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The New Light of Myanmar (Sunday, 7 April, 2002)
- Subject: The New Light of Myanmar (Sunday, 7 April, 2002)
- From: Ok Kar <okkar66126@xxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sun, 7 Apr 2002 00:29:38 -0800
The New Light of Myanmar (Sunday, 7 April, 2002)
------------------------------------
1. Senior General Than Shwe attends dinner to mark
graduation of 44th Intake of DSA
2. - Secretary-1 fixes pivot at Shwephonepwint Pagoda,
accepts donations for all-round renovation
- Secretary-1 receives Executive Vice President of
Sumitomo Corporation
- An opening ceremony of India-Myanmar-Thailand
Ministerial Meeting
3. - Sixth ASEAN Finance Ministers Meeting ends
successfully
- 6th AFMM issues Joint Statement
4. - India-Myanmar-Thailand Ministerial Meeting on
Transport Linkages held
- Press release on India-Myanmar-Thailand
Ministerial Meeting on Transport Linkages issued
5. - Seventh Mekong Tourism Forum continues
- F & R Minister meets ADB President
6. - Regional development tasks inspected in Kawthoung
District
- Commander attends tree planting ceremony in
Indaing Station
7. - Myanmar Products Expo' 2002 opened
- Minister inspects Yangon Traditional Medicine
Hospital, Traditional Medicine Factory
- Cash awards presented to good service medalists
- Minister for Industry-2 inspects automobile
factory
8. Minister inspects central police training division
in PyinOoLwin
9. Deputy Minister inspects construction of
Kanbawzathadi Palace in Bago
---------
( 1 ) Senior General Than Shwe attends dinner to mark
graduation of 44th Intake of DSA
Yangon, 6 April-Chairman of the State Peace and
Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defense
Services Senior General Than Shwe, who is currently in
PyinOoLwin, Mandalay Division, together with members
of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen
Thura Shwe Mann, Maj-Gen Soe Win, Maj-Gen Ye Myint,
Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Maj-Gen Thein Sein, Maj-Gen
Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Maj-Gen Kyaw Win and
Maj-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defense,
Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Kyi Min, Chief
of Staff (Air) Brig-Gen Myat Hein, Chairman of
Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council
Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Ye Myint, the
ministers, senior military officers of the Ministry of
Defense, the Mandalay Mayor, the Deputy Minister for
Health, officials of the State Peace and Development
Council Office and departments concerned, attended the
dinner to mark the graduation of the 44th Intake of
Defense Services Academy held at the parade grounds of
the DSA in PyinOoLwin at 7 pm on 5 April.
___________________________
( 2 ) Secretary-1 fixes pivot at Shwephonepwint
Pagoda, accepts donations for all-round renovation
Yangon, 6 April- A ceremony to fix the pivot at the
Shwephonepwint Pagoda in Pazundaung Township was held
at the pagoda at 8.30 am today, attended by
Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council
Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.
First, the Secretary-1 paid obeisance to the pagoda
and took the designated place to fix the pivot atop
the pagoda. The ceremony was opened with three-time
recitation of Namo Tassa. Staff Officer of Yangon
Division Religious Affairs Department U San Thin
Hlaing supplicated on fixing the pivot atop the
pagoda. Then, the Secretary-1 and party fixed the
pivot atop the pagoda and sprinkled scented water on
it. Saya U Kyaw recited religious verses and Teingyar
Htidaw hoisting team blew conch shells and beat the
gongs. Next, the ceremony came to an end with
three-time recitation of Buddha Sasanam ?iram
Titthatu.
Afterwards, the Secretary-1 performed the rituals of
golden and silver showers to mark the successful
completion of the ceremony. Then, the fifth donation
ceremony for the funds of all-round renovation of the
religious buildings and the pagoda was held at the
Dhammayon of the pagoda. Chairman of the Central
Committee for All-round Renovation of the Pagoda
Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan
reported on renovation of religious buildings
including matters related to hoisting Seinbudaw and
Hnget-myatnadaw atop the pagoda and offering gold
foils at the pagoda.
The Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions.
Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Commander Brig-Gen
Myint Swe, Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister Col
Tin Hlaing, Minister Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Minister
Maj-Gen Sein Htwa and Mayor U Ko Lay accepted K
13,680,000 donated by Excellent Performance for Social
Field (First Class) medal winner Thiha Thudhamma
Manijotadhara U Thein Win-Thiha Thudhamma Theingi
Thiri Thudhamma Theingi Daw Ni of Shwe Thanlwin, K
1,092,500 by U Maung Ko-Daw Shwe U, K 1 million by Daw
Phyu Phyu Myint and family, K 150,000 by Minister for
Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing-Daw Khin Khin Hla and
family, K 150,000 each by Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay,
Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa and staff and Minister for
Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone-Daw Aye Pyi Wai Khin and
family, K 500,000 by U Khin Maung Win-Daw Khin Hlaing
Myint, U Tun Tun Win-Daw Tin May Win, Ma Thuza Win of
Shwemanntaung Clinic, K 500,000 by U Tin Aung
Naing-Daw Khin Ma Ma, K 500,00 by Deputy Minister for
Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan-Daw Kyi Kyi Win, K 233,210
by U Kim Whee-Daw Than Than Htay, K 200,000 by U Win
Shwe-Daw Aye Myint, K 193,200 by U Ye Htut Win-Daw Aye
Thida Oo, K 180,000 by U Maung Maung Oo-Daw Khin
Yadana Oo, K 150,000 each by U Soe Nyunt-Daw Tin Kyi,
Capt Ye Win (Assistant Division Manager)-Daw Yi Yi Aye
and U Ko Ko Maung-Daw Win Win San, K 133,200 each by U
San Thein-Daw Aye Aye Myint, U Zaw Htut Aung-Daw Ohmma
Than, Ko San Naing-Ma Phyu Phyu Khin and Maj Aung
Thura-Daw Soe Soe Aung, K 120,000 by Daw Nyunt Yin and
family, U Sai Myint Aung-Daw San San Yi, U Than Khaing
Soe (a) U Khin Maung Gyi-Daw Win, U Aung Kyaw Thin-Daw
Su Su Aung, U Kyaw Myint-Daw Myint Myint Kyu, U Tun
Aye and brothers and sisters and U Aung Kyi Soe-Daw
Marlar Khin, K 110,000 by Daw Tin Kyi Kyi and family
and other well-wishers totaling amount K 25,428,600.
Later, the ceremony came to a close with three-time
recitation of Buddha Sasanam ?iram Titthatu.
---------
Secretary-1 receives Executive Vice President of
Sumitomo Corporation
Yangon, 6 April - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Lt-Gen
Khin Nyunt received Executive Vice President of
Sumitomo Corporation Mr Kosaburo Morinaka and party at
the guest house of the Ministry of Defense at 5 pm
today. Also present were Minister at the State Peace
and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen
Abel, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy
Minister for Energy U Tin Tun, Deputy Minister for
Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win and Director-General
of the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet.
--------
An opening ceremony of India-Myanmar-Thailand
Ministerial Meeting
Since ancient times, Myanmar has served as conduit for
trade, culture and religious contacts between
civilizations of Ganges Basin and Mekong Basin
Secretary-1 addresses opening of
India-Myanmar-Thailand Ministerial Meeting on
Transport Linkages
Yangon, 6 April - An opening ceremony of
India-Myanmar-Thailand Ministerial Meeting on
Transport Linkages was held at the Sedona Hotel on
Kaba Aye Pagoda Road at 11 am today, attended by
Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council
Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. Also present at the ceremony were
the ministers, Minister of External Affairs of India
Shri Jaswant Singh, Minister of Foreign Affairs of
Thailand Dr Surakiart Sathirathai, the deputy
ministers, officials of the Office of the State Peace
and Development Council, heads of department,
ambassadors and Charge daffier air of Foreign Missions
in Yangon and invited guests. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin
Nyunt delivered the opening address at the ceremony.
He said: It gives me great pleasure to address the
inaugural session of the India-Myanmar-Thailand
ministerial meeting on transport linkages being held
in Yangon.
I truly believed that this is a landmark meeting and
that it will pave the way for greater inter-action
between the peoples of our countries. It is my
distinct pleasure to welcome our brothers, the
Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India
Shri Jaswant Singh and Minister of Foreign Affairs of
the Kingdom of Thailand Dr Surakiart Sathirathai. I
would like to extend a warm welcome to you and your
delegations and I wish you a most productive and
pleasant stay in Yangon. Our three countries are
linked by history, trade, culture and religion since
ancient times. We in Myanmar will never forget that
India is the cradle of Theravada Buddhism which is the
main religion for both Myanmar and Thailand. Myanmar
lies at the crossroads of south and southeast Asia and
we are honored to play a role in linking India and
Thailand as well as the two regions as a whole.
>From ancient times, Myanmar has served as the conduit
for trade, culture and religious contacts between the
civilizations of the Ganges Basin and Mekong Basin.
The trilateral meeting being hosted by Myanmar is a
significant initiative. Never before have the foreign
ministers of the three countries come together in such
a manner to develop common regional solidarity.
Although the three countries have always enjoyed good
bilateral relations with each other, it had not been
possible in the past to deepen the integration of our
economies. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss
and agree upon land transport linkages that would link
our three countries and the two regions to which we
belong. Such a venture will bring immense benefits to
all our peoples. A successful outcome will complement
national development plans as well as the on-going
cooperation under BIMST-EC, Mekong-Ganga Cooperation
and the dialogue partnership between India and ASEAN.
Today, every nation in the world, particularly the
developing nations, faces the challenge of
globalization. The age of globalization has brought
with it the era of regionalism. In an increasingly
interdependent world, no nation can act alone. In the
face of this reality, developing countries must join
together sub-regionally and re-finally, to strengthen
solidarity and advance their common interests. They
must join voices in calling for a fairer and more
equitable market place. Economic ties are the usual
and obvious starting point to develop links between
countries and regions. But trade and development
cannot proceed without transport linkages. It is in
this light that India, Myanmar and Thailand should
take the initial step towards a regional network of
highways. The three countries together would represent
a significant growth area. Such an area will provide
economic opportunities for long term investments.
Our response to the challenge of globalization must
not be greater national assertion but greater
cooperation. Myanmar is prepared for closer
cooperation with its neighbors. Since 1988, it has
begun to take a more active part in the international
system, increasing both bilateral and multilateral
relations in the region. Myanmar's membership in the
ASEAN and BIMST-EC are significant indicators of our
orientation. Myanmar is making systematic efforts to
cope with globalization including the adoption of a
market-oriented economic system, the opening of our
doors to foreign direct investment, the emphasis on
the development of science and technology, and the
enhancement of human resources.
However, these measures could not be achieved without
peace and stability in the country. The seeds of
discord sown by the colonialists resulted in
dies-unity and armed strife in the country for more
than four decades since our independence in 1948.
However, as a result of the government's efforts,
national reconciliation has been achieved and all the
major armed groups except one have returned to the
legal fold. Today, these groups are working for the
development of the respective areas together with
government. Restoration of peace has enabled the
Government to concentrate on national development
endeavors. Consequently, unprecedented construction of
new roads, bridges, ports, railways, dams, reservoirs,
power plants, hospitals, dispensaries and schools have
not only restored but also strengthened the country's
economic and social structures.
The economy as a whole also grew by an average annual
growth of 8.4 per cent during the 1996-97 to 2000-2001
five-year short term plan. We are now implementing the
2001-2002 to 2005-2006 five-year plan, at the end of
which we believe Myanmar will be at the stage of rapid
economic take-off. We live in the Age of Knowledge.
Therefore, human resource development is a
prerequisite for sustained economic development. As
such, the Government has given special priority to the
education sector with the vision of creating an
education system that can generate a learning society
capable of facing the challenges of the Knowledge Age.
Special efforts have been made for all parts of the
country including the remote border areas, to have
access to education facilities up to tertiary level.
Thus, Myanmar now has 144 universities and colleges
compared to 32 when the Government assumed
responsibilities in 1988. All-in-all, it could be said
that in keeping with its twelve political, economic
and social objectives, Myanmar is steadily moving
towards its goal of a peaceful, developed and modern
state. I would also like to take this opportunity to
express our sincere thanks and appreciation to India
and Thailand for all the assistance and cooperation
extended to us in our national development endeavors.
In conclusion, we are fortunate today to have the
unique opportunity to initiate measures that will
benefit the peoples of our three countries in terms of
trade, investment, people-to-people contacts and
cultural exchanges. The journey ahead will be long and
arduous.
But as friends traveling together, we must overcome
difficulties and assist one another in whatever way we
can. The cooperative measures envisioned in the
trilateral cooperation are modest and perhaps for that
reason practical and achievable. May I assure you that
Myanmar will do its best and sincerely to ensure the
success of our endeavors. I wish you all success in
your deliberations. The Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt,
Minister of External Affairs Mr Shri Jaswant Singh,
Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and Minister
of Foreign Affairs of Thailand Dr Surakiart
Sathirathai had a documentary photo taken.
___________________________
( 3 ) Sixth ASEAN Finance Ministers Meeting ends
successfully
Yangon, 6 April- The Sixth ASEAN Finance Ministers
Meeting, hosted by the Union of Myanmar, continued for
the second day at the Traders Hotel on Sule Pagoda
Road here this morning. Present were Minister for
Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein, finance
ministers of ASEAN member countries, the
Secretary-General of ASEAN and delegation members of
ASEAN member countries.
Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein
presided over the meeting and delivered an address.
Then, matters related to financial cooperation among
ASEAN member countries were discussed. Next, President
of Asian Development Bank Mr Tadao Chino and ASEAN
finance ministers discussed tasks related to financial
cooperation between ADB and ASEAN countries.
Afterwards, ASEAN finance ministers signed the
Protocol to Implement the Package of Commitments on
Financial Services Under the ASEAN Frame Work
Agreement on Services.
Then, the Joint Ministerial Statement was issued and
the meeting came to an end. At 11 am, a press
conference on completion of the Sixth ASEAN Finance
Ministers Meeting was held. Present were Minister for
Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein, the finance
ministers of ASEAN member countries, the
Secretary-General of ASEAN and delegation members of
ASEAN member countries, local and foreign
correspondents, journalists and officials. At the
Press conference, Minister U Khin Maung Thein, the
ASEAN Secretary-General and respective finance
ministers answered the queries raised by journalists
and foreign correspondents.
6th AFMM issues Joint Statement
Yangon, 6 April - The Sixth ASEAN Finance Ministers'
Meeting successfully ended at the Traders Hotel here
today. After the meeting, the Joint Statement was
issued as follows:
Introduction
1. We, the ASEAN Finance Ministers, convened our Sixth
Annual Meeting in Yangon on 5-6 April 2002 under the
chairmanship of HE U Khin Maung Thein, Minister for
Finance and Revenue, Myanmar. We exchanged views on
recent economic developments and discussed the outlook
for the ASEAN economies and the policies being adopted
by Member Countries to sustain the economic recovery
of the region. We are confident that, after
registering moderate growth in 2001, the ASEAN
economies will grow more strongly at 3.5-4.0 percent
this year. This is based on the projected recovery of
the global economy, our sound domestic macroeconomic
policies and ongoing structural reforms, and the
closer economic cooperation that ASEAN has fostered.
2. We reviewed the progress of regional financial
cooperation initiatives, such as the Chiang Mai
Initiative, liberalization of the financial services
sector, and development of the capital market. We
agreed to undertake a number of initiatives for 2002,
including the launch of the third round of
negotiations on financial services liberalization.
Recent Economic Developments
3. We noted that the global economic slowdown,
exacerbated by the September 11 attack, had hampered
efforts to sustain ASEAN economic recovery, which had
built strong momentum since 1999, when growth
recovered from negative 7.2 percent in 1998 to
positive 5.5 percent in 2000. External demand,
particularly the demand for electronics goods, which
has underpinned strong export growth in our economies
since 1999, slowed significantly. Member Countries
that were more dependent on external demand were more
affected, as seen in sluggish manufacturing activities
and negative export growth. This, together with a
general decline in foreign direct investment, resulted
in economic growth for the ASEAN countries moderating
to 2.8 percent in 2001.
4. Global monetary easing, especially the interest
rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve, and generally
well-contained inflation in the region, allowed ASEAN
central banks to ease monetary policy last year. Past
prudent fiscal management provided some Member
Countries the flexibility to adopt expansionary fiscal
policies to support domestic demand and sustain growth
in 2001. These measures helped to mitigate the impact
of weak external demand.
5. Despite more challenging economic conditions, we
continued to make significant progress in financial
and corporate sector restructuring last year. More
non-performing loans from commercial banks were
transferred to, and resolved by, asset management
companies. This significantly improved the banking
system's capital adequacy ratio. Some of our Member
Countries have taken positive steps to consolidate
the banking sector. In addition, measures were
instituted to further strengthen banking regulation
and supervision, as well as corporate governance.
Sustaining ASEAN Economic Recovery
6. The outlook for the global economy has improved,
supported by positive developments in the US. Although
the outlook for the Japanese economy remains
uncertain, there are signs of a turn-around in the US
and some European economies in the first quarter. The
signs point towards a gradual recovery in the global
economy, with increased momentum in the second half of
2002. We therefore expect our exports to perform
better in 2002. Domestic of demand will continue to
strengthen on the back of fiscal expansion and higher
income. These developments are expected to stimulate
recovery in the region with real GDP growth of between
3.5 and 4.0 percent in 2002.
7. Despite encouraging signs of global recovery,
downside risks remain. In 2002, we will continue to be
supportive domestic demand through appropriate fiscal
and monetary policies. We will also move forward with
structural reforms, including financial and corporate
sector restructuring.
8. To ensure fiscal sustainability in the medium term,
we shall strive to further improve revenue collection
and public expenditure management. In this regard,
Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines and
Thailand aim to achieve balanced budgets in the next
three to five years. Privatization will be carefully
phased to adequately support prudent fiscal measures
in the near term, as well as maintain the ability to
generate a sustained stream of revenues.
9. While we have made substantial progress in
strengthening the financial sector, we have resolved
to enhance the regulatory and supervisory framework,
as well as promote the development of our capital
markets as an important alternative to bank financing.
Priority will be accorded to facilitating effective
operational restructuring and the revitalization of
the small and medium-sized enterprises sector, as well
as ensuring that this sector continues to have
adequate access to financing.
10. We recognized the significance of good governance,
greater transparency and disclosure. We have seen
substantial progress made in a number of Member
Countries. We agreed to enhance public sector and
corporate governance in the region through closer
cooperation and exchange of information in these
areas. We also resolved to make further progress on
good corporate governance through the evaluation and
possible adoption of relevant OECD principles of
corporate governance.
11. To further strengthen our financial systems, we
agreed to adopt and implement the International
Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO)
principles for securities regulators most relevant to
our respective markets. Our insurance regulators also
agreed to largely observe 11 International Association
of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) core principles by the
end of this year.
12. We noted the Report on Monitoring Hedge Fund
Activity and supported the move for greater
transparency and disclosure from this sector.
Regional Finance Cooperation
13. We are pleased to note the substantial progress
made in the implementation of regional self-help and
support mechanisms through the Chiang Mai Initiative
(CMI). To date, six bilateral swap agreements (BSAs)
have been signed between Japan and Malaysia, Japan and
Thailand, Japan and the Philippines, China and
Thailand, Japan and China, and Japan and Korea with a
combined size of US $ 14 billion. Eight more BSAs are
being negotiated.
14. We successfully concluded the second round of
negotiations on the liberalization of financial
services, with commitments of further liberalization
made by all Member Countries in a variety of financial
services sub-sectors. We signed the Protocol to
implement the package of commitments this morning. We
remain committed to further liberalize our financial
services sector. Therefore, we are pleased to announce
the launch of the third round of negotiations, which
we expect to be concluded in 2004. Our Working
Committee will explore ways to form an ASEAN common
position on issues related to financial services
negotiations under GATS.
15. We also noted the progress made on customs
cooperation. In particular, we welcomed the initiative
to strengthen the exchange of best practices on duty
deferment and security management as well as on the
adoption of Customs Declaration, recommended by the
World Customs Organization and UN agencies. The
Protocol on the ASEAN Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature
(AHTN) is being finalized.
16. The ASEAN+3 framework is working well with our
regular economic reviews and enhancing policy
dialogues with China, Japan and the Republic of Korea.
17. We exchanged views with the President of the Asian
Development Bank (ADB) on global and regional economic
developments. We welcomed ADBÕs confirmation of its
continued support for the ASEAN Surveillance Process
and other regional and sub-regional cooperation
activities such as the Initiative for ASEAN
Integration, the Greater Mekong Sub-region and
BIMP-EAGA(Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and
the Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area).
18. We also exchanged views with representatives of
the US-ASEAN Business Council on recent economic
developments, US investment in ASEAN and cooperation
activities implemented over the past year, including
the visit of our senior central bank officials to the
US. We reviewed with them the progress of ASEAN
economic integration and discussed possible
cooperation in capacity building in such areas as
information technology and customs administration.
__________________________
( 4 ) India-Myanmar-Thailand Ministerial Meeting on
Transport Linkages held
Yangon, 6 April - India-Myamar-Thailand Ministerial
Meeting on Transport Linkages was held at the Sedona
Hotel this morning.
It was attended by Minister for Foreign Affairs of the
Union of Myanmar U Win Aung, Minister of External
Affairs Mr Jaswant Singh and delegates of India,
Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Surakiart Sathirathai
and delegates of Thailand and departmental heads of
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Union of
Myanmar. Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung
presided over the meeting and delivered an address.
Then, the ministers of the three countries discussed
and approved matters related to cooperation in
transport of the three countries and the meeting came
to a close. In the afternoon, Minister for Foreign
Affairs U Win Aung hosted luncheon to the ministers
and delegates of India and Thailand. The ministers and
delegates of India and Thailand left Yangon in the
afternoon. Minister U Win Aung and responsible
officials saw off them at Yangon International
Airport.
Press release on India-Myanmar-Thailand Ministerial
Meeting on Transport Linkages issued
Yangon, 6 April - The India-Myanmar-Thailand
Ministerial Meeting on Transport Linkages was held
this morning at Sedona Hotel here and successfully
ended in the afternoon. After the meeting, a press
release was issued as follows:-
1. The India-Myanmar-Thailand Ministerial Meeting on
Transport Linkages was held on 5 and 6 April 2002 at
the Sedona Hotel in Yangon, Myanmar.
2. The Ministerial Meeting was opened with a Keynote
Address by His Excellency Lt-General Khin Nyunt,
Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council
of the Union of Myanmar.
3. In his Address, His Excellency Secretary-1
Lt-General Khin Nyunt recalled the historical,
cultural and civilization link that had existed among
the three countries, and in particular, the common
spiritual link provided by Buddhism. He spoke of the
joint aspirations of the leaders and peoples of the
three countries to restore and develop transport
linkages in order to promote investment and the flow
of trade, tourism and people to people contact.
4. His Excellency Secretary-1 noted that the meeting
was a landmark event and reaffirmed the commitment of
Myanmar to successful cooperation among India, Myanmar
and Thailand on transport linkages. His Excellency
Secretary-1 expressed the conviction that the meeting
would result in a programmed of action of transport
linkages that would be of benefit to the three
countries and to the two regions of South and
Southeast Asia.
5. Present for the Opening of the Meeting were
Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Heads of Diplomatic
Missions and UN Agencies and invited guests.
6. The Meeting was attended by His Excellency Shri
Jaswant Singh, Minister of External Affairs of the
Republic of India, His Excellency U Win Aung, Minister
for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar and His
Excellency Dr Surakiart Sathirathai, Minister of
Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand. The
Ministers were accompanied by their senior officials.
7. His Excellency U Win Aung chaired the Meeting. The
Ministers discussed a wide range of issues pertaining
to transport linkages among the three countries,
including the possibility of constructing a new
highway through Myanmar, which will link the three
countries, and promote cooperation between Southeast
Asia and South Asia.
8. The Ministers agreed that the objectives of the
trilateral cooperation shall be to develop and promote
cooperation in multi-modal transport and other
linkages, with a view to enhance trade and investment,
tourism and people to people contact, so as to further
contribute to the economic development of the three
countries and two regions.
9. Cooperation between the three countries shall be
supportive and complimentary to BIMST-EC, Mekong-Ganga
Cooperation as well as ASEAN-India Dialogue.
Cooperation shall include the participation of both
private and public sectors as well as funding by
countries, regional organizations and international
financial institutions.
10. The Meeting agreed on the following areas for
cooperation:
(a) construction of a highway from Moreh in
India to Mae Sot in Thailand through Bagan in Myanmar
to be completed within a timeframe of two years;
(b) promotion of a highway from Kanchanaburi in
Thailand to Dawei deep seaport in Myanmar and shipping
links to seaports in India;
(c) promotion of trade, investment and tourism
through facilitation of movement of goods and peoples
across borders;
(d) cooperative efforts on human resource
development and transfer of technology; and
(e) collective efforts in acquiring funds and
advisory services from countries, regional
organizations and international financial
institutions, for the transport linkages.
11. The Meeting agreed to establish the following
cooperation mechanism with a view to effectively
implement the objectives already agreed upon:
(a) The Ministerial Meeting of the Foreign
Ministers shall be held annually;
(b) The Meeting shall propose, review and give
policy guidelines to the Senior Officials Meeting
(SOM);
(c) The SOM shall be held annually back-to-back
with the ASEAN-India Dialogue SOM and shall oversee
the cooperation mechanism;
(d) The Chairmanship shall be rotated in
alphabetical order; and
(e) The Ministers of Foreign Affairs shall be the
focal point of the mechanism.
12. The Meeting agreed to set up two Task Forces-one
on financing and the other on technical matters Ñ to
be chaired by Thailand and India respectively.
13. The respective host country shall provide
secretariat services for the meetings held under the
trilateral cooperation.
14. The Ministers agreed that the next Ministerial
Meeting shall be held in Brunei Darussalam. It was
further agreed that the next SOM meeting shall be held
back-to-back with the ASEAN-India Dialogue SOM.
15. The Ministers expressed their satisfaction with
the outcome of the Meeting, which was conducted in a
friendly atmosphere and in the spirit of brotherly
understanding and cooperation. The Ministers of India
and Thailand expressed their deep appreciation to the
Government of the Union of Myanmar for the warm
welcome and generous hospitality accorded to them and
their delegations during their stay in Yangon and for
the excellent arrangements made for the Meeting.
__________________________
( 5 ) Seventh Mekong Tourism Forum continues
Yangon, 6 April-The 7th Mekong Tourism Forum sponsored
by Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and hosted
by Myanmar continued at the Sedona Hotel on Kaba Aye
Pagoda Road here this morning. Present on the occasion
were high ranking delegates of member countries of the
Greater Mekong Sub region Cambodia, the People's
Republic of China, the Lao People's Democratic
Republic, the Union of Myanmar, the Socialist Republic
of Vietnam and Thaialnd, officials of Pacific Asia
Travel Association, Economic and Social Commission of
Asia and Pacific, Asian Development Bank, Agency for
Coordinating Mekong Tourism Activities, UNESCO,
officials of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism,
international airlines and private tourism agencies.
Editor of Travel Impact Newswire Mr Imtiaz Muqbil and
party, Ms Buathon Theinaarom and Managing Director of
Pacific Asia Travel Association Mr John Koldowski
presented papers on Appling the Brakes on Child Sex in
Tourism, Lifestyle Tourism Nourishing the Senses in
the Mekong and Statistics-Playing the Numbers Game and
replied to the queries raised by those present. An
official of Pacific Asia Travel Association presented
gifts to Director-General of Directorate of Hotels and
Tourism U Khin Maung Latt. Then, an official of PATA
presented prizes for Community Based Tourism
Development Project to Population & Community
Development Association of Thailand that won Mekong
Innovative Tourism Product Award.
Next, those present approved the programmed, date and
venue of the 8th Mekong Tourism Forum to be held in
2003, and the 7th Mekong Tourism Forum ended. Those
who attended the 7th Mekong Tourism Forum, accompanied
by officials of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism,
visited the Myanma Gems Mart, the Drug Elimination
Museum and the Shwedagon Pagoda this afternoon. The
8th Mekong Tourism Forum will be held in Hanoi,
Vietnam in 2003.
--------
F & R Minister meets ADB President
Yangon, 6 April- Minister for Finance and Revenue U
Khin Maung Thein met President of Asian Development
Bank Mr Tadao Chino who attended the 6th ASEAN Finance
Ministers' Meeting hosted by Myanmar at the Traders
Hotel this afternoon. Matters relating to cooperation
with ADB were discussed. Present also was
Director-General of Foreign Economic Relations
Department U Soe Lin.
___________________________
( 6 ) Regional development tasks inspected in
Kawthoung District
Yangon, 6 April - Member of the State Peace and
Development Council Maj-Gen Maung Bo of the Ministry
of Defense met with members of Kawthoung District and
Township Union Solidarity and Development
Associations, War Veterans Organization and
departmental officials and elaborated on
implementation of five rural development tasks at
Bayintnaung Hall in Kawthoung on 3 April. Officials of
USDA reported matters on work progress and future
tasks. Maj-Gen Maung Bo fulfilled the requirements.
Together with Col Khin Zaw of Kawthoung Station and
departmental officials on 4 April, Maj-Gen Maung Bo
inspected the farm of the oil palm project 15th Mile
camp of Yuzana Co Ltd in Bankachun Village, Kawthoung
Township, and discussed matters for ensuring
Taninthayi Division to become oil bowl of the StateÓ.
Then, Maj-Gen Maung Bo went to the 35th Mile camp
Shuyatgon of Yuzana Co Ltd and inspected nurturing of
600,000 saplings of oil palm to be planted at
Khamaukkyi region in 2002. He next arrived at
Sungebaline camp and inspected nurturing of 200,000
saplings of oil palm to be planted in 2003. He
attended to the needs concerning reports presented by
officials.
According to the oil palm project, Yuzana Co Ltd is
making arrangements for planting oil palms on 8,000
acres in Khamaukkyi region in Kawthoung Township and
4,000 acres in Bodah, Chaungpun, Karathu and Hankachin
regions in Bokpyin Township this year. At the briefing
hall, Chairman of the Co Ltd U Htay Myint reported on
strength of the employees and machinery of oil palm
farms in Kawthoung and Bokpyin township, progress of
land reclamation and future tasks; Division Manager of
Myanma Perennial Crops Enterprise U Zaw Win on targets
on planting oil palms being implemented company-wise
in the Division; and local in charge U Than Htay of
Super One Oil Palm Farming Co and local in charge U
Aung Naing of SI Oil Palm Farming Co on progress of
plantation of oil palms and tasks to be carried out.
Maj-Gen Maung Bo gave instructions on implementation
of tasks to meet the targets and fulfilled the needs.
In the afternoon, Maj-Gen Maung Bo inspected upgrading
of Kawthoung-Aungba road into a gravel one by Township
Development Affairs Committee and met local residents.
The eight miles and two furlongs long road links
Kawthoung-Bokpyin road and Aungba Village. Later,
Maj-Gen Maung Bo visited Aung Mingalar Monastery in
Kawthoung Township and presented offertories to the
Presiding Sayadaw and members of the Sangha.
Afterwards, Maj-Gen Maung Bo met with local
authorities, members of USDA and MMCWA, health
personnel and village elders at Dhammayon of
Hsandawshin Lawka Chantha Pagoda in Aungba Village and
called on them to strive for regional development.
Maj-Gen Maung Bo and party also inspected Aungba
village affiliated basic education middle school.
--------
Commander attends tree planting ceremony in Indaing
Station
Yangon, 6 April - Under the arrangement of Yangon
Command, the tree planting ceremony of Indian Station
was held at the ground in front of No-1 Central
Workshop (E/M) near No-2 Highway in Indian Station
this morning, attended by Yangon Division Peace and
Development Council Chairman Yangon Command Commander
Brig-Gen Myint Swe.
Speaking on the occasion, Commander Brig-Gen Myint Swe
said the tree planting ceremonies were being held at
the respective battalions and units under the Yangon
Command and Indian Station and that the present tree
planting ceremony was the last one. Battalions and
units are to nurture over 700,000 saplings and to
plant them in coming rainy season. Then, the
commander, the deputy commander and party inspected
the process of planting Thithseint saplings
(Terminalia Belerica) of Hlegu Township Forest
Department.
Later, they inspected demonstration on planting pepper
presented by Hlegu Township MAS and nurturing of seeds
and gathering saplings. In Indian Station, 18,000
saplings of tamarind, 16,800 name tree, 2,000 toddy
palm, 7,500 Thithseint, 45,900 pepper, 2,658 valuable
trees, 63,204 perennial trees and 10,392 shady trees,
totalling 166,454 saplings will be planted this tree
planting season. Battalions and units under Yangon
Command will also plant 746,567 saplings and Yangon
Division Forest Department 1.2 million. Yangon
Division is making arrangements to plant 1,946,567
saplings in this tree planting season.
___________________________
( 7 ) Myanmar Products Expo' 2002 opened
Yangon, 6 April-With the permission of the Ministry of
Commerce, the opening ceremony of Myanmar Products
Expo' 2002, organized by Dragon Exhibition Ltd, was
held at Yangon Trade Centre on Upper Pazundaung Road
in Mingala Taungnyunt Township this morning. Present
were Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Deputy
Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Commander of No 4
Military Region and Commandant of Defense Services
Records Office Brig-Gen Myo Myint, ambassadors, local
and foreign correspondents, departmental officials,
entrepreneurs and guests.
Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone and Managing Director U
Aung Aung of Dragon Exhibition Ltd formally opened the
expo. Then, the minister, officials and guests viewed
round the expo. At the expo, electronic accessories,
various kinds of soft drinks, plastic goods,
cosmetics, textiles, traditional medicines and others
will be displayed the Hundred Smiles Entertainment
Group will introduce and promote products. The expo
will be kept open up to 9 April from 9 am to 5 pm
daily. Admission is free.
--------
Minister inspects Yangon Traditional Medicine
Hospital, Traditional Medicine Factory
Yangon, 6 April-Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein
this morning inspected Yangon Traditional Medicine
Hospital and Traditional Medicine Factory. First, the
minister inspected the 50-bed Traditional Medicine
Hospital on Ngahtatgyi Pagoda Road in Bahan Township
where Director-General of Traditional Medicine
Department Professor Dr Thein Swe and officials
conducted him round.
Then, the minister viewed round the warded patients
and gave necessary instructions to officials. The
minister also gave instructions on replacement of old
hospital equipment with new ones, and extension of
teaching aid herbal plantations. Afterwards, the
minister and party inspected the Traditional Medicine
Factory (Yangon) where Deputy Director-General of TMD
Dr Myat Moe reported on current functions of the
factory and future programmers. Then, the minister
gave instructions on assembly of newly purchased
medical equipment, meeting the set standard in
production of medicines, more production of new
medicine and more production of medicines with the use
of modern equipment.
--------
Cash awards presented to good service medalists
Yangon, 6 April -A ceremony to present cash awards to
service personnel who were conferred titles and good
service medals was held at the assembly hall of the
Ministry of Industry-2 yesterday afternoon. It was
attended by Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw Lwin,
Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin and Lt-Col
Khin Maung Kyaw, directors-general, managing
directors, directors and factory general managers.
Then, the minister presented cash awards for the staff
to respective directors-general and managing directors
of the departments and enterprises. Then, on behalf of
the staff, Managing Director of Myanma Tyre and Rubber
Industries U Oo Zun spoke words of thanks.
--------
Minister for Industry-2 inspects automobile factory
Yangon, 6 April - Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw
Lwin yesterday afternoon arrived at No 1 Automobile
Factory of Myanma Automobile and Diesel Engine
Industries on Inya Lake Hotel Road in Mayangon
Township and inspected production of 6.5-ton trucks
and 10-ton trucks. The minister fulfilled the
requirements after hearing reports by Managing
Director U Soe Thein and Factory General Manager U
Hlaing Thein. The minister inspected brick molding
machines at the machinery factory where Deputy
Minister Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin and Managing Director
of Myanma Agricultural Machinery Industries Col Myo
Tint reported on works. After that, the minister
discussed matters on timely production of good quality
machines.
___________________________
( 8 ) Minister inspects central police training
division in PyinOoLwin
Yangon, 6 April- Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin
Hlaing, Deputy Director-General of Myanmar Police
Force Police Brig-Gen Zaw Win, Police
Quartermaster-General Win Soe and staff officer
inspected central police training division in
PyinOoLwin, Mandalay Division Police Force and police
stations at TadaOo International Airport from 3 to 5
April.
Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing inspected
construction of buildings and measures undertaken for
agriculture and livestock breeding. The minister met
families of police force and departments. In meeting
with members of the police force, Minister for Home
Affairs Col Tin Hlaing discussed functions, tasks
being implemented and building of a reserve force,
training, welfare, administration and narcotic drug
control.
The minister called for successful implementation of
the guidance of the Head of State Senior General Than
Shwe, prevalence of law and order, community peace and
tranquility, carrying out regional development and
community welfare service, annihilation of narcotic
drugs menace with the strength of the people according
to the 15-year plan, making efforts to become a member
of police force with dignity who is patriotic and
capable and safeguarding the State and the people,
cooperation in rural development tasks, unity among
the members, agriculture and livestock breeding and
welfare.
___________________________
( 9 ) Deputy Minister inspects construction of
Kanbawzathadi Palace in Bago
Yangon, 6 April- Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe
Nyunt, Deputy Director-General of Department of
Archaeology U Tun Zaw, Secretary of Myanmar Calendar
Advisory Board Dr Pe Nyan and officials inspected
Kanbawzathadi Palace of King Bayintnaung in Bago
yesterday.
Officials concerned reported on plans for greening of
Kanbawzathadi Palace and its environs; collection of
zone fees and admission fees; laying of marble,
painting and Myanmar artistic works. The deputy
minister gave instructions on sanitation work in the
palace compound and fire preventive measures and
collection of antiques of Hanthawady period in Bago
Division. He also inspected Kalyarni stone
inscriptions and visited Shwethalyaung Reclining
Buddha Image, Maha Zedi and Shwehmawdaw Pagoda. The
deputy minister and party went to the construction
site of Kanbawzathadi Palace and inspected progress of
work so far carried out.
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