INFORMATION SHEET No.A.0322(I)

[OKKAR66127@xxxxxxx]

                          INFORMATION SHEET

         No.A.0322(I)                                          18 Feb 1998

(1)		Senior General Than Shwe and Daw Kyaing Kyaing Arrive Manila
		Good-will Myanmar delegation led by Chairman of the State Peace and
Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe and Daw
Kyaing Kyaing left Yangon at 8 am on 17 February by special flight to pay a
State Visit to the Republic of the Philippines at the invitation of President
of the Republic of the Philippines Fidel V Ramos and Madame Amelita M Ramos.
An arrival Statement said the present visit of the Chairman of the State Peace
and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe is to reciprocate the visit
by President Fidel V Ramos to Myanmar in October 1997, and is aimed at further
promoting close ties and cooperation between the two countries and forging
mutually beneficial links in trade and investment, thus reflecting the growing
friendship and understanding between the peoples of the Union of Myanmar and
the Republic of the Philippines. During the visit, official talks between the
leaders of the two countries will be held and the Myanmar delegation believes
that the two leaders will be able to hold cordial discussions on maters
relating to the enhancement of closer friendly relations and further
cooperation between the two countries and within the region and the
implementation of the principles and objectives of the ASEAN.
 
(2)		Plans Laid Down for Equal and Rapid Progress of Towns, Villages
		The Development Affairs Department opened a course for executive officers at
a training school in Dagon Myothit North Township on 17 February with an
address by Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and
Development Affairs. The six-week course will offer administration,
management, accounts, book-keeping, law, tax collection and auditing for DAD
executive officers, who will become heads of township offices, to be able to
conduct their functions effectively and efficiently. DAD offices at different
levels are laying down plans for equal and rapid progress of rural and urban
areas. The main tasks of DAD are town planning, water and electricity supply,
urban sanitation and beautification.
 
(3)		ASEAN-Japan Multinational Cultural Mission and Myanmar Cultural Scholars
Discuss Myanma Culture
		The ASEAN-Japan Multinational Cultural Mission (MCM) and Myanmar cultural
scholars discussed Myanma culture at the National Museum on Pyay Road at 3.30
pm on 17 February. Myanmar cultural scholars presented papers and replied to
the questions asked by MCM members. In the evening, MCM members visited the
Shwedagon Pagoda. In the morning, they flew to Bagan. They studied ancient
architecture, murals and arts and crafts as well as restoration of ancient
pagodas. They also visited the old and new Archaeological Museums and lacquer
works there. 
 
(4)		Yangon Gems Empo '98
		Gems entrepreneurs and arts and craft traders are invited to take part in
Yangon Gems Emporium '98 to be held at Hotel Equatorial from 20 to 24 March.
Co-sponsors TTF (Yangon) Co Ltd and APT Travel Service Co Ltd express belief
that the emporium will help develop gems technology and production and sale of
world class gems and jewellery. Contacts can be made at TTF (Yangon) Co Ltd at
96 Bogalayzay Street, Botahtaung Township, or by dialling 294006, 245137 or
245138.
 
(5)		Over 4 Kilos of Heroin Seized in Phakant Township
		A combined team acting on a tip-off, searched Yan Fu Shin's hut, in
Tarmakhan Village, Phakant Township, at 1 pm on 11 January. The authorities
seized heroin weighing about 4.2477 kilos hidden in 21 boxes of soap in the
hut. Further investigation, of the group nabbed owner of heroin and related
persons in heroin trading. Phakant Township police station is taking action
against them under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotrophic Substances Law.

Drug Seizures
		On the 11 of February an army patrol discovered a mobile heroin refinery
near Mong-Yu village in Muse Township of North East Shan State. A shoot out
took place between the army patrol and the drug traffickers in which 1005
kilos of opium and 6.3 kilos of heroin were seized, it is learnt.
 
OFFICE CALLS IN YANGON ON 17 FEBRUARY
		
(A)		Chairman of Myanmar Investment Commission Vice-Admiral Maung Muang Khin
received Chairman of Board of Directors of Osaka Bridge Construction Union of
Japan Mr Yuji Cnishi and party at his office.
(B)		Minister for Transport received A Chinese delegation led by Vice-
President Mr Guan Xiaolin of Messrs Poly Technologies Inc at his office.
(C)		Minister for Hotels and Tourism received Administrative Director Mr
Toshio Yoneda of Hopeson Myanmar Co Ltd at his office.
(D)		Minister for Finance and Revenue received Chairman of Kinsho Mataichi
Corporation of Japan Mr Toshio Kawachi and General Manager Mr Kenji Kawanishi
of Tokyo Marine and Fire Insurance Co of Japan at his office. 
(E)		Minister for Industry-1 received Chairman of Tokai Kyowa Co Ltd Mr
Masashi, Director of Sekigahara Stone Co Ltd Mr Yoshitaka and Managing
Director of Golden Globe Myanmar Co Ltd Chairman of Ace Pressurewild
International Pte Ltd Mr Willy Kwan and party at his office.
 
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