( 1 ) Senior General Than Shwe receives Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs

Yangon, 6 Aug - Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe received visiting Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Surakiart Sathirathai and delegation at the Zeyathiri Beikman, Konemyintha, here, this morning.

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( 2 ) Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt receives Foreign Minister of Thailand and party

Yangon, 6 Aug - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand Dr Surakiart Sathirathai and party at Zeyathiri Beikman in Konmyinttha here at 2 pm today.

Secretary-1 addresses meeting No 2/2002 of Myanmar Education Committee

Yangon, 6 Aug - The Myanmar Education Committee held the meeting No 2/2002 at Universities Central Council at 4.30 pm today, with an address by Chairman of MEC Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt said currently, there are many significant developments in both the basic education sector and the higher education sector. In the basic education sector, the school-age children enrolment programme has achieved success due to collective and energetic participation of the government, parents, public and social organizations. The ceremonies to honour the success achieved in launching the school-going age enrolment programme was held in Yangon in lower Myanmar and Mandalay in upper Myanmar.

At the ceremonies, it was delightful to hear the words of thanks extended by students who left the school for two or three years due to various reasons had been able to continue their education because of the enrolment programme. The present year's enrolment rate of school-age children has reached 93.07 per cent due to the harmonious and active participation of the government, parents, people and humanitarian organizations on a national scale. The goals of the enrolment programme will be fully realized if all are able to maintain the current pace. The programme of opening of multimedia classrooms at basic education schools is also gaining momentum. Of the 978 basic education high schools, 889 schools now have multimedia classrooms, and plans are under way to install similar classrooms at another 89 schools. Moreover, the multimedia classrooms have been opened at 23 affiliated high schools. Those are also being opened at middle schools and primary schools. There is also significant development in the higher education sector.

The government is opening more institutions of higher learning in the whole nation. In accord with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, 24 development zones have been set up in the nation. Plans are under way to open at least one university or college and one government technological college and one government computer college in every development zone. There will be 160 universities and colleges in Myanmar when all the institutions of higher learning under construction stage and project stage are opened. In the higher education sector, as a significant progress, arrangements are being made for opening of Myanmar Aerospace Engineering University and Myanmar Maritime University that will conduct courses on building of ships and aircraft. So, the need has been fulfilled in vocational education sector and there are all kinds of vocational institutes and universities in Myanmar, he pointed out.

All-out efforts are being made for development of education sector, and Head of State Senior General Than Shwe has already guided that promotion of education standard in rural areas is one of the five rural area development tasks to be implemented as the fundamental tasks for development of 24 development regions. If the tasks are completely implemented, the education standard of the Union will be promoted. So, to achieve success in implementing the objectives of education sector in accordance with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, not only the Ministry of Education but other related ministries are to actively cooperate in implementing the tasks. Teaching staff are to be nurtured while universities and colleges are being extended and arrangements are to be made for the teaching staff to be able to attend courses on higher degrees, he stressed. Moreover, newly opened universities and colleges have already been facilitated with grand buildings and modern teaching/learning aids, and it is needed to upgrade the existing ones.

At present, all officials of education, taking the participation and assistance of the public, are to actively cooperate to achieve success in implementing the education goals of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, he added. Afterwards, Minister for Education U Than Aung reported to the Secretary-1 on extending of universities and degree colleges. He said the Ministry of Education has opened universities and degree colleges in accordance with the need of respective regions and on 27 June 2002, Yangon West University, Kyaukse University and Bhamo Degree College were opened. Altogether 98.4 per cent of the students who registered at Yangon West University are pursuing education at the university and the rest are attending courses of the University of Distance Education.

The courses available at the university are Myanmarsa, English, Geography, History, Philosophy, Oriental Studies, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Zoology, Botany, Geology and Industrial Chemistry. At Kyaukse University, altogether 78.59 per cent of the registered students are attending first year courses and the rest are attending the University of Distance Education. The courses conducted at the university are Myanmarsa, English, Geography, History, Philosophy, Oriental Studies, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Zoology, Botany and Geology. At Bhamo Degree College, altogether 86.79 per cent of the registered students are attending first year courses, majoring in Myanmarsa, Geography, History, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Zoology and Botany and supplementary subjects are English, Philosophy, Oriental Studies and Geology, he said.

The minister also made reports on opening of e-education learning centres. He said electronic data broadcasting system has been launched by the ministry in cooperation with the Ministry of Information since 1 January 2001 to implement e-education system in Myanmar. Altogether 304 centres have been opened in townships in fiscal years 2000-01 and 2001-02, and plans to open more 140 centres are under way. So, at the end of current fiscal year, the number of the centres will amount to 444. Next, Deputy Minister for Education U Myo Nyunt reported on installation of SAT system. He said in education sector, e-education system was introduced for application of information and communication technology.

Altogether 40 VSAT units were installed at the learning centres in basic and higher education sectors. They now contribute toward the development of teaching methods. Intranet network was established in 50 places including the office of the Minister for Education, he said. Deputy Minister U Myo Nyunt reported on promotion programme for teaching of English language, creation of academic atmosphere and knowledge environment that included in 30 year-long-term project (higher education sector) at higher education institutions and emergence of higher education institutes that can be linked with international education field.

According to the tasks, teaching programmes to upgrade the teaching of English language was undertaken on 1 July 2002. A course on English language and teaching skill for newly appointed English language instructors was opened. Priority is given to uplift of teaching of English and qualifications of the teachers. Arrangements are being made to open a course on uplift of teaching of English for teachers of other subjects, he said. Minister for Education U Than Aung reported on school enrolment programme for school-going age children.

He said Central Leading Committee for enrolment of school-going age children was formed. Similar committees were also formed at state, division, township, ward and village levels. The school enrolment programme including collecting data at every house for school enrolment, providing assistance to those who have difficulty to go to school, organizational matters on school enrolment activities after designating school enrolment week and day was implemented in the whole country. Progress has been achieved year after year due to the collective efforts of local authorities, social organizations, the people and officials of the Ministry of Education. School enrolment movement was launched in 1999-2000 academic year.

The school enrolment rate increased gradually 91% in 1999-2000, 91.5% in 2000-2001 and 92.05% in 2001-2002. In 2002-2003 academic year, 1,233,002 schoolchildren were listed at kindergarten. The ceremonies to honour the achievement in enrolment movement were held at the Diamond Jubilee Hall in Yangon from 26 to 28 July 2002 and at No 8 Basic Education High School in Mandalay from 29 to 31 July, he said.

Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Director-General of Higher Education Department (Lower Myanmar) U Saw Lwin and Director-General of Religious Affairs Department Dr Myo Myint reported on conferring honorary Ph D degrees on persons from the Ministries of Religious Affairs, Education and Health.

Those present reported on the respective sectors. The Secretary-1 then took part in the discussions and the meeting came to a close.

( 3 ) Thai goodwill delegation concludes visit

Yangon, 6 Aug - The Thai delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand Dr Surakiart Sathirathai who were on a goodwill visit here at the invitation of Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, left here by air for home at 4.30 pm today. The delegation was seen off at Yangon International Airport by Minister U Win Aung, the directors-general and officials of the ministry, Ambassador of Thailand to Myanmar Mr Oum Maolanon and staff families of the Royal Thai Embassy. During the visit, the two Foreign Ministers extensively discussed relations between the two countries.

Bhutanese Foreign Minister and delegation arrive

Yangon, 6 Aug - At the invitation of U Win Aung, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, Mr Lyonpo Jigmi Y Thinley, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Royal Government of Bhutan and delegation arrived Yangon by air this morning for an official visit to the Union of Myanmar.  The delegation was welcomed on arrival at the Yangon International Airport by the responsible officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar.

Foreign Affairs Minister meets Bhutanese counterpart

Yangon, 6 Aug - The visiting Bhutanese goodwill delegation headed by Mr Lyonpo Jigmi Y Thinley, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Royal Government of Bhutan, called on U Win Aung, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, at Lawkanat Hall of the Karaweik Palace here at 6 pm today.

Bhutanese FM calls on Ministers

Yangon, 6 Aug - Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein met the visiting Bhutanese delegation led by Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Royal Government of Bhutan Mr Lyonpo Jigmi Y Thinley at his office at 3.00 pm today. 

Similarly, Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin met the Bhutanese Foreign Minister and party at his office on Sule Pagoda Road at 4 pm today.

Likewise, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone met the Bhutanese delegation led by the Bhutanese Foreign Minister at his office on Strand Road at 4.40 pm today.

Health Minister receives guest

Yangon, 6 Aug - Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein received Charge d' Affaires ai of Canadian Embassy to Myanmar Mr James Trottier at his office on Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road this afternoon.

Commerce Minister receives guests

Yangon, 6 Aug - Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone received Managing Director Mr Vijay Iyengar of Agrocorp International Pte Ltd of the Republic of Singapore and party at his office on Strand Road at 2 pm today.

 USDA Secretary General receives Chinese delegation

Yangon, 5 Aug -The Union Solidarity and Development Association Secretary- General U Than Aung received visiting Chinese good will delegation led by Mr Gu Zhaomin of All China Youth Federation of the People's Republic of China visiting here at the invitation of USDA at the USDA Headquarters on University Avenue here at 5 pm today.

( 4 ) Regional development projects seen over in Hpa-an, Kayin State

Yangon, 6 Aug - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Maung Bo of the Ministry of Defence, together with Chairman of Mon State Peace and Development Council Commander of South-East Command Brig-Gen Thura Myint Aung and Chairman of Kayin State Peace and Development Council Col Maung Shein, yesterday visited Mebaung Kyaungtaik in Hpa-an and paid reverence and presented offertories to Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Indriya.

Then, Maj-Gen Maung Bo and party inspected development of Hpa-an and road expansion and repairs along Bogyoke, Myoma, Pyithaya and Strand roads, and gave instructions on systematic arrangements to be made section-wise for prevention of erosion against Strand Road. Afterwards, Maj-Gen Maung Bo met with Mon State level departmental heads, towns elders and officials of social organizations at the office of Mon State Peace and Development Council. Present were Commander Brig-Gen Thura Myint Aung, Col Maung Shein, officials and departmental heads.

Maj-Gen Maung Bo made a speech. In his speech, he said that achievements have been made due to the enthusiastic participation of the public in tasks for the emergence of a modern and developed nation being implemented with genuine goodwill by the State. He added that good foundations on technical know-how and human resources development are being laid down for greater development. Thanlwin (Hpa-an), Attaran, Gyaing and Zarthabyin bridges have been constructed with the aim of ensuring smooth and secure transport and promoting friendship among national races in Mon State and Kayin State, he noted. Furthermore, Thanlwin Bridge is under construction.

He called on departmental officials, service personnel and local people to dutifully perform tasks with goodwill. He continued that based on better foundations, cooperative efforts are to be made for ensuring completion of projects before the open season with the support of local residents and wellwishers. In doing so, forthcoming generations will enjoy fruits of good foundations on political social affairs and administrative sectors.

After the ceremony, Maj-Gen Maung Bo cordially greeted those present. Next, Maj-Gen Maung Bo, Commander Brig-Gen Thura Myint Aung and party went to No 2 Basic Education High School in Thaton. They were welcomed by Brig-Gen Myint Oo of Thaton Station, Chairman of Thaton District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Tin Aung and members, members of school board of trustees, members of Parent-Teacher Association, Headmistress Daw Khin San Myint, teachers and officials. Maj-Gen Maung Bo and party heard a report on construction of two-storey building for the school, requirements and future tasks b project in-charge of Naung Tong Construction Co U Hla Myint. Commander Brig-Gen Thura Myint Aung gave a supplementary report on fulfillment of the needs.

Maj-Gen Maung Bo gave instructions on completion of the building in time and coordination with members of school board of trustees and PTA. He then inspected the site and gave necessary instructions. Maj-Gen Maung Bo and party proceeded to Thaton District People's Hospital where they were welcomed by Medical Superintendent Dr Daw Khin Than Sein and doctors. Maj-Gen Maung Bo, the commander and party inspected completion of two-storey operation theatre and equipment installed in the theatre. Maj-Gen Maung Bo then gave instructions.

Maj-Gen Maung Bo and party went to Bilin Township and offered flowers and light to Kuthinayon Hsandawshin pagoda. Maj-Gen Maung Bo and the commander presented offertories to Kuthinayon Hsandawshin Sayadaw U ‚anda Siri and cash to the pagoda. Maj-Gen Maung Bo and the commander proceeded to No 14 Sugar Mill (Bilin) where they were welcomed by factory manager U Aung Thura and service personnel.

Maj-Gen Maung Bo and party heard a report on mechanical, production and matters relating to service personnel. Maj-Gen Maung Bo then gave instructions on full operation at the factory, repair of machines and minimizing of loss and wastage.

Maj-Gen Maung Bo attends paddy transplanting skills contest

Yangon, 6 Aug - The opening ceremony of Kayin State Paddy Transplanting Skills Contest 2002/2003 was held at Sanpya Plantation of Kayin State Myanma Agriculture Service in Hpa-an yesterday morning, attended by State Peace and Development Council member Maj-Gen Maung Bo of the Ministry of Defence.

Kayin State Peace and Development Council Chairman Col Maung Shein explained the purposes of holding the contest. He said it is targeted to grow 13.36 million acres of monsoon paddy, 3.04 million acres of summer paddy totaling 16.4 million acres in the State to produce 1,139 million baskets of paddy in 2002-2003. Similarly, in Kayin State, it is targeted to grow 333,000 acres of monsoon paddy and 140,000 acres of summer paddy to produce 26.8 million baskets of paddy this year to meet the need of local rice sufficiency and to produce surplus paddy, he added. So, to be able to produce targeted 26.8 million baskets of paddy, it is needed to carry out the task as a national duty.

In Kayin State, paddy is grown almost all the year round and out of targeted 333,000 acres of monsoon paddy, 281,931 acres have been put under paddy so far to complete 84.66 per cent of the task. Out of 270,514 acres of targeted irrigated paddy, altogether 266,623 acres of paddy have been cultivated so far to reach 98.56 per cent, he pointed out. In this regards, the role of paddy Tran planters are important. To produce 26.8 million baskets of paddy and to boost per acre yield, the skills of the paddy Tran planters plays a vital role. So, to promote their skills, paddy transplanting skill contests have been held year after year. In conclusion, he urged the paddy Tran planters to utilize correct methods and to strive for boosting of paddy production.

Then, Kayin State Myanma Agriculture Service Manager U Kyaw Thein explained rules for the contest and the contest was held. After the contest, Maj-Gen Maung Bo gave away the first prize to Hlaingbwe Township team; Commander Brig-Gen Thura Myint Aung, the second to Kawkareik Township team; Chairman Col Maung Shein, the third to Hpa-an Township team; and Manager U Kyaw Thein, consolation prizes to Papun Township team, Myawady Township team, Kya-in-Seikkyi Township team and Thandaung Township team. After the ceremony, Maj-Gen Maung Bo, the commander and party greeted those present.

( 5 ) Minister inspects roads and bridges

Yangon, 6 Aug - Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, together with Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Myint Thein, Chairman of Chin State Peace and Development Council Col Tin Hla and officials of Public Works, met with construction staff and local people of Kanpetlet, Chin State, at the township engineer's office on 3 August.

Chin State Superintending Engineer U Tin Maung Hla and Mindat District Senior Engineer U Ngun Hsan Aung reported on progress of works and future tasks of the Mindat-Kanpetlet Road. The minister gave instructions on proper drainage and collecting of necessary materials for the maintenance of the road. The minister and party inspected maintenance and repairs of Kanpetlet-Saw-Seikphyu Road. Then, the minister inspected the maintenance of the roads and bridges on Saw-Salin-Pwintbyu-Minbu Road. On 4 August, the minister, the deputy minister and officials inspected the Padan-Minbu Road. The minister proceeded to Ayeyawady Bridge (Magway).

The minister saw over the tarring of the approach road at Minbu bank and gave instructions to the officials. Afterwards, the minister and party went to Magway bank. At the briefing hall, Chief-Engineer U Han Zaw reported on progress of work and requirements. The minister gave instructions on timely completion and inspected the progress of work. Then, the minister and party inspected the Yangon-Pyay-Magway-Mandalay Road. At Koepinchaung Camp, the officials reported on maintenance of Yangon-Pyay-Magway Road during the rainy season and construction of Koepin-Sanmagyi-Thityakauk Road.

The minister gave necessary instructions to the officials. Then, the minister proceeded to the Bwetkyichaung Bridge and inspected the bridge and inflow of water from Ayeyawady River. He then gave instructions on taking of photos if there occurs changing of the course of the current and land sliding. The minister and party inspected the maintenance of Yangon-Pyay Road yesterday morning and gave instructions to the officials.

Favourable places for construction of two support dam projects inspected

Yangon, 6 Aug - Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, together with departmental officials, went to Paunglin Creek, one of the creeks that flow into Ngamoyeik Dam, by powered-boat in Hlegu Township, Yangon Division, this morning and inspected the suitable site for dam construction. At the chosen site for construction of dam, Director-General of Irrigation Department U Kyaw San Win and directors reported to the minister on matters related to the building of Paunglin Dam on Paunglin Creek of Ngamoyeik Dam (Support Dam Project) and Mahuya Dam on Mahuya Creek of Ngamoyeik Dam (Support Dam Project). Then, the minister, after assigning future tasks, inspected the flow of water and maintenance of Ngamoyeik Dam.

( 6 ) PBANRDA Minister tours Tachilek

Yangon, 6 Aulg -Central Executive Committee members of Union Solidarity and Development Association Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt and Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen. Thura Myint Maung, together with Col Than Shein and officials of Tachilek Station attended the annual general meeting of Tachilek District USDA at the District VSDA Office on 5 August morning. The CEC members stressed the need to make efforts with Union Spirit for national development as we1l as for border areas development. The CEC members and Col Than Shein gave away prizes at the meeting.

Afterwards, the minister and party met with local authorities, towns elders, departmental personnel and members of MWVO, MMCWA, MNCWA and social organizations at Aung Myat Hall in Tachilek.

Later, the minister inspected the Tachilek Township Development Affairs Committee Office and fulfilled requirements. Next, he inspected the Vocational Training School for Women in Tachilek and fulfilled the requirements.

CPT Minister inspects MPT's telecommunication station

Yangon, 6 Aug - Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, accompanied by officials of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications, arrived at Nyaunghnapin Village in Hmawby Township yesterday and fulfilled the requirements for installation of rural telephone lines in the village.

The minister and party then went to Uto plantation in Taikkyi Township, where he inspected the Uto-Taikkyi Microwave Station, the communication of Uto region, and gave instructions on arrangements for the installation of telephone lines at Uto plantation and its nearby regions. The minister also inspected the Taikkyi Microwave Station, Post Office and Telephone Exchange in Taikkyi and gave instructions.

In the afternoon, the minister and party arrived at Bago, where he coordinated matters related to extension of auto-telephone lines in Bago and installation of telephone lines at nearby villages. Later, the minister inspected the post office and the exchange stations at Thanatpin and gave instructions on arrangements for auto-telephone system there.

Industry-1 Minister inspects factories in Mandalay Division

Yangon, 6 Aug - Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, accompanied by officials, arrived at Myanma traditional weaving workshop of Paleik Textile and Finishing plant in Singaing Township, Mandalay Division yesterday, where the minister inspected the progress of the fixing of weaving machines and gave instructions. When the minister inspected the progress of the construction of Kyaukse District Union Solidarity and Development Association Office in Kyaukse, being built by the Ministry of Industry-1, Mandalay General and Maintenance Industries In-charge U Maung Maung Toe reported to the minister.

Then, the minister gave instructions on construction of the hall and parlour. USDA CEC member U Aung Thaung then met with members of Kyaukse, Singaing, Myittha and TadaU township USDAs at the computer room of Kyaukse USDA office and gave instructions on organizational matters and rural development matters. Next, Minister U Aung Thaung went to the vest factory of Myanma Textile Industries, the slipper factory, the sewing machines factory of Myanma General and Maintenance Industries, the bicycle factory, the plastic factory and the 500-ton cement plant project.

There he inspected production lines and gave instructions. The minister then presented baskets of fruits to Chinese engineers who cooperated in building the factories. At noon, the minister inspected the weaving works of No 1 and No 4 weaving workshops at Wundwin garment factory. He then inspected the sales of the Industry-1's products at Meiktila Winthuza Shop and gave instructions. Later, the minister went to the salt plant of Yeni No 2 Paper Factory of Myanma Paper and Chemical Industries in Hsataung Village, Pyaw-bwe, where he inspected the salt-making tasks and gave instructions on expansion of salt fields.