( 1 )  Maj-Gen Ye Myint inspects construction of Ayeyawady Bridge (Yadanabon)

Yangon, 21 Aug - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence, accompanied by Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Ye Myint, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Nay Win, Chairman of Mandalay City Development Committee Mandalay Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein, senior military officers of the Central Command and departmental officials, inspected construction of Ayeyawady Bridge (Yadana-bon) near Innwa Bridge in Mandalay Division yesterday.

Deputy Superintending Engineer U Htay Myint of Ayeyawady Bridge (Yadana-bon) construction project reported on construction of piers, sopply of construction materials and fuel. Mandalay Division Superintending Engineer U Sai Thein Maung gave a supplementary report. Maj-Gen Ye Myint gave instructions and inspected construction of piers and driving of the piles. He also gave instructions on construction of the approach structures. Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected construction of the approach structure linking Ayeyawady Bridge (Yada-nabon) approach road and Dokehtawady Bridge approach road leading to Shwekyetyat-Pansay Creek on the entrne road to Mandalay International Airport.

Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party went to the briefing hall of the road construction project special group-14 of Public Works. Assistant Engineer Daw Khin Win Hla and and officials reported on paving of Dokehtawady Bridge approach road. They inspected paving of the Dokehtawady Bridge approach road. They then inspected construction of Pansaychaung Creek Bridge linking Dokehtawady Bridge approach road and Mandalay International Airport. Assistant Engineer U Thein Aung and Deputy Superintending Engineer U Aung Ngwe reported on construction work.

Maj-Gen Ye Myint then gave instructions on early completion of the bridge and arrangements for construction of the road from Pansay Creek Bridge to the international airport. Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party met members of Mandalay Industrial Zone Supervisory Committee and industrialists at Kanaung Hall of Mandalay Industrial Zone. Commander Brig-Gen Ye Myint reported on dispensary, drain aye system, power supply, assembling of Super Mandalar Jeep, fire prevention measures, requirements of industrial raw materials, safety in the zone, opening of training schools and seminars for the industrialists. Next, the industrialists reported on assembling of vehicles, the government's assistance to the industrialists and tasks to be undertaken. In his address, Maj-Gen Ye Myint said industrial sector is very important for emergence of a modern and developed nation.

Dignitaries of the State have established 18 industrial zones for development of the industry. Priority is being given to the development of the industrial zones after formation of Industrial Development Committee. He said he met the industrialists at the grassroots levels and made arrangements for them. The zone must manufacture import-substitute finished goods needed by the ministries concerned. He urged the industrialists to produce pumps.

Next, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected production of soap, oil mills and farm equipment and Mandalar Jeep at the workshops in Mandalay Industrial Zone. Officials reported on work done. Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party asked after the Chairman of Myataungtaik Shwewawin Kyaung Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Sad-dhammajotikadhaja Bhaddanta Sasanabhivamsa at the Mandalay General Hospital. Maj-Gen Ye Myint went to the Mandalay Children's Hospital and inspected condition of separated conjoined twins. Medical Superintendent Dr Tin Aye Kyi and Professor Dr Aung Kyi reported on successful operation of the twins.

Maj-Gen Ye Myint spoke words of encouragement to Daw Aye Aye Win, mother of the twins, Moe Ma Ma Aung and Moe Pa Pa Aung.

Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than meets Yangon Division Extended Meat and Fish Production Supervisory Committee, livestock breeding entrepreneurs

Yangon, 21 Aug - A meeting between Yangon Division Supervisory Committee for Extended Production of Meat and Fish and livestock breeding entrepreneurs of Yangon Division took place at the Livestock Foodstuff and Dairy Products Enterprise (Head Office) this afternoon, with an address by Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence.

In his address, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than expressed delight for the presence of departmental heads and livestock breeding entrepreneurs at the meeting. He added that only when livestock breeding entrepreneurs apply advanced methods, will meat and fish sector develop leading to stabilizing meat and fish prices, and increasing consumption. In the meat and fish sector, modern poultry farming can be undertaken in Yangon City development area. But it is difficult to do so in the townships outside Yangon City development area. So local authorities and departmental officials are to organize the people to conduct poultry on manageable scale. The manageable-scale farming can be developed into commercial farming in the future.

Then, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than called on the entrepreneurs to make earnest efforts to extend poultry farming and production, and to distribute the produce to the people at reasonable prices. He continued that in meat and fish sector, priority is being given to breeding fish, prawn and poultry with the aim of fulfilling the requirement of Yangon Division. In the past, there were 35,638.107 acres of fish and prawn breeding ponds and now it has increased up to 51,349 acres. When the remaining acres of fish and prawn breeding ponds are dug in the open season, the number of fish and prawn breeding acres will be 58,576 and then more fish and prawns will be produced and the Yangonites can consume the produce at fair prices. Yangon Division is a distinctive one. Because it can produce sufficient rice and meat and fish although it is small in area and its population is dense.

Livestock breeding entrepreneurs are to seek means in breeding and producing meat and fish at minimum costs, to help each other, to make greater efforts in doing work under the supervision and instructions of the livestock breeding federations, and to take measures to increase number of livestock breeding entrepreneurs in order to produce more meat and fish. Then, Minister Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein dealt with assistance to be rendered by the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries for development of meat and fish sector in Yangon Division, and means for extended breeding of poultry, fish and prawns, and cattle, pigs and goats. Secretary of Myanmar Livestock Breeding Federation Dr Zaw Win Myat reported on conditions of livestock breeding, followed by a general round of discussions. The meeting came to an end with concluding remarks by Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than.

Next, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than inspected vaccines produced by the Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department and livestock feedstuff and veterinary medicines produced by the Livestock Feedstuff and Dairy Products Enterprise at the meeting hall. Later, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party observed the poultry farm of U San Oo- Daw Nu Nu Yin of Shwe Zedi Street, Kontalabaung Ward, Mingaladon Township, and left necessary instructions to officials concerned.

Aerial survey and practical land survey required to formulate best design, find best axis in building Yangon-Mandalay Six-Lane Union Highway

Yangon, 21 Aug - A meeting was held to discuss construction of Yangon-Mandalay Six-Lane Union Highway (Mandalay Division section) at the Central Command Headquarters in Mandalay yesterday, with an address by member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence.

Maj-Gen Ye Myint said the meeting was held to enable local authorities, departments concerned and section-wise contractors to make effective cooperation and to attend to the needs for completion of the project soonest. A number of bypasses will have to be built along the highway. Aerial survey and practical land survey should be conducted to formulate the best design and find the best axis in building the six-land highway. Cooperative efforts between the parties concerned of the project are required to plant trees on either side, build bypasses and find the axis. Better drainage system along the road is also required.

Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Ye Myint said necessary assistance is being rendered to the project and coordination meetings to review the work have been held twice a month. Managing Director U Khin Maung Myint of Hongpan Construction Co Ltd, Project Engineer U Min Naing of Yuzana Highway Co Ltd, Project Director U Maung Kyu of Asia World Co Ltd and Project Engineer U Tin Maung Win of Dagon International Co Ltd, reported to the meeting on laying of tar, building of the earth road and finding of the axis for the bypasses. Chairman of Yamethin District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Kyi Thein, Chairman of Meiktila District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Myo Myint, Chairman of Kyaukse District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Aung Kyi Shein and Chairman of Mandalay District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Tin Tun briefed the meeting on cooperation and assistance being rendered to the contractors. Officials of the departments also gave suggestions.

In his concluding address, Maj-Gen Ye Myint spoke of the need to make efforts for the road and the bridges on it to meet their required standards, building a better drainage system along the road, growing trees on both sides of the facility, maintaining the existing sectors and making cooperative undertakings among the departments concerned. Also present were Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Nay Win, Tactical Operations Commander Col Thein Hlaing, Colonel General Staff of the command Col Bo Ni and others.

Maj-Gen Maung Bo inspects bran oil mill in Insein

Yangon, 21 Aug - Members of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Maung Bo and Maj-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defence, accompanied by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister for Cooperatives Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe and officials inspected No 03 Bran Oil Mill of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading in Ywama west ward in Insein Township on 19 August.

Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone reported on running of the mill and production of bran oil in fiscal year and Managing Director of MAPT U Min Hla Aung on production process of edible oil. Next, Minister Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe and officials reported on the respective work. Maj-Gen Maung Bo gave instructions on production of bran and edible oil of high quality, full operation of the mill and making efforts for boosting production and fulfilled the requirements. Next, Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone and Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe inspected the production process at the mill.

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( 2 ) CPT Minister receives Malaysian guests

Yangon, 21 Aug - Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw received Chairman of Malaysia TELEKOM Co Mr Tan Sri Dato Ir Md Radzi Mansor and party at his office here this afternoon. Similarly, Vice-Chairman of Multimedia Development Corporation, Malaysia, Dr Mohamad Ghazie Ismail and party also called on Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, Chairman of Myanmar e-National Task Force, at MICT Park here at 4 pm today.

H&T Minister receives guests

Yangon, 21 Aug - Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin received Manager Mr Sameer V Mitbander (Leisure Travel) of Asia-Pacific Regional Thomas Cook India Ltd based in India and Manager Mr Rupakl Paul (Foreign Exchange) at his office at 10 am today.

( 3 ) PRC youth delegation arrives

Yangon, 21 Aug - At the invitation of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, the delegation led by Deputy Director-General of International Department of All China Youth Federation Mr Zhang Hua arrived here by air this afternoon. The delegation was welcomed at the Yangon International Airport by officials of USDA and staff of PRC embassy in Myanmar.

Industry-1 Minister receives guests from PRC

Yangon, 21 Aug - Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung received the delegation led by General Manager of CMC Complete Equipment & Engineering I/E Company of the People's Republic of China at his office at the ministry at 4 pm today. Present at the call were Deputy Minister for Industry-1 Brig-Gen Kyaw Win, the directors-general and managing directors of departments and enterprises under the ministry.

USDA Secretary-General receives PRC youth delegation

Yangon, 21 Aug - The goodwill youth delegation from the PRC led by Deputy Director-General of International Department of All China Youth Federation Mr Zhang Hua visiting here at the invitation of the USDA called on USDA Secretary-General U Than Aung at the USDA head office on New University Avenue in Bahan Township here at 3 pm today. Present at the call were USDA CEC members U Than Shwe and Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, officials of the head office, Counselor of the PRC embassy in Myanmar Mr Yu Boren and officials.

( 4 ) Health Minister address Inter-country Consultative Meeting on Health

Yangon, 21 Aug - The Inter-country Consultation on Development of Regional Strategy for Integrated Disease Surveillance sponsored by the Ministry of Health of the Union of Myanmar and World Health Organization (WHO) was held at Traders Hotel on Sule Pagoda Road here yesterday morning, with an opening address by Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein.

Also present on the occasion were Deputy Ministers Prof Dr Mya Oo and Prof Dr Kyaw Myint, directors-general and officials from the ministry Director Dr Guenael Rodier of WHO Head Office (Geneva) and officials, officials from Direcrtor's Office (South-East Region) and representatives from Africa Region, resident representatives of WHO, representatives from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, India, Bhutan, Republic of Korea and Myanmar and invited guests. Minister Maj-Gen Ket Sein made an opening speech.

He said disease surveillance is a critical component of the health system. It generates essential information for optimal health care delivery and is also a cost effective health strategy. Globally, the trend is to move towards integrated disease surveillance activities, that will maintain essential resources, facilitate planning monitoring and evaluation. It will also ensure the quality of the prevention and control activities and assess their impact on various diseases. The South-East Asia Region has witnessed and experienced epidemics and outbreaks of communicable diseases such as acute diarrhoel diseases, dengue hemorrhagic fever, malaria and Japanese encephalitis during the past years.

The region has continued to account for a high burden of communicable diseases. Member countries have launched massive efforts to reduce the disease burden and work towards control, elimination and eradication of communicable diseases. Like all developing countries, Myanmar is facing the double burden of diseases, both communicable and non-communicable. Infectious diseases still dominate the disease pattern in the country and non-communicable disease are still considered to be an issue of concern. Considering the rapid changes in demographic, epidemiological and economic trends both nationally and globally, a long term 30 years health development plan (Myanmar Health Vision 2030) has been drawn up to meet future health challenges. One of the objectives is "To foresee emerging diseases and potential health problems and make necessary arrangements for control".

In Myanmar, disease control and surveillance activities have been implemented by the Department of Health. The basic health staff have provided services for Malaria Control, Multi Drug Therapy Programme in Leprosy, case finding and treatment of TB cases, Immunization of children against six major childhood diseases and control of diarrheas disease including surveillance activities. Priority disease have been selected for greater focus by surveillance activities, which include malaria, TB, severe diarrhea, dengue haemorrhagic fever, plague, HIV/AIDS etc which have been designated as principal epidemic disease. As communicable diseases do not respect international boundaries and rapidly spread across the national borders, the Ministry of Health has collaborated with neighbouring countries and UN Organizations to address the issues especially malaria, TB, HIV/AIDS and also for eradication of poliomyelitis.

Myanmar is one of the countries actively participating in the Mekong Basin Disease Surveillance activities with the objective of strengthening national capabilities to improve disease outbreak investigation, strengthening health manpower development in epidemiology, and establishment of regional surveillance network are important activities, he pointed out. The consultation held today and for the coming three days will review the current surveillance mechanism in the member countries of the region. The meeting will propose regional strategy for integrated disease surveillance, establishing the regional data based system, and recommend an operational mechanism for regular exchange of surveillance data.

The minister said he is sure that the deliberations and the recommendations from this consultation will further contribute toward the development of a Regional Strategy for Integrated Disease Surveillance in the South-East Asia and will ultimately lead towards the reduction of the communicable disease burden in the region. The minister wish all the participants success in their deliberations and have a happy and enjoyable stay in Myanmar. Then WHO resident representative Dr Agostino Borra made a speech and the opening ceremony came to a close. The minister, the deputy ministers and those present pose for a documentary photo.

After the ceremony, discussions were made and the consultation came to a close in the evening. Altogether 45 representatives from Africa and South-East Asia are attending the consultative meeting that continues till 24 August. At night, the minister hosted a dinner in honour of the representatives.

( 5 ) A & I Minister tours Bagan region, Myingyan District

Yangon, 21 Aug - Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, accompanied by departmental officials, went to work site of the Lawka Nanda water pumping project being undertaken by the Water Resources Utilization Department in Bagan-NyaungU Township, Mandalay Division, yesterday.

There, the minister inspected construction of canals with the use of heavy machinery, pumping of water for agricultural purpose and cultivation of crops. Director-General of the WRUD U Win Shwe conducted the minister round the work site. At the briefing hall, officials concerned reported on the work done, tasks being undertaken and cultivation of crops. The minister gave instructions to local officials on systematic construction of canals, designation of a special high-yield long staple cotton zone in Mokaungthauk region, cultivation of cotton for one crop as the base and extension of double cropping and mixed crop cultivation, and designating a suitable double cropping type for local farmers.

Afterwards, the minister inspected the water pumping station and production of iron pipes for the project. Later, the minister and party met with local farmers at agricultural methods dissemination camp in  Ngathayauk Village-tract, NyaungU Township. Departmental officials and local farmers reported on cultivation of crops and obtaining of water from the project for 16 villages of Ngathayauk Village-tract.

Then, the minister delivered a speech. In his speech, he said that the government has laid down the five rural development tasks and is implementing them. So, endeavours are to be made for ensuring water for cultivation of the villages that still lagged behind development, double cropping, and increasing of farmers' individual income, using of quality strains, and practising agricultural methods, he added. Next, he stressed effective cultivation of double and mixed crops. Then, local farmers reported on requirements. Departmental heads of the Irrigation Department and the WRUD attended to their needs. After that, the minister looked into construction of canals and tasks for water pumping.

Next, the minister dealt with distribution of water, extended cultivation of long staple cotton and cultivation of mixed crops. At the briefing hall, those in charge of the project reported on progress of work and construction of canals. The minister gave necessary instructions, and then inspected the water pumping station and canals. The minister and party went to Kyawzi water pumping station in Kyawzi Village, Taungtha Township, Myingyan District, and saw over the station and construction of canals with the use of heavy machinery.

At the briefing hall, officials reported on tasks being carried out for ensuring irrigation of some 8,000 acres of land with the use of two water pumping stations and cultivation of crops at villages of irrigated areas; Director-General U Win Shwe on construction of water pumping stations along either banks of Ayayawady River and future benefits.

The minister laid down tasks to be carried out by members of Division, District and Township agricultural coordination committees. Later, the minister inspected the water pumping station, distribution of water and canals at Myingyan water pumping project site in Thapaung Village, Myingyan Township. Officials concerned reported on conditions of irrigated areas, irrigation periods and cultivation of crops with the use of the projects. The minister adopted tasks for double cropping and cultivation of late monsoon long staple cotton, and then inspected the canals.

Later, the minister and party proceeded to the arid zone crops research farm of the agricultural research centre under Myanma Agriculture Service in Myingyan, where officials reported on suitable types of double and mixed crops for the arid zone, doing research, production of quality strains of pigeon pea, green gram and gram.

Then, the minister left instructions on extended doing of research, ensuring water all year round and inspected samples of various kinds of beans and pulses and plantations for production of quality strains.

Journalism course concludes

Yangon, 21 Aug - The concluding ceremony of Journalism Course No 1/2002, organized by the News and Periodicals Enterprise under the Ministry of Information, was held at the training hall of the New Light of Myanmar Daily on Strand Road in Botahtaung Township here this morning.

Director (News) U Hla Tun of the NPE acted as master of ceremonies. The minister presented the first prize to U Aung Myo Myint of Myanma Radio and Television, second prizes to Inspector Lwin Aung Toe of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Daw Thida Swe of the Information and Public Relations Department, and third prizes to Daw May Thanda of the IPRD and U Thein Aye of the NPE. Next, the minister presented prizes to the The Light, The Chronicle, The Unity and The Myanma Pioneer Newspapers which won first, second, third and consolation prizes in newspaper production subject through group leaders. Then, the minister presented completion certificates to leader Inspector Lwin Aung Toe, who accepted on behalf of the trainees, and gifts to U Sao Kai Hpa, on behalf of the instructors.

After the ceremony, the trainees paid respects to the minister, the deputy minister, the managing director of the NPE, correspondents, the principal and course instructors. Later, the minister viewed the photos of activities and newspapers of the trainees, and posed for a documentary photo together with the trainees.

Minister Maj-Gen Sein Htwa tours Kawthoung, Myeik

Yangon, 21 Aug - Minister for Immigration & Population and for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa,  at Myitzuthaka Hall in Kawthoung, Taninthayi Division, on 19 August morning. Officials concerned reported on the work progress to the minister and he gave necessary instructions.

He stressed the need for service personnel to be dutiful, observe disciplines and to be aware of fabricated news and accusations within and without the country. Next, the minister cordially greeted those present at the meeting. He proceeded to the check point of the INRD. Next, he visited Pyidawaye Pagoda and paid homage. He also made cash donation to the fund of pagoda. On 20 August, he inspected the Kawthoung Township Fire Service Department and provided it with water hoses. Then, he inspected the Bayint Naung hillock and pre-primary school of the regional battalion.

He presented toys and teaching aids for the students. In the afternoon, the minister arrived at Myeik. At the Pale Yadana hall there, the minister together with Coastal Region Command Commander Brig-Gen Tha Aye, met with local authorities, departmental personnel, members of social organizations and towns elders. In delivering an address, he dealt with the importance of patriotism and Union Spirit and the need to be aware of foreign false accusations as well as human-trafficking. Afterwards, the minister visited the orphanage school in Balauksu ward and provided cash and clothes.

Then, he inspected the vocational training school for girls and presented cash assistance and gifts. This morning, the minister inspected the rehabilitation works and fire preventive measures around the town. He arrived back here in the morning.

( 6 ) Yangon West District 10th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions open

Yangon, 21 Aug - The opening ceremony of 10th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions of Yangon West District was held at No 2 Basic Education High School, Sangyoung Township this morning attended by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe.

Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein formally opened the ceremony and extended greetings. Then, the contestant students presented entertainment with a song and dances. The commander and wife presented gifts to them and the opening ceremony came to an end. The professional and amateur level dance competitions, marionette, Myanmar orchestra, Ozi and Dobat competitions and song contests will be held at Ahlon Hall; song composing competition at No 9 BEHS, Ahlon Township; piano and xylophone competitions at Saw Yan Pine West Ward Peace and Development Council Office; oboe, violin, mandolin, harp, guitar competition at Ahlon District Information and Public Relation Department , classic music and Dhamma song contests at the Dhammayon on Ahlon Road, and modern song contest at Ahlon District Peace and Development Council Office till 22 August and the prize presentation ceremony will be held on that day.

Vegetable and poultry farming special zone inspected

Yangon, 21 Aug - Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, visited Nyaunghnapin Vegetable and Poultry Farming Special Zone in Hmawby Township, Yangon North District, this afternoon and inspected cultivation and livestock breeding tasks.

After giving necessary instructions, the commander arrived at Hmawby Hsan Hall in Yangon Division Vegetable and Poultry Farming Special Zone-1 where he was welcomed by Col Tin Tun of Phugyi Station, Hmawby Station Commander Lt-Col Aung Than Tun, Yangon West District Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col San Ma Tu and members of Yangon Division Vegetable and Poultry Farming Special Zone Supervisory Committee.

At the briefing hall, Special Zone-1 In-charge Yangon Division Myanma Agriculture Service Manager U Aung San, Special Zone-2 In-charge Yangon North District General Administration Department District Commissioner U Thein Naing, Special Zone-3 In-charge Yangon Division Settlement and Land Records Department Division Staff Officer U Naing Win reported to the commander on land clearance and land reclamation. Yangon Division Development Affairs Department Director U Tin Soe briefed the commander on condition of roads. The commander was then reported matters related to feedstuff and production by national entrepreneurs.

The commander attended to the needs and made a speech. Afterwards, the commander and party inspected drainage system, U Shu Aung's corn plantation and U Myint Shein's poultry farm in Special Zone-2. The commander then proceeded to No 2 Poultry Farm of Yangon Command in Hmawby Township and inspected breeding of layers using Battery Cage System and gave necessary instructions to the officials.

Altogether 2,623 acres of land have been put under various kinds of vegetables and altogether over 0.71 million breeders and layers and 0.3 million fish have been raised in 500 ponds in Yangon Division Vegetable and Poultry Farming Special Zone.