$1 billion in trade the vision for enhanced ties with India: A VISIT by the Indian Vice President, Mr Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, has resulted in a further strengthening of bilateral ties, with both sides pledging to increase cooperation in trade, transportation, education, defence and the fight against terrorism.A highlight of last week?s visit was a decision in principle by India to provide a US$57 million loan to upgrade the 800-kilometre rail link between Yangon and Mandalay.On another issue involving the transport sector, the two sides also agreed to ensure progress in implementing a transnational highway linking Myanmar, India and Thailand, which will be the subject of a ministerial meeting in New Delhi next month... Full access for Pinheiro during a whirlwind week for rapporteur: THE United Nations special human rights rapporteur on Myanmar, Mr Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, has praised the cooperation he received from the government during a visit to Yangon last week... Bagan summit this week: THE prime ministers of Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos meet in Bagan on November 12 for a summit at which they are expected to sign a declaration on an economic development strategy.The strategy, aimed at increasing competitiveness... Good prices essential for rice crop, says minister: THE MINISTER for Agriculture and Irrigation, Major-General Nyunt Tin, last week stressed the importance of ensuring that paddy farmers receive good prices from the coming monsoon crop harvest so that rice production is not affected next year... Theatrical production to depict life at royal court: A LAVISH theatrical production that depicts court life during the last Myanmar dynasty opens at the National Theatre in Mandalay on November 15.The production, which shows how members of the Konbaung dynasty... Growth in IT sector ensures high enrollments at training: MYANMAR has been making rapid progress in recent years in the development of information technology, which is playing an increasingly important role in the development of the economy.The emerging IT sector is aiding economic development through the crucial role it plays as a tool for training and upgrading human resources, or capacity building... YCDC plans to expand garbage collection fleet: YANGON City Development Committee is planning to expand its garbage collection service following a decision to buy 25 specialised vehicles from China by the end of the current fiscal year... On-line training a first for non-formal education sector: The Myanmar Education Research Bureau launches a training program later this month for more than 3000 people who will be involved in a national campaign aimed at increasing adult literacy rates... Official praises standards in performing arts contest: AN official at the Ministry of Culture has praised the talents of young people who participated in the 11th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competition that ended in Yangon on October 31... India-Myanmar trade to increase: TRADE between India and Myanmar has the potential to increase substantially, the Indian Vice-President, Mr Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, and representatives of business groups said last week... One-stop shop for building materials: ONE of the biggest construction companies in Myanmar is planning to establish a one-stop-shop for building materials and household products, a company spokesman announced last week... Property market on the slide: WHEN it comes to property we know this for sure: There are millions to be made in the never ending cycle of booms and busts. And there are millions to be lost as well.