( 1 ) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe accepts credentials of Ambassador of Republic of Korea

Yangon, 14 May - HE Mr. Lee Kyung-Woo, newly accredited Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Union of Myanmar, presented his credentials to Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, at Zeyathiri Beikman, Konmyinttha at 10 am today. Also present on the occasion were State Peace and Development Council Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and Director-General Thura U Aung Htet of the Protocol Department.

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( 2 ) General Maung Aye attends dinner in honour of graduate officers of 105th Intake of Defence Services (Army) Officers Training School

Yangon, 14 May - Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye attended the graduation dinner of the 105th Intake of Defence Services (Army) Officers Training School at the Military Appointments Hall of the training school yesterday evening. 

First, General Maung Aye cordially greeted the graduate officers individually. Next, the General and the guests enjoyed dinner. After the dinner, they watched the entertainment presented by vocalists and performance of Myawady Anyeint Troupe.

( 3 ) Efforts being made to assemble jeeps at industrial zones including those in Mandalay, Taunggyi and Meiktila Secretary-1 inspects construction of Myanmar Aerospace Engineering University

Yangon, 14 May - Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by the ministers, the Chief of Staff (Navy), the deputy minister, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departmental officials, left here by Tatmadaw flight on 12 May and arrived in Meiktila in Mandalay Division at 9 am.

The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed by Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Ye Myint, Deputy Minister for Education U Myo Nyunt, military and civilian officials and members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association.

The Secretary-1 inspected construction of educational structures for human resources development in Meiktila.

The Secretary-1 and party went to Myanmar Aerospace Engineering University.

Deputy Minister for Science and Technology U Nyi Hla Nge, Deputy Minister U Myo Nyunt and officials reported on arrangements for opening of Myanmar Aerospace Engineering University including academic matters and management and construction of buildings. Commander Brig-Gen Ye Myint gave a supplementary report.

The Secretary-1 gave instructions and inspected lecture halls of the university.

The Secretary-1 and party went to the site of Myanmar Aerospace Engineering University. Deputy Minister U Nyi Hla Nge and Managing Director of ACE Construction U Tint Hsan reported on location and area of the main buildings of the university, layout plan, measures undertaken for construction of buildings including the main lecture hall and workshop and greening of the university campus.

The Secretary-1 then gave instructions and inspected the site.

In accord with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, Myanmar Aerospace Engineering University will be opened in Meiktila and Myanmar Maritime University in Yangon.

Arrangements are being made for completion of construction work and academic programmes in time.

The Secretary-1 and party went to construction site of Meiktila Institute of Economics where they were welcomed by Pro-rector U Than Swe and faculty members.

Deputy Minister U Myo Nyunt reported on academic matters and management including construction and opening of human resource development courses and Chairman of Shwenanthit Construction Co Ltd U Myint Han on construction work.

The Secretary-1 gave instructions.

The Secretary-1 and party went to Meiktila Industrial Zone.

The Secretary-1 met industrialists at the Meiktila Industrial Zone Control Office.

Chairman of Meiktila District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Myo Myint reported on formation of Meiktila Industrial Zone Supervisory Committee, setting-up of plots, allotment, number of industrialists and workers, brands of products, roads and bridges, water and power supply, communication, conducting of courses, workshop and study tour, boosting production, condition of Htila jeep, progress of industrialists and requirements.

Commander Brig-Gen Ye Myint also reported on assistance provided for development of the industrial zone.

Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Lt-Gen Min Thein and Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw Lwin reported on fulfilling the requirements of the industrialists.

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt said in accord with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, the government has been setting up industrial zones and providing assistance to them for national industrial development.

State level officials have been assigned duties sector-wise to supervise the industrial zones for their rapid progress.

It can be seen that efforts are being made to assemble jeeps at industrial zones including those in Mandalay, Taunggyi and Meiktila. Coordinations have been made with the respective ministries to import engines and gearboxes. The imported machines are being distributed to entrepreneurs of the industrial zones in accord with the requirement.

It is required to give priority to manufacturing the import-substitute machinery, such as paper, textile.

Myanmar is mainly relying on agriculture. Thus, it is needed to produce farm machinery and parts including power-tillers.

As industrial-used machinery such as pumps, compressors and gem mining equipment are essential machines for large-scale production of enterprises, they are contributing to national economic development.

The industrialists should not pay attention to their interests only, but also to national industrial development.

Based on the open-door economic policy of the nation, they should strive for success of their industrials and the national interests. Only then, will the industrial zones be able to serve the interests of the entrepreneurs and others in equal ration in realizing the objectives.

The industrialists can present their difficulties to the in-charge of their zones. They will have to share and exchange their knowledge and experiences to achieve more success.

The State is giving encouragement to the industrial sector with the objectives  development of the industrial zones and the production sector and for prosperity of the national entrepreneurs. They should understand the State's goodwill and goals, and should strive to achieve development with greater momentum. The Secretary-1 then looked into the requirements of the industrialists. The Secretary-1 and party then inspected finished products and parts produced by the zone.

Together with the officials concerned, they viewed Htila jeeps produced by the industrial zone and assembling of the cars.

The jeeps will be sole at K 5.5 million per unit. The zone is now ready to sell 30 jeeps. The Secretary-1 and party left Meiktila for Lashio in northern Shan State by Tatmadaw aircraft.

Cooperation Agreement on information signed

Yangon, 14 May - Bagan Cybertech Company Limited and Shin Satellite Public Company Limited of Thailand signed a cooperation agreement on information at MICT Park in Hlaing Township here this afternoon, attended by Chairman of Myanmar Computer Science Development Council Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Chairman of Bagan Cybertech Company Limited Col Thein Swe and Chairman of Shin Satellite Public Company Limited Dr Dumrong Kasemset made speeches. Then, Chairman Col Thein Swe and member of Board of Directors Lt-Col Tin Oo, and Chairman Dr Dumrong Kasemset and Managing Director Dr Nongluck Phinainitisart signed the accord and exchanged the documents.

Afterwards, Chairman of Myanmar Computer Science Development Council Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt presented commemorative a gift to Chairman of Shin Satellite Public Company Limited Dr Dumrong Kasemset. Next, Chairman Col Thein Swe and Chairman Dr Dumrong Kasemset exchanged gifts and the ceremony ended.

After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party and guests viewed round IP Star Broadband Satellite System displayed at the guest room of the MICT park. In the evening, the Bagan Cybertech Company Limited entertained the guests at Sedona Hotel in commemoration of the accord-signing ceremony.

Ngapali one of the most enjoyable and easily accessible beaches for tourists

Yangon, 14 May - A coordination meeting on construction of Ngapali Beach Hotel was held at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Defence this evening, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Speaking at the meeting, the Secretary-1 said all the tourists who have visited Myanmar have made an assessment of the nation's attractiveness and potential of her tourism industry. At a time when many of the tourist destinations in the world are facing environmental problems, Myanmar still possesses many unspoiled recreation centres.

Moreover, it still has a lot of cultural heritage and edifices which are still in their original condition and unspoiled sea beaches, forests and mountains and the national races who have preserved the traditions and culture and customs. Thus, all necessary requirements including hotels should be made for the tourists who visit Myanmar to be able to enjoy the natural beauties. Ngapali is one of the most enjoyable and easily accessible sea beaches in Myanmar for tourists.

Head of State Senior General Than Shwe has given guidance on extending modern hotels at Ngapali beach in accord with the development in the tourism industry. Discussions will have to be focused on achieving success in extending modern hotels at the beach in accord with the guidance.

Beach Resort Project Director of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd Col Myint Aung reported on related works in connection with the construction of Ngapali Beach Resort. The national hoteliers reported on arrangements for hotel services.

Maj-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defence, Minister Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win and officials put suggestions on construction of Ngapali Beach Hotel.

The Secretary-1 gave instructions and the meeting came to a close.

( 4 ) Maj-Gen Maung Bo sees over development tasks in Dawei District

Yangon, 14 May - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Maung Bo of the Ministry of Defence, accompanied by officials, left Myeik by boat on 10 May and arrived at Tanaida village, Dawei Township in the afternoon. He inspected progress of 50 acres of model monsoon paddy field.

In Dawei, Maj-Gen Maung Bo met with local authorities, secretaries and executives of Division and District USDAs and departmental officials at Dawei Station Yeiktha, and explained regional development tasks. On 11 May morning, Maj-Gen Maung Bo arrived at Maungmakan Beach and inspected preparation for growing 3,200 Alexandrian laurel trees at the nursery. At Maungmakan Beach, Maj-Gen Maung Bo met with local authorities and local people and urged them to carry out regional development, beautify the beach and grow trees and flowery plants.

Then, he attended the collective growing of coconut palm at the Maungmakan Beach. A total of 2,000 coconut palm have been grown and 4,500 more coconut palm will be grown. Afterwards, Maj-Gen Maung Bo saw over rebuilding of Maungmakan Market and construction of Maungmakan hot-spring tanks. He then inspected construction of Maungmakan-Kanbauk rural road and the bridge in Hteingyi village. Maj-Gen Maung Bo donated provisions and books on national culture and moral characters published by USDA to U Kelasa and members of the Sangha of Bawa Monastery.

In the afternoon, Maj-Gen Maung Bo inspected repair of the road and the bridge between Bawa and Kanbauk villages. At Kanbauk village Basic Education High School, he met with local authorities, local people, USDA members and explained smooth transportation and regional development.

On completion of Maungmakan-Kanbauk rural road, 42 miles long, will provide better transportation for the local people.

Maj-Gen Ye Myint sees over construction of Hkamti-Sinthae-Lahe road

Yangon, 14 May - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence left Hkamti for Lahe by car yesterday morning.

Maj-Gen Ye Myint saw over construction of Hkamti-Sinthae-Lahe road, and met departmental officials and gave instructions. He also inspected township hospital and hydel power project. Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Commander Brig-Gen Soe Naing and party this morning inspected tarring of Hkamti-Sinthae-Lahe road and heard reports on construction of the road by Tactical Operations Commander Lt-Col Win Myint at the briefing hall of the construction site. After giving necessary instructions, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party proceeded to the Nanthegyi creek-crossing bridge near mile post No 14/6 and inspected flow of water and condition of the bridge.

Then, they visited Pinlon Ywathit Village and Maj-Gen Ye Myint presented bags of salt and dried tea, Commander Brig-Gen Soe Naing, bags of salt to local nationals. The chairman of Pinlon Ywathit Village Peace and Development Council, on behalf of the families, accepted the gifts. Afterwards, Maj-Gen Ye Myint, the Commander and party arrived at Nansalein Creek and inspected construction of the bridge. They then looked into the condition of Zayit Creek and Hwaytaik Creek Bailey bridges. In the afternoon, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party met local Tatmadawmen and their families and urged them to actively participate in the development tasks of the State, to cultivate vegetables and breed livestock and to strive for the development of the region.

Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party, after that, inspected the chosen site for construction of Shwedagon Pontu Pagoda on Dhammarakhita hill in Lahe and heard reports on construction of the pagoda by Tactical Operations Commander Lt-Col Win Myint and local station commander Lt-Col Ru San Kyu. Maj-Gen Ye Myint met members of Lahe Township Peace and Development Council and departmental staff and gave instructions on regional development tasks.

Maj-Gen Ye Myint heard reports on conditions of regional development tasks and cultivation by the township chairman. Maj-Gen Ye Myint spoke of the importance of smooth transportation for development of the region. The State has constructed roads and departmental staff and local people are to take part in the tasks and to maintain the roads after completion. He also urged departmental staff and local people to grow seasonal and perennial crops suitable to the region. Maj-Gen Ye Myint, the commander and party visited a monastery in Lahe and paid obeisance to Presiding Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sonnara and members of the Sangha and presented them offertories.

Afterwards, they inspected Lahe Township hospital where Medical Superintendent Dr Toe Maung conducted them around ward, surgical room and x-ray room.

After attending to the needs, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected Lahe Hydel Power Station of the Ministry of Electric Power and gave instructions. They arrived back Khamti at night.

Maj-Gen Ye Myint inspects regional development in Sagaing Division

Yangon, 14 May - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence, accompanied by Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North-West Command Brig-Gen Soe Naing, Tactical Operations Commander Lt-Col Win Myint, Chairman of Hkamti District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Htin Aung Kyaw and officials, inspected extension of the runway of Hkamti Airport this morning.

Director U Win Oo of Directorate of Civil Aviation conducted Maj-Gen Ye Myint, the commander and party inspected the site for extension of the runway. After inspecting the runway, Maj-Gen Ye Myint gave necessary instructions. Maj-Gen Ye Myint, the commander and party proceeded to the monastery in Hkamti and paid homage to members of the Sangha led by Presiding Sayadaw Agga Maha Sadhammajotikadhaja Bhaddanta Kesara. They then presented offertories to members of the Sangha.

Next, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected Hkamti Township People's Hospital where Superintendent Dr Kyaw Lin conducted them round the wards. Maj-Gen Ye Myint fulfilled the needs. Member of the Panel of Patrons of Union Solidarity and Development Association (Central) Maj-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence and party proceeded to the office of Hkamti District USDA and gave instructions to USDA members.

Secretaries of the District/Township USDAs reported on the organizational set-up and work being carried out for regional development. Then, Member of the Panel of Patrons of Union Solidarity and Development Association (Central) Maj-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence gave necessary instructions.

Next, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party met with families of Tatmadawmen of the local battalion at the meeting hall of the battalion and gave instructions on organizational tasks and urged them to participate in national development undertakings. Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party left Hkamti by air at 11 am and arrived back here via Mandalay in the afternoon.

( 5 ) Myanmar delegation back from New York

Yangon, 14 May - The Myanmar delegation led by Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa arrived back here by air yesterday evening, after attending the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Children held in New York from 8 to 10 May.

The delegation was welcomed back at Yangon International Airport by Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office U Than Shwe, Deputy Minister for Social welfare, Relief and Resettlement U Hlaing Win, Deputy Minister for Immigration and Population U Maung Aung, officials and their family members.

Minister Maj-Gen Sein Htwa and Myanmar delegation members attended the opening of the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Children at the General Assembly Hall of the UN Headquarters at 9 am local time on 8 May. It was attended by leaders and members of delegations from 190 UN member nations, UN agencies, delegates of NGOs and observers.

At the assembly, Chairman of the Special General Assembly Mr. Han Seung Soo and UN Secretary General Mr. Kofi Annan made speeches. The Myanmar delegation also attended the roundtable with group 1 in the afternoon. The plenary meeting of the General Assembly was held on 9 and 10 May at the UN Headquarters. The Myanmar delegation attended the reception of the General Assembly hosted by Mr. Han Seung Soo on 9 May afternoon and the Gala Event conducted by UNICEF and Bill Gates in the evening. On 10 May morning, Minister Maj-Gen Sein Htwa delivered a speech on Myanmar's efforts regarding the children. In his speech, the minister explained matters related to tasks on children in health, education and social welfare sectors being implemented by Myanmar.

The Myanmar delegation attended the concluding ceremony of the General Assembly on 10 May evening. Members of the Myanmar delegation Director-General of the International Organizations and Economic Department U Win Mra and Director-General of the Social Welfare Department U Sit Myaing also arrived back on the same flight.

H&T Minister receives Chief Editor of Time Bureau

Yangon, 14 May - Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin received Chief Editor and owner of the Time Bureau Mr. JP Gautam of India at his office this afternoon and discussed prospects of Myanmar tourism industry. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu, Managing Director U Kyi Tun of Myanma Hotels and Tourism Services and officials.

Third SWG meeting on SKRL commences

Yangon, 14 May - The third meeting of Singapore-Kunming Rail Link Special Working Group started at the Sedona Hotel on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road this morning. It was attended by Deputy Minister for Rail Transportation Thura U Thaung Lwin, representatives from Cambodia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, China and Japan, and officials from the ASEAN Secretariat and Asian Development Bank.

At the meeting, on behalf of Minister U Pan Aung, Deputy Minister Thura U Thaung Lwin, Chairman of SKRLSWG (2002), in accordance with the resolution of the third Ministerial Meeting of the ASEAN-Mekong Basin Development Cooperation held from 8 to 9 October 2001 in Chiang Rai, Thailand, presided over the meeting. Representatives from respective countries reported to the president on the construction of Singapore-Kunming Rail Link.

They also discussed matters related to completion of the railroad sections in targeted time, financial assistance, getting help from ADB, Japan, Korea, China and other international aids. Then, the meeting came to an end. In the evening, Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung hosted a dinner in honour of those who attended the meeting at Karaweik Palace. 

F&R Minister arrives back from 35th ADB meeting

Yangon, 14 May - A Myanmar delegation led by Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein, after attending the 35th annual meeting of Asian Development Bank held from 10 to 12 May in Shanghai, China, arrived back here by air this afternoon.

They were welcomed back at the Yangon International Airport by Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Second Secretary of Chinese Embassy to Myanmar Ms Xu Qing Yuan, Deputy Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen Than Tun, director-general, managing directors and families of departments and enterprises under the ministry.

The Myanmar delegation comprised Governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar U Kyaw Kyaw Maung, Director-General of Foreign Economic Relations Department U Soe Lin, Director of CBM Daw Ohnma Sein, Deputy Director U Yan Lin, Chairman of Kanbawza Bank Ltd U Aung Ko Win, Chairman of Myanma Oriental Bank Ltd U Myat Kyaw and Vice-Chairman of Cooperatives Bank Ltd U Khin Maung Aye.

The opening ceremony of the meeting was held at the International Convention Centre in Shanghai on 10 May, with an address by President of the People's Republic of China Mr. Jiang Zemin. On 11 May, at the second day of the meeting, ministers from member countries of ADB made speeches on economic situations of their countries. Minister U Khin Maung Thein also made a speech on economic growth in Myanmar.

He also met with President of ADB, ministers from member countries and high-ranking officers and discussed financial matters with them. The meeting successfully concluded on 12 May. In conjunction with the 35th meeting of ADB, the meeting between finance ministers of ASEAN countries and the three nations China, Japan and Korea was held at Grand Hyatt Hotel in Shanghai on 10 May.

Minister U Khin Maung Thein presided over the meeting, and financial reports presented by ASEAN member countries were discussed. At the press conference of ASEAN finance ministers held in the afternoon, queries raised by journalists were answered by respective finance ministers and officials of the office of the ASEAN Secretary-General. On 9 May at 10 am, the ministers and party called on Finance Minister of China Mr. Xiang Huaicheng and they cordially discussed matters related to bilateral cooperation.

Likewise, Minister U Khin Maung Thein received Mr. Pierre Denis of Lazard Freres from France and Managing Director Mr. Yasuyuki Tayama and party at Hotel Nikko Pudong and they had discussions on matters related to mutual benefits.

Minister inspects cooperative tasks in Rakhine State

Yangon, 14 May - Minister for Cooperatives Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe arrived at the office of Rakhine State Cooperative Department on 11 May and met officials and chairmen of the cooperative societies. On 12 May, the minister and party proceeded to the Weaving Training School in Sittway and heard reports on the school and tasks to be undertaken by the principal. The minister then inspected cooperative societies in Sittway.

Yesterday morning, the minister, accompanied by Lt-Col Tun Hla Aung of Sittway Station, Commanding Officer Lt-Col Hla Win of the local battalion and officials met with officials of Daungtawyoe Agriculture Cooperative Society in Daungtawyoe village, Kyauktaw Township.

Next, the minister met with staff officers and officials of Cooperative Departments of Kyauktaw and Paletwa Townships.

GAD commissioners discuss drug elimination

Yangon, 14 May - Division, district and township commissioners of the General Administration Departments held a meeting to wipe out narcotic drugs production and poppy cultivation at the Ministry of Home Affairs this afternoon.

Chairman of Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing said the State has been making efforts with greater momentum to wipe out the narcotic drugs including poppy cultivation. Arrangements should be made to root out poppy cultivation region-wise. The method of exchanging the poppy seeds with opium-substitute crops will have to be practised.

Attention should be given to eliminating stimulant drugs and to preventing the chemicals used in refining drugs from entering the nation across the border. Harmonious efforts should be made to wipe out trafficking of illicit drugs. Vice-Chairman of CCDAC Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung explained efforts to eradicate the narcotic drugs, international cooperation, efforts being made to end the practice of poppy cultivation and develop opium-substitute crop cultivation and endeavours for strengthening the Union and development of border areas.

Member of CCDAC Chairman of the Monitoring Committee Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung briefed the meeting on drawing of the programmes to know the data on poppy cultivation region-wise and to stamp out the drugs and to cultivate opium-substitute crops.

Also present were Director-General of GAD U Aung Thein, Deputy Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Police Brig-Gen Zaw Win and others. A general round of discussions then followed.

( 6 ) Books donated to IPRD libraries

Yangon, 14 May - Well-wishers donated various kinds of books totaling 3,918 to the libraries of the Information and Public Relations Department of the Ministry of Information at a ceremony held at the meeting hall of the Information and Public Relations Department (Head Office) on Pansodan Street here this morning. Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein accepted the books and spoke words of thanks. Those wishing to donate books to the IPRD may contact the IPRD (Head Office) on Pansodan Street, Yangon.