of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Senior General Than Shwe as saying on 19 February 2002 that after taking over the State's duties, the present government has made a firm resolve to meet the strong aspirations of the people and to build a nation with all-round enhanced capabilities step by step and in a systematic manner. Towards this end, the government first laid down plans and programmes aimed at ensuring peace and stability of the State.

Taking account of the experiences and lessons learned from history, it has laid down and implemented the national tasks: non-disintegration of the Union; non-disintegration of national solidarity; and perpetuation of sovereignty. Our Three Main National Causes is the indisputable national ideology of all our citizens. In all its activities since assumption of the State duties, the government has always been guided by this national ideology " Our Three Main National Causes ". The first task that the government undertook was to restore the rule of law and peace and stability. As peace and stability began to prevail in the nation, the government held peace talks with the armed groups with a view to ending armed conflicts that had afflicted the nation for nearly half a century.

 As the government had concentrated its efforts on peace, amity and unity, and had done so with patience, it had been able to rebuild mutual understanding with 17 armed groups who have now returned to the legal fold and joined hands with the government. After restoring peace and stability, the government is now able to turn its attention to national modernization and progress. In this present age, only a nation that can transform itself into a modern one can expect to enjoy sustained development in the long run.

 Thus, the government has set the emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation as its goal and is striving towards this national objective. Maj-Gen Aung Htwe said the Senior General's speech is right for Leikha, Mongnaung and Mongkai regions in southern Shan State. Although most of the armed groups in cooperation with the government are participating in the development tasks through mutual understanding, there are still remnant armed groups. He said he believed Leikha, Mongkai and Mongnaung regions will be a more peaceful, stable and prosperous place if there is peace and understanding.

 The Government is implementing 12 objectives in the political, economic and social sectors, and considerable progress has been made. Now rural development tasks are being undertaken all over the nation including border areas. They are betterment of condition of transport, rural water supply, improvement of education, health, industries, agriculture and livestock breeding. The ministries and the people are also participating in carrying out these tasks. These reflect the goodwill of the Head of State. There is a great increase in the number of roads, bridges, schools, hospitals and clinics. Assistance has been given in the agriculture sector. Development of the nation is gaining momentum. These achievements have resulted from the deeds of the Head of State.

Old Matlan Bridge still exists. New Matlan Bridge built of concrete has been inaugurated by the Government. The repairing of old bridges and construction of new ones are meant for the benefits of the people. In conclusion, he said that not only the State but also all the national brethren are responsible for the stability and peace and tranquillity of the nation. All need to join hand in striving to achieve this end. All are to cooperate in working for the development of the entire region.

 All need to maintain the bridges and roads. Then, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun said that in honour of the 55th Anniversary of the Union Day, Tanaing Bridge was opened in Kachin State on 12 February. Now Matlan Bridge has been opened. Infrastructures which are essential for the economic growth of the nation are being built. This is aimed at achieving equitable development of all the regions including border areas. In accord with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, motorways and railroads are being built to link between the eastern part and the western part and between the southern part and the northern part of the State. Altogether 139 bridges including Matlan Bridge which are 180 feet and above long have been built. Motorways stretching 17,873.6 miles in all have been constructed.

 A study of bridges, 180 feet and above long, shows that there are eight bridges in Kachin State, five in Kachin State, one in Chin State, eight in Sagaing Division, four in Taninthayi Division, 12 in Bago Division, eight in Magway Division, four in Mandalay Division, two in Mon State, 23 in Rakhine State, 22 in Yangon Division, eight in Shan State, 34 in Ayeyawady Division totalling 139. Over US $ 129 million excluding K 53,162 million has been spent on them. Matlan Bridge has been built across Nanting Creek between Lecha and Monghsu in Lecha Township, southern Shan State. The bridge will contribute to development of trade in Shan State. All need to cooperate in maintaining the bridge, which has been built for the development of the nation.

Next, Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint said that Matlan Bridge lies on Lecha-Mongnaung-Mongshu road leading to Monghsu gems land. It also provide access to northern Shan State through Mongnaung and Kyeethee. Langkho Bridge and Nanyun Bridge are also being built in Langkho Township, southern Shan State.

The commander urged local people and departmental employees to cooperate in striving for regional development. On behalf of the local people, Lecha Township USDA executive Daw Nang Su Su Nwe spoke words of thanks for construction of Matlan Bridge. Then, Maj-Gen Aung Htwe presented gift to Senior Engineer U Than Swe of Matlan Bridge Project. Next, Maj-Gen Aung Htwe, Commander Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint and Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun formally opened Matlan Bridge.

 Afterwards, Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun unveiled the stone inscription of the bridge. Maj-Gen Aung Htwe, Commander Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint, Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun, senior military officials and guests passed through the bridge and cordially met the local people. Maj-Gen Aung Htwe, Commander Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint, Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun and party presented prizes to traditional cultural troupes.

Matlan Bridge, 240 feet long, has a 24-foot-wide motor road and three feet wide pedestrian ways on each sides. Water clearance is 64 feet wide and 12 feet wide. Matlan Bridge is of reinforce concrete. The foundation of the bridge was built with reinforce concrete steel frames. The bridge can withstand 60-ton loads. Senior Engineer U Than Swe, Assistant Engineer U Myo Win Oo and technicians started construction of Matlan Bridge on 1 September 2000 and completed on 30 November 2001.

( 4 ) Maj-Gen Maung Bo attends opening ceremony of Tayokehla Model Village in Hpa-an Township

Yangon, 25 Feb- Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Maung Bo of the Ministry of Defence, accompanied by the deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departmental officials, left here by air on 22 February and arrived in Hpa-an, Kayin State, in the evening. On 23 February morning, Maj-Gen Maung Bo attended the opening ceremony of Tayokehla Model Village in Hpa-an Township and unveiled the signboard of the village.

 Also present on the occasion were Chairman of Mon State Peace and Development Council Commander of South-East Command Brig-Gen Thura Myint Aung, Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone, the deputy ministers, Chairman of Kayin State Peace and Development Council Col Maung Shein and members, district and township authorities, departmental officials, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Working Committee for Women's Affairs, teachers, students, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigades, the Kayin don dance troupe, dance troupes, the band and local people.

 First, Maj-Gen Maung Bo unveiled the signboard of the village. Then, Commander Brig-Gen Thura Myint Aung and Deputy Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs U Kyaw Tin formally opened the tarred road leading to Tayokehla Model Village. Next, Maj-Gen Maung Bo and party inspected the road. The tarred road is 3,000 feet long and 18 feet wide. There are two roads in the village. The new village gravel road is 3,300 feet long and 12 feet wide and the old village gravel road is 3,300 feet long and 12 feet wide. And the gravel road leading to the jetty is 1,100 feet long and 12 feet wide.

Then, the opening cere-mony of the new Station Hospital (16-bed) was held in Tayokehla Model Village. Chairman of Kayin State Peace and Development Council Col Maung Shein and Deputy Director-General Dr Hla Pe formally opened the hospital. Afterwards, Maj-Gen Maung Bo and party inspected wards, operation theatre, the lab, the delivery room and other units of the hospital. Officials conducted them round the hospital.

 Next, the opening ceremonies of the office of Village Peace and Development Council, the library and the USDA office were held. Deputy Director-General U Maung Win of General Administration Department and Kayin State USDA Secretary U Saw Hta Lon formally opened the offices. Maj-Gen Maung Bo and party inspected the office of Village Peace and Development Council, the library and the USDA office. There are various subjects of books, journals and magazines at the village library which is kept open for local people from 9 am to 4 pm daily.

A ceremony to open a new building for the basic education high school of Tayokehla Model Village was held in front of the new building. Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung and Secretary of Kayin State Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Kyaw Win Maung formally opened the new building. Then, the students formally unveiled the Myanma education goal stone inscription. Next, Maj-Gen Maung Bo and party inspected the computer application room, the language lab, the computer-aided instruction room, the electronic media room and the printed media room.

Later, a ceremony to open Tayokehla Model Village of Hpa-an Township, Kayin State, was held in front of the school. Chairman of Kayin State Peace and Development Council Col Maung Shein reported on the location of the village, the upgrading of roads in the villages, construction of a basic education high school and a 16-bed traditional medicine hospital, the opening of Win Thuza Shop, construction of a monastery, the office of Village Peace and Development Council, the new office of the Union Solidarity and Development Association and a new library, power supply, livestock breeding, river-water pumping projects and sanitation work.

 Commander of South-East Command Brig-Gen Thura Myint Aung gave a supplementary report. Maj-Gen Maung Bo said that the Government has provided all-round assistance for Tayokehla Village. As local people and departments have worked together, Tayokehla Model Village has emerged. He urged all to maintain the village and pass on good legacy to the new generation youths. Chairman of Tayokehla Model Village Peace and Development Council U Tin Aung spoke words of thanks. After the ceremony, Maj-Gen Maung Bo and party, together with village elders and teachers, posed for photos. Tayokehla Model Village has been combined with Tayokehla Village and Kawkyaik Village in Hpa-an. It is situated three or four miles away from Hpa-an on the bank of the Thanlwin River.

The village has 308 houses and a population of over 1,700. Summer paddy has been cultivated on 365 acres of land, monsoon paddy on 809 acres, edible oil crops on 460 acres, peas and beans on 929 acres, and vegetables on 32 acres in the rainy season and on 50 acres in the hot season. A merit-sharing ceremony for new two-storey Waineya Thukha Monastery of Tayokehla Model Village was held at the new monastery. Chairman of Kayin State Sangha Nayaka Committee Zabumyaing Monastery Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Nandiya administered the Five Precepts. Maj-Gen Maung Bo, the commander and the officials offered alms to the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha. Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Nandiya delivered a sermon, followed by the sharing of merits. Maj-Gen Maung Bo and party offered "soon " to the Sayadaw and members of the Sangha.

ACCSQ PPWG meeting of ASEAN nations begins

Yangon, 25 Feb - The opening ceremony of the fifth ASEAN Consultative Committee for Standards and Quality (ACCSQ), Pharmaceutical Product Working Group (PPWG) meeting of the ASEAN member countries was held at the Traders Hotel on Sule Pagoda Road at 9 am today. It was attended by Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr Kyaw Myint, deputy ministers for Home affairs, Finance and Revenue, Foreign Affairs and Information, directors-general of the departments under the Ministry of Health, rectors, the chairman of Myanmar Medical Association, the chairman of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club, the chairman of Myanmar Red Cross Society, the chairperson of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association, the chairman of Myanmar Medicines and Medical Equipment Dealers Association, officials of ASEAN Pharmaceutical Administrative Departments and ASEAN Pharmaceutical Product Associations, resident representatives of WHO, UNDP, UNICEF and UNDCP and officials of medicine import companies. Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr Kyaw Myint delivered an opening speech and ACCSQ PPWG Chairman Mr Che Mohd Zin Che Awang extended greetings. Then, the discussions followed. The meeting will continue till 27 February.

Myanma track and field team arrives back

Yangon, 25 Feb - Myanmar track and field team, which took part in the 8th Asia Championship Marathon held on 24 February in Hong Kong, People's Republic of China, arrived back here today by air. They were welcomed back at the Yangon International Airport by officials of the Sports and Physical Education Department and the Myanmar Track and Field Federation. Over 20 nations from Asia competed in the competition. In men's competition, Maung Maung Ngai of Myanmar stood third, and the first and second prizes went to Japan. In women's competition, the first prize was taken by China when the second and third prizes were fetched by Japan, and the Philippines the fourth and Pa Pa of Myanmar the fifth.

( 5 ) Industry-1 Minister inspects projects in Kyaukse

Yangon, 25 Feb - Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung together with officials arrived at Kyaukse Factories Project Department, Mandalay Division, and inspected preparations for opening of factories to be opened soon and completion of construction of factories yesterday morning.

 First, the minister inspected Candy Factory Project (Kyaukse) and inspected test running of the factory, and condition of raw materials. He gave instructions on cleanliness and preparations for opening of the factory. Next, he proceeded to Vest Factory Project (Kyaukse) where Factory Manager and officials reported him on completion of factory and future tasks to be carried out with the help of charts. The minister gave instructions on timely completion of the factory and inspected the construction site. Then, the minister inspected completion of main building and installation of machinery from abroad at Sewing Machine Factory (Kyaukse) of Myanma General and Maintenance Industries.

After hearing the reports by Managing Director U Thaik Tun of MGMI on completion of the factory, the minister gave instructions. After that, the minister arrived at Bicycle Factory (Kyaukse) and inspected arrival of machinery from abroad and completion of the factory. He also inspected Kyaukse Cement Factory Project of Myanma Ceramics Industries and heard the reports of the officials at the briefing hall of the project and gave instructions and attended to the needs. The Ministry of Industry-1 has laid down projects in accordance with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, and is implementing these projects throughout the country.

As  the Candy Factory, the Footwear Factory, the Sewing Machine Factory and the Bicycle factory have been completed, they will be opened soon. Moreover, the 500-ton Cement Factory and Firebrick Factory are under construction. Afterwards, the minister inspected construction of Basketball and Volleyball pitches at No 3 BEHS in Kyaukse and attended to the needs. The minister also inspected building of the Kyaukse District Union Solidarity and Development Association and Winthuza Shop in Kyaukse. This morning, the minister met with officials at the hall of Granite Slab Production Camp of Myanma Ceramics Industries in Belin in Singaing Township in Mandalay Division. factory Manager U Soe Win reported the minister on production of granite slabs with the help of charts. General Manager U Myint Thaung and Managing Director Col Soe Yee of MCI added supplementary reports. After giving instructions to the officials, the minister inspected production line of the camp and finished product.

Ministry of Home Affairs opens Efficiency Promotion Course for Senior Officers

Yangon, 25 Feb - Efficiency Promotion Course No 1/2002 for Senior Officers of the Ministry of Home Affairs was opened at the Central Training School of Myanmar Police Force in PyinOoLwin Township, Mandalay Division, this morning. Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing addressed the opening ceremony.

Also present were Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Police Maj-Gen Soe Win, Director-General of Bureau of Special Investigation U Tun Hla Aung, Principal of the Central Training School Police Brig-Gen Win Myaing, Director (Administration/Training) of MPF Headquarters Police Col Win Kyi, Director of the General Administration Department U Win Kyi, Director of the Prisons Department U Than Oo, officials of departments and commands under the ministry and trainee senior officers. The minister said that the Ministry of Home Affairs is to implement its four objectives according to the guidance of the Head of State calling for breaking the colonial habit and protecting the interests of the nation and the people.

The ministry is implementing one of the political objectives  stability of State, community peace and tranquility and prevalence of law and order  as its main duty. At the course, lectures on the objectives and duty and responsibility of the ministry, leadership, political, economic and social affairs, security and lectures on matters related to other ministries will be given. NGOs will also give lectures and organize workshops. Altogether 30 trainees  13 from MPF, 10 from GAD, five from BSI and two from PD  are attending the six-week course.

Minister for Transport meets regional shipping agents

Yangon, 25 Feb- Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe met regional shipping agents at Marine Administration Department in Dawbon Shipyards this morning. Present were Deputy Ministers for Transport Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint and U Pe Than, heads of departments, regional shipping agents of 125 shipping companies and officials of Marine Administration Department. Minister Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe said Myanmar is in the white list of International Maritime Organization (IMO) and those who are qualified and have sea service are to be selected and appointed. He urged the shipping agents to appoint officers from the Institute of Marine Technology as priority.

Altogether 177 companies appointed 12,279 sailors in 1999-2000 and a company could appoint an average of 69 sailors, he said. In 2000-2001, number of appointment of sailors fell to 12,004. Ways and means are to be sought, the minister said. Director-General of Marine Administration Department U Soe Win and officials reported on conditions of the companies and functions and the shipping agents on appointment of sailors, conducting courses and difficulties. The deputy minister and officials took part in the discussions. The meeting came to a close with the concluding remark of the minister.

( 6 )  Minister inspects hotels, tourism services in Bagan-NyaungU, Mandalay

Yangon, 25 Feb- Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, accompanied by officials, inspected hotels and tourism services in Bagan-NyaungU and Mandalay yesterday and today. Yesterday, the minister and party and Chairman of NyaungU District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Khin Maung Oo and officials discussed blocks of Bagan hotel zones 1 and 2 at Thiri Pyitsaya Sakura Hotel. The minister then arrived at Tharapa Hotel Project being implemented by Kappa International Ltd near Tharapa Gate.

 The minister gave instructions on timely completion of the project and attended to the requirements. Next, the minister supervised the site chosen for construction of the Bagan branch of Myanma Hotels and Tourism Services, Resort Bagan Hotel project, Mandarin Oriental Hotel project and Ayeya Hotel. Afterwards, the minister met departmental officials and private entrepreneurs at Bagan Hotel. Then, the minister inspected Bagan Thande Hotel. This morning, the minister, together with Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu, inspected Novotel Hotel at the foot of Mandalay Hill. The minister and party went to Mandalay Zaygyo Hotel, Mandalay Swan Hotel, Mandalay branch of Myanma Hotels and Tourism Services and Sedona Mandalay Hotel and inspected functions of the hotels and the branch. Later, the minister met service personnel of the ministry and left necessary instructions at Inwa Hotel.

Minister inspects communication stations in Kachin State

 Yangon, 25 Feb - CEC member of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, on 22 February, arrived at Tanai in Kachin State, where he met with township executives, organizers and members in the office of Tanai Township USDA and gave instructions on rural development tasks.

Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, on 23 February, visited the hill region missionary monastery in Tanai Township, where he made such donations as robes, umbrellas, slippers to members of the Sangha, and exercise books and stationery to Myitta Yeikmon monastic education school.

 Next, Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw went to Satellite Communication Station in Tanai, where he inspected progress of installation of machinery and post, telegraph and telephone offices, and gave instructions on availability of telephone communications in rural regions in Tanai and Phakant Townships. Then, the CEC member arrived in Dunban Village in Phakant Township, where he met with members of the USDA and accepted 473 membership applications. He donated cash and exercise books and stationery to Dunban Basic Education Middle School and Dunbonkha BEPS.

He also went to Kamaing Village, where he met with members of the USDA and gave instructions on rural development tasks. Later, Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw inspected the telephone exchange and microwave stations in Pinbaw, Hopin, Bilu villages in Moehnyin Township and gave instructions. On 24 February, Brig-Gen Thein Zaw met with members of township USDA in Seinleyadana hall of Moehnyin Township. He also met with members of USDA in Nama, Hopin, Pinbaw villages in Mogaung, gave instructions on rural development tasks and accepted membership applications.

Minister inspects departmental work

Yangon, 25 Feb-Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung accompanied by officials inspected installation of lifts, escalators, construction of water supply system, opening of shops, living area, sales of tickets, installation of electrical fittings, offices and control rooms at Mandalay railway station construction project in Mandalay on 22 February.

Then, the minister inspected repair work at Myitnge passenger carriage and wagon factory and left necessary instructions. On 23 February, the minister met with Managing Director U Win Aung of Road Transport Administration Department and officers in charge at freight transportation branch of Road Transport (Mandalay) and left necessary instructions. At the locomotive factory in Ywahtaung, the minister met with service personnel of the factory and passenger carriage and wagon factory in Myitnge. He ruged them to strive for full realization of objectives of Myanma Railways.