( 1 ) Industrial Development Central Committee lays down five principles to set up mechanized agricultural system and industrial nation Secretary-1 attends meeting of Myanma Industrial Development Committee

Yangon, 29 March - Myanma Industrial Development Committee held a meeting on industrial development in the meeting hall of the Ministry of Industry-1 this afternoon. Vice-Chairman of the Industrial Development Central Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt addressed the meeting. Also present were members of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and Maj-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defence, ministers, deputy ministers, members of Myanma Industrial Development Committee, members of the work committees and subcommittees, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, chairmen and members of supervisory committees and management committees of 26 industrial zones and officials.

 The Secretary-1 said that Head of State Senior General Than Shwe has from time to time given guidance on establishment of industries which necessary for building a modern and developed nation. The State Peace and Development Council is making all-out efforts with the strength of national forces in enabling the Union of Myanmar to stand shoulder to shoulder with others and building the nation into a modern and developed one. In so doing, the Government has placed emphasis on development of agriculture as the base and development of industries. Agricultural work has been carried out from generation to generation, and the nation abounds in natural resources.

That is why efforts for industrial development are based on agriculture. Systematic measures are being taken to strengthen the national economy, to encourage the businesses of national entrepreneurs and to enable them to keep the initiative to shape the national economy in their hands. In this regard, the Government is working for the modernization and development of agriculture, the basis of the national economy, and has given top priority to the mechanization of agriculture. At the same time, the Government is taking measures to lay down the foundations for the emergence of a modern, industrialized and developed nation. In building a modern and developed nation, it is necessary to create favourable conditions contributing to industrial development, to enable national entrepreneurs to set up small- and medium-size industries and to turn private industries into heavy industries. It is also necessary to achieve industrial development in the agriculture sector, to establish import-substitute industries and to set up export-related industries.

 These measures are to be taken by the Government and entrepreneurs. The Secretary-1 quoted Head of State Senior General Than Shwe as saying that the establishment of industries is of great importance in building a modern and developed nation. On the basis of agricultural development, necessary industries are to be set up. The industrial sector is to be divided into three sectors Ñ the state-owned sector, the private sector and the foreign investment sector permitted according to the foreign investment law. The industrial sector comprising these three sectors is to be developed. Therefore, it is incumbent upon all to implement the guidance of the Head of State.

Head of State Senior General Than Shwe has given guidance on implementation of five objectives designed to develop the industrial sector based on the agriculture. These five objectives are development of industries based on agriculture, improvement of industrial products in quantity and quality, production of new machinery items, the manufacturing of machinery for use in industries and to lay down the foundation for turning the nation into an industrialized one on the basis of these four above-mentioned facts. In implementing the guidance of the Head of State, industrial zones have been established at suitable places as of 1995 so that scattered industries can be put in a place. Now there are 18 industrial zones. Some industrial zones have been extended, and there are altogether 26 industrial zones.

 Although the industrial zones have been set up, development has fallen short of expectations. Head of State Senior General Than Shwe has given guidance on cooperation of the state-owned sector and the private sector, and the provision of financial and technical assistance and raw materials and others for the industries of national entrepreneurs by the Government. In accord with the guidance of the Head of State, the Ministry of Finance and Revenue has extended loans to industries; the Ministry of Industry-1 and the Ministry of Industry-2 have provided technical assistance, machinery and raw materials.

To implement the guidance of the Head of State and the industrial policies of the State, the Industrial Development Central Committee chaired by the Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council and Myanma Industrial Development Committee chaired by the Minister for Industry-1 have been formed. The committees are giving policies, working programmes and assistance. Industrial Development Central Committee lays down five principles to set up mechanized agricultural system and industrial nation Industrial Development Central Committee laid down the five principles  wider flourishing of agricultural mechanization system; extension of new factories; operation of the existing factories at full capacity; extension of new industrial zones; and further development of the private sector with the aim of setting up mechanized agricultural system and an industrial nation.

The industries which are being run with the government support are farm machinery producing enterprises, car and spare parts producing enterprises, radio, TV and communication equipment manufacturing enterprise, electrical apparatus manufacturing enterprises, textile and garment industries, rubber industries, finished wood-based industries and rice oil mills and sugar mills and bakeries. There are industrial zones producing cars, generators and pumps, and also small zones producing machinery. Some of the zones are not doing their business well. The Head of State has given guidance, saying that first the industries which include more manual work and less mechanical work will have to be set up; that to reduce the manual part and to increase the mechanical part in the second phase; that to set up industries which almost run with mechanical power in the third phase; that changes and developments should be made gradually; and that the deputy ministers, who take charge of the industrial zones and heads of department will have to render assistance.

 The State has set up industrial zones and allotted land for industries, rendered assistance to set up industries, supplied water, electric power and communication facilities, disbursed loans at low interest rates; rendered assistance to provide manufacturing machines and raw materials to the most possible degree, disseminated know-how, produced materials for industries, and bought raw materials for industrial development. Especially, the State has given priority to agro-based industries, machinery producing industries and import-substitute industries. As the State is rendering assistance, the industrialists are also serving the interests of the nation. The industrialists will have to strive to manufacture quality machines and social goods required by the nation, to run the existing factories at full capacity, to boost farm machinery production, to extend import-substitute industries, to set up new types of industries.

They are required to make systematic arrangements to increase investments, to apply modern production machinery and systems, to introduce innovative means, to systematically nurture human resources and to strive to develop technologies. In addition they will have to rely on practical methods to extend factories that rely on raw materials available in the country, to manufacture new brands of goods and to operate import-substitute industries. In the next stage, they should try to produce export goods that meet the international standard. In conclusion, he urged the industrialists to strive for progress of the national industries to enable the nation to stand shoulder to shoulder with world nations.

 Then, Chairman of Myanma Industrial Development Committee Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung reported on fulfilment of requirements including technical know-how and raw materials for the development of industrial zones, progress of the industrial zones, the organizing of work coordination meetings, distribution of automobiles, assistance being rendered and tasks being carried out under the international cooperation programme; Chairman of Myanma Industrial Development Work Committee Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, on matters related to total quality management courses at which foreign experts gave lectures theoretically and practically, conducting workshops on boosting productivity, creating job opportunities in the industrial zones, arrangements to organize excursions to the industrial zones, doing research in cooperation with the Ministry of Industry-2, conducting surveys on production, maintenance and problems of industries in the industrial zones, drawing designs of each part of automobiles, provision of health care at worksites, engines and spare parts provided for production of automobiles, participation in the ASEAN meetings attended by entrepreneurs form the industrial zones and courses being organized for trainees from the industrial zones; chairmen and officials of supervisory committees and management committees from 26 industrial zones, on requirements of electric supply, fuel oil, industrial raw materials and equipment, water supply, prodution of experts, holding exhibitions, competitions and seminars, arranging study tours, ensuring proper communication and providing techniques and construction materials; and those in charge of the industrial zones Minister U Aung Thaung, Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw and Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut, on assistance to be provided in connection with requirements of private entrepreneurs.

Afterwards, the Secretary-1 said that tasks are to be carried out under the close supervision of the industrial zone supervisory committees and those in charge of the industrial zones ministers and deputy ministers are also to attend to the needs and to provide supervision industrial zone-wise for the development of the industrial zones. If necessary, reports are to be presented to Myanma Industrial Development Work Committee, Myanma Industrial Development Committee and Industrial Development Central Committee. The Government is working for the equitable development of 14 states and divisions. Although there are 14 states and divisions, altogether 24 development regions have been designated.

Constant attention is being paid to development of all the regions irrespective of states and divisions. Efforts are to be made for the emergence of an industrialized and modern nation, to be able to place reliance on national forces, and to promote the development of industries of national entrepreneurs. To develop the nation and to build a modern and industrialized nation, all-out self-reliant efforts are to be made with nationalistic spirit and patriotism. All are to work hard, adopting the attitude that the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe is to be implemented successfully and without fail. In conclusion, the Secretary-1 called on all the industrialists to work in unity in upgrading small- and medium-size industries to heavy industries. Next, the meeting came to an end.

( 3 ) SURA attacked Pachee outpost to mislead certain western nation into viewing it as prime mover in drug eradication and the world into believing Myanmar Tatmadaw to be drug producer Three SURA members who exchanged arms for peace give first-hand account to ambassadors

Yangon, 29 March - The ambassadors of foreign missions met with SURA company commander Kum Kham, platoon commander Aik Maung and private Aik Pee at Tatmadaw Guest House on Inya Road at 10 am today. Kum Kham, Aik Maung and Aik Pee had recently exchanged arms for peace and given a first-hand account of the terrorist acts of SURA drug-trafficking insurgent Ywet Sit's group, its drug production and trafficking and how fabrications were made in connection with the attack on Tatmadaw Pachee outpost.

 Also present at the meeting were ambassadors led by Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Ambassador of Laos Mr Ly Bounkham, Director-General of the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet and officials of the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and officials of the Ministry of Information. Director U Denzel Abel of the Political Department of MOFA explained the arrangements for the ambassadors to meet with a company commander, a platoon commander and a private from SURA group who had recently exchanged arms for peace. He also presented a brief account of the attack of drug-trafficking Ywet Sit's group on the Tatmadaw Pachee outpost. The attack made by the Ywet Sit's drug-trafficking group on the Tatmadaw Pachee outpost, the conveying of the narcotic drugs and stimulant tablets to the outpost and the fabrications made by the group were presented with audio-visual aids. In replying to questions raised by the ambassadors, company commander Kum Khan and platoon commander Aik Maung said that Ywet Sit's opium-trafficking group is based in Lwetainglyan in Thailand. The strength of the SURA is about 7,000.

The group captures youths of the national races and recruits them by force. The group threatens to kill the parents and relatives of the youths if they refuse to join it. Although the youths are reluctant to join the group they have been recruited under intimidation. In some cases, Thai police arrested those who came to Thailand without identification and sent them to the SURA. Thai police sent the arrested persons to the SURA at its requests. The SURA wants to raise its manpower. Thus, the manpower of the SURA has reached about 7,000 at present. Military instructors of a certain western nation give instructor training to Thai war veterans, who in turn give military training to the recruits.

That western nation provides financial assistance to Thailand to buy arms for the SURA. Thais bought arms for the SURA members, and equipped them. Ywet Sit has applied various means to obtain continuous assistance from a certain western nation and Thailand. Platoon commander Aik Maung happened to learn these facts as he was working closely with Ywet Sit as his batman. As a batman, Aik Maung had to cook and prepare meals for Ywet Sit and to wash his clothes. As he knew the ins and outs of the economic and military affairs of Ywet Sit, he was promoted to a platoon commander by Ywet Sit. Thai military instructors and westerners can always be seen at Lwetainglyan camp.

Ywet Sit orders the villages of the areas on the Myanmar side of the border which are beyond the reach of the Tatmadaw to grow poppy. When the poppy fields are thriving, Ywet Sit takes the westerners to the villages, shows them the poppy fields and says that they are grown by Myanmars. He asks the correspondents and TV crews to shoot photo and TV documentaries. He tries to distribute the news to western nations through the Thai news agencies. He gets assistance from the western nation by doing so. One of Ywet SitÕs malicious acts done in 1999 was that he ordered his men to find and arrest some persons who had consumed stimulant drugs (Yama) in a village at the border on Myanmar side.

The villagers were found together with a small number of Yama stimulant tablets. Ywet Sit added more stimulant tablets numbering from 100,000 to 200,000 to those found together with the villagers. He then asked Thai correspondents and TV crews to take documentary on the seizure. He sent the TV and photo documentaries to western nations through the Thai media in an attempt to discredit Myanmar. This is one of the slanderous acts of Ywet Sit. A western nation gave three dollars per seized tablet to the group for making the slander. The SURA attacked the Pachee outpost with similar ill intention. A western nation which is indirectly supporting SURA views the group as the one which is actively eradicating drugs.

The group attacked the outpost to mislead the world into viewing the Myanmar Tatmadaw as a drug producer and discrediting Myanmar. Kum Kham and Aik Maung are able to reveal the truth as they had participated in the attack to launch fabrications against Myanmar. About 250 members were divided into three columns to attack the Pachee outpost. The two are included in the columns. Fifteen 6-wheel trucks of Thai army carrying about 60 Thai troops and arms and ammunition were also included in the columns. They found two Thai correspondents in the Thai military trucks. They said prayers at Paneik camp before the attack. The purpose of the attack was explained before they headed for Pachee outpost.

 Thai military vehicles were left at Pennate outpost and they marched on foot. As instructed by Ywet Sit personally, company commander Kum Kham carried three packages of stimulant tablets, and platoon commander Aik Maung, eight packages of stimulant tablets. The company commander and the platoon commander themselves had to carry them. It was because they were the trusted persons of Ywet Sit that he himself bade them carry the packages. When SURA launched the attack on Myanma Pachee outpost at about 1 am, Thais who came along with the SURA columns, projected searchlights on Myanma Pachee outpost and gave a supporting fire of heavy weapons. The searchlights shown in the video are those carried by Thai military vehicles. After Pachee outpost was taken at about 5 am, as instructed by Ywet Sit, platoon commander Aik Maung himself put the packages of stimulant tablets at the place in Pachee outpost where rations were kept, and cut open the packages with a knife.

Then, Thai reporters videotaped the stimulant tablets. The purpose of cutting the packages open was to get stimulant tablets easily seen on TV. Later, about 15 Thai reporters arrived at Pachee outpost, and took photos and video films. When they did so, the stimulant tablets and arms and ammunition seized from Pachee outpost were displayed. The one who was putting these things in display in the video is company commander Kum Kham. He had to display the stimulant tablets carried by himself according to the instruction of Ywet Sit as if they were seized from Myanma Pachee outpost. The stimulant tablets were displayed in such a way that they were easily seen on TV. Moreover, in displaying the seized arms and ammunition, they also used their arms and ammunition together with the seized arms and ammunition.

Notwithstanding that drug-trafficking terrorist insurgent Ywet Sit and the SURA leadership are shouting that they are fighting for the liberation of Shan State and eradication of narcotic drugs, they are in practice producing heroin and stimulant tablets. Opium refineries are near Lwetainglyan Camp. Although Thais and westerners have frequented the camp and known and seen that Ywet Sit have established the opium refineries and produced stimulant tablets, they have said nothing about it. Nor have they prohibited it. The purpose of their exchanging arms for peace is that they do not like the act of SURA drug-trafficking Ywet Sit and his group. They had to join SURA not out of their volition. It was because he was arrested and forced to enter SURA. The subordinates have to live lives of animals. The leadership like Ywet Sit are rolling in wealth. They bide the subordinates work without any consideration.

They were not satisfied with the facts that they had to attack Myanmar national races and that SURA, while under the name of MTA, killed their relatives. They did not like the act of making fabrications for self-interest, either. Because of these above-mentioned facts, they ran away from there. There are a lot of SURA members who wish to flee like them. When those who attempted to run away were arrested, they were shot dead. A lot of land mines have been planted around the camp. It is difficult to avoid the land mines in attempting to escape. As they themselves planted the land mines and knew the places where the land mines were planted, they managed to escape.

 When they attempted to flee, they were in SURA uniform. As they were in luck, they managed to escape. The video on the attack on Pachee was taken by Thai reporters. Then, the ceremony came to a stop at 11.20 am. Later, the ambassadors viewed the photos and personal data of company commander Kum Kham, platoon commander Aik Maung and private Aik Pee, a map showing Lwetainglyan, SURA headquarters, and SURA opium refineries, a map showing outposts of SURA, photos showing facts about SURA insurgent group, a map showing the attack launched by SURA on Tatmadaw Pachee outpost and photos showing explosion of Mongshu gems land by SURA terrorist insurgents.

( 4 ) Leading Committee for Observance of 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day holds work appraisal meeting

( 5 ) A & I Minister tours Mandalay, Sagaing

Yangon, 29 March - Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, accompanied by officials, arrived at Myitha Gin of Myanma Cotton and Sericulture Enterprise in Myitha, Mandalay Division on 27 March. Officials concerned reported on facts about the factories and their functions to the minister, who gave instructions on meeting the target. The minister then proceeded to the construction project site of Myitha Textiles Factory where officials reported on the work being carried out. The minister gave necessary instructions and inspected the buildings under construction and the already-constructed ones, and the driving of stakes for construction of a factory.

 Next, the minister arrived at the project site of Myanma Farm Equipment Factory of the Agricultural Mechanisation Department. Officials reported on construction of the factory's facilities, water supply and installation of power lines to the minister, who gave instructions on timely completion of the project. Then, he inspected construction of factories for production of spare parts of light farm equipment, power tillers and paddy harvesting machines. Afterwards, the minister inspected Zeedaw Diversion Weir, sluice gates, maintenance works, canals and dredging work, and gave instructions. Then, the minister and party arrived at Indaw River Water Pumping Project being undertaken by the Water Resources Utilization Department near Indaw Village, Budalin Township, Monywa District, and inspected progress of work, the work being carried out and future tasks.