( 1 ) Senior General Than Shwe meets President of Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Yangon, 6 May - Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe met with visiting President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Mr Tran Duc Luong at the credentials hall in the Pyithu Hluttaw Building at 8.30 am today.

Senior General Than Shwe, President of Vietnam Mr Tran Duc Luong have discussions

Yangon, 6 May - Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Mr Tran Duc Luong had discussions at the meeting hall of the Pyithu Hluttaw building at 8.45 am today.

Present on the occasion together with Senior General Than Shwe were Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council General Maung Aye, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, members of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and Maj-Gen Soe Win, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Myanmar Ambassador to Vietnam U Khin Aung, Director-General of the State Peace and Development Senior General Than Shwe, President Council Lt-Col Pe Nyein and departmental officials, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam Mr Nguyen Dy Nien, Head of President's Office Mr Nguyen Canh Dinh, Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Mr Le Huy Ngo, Ambassador of Vietnam Mr Phan Quang Khon, Deputy Minister of Defence Lt-Gen Nguyen Hui Heiu, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Mr Nguyen Xuan Thao, Deputy Minister for Trade Mr Phan The Rue and Assistant to the President Mr Nguyen Van Thanh and other high-ranking officials.

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( 2 ) General Maung Aye receives Military Attaches

Yangon, 6 May - Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defenase Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye received Military Attache of the Lao People's Democratic Republic to Myanmar Col Phanh Sonephachanh, who had completed his tour of duties in Myanmar, and new Military Attaché Col One Chanh Phetsalat, who has assumed the duty, at Zeyathiri Beikman Hall in Konmyinttha at 3.30 pm today. Also present at the call were Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Military Intelligence Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Kyi Min and Chief of Staff (Air) Brig-Gen Myat Hein.

( 3 ) SRV President visits National Museum, Shwedagon Pagoda

Yangon, 6 May - President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Mr Tran Duc Luong and delegation members, currently here on an official visit at the invitation of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe, visited the National Museum on Pyay Road and Shwedagon Pagoda this evening.

Visiting President Mr Tran Duc Luong and delegation members, accompanied by Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, Myanmar Ambassador to Vietnam U Khin Aung, Ambassador of Vietnam to Myanmar Mr Pham Quang Khon and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, visited the National Museum at 3.30 pm.

President Mr Tran Duc Luong and delegation members were welcomed by Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, Director-General of the Department of Cultural Institute U Myint Thein Swe and officials. Visiting President Mr Tran Duc Luong and delegation members were conducted round by Deputy Minister U Soe Nyunt and officials. President Mr Tran Duc Luong signed in the visitors' book. The SRV President and delegation members visited the Shwedagon Pagoda. They were welcomed at the northern stairway by Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Director-General of the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet and members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees.

The SRV President and delegation members went round the pagoda clockwise. Members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees explained facts about the pagoda. The SRV President and goodwill delegation members studied King Thayawady's bell at the north-east corner of the pagoda platform and the original Htidaw hoisted by King Mindon in 1871. The SRV President offered lights, flowers and joss sticks to a Buddha image at the eastern prayer hall of the pagoda. President Mr Tran Duc Luong signed in the visitors' book. President Mr Tran Duc Luong made cash donations to the funds of the pagoda and Minister U Aung Khin and member of the Pagoda Board of Trustees U Khin Maung Myint accepted the donations.

The minister presented to the visiting President the English-version documentary book on the hoisting of Htidaw of the Shwedagon Pagoda in the time of the State Peace and Development Council Government. The visiting President and goodwill delegation members paid obeisance to Jade Buddha Image at Jade Buddha Image Tazaung and left at 6 pm.

SRV President Mr Tran Duc Luong addresses Myanmar-Vietnam Joint Business Meeting

Yangon, 6 May - The Myanmar-Vietnam Joint Business Meeting, organized by the Union of Myanmar Federation of a Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) and Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), was held at the Sedona Hotel on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road here at 3 pm today, with an opening address by President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Mr Tran Duc Luong. Present on the occasion were Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel, Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Ambassador U Khin Aung and departmental heads, President of UMFCCI U Win Myint, executives and members, national entrepreneurs, Minister of Foreign Affairs of SRV Mr Nguyen Dy Nien, Head of the President's Office Mr Nguyen Canh Dinh, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Mr Le Huy Ngo, Deputy Minister of Defense Lt-Gen Nguyen Hui Heiu, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Mr Nguyen Xuan Thao, Deputy Minister of Trade Mr Phan The Rue, Assistant to the President Mr Nguyen Van Thanh, Ambassador Mr Pham Quang Khon, officials and businessmen. UMFCCI President U Win Myint extended greetings.

Then, President Mr Tran Duc Luong made an opening address and the opening ceremony came to a close. Then, the Myanmar-Vietnam Business Meeting was held. Director-General of Directorate of Trade of the Ministry of Commerce U Nyunt Aye made a presentation on Trade Development and Business Environment, Central Executive Committee member of UMFCCI U Wai Phyo on Functional Role of UMFCCI and Private Sector and Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Mr Nguyen Xuan Thao on Trade and Investment Opportunities in Vietnam. Then, officials replied queries of those present. UMFCCI President U Win Myint and Vice-President VCCI Mr VU Tien Loc signed the MoU for Cooperation between UMFCCI and VCCI. Then cordial discussions on business were made and the meeting came to a close.

Vietnamese President plants commemorative tree

Yangon, 6 May - President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Mr Tran Du Luong, who is on an official visit here at the invitation of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe, planted Badi Byu tree, Putranjiva Roxburghii, to mark the official visit in the People's Square and People's Park on Pyay Road this morning. The visiting President, accompanied by Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, Ambassador of Myanmar to Vietnam U Khin Aung, Ambassador of Vietnam to Myanmar Mr Pham Quang Khon, officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and members of the SRV delegation, arrived at the People's Square and People's Park at 11 am. They were welcomed by Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay, member of YCDC U Aung Soe and officials. The visiting President planted the commemorative tree. Then, the visiting President and members of the SRV delegation, together with Minister Col Thein Nyunt, Mayor U Ko Lay and Ambassador U Khin Aung, posed for a documentary photo in front of the commemorative tree. Afterwards, the visiting President and members of the SRV delegation left there.

( 4 ) U Khin Maung Aye appointed as Ambassador to Italy

Yangon, 7 May - The Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar has appointed U Khin Maung Aye, as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Union of Myanmar to the Republic of Italy.

Minister receives Indian guests

YANGON, 6 May - Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone received Mr JM Gandhi and economic delegation of the Organization of Plastics Processors of India (OPPI) at his office this morning. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Director-General U Nyunt Aye of the Directorate of Trade, Director-General U Nay Win of the Border Trade Department, Managing-Director of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading U Min Hla Aung and officials.

Minister receives Chairman of Yangon International Hotel

YANGON, 6 May - Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin received Chairman of Yangon Inter national Hotel Mr Koki Onodera at his office on Sule Pagoda Road here at 1 pm today. Also present were Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu, Director-General U Khin Maung Latt of Directorate of Hotels and Tourism, Managing Director U Kyi Tun of Myanma Hotels and Tourism Services and officials.

Myanmar and Indian entrepreneurs meet

Yangon, 6 May - A meeting of the members of Myanmar Plastic ware Entrepreneurs Association of Myanmar Industries Association and Organization of Plastics Processors of India was held at Sofitel Plaza here this morning. Present were Chairman of MIA U Htain Win, General Secretary U Zaw Min Win and executives, Chairman of MPEA U Tun, Vice-Chairmen U Thein Han and Daw Yi Yi Tun, executives and plastics entrepreneurs. Chairman of MIA U Htain Win extended greetings. Then, President J M Gandhi of OPPI made a speech and a general round of discussion followed. They discussed matters related to the cooperation of plastics entrepreneurs, transfer of technology for the development of the industry, holding of the demonstration of plastics industries and exchange of study tours of entrepreneurs of the two countries.

Korea Economic Commission, Myanmar entrepreneurs meets

Yangon, 6 May - A meeting on economic cooperation between members of the Republic of Korea Economic Commission and entrepreneurs of companies in Myanmar sponsored by Economic Section of the embassy of the Republic of Korea was held at Sofitel Plaza this morning. Also present were Ambassador of ROK Mr Lee Kyung-woo and Commercial Attaché Mr Kim Jae Chan. Officials of departments, members of Korean Economic Commission and Myanmar entrepreneurs had discussions on sectors in a friendly manner. Eleven members of Korean economic commission from seven companies of ROK and entrepreneurs from 35 companies of Myanmar took part in the discussions.

( 5 ) Central Organizing Committee of MWVO meets

YANGON, 6 May - Central Organizing Committee of Myanmar War Veterans Organization held its regular meeting No 3/2002 at the MWVO Headquarters in Mayangon Township this evening. Present were Chair man of Central Organizing Committee of MWVO Maj-Gen Thein Sein and members. Chairman Maj-Gen Thein Sein spoke on the occasion. Group leaders reported on work done on five major tasks of the Central Organizing Committee. of MWVO, organizational matters and others. The meeting came to a close with the concluding remarks by Maj-Gen Thein Sein.

Administrative Junior Officer Course of the Tatmadaw (NAVY) concludes

YANGON, 6 May - The graduation parade of the Administrative Junior Officer Course No 2/2001 of the Tatmadaw (Navy) concluded at the parade ground of the Naval Training Headquarters this morning, with an address by Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Kyi Min.

Also present were members of the State Peace and Development Council 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, Chief of Staff (Navy) Rear-Admiral Soe Thein, Chief of Staff (Air) Brig-Gen Myat Hein, Judge Advocate-General Maj-Gen Thein Soe, senior officers of the Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) and graduation officers and their relatives and guests.

Vice-Admiral Kyi Min inspected the graduation and  parade companies, and took the salute.

Vice-Admiral Kyi Min, on behalf of the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, presented the best trainee award to Lieutenant Si Thu Aung Htut, the best trainee award for marine technology to Lieutenant Lwin Ko Ko Maung and the best weapon and communication award to Lieutenant Aung Ko Kyaw. In his speech, Vice-Admiral Kyi Min elaborated on Our Three Main National Causes and 16i leadership qualities.

He also said that to de- fend the nation and citizens, the Tatmadaw is being built up into a strong, efficient and modern one in accord with the 12 fine traditions. He also spoke of four Tatmadaw restructuring tasks.

Commander of Naval Training Headquarters Captain Myint Thein presented certificates to the trainees.

National Convention Convening Commission meets

YANGON, 6 May - A meeting of the National convention Convening commission was held at the meeting hall of the NCCC this after noon. It was attended by Chairman of the NCCC Maj-Gen Saw Lwin and members of the commission. Maj-Gen Saw Lwin chaired the meeting. Officials reported to the chairman on matters related to the national convention, and a general round of discussions followed. Later, Maj-Gen Saw Lwin attended to the requirements, after which the meeting came to an end.

( 6 ) Treasury and management course opens

Yangon, 6 May - Treasury and Management course No 9 of Myanma Small Loans Enterprise, the Ministry of Finance and Revenue opened at the meeting hall of the head office of Myanma Small Loans Enterprise here this morning. It was attended by Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Than Tun, Governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar U Kyaw Kyaw Maung, Managing Director U Than Nyunt and departmental heads, course instructors and trainees. The minister made a speech. A total of 52 trainees are attending the three-week course.

Minister inspects extension work of Lashio Airport

Yangon, 6 May - Commander of North-East Command Brig-Gen Myint Hlaing and Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, accompanied by officials, arrived at Lashio Airport yesterday afternoon and heard the reports on works being carried out to expand the airport by Managing Director U Tun Myint Naing of Asia World Co at the VIP Lounge of the airport. The commander discussed prospects to be encountered in expansion work, and Director-General U Win Maung of the Department for Civil Aviation presented supplementary reports. Then, the minister gave instructions. The commander, the minister and party, after inspecting the old airport building, gave instructions on turning the building into VIP Lounge. They also inspected the site chosen for extension of the runway and the minister left instructions. A total of 5,400 feet of the runway has so far been completed and arrangements are being made to extend it up to 8,000 feet.

USDA Secretary-General meets with executives in Mandalay

Yangon, 6 May - Secretary-General of Union Solidarity and Development Association U Than Aung met with Mandalay Division and District USDA executives at the Division USDA office yesterday morning. Secretary of the Division USDA U Tin Maung Oo reported on rural development tasks such as water supply work, repair of basic education schools, construction of inter-village roads and irrigation work being carried out in the division.

The secretary-general gave instructions on future tasks of education sector and rural development and nurturing of youths. Then, the secretary-general proceeded to No 8 and No 22 BEHS, where the national culture and moral courses conducted by the Division USDA, and lectured on value of Myanmar family and Myanmar society and national interests to the trainees.

Minister visits Winthuza Shop in Sangyoung Township

Yangon, 6 May - Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, accompanied by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thein Tun and officials, arrived at Hanthawady Winthuza Shop in Sangyoung Township here yesterday morning.

The minister inspected goods being sold at the shop and officials reported to him on the sales. The minister gave instructions to officials on the sale of goods and foodstuff at cheap prices to consumers directly. Member Central Executive Committee of the Union Solidarity and Development Association U Aung Thaung this morning attended the ceremony to open the executive management basic course No 1/2002 conducted by Pabedan Township USDA and to present USDA membership applications at Akayi Hall of No 1 BEHS of Pabedan Township.

CEC member U Aung Thaung, on behalf of members of the staff of the ministry, presented K 50,000 to be used at the course to Secretary of Pabedan USDA U Aung Naing. Then, cash donations were made for the course by well-wishers Ñ K 50,000 by U Myo Han and wife Daw Soe Soe and family of Academy Group, K 30,000 by U Khin Maung Oo and family of Ever Light Stationery, K 20,000 by U Soe Than and family, K 30,000 by U Myo Thant and Daw Than Than Myint of Kan Htoo Kan Thar Lottery House and K 5,000 by U Shwe Tun and family, which were accepted by CEC member U Aung Thaung, who later delivered an opening address at the course.

Health Minister inspects hospitals

YANGON, 6 May - Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, accompanied by officials .of the Health Planning Department, arrived at Ywangan Township People's Hospital in Shan State (South) at 3 pm on 4 May and inspected wards, medical store, operation theatre and delivery room of the hospital. He then heard reports by township Health Officer Dr Zayya, doctors and nurses on treatments given to the patients and attended to the needs.

Then, the minister and party proceeded to the Myaing Station Hospital in Ywangan Township and inspected the operation theatre, delivery room, medical store and wards and attended to the needs.

Minister inspects hydel power project sites in Bago Division

YANGON, 6 May - Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut and officials inspected hydel power project sites in Bago Division from 3 to 5 May.

The minister and party inspected construction of diversion tunnel, sluice gate, canals and spillways at Yenwe hydel power project site on 3 May.

The minister and Commander of Southern Command Brig-Gen Aung Min inspected Kunchaung hydel power project and fulfilled the requirements.

The minister and party also inspected Phyuchaung, Khabaung and Shwekyin hydel power project sites.

The minister gave instructions on systematic handling of machines, maintenance, minimizing loss and wastage, early .completion of the projects, health and welfare for service personnel.

CPT Minister tours Mandalay, Magway and Bago Divisions

YANGON, 6 May - Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw accompanied by Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Ye Myint and officials of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications inspected autotelephone exchange and microwave station in Pyinmana in Mandala Division on 4 May.

The minister visited " Aungmyin Zeya Pagoda" which is under construction in Taungdwingyi, Magway Division on 5 May.

The minister and party inspected communication services in Taungdwingyi, Aunglan and Pyay Townships and fulfilled the requirements for rendering telephone services in rural areas.