YANGON, 27 Oct- Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, arrived at Myeik University on 25 October.

Pro-Rector U Khin Maung Cho of Myiek University reported to Vice-Senior General Maung Aye on the background history of the university which was opened on 14 January 1999, courses opened at the university, subjects, attendance of students and staff affairs; Division Chief Engineer U Chit Pan of Public Works on implementation of Myeik University Construction Project, lecture rooms that have been built, recreation centre, teacher's hall and buildings that are under construction; and Minister for Education U Than Aung on academic matters of Myeik University and measures being taken to construct the university.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye made a speech. He said that universities and colleges have been built in development regions for emergence of human resources on which the State can rely; the State with goodwill has opened universities and colleges in the respective regions for the students enabling them to pursue higher education in their own region without much expenses. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye urged the faculty members to teach the students to become the outstanding ones.

Next, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party inspected the university in a motorcade.

At Pale Yadana Hall in Myeik, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party met with members of Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council, division-level officials, the chairmen and members of Myeik District and Myeik Township Peace and Development Councils, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association and social organizations, marine entrepreneurs and townselders.

First, Commander Brig-Gen Ohn Myint presented a report saying that Taninthayi Division is the one with rice insufficiency; efforts are being made for ensuring rice sufficiency by extending paddy cultivation and boosting per-acre yield; it is targeted to achieve rice sufficiency in 2005-2006; with the objective of Taninthayi Division to become oil bowl of the nation, project for cultivation of oil palm on 500,000 acres of land is being implemented; at present, over 110,000 acres of land have been put under oil palm including the ones grown by the State, battalions and units, local private farmers and individuals and the oil palm cultivation companies; efforts will be made to meet the target; the target to grow rubber on 200,000 acres of land by the year 2005-2006 is under way; and it is targeted to be grown pepper on 26,000 acres of land.

Next, members of Sub-committees for Taninthayi Division Development Projects reported to Vice-Senior General Maung Aye on their respective tasks. Division Manager U Than Naing of Myanma Agriculture Service reported on work being carried out by Paddy Cultivation Sub-committee; Division Manager U Mya Shein of Myanma Perennial Crops on work of Oil Palm and Rubber Cultivation Sub-committee; Division Head U Khin Maung Lay of No-2 Mining Enterprise on work of Mining Sub-committee; Division Chief Engineer U Chit Pan of Public Works on work of Transportation Sub-committee; and Division Head U Than Oo Wai of Fishery Department on work of Fishery Sub-committee.

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win made a speech saying that compared to its area, the population of the division is very sparse; as Taninthayi Division is blessed with natural resources, people residing in the division are to make efforts for ensuring regional development and peace and security; the states and divisions are striving for regional development under the leadership of the State; therefore, Taninthayi Division is to strive for more development; especially, efforts are to be made for ensuring rice sufficiency in the region; as the division is rich in good soil it is sure that efforts for ensuring rice sufficiency will meet with success; the fishery sector has great potential among the productivity of the division; it is necessary to strive for boosting fish and prawn industry and promoting the meat and fish sector by extending fish and prawn breeding; for ensuring rice sufficiency the State has encouraged the tasks carried out for building embankment and over 5 miles of the embankment has been finished and as a result 11,000 acres of land have been prevented from floods; thanks to the correct leadership of the State and collective efforts of service personnel and people, the nation including Taninthayi Division is witnessing fruitful results of development; efforts being made by the State with goodwill are aimed at raising the living standard of national people; arrangements are also being made to transform the country into discipline-flourishing democratic nation; the seven-point policy programme of the State wins support in states and divisions; the government will try its best for development of the State. The Secretary-1 urged the local people and service personnel to strive for development of the citizens in economic and education sectors in harmony with the development of the State.

In his address, the Secretary-2 said Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party came to the division to attend the inauguration of Laynya-Mandaing Bridge and Kyweku-Kyaukphya Bridge and to fulfil requirements for development of the region.

He said Taninthayi Division has plenty of natural resources in agriculture, fish and meat, forest, mineral and energy sectors. In other words, it can be said that the division is food warehouse for posterity, he said.

The division and the economy of the State will develop with the systematic exploitation of natural resources, he said.

He said in the division waterway is the main means of transport. Better transport contributes towards not only economy but also education, health and social aspects and it provides closer relations among the national races and helps consolidation of the Union Spirit. That is why arrangements were made for better transport in the division, he said.

The government laid down short-term plans and implemented them for national development. Achievements have been made more than expected, he added.

Only when there is progress in the states and divisions will the nation develop. He called on officials of the division to make efforts for development of agriculture, fish and meat and mineral sectors, he said. National entrepreneurs are engaged in cultivation of oil palm in the division. Local officials and people are to provide assistance to them, he said.

He said ensuring security is important for regional development and called for cooperation in the tasks for peace and stability.

Later, in his speech, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye said that Taninthayi Division has become more developed now than in his previous visit to the region. The region becomes so owing to the united efforts of Tatmadawmen, departments and locals hand in hand with the Government.

Since its assumption of the State's responsibilities by the Tatmadaw, progress has been made in the implementation of the political, economical and social objectives after being laid down. With the 12 objectives as the base, measures will be taken to stabilize and develop the country.

The 12 political, economic and social objectives are under way for non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of the national solidarity and perpetuity of sovereignty.

Laying down the three development plans, the Government is making efforts to ensure simultaneous development in all parts of the country, including border areas.

The development plans are being implemented by establishing the 24 development zones, in which Dawei and Myeik regions of Taninthayi Division are included.

Being a region which mainly relied on water transport and was difficult of access previously, two development zones were designated in Taninthayi Division for its development. It is therefore incumbent upon local officials, employees and the public to strive energetically for regional development.

The region is made up of 10 townships. Energetic efforts are to be exerted to ensure the progress of the 10 townships by drawing detailed plans and making field trips down to grass-roots level for the success of development undertakings.

The modern, developed nation must be built with the strength of intellectuals and intelligentsia. Therefore, officials are to take necessary steps to increase the number of individuals who completed the basic education and who can have access to higher education in respective townships of the region. In the implementation of regional development tasks in addition to producing human resources, arrangements are also to be made for the region not to be lagged far behind in development when compared with other states and divisions.

Officials at division, district and township levels are to arrange trips down to rural grass-roots level and make efforts for the success of all-round development tasks, just as the Government is making field tours down to the township level.

As national entrepreneurs from other regions are coming to the region to invest in the cultivation of oil palm trees, local people should also do the same thing on a manageable scale according to the size of their capitals.

In accord with the motto "boost economy through cultivation of oil palm" it is needed to raise the living standard of local people.

At a time when other states and divisions are hammering away at their regional development drives, Taninthayi Division should carry out its development projects in competition with them not to be lagged behind in development, he concluded.

Next, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye cordially greeted those present on the occasion.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party flew to Dawei from Myeik yesterday afternoon. At Aung San Hall of Dawei Station, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye met with officers and other ranks of battalions and units of Dawei Station and their families and gave instructions. He also intimately greeted them later.

The Secretary-1, accompanied by ministers and deputy ministers, met with local authorities, departmental officials and staff, members of social organizations and townselders at the city hall of Dawei.

At the get-together, the Secretary-1 heard reports on cultivation of monsoon and summer paddy; condition of local rice sufficiency; cultivation of oil palm, rubber and pepper; on-shore and off-shore fisheries; fish and prawn breeding industries; mining sector; transport sector; and education and health sectors, and attended to the requirements.

Next, Lt-Gen Maung Bo reported on places suitable for generation of hydel power electricity and the availability of electricity. After hearing the reports, the Secretary-1 explained the purpose of their visit led by Vice-Senior General Maung Aye to Taninthayi Division, measures being taken systematically for national development, and assistance to be coordinated and rendered to prosperity of Dawei District.

Later, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye arrived at the city hall and explained that thanks to the collective endeavours of the Government, the people and the Tatmadaw, the State had undergone regionwise progress; that the emerging development was due to the correct objectives of the Government; and that if the Government, the people and the Tatmadaw continued working together in unison with the correct policies, the development pace of the State would gain acceleration.

And Vice-Senior General Maung Aye greeted those present on the occasion.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party arrived at the Dawei University this morning. At the briefing hall, he heard reports on the brief background history of the university, courses being conducted at the university, the population of students, and staff welfare. Minister for Education U Than Aung also made additional reports.

Next, Senior Engineer U Thein Saw reported on progress in construction of school buildings at the university.

After hearing the reports, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye urged the teachers to produce well-rounded individuals the State can rely on and the engineers to construct buildings meeting the set standard.

Later, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye inspected the progress of construction at the university. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party flew to Yangon by Tatmadaw aircraft and arrived back here at 3 in the afternoon.

U Than Aung, Minister for Education, a member of the entourage, visited Dawei Education College on 26 October evening. At the briefing hall, he heard reports on matters related to the college and gave instructions.

He also inspected round the college. At the Dawei University, the minister met with pro-rector, professors, associate professors, lectures and faculty members and gave instructions.

Likewise, Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint inspected the Dawei People's Hospital on 26 October evening. At the hospital, he met with the medical superintendent, specialists, doctors and nurses and gave instructions. The minister also visited the training school for nurses and met with trainee nurses there

YANGON, 27 Oct- Vice- Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye attended the opening of Myeik Hospital (200-bed) on Saba Shwewa Street, Yaybon Ward in Myeik, Taninthayi Division, which was held at the hospital on 25 October morning.

Member of the SPDC Lt-Gen Maung Bo, Commander Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint formally opened the hospital. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party cordially greeted those present on the occasion.

Vice-Chairman of the National Health Committee Secretary-1 of the SPDC Lt-Gen Soe Win formally opened the stone inscriptions of the hospital.

The Secretary-1, the Secretary-2 and the minister sprinkled scented water on the stone inscriptions.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party inspected the dental and oral unit, out-patient department, intensive care unit, surgical room, X-ray room, medical store, ear and throat ward, eye ward and other wards.

At the hall of the hospital, Minister Dr Kyaw Myint made an opening speech.

He said the hospital was built spending over K 4,000 million. Uplifting the health care service of the citizens is a basic national need. The State is making all-round efforts to uplift the health care services of the citizens, without leaving border areas. The recently-opened hospital will have 308 staff including 12 surgeons, 12 specialists, 22 assistant doctors and 64 nurses and modern equipment will also be provided.

As investment in health sector is the basic one for all-round development of the State, the ministry is increasing budget for health sector year after year. At present, there are 757 hospitals, up from 617 in 1988. In upgrading the hospitals, altogether 140 hospitals have been upgraded. The strength of doctors is 16,570, up from 12,268 in 1988. At the border areas, there are 52 hospitals, 82 dispensaries, 29 rural health units and 41 rural health branches, up from six hospitals in 1988. In addition, 43 township hospitals have been opened, he said.

In Taninthayi Division, there are 72 hospitals and 194 rural health units, up from 65 hospitals and 185 rural health units. Four hospitals have also been upgraded. To promote the health care services of hospitals in Yangon, Mandalay and other state/division/district level hospitals, a total of US $ 21.9 million have been spent from 1999-2000 to 2002-2003.

Afterwards, he thanked the officials concerned.

Wellwishers then presented cash for the hospital. The Secretary-1 accepted the donations - K 4.5 million by U Au-Daw May May Than family, K 4 million by K Construction Co Managing Director U Myint Swe-Daw Khin Than Win family, K 2,024,000 by U Hla Win, Daw Aye Aye Thwe family of Zin Yaw Min Co and K 1.8 million by Managing Director U Kya Maung Daw Mya Mya of Taninthayi Fishery Enterprise.

The Secretary-2 also accepted cash donations - K 1.5 million by Managing Director Dr Aung Lwin of Pyi Phyo Tun Co Ltd, K 1 million each by Director U Tin Myint of Thida Fishery Enterprise and Director U Win Bo of Htoo Htoo Toe Co Ltd and U Maung Hla-Daw Shu Hlaing family of Kyaukka Village. Afterwards, the ceremony came to a close.

YANGON, 27 Oct-Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, and party paid homage to Laygyun Hsimi Pagoda in Myeik on 25 October morning.

At the prayer hall of the pagoda, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party paid homage to the Sayadaws of Kyaungtaiks in Myeik and received the Five Precepts from Chairman of Township Sangha Nayaka Committee Sankyaung Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddammajotika Dhaja Bhaddanta Pandhavamsa.

Next, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party offered the eight requisites to members of the Sangha. After that, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party paid homage to the Buddha Images kept at the pagoda.

On 26 October morning, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party arrived at Maha Theikdhizaya Pagoda on Sandhawadi Hill, Myeik. At the briefing hall, the Divisional Superintending Engineer of Public Works and the Head of Divisional Police Force reported on construction of the pagoda, cash donated and acquisition of construction materials to Vice-Senior Maung Aye who gave necessary instructions.

Later, the ceremony to donate cash to the pagoda was held. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye accepted K 50 million donated by Myeik District Vehicles and Motorcycles Association, K 15 million by Dawei District Vehicles and Motorcycles Association and K 7.3 million by Kawthoung District Vehicles and Motorcycles Association.

Next, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein and member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Maung Bo accepted K 5 million donated by Managing Director of Pyiphyotun Co Dr Aung Lwin; K 5 million by U Maung Hla of International Fisheries (Taninthayi) Ltd; K 2 million by Thida Fisheries Co; K 2 million by Htu Htu Toe Co; K 1.5 million by U Soe Win-Daw Kyin Hon; K 1.5 million by U Maung Hla-Daw Shu Hlaing; K 1 million by Myeik Rice Merchants Association; K 1 million by Ahsaung Kaung Fisheries Co; K 1 million by U Ahaw-Daw May May Than; K 1 million by U Hla Win-Daw Cho Cho; K 1 million by Yuzana Oil Palm Co; K 1 million by Taung Dagon Oil Palm Co; K 1 million by Po Kaung Oil Palm Co, K 1 million by Annawa Soe Co; K 1 million by Shwe Than Lwin Co; K 1 million by SI Co; K 1 million by Annawa Soe Moe Co; K 500,000 by Myan Naing Myint Co; K 1 million by Asia World Co; K 200,000 by Moe Thauk Pan Store; K 3 million by U Kya Maung-Daw Mya Mya; K 1 million by Tet Nay Oil Palm Co; K 500,000 by Shwe Khamauk Oil Palm Co; K 500,000 by Aung Zin Mar Oil Palm Co; and K 1 million by Looking Forward Co totaling K 108.0 million.

Afterwards, Vice-Senior Maung Aye and party inspected construction work of the pagoda.

This morning, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party paid homage to members of the Sangha led by State Ovadacariya Zeyawadi Kyaugtaik Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Candavamsa at Gawthita Rama Pali Tekkatho Kyaungtaik.

First, State Ovadacariya Zeyawadi Kyaugtaik Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Canda-vamsa invested the congregation with the Five Precepts.

Next, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye offered the eight requisites to Bhaddanta Candavamsa.

Next, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein and members offered the eight requisites to members of the Sangha.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint attends final rites of Sayadaw Bhaddanta Nandobhasa of Nyaungbin-ai-tawya monastery in PyinOoLwin and Salingyi

YANGON, 27 Oct- The final rites of Presiding Nayaka Agga Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja Bhaddanta Nandobhasa of Nyaungbin-ai-tawya monastery in PyinOoLwin and Salingyi Townships was held at Sankyaung in Nyaungbin-ai-tawya monastery in PyinOoLwin yesterday.

The Sayadaw passed away on 20 October 2003 at the age of 82.

Present were State Ovadacariya Sayadaws led by Abhidhaja Maha Ratha Guru Bhaddanta Agghiya of Shwekyin Nikaya Shwekyin Sasanabaing Mandalay Withokdayon Taikthit Waso Kyaung Sayadaw, State Sangha Maha Nayaka Sayadaws, members of the Sangha, member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence, Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, PyinOoLwin Station Commander Brig-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, Deputy Chief Justice U Khin Maung Latt of Supreme Court (Upper Myanmar), military officers of PyinOoLwin Station, heads of departments, members of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council, departmental officials, relatives of the Sayadaw, officials of the committees for holding of the final rites of the Sayadaw, religious associations, disciples, local people and nuns.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Minister Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung and officials draped the remains of the Sayadaw with the velvet robe.

The congregation received the Five Precepts from Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw of Bodhitahtaung Kyaungtaik in Monywa Agga Maha Saddhamma-jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Narada.

Next, Taungpawkyaung Sayadaw in Salingyi Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Ardiccavamsa read the biography of the Sayadaw.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint supplicated on religious matters. He presented offertories to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Agghiya. The minister and officials also presented offertories to the members of the Sangha. Sayadaw Bhaddanta Agghiya delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained.

Next, the remains of the Sayadaw was conveyed onto the carriage by disciples, relatives of the Sayadaw and Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party. The carriage was conveyed to the place where the final rites was to be held.

Members of the Sangha conveyed the remains of the Sayadaw onto the pyre. Lt-Gen Ye Myint then pressed the button to burn the pyre.

YANGON, 27 Oct- A coordination meeting for holding of the 13th Asian Archery Championships and the 2004 Athens Olympic Archery Qualifier was held at the National Football Training Camp (Thuwunna) in Thingangyun Township this evening with an address by Chairman of Myanmar National Olympic Committee Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt.

Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint reported on arrangements for the 13th Asian Archery Championships and the 2004 Athens Olympic Archery Qualifier.

He said the championships, qualifier, coaching seminar and congress of Asia Archery Federation will be held in November.

He also reported on preparations for opening ceremony and selection of Myanmar selected archers.

Next, Chairman of Myanmar Archery Federation Dr Khin Shwe reported on arrangement being made for holding the 13th Asian Archery Championship 2003 and the 2004 Athens Olympic Archery Qualifier.

He said that the Myanmar Archery Federation was formed on 8 February 1995. After entering the FITA, the MAF took part in 21 international level contests, securing 12 gold, 11 silver and 12 bronze.

When the MAF has come into its fifth anniversary, it was capable enough to participate in the 27th Sydney World Olympic Archery Contest.

The MAF has been able to hold the first Asia Circuit Archery Contest in Yangon on August in 1998. The marksmen were despatched abroad from 1995 to date to take part in the international archery contests.

Next, the chairmen of the sub-committees for holding the contests reported on matters related to preparations for the ceremonies, the opening and closing ceremonies, invitation and accommodation, reception, health and transport.

Next, Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint accepted cash donations for holding the 13th Asian Archery Championship 2003 and the 2004 Athens Olympic Archery Qualifier-K 30 million by Chairman of Zekabar Co Dr Khin Shwe; K 30 million by Managing Director of the National Development Construction and Engineering Co U Tint San; K 30 million by Managing Director of the National Development Trade Co U Sein Thit; and K 5 million by Chairman of Asia Express Co U Maung Maung.

Next, Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint presented K 10 million donated by Myanmar Olympic Committee to Chairman of MAF Dr Khin Shwe.

Afterwards, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt made a speech. He said it is learnt that the preparatory work for holding the 13th Asian Archery Championship 2003 and the 2004 Athens Olympic Archery Qualifier is, according to the Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee and the Chairman of Myanmar Archery Federation, nearing completion.

Whenever the international sports contests were held in Myanmar, the respective departments and organizations made concerted efforts to ensure the success of the contests. As a result, Myanmar has been able to hold the contests on a grand scale.

Myanmar had the experiences of holding the Asian Circuit Archery contest successfully in 1998. Therefore, it is believed that the contest to be held soon will be able to reflect the glory of Myanmar and the national prestige and integrity.

It is encouraging to see that MAF, in its eighth years tenure, has been able to compete with its counterparts of the People's Republic of China, Korea, etc. who are 20 to 30 years of age.

But, the lessons-if the athletes are overconfident over their efficiency they will be away from the victories they ought to win as in the case of the best horse may slip sometimes-are to be drawn.

The Myanmar archers are to make relentless efforts with a sense of spirit to win as they are to compete with over 20 archery teams with about 250 archers from over 20 nations although they are qualified and have been able to secure gold medals in the international contests.

To be able to hold the contests on a grand scale, officials of the respective departments and organizations are making sustained efforts, and it is incumbent upon the Myanmar archers to compete with unyielding spirit.

Therefore, the Myanmar archers are urged to take part in the contests with mental and spiritual fitness to be able to take part in the 2004 Athens Olympic Archery Contest.

The Myanmar archers are also urged to take part in a fair way, showing the glory, politeness and hospitality of Myanmar and sporting spirit.

Next, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt inspected sports gear, medals and certificates, posters, signboards and pamphlets being shown at the hall of the National Football training camp.

Next, the Prime Minister inspected preparations for holding the 13th Asian Championship Archery Contest 2003 and the 2004 Athens Olympic Archery Qualifier at Youth Sports Training Centre (Thuwunna).

YANGON, 27 Oct- The opening of the Fourth Annual Meeting of Greater Mekong Subregion Business Forum hosted by the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry and ceremony to transfer chairmanship were held at Traders Hotel on Sule Pagoda Road this morning.

Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Kyaw Thu delivered an opening address. Next, Chairman of the Fourth Annual Meeting of Greater Mekong Subregion Business Forum Mr Chanpheng Bounnapol also spoke. Vice-President of UMFCCI U Win Aung extended greetings.

Next, Director of Trade and Industry Dr Ravi Ratnayake of UNESCAP, Investment Officer of Government Finance and Trade Division of Mekong Department of ADB Ms Madeleine Varkay and President of ASEAN CCI U Pyone Maung Maung also spoke.

The ministers, the deputy ministers, ambassadors and embassy staff and delegates and officials posed for souvenir photos.

Chairman of GMS-BF Mr Chanpheng Boun-napol reported on general report on GMS-BF and Project Director Daw San Yu Yu Ohn on activities and future initiatives and plan of GMS-BF.

Next, delegates of Cambodia Chambers of Commerce, (CCC), Laos National Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI), Thailand Chambers of Commerce (TCC), the Union of Myanmar Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI), Vietnam Chambers of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), Yunnan Province Chambers of Commerce (YPCC) of the People's Republic of China discussed activities and future initiatives and plan of GMS-BF.

Participants approved the appointment of Managing Director and Advisors for GMS-BF. In the afternoon session, Joint Secretary-General of UMFCCI Dr Maung Maung Lay reported on introduction of GMS-BF, Dr Jingjai of TCC on cross border trade and investment opportunities among GMS countries, Investment Officer of ADB Ms Madeleine Varkay on transit trade among economic corridors, Executive Vice-President of VCCI Mr Hoang Van Dung on GMS-BF Trade Fair and Economic Affairs Officer of UNESCAP on GMS in a new Asia. The delegates took part in the discussions. The ceremony to transfer chairmanship to Vice-President of UMFCCI U Win Aung was held. Newly appointed Chairman U Win Aung then presented certificates of gratitude to former chairman Mr Chanpheng Bounnapol and Secretary-General Mr Khamsintha-vong Nhouyva-nisvong. Next, U Win Aung extended greetings. In the evening, he hosted dinner in honour of the delegates at Karaweik Palace in Kandawgyi

Chinese Communications Minister and party leave for home

YANGON, 27 Oct-Minister of Communications of China Mr Zhang Chunxian and party, who attended the Second ASEAN+China Transport Ministers meeting hosted by Myanmar, left here by air this afternoon.

They were seen off at Yangon International Airport by Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, Chinese Ambassador to the Union of Myanmar Mr Li Jinjun and the embassy staff.

Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs arrived back from India

YANGON, 27 Oct - A Myanmar delegation led by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win arrived back here yesterday attending the Myanmar-India Foreign Office Consultation held in New Delhi.

The delegation was welcomed back at the Yangon International Air- port .by the directors-general of the departments of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Indian Ambassador to Myanmar Mr R K Bhatia. Deputy Director-General U Nay Lynn of the Political Department of the Ministry Foreign Affairs and Director U Ye Myint also arrived back on the same night.

At Foreign office Consultation held at the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi on 22 October U Khin Maung Win and Indian Foreign Secretary Mr Kanwal Sibal held discussions on a wide range of subjects including border related issues, drug trafficking , trade and economic cooperation, development issues in a very warm and, cordial manner. In the evening on 2f October , both sides signed the agreed minutes of the meeting. The deputy minister and Finance Secretary of India Mr D C Gupta signed a 25 million dollar Credit Agreement between the Government of Myanmar and the Government of India.

On 24 October, the deputy minister paid a courtesy call on the Minister of External Affairs of India Mr Yashwant Sinha at his office. Myanmar delegation went to Kolkata and also called on the Governor of West Bengal Mr Viran J Shah at the Raj Bhavan the next day.

Auditor-General receives visiting hinese delegation

YANGON, 27 Oct-Auditor-General Maj-Gen Lun Maung received Auditor-General of Audit Office of the People's Republic of China Mr Li Jinhua and party, who arrived here on an official visit, at his office on Thakhin Mya Park Road in Ahlon Township here this morning.

In the evening, Auditor-General Maj-Gen Lun Maung hosted a dinner in honour of the visiting delegation at the Karaweik Palace. The delegation this morning it visited the Shwedagon pagoda, and in the afternoon visited the National Museum and the Drug Elimination Museum.

YANGON, 27 Oct - The 11th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions continued the programmes for the 14th day today at designated venues here from the morning to evening.

The competitions were enjoyed by members of the Panel of Patrons for the 11th MTCPAC Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung and Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun; Vice-Chairman of the Leading Committee Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Deputy Minister for Construction Brig-Gen Myint Thein, Director-General of the State Peace and Development Council Office Lt-Col Pe Nyein, officials of the work committees and subcommittees, enthusiasts, visiting tourists and students.

The song contest took place at the National Museum on Pyay Road here at 9 am today. At the amateur level, 13 contestants competed with the song "Man-taung-lat-yar"; and at the basic education level (girls, aged 5-10), 13 contestants competed with the song "Thida-thida-aye-ya-gyi".

The Ozi contest took place at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street in Dagon Towhship at 9 am. At the professional level, six Ozi troupes competed in the contest; and at the basic education level (boys, aged 15-20), six Ozi troupes competed in the contest. The Hsaing (Solo) contest was held at the Padonma Theatre on Bagaya Street in Sangyoung Township at 9 am. At the higher education level (Men), five contestants joined the competition with the song "Myaing-hay-ma"; and at the amateur level (Men), 14 contestants competed with the song "Htu-ma-cha-na".

YANGON, 27 Oct - Banking Services Course (Officer) No 2 was opened this afternoon at the meeting hall of the Central Bank of Myanmar with an address by Minister for Finance and Revenue Maj-Gen Hla Tun.

A total of 60 trainees of State-owned banks and private banks are attending the two-month course.

Patron of Myanma Banks Association Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, F & R Deputy Minister Col Hla Thein Swe and other officials attended the opening ceremony.

YANGON, 27 Oct - The Society of Rehabilitation Medicine of the Myanmar Medical Association, will hold its 1st Rehabilitation Medicine Conference on 1-2 November at MMA at No 249 on Theinbyu Road, Mingala Taungnyunt Township.

Nine papers on Musculoskeletal problems will be submitted at three symposiums - Symposium on Neuropathic Pain, symposium on Perspectives of Osteoporosis and Symposium on Osteoarthritis Knee.

YANGON, 27 Oct - A combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and Myitkyina Special Anti-Drug Squad on 28 September seized 411 grams of heroin in the 31 soap cans hidden at the back of the house of U Ma Khawgan in Seikmu Village, Phakant Township.

On 30 September, the authorities also discovered 5.715 kilos of raw opium from the house of Daw Gaw Luywai in Seikmu Village.