( 1 ) Market forces need to compete with one another fairly, and promote development of production and services National economic goal today is to promote living standard of citizens through national economic development 11th Annual General Meeting of UMFCCI held

Yangon, 30 Marc- The 11th Annual General Meeting of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry was held at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street this morning, with an address by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Also present were 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 officials, the president and vice-president of UMFCCI, CEC members, EC members, UMFCCI members, entrepreneurs and guests.

President of UMFCCI U Win Myint extended greetings.

The Secretary-1 said the State Peace and Development Council has been making endeavours with momentum in various sectors to develop the nation, strengthen the national economy and to improve the living standard of the people.

The strong national economy is a basic requirement for achieving national development and uplifting the living standard of the people, he said.

The difference of economy and wealth among the nations of the world in the international facade further widens the gap of development and technology between poor and rich, he said.

At this time, he said, it is obvious that some wealthy developed nations with strong economy are attempting to wield their influence on developing nations and dominate them economically.

The strong national economy is an important national requirement not only for national development but also for enabling the nation to stand tall among the nations of the world and be free from foreign domination, he said. Therefore, efforts are to be made to fulfil this requirement, he added.

He said as the instances of wielding economic influence are on the increase in the world, every country is making efforts competitively to further strengthen their national economy.

Even rich nations are making comprehensive arrangements to protect their national interests in the international economic and trade sectors, he said.

Now is the time to promote economic co-operation with friendly nations and neighbouring nations that have the same goal while the national economy is strengthened.

It is the time for all national people to participate in the task of furthern strengthening the national economy under the leadership of the Government. In other words, such task indicates the importance of the private economic sector.

As is known to all, the Government has been striving to strengthen the national economy relying on the strength not only of State organizations and departments but also of the national private economic organizations.

The Government is giving encouragement so that the national private economic enterprises can thrive and can have the initiative to shape the national economy, he said. Only then can development of the national economy and trade be further promoted on the correct national path which brings about national interest most, he said.

Therefore, with the aim of ensuring the emergence of efficient national forces, the Government has mobilised such national forces as agricultural forces, industrial forces, monetary and financial forces and service forces in the respective sectors. UMFCCI is a national-level organization that forms all economic forces built in the country as a consolidated national force.

The organization is a strong one formed with private and cooperative societies, local and foreign companies, state and division associations and border trade merchant associations.

Moreover, it includes 17 associations such as the mercantile entrepreneurs association, the computer industry association, the fisheries federation, the industrial producers' association, the edible oil dealers association, the rice wholesalers association, the bankers' association, the livestock breeding federation and the timber entrepreneurs association. Therefore, UMFCCI is an important organization that is organizing and leading nearly all the economic forces that play a pivotal role in the national economy.The federations of chambers of commerce and industry came into existence in accord with the market-oriented economic system in the world. It is a practice of the market-oriented economic system to protect the interests of the merchants and industrialists.

UMFCCI is not an ordinary one. It aims not only at protecting the interests of the merchants and industrialists but also at cooperating with the Government in contributing towards national economic development in line with the national economic policy. To achieve the noble aim, concerted efforts are to be exerted.

The national economic goal today is to ensure national economic development and promote the living standard of the citizens through the national economic development. Hence, UMFCCI is not only to do business but also to elevate the national economic life in accordance with the national economic objectives. Today, efforts are being made to develop the national economy, agriculture, agro-based industries and other industries.

Efforts are being made to achieve domestic sufficiency of food and develop export and import-substitute production work.

Moreover, all are to make concerted efforts to strengthen the national economy, to ensure a stable and strong economic climate in the country and to develop production work, trading activities and services systematically and harmoniously.

Myanmar has pursued the market-oriented economic system for over a decade. Market forces need to compete with one another fairly, and promote the development of production and services. It is important that people can enjoy the fruits of development of the market-oriented economic system. Efforts are to be made to develop small- and medium-size enterprises of the private sector into big enterprise and mergers.

Today, agriculture, production, trade and services are related. The condition of the domestic market and policies, the foreign market and policies of foreign nations, local and international agreements and trading systems have influence on production, trading and services. In addition, competition has increased not only inside but also outside the country. The importance of the market is more greater than that of production. To dominate the market, all are to work in unity instead of competing with one another in the country.

A study of foreign trade and import volume of the country over the last two years shows that the import volume of the state-owned sector increased by 1.5%, and that of the private sector decreased by 10%. The import volume of the state-owned sector increased by 1.5% and that of the private sector decreased by 5%.

In view of the total volume of foreign trade, the export volume increased by 30%; the import volume, by 24%. The performance of the private sector decreased in comparison with its last year performance. Therefore, more efforts are to be made for export promotion.

In addition, in the light of the world economic trend, competition was previously made on the basis of productivity and efficiency. Later, it is found that emphasis has been placed on business ethics.

As businesses are striving to be able to stand successfully, more emphasis has been placed on business ethics and reputation. As the business ethics of the biggest companies and audit organizations in the world have been rather lax, they have lost their reputation.

Therefore, the enterprises of the Myanma business world are to observe business ethics, to be united, to maintain dignity and to be beneficial to the society. In this regard, the federation is to organize and lead them.

The businesses in the nation shouldn't be satisfied with the present status in the domestic market, and need to strive to reach the regional and international standards. Only then will they be able to withstand the pressure of penetration of foreign goods when the programmes for the regional free trade area are implemented.

The Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry will have to accept the duty of the chairman and the secretary of ASEAN-CCI from the Philippines Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry. At present, the federation is discharging the duty of the chairman of Joint Economic Quandrangle Committee made up of Myanmar, China and Laos. In 2003, it will have to discharge the duty of the chairman and the secretary of GMS Business Forum.

 The federation, representing Myanmar, is discharging heavy duty in the regional economic and trade cooperation. Therefore, given the dignity of the nation and promotion and safeguarding of national interests, preparatory measures are to be taken. In this regard, assistance and cooperation of respective ministries, departments and organizations are to be obtained. Ministers concerned are to provide assistance.

ASEAN is cooperating with other nations and 12 organizations in the economic field. Moreover, it is cooperating with non-dialogue partners. ASEAN-CCI, being part of ASEAN, needs to cooperate with other business organizations. Therefore, efforts are to be made to promote the efficiency of the federation and all its members. All the members need to be prepared to be able to grasp the opportunities which will arise out of regional economic cooperation.

Today information and communication technology is developing, and as a result, new methods such as e-commerce and e-banking are being employed. In Myanmar, the Internet Data Center and Teleport of Bagan Cybertech is providing services. The entrepreneurs in Myanmar are urged to obtain and use business information through IDC and Teleport.

Therefore, the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry is to study all the business ethics and organize enterprises to observe them, to provide assistance for small- and medium-sized enterprise, to arrange for development of human resources, to promote export through marketing and innovation and to work for the economic stability and development of the nation with the national outlook.

To ensure the perpetual existence of a stable and strong economic climate and to enable the national people to enjoy the fruits of economic development, the federation need to organize and lead all its members to strike a balance between self-interests and common good.

All the members of the federation are to make efforts to develop the production, trade and service sectors proportionately, to promote import-substitute production work, the production work where local raw materials are used and export production work, to secure a place in new markets, to put new items of goods on the market and to export local-made goods.

Efforts are to be made to withstand the international economic effect and economic domination, to promote the national economy and to lay down the economic foundations for the nation.

In conclusion, the Secretary-1 urged all the members of the federation to strive from the trade sector for the progress of the nation, development of the national economy and improvement of living standard of the people, to work in unity to enable the Union of Myanmar to stand shoulder to shoulder with other nations without having to rely on others, to cooperate with international business organizations so that a stable and strong economic climate can be created, to make systematic plans so that the fruits of economic development can be enjoyed by fellow entrepreneurs, to strike a balance between self-interests and common good and to take into consideration not only economic benefits but also the food, cloth and shelter condition of the people.

After the first session of the meeting, the Secretary-1 and party and guests viewed local-made products exhibited by member companies of the federation.

At the second session of the meeting, President of UMFCCI and Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone spoke.

General Secretary U Zaw Min Win read the annual report of the executive committee and the financial statement, and sought the approval of the members. The meeting ended with concluding remarks by the president of the federation.

Secretary-1 attends coord meeting on opening of MMU

Yangon, 30 March-A coordination meeting on the opening of Myanmar Maritime University was held at the meeting hall of the Institute of Marine Technology on Bayintnaung Road here this afternoon with an address by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. Also present on the occasion were Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Brig-Gen Myint Swe, ministers, the Chief of Staff (Navy), deputy ministers, officialsof the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department and officials. First, Minster for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe reported on arrangements for the opening of the university.

Then, officials of the respective sub-committees reported on the set-up of the university, acceptance of the students, construction of buildings, appointment of faculty members, and fulfilment of requirements of books and teaching aids. In response to the reports of the officials, the Secretary-1 gave instructions. Then, the meeting came to a close. After the meeting, the Secretary-1 inspected construction of the university.

The Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 inspected construction of buildings for regional development. In the afternoon, the Secretary-1 proceeded to the project office of Thanlyin-Kyauktan region development zone in Yangon Division.

( 3 ) Friendly golf tournament of SAM held

Yangon, 30 March - A friendly golf tournament to mark the 9th anniversary of the Singapore Association in Myanmar was opened at the Silver Golf Course of Yangon City Development Committee this morning. It was attended by Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, the deputy ministers, Ambassador of the Republic of Singapore to Myanmar Mr Simon de Cruz, the Singaporeans residing in Myanmar and guests. The ministers, the ambassador, the deputy ministers, the visiting Singaporeans and guests participated in the tournament.

Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru title recipient Kyakhatwaing Sayadaw honoured

Yangon, 30 March - Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru title recipient State Ovadacariya Presiding Sayadaw of Bago Kyakhatwaing Monastery Bhaddanta Jotipala was honoured by Bago Association (Yangon) at Wizaya Mangala Dhamma Thabin Hall on Kaba Aye Hill this afternoon.

Present on the occasion were State Ovadacariya Shwe-kyin Sasanabaing Nyaungshwe Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Bhaddanta Vimalabhivamsa and Sayadaws, Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Sirindabhivamsa and Sayadaws, Chancellor of Thidagu World Buddha University Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Maha Dhamma Kathika Vahujanahitadhara Bhaddanta „anissara and members of the Sangha, Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung, Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, Daw Khin Khin Lay, wife of Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, Deputy Minister for Labour Brig-Gen Win Sein, Adviser to the State Peace and Development Council U Arnt Maung, Director-General of the Religious Affairs Department Dr Myo Myint and officials, guests, the chairman and executives of Bago Association (Yangon), disciples, wellwishers and members of the association.

Nyaungshwe Sayadaw administered the Five Precepts to the congregation. Sayadaws and members of the Sangha recited Metta Sutta.

Vice-Chairman of Bago Association (Yangon) Captain U Aye Maung read out the biography of Kyakhatwaing Sayadaw.

Chairman of Bago Association (Yangon) Lt-Col Nyunt Zaw (Retd) supplicated on the purpose of the ceremony.

The ministers, the deputy ministers and the wellwishers donated alms to the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha.

Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Win Sein handed over K 600,000 donated by Bago Association (Yangon) for Kyakhatwaing Sayadaw, to Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko. Sayadaw Bhaddanta „anissara delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained.

( 4 ) Industry-1 Minister receives Chinese delegation

Yangon, 30 March - Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung received President Mr Yanli Ma of China Metalluragical Construction (Group) Corporation of the People's Republic of China and party at his office yesterday evening. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Win, directors-general and managing directors of the departments and enterprises under the ministry.

Minister inspects Special Vegetable and Poultry Farming Zone in Hmawby Township

Yangon, 30 March-Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, accompanied by officials concerned, inspected poultry farm of Myanmar War Veterans Organization's Production Group in Special Vegetable and Poultry Farming Zone-3 of Nyaunghnapin Region in Hmawby Township this morning. First, the minister and party inspected the chicken-runs.

At the briefing hall, Farm Manager Capt Tin Tun Oo reported on work being carried out to the minister who fulfilled the needs. Then, the minister and party inspected the incubator in Pyinmabin, Mingaladon Township where the respective farm managers reported on work being carried out. The minister attended to their requirements. Next, the minister inspected housing for service personnel under construction, and chicks at the test-breeding camp and attended to the needs.

Pyay, Minhla get new auto telephone exchanges

Yangon, 30 March- The opening of a new auto telephone exchange was held in Pyay this morning. Present were Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, CEC member of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Bago Division (West) in-charge Deputy Minister for Industry-2 Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin, Chairman of Bago Division (West) Peace and Development Council Col Soe Nwe, officials of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications, departmental personnel and guests. At 8 am, Chairman of Bago Division (West) Peace and Development Council Col Soe Nwe and General Manager of MPT U Tha Oo formally opened the auto exchange.

The minister formally unveiled the signboard of the exchange. The minister and party inspected installation of equipment and functions. At 11 am, Secretary of Thayawady District Peace and Development Council Major Hla Maung and Bago Division (West) in-charge of MPT U Khin Maung Win formally opened an auto exchange in Minhla. The digital auto exchange in Pyay consists of 2,500 lines and the one in Minhla 500. The minister and party went to Targalay Village. Chairman of Village Peace and Development Council U Than Win and Bago Division (West) in-charge U Khin Maung Win formally launched rural telephone system and the minister and party inspected the telephone station.

( 5 ) Bangladeshi cultural entertainment

Yangon, 30 March-The Bangladeshi cultural troupe members, who arrived here under the culture exchange programme between Myanmar and Bangladesh, started their entertainment at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street at 6.30 pm today. Among the spectators were Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, heads of department, ambassadors and officials of missions in Yangon. The performing artists presented various items of dance.

Yangon, 30 March -Under the arrangement of Yangon Command, Mingaladon Station held a tree-planting ceremony at Central Supply and Transport Battalion in Mingaladon Station this morning. Present were Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe, Commander of No 4 Military Region Commander of Yangon Station Brig-Gen Myo Myint and station commanders, Commander of No 1 Military Region Col Khin Maung Soe, senior military officers, Commanding Officers of battalions and units in Mingaladon Station and guests

The commander of Yangon Command spoke of the purpose of the ceremony and tasks to be carried out by respective battalions and units. Then, Staff Officer of Insein Township Forest Department U Soe Aung reported on advantage of planting trees. Commander of Mingaladon Station Col Win Naung reported on gathering seeds and saplings in respective battalions and units in the Station.

Later, the commander and party inspected demonstration on pepper growing presented by Mingaladon Township Myanma Agriculture Service. The commander looked into nurturing saplings of mango, neem tree, tamarind, toddy palm and Thitseint (Terminalia Belerica) tree and gave instructions. The commander and party planted each sapling of toddy palm, neem tree, tamarind and Thitseint tree. Mingaladon Station is making arrangements to nurture 129,980 saplings Ń 3,500 saplings of mango, 16,330 tamarind, 3,135 neem tree, 1,654 toddy palm, 15,870 Thitseint tree, 64,800 pepper, 2,295 valuable trees, 14,555 perennial trees, 5,321 shady trees and 2,520 flowering trees in this tree-planting season.

Work coord meeting on all-round development of Ngwe Hsaung beach held

Yangon, 30 March - Work coordination meeting (3/2002) of the Leading Committee for All-Round Development of Ngwe Hsaung Beach was held at the meeting hall of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council in Pathein on 29 March morning.

It was attended by Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Brig-Gen Htay Oo, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Tint Swe, senior military officers, the secretary and members of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council, Chairman of Pathein District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Maung Pyone, departmental officials and members of the Leading Committee for All-Round Development of Ngwe Hsaung Beach. Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Brig-Gen Htay Oo made an opening speech at the meeting.

Then, members of the Leading Committee for All-Round Development of Ngwe Hsaung Beach reported on progress of work in respective sectors in all-round development tasks of Ngwe Hsaung Beach. After hearing the reports, Commander Brig-Gen Htay Oo and responsible officials fulfilled the requirements. The work coordination meeting came to a close with the concluding remarks by Commander Brig-Gen Htay Oo.

Construction of Nyaungkhashei-Myitkyo-DaikU road launched

Yangon, 30 March -A ceremony to launch Nyaungkhashei-Myitkyo-DaikU road took place at Hsatthwachon Village, Waw Township, Bago Division, on 28 March. Present were Bago Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Southern Command Commander Brig-Gen Aung Min, Secretary Lt-Col Aung Min and members, local authorities of Bago District and Waw Township, departmental officials, USDA members, those of social organizations and local populace.

The commander formally opened the ceremony. Chairman of Bago District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Myo Tint reported on finding of the 22-mile axis from Yangon-Mawlamyine road near Hsatthwachon Village at mile post No 81/4 in Waw Township to Yangon-Mandalay mile post No 85 in DaikU Township through Layeinzu, Phetkali and Mingalun villages, arrangements being made for construction of 30 feet wide road and 26 feet wide drain, arrival of heavy machinery and requirements. The commander fulfilled the requirements.

Afterwards, the commander met with departmental heads and local people at the same venue. He called on local people and departments concerned to make concerted efforts for successful completion of the road. After the ceremony, the commander had a cordial conversation with local residents and inspected construction of the road. On completion, vehicles bound to Mandalay form Mawlamyine can directly move to DaikU and there is no need to enter Phayagyi Tason. It can save 22 miles and so the project will contribute to rural development.