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[myanmar_information] THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (Thursday, April 24, 2003)
THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (Thursday, April 24, 2003)
-------------------------------
1. State to launch new rice trading policy coming
year
2. Need to launch new policy with patriotism
for its success
3. Upgrading tasks of port area inspected
4. Significant points of the new rice trading policy
5. Regional development projects inspected in An,
Rakhine State
6. Minister for Health addresses reproductive health
seminar, presents prizes to outstanding staff
7. Collection of industrial statistics coordinated
8. National Convention Convening Commission meets
9. Wellwishers invited for sinking tube-wells
10. Foreign Affairs Minister accepts credentials of
FAO Resident Representative
11. Shwehtidaw hoisted atop Zabunyein Pagoda in Panwa,
Kachin State
-------------------------------
1. State to launch new rice trading policy coming
year
Yangon, 23 April ? Secretary-2 of the State Peace and
Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win met with the
president of Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers
of Commerce and Industry, the chairmen of Myanmar
Rice Traders Association and Myanmar Rice Millers
Association and vice-chairmen, general secretaries,
central executive committee members, executives and
members, rice merchants and millers totalling over 200
at Zeyathiri Beikman on Konmyinttha at 2 pm today.
In meeting with them the Secretary-2 explained rice
trading policy ending State?s direct purchase of paddy
and ensuring free trade of rice beginning coming year.
First, the Secretary-2 made an opening speech.
Then, UMFCCI President U Win Myint, MRTA Chairman U
Aung Than Oo, MRMA Chairman U Tin Win, UMFCCI CEC
members U Tun Aung and Dr Ko Ko Gyi, entrepreneurs U
Win Aung, U Tin Maung Win and U Nyein also took part
in the discussions.
After that, the ceremony ended at 4 pm with
concluding remarks by the Secretary-2.
------------------
2. Need to launch new policy with patriotism
for its success
Yangon, 23 April ? Secretary-2 of the State Peace and
Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win explained the new
rice trading policy as follows:
Starting coming year the government will not buy paddy
directly from farmers, and adopt the new rice trading
policy ensuring free trade of the crop in the interest
of the entire peasantry and helping develop the
market-oriented economy.
Due to the market-oriented economy of the State, the
national entrepreneurs have gained experience, having
the ability to work as an economic force of the
nation. Farmers and the people engaged in rice trading
also wish reforms in the current policy. Thanks to the
market-oriented economic system, national
entrepreneurs are now capable of running the rice
trade and maintaining its momentum. So, the time is
ripe to form necessary bodies to run the trade.
With the removal of the last remaining restriction of
the old national economic system, there will be firm
development of the market-oriented economy. In other
words, it is a new trading policy for fully
implementing the market-oriented economic system.
In accord with the objective ? The initiative to shape
the national economy must be kept in the hands of the
national peoples ? the new policy will be
launched to enhance the ability of farmers and the
national entrepreneurs to realize the objective.
The aims are: to enable farmers to produce farm goods
with might and main supporting the new policy; to
enable the consumers to buy rice at reasonable prices
with full satisfaction; and to extend export of the
surplus rice to earn foreign exchange in accord with
the export policy. The basic principles are: to run
the rice trading, milling and processing in accord
with the market-oriented economic system; to maintain
the momentum of the rice trading business, one of the
nation?s main enterprises, in the interest of the
State; to support the peace and stability of the
State; and to produce rice through advanced method and
to trade quality rice.
The Myanmar Rice Trading Leading Committee will be
formed with the government representatives and
representatives of the private enterprises to smoothly
implement the new policy and to give necessary
supervision, coordination and guideline. The
Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council
will act as the Chairman of the body, while the
Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation, the Minister
for Industry-1, the Minister for Commerce, the
Minister for Energy, and two representatives each from
the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of
Commerce and Industry, the Myanmar Rice Traders
Association and the Myanmar Rice Millers Association.
The duties of the committee are: to give guidelines
and policy concerning rice trading and distribution;
to lay down guidelines for the formation of necessary
bodies helping ensure the smooth running of the rice
trading; to act as a coordinator to build mutual
understanding and trust between rice trading bodies at
different levels and rice traders and farmers; to lay
down rice export policies and to give constant
supervision; to lay down guidance to extend summer
paddy cultivation, increase per acre yield and to
render assistance; and to give supervision to solve
the rice trading problems.
The rights of the committee are: to issue permission
for formation of rice trading bodies at different
levels and their rights; it has the authority to
introduce rules and regulations concerning rice
trading, transportation, milling and storage; it has
the right to dissolve the rice trading bodies
unsuitable to continue their functions and to
reorganize them; it can decide the rice requirement
for export and for specified forces from time to time;
it has the authority to coordinate the rice prices if
there occurs any inequality in fixing prices; it has
the right to lay down policies for wider formation of
the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of
Commerce and Industry, the Myanmar Rice Traders
Association and the Myanmar Rice Millers Association;
and it has the right to make submission and work for
issuance of laws and principles.
The Traders that will practically implement the new
system of rice trading are to be formed systematically
and widely. Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce
and Industry at different levels, Myanmar rice trading
associations at township level and Rice Millers
Associations are to be formed as necessary in the
respective regions.
In connection with the paddy purchase principle,
excluding government organizations, all nationals have
the right to do the rice trading. The price will be
according to the prevailing price and monopoly on rice
trading will not be allowed to any one or any
organizations.
Regarding storage and milling, paddy can be milled at
the State-owned and private rice mills. Upgrading and
repair of the rice mills and establishment of modern
rice mills can be undertaken for production of quality
rice. The State-owned rice mills, warehouses and plots
of land can be rented.
Regarding the sale principle, all nationals can trade
rice freely at the domestic market. Export of rice can
be carried out under the guidance of Myanmar Rice
Trading Leading Committee. Rice will be exported only
when there is surplus. After ten per cent in export
tax from export earnings that is fixed at present is
paid, the rest will be shared between the government
and rice exporters, that is 50 per cent each. The
government will stand for the investment regarding 50
per cent it shares.
The rice trading associations will have to resell rice
for specified forces to Myanma Agricultural Produce
Trading at the same price they have purchased. The
Myanmar Rice Trading Leading Committee will fix the
amount of rice and places to be sent in time.
Rice traders can get loans from the banks if they need
money. Agricultural loans will be available at the
agricultural banks. The banks will disburse loans to
them under the collective responsibility system.
The leading committee lays down the policies on rice
trading and it is the main organization that takes
responsibility for development of rice trading of the
government and private sector together in accord with
the policies.
Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce of
Industry, Myanmar Rice Traders Association and Rice
Millers Association are to launched the new system of
rice trading under the guidance of the leading
committee. Efforts are to be made constantly in the
interests of the people and farmers. Arrangements are
made for development of rice trading in accord with
the market-oriented economic system through continue
coordination and cooperation between the State and
private rice entrepreneurs.
The new system of rice trading aims at ensuring local
paddy price to be beneficial to the farmers. Free
trade in rice will help enhance the efficiency of the
rice entrepreneurs. There will be no involvement of
State organizations in the sale and purchase of rice.
All nationals can trade rice in the country freely at
the prevailing market price. The new rice trading
policy has removed the government?s control on rice.
As the private nationals are allowed to do the rice
trading, it is important for them to sell and
distribute rice at reasonable price to the consumers.
It is also important for them to do their business
wisely for the benefit of farmers and for themselves.
By doing so, rice trading that serves the interests of
State and the people will develop. Therefore, the new
rice trading policy permitted by the government with
noble aims is to be implemented with patriotism.
-----------------
3. Upgrading tasks of port area inspected
Yangon, 23 April -Minister for Transport Maj- Gen Hla
Myint Swe, inspected the beautifying and upgrading
tasks being carried out by Myanma Port Authority here
this morning.
Managing Director U Thein Htay of MPA reported to the
minister on work done and future tasks. The deputy
minister and officials reported to the minister on
availability of machinery , growing of ornamental
plants and construction of retaining wall.
The minister gave necessary instructions. Then, the
minister inspected the completion of works from Wadan
to Lanthit jetty. Afterwards, the minister inspected
the construction of the ticket-sale centre and a
passenger lounge of Dalla-Pansodan ferry in Nanthida
Jetty , Pansodan, and attended to the needs.
-------------
4. Significant points of the new rice trading policy
* With the removal of the last remaining restriction
of the old national economic system, there will be
firm development of the market-oriented economy. In
other words, it is a new trading policy for fully
implementing the market-oriented economic system.
* In accord with the objective ? The initiative to
shape the national economy must be kept in the hands
of the national peoples ? the new policy will be
launched to enhance the ability of farmers and the
national entrepreneurs to realize the objective.
* To enable farmers to produce farm goods with might
and main supporting the new policy.
* To enable the consumers to buy rice at reasonable
prices with full satisfaction.
* To extend export of the surplus rice to earn foreign
exchange in accord with the export policy.
--------------
5. Regional development projects inspected in An,
Rakhine State
Yangon, 23 April ? Member of the State Peace and
Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than of the
Ministry of Defence and party, arrived at the
An-Padekyaw-Maei (Padekyaw-Maei) road section
construction project at Talaingtaung Village in An
Township on 21 April morning.
Officials reported on progress in construction and
renovation of 33 out of 66 bridges on the road
section, expansion of the road to a 40 feet wide one,
road construction work and future tasks. Lt-Gen Khin
Maung Than gave instructions on completion of
construction work before the rainy season, and
ensuring a smooth road.
Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party then inspected earth
work being carried out with the use of heavy machinery
on Awthage Hill, the highest part in the section, at
mile post 20/3.
They met villagers at the briefing hall of An-Padekyaw
Road Construction Project in Obon Village, Sakhanmaw
Village-tract, and discussed matters on development of
the village. Officials reported on measures taken for
the development of the village and agriculture and
livestock breeding tasks. Commander Maj-Gen Maung Oo
gave a supplementary report. After hearing a report by
an official on progress in construction of An-Padekyaw
Road and future tasks, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than gave
necessary instructions.
Next, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected
construction of the road at mile post 1/5. They met
local authorities, departmental officials, members of
social organizations and local people at the office of
An Township Peace and Development Council and dealt
with matters related to the township development.
Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than delivered a speech on the
occasion, saying that the purpose of their tour is to
observe progress of economic, education, health and
social sectors of the respective townships including
rural areas in Rakhine State, to improve the areas
which lack development through coordination and to
fulfil the requirements. In this process, he noted
that, local administrative organizations and
departments, after holding coordination meetings are
to make field tours right down to the grassroots level
in order to achieve greater success in all sectors.
As Myanmar is an agro-based nation efforts being made
for development of agriculture is to improve the
State?s economy as well as to raise the economy and
social standard of rural people, the majority of the
country. Thus, it is required to extend cultivation of
such cash crops as coffee, pepper and tea in addition
to conventional cultivation of crops for better
development of the agriculture sector, he said.
He said that Rakhine State is endowed with vacant and
fallow lands and blessed with weather favorable for
agriculture and measures are therefore to be taken for
upgrading the agriculture sector. Particularly,
Rakhine State is a region where pepper is cultivated
most in the nation and thus greater emphasis is to be
put on systematic and extended cultivation of the
crop.
In conclusion, he stressed the importance of extension
of modern scientific breeding of sea prawn and crab as
well as fishing on the high sea for the development of
the fish and meat sector.
Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected progress in
construction of the 100-bed hospital in An. They then
inspected wards, operation theatre and dispensaries
and left necessary instructions.
At the briefing hall of An Airport Construction
Project, officials reported to Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than
on progress in upgrading the 7,600 feet long runway to
an 8,500 feet one. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than gave
instructions on meeting the set standard and ensuring
timely completion. They then cordially greeted
members of the families. After inspecting the
development of An, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party
arrived back here by air in the afternoon.
--------------
6. Minister for Health addresses reproductive health
seminar, presents prizes to outstanding staff
Yangon, 23 April ? The Seminar on Scrutinization of
the Refresher Course for the Reproductive Health
Information System organized by the Health Planning
Department of the Ministry of Health and the United
Nations Funds for Population Activities WHO, and the
prize presentation ceremony to outstanding staff,
jointly were held at the auditorium of Myanmar Medical
Association on Theinbyu Road this morning, with an
opening address by Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint.
Minister Dr Kyaw Myint made a speech. He said the
ministry is implementing the national health project
using primary health service strategy to promote the
public health. In so doing, the family health care
service project is a crucial one.
In promoting the maternal and child health sector, the
reproductive health care service project is being
implemented in conformity with the changing
socio-economic environment based on health ground.
He continued to say that Myanmar, lying between most
populous China and India, has less population and a
wide area of land. Enriched in natural resources,
there live only 70 people in an area of one square
kilometer in the country. So, it is not necessary to
control population growth.
In the country, birth spacing is used instead of
family planning. But, in establishing a new modern and
developed nation, it is needed to give priority to
maternal and child health sector to maintain already
achieved sustainable development resources.
He added that on this occasion, five outstanding
doctors who could fulfil the objective of the project,
five HA, LHV and five mid-wives will be presented
prizes. No outstanding staff was presented prize in
the past. The prize-presenting programme will continue
for next four years. It is a heartening programme for
staff at work and it is hoped that the project will
achieve success.
The objective of the reproductive project conducted in
Myanmar is to educate people on systematic use of
suitable modern methods to prevent pregnancy, which is
not to control population growth but to prevent from
pregnancy for married couples when they do not want it
and to space birth. By doing so, couples will have
enjoyable family life without having the evil effects
of abortion and without harming the health of mother
and baby due to successive births.
By promoting individual health of mother and child and
through happy family life, the health standard of the
State will progress. This will lead to uplift of
health standard of the entire nation, he pointed out.
At present, with the assistance of the UNFPA, the
project has been implemented in 86 townships and the
representatives of the townships are attending this
seminar. The Health Planning Department has collected
necessary data in implementing the reproductive
information system to scrutinize and manage the
project. This year, monthly reports and yearly report
were made for ease in collecting data, he said.
He urged all to point out the weaknesses concerning
the project. Officials concerned at
state/division/township/village health departments are
to conduct multiplier courses for mid-wives at village
health departments.
In implementing health care development tasks, reports
are to be presented timely receiving assistance not
only from departments but also from other social
organizations, as guided by National Health Committee
Chairman State Peace and Development Council
Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt. It is learnt that
health care activities of the MMCWA will be sent to
the Health Planning Department and they will be
included in the health care reports of the country.
The results of more complete information system reveal
the true condition of birth spacing activities in the
townships and it will be of help to drawing detailed
projects as well as national level health plans for
development of health sector, he elaborated.
In conclusion, he urged those present to conduct
multiplier courses and supervise and conduct refresher
courses monthly.
Then, UNFPA Resident Representative Mr Najib Assifi
made a speech.
Minister Dr Kyaw Myint presented certificates and K
500,000 each to outstanding in-charge doctors,
assistant health officers, health care staff and
mid-wives from township health departments.
Afterwards, the seminar was held. NHC Secretary
Director-General Dr Kyi Soe explained health policies
and reproductive health policies guided by NHC
Chairman General Khin Nyunt. Altogether 145 health
officers from state/division/township health
departments and health care staff are attending the
seminar which continues till 27 April daily.
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7. Collection of industrial statistics coordinated
Yangon, 23 April ? Minister for National Planning and
Economic Development U Soe Tha met with departmental
heads and officials of departments under the ministry
and staff officers of the Planning Department in
states, divisions and districts at the training hall
of the Planning Department this afternoon and
explained matters related to collecting industrial
statistics.
He urged those present to discharge their respective
duties with the aim of successfully increasing the
proportion of the industrial sector in gross domestic
product and to conduct multiplier courses for township
officers in respective townships.
--------------
8. National Convention Convening Commission meets
Yangon, 23 April ? The meeting of National Convention
Convening Commission was held at the meeting hall of
the commission at 2 pm today. Maj-Gen Sein Htwa took
the chair in the meeting.
The secretary of NCCC, the work committee and the
management committee for convening the National
Convention reported on matters related to the National
Convention.
Members of NCCC then took part in the discussions.
Later, Maj-Gen Sein Htwa made concluding remarks.
------------
9. Wellwishers invited for sinking tube-wells
Yangon, 23 April ? The Development Affairs Committees
under the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and
National Races and Development Affairs are making
concerted efforts in sinking the tube-wells in order
to get sufficient fresh water in rural areas in States
and Divisions where water is scarce.
One 200 feet deep two-inch diameter tube-well costs K
250,000; one 400 feet deep two-inch diametre tube-well
costs K 500,000; and one 200 feet deep four-inch
diametre tube-well costs K 500,000.
Those wishing to donate cash for the tube-well sinking
projects for rural areas may contact the
Director-General (Tel: 01-245420 & 253088), the Deputy
Director-General (Tel: 01-240118), the Director
(Engineering) (Tel: 01-291967), the Directors (Sagaing
Division Development Affairs Committee) (Tel:
071-21012), the Director (Magway Division Development
Affairs Committee) (Tel: 063-23164) and the Director
(Mandalay Division Development Affairs Committee )
(Tel: 02-54657).
--------------
10. Foreign Affairs Minister accepts credentials of
FAO Resident Representative
Yangon, 23 April ? Minister for Foreign Affairs of the
Union of Myanmar U Win Aung accepted the credentials
of Mr Tang Zhengping, the newly appointed FAO Resident
Representatives in the Union of Myanmar at the
ministry this morning.
-----------------
11. Shwehtidaw hoisted atop Zabunyein Pagoda in Panwa,
Kachin State
Yangon, 23 April - A ceremony to hoist Shwehtidaw atop
Zabun-yein Pagoda was held on Zabuaye Hill in Panwa,
Kachin State, on 20 April.
Kachin State Peace and Development Council Commander
of Northern Command Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe and the
congregation received the Nine Precepts from Sayadaw
Bhaddanta Silavamsa. The Sayadaw and members of the
Sangha recited the parittas.
Then, the commander and officials presented religious
objects, the pivot, Shwehtidaw and provisions to
members of the Sangha. The Sayadaw delivered a sermon
and merit gained were shared.
Next, the commander and officials conveyed the
religious objects, pivot and tiers of Shwehtidaw round
the pagoda. They then put the religious objects into
the reliquary and fixed the pivot atop the pagoda.
Then, the commander and officials conveyed the tiers
of Shwehtidaw by decorated carriage and hoisted them
atop the pagoda.
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