( 1 ) Myitkyina-Sumprabum-Putao road cuts travelling time, contributes to smooth transport in the region

 Efforts required to ensure local food sufficiency, to put land under perennial edible plants such as tea and persimmon species

General Maung Aye looks into greening tasks, jade plots

Yangon, 4 March - Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye, accompanied by members of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Soe Win and Maj-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence, Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thein Sein, Quartermaster-General Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Kyi Min, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Chairman of Kachin State Peace and Development Council Commander of Northern Command Brig-Gen Maung Maung Swe, ministers, deputy ministers, the director-general of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departmental heads, left Putao for Sumprabum by helicopter on 2 March afternoon.

General Maung Aye and party were welcomed in Sumprabum by Tactical Operations Commander Col Tin Shein, the chairman of Township Peace and Development Council and members, departmental officials and national races. The General and party met with the chairman of Sumprabum Township Peace and Development Council and members, departmental officials, civil servants, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Red Cross Society and Auxiliary Fire Brigade at Bantru Hall in Sumprabum. Chairman U Wan Aung of Township Peace and Development Council briefed the General on agriculture tasks, health care services, education, transportation, development tasks and requirements of the township.

Then, member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Kyaw Win reported on the assistance being rendered by the State for sufficiency of rice in the region, the upgrading of Myitkyina-Sumpra-bum-Putao road and development of the township. Chairman of Kachin State Peace and Development Council Commander Brig-Gen Maung Maung Swe briefed the General on systematic arrangements for upgrading roads, supply of clean water, development of regional economy, health and education sectors. General Maung Aye said transport in Sumprabum was difficult. Due to the opening of Myitkyina-Sumprabum-Putao road, it can be reached from Myitkyina in a day, and transport between Sumpra-bum and Putao has become easy. The government is making arrangements to further upgrade the roads.

 As there is progress in road transport, efforts should be made to develop the local economy. Efforts should be made to ensure local rice sufficiency, and to put the land under perennial edible plants such as tea and persimmon species. As the government is rendering assistance to the best of its ability, all are required to work hard. General Maung Aye and party viewed the scenery of the town.

Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin and Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, who accompanied the General, inspected the office of Township Settlements and Land Records Department and the office of Township Information and Public Relations Department respectively. Similarly, Central Executive Committee members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association U Soe Tha, Col Thein Nyunt, Brig-Gen Ohn Myint and Brig-Gen Thein Zaw met USDA members and local people.

Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung inspected the police station in Sumprabum; Deputy Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint, the Township People's Hospital. On arrival at Myitkyina, the General and party were welcomed by Deputy Commander of Northern Command Brig-Gen San Tun, Brig-Gen Bo Kyi of Myitkyina Station, senior military officers, officials, Tatmadawmen and families, members of the police force, USDA members and others. Yesterday morning, General Maung Aye and party visited Shwe Myintzu Pagoda in Indawgyi region, Mohnyin Township.

At Namhmaw mining block in Phakant Township, they heard a report on jade stones cut out of the 3,000-ton jade boulder, raw jade stones and utility jade mined from Namhmaw-Kyaukkyi-gon mining block presented by Chairman U Nay Win Tun of Ruby Dragon Jade and Gem Company Limited. At the briefing hall, U Nay Win Tun reported to the General and party on the mining of jade and gems in Phakant Township and the finding of a 3,000-ton jade boulder in July 2000. General Maung Aye gave suggestions. The General and party inspected the place where the jade boulder was found and the arrangements to enable visitors to view it. U Nay Win Tun presented a jade Buddha image to General Maung Aye.

 In Phakant Township, they inspected Phakantgyi-hmaw mining block where the company and Myanma Gems Enterprise of the Ministry of Mines are mining jade on a mutually beneficial basis. At Uru Yadana Yeiktha, they inspected jade samples. They then met with local authorities, departmental personnel and jade entrepreneurs. The General said jade mining should be conducted in accord with the law. The government is providing as much assistance as possible for the prosperity of the national entrepreneurs.

 They should strive to mine more jade. In addition, they are required to strive to conduct farming to ensure local rice, vegetable and fish and meat sufficiency. Donations were made in honour of the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day. U Nay Win Tun presented K 5 million, U Han Myint of Pale Family K 1 million, U Aye Than, U Ra Haing and U Tin Shwe, on behalf of the 17 donors, K 7 million.

 Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Leading Organizing Committee of the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Kyaw Win accepted the donations. U Nay Win Tun presented K 1 million towards funds of the Northern Command to hold the Armed Forces Day parade, U Han Myint K 500,000 and 17 donors K 3 million. Commander of Northern Command Brig-Gen Maung Maung Swe accepted the donations.

 Back in Myitkyina, the General and party paid respects to Buddhist monks led by Vice-Chairman of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Bhaddanta Silavamsa at Dhamma Rekkhita Wuntho monastery. They also visited the Abbot Training School and paid respects to the Sayadaws.

They then inspected development of Myitkyina. Member of Central Panel of Patrons of USDA Maj-Gen Soe Win, accompanied by CEC members U Soe Tha, Col Thein Nyunt, Brig-Gen Ohn Myint and Brig-Gen Thein Zaw met USDA members. Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Central Organnizing Committee of Myanmar War Veterans Organization Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thein Sein, accompanied by Secretary Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung and officials, met with members of the War Veterans Organizing Committees at different levels and war veterans. He explained the aims, attitude, the five current tasks and the seven future tasks.

 Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt visited border area youth development training school. He presented gifts to the trainees. He also met with departmental personnel at Myitkyina Township Development Affairs Department. He also visited a nursery. The General met with Kachin State, district and township departmental officials at the City Hall in Myitkyina this morning. The ministers, the deputy ministers, the director-general of the State Peace and Development Council Office and heads of department, who accompanied the General, met with them at first.

Also present were members of Kachin State Peace and Development Council and Kachin State departmental officials, district authorities, departmental officials of Myitkyina Township, members of social organizations, ward authorities and traditional dance troupes. Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha spoke of economic development of the nation, economic development of Kachin State in comparison with other states and divisions and implementation of the 2001-2002 economic plans by Kachin State.

Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin spoke of the condition of the agriculture sector and cultivation of rice, peas and beans, oil crops, pepper, coffee, tea and rubber in Kachin State. Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut explained matters related to hydro-electric power projects implemented by the Government to fulfil electricity needs. Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung spoke of tasks undertaken by the Ministry of Information in building a new, peaceful, modern and developed nation.

 Then, the General and party arrived at the City Hall at 9.15 am. Chairman of Kachin State Peace and Development Council Commander of Northern Command Brig-Gen Maung Maung Swe reported on the area of Kachin State, the area of cultivable land, cultivation of monsoon paddy and summer paddy and yields, sufficiency of rice in townships, purchase of paddy, cultivation of oil crops, sufficiency of edible oil, cultivation of peas and beans, arrangements to grow perennial crops, livestock breeding work and staff welfare.

Afterwards, Maj-Gen Ye Myint said that as Kachin State has made concerted efforts, local sufficiency of rice has been achieved. There are a lot of acres of cultivable land, and cultivation is to be extended for the development of Kachin State. As measures are being taken for the betterment of transport, regional development is gaining momentum.

He also stressed the importance of carrying out work in line with rural development tasks. Then, the General said that the purpose of his visit to Kachin State is to find out whether there is any difficulty in implementing the objectives laid down by the Government, to speed up efforts for the development of Kachin State and to fulfil requirements. To develop the Union made up of 14 states and divisions including Kachin State, it is necessary to develop all the states and divisions. It is necessary to expedite the development of all the states and divisions and to narrow the gap of development as much as possible among states and divisions. Therefore, the first short-term four-year plan and the second short-term five-year plan were implemented beginning 1992.

 Now the third short-term five-year plan is being implemented. After the implementation and the first short-term four-year plan and the second short-term five-year plan, the economy of the nation grew by 7.5% and 8.4% respectively. In 2001-2002, the first year of the third short-term five-year plan, the prospect of achieving the target of the plan is bright. The achievements can be attributed to the concerted efforts of the Government, the people and the Tatmadaw. With a view to ensuring the emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation, the ministries are implementing long-term plans as well as short-term ones.

These short- and long-term plans are required to be implemented successfully in respective states and divisions. Kachin State abounds in natural resources. There are a lot of land resources which can be utilized for agriculture and livestock breeding. It is imperative that Government employees in Kachin State work hard for the development of Kachin State with Union Spirit.

The Government, on its part, is attending to the needs of Kachin State. To establish a transport network with other states and divisions, Shwebo-Myitkyina motor road and Tagaung-Bhamo motor road have been built. In addition, Myitkyina-Sumprabum-Putao motor road has been built. Plans are afoot to upgrade the motor road to the one which can be negotiable in all weathers. At the same time, Myitkyina-Tanaing motor road and Tanaing-Nanyun motor road are being built with added momentum. All in all, tarred roads have increased by 125 miles and gravel roads by 154 miles in comparison with those in 1988. Roads are being upgraded and repaired. Where necessary, bridges, big and small, have been built. The bridges, 180 feet and above long, are Bala Min Htin Bridge, Tapein Bridge, Tabetchaung Bridge, Nammyitkha Bridge, Maliyan Bridge, Namsanyan Bridge, Moele Bridge and Tanaing Bridge totalling eight. In the education sector, 32 new high schools, 35 new middle schools and 64 new primary schools totalling 131 have been opened.

 To provide higher education, six colleges and universities have been opened in Myitkyina and Bhamo. In the health sector, the 200-bed Myitkyina Hospital has been upgraded to a 300-bed one; the 150-bed Bhamo Hospital, to a 200-bed one. Seven hospitals have been opened as well. The successful undertaking of the development tasks in Kachin State can be ascribed to the cessation of armed insurgency, stability and prevalence of peace and tranquillity in Kachin State. As national peace groups, in cooperation with the Government, are carrying out national and regional development tasks.

 What's important is to work hard in unity with Union Spirit. All are to work hard on self-reliance. In other words, reliance is to be placed on internal strength. The nation did not get foreign assistance due to internal and external forces who do not bear to see national unity and development of the nation. However, as the State, the people and the Government have cooperated and worked hard, success has been achieved. If there are no internal and external disturbances, more success will be achieved and a peaceful democracy will emerge in a short time. Due to efforts of the national people, there are surpluses of rice in Kachin State where there was no sufficiency of rice previously. More efforts need to be made to enable Kachin State to keep pace with other states and divisions in development.

 Only when there is development in all states and divisions, will the entire Union develop. During the present third short-term five-year plan, emphasis has been placed on development of rural areas. If five tasks for development of rural areas where the majority of the population of the nation live can be undertaken effectively, the gap of development between rural and urban areas will become narrower and narrower and the living standard of rural people will improve as well.

If the gap of development between rural and urban areas becomes narrow and there is equitable development, Union Spirit will surely flourish all the more. Only when Union Spirit is kept dynamic and alive, the Union made up of 14 states and divisions exists for ever. In conclusion, the General urged all to work hard in unity for the development of Kachin State and the economic sector. Then, the General had a cordial meeting with those present. The General and party went to the confluence of Maykha and Malikha where the River Ayeyawady originates by helicopter at 11 am. The General and party had photos taken at the confluence. Later, the General and party arrived back here via Myitkyina by Tatmadaw aircraft in the evening.

Excerpts from General Maung Aye's speech in Myitkyina on 4-3-2002

-To develop the Union made up of 14 states and divisions including Kachin State, it is necessary to develop all the states and divisions.

- It is necessary to expedite the development of all the states and divisions and to narrow the gap of development as much as possible among states and divisions.

- The achievements can be attributed to the concerted efforts of the Government, the people and the Tatmadaw.

- It is imperative that Government employees in Kachin State work hard for the development of Kachin State with Union Spirit.

- The Government, on its part, is attending to the needs of Kachin State.

- The successful undertaking of the development tasks in Kachin State can be ascribed to the cessation of armed insurgency, stability and prevalence of peace and tranquillity in Kachin State.

- What's important is to work hard in unity with Union Spirit. All are to work hard on self-reliance. In other words, reliance is to be placed on internal strength.

- The nation did not get foreign assistance due to internal and external forces who do not bear to see national unity and development of the nation.

- As the State, the people and the Government have cooperated and worked hard, success has been achieved.

- If there are no internal and external disturbances, more success will be achieved and a peaceful democracy will surely emerge in a short time.

( 3 ) Secretary-1 receives Chinese guests

Yangon, 4 March - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received Vice-Chairperson of the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China Mrs Chen Baoliu and party at the Ministry of Defence at 5 pm today.

Also present at the call were Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Director-General of the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet and Counsellor of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China Mr Tang Ying.

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt hosts dinner to Chinese guests

Yangon, 4 March - Secretary-1 of the State and Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt hosted a dinner to visiting Vice-Chairperson Mrs Chen Baoliu of the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs, People's Republic of China, and party at the Karaweik Palace of Kandawgyi here at 7 pm today. Also present at the dinner were chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departmental heads and officials from Chinese embassy to Myanmar.

( 4 )  Secretary-1 previews 39th Myanma Gems Emporium

Yangon, 4 March- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt previewed the 39th Myanma Gems Emporium for 2002 this morning. On arrival at the Myanma Gems Emporium at 9 am, the Secretary-1 was welcomed by members of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Aung Htwe and Maj-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defence, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Brig-Gen Myint Swe, ministers, the Attorney-General, deputy ministers, members of the 39th Myanma Gems Emporium Central Committee and officials. The Secretary-1 and party viewed jewellery shops and mosaic shops on the ground floor of the emporium, raw jade around the emporium and lots of gems and pearls on the second floor. The Secretary-1 gave instructions and left the emporium at 10.30 am.

Secretary-1 inspects construction of White Elephant house

Yangon, 4 March- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Brig-Gen Myint Swe and officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, arrived at the construction site of the house for Raza Gaha Thiri Pissaya Gaza Raza White Elephant at the garden on the southern part of Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township, at 10 am today.

 The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed there by Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, deputy ministers, the vice-mayor, heads of department, members of the security committee for the white elephant and officials. At the office of the work site, Deputy Minister for Forestry Col Thaik Tun and Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa reported on the work of looking after the White Elephant and feedstuff.

Deputy Minister for Science and Technology U Nyi Hla Nge and officials reported on construction of the house for the While Elephant, Myanmar handicraft works and tasks for the garden for the White Elephant. The Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions. Then, the Secretary-1 and party viewed the White Elephant. Next, the Secretary-1 inspected construction of garden for the While Elephant, the house, the waterfall and lakes and left the construction site later in the morning.

( 5 ) Secretary-1 inspects regional development tasks in Shan State (South)

Yangon, 4 March- Chairman of the Working Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Aung Htwe of the Ministry of Defence, Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint, ministers, the Chief of Staff (Navy), the Chief of Staff (Air), deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads and officials, left Loilem, Shan State (South), by Tatmadaw aircraft on 2 March morning and arrived in Wamhaing Village, Kehsi Township, at 10 am.

 They were welcomed there by Command Staff Colonel Col Win Hlaing of Eastern Command, Deputy Director Maj Aung Phone of Development of Border Areas and National Races Department, Chairman U Lwe Mao of Shan State (North) Special Region-3 and national race leaders and local people. Then, the Secretary-1 met with departmental personnel and national race leaders at the hall of Wamhaing Village. First, Chairman U Lwe Mao of Shan State (North) Special Region-3 and border area development in-charge U Kaung Tai reported on facilities of education, health, agriculture and irrigation, construction of roads and bridges and TV retramission station, power generation, exploitation of minerals and regional development tasks.

The Secretary-1 attended to their needs in the regional development tasks. Next, the Secretary-1 presented TV and VCD set, clothes, medicines and exercise books to U Lwe Mao. Similarly, U Lwe Mao presented gifts to the Secretary-1 and party. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 met with education staff and fulfilled their requirements. Then, the Secretary-1 and party proceeded to Wamhaing Orphanage Parahita School where Principal Daw Nang San Kham reported task to look after the 85 orphan students and academic matters. The Secretary-1 attended to the requirements of the school and gave instructions on efforts to be made for teaching the students with the aim of turning out outstanding students from the school.

Next, the Secretary-1 provided cash assistance for the school and exercise books, pencils and clothes for the students to Principal Daw Nang San Kham. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party inspected development of Wamhaing Village. On arrival at Wamhaing Hydel Power Plant, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the 75 kilowatt generator and 125 kilowatt generator. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party proceeded to the antimony-smelting plant. At the briefing hall, factory manager U Sai Htu reported on the location and exploitation of raw antimony, production method of refined antimony and manufacturing tasks.

The Secretary-1 left necessary instructions. Then, the Secretary-1 and party inspected raw antimony, refined minerals and the antimony-smelting workshop. Next, the Secretary-1 and party went to Nawathida Monastery in Wamhaing Village and then paid homage and donated provisions to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Mulinta and members of the Sangha. They then proceeded to Mongshu Gems Land in Lwehsaunghtauk region where they were welcomed by Tactical Operations Commander Col Hsan Tun, local authorities, departmental personnel and members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, social organizations and local people.

 At the Yeiktha, Deputy Director U Than Htaik of Myanma Gems Enterprise reported on area of the gems land, number of jewellery exploitation blocks, condition of commercial blocks, methods of searching jewellery, production of gems and jade in the gems land, private entrepreneurs in cooperation with MGE and tasks being carried for development of Mongshu Gems Land in participation of private entrepreneurs.

Then, Tactical Operations Commander Col Hsan Tun reported on arrangements being made for fire prevention of Mongshu Gems Land. Then, the Secretary-1 said. The government has been making arrangements for emergence of a gem market, development of gem mining in mines including Mongshu gem mine and making gem mining systematic laying down plans. Arrangements have been made for making true accounts of gem stones mined from gem mines, legal trading of gems with the prices worth by eliminating illegal trading and emergence of a gem market within the country.

 These tasks also include collecting due taxes for the State and helping entrepreneurs get due benefit. So, entrepreneurs are to do their business honestly and faithfully knowing goodwill of the government. As priceless stones come out only at pure holy land, I believe precious stones will come out more as long as the entrepreneurs are mentally and physically clean and have good moral, integrity and dignity.

He urged the entrepreneurs to systematically perform their tasks abiding by rules and regulations laid down for development of gem mines. Entrepreneurs are to follow the rules for prevention of fire, security and law enforcement. He also called on officials to constantly supervise and inspect work sites. Then, the Secretary-1 and party inspected samples of gem stones mined from plots of Mongshu Mine. Later, the Secretary-1 and party proceeded to the gem mining site jointly implemented by Myanma Gems Enterprise and Ruby Dragon Gem Mining Enterprise (Group 1) on mutual interest basis. They inspected quality rubies and raw rubies and others.

Next, the Secretary-1 and party inspected rubies and raw rubies mined from Zwe Ahman Gem Mining Co Ltd. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party proceeded to Narai region in Namhsan Township where they were welcomed by Leader of Narai region development and rehabilitation group U Lichen, members and their families who have returned to the legal fold, service personnel and local people. At the hall, the Secretary-1 met with departmental employees and national race members of the group. On behalf of the leader of the group, in-charge of economy U Ba Win reported to the Secretary-1 on construction of the village, roads and bridges, agriculture and livestock breeding work, education and health matters, construction of TV re-transmitting station, and plans for development of economy in the region.

 The Secretary-1 fulfilled the requirements. The Secretary-1 presented TV sets, VCPs and clothing to the national leaders and note books to the teachers. Then, national leaders also presented gifts to the Secretary-1 and party. The Secretary-1 and party posed for documentary photographs with national leaders and local people. Later, the Secretary-1 and party arrived at the work site of Mongsit Region of Saikkhaung-Namhsan section of Shwenyaung-Namhsan railroad construction project.

They were welcomed there by Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung, No 55 LID Commander Brig-Gen Sein Lin, members of Township Peace and Development Council, service personnel, members of USDA, Red Cross and social organizations. First, the Secretary-1 had a cordial meeting with Tatmadaw members of battalions and units who were constructing Saikkhaung-Namhsan railroad and gave encouragement to them. At the briefing hall, Minister U Pan Aung reported to the Secretary-1 on work being carried out at the construction of 103-mile long Saikkhaung-Namhsan section  finding axis, earthwork, construction of embankment, collecting gravels and sleepers, laying of rails and construction of bridges.

 Brig-Gen Sein Lin also reported on participation of Tatmadaw members from battalions and units under No 55 LID and construction of rural roads, wells and lakes by Tatmadaw members. Then, the Secretary-1 presented delicacies to officials for Tatmadaw members.

 The Secretary-1 and party arrived back in Loilem in the evening. On 1 March evening, the Secretary-1 and party paid obeisance to Mwedaw Phyiphya Pagoda in Loilem and made cash donation. Afterwards, they went to Yadanasi Kyaungtaik in Loilem and paid obeisance and presented offertories to members of Sangha led by Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sila Nanda. Deputy Minister for Health Prof Dr Mya Oo who accompanied the Secretary-1 inspected extension of Panglong Station Hospital on 1 March. He also inspected Namhsan Hospital on 3 March.

Yangon, 4 March- A two-member delegation led by Deputy Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mr Arjun Jung Bahadur Singh of Nepal arrived here by air today. The guests called on Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung at his office at 3.3 pm and Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win at 12.30 pm. Also present at the calls were Charge d'Affaires ai of the Nepalese Embassy Mr Harishchandra Ghimire, the director-general of Political Department and officials.

Minister receives Chinese guests

Yangon, 4 March - Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung received the eight-member delegation led by Vice-Chairperson of Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs Mrs Chen Baoliu at his office at 1 pm today. Also present at the call were Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen Thein Tun and Brig-Gen Kyaw Win, directors-general of departments and managing directors of enterprises.