( 1 ) National entrepreneurs investing in agriculture undertakings in Shan State and other regions including Taninthayi, Ayeyawady, Magway and Yangon Divisions
General Maung Aye inspects development projects in Kalaw

Yangon, 15 May - Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye inspected agricultural undertakings of Pwint Gaung and Khin Nwe Yi Co Ltd in Yaksawk Township in Shan State on 13 May.

General Maung Aye inspected Myaungdaw Farm of the company at Myaungdaw village in the township at 10 am on 13 May. At the briefing hall of the farm, the General and party heard a report on reclamation of 200 acres of land in the township beginning 1991, cultivation of perennial crops such as coffee, rubber, mango, orange, lychee, and seasonal crops including paddy, corn, groundnut, peyin, maize on 2,211 acres which have been allotted to the company, future plans and requirements presented by Managing Director of the company U Tint Soe Lin and Farm Manager U Soe Tun.

General Maung Aye said the State has been granting land to the national entrepreneurs free and giving encouragement to them to extend crop cultivation. Thus, the national entrepreneurs are not only investing in agriculture undertakings in Shan State, but also in other regions including Taninthayi, Ayeyawady, Magway and Yangon Divisions. As the company is making efforts to extend cultivation, the State will render assistance to the company to the most possible degree. If coffee grows well in the region, efforts should be made to extend cultivation of the plant to export coffee seeds. The General and party observed cultivation of coffee, corn, pesinngon, paddy, maize, buckwheat, black pulse and niger at the farm.

They then inspected obtaining of sap from rubber trees planted together with shade trees and coffee and a rubber mill.  Officials presented a report to the General and party on planting of seintalon mango. On arrival at Kalaw the next morning, the General and party were welcomed by Commandant of National Defence College Maj-Gen Moe Hein Commander of Kalaw Station and Commandant of Command and General Staff College Brig-Gen Nyan Win and senior military officers. After inspecting the development undertakings in Kalaw Station, they gave instructions to officials. This morning, they inspected the development undertakings of the station and Kalaw town. They arrived back here by air from Heho at 11.30 am.

Chairman of Myanmar War Veterans Central Organizing Committee Maj-Gen Thein Sein and Secretariat of Union Solidarity and Development Association U Thaung and Central Executive Committee member Brig-Gen Pyi Sone met with USDA secretaries, executives, organizers and members and the secretary of Township War Veterans Organizing Committee and members at Kalaw Township USDA Office on 14 May.

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( 2 ) Secretary-1 attends handing over ceremony of new school building of Dawbon BEMS-3

Yangon, 15 May - A ceremony to hand over new school building of Basic Education Middle School No 3, donated by (U Pwint Gaung) Daw Khin Nwe Yi and family and Shwe Pazun families, to the Ministry of Education was held at the school on Thitsa Road in Bo Tun Zan Ward, Dawbon Township, at 3 pm today, attended by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung and Managing Director U Tint Soe Lin of Shwe Pazun Co Ltd and Pwint Gaung and Khin Nwe Yi Co Ltd, on behalf of the well-wisher family, formally opened the new school building. Then, the Secretary-1 unveiled the signboard of Pyinnya Tazaung hall. Next, the Secretary-1 and party and the guests visited the new school building.

The opening ceremony of the new school building was held at the building. Managing Director U Tint Soe Lin explained the purpose of the donation. Afterwards, Headmaster U Htay Aung spoke words of thanks. Managing Director U Tint Soe Lin handed over documents related to the building to Director-General U Tin Win of No 3 Basic Education Department (Yangon City) who presented a certificate of honour to him.

Secretary-1 attends handing (from page1) Next, well-wishers donated cash to the funds of opening the multimedia teaching centre of the school. The Secretary-1 accepted K 500,000 donated by (U Pwint Kaung) Daw Khin Nwe Yi and family, K 200,000 by U Chu Than-Daw Win Kyi and family, K 100,000 each by Daw Ma Ma Gyi and family and U Myint Aung-Daw Le Le Win Swe and family and K 200,000 by U Aung Ko Zaw-Daw Aye Sanda Myaing and family. The commander and the ministers accepted K 100,000 each donated by (U Zeyar Pwint) Daw Mu Mu Maung, U Aye Thaw Kaung, U Kaung Nyunt and U Han Wai Lwin and family, U Myo Nyunt and U Min Hlaing and family, Daw Than Than Hsint and family, U Chit Swe-Daw Ohn Than family, U Maung Maung-7-Daw Khin Myint Myint and family, U Tin Wan-Daw Hla Kyin and family, U Phone Myint-Daw Kyin Twan and family, U Chein Hsaing-Daw San Kyu and family, (U Yu Hsaing) Daw Shu Kyu and family, U Kyaw Zaw-Daw Hla Yi and family, U Tin Hla-Daw Aye Aye Kyi and family, Daw Yi Yi Khin and family, U Tin Aung-Daw Kyin Pu and family, U Myat Thin Aung-Daw Khin Myint Myint and family, Daw Khin Ohn and family, (U Than Sein) Daw Kyin Aye and family, U Han Sein-Daw Soe Soe and family, (Dr Tin Shwe) Daw Aye Aye Thant and family, Daw Zaw Min Zin-Daw Tin Thida and family, U Win Shwe-Daw Khin Khin Sein and family and U Han Sein-Daw Khin Soe and family, K 50,000 each by U Than (Daw Aye) and family, Daw Shu Sein-Daw Kyin Waing and family, U Pyar-Daw Kyin Oo and family, U Aye-Daw Kyin Yon and family and U Kyee Myint and family. Certificates of honor were presented to the well-wishers.

Minister U Than Aung said a new building emerged with the donation of sons and daughters of late U Pwint Kaung and Daw Khin Nwe Ye of Shwe Pazun family and it was an auspicious day for the Ministry of Education and children in the wards. He said such donation would benefit not only schoolchildren reading at the school but also those who will receive education at the school. The minister then thanked the donors. The Secretary-1 expressed thanks to Shwe Pazun family for donation of new building of No 3 Basic Education Middle School. He said it was sure that schoolchildren and parents in the ward and township would be glad to see the emergence of a grand new fully furnished school building. Teachers and parents led by the Headmaster made efforts for emergence of a new building.

At that time they met well-wishers and the building came into being with the donation of them. The donors and those who accepted the donations were glad to fulfill the desire of the teachers and students, he said. At the ceremony well-wishers presented K 3.5 million for opening of multimedia and it is in fact very auspicious occasion. Our youths either from urban or rural areas are bright and sharp, he mentioned. He also expressed his belief that efforts would be made by all for realizing the National Education Promotion Goal by utilizing the well-facilitated multimedia teaching centres. He urged the students to diligently strive by grasping the opportunities available to become intellectuals and intelligentsia who will serve the nation and the people he also urged teachers to understand the aims for national education promotion and nurture the students to become intellectuals and intelligentsia.

After the ceremony, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, together with the commander, well-wishers, headmaster, teachers and students posed for a group photo.

( 3 ) Regional development projects inspected in Shan State (East)

Yangon, 15 May - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Aung Htwe of the Ministry of Defence met local authorities, departmental officials and members of social organizations at the Sibinthaya Hall in Kengtung on 13 May morning.

At the meeting, Maj-Gen Aung Htwe discussed regional development and successful implementation of five rural development tasks. Then, Secretary of Shan State (East) Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Aung Soe reported on tasks being carried out for agriculture and livestock breeding and construction work in Shan State (East) and requirements; and Ministers Col Thein Nyunt and U Aung Khin and Deputy Minister Prof Dr Mya Oo on assistance being rendered sector-wise and future tasks. Maj-Gen Aung Htwe attended to the needs. In the afternoon, Maj-Gen Aung Htwe and party left Kengtung by helicopter for Monghsat where they were welcomed by Commander of Monghsat Station Brig-Gen Tun Tun, Chairman of Monghsat District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Myo Myint and departmental officials and townselders.

At the Thiri Yadana Hall in Monghsat, Maj-Gen Aung Htwe met district and township level departmental officials, members of social organizations, townselders and local residents and elaborated on cooperation for regional development and reports regarding requirements to be fulfilled. Chairman Lt-Col Myo Myint reported on progress of education, health, transport and economy in Monghsat District and requirements for regional development. Ministers Col Thein Nyunt and U Aung Khin and Deputy Minister Prof Dr Mya Oo explained assistance being provided sector-wise for regional development and future tasks and attended to the needs. Afterwards, Maj-Gen Aung Htwe fulfilled the needs.

Minister Col Thein Nyunt presented uniforms for members of Monghsat District and Township USDAs and War Veterans Organizations. Maj-Gen Aung Htwe and party attended the opening of the self-reliance gravel road in Kya-de Ward, the same township. Staff Officer of Township Development Affairs Department U Than Zaw reported on efforts made for construction of the gravel road and presented pennants to mark the opening ceremony to officials. Chairman Lt-Col Myo Myint, Staff Officer U Than Zaw and Township USDA Secretary U Khin Maung Kyaw formally opened the road. Maj-Gen Aung Htwe and party viewed the road. The road, 12 feet wide and 2,000 feet long, was constructed at a cost of K 2.2 million contributed by ward dwellers with the use of the heavy machinery of Township Development Affairs Committee.

CEC member of the USDA Minister Col Thein Nyunt, together with Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Myint Swe, met executives and members of District and Township USDAs and members of WVOs at the office of Monghsat District USDA on 13 May evening and gave instructions on cooperation for regional development and attended to the needs. Minister U Aung Khin visited Maha Myatmuni Monastery in Monghsat on 13 May evening and presented offertories to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sondra Mala and members of the Sangha and supplicated on religious affairs.

Yesterday morning, he also went to Wanhong Village Monastery in Monghsat Township and paid reverence and presented offertories to Sayadaws Bhaddanta Sud-hamma and Bhaddanta Candacara and supplicated on religious affairs. Deputy Minister Prof Dr Mya Oo arrived at Monghsat People's Hospital on 13 May morning. He then inspected the medical ward, surgical ward, operation theatre, X-ray room and medical store and gave instructions and attended to the needs.

Meipan Creek Hydel Power Plant inaugurated in Monghsat

Yangon, 15 May - The inauguration ceremony of Meipan Creek Hydel Power Plant was held at the power plant in Monghsat Township, Shan State (East), yesterday morning, attended by member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Aung Htwe of the Ministry of Defence.

Speaking on the occasion, Maj-Gen Aung Htwe said that the Government lays emphasis on undertaking development tasks of border areas and national races with momentum; according to the guidance of the Head of State, development tasks of border areas, improvement of 24 development regions and five rural development tasks are being systematically carried out; in doing so, the Government has laid down and is implementing the plans on smooth transportation, education, health, agriculture and livestock breeding, power supply, communication system, public relations and reclamation of highland farming; the Government has spent K 24,610.42 million on regional development tasks from 1989 to date; development tasks in respective sectors are being the carried out with added momentum in Shan State (East); Meipan Creek Hydel Power Plant would supply power to Monghsat and its surrounding villages and contribute to extending cottage industries in the region; and local people are to safeguard and maintain it for durability of development structures built by the Government.

Then, Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut explained construction of power plants all over the country and opening of Meipan Creek Hydel Power Plant. Next, Monghsat Township Union Solidarity and Development Association Executive Akha national race U Ar Gah spoke words of thanks.

Afterwards, Maj-Gen Aung Htwe presented cash prize for workers of the Ministry of Electric Power to in-charge of the plant U Tha Aung. Maj-Gen Aung Htwe unveiled the stone plaque of the plant and Ministers Col Thein Nyunt and Maj-Gen Tin Htut and Brig-Gen Tun Tun of Monghsat Station formally opened the plant. Then, guests visited the plant. Meipan Creek Hydel Power Plant was built at a cost of K 150 million and US$ .32 million by the Government. The plant is installed with two 600 kilo-watt generators and it can supply power to Monghsat and its surrounding villages the whole day. The power plant is the 15th one in Shan State built by Ministry of Electric Power.

Maj-Gen Maung Bo inspects development work in Dawei District

Yangon, 15 May - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Maung Bo of the Ministry of Defence, together with departmental officials, attended the opening ceremony of the archway of Shwethalyaung Reclining Buddha Image in Katoh Village, Dawei Township, on 12 May morning.

Having inspected renovation of Shwethalyaung Reclining Buddha Image, Maj-Gen Maung Bo donated K 50,000 to the pagoda board of trustees. Next, Maj-Gen Maung Bo and well-wisher U Pe Kyi formally opened the archway. Maj-Gen Maung Bo and party went to Ywale Monastery in Thakyettaw Village in Launglon Township and presented offertories to Presiding Sayadaw Station Ovadacariya Bhaddanta Garuna Bhivamsa and members of the Sangha.

They then met with members of Village Peace and Development Council of Thakyettaw, Tawkye, Thawun, Zalut and Thabyeshoung villages, social associations, townselders and locals and discussed matters related to implementation of regional development tasks. Maj-Gen Maung Bo and party arrived at cold storage and ice factory of International Fisheries (Taninthayi) Ltd in Kyauknimaw Village, Launglon Township, and saw over production process of prawn to be exported and ice, after which he fulfilled the needs. The cold storage and ice factory can produce one and a half tons of finished prawn and ten tons of ice per day. On arrival at Dawei University in the afternoon, Maj-Gen Maung Bo heard reports by Principal U Kyaw Kyaw Htay and District Senior Engineer U Khin Maung Htay on construction of two-storey lecture room and lecture hall.

Then, Maj-Gen Maung Bo gave instructions on measures to be undertaken for timely completion of the buildings, cleaning the drains and greening of the campus of the university. Then, Maj-Gen Maung Bo, after inspecting computer rooms and hostels of the teachers, gave necessary instructions and attended to the needs.

Commander and ministers inspect cold storage factories and prawn hatching camp in Sittway

Yangon, 15 May - Chairman of the Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Commander of Western Command Brig-Gen Maung Oo, together with Minister for Cooperatives Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein and Vice-Chairman of the Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Brig-Gen Phone Swe, arrived at the sea prawn breeding camp of the Fisheries Department at Yaychanbyin Village, Sittway, on 12 May morning and heard reports by Camp Incharge U Aye Kyaw and officials and attended to the needs. They then inspected the prawn hatching camp. At 10 am, the commander, ministers and party arrived at the Shwetharawun Co Ltd at Mingan Ward, Sittway. Manager U Aung Hteik reported them on progress of the cold storage factory construction, prawn production process and sale at local and foreign markets.

The commander, the ministers and party inspected round the factory and fulfilled the needs. They also inspected the Kyauksanpwint cold storage factory and Minzarni cold storage factory. At 1 pm, the commander, ministers and party attended the meeting between the supervisory committee for extension of prawn breeding and prawn breeding entrepreneurs. Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe and Brig-Gen Maung Oo made speeches at the meeting.

Then, the entrepreneurs reported on the prawn breeding and hatching; Brig-Gen Phone Swe on agriculture and fisheries in the Rakhine State and Deputy Director-General of the Fisheries Department U Hla Win on breeding of fresh water and sea prawns and special prawns respectively. The commander and ministers gave concluding remarks and the meeting came to an end.

Maj-Gen Tin Aye inspects UMEHL's gem and jade sales

Yangon, 15 May - The 15th gem and jade sales of the Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd continued for the second day at Myanma Gems Emporium at No 66, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, at 9 am today. Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defence this afternoon arrived at the emporium, where he was welcomed by Managing Director of the UMEHL Brig-Gen Win Hlaing and members of the Board of Directors of UMEHL. Then, Maj-Gen Tin Aye inspected the jade lots in the surrounding areas of the ground floor, the second floor and the first floor. Officials concerned conducted him round the emporium. Maj-Gen Tin Aye left the emporium later in the afternoon. A total of 423 jade lots and 265 gem lots are being displayed at the emporium, and 342 local merchants and 58 foreign merchants viewed the gem and jade lots.

( 4 ) Press Meet of Third Special Working Group Meeting on Singapore-Kunming Rail Link held

Yangon, 15 May - The Press Meet of the Third Special Working Group Meeting on the Singapore Kunming Rail Link (SKRL) between delegation leaders and officials of the ASEAN Secretariat and journalists was held at Sedona Hotel on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road at 9.45 am today.

First, Deputy Minister for Rail Transportation Thura U Thaung Lwin explained matters related to the Press meet. Then, delegation leaders and official of the ASEAN Secretariat made introductory speeches. Then, Deputy Minister Thura U Thaung Lwin, delegation leaders and the official of the ASEAN Secretariat answered the queries raised by NTV correspondent U Aung Shwe Oo, correspondent U Hla Htwe of Nihon Keizai Shimbun daily, Director (News) U Hla Tun of News and Periodicals Enterprise and correspondent U Nyunt Tin of Fuji Television. In answering the question raised by U Aung Shwe Oo, Thura U Thaung Lwin said: KL

Consult was given the job for feasibility study funded by the Malaysian Government which contributed 2 million ringgits for this project. The feasibility study concentrates on six routes. Route-1 starting from Singapore which will pass through Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and then to China. Route-2, the common route is from Singapore passing through Malaysia and Thailand and passes through Myanmar from Three-Pagoda-Pass and then proceeds to China. Route 3, 5 and 6 are to connect Kunming of China from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. The recommended route which passes Myanmar is proposed at the ASEAN Summit.

It is Route-1 as well as part of Route-2 which includes Mawlamyine, Thanbyuzayat, Three Pagoda Pass and Namtok. Myanmar's involvement is from Mawlamyine to Three Pagoda Pass which is 200 km. From Mawlamyine to Thanbyuzayat is about 90 km which will be rehabilitated. From Thanbyuzayat to Three Pagoda Pass is about 110 km which will be a new construction. Regarding Thanbyuzayat to Three Pagoda Pass section we are waiting for external funding. Feasibility study conducted by KL Consult focuses on economic, technical and financial feasibility. It also includes other aspects of environmental and socio-economic impact too. In replying to queries by U Hla Htwe, Thura U Thaung Lwin said: I would like to explain about railroad gauge. At present, from Singapore passing through Malaysia and Thailand existing line is metre gauge and Vietnam also. So there are some standard gauge.

From the China-Vietnamese border to Kunming, there also exists metre gauge. So, Singapore-Kunming rail link will be metre gauge line. We are considering the construction of metre gauge line to link the existing metre gauge rail track. The recommended Route-1 is 5,382 km long. And there are 431 km of missing links. Its spur line will be 585 km which is to be newly constructed too. The cost for construction is estimated to be 2.5 billion US$. It was estimated in 1997. Concerning the implementation we have already had tentative time frame.

The time frame to finish the project is set for 2004 and for conducting full feasibility study in detailed design for other missing sections in those requiring new construction, the time frame for full feasibility study is 2003 to 2005. In securing funding assistance, it's time frame is from 2005 to 2007. To commence the construction, the time frame starts from 2008-2009. The completion time will depend on availability of funding, So, all the countries concerned as well as dialogue partners and international agencies are requested to cooperate to help for needed funding. At this moment, Laos has received some proposals for BOOT (Build, Own, Operate and Transfer) system. In replying to question by U Nyunt Tin, the official from ASEAN Secretariat said: there will be possibility that ADB will participate in this project in the context of implementing the Poipet-Sisophon rail link project.

At the moment, the ADB has provided some kind of technical assistance to Cambodia in preparing transport strategy project. In this meeting, the ADB representative has indicated that they will provide assistance to Vietnam. The ADB as well as China, Japan and Korea will provide assistance to implementation of this project. The Press Meet came to an end at 10 am.

Press Release The Third Special Working Group Meeting on Singapore-Kunming Rail Link
(14-15 May 2002, Yangon, Myanmar)

1. The Singapore-Kunming Rail Link (SKRL) was proposed at the Fifth ASEAN Summit in Bangkok in December 1995, with Malaysia as the project coordinator. The SKRL Project is the core of the ASEAN Mekong Basin Development Cooperation (AMBDC) programme. At the Second ASEAN Informal Summit in Kuala Lumpur in December 1997, the ASEAN leaders agreed that the proposed rail link should be implemented on a consortium basis involving all ASEAN countries and that a decision be made about its implementation. The leaders also agreed that non-ASEAN countries such as the United States, Japan and the European countries would be invited to participate in its construction. The 1998 Hanoi Plan of Action again underscored the importance of the SKRL Project.

2. In line with the Fifth ASEAN Summit Meeting in Bangkok in 1995, the Special Working Group on SKRL was established on June 17, 1996, given the task of examining the feasibility of the link in terms of technical, financial and economic point of views.

3. A team of Malaysian consultants was engaged to undertake the feasibility study and the consultants commenced the study for the Singapore-Kunming Rail Link in March 1997 and completed in August, 1999. The study examined six routes to link Singapore with Kunming. All the six routes have a common sector from Singapore to Bangkok via Kuala Lumpur. The consultants recommended Route 1 which involves Cambodia, Vietnam and Lao PDR. The consultants also recommended the development of part of Route 2 that would integrate Myanmar into the regional network. This overall route configuration covers seven ASEAN member countries and China.

4. Malaysia assumed the chairmanship of the first and the second Special Working Group Meeting held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in December 1996 and September 1997 respectively. In line with the Third AMBDC Ministerial Meeting held in Chaing Rai, Thailand, Myanmar assumes chairmanship of the Special Working Group on SKRL for the year 2002. The Third Special Working Group Meeting on SKRL was held in Yangon, Myanmar on May 14-15, 2002.

5. The meeting was attended by delegates from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Representatives from China, Japan, Republic of Korea, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and KL Consult also attended the Meeting. Staff members of the ASEAN secretariat were also present. The Third Special Working Group Meeting was formally opened with the welcoming address by HE U Pan Aung, Minister, Ministry of Rail Transportation and Chairman of the SKRL Special Working Group on May 14 at 9 am in Yangon, Myanmar. The Meeting was held in plenary and was chaired by HE Thura U Thaung Lwin, Deputy Minister on behalf of HE U Pan Aung, Minister for Rail Transportation.

6. The ASEAN Secretariat briefed on the related decisions and follow-up actions arising from the ASEAN Summit Meetings, the Third AMBDC Meeting and the ASEAN Transport Minister's Meetings. The ASEAN member countries also briefed the Meeting on the follow-up actions and measures they have undertaken or undertaking in the implementation and/or fund mobilization for their rail sections to include the missing links, spur lines etc. of the approved SKRL route network. The ADB, China, Japan, Korea also briefed on their views and positions on the SKRL Project implementation.

7. The Meeting exchanged views on the possible concrete plans, modalities and measures to hasten the implementation of the SKRL Project, and agreed on the following.

(a). Member Countries concerned shall incorporate the missing links and spur lines of the endorsed SKRL route configuration  in their respective National Development Plans.  
(b). Priority shall be given to the immediate implementation of the 48 km Poipet-Sisophon missing section, with possible technical assistance from ADB and from ASEAN countries (eg, Malaysia);
(c). Mobilize technical assistance grants and/or funding support from ASEAN dialogue partners such as China, Japan, Korea, etc. and from ADB and other international aid agencies;
(d).Urge interested ASEAN private sector to initiate project development and construction through jointventure or consortium  arrangements or through BOT/BT/BOOT arrangements; 
(e). Encourage bilateral/sub-regional approach to project implementation and fund mobilization;
(f). Welcome various form of grants or in kind contribution from the interested ASEAN countries; and
(g). Explore viable project financing arrangements from established railway operating organizations/companies.

8. The meeting was successfully concluded.

Third SWG meeting on SKRL concludes

Yangon, 15 May - The third meeting on Singapore-Kunming Rail Link Special Working Group continued for the second day at Sedona Hotel in Kaba Aye Pagoda Road here at 8.30 am today and it successfully concluded at 9.15 am.

Present on the occasion were Deputy Minister for Rail Transportation Thura U Thaung Lwin, representatives from Cambodia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, China and Japan, Korea and officials from the ASEAN Secretariat and Asian Development Bank. At the meeting, on behalf of Chairman of SKRLSWG (2002) Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung, Deputy Minister Thura U Thaung Lwin presided over the meeting. At the meeting, matters related to construction of Singapore-Kunming Rail Link, the press release and resolutions and records of the meeting were approved.

Then, Deputy Minister Thura U Thaung Lwin made a concluding speech. He said all items on the agenda of the third meeting on Singapore-Kunming Rail Link Special Working Group had been discussed and he would like to announce that the meeting came to the conclusion successfully. He also thanked all delegates and the ASEAN Secretariat who helped in everything for the success of the meeting. He wished the delegates a bon voyage on their way back.

He also said he hoped to meet all delegates again at the next meeting. Representatives, together with Chairman of the committee for holding the meeting Director-General U Kyaw San of Transport Planning Department, Chairman of the committee for welcoming and accommodation Director-General U Hla Thaung Myint of Road Transport Administration Department and Secretary U Aung Myint of the committee, visited the Shwedagon Pagoda in the morning and the National Museum in the afternoon.

National Convention Convening Commission meets

Yangon, 15 May - The National Convention Convening Commission held a meeting at the meeting hall at its office at 2 pm today. Present at the meeting were Chairman of NCCC Maj-Gen Saw Lwin and commission members. National Convention Convening Work Committee and National Convention Convening Management Committee reported on matters relating to the National Convention. The members of the commission took part in the discussions. Then, the meeting ended with the concluding remarks by Chairman Maj-Gen Saw Lwin.

( 5 ) Labour Minister arrives back from New York

Yangon, 15 May - Minister for Labour U Tin Winn arrived back here by air yesterday evening after attending the 27th United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Children held in New York from 8 to 11 May. The minister was welcomed back at Yangon International Airport by Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's office Lt-Gen Min Thein, Deputy Minister for Labour Brig-Gen Win Sein, departmental heads and their families.

Minister inspects Yangon-Mandalay railroad

Yangon, 15 May - Accompanied by officials, Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung on 10 May inspected the construction of Ponchaung Bridge at the project site of Saikkhaung-Namsang railroad and gave instructions on priority works to be undertaken before the rains set in and on meeting the set standard. On 11 May, the minister inspected Ponchaung-Tipin-Namheit-Kaunghsai road section and gave necessary instructions to the officials. The minister saw over Mandalay-Yangon railroad on 12 May and gave instructions on maintenance tasks of the railroad to the officials.

Deputy Minister arrives back from PRC

Yangon, 15 May - Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, at the invitation of Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Mr. Wang Yi, paid a goodwill visit to the People's Republic of China from 9 to 15 May and arrived back here by air this afternoon.

The deputy minister and party were welcomed back at Yangon International Airport by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, directors-general of the ministry, officials and Charge d' Affaires ai of the Chinese Embassy here Mr. Tang Ying. During his stay in China, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win met with the Chinese Foreign Minister and the Vice Chinese Foreign Minister, and they exchanged views on bilateral cooperation between the two countries, and international and regional situations. He also met with authorities of Shanghai and Yunnan provinces.

Also back together with the deputy minister were Deputy Director-General U Win Aung of the Consular, International Law and Treaties and Research Department of the ministry, Director U Kyi Tun of the International Organizations and Economic Department and Director Daw Yin Yin Myint of the East Asia and the Pacific Department.

( 6 ) Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation tours Chin State

Yangon, 15 May - Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, the Chairman of Chin State Peace and Development Council and members and departmental officials inspected highland farmlands along the road from Tiddim to Haka on 13 May.

The minister and party arrived at Ramkalaung model tea plantation in Falam Township where the Chin State Manager of Myanma Agriculture Service and officials reported on education on techniques to turn conventional tea plantation into highland plantation, conducting courses on techniques, distribution of strains and Director-General of Irrigation Department U Kyaw San Win on water supply. The minister said the region has soil where tea plant can be cultivated on a commercial scale. So efforts are to be made for increased income of local farmers.

Plans are being undertaken with the motto Chin State must be tea-growing state, he said. He called for establishment of model plantation and assistance. The minister inspected tea plantation with the use of modern highland techniques and Myothit tea plantation in Haka Township. The minister and party discussed local food sufficiency, establishment of modern tea plantation, use of highland farming instead of shifting cultivation, double cropping, availability of water, boosting production and communication link and use of machinery power with departmental officials and farmers at Haka Township Peace and Development Council Office.

Chairman of Chin State Peace and Development Council reported on arrangements for local food sufficiency, climate and reclamation of highland farming which benefited forests. The managing director and the directors-general of Myanma Agriculture Service, Irrigation Department and Agricultural Mechanization Department reported on local food sufficiency, high yield of crops, availability of water and arrangements for reclamation of highland farming by respective departments.

On 14 May, the minister and party inspected irrigation of Kyetmauk and Leti regulating dam near Kyetmauk Village in Myaing Township, Magway Division and maintenance of the dams. He gave instructions on installation of sluice gates.

Minister inspects roads, bridges in Yangon, Bago Divisions

Yangon, 15 May - Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, accompanied by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Myint Thein and officials, arrived in Thanlyin today.

At the District Engineer Office, District Senior Engineer U Kyi Hlaing reported on tasks carried out in Thanlyin, Thongwa and Kayan townships during open season. The minister gave necessary instructions. The minister and party proceeded to the construction site of six-lane road, being undertaken by Road Construction Special Group-16 for linking Yangon-Thanlyin Bridge No 2 and Thilawa Industrial Zone. Officials reported on progress in construction tasks and building of Baw Creek Bridge and Ngasein Creek Bridge. The minister gave instructions on supervision work. Next, the minister and party inspected repaving of the road section between mile posts 55th and 56th on Thanatpin-Kayan-Thongwa Road and fulfilled construction materials and heavy machinery requirements.

At mile post 30/7, the minister met with the Superintending Engineer and officials of Bago Division. The minister heard reports on progress in construction of Bago-Thanatpin-Kayan Road, future tasks and building of Theinyoe Bridge on the road. The minister inspected construction of the road, Theinyoe Bridge and extended construction tasks between mile posts 4th and 6th on Bago-Thanatpin Road.

Minister inspects Ahlon dockyard

Yangon, 15 May - Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe accompanied by Deputy Minister for Transport Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint arrived at Ahlon dockyard of Inland Water Transport this morning.

Managing Director of Inland Water Transport U Tun Aung Myint and responsible personnel reported on annual repairing of S type Sawnanda and T type Taingyinmay passenger ships. Next the minister and party looked into repairing of N type cargo ship and construction of new barges and heard the explanation reported by the managing director and the officials and gave them necessary instructions. Then the minister and party inspected the chosen site where a 500-ton dry dock is ready to be built and the officials explained future tasks to be carried out. After hearing the reports, the minister gave them necessary instructions.