( 1 ) Secretary-1 offers crested head-dress at Hsutaungpyay Ngasat Buddha Image of Kyaikhmawwun Yayle Pagoda in Kyauktan

Yangon, 19 March- A ceremony to donate the crested head-dress, the sash (Salwe) and jewellery to Hsutaungpyay Ngasat Buddha Image was held at the prayer hall of Kyaikhmaw-wun Yayle Pagoda in Kyauktan, Yangon South District, at 8 am today, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. Also present on the occasion were Chairman of Township Sangha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Ganthavanaka Pandita Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kusala and Ovada¨ariya Sayadaws, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe, ministers, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, local authorities, departmental personnel, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, social organizations, members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees, well-wishers and pilgrims. The ceremony opened with reciting Namo Tassa three times.

 Then, the Secretary-1 and party and the congregation took the Five Precepts from Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kusala. Members of the Sangha recited Parittas. Next, the Secretary-1 offered the crested head-dress and provisions to the Sayadaw. Similarly, the commander and the ministers donated provisions to the Sayadaws. Afterwards, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and family presented K 595,151 for nine kinds of gems studded in the crested head-dress and K 100,000 for the all-round tasks of the pagoda to Commander Brig-Gen Myint Swe. Then, the wellwishers presented donations for crested head-dress and the sash (Salwe) of the image.

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Minister Col Thein Nyunt, Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint and Minister Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein accepted K 24,864,951 donated by wellwishers including K 2,696,800 by Ministry of Mines, K 3,032,700 by U Law Sit Min-Daw Paw Lin Paung and family (Aung Jade & Gems Co), K 1.5 million each by Shwe Gaung Gaung Joint Venture Jade Co Ltd, Tatkham Joint Venture Jade Co Ltd, Jade Dragon Joint Venture Co, Jingphaw Aung Joint Venture Co, Myanmar Sithu Yadana Jade Joint Venture Co, Yadana Taungtan Jade Joint Venture Co and Thanlwin Ayeya Jade Joint Venture Co, K 750,000 by workers of Myanma Gems Enterprise in Mongshu, K 300,000 by Thiri Thudhamma Manijotadhara U Kyaw Min and U Tha Aye, K 200,000 by U Aung Myint-Daw Tin Tin Aye of East Lanmadaw of Kyauktan, K 180,000 by U Tin Win-Daw Myat Nilar (Red Wing Jewellery Shop), K 150,000 each by U Aung Din and family (Yadana Sein Jewellery Shop), Dr Maung Maung Aye (Golden Bell), U Nyi Nyi-Daw Ohn Ohn Myint (Gangaw Myaing Jewellery Shop) and Daw Yin Yin Myint and Daw Htay Htay Myint (Htay Jewellery Shop), K 120,000 each by Daw Swe Swe Win (Pan Thabye Jewellery Shop), Daw Aye Aye Thit (Thet San Jewellery Shop), U Aung Kyaw Myint-Daw Thin Thin Khaing (Pao Min Jewellery Shop) and U Kaung Naing-Daw Khin Khin Wai (Royal Jewellery Shop), K 100,000 each by U Khin Maung Oo-Daw Naw Phaw Hsay Wah (Golden Eagle Jewellery Shop), Myanma Yadana Family and Daw Khin Than (Mandalar Snow White Jewellery Shop) and K 5,230,300 by wellwishers of Myanma Gems Mart. Next, member of the Pagoda Board of Trustees U Soe Win supplicated on the purpose of offering the crested head-dress and the sash (Salwe) to the Buddha Image.

 Township Chairman Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kusala delivered a sermon and the Secretary-1 and party and the wellwishers shared the merits gained. Afterwards, Staff Officer U San Thin Hlaing of Yangon Division Religious Affairs Department supplicated on offering of the crested head-dress and the sash (Salwe). The Secretary-1 offered the crested head-dress to the Buddha Image.  Secretary-1 offers crested head-dress at (frompage 1) Then, the Sayadaws consecrated the Buddha Image. The congregation recited three times of Buddha Sasanam ‚iram Titthatu and Teingyar team blew three times of conch shells. Later, the Secretary-1 performed the rituals of golden and silver showers to mark the successful completion of the ceremony.

Secretary-1 looks into task at Kyauktan Sea Prawn Breeding Special Zone

Yangon, 19 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 of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe, ministers, deputy ministers, officials from the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads and officials, inspected prawn breeding enterprises at the Sea Prawn Breeding Special Zone in Kyauktan Township this morning. The Secretary-1 and party viewed digging of ponds by national entrepreneurs.

Then, the Secretary-1 and party arrived at the Shukhintha Sea Prawn Breeding Project of the Shwe Ayeya Co Ltd and the Asia World Co Ltd between the Hmawwun Creek and the Yangon River. Managing Director U Tun Myint Naing briefed on location and area of the project, preparations for digging prawn ponds and ponds for water storage, on allotted land of 660 acres, related works, administrative tasks, preparations tasks for the projects.

 Minister for Livestock Breeding and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein then reported to the Secretary-1 on condition of prawn breeding project being implemented by private entrepreneurs, tasks which need special attention and assistance to be rendered by the ministry. The Secretary-1 attended to the needs and made a speech. He said prawn breeding task is an export industry and it can bear fruit in a short time, so tasks are to be carried out systematically, and entrepreneurs and technicians are to share knowledge and exchange experience for further development of the industry. Then, he inspected sea prawn breeding work at the project.

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( 3 ) H & T Minister receives foreign guests

Yangon, 19 March - Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin received Director of South- East Asia Liveaboards Co Ltd Mr Graham S Frost and Secretary General of Thai-Myanmar Cultural and Economic Cooperation Association (TMCECA) General Sanan Kajornklam and party at his office at 10 am and 1 pm today respectively.

Also present at the calls were Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu, Director-General of Directorate of Hotels and Tourism U Khin Maung Latt, Managing Director of Myanma Hotels and Tourism Services U Kyi Tun and officials and those of (TMCECA).

Industry-1 Minister inspects factory projects in Kyaukse

Yangon, 19 March- Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung arrived at Kyaukse industrial planning region yesterday. The minister inspected preparations of factory projects which will be opened in the first week of April, progress of construction, installation and running of machines at the factories. Then, the minister inspected Footwear Factory (Kyaukse) and Sewing Machine Factory (Kyaukse) of Myanma General and Maintenance Industries. Next, the minister went to Kyaukse Cement Plant and inspected production process.

The minister, together with Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Ye Myint, Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Deputy Minister Prof Dr Mya Oo and officials, proceeded to the disposable syringe factory of Myanmar Myo Ko Ko Medical Instrument Co Ltd in Mandalay Industrial Zone. They inspected machines for producing disposable syringes and hypodermic syringes. At Kanaung Hall of the zone, Minister U Aung Thaung and the Commander met with industrialists and gave necessary instructions. At noon, the minister attended the closing ceremony of Market Management Course No 1/2002 at the hall of the Ministry of Industry-1. The minister presented prizes to outstanding trainees and certificates to the trainees.

Then, the minister presented prize of honour to Research Officer U Tin Aung Shwe of Myanma Pharmaceutical Industries who wrote articles in the daily papers.

Minister inspects irrigation facilities in Bago Division

Yangon, 19 March -Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, accompanied by departmental officials, arrived at No 8 Sugar Mill (Zeyawady) in Pyu Township, Bago Division, on 17 March. Manager of the mill reported on growing of sugarcane and sugar production in 2002 to the minister who gave instructions on exceeding the target, boosting per acre yield, purchasing zone-wise supervision in purchase zones and mini-mizing loss and wastage.

Then, the minister inspected production process at the mill and gave instructions. Next, the minister and party inspected cashew plantation being undertaken by the Myanmar Singapore Plantation Ltd. At the briefing hall, the minister discussed matters related to the functions and inspected the plantation. Then, the minister inspected finished products of cashew and gave instructions.

 Afterwards, he inspected Minye Dam in Ottwin Township. The minister together with Deputy Commander of Southern Command Brig-Gen Thura Maung Ni proceeded to the Khapaung Dam Construction Project site. At the briefing hall, Director U Win Maung of Construction Group-5 reported on progress of work and work being carried out. Then, the minister inspected the project where the deputy director-general of the Irrigation Department reported on work being carried out. Later, the minister and party inspected the site where feasibility study is being carried out for construction of a dam 12 miles away from Toungoo and the site chosen for construction of the embankment near Htonbo Village in Thandaung Township.U San Myint of MFE and officials.

 Next, the minister and party inspected medicinal Linzi mushroom growing camp of the Myanma Farms Enterprise and pepper and Thitseint (Belleric Myro-balan) nurseries in Kyauk-taing Village, Toungoo Township, where they were conducted round by Managing Director U San Myint of MFE and officials.

Minister for Energy meets industrialists in Taunggyi (Ayethaya) Industrial Zone

 Yangon, 19 March- Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi met industrialists in Taunggyi (Ayethaya) Industrial Zone in Ayethaya Myothit on 18 March. Present were members of Taunggyi Industrial Zone Development Committee and 210 industrialists. The minister delivered a speech at the meeting.

 Secretary of Taunggyi Industrial Zone Development Committee U Myint Thein reported on establishment of the zone and conditions on operation of the factories. Industrial Zone Work Committees reported on manufacturing of 26 Shan Star jeeps, power tillers, spare parts and barbed wires and iron chain-links. The industrialists reported on difficulties and the minister fulfilled the requirements. The minister inspected assembly of Shan Star jeeps and power tillers. The Shan Star jeep is sold for K 7.5 million. The minister inspected storage of fuel and repair of oil tanks in Shwenyaung.

Forestry Minister tours Bago Division

Yangon, 19 March- Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone toured western and eastern parts of Bago Division from 17 to 19 March. During the tour, he inspected Myaing Haewun elephant research camp in Taikkyi Township and No 100 Phalon saw mill. Next, he met with officials in Pyay and discussed timber production from Padaung region and Thayet District in Western Bago and timely completion of the delivery of timber.

 Then, he inspected Aunglan Township Forest Department, Kobin raft jetty in Sinbaungwe Township, Pokya forest camp in Yedashe Township and condition of timber production from Eastern Bago in Toungoo. The minister also inspected Ottwin Township Myaysay raft jetty, Nyaunglebin Township Myochoung raft jetty, road sections of North Zamani reserve forest and other raft jetties.

( 4 )Hospitals in Kachin State, Sagaing, Mandalay Divisions inspected

Yangon, 19 March Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, accompanied by officials of the ministry, vi-sited Mogaung, Mohnyin and Indaw Township Hospitals on 17 March and inspected patient wards, operation theatres, delivery rooms, labs, X-ray rooms and medicine warehouses.

 Yesterday morning, the minister went to Shwebo District Hospital and fulfilled the requirements. At the hospitals, the minister met local people and social organizations. Afterwards, the minister, together with Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Ye Myint, Deputy Minister for Health Prof Dr Mya Oo and Mandalay Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein, went to Mandalay University of Traditional Medicine and inspected the site chosen for construction of the university.

Myanmar delegation back from Thailand

Yangon, 19 March - Myanmar delegation led by Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone arrived back here this evening after attending the Third Myanmar-Thai Trade Joint Commission meeting held in Bangkok. The delegation was welcomed by Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel, Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Director-General of Border Trade Department U Nay Win, Managing Director of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading U Min Hla Aung and families.

 The delegation members Director-General of Directorate of Trade U Nyunt Aye, acting Managing Director of Myanmar Investment and Commercial Bank U Mya Than, CEC member of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry U Sein Win Hlaing and Deputy Director of Directorate of Trade U Tin Shwe Win also arrived back on the same flight.

Mines Minister inspects salt mills in Ayeyawady Division

Yangon, 19 March- Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, accompanied by the Managing Director of Myanma Salt and Marine Chemical Enterprise and officials, arrived in Pathein on 16 March. The minister met with service personnel of the enterprise and salt entrepreneurs at the office of the enterprise. He heard reports and gave instructions on salt production to exceed the target, boosting production, extension of salt production area, availability of quality salt and production of iodized salt meeting the set standard.

 On 17 March, the minister met the manager and personnel at Thahmephyu salt production camp in Ngaputaw Township. The minister inspected salt production at the camp. At Thingangale salt production camp, the minister met with personnel and left necessary instructions. On 18 March, the minister inspected salt mills in Pathein and left necessary instructions. This morning, the minister and party met with the commander of South-West Command and discussed salt production in Ayeyawady Division and tasks to be undertaken.

Appointment of Ambassador agreed on

Yangon, 20 March - The Government of the Union of Myanmar has agreed to the appointment of Mr Ricardo Antonio Aragon Moscoso, as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Panama to the Union of Myanmar. Mr Ricardo Antonio Aragon Moscoso is accredited to the Union of Myanmar, with residence in Singapore.

( 5 )  USDA extempore talks competition held

Yangon, 19 March - Under the supervision of the work committee for holding literature and photos competitions for the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, the Union Solidarity and Development Association's extempore talks competition at central level was held at Pyidaungsu Hall of USDA Executives Management Training School, Central Public Relations Unit, Hmawby, this morning.

 It was attended by member of the central panel of USDA member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Soe Win of Ministry of Defence, USDA CEC members U Than Shwe and U Thein Sein, work committee members, officials, member professors of the panel of judges and USDA members. U Kyaw Win, leader of the panel of judges and professor of the History Department of Yangon University, explained about the rules of the competition making schedule and the rules of the competition.

Then, Ma Nyein Mon Mon Oo of Mandalay Division, Maung Ye Tun Thu of Taninthayi Division, Ma Htay Sanda Win of Kayin State, Maung Tun Tun Win of Kachin State, Maung Khun Kyaw Lin Tun of Shan State (South), Ma Hlaing Wint Ye of Chin State, Ma Mya Phu Kyaw of Rakhine State, Ma Khine Khine Soe of Bago Division (West), Ma Zin Zar Zaw of Shan State (North), Ma Chit The Nyo of Ma-gway Division, Ma Thida Win Maung of Kayah State, Ma Thi Thi Khin of Mon State, Ma Nyo Zin Myint of Ayeyawady Division, Ma Aye Ma Kyaw of Shan State (East), Ma Yadana Shwe of Bago Division (East), Ma Mone Man Wint of Sagaing Division and Maung Myint Maung Maung Sein of Yangon Division took part in the competition. Later, Professor U Kyaw Win announced the list of winners.

 Chairman of the Work Committee U Thein Sein presented prizes to winners, and gifts to members of the panel of judges. In the competition, Maung Myint Maung Maung Sein of Yangon Division stood first, Ma Nyo Zin Myint of Ayeyawady Division second, and Ma Mone Man Wint of Sagaing Division third. Other 14 contestants took consolation prizes.

Cash and kind donated to 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day parade columns

Yangon, 19 March- A ceremony to donate cash and kind to Tatmadawmen who will participate in the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade for the second time was held at the Defence Services Museum on Shwedagon Pagoda Road this afternoon.

Present were Chairman of Leading Committee for Observance of the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day member of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, Chairman of Management Committee for Observance of the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe, Chief of Staff (Navy) Rear-Admiral Soe Thein, Chief of Staff (Air) Brig-Gen Myat Hein, Vice-Chiefs of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Win Myint, Brig-Gen Aung Kyi and Brig-Gen Thein Swe, Vice-Chairman of Myanmar National Work Committee for Women's Affairs Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement U Hlaing Win and members, Parade Commander Brig-Gen Hla Tun, reserve parade commander Col Than Htay and column commanders, senior military officers, wellwishers and guests.

 Chairman of Leading Committee Maj-Gen Kyaw Win accepted 10 sewing machines donated by Myanmar National Working Committee for Women's Affairs, K 3 million by the Ministry of Forestry, K 3 million by U Kyaw Win of Shwe Thanlwin Co, K 1.5 million by Yangon City Development Committee, 6,000 viss of sea fish worth K 1.5 million by the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Htomaw Co, 3,000 packets of Kiwi brand, worth K 1.5 million 3,000 viss of sea fish worth K 750,000 by U Htay Myint of Annawa Fisheries, 3,000 viss of sea fish worth K 75,000 by Annawahlwan Co in Hlinethaya Township, K 500,000 by Myanma Railways Freight Forwarder and K 500,000 by U Maung Maung Swe Tin-Daw Mya Thida Swe Tin of SI Co and presented certificates of honour to the wellwishers.

Wellwisher Hailon Co of Pazundaung Township, Zaw Lay of Pazundaung Township, U Tito of Myanmar Mann Co and U Thaing Win of BTB Co Ltd donated 1,000 viss of sea fish each worth K 250,000, U Kyaw Kyaw-Daw Aye Mi Aung of Taing Dagon Foodstuff industry, U Soe Tint-Daw Yin Nu of Soe Electric Works and Haj U Hla Aung K 200,000 each, Myanmar Rice Dealers Association 50 bags of rice worth K 180,000, Agga Maha Thiri Thudhamma Theingi recipient Daw Se of Ngwe Se Co K 150,000, U Nyein-Daw Ohn Kyin of OK Rice and Groundnut Oil 30 bags of rice worth K 108,000, Haj U Khin Maung Than stationery work K 100,000, Haj U Aye Thein, U Soe Tint-Daw Khin Lay Nyo of Thannyanthu denture U Ayut Khan, U Maung Maung of Aung Naing Thu Trading, U Sai Aik San of Good Chan Brother Co Ltd, Light International Co Ltd and Winner Star Co Ltd K 100, 000 each, Latha Township War Veterans Organization K 50,000, U Khin Maung Aye Network Marketing Co 144 packets of lotion work K 50,000, U Nyi Nyi Tun of Chachiya Services, Thiri Thudhamma Manijotadhara title recipient U Than Naing-Daw Kyi Kyi Swe of Thamada Thingantaik, U Aung Nyunt (Mawgun Award Winner Grade-I) and Naing-Ngant Gon-Yi title Class-II) wife Daw Aye Bon, Daw Aye Myat Nwe, U Kyaw Thein of A 1 Chemical Trading and U Ba Cho of Olamar Council K 50,000 each, All Bus Lines Control Committee (Yangon Division) 9,763 eggs worth K 205,023, Offshore Fisheries Entrepreneurs Association 1,000 viss of sea fish worth K 250,000 and U Tin Maung Win of Oishi Confectionery 9,000 packages of Oishi snack to Commander Brig-Gen Myint Swe and Col Myat Hein, who presented certificates of honour to the wellwishers. On behalf of the wellwishers, U Nyein of OK Rice and Groundnut Oil Family explained the purpose of the donation. Then, words of thanks expressed by Maj-Gen brought the ceremony to a close.

 All together 41 wellwishers donated provisions valued at K 6,728,032 and K 10,330,000. After the ceremony, Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, accompanied by Commander Brig-Gen Myint Swe and officials, booths to marks the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day at the Defence Services Museum, where they were conducted round the museum by Director of Defence Services Museum and Historical Institute Col Ye Htut. Later, Maj-Gen Kyaw Win inspected exhibition for Literary and Arts Contest to mark the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day at the Tatmadaw Convention Hall, where officials of the Committee for Holding the Contest and the Work Committee conducted him round the hall.

Armed Forces Day parade columns entertained

 Yangon, 19 March-The entertainment programmes were held for Tatmadawmen who will participate in the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Ceremony. On 18 March evening, Tatmadawmen of Hsinbyushin Column were entertained with songs presented by vocalists Yebaw Khin Maung Hla, Phosoghin Khin Maung Nyunt, Thiri Ko Ko, Hsu Yi, M Li Li Hsan, Phyu Thant Tun, Hnin Phyo Le, Kyawt Kay Khaing and Su Shar Latt to the accompaniment of Tatmadaw (Air) modern music troupe at the Maintenance Base.

 Also present were Colonel Air Staff Col Zin Yaw, Commander of Maintenance Base Col Khin Maung Aye, Hsinbyushin Column Commander Col Myo Thant, officers and Tatmadawmen. Then, gifts were presented to the vocalists. Similarly, Academy Thiha Tin Soe, Sai Hti Hsaing, Steven, Lamin Ko Ko, The Nu Hsi Hsar, Moh Moh Zaw Win, Yupa Wady, Mo Mo Ko, Nan Bauk Paing and Zan Zan together with Tatmadaw (Navy) modern music troupe entertained the Tatmadawmen with songs at Ayeyawady Naval Region Command yesterday evening. Also present were the commander of Ayeyawady Naval Region Command, the commander of Nawade Column, officers and Tatmadawmen.

Yangon, 19 March- A ceremony to open the 34th Meeting of the Council Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Centre, hosted by Myanmar, was held at Sedona Hotel on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road this morning.

 Present on the occasion were directors-general and managing directors of departments and enterprises of Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, 66 delegates of ASEAN Secretariat, Japan and council directors of SEAFDEC member Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, advisers, regional representatives of FAO, Network of Aquaculture for Asia and Pacific (NACA) and delegates of Lao PDR as observers. Chairman of SEAFDEC Dr Ngiam Tong Tan gave a speech.

Then, Director-General U Kyaw Lwin of Directorate of Livestock and Fisheries read out the speech of Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein. Director-General U Than Tun of Fisheries Department extended greetings. Next, those present had the documentary photo taken. After the opening ceremony, the 34th Meeting of the Council of Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Centre began. The meeting will continue till 22 March.