( 1 ) Essence of today's nation-building task is self-reliance
Infrastructure building task first step in realizing goals -- national consolidation and national peace, modernization and development
Nation able to overcome all kinds of constraints with power of internal strength
Senior General Than Shwe gives guidance at conclusion of Myanmar Affairs and International Studies Course and USDA Executives' Management Course

Yangon, 18 July - Patron of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe made an address at the closing ceremony of the Myanmar Affairs and International Studies Course No 5 and the USDA Executives' Management Course No 24, held at Pyidaungsu Hall at the Central Public Relations Unit in Hmawby Township, Yangon Division, this morning.

Senior General Than Shwe said now I am going to give necessary guidance to you at this ceremony. The efforts of the trainees of the respective courses are satisfactory. Trainees of the Myanmar Affairs and International Studies have studied Myanmar history and subjects on the national defence, building of economic infrastructures in the nation, implementation of the economic plans, the social sector and the international sector.

In addition to the theoretical lessons the trainees have also toured five divisions, studying the nation-building and social development projects and compiling papers on them.

The trainees of the Executives' Management Course have studied the lessons including library science, computer application and office work.

As you have studied the Myanmar affairs and the international sector, you have already known the enormous scope of the projects to ensure State's peace and stability and to modernize and develop it, and the task to ensure non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty.

Due to the time limitation, the trainees were able to study the development undertakings in Yangon, Bago, Magway, Mandalay and Sagaing Divisions only. But you were able to clearly witness the practical efforts to build the nation.

If you make an assessment of your practical study tours, you will come to know that the development undertakings are immediate requirements not only for the regions, but also for the nation.

You will also understand that the development projects are the infrastructures which are required not only for socio-economic progress of the entire people, but also the national economic system.

I believe that the trainees after making practical studies will be able to basically access the nature of the development undertakings which had already been implemented and which are being implemented in the nation.

Improvement in the social system can be expected only if we are able to build the infrastructures. Infrastructure building task is the first step to realize the goals -- national consolidation and national peace, modernization and development.

Myanmar is just a developing nation. As we are left behind for decades, the current nation-building task is enormous. There will be requirements in all the sectors and regions.

In the political sector, national unity is the principal requirement. The related sectors of the national unity peace and stability are also a political task to be undertaken without fail. The national interests faced losses on all fronts throughout the colonial era. The colonialists' divide-and-rule policy had also weakened national solidarity. Because of the armed conflicts, the political stability and security were also weak after the nation regained independence. The consequence of the weaknesses is the failure to build the economic infrastructures in order to meet the requirements.

The nation did not have the infrastructure of a developing country in some regions.

As is known to all, because of the nation's objective condition, the government has laid down the political, economic and social objectives and is implementing them together with the people to develop all the sectors in all regions.

The government designated 24 development zones in the nation, striving energetically for significant progress of all the sectors with a view to ensuring proportionate development in all the regions. We have faced a lot of constraints in doing so. But we rely on the national strength to overcome them. We are using our strength fully without taking any foreign assistance, learning the experiences we have gained in implementing our development undertakings.

All the infrastructures of the State, which we have successfully built, have emerged resulting from the internal strength. We are able to overcome all kinds of constraints with the power of the internal strength. Thus, we have more confidence in the internal strength, achieving the ability to launch mass movements with high acceleration. You have witnessed the power of the internal strength and the self-confidence at the projects you have visited.

Because of the internal strength and self-confidence, symbols of progress can be seen not only in the regions you have toured, but also in the entire nation.

For example, from among the many success stories of the nation-building undertakings, if we assess the developing condition in the Ayeyawady delta region, we can find its significant development.

The situation in the Ayeyawady Division has totally changed as if we have totally transformed its surface. As it has a large number of lakes and watercourses, Ayeyawady Division had to mainly rely on water transport. A network of motor roads has been built in the division to ensure easy and smooth transport between one town and another and with other regions. The travel time between Yangon and Pathein has been cut to one-sixth at present. Because of the network of roads and bridges and new dams, industries and land reform programmes, we can say that the geographical condition of the division has been totally changed for the better.

Other symbols of national development are the emergence of the Union High-ways in Rakhine State and Taninthayi Division, which had to rely mainly on the coastal sea lanes in the past. The significant sector of the Kyaukphyu-Yangon Highway is building of the road section passing many miles through a brackish marshland, which is a natural barrier. The longest bridge in Myanmar is being built on Thanlwin River between Mawlamyine and Mottama to complete the Kawthoung-Yangon Highway.

In the past, Kachin State depended on rail and river transport. But now Putao-Myitkyina-Mandalay motorway and Bhamo-Mandalay motorway have become the Union Highways linking the state with all parts of the nation.

Chin State where high and steep mountain ranges pose as transport barriers is now developing and changing. Haka, the capital of the state, is only a 12-hour drive from Mandalay. Kanpetlet and Mindat in southern Chin State can be reached from Yangon within 12 hours. These are some of the symbols of progress in the transport sector serving the people's interests. Similarly, developments can be seen in every region and sector. The people are now starting to enjoy the fruits of the large Thaphanseik Dam in Shwebo District, which was included in your study tour. We are now clearly witnessing that the huge dam is not only benefiting the agriculture sector, but also the environmental sector.

The people and the farmers of the Shwebo District are now able to overcome the challenges of the dry weather.

Efforts are being made with accelerated momentum for progress of the nation's agriculture sector. The Naga Dam constructed on Daungne Creek in Yenangyoung Township, Magway Division, which will be commissioned into service soon, will become the 136th dam of the nation's newly built irrigation facilities. The essence of today's nation-building task is self-reliance. We are fully using the strength of the internal forces, serving the people's interests with greater momentum. Efforts are being made with a view to bringing proportionate progress to all the regions.

As endeavors have been made with high acceleration for a period of about a decade, the political, economic and social objectives of the State can be realized to a large degree. I would like to say that endeavoring to develop all the regions and sectors is making preparations for the future nation.

The significance of the national development undertakings is the ardent participation of the people.

The national race groups which value Our Three Main National Causes and wish to serve the people's interests have striven to restore peace together with the Government. They are taking part in the tasks to bring peace and stability to the nation and develop the economic sector with Union Spirit. From towns to villages, the people countable by numbers in a million energetically take part in the national immunization days held annually under the health care programmes covering the whole nation.

The people are also participating with greater momentum in school age children enrolment movement, which is the most primary task of the national education promotion programmes. Especially the USDA youths are actively taking part in cooperation with the education staff, social organizations and local people.

Because of the house-to-house organization work launched by the people with goodwill in every village, the school enrolment movement is gaining success. Efforts have been made to increase the school enrolment rate for four consecutive years. This year, 55 townships were selected as special zones of the movement. The average school enrolment rate of the school age children of the 55 townships is 98.36 per cent. As the movement was launched simultaneously in the whole country, this year's average school enrolment rate of the school age children of the entire nation is 93.07 per cent. In 2002, over 1,233,000 children of school age were enrolled at the kindergarten. It is the initial success of the 30-year long-term plan laid down by the State.

The people are worthy of honour, for, they are taking part in the development undertakings, the tasks to restore peace and stability and social programmes with greater momentum. All the citizens are to cooperate in building a peaceful, modern and developed nation. We all will have to build a modern and develop nation with the conviction that developing and modernizing the nation not only amounts to uplifting the dignity of the State and the people, but also to safeguarding and defending them.

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize two points. At the courses, you have studied the immediate requirements and future goals of the nation. So, I would like to urge you to continuously study the nation's changes and developments and the international sectors. Secondly, you have already known the designation of the 24 development zones for all-round national progress and the five rural development tasks. Hence, I would like to urge you all to take part in the respective sectors for success of the two projects.

After delivering the address, Senior General Than Shwe cordially greeted the trainees, and together with them, had breakfast at Bayintnaung Hall.

Then, the Senior General and party, together with the trainees, posed for a documentary photo and left the unit.

Excerpts of Senior General Than Shwe's Address

* Improvement in the social system can be expected only if we are able to build the infrastructures.
* As we are left belind for decades, the current nation-building task is enormous.
* Because of the nation's objective condition, the government laid down the political, economic and social objectives and implementing them together with the people to develop all the sectors and regions.
* The government designated 24 development zones in the nation, striving energetically for significant progress of all the sectors with a view to ensuring proportionate development in all the regions.
* We are using our strength fully without taking any foreign assistance, gathering the experiences we have gained in implementing our development undertakings.
* Because of the internal strength and self-confidence, symbols of progress can be seen not only in the regions, but also in the entire nation.
* Because of the network of roads and bridges and new dams, industries and land reform programmes, we can say that the geographical condition of Ayeyawady Division has totally changed.
* Other symbols of national development are the emergence of the Union Highways in Rakhine State and Taninthayi Division, which were relying mainly on the coastal sea lanes in the past.
* The people are now starting to enjoy the fruits of the large Thaphanseik Dam in Shwebo District.
* Because of the house-to-house organization work launched by the people with goodwill in every village, the school enrolment movement is gaining success.

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( 2 ) A&I Minister receives guest

Yangon, 18 July - Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin received Dr Ronald Cantrell, Director-General of the International Rice Research Institute of the Philippines, at his office yesterday morning. Present on the occasion were directors-general and managing directors of the ministry. Dr Ronald Cantrell and Managing Director of Myanma Agriculture Service U Tun Thein exchanged an agreement on fertilizer control research in respective zones which had been signed by MAS and IRRI.

Minister receives Malaysian guests

Yangon, 18 July - Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone received Managing Director Dr Larry Wong Chee Yoong, adviser to group of Padiberas Nasional Berhad, Malaysia, and party at the ministry this afternoon.

F&R Minister receives Chinese guests

Yangon, 18 July - Minister for Finance and Revenues U Khin Maung Thein received Assistant President of the People's Bank of China Mr Li Ruogu and party, together with Ambassador of the People's Republic of China Mr Li Jinjun, at his office this afternoon.

Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint receives guest

Yangon, 18 July - Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint received President Mr Daniel Kunz of Ivanhoe Mines Ltd, a joint venture firm with No 1 Mining Enterprise under the ministry at his office this afternoon.

Deputy Minister receives SEAEA Chairman and party

Yangon, 17 July - Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt received Chairman of South-East Asia Exchange Association Mr Goro Konishi and party of Japan at his office this morning.

( 3 ) Fifth 47-member Plenary Meeting of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee concludes

Yangon, 18 July - The second day session of the fifth 47-member Plenary Meeting of the Fifth State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee took place at the Wizaya Mingala Dhamma Thabin on Thiri Mingalar Kaba Aye Hill this morning and concluded later in the afternoon.

Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sirindabhivamsa chaired the meeting with Joint Secretary Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Osathabhivamsa acting as master of ceremonies. First, Members of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee discussed matters concerning the report on accomplishment of tasks during the first term of the Fifth State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee (Third Branch). Sayadaw Bhaddanta Manita Siri Bhivamsa, Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Sunanda and Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sirindabhivamsa discussed Vinicchaya, Sasana and academic affairs respectively.

Next, member Sayadaws decided Vinicchaya affairs submitted by states and divisions and the meeting went into recess. The meeting resumed in the afternoon. Matters related to Vinicchaya, Sasana and academic affairs and tasks to be carried out in accordance with Section 7, Paragraph 56 (C) of Vinidhammakan procedure were discussed and then made decisions. Joint Secretary Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Osathabhivamsa explained matters related to the discussion on accomplishment of tasks during the first term of the Fifth State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee (Third Branch). Then, the meeting approved the minutes.

Afterwards, general affairs were discussed and then the decisions were made. The meeting concluded later in the afternoon. U Sein Win (Shwe Yi Win Co) and Daw Myint Myint Yi ( Agga Maha Thiri Thudhamma Theingi) of 81/B, Inyamyaing Supound Road, offered "soon" to the Sayadaws.

( 4 ) Minister inspects construction of Mone Creek Dam

Yangon, 18 July - Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin inspected the work site of Tanyaung Water Pumping Project in Salin Township, Magway Division, on 15 July. Director-General of the Water Resources Utilization Department U Win Shwe and those in charge of the project reported to the minister on progress of work.

Then, the minister and party proceeded to the construction site of Mone Creek Multipurpose Dam Project being undertaken by the Construction Group 8 of the Irrigation Department between Aukpon Village and Thayankaing Village two miles north of Sedoktara, Minbu District, Magway Division. The minister gave necessary instructions to officials of the project.

Afterwards, the minister and party inspected construction of the earth embankment, the 3,625 feet long diversion tunnel and the sluice gate, earth work, laying stones on the earth embankment and tasks being carried out by the Irrigation Department for generating electricity. Next, the minister looked into progress of construction of the temporary dyke and the main concrete spillway, construction of lower spillway Nos 1 and 2, generating of electricity, and construction of tunnel, and laid down the future tasks. On 16 July, the minister and party went to the worksite of Kyiohnkyiwa Dam Construction Project near Wunlo Village, Pwintbyu Township, Magway Division, 15 miles downstream of Mone Creek Multipurpose Dam Project.

The minister and party then inspected progress of construction of concrete wall and work being done for construction of the main dyke. The minister also inspected the project worksite. On completion, the Kyiohnkyiwa Dam will contribute towards regional development. Then, the minister and party saw over Mezali Diversion Weir and maintenance tasks for the main canal. In the afternoon, the minister and party went to Lawka Nanda Water Pumping Project site in NyaungU Township, Mandalay Division, where the project in-charge and Director-General U Win Shwe reported on tasks being done.

Next, the minister inspected the project site. On completion, the project will contribute to cultivation of crops as well as regional development. Now, the project is under implementation and the distributory (secondary) No 1 has been constructed and it irrigates 600 acres of monsoon crops.

Minister U Pan Aung inspects railroad section

Yangon, 18 July - Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung, accompanied by officials, inspected earth work, levelling slopes and straightening curves of Taunggyi-Hsaikkhaung-Ponchaung-Namhsan railroad section on 15 July, and urged officials to carry out the tasks actively to ensure smooth and secure transport of passengers and cargo.

( 5 ) Measures for holding Exhibition on Women's Endeavours coordinated

Yangon, 18 July - A work coordination meeting for observing a women's endeavour exhibition 2002 to be organized by Myanmar National Committee for Women's Affairs, took place at the meeting hall of the Social Welfare Department on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road this afternoon.

The meeting started with an opening address of Deputy Minister U Hlaing Win. Then, Director of National Museum of the Department of Cultural Institute Daw Nu Mra Zan made reports on matters relating to exhibits, to which advisers gave suggestions.

Next, resolutions of the meeting were made by those present for the observance of the exhibition. Afterwards, the meeting came to an end with concluding remarks by Deputy Minister U Hlaing Win.

Talks on endeavours of MWEA held

Yangon, 18 July - Talks on endeavours of the Myanmar Women Entrepreneurs Association organized by Myanmar ASEAN Women Friendship Association was held at the Wunzinminyaza Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Pyay Road here this morning.

It was attended by member of patrons of MAWFA Daw San Yon, wife of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Daw Khin Swe Soe, wife of the deputy minister, honorary members of the association, wives of the ambassadors of the ASEAN nations in Myanmar, wives of the heads departments under the ministry, member women and staff women of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Prof Daw Yi Yi Myint, Adviser of MWEA, gave talks on "the endeavours of the Myanmar Women Entrepreneurs Association". The talks were held by MAWFA as an activity of the association.

( 6 ) Commander inspects Yangon Division Vegetable and Poultry Farming Special Zone

Yangon, 18 July - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe inspected the Vegetable and Poultry Farming Special Zone of Yangon Division near Nyaunghnapin Village in Hmawby Township, Yangon North District, this morning.

The commander was welcomed at Hmawby Hsan Hall of the Vegetable and Poultry Farming Special Zone 1 by Col Tin Tun of Phugyi Station, Chairman of Special Zone Supervisory Committee Commissioner of Yangon Division General Administration Department U Thein Swe and members, Chairman of Yangon North District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col San Matu and officials. Special Zone 1 in-charge U Aung Hsan of Myanma Agriculture Service, Special Zone 2 in-charge Head of Yangon North District GAD U Thein Naing, Special Zone 3 in-charge Head of Yangon Division Settlement and Land Records Department U Naing Win and Commissioner of Division GAD U Thein Swe reported on weeding, land preparations, progress of cultivation of vegetables, breeding of broilers and layers, progress of digging of fish breeding ponds, and tasks being undertaken.

Then, national agriculture and livestock breeding entrepreneurs reported on work being done for vegetable cultivation and poultry farming and Executive Officer U Aung Kyaw Oo of Myanma Electric Power on progress of work in supply of electricity. Regarding the reports, the commander urged the national entrepreneurs to grow monsoon crops. He said that the requirements are being fulfilled for agriculture and livestock breeding entrepreneurs. He called on departmental officials to make earnest efforts for development of the special zone. Later, the commander saw over the plantations from observation tower and gave necessary instructions to the officials, and left there.

Now, vegetables have been cultivated on 1,995 acres of land in this rainy season at the special zone by the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Electric Power, Ministry of Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs, Ministry of Rail Transportation and national entrepreneurs. Over 700,000 broilers and layers have been bred and 500,000 broilers have been sold and the 300-acre-land of fish breeding ponds had been dug in the zone.