The New Light of Myanmar (Tuesday, 29 January, 2002)(1/2)

[Okkar66126@xxxxxxx]

The New Light of Myanmar (Tuesday, 29 January, 2002)(1/2)
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1. State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General
   Than Shwe sends congratulations to Bulgaria
2. - Daw Kyaing Kyaing, Secretary-1 attend consecration
     ceremony of Naungdawgyi Pagoda, opening of western
     archway and Golden Stairway, merit-sharing ceremonies
     at Shwedagon Pagoda
   - Representing State Peace and Development Council Chairman
     Senior General Than Shwe, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt
     receives Malaysian Ambassador
3. - Departmental personnel urged to actively cooperate with
     local people for region development
   - USDA Patron member meets local members in Ywangan
     and Kyaukse
4. - Third meeting of Committee of Experts/Officials of
     BIMST-EC Energy Sector Cooperation Programme held
   - Minister Col Thein Nyunt inspects development tasks
   - Minister inspects fish breeding tasks in Htantabin
5. - BSI holds annual co-ordination meeting
   - CEC member meets with USDA executives in Seikphyu, Yesagyo
   - CEC member Brig-Gen Pyi Sone meets USDA members
     in Tachilek
6. - National Convention Convening Commission meets
   - Workshop on development of industrial productivity opens
7. - Kumming-Mandalay air-link to be launched
   - Ambassadors visit Myanmar
8. - Promotion of technological and economic cooperation
     discussed
   - Chinese goodwill delegation leaves
9. - UNDR trainees continue excursion in Yangon
   - UDNR trainees entertained with Anyeint
   - Correction

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( 1 ) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe
sends congratulations to Bulgaria

Yangon, 29 Jan- Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and
Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of
congratulations to Mr Georgi Parvanov who has been elected as President of
the Republic of Bulgaria.
___________________________


( 2 ) Daw Kyaing Kyaing, Secretary-1 attend consecration ceremony of
Naungdawgyi Pagoda, opening of western archway and Golden
Stairway, merit-sharing ceremonies at Shwedagon Pagoda

Yangon, 28 Jan- With a view to ensuring promotion and propagation of the
Buddha Sasana, the Leading Committee for All-round Perpetual Renovation of
Shwedagon Pagoda is carrying out all-round renovation of religious buildings
in the compound of the pagoda under the leadership of the State Peace and
Development Council. The consecration cere-mony of Naungdawgyi Pagoda on the
platform of the pagoda, the opening ceremony of the western archway and the
Golden Stairway and the merit-sharing ceremonies were held at the respective
places at the pagoda this morning.

At the ceremony, Daw Kyaing Kyaing, wife of the State Peace and Development
Council Chairman Defence Services Commander-in-Chief Senior General Than
Shwe, offered provisions to the Sayadaws. Patron of the Committee for
All-round Perpetual Renovation of Shwedagon Pagoda Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin
Nyunt supplicated to the Sayadaws on progress in renovation of the pagoda. At
7.20 am, the consecration ceremony of Naungdaw-gyi Pagoda was held at the
pagoda. Present on the occasion were State Ovadacariya Sayadaws, members of
the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, Tipitaka Ova-dacariya Sayadaws, State
Vinayadhara Sayadaws and members of the Sangha totalling 180, Secretary-1
Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, members of the State Peace and Development Council,
Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Brig-Gen
Myint Swe, Chairman of the Leading Committee for All-round Perpetual
Renovation of Shwedagon Pagoda Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen
Thura Myint Maung and members, Chairman of the Work Committee Deputy
Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Hsan Hsint and members, members of the
Pagoda Board of Trustees and officials.

The congregation opened the consecration ceremony with recitation of Namo
Tassa three times. Secretary of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee
Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Magway Sayadaw
Bhaddanta Kumara read the programmes of the consecration ceremony and members
of the Sangha consecrated the Naungdawgyi Pagoda. Then, the consecration
ceremony ended with recitation of Buddha Sasanam ‚iram Titthatu three times.
Next, the ceremony to open the western archway of Shwedagon Pagoda was held
in front of the archway at 8 am. Patron of the Committee Secretary-1 Lt-Gen
Khin Nyunt formally opened the archway.

Also present on the occasion were members of the State Peace and Development
Council Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Maj-Gen Kyaw Win and Maj-Gen Tin Aye of the
Ministry of Defence, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development
Council Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe, the ministers, the
chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, the deputy ministers,
the chairman and members of the Leading Committee for All-round Perpetual
Renovation of Shwedagon Pagoda, the chairman and members of the Work
Committee, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office,
departmental heads, members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees, technicians,
members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, Maternal and
Child Welfare Association, Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association,
Myanma Music, Thabin and Motion Picture Asiayons, departmental personnel, wut
associations, Teingyar Htidaw Hoisting Team, the ceremonial royal entourage
and celestial entourage, teachers, students, wellwishers and the people.

At 7 am, the ceremonial ancient elephant unit, cavalry unit and infantry unit
took the places in front of the pagoda. Similarly, the ceremonial royal
entourage and celestial beings entourage and the Mingala conch shell and drum
troupes of Teingyar Htidaw Hoisting Team, religious asssociations, social
organizations and wut associations took the places on both sides of the
Golden Stairway. Daw Than Than Win of Myanma Radio and Television acted as
master of cere-monies. Then, the Secretary-1 and party and guests opened the
ceremony with recitation of Namo Tassa three times. Chairman of Myanmar
Thabin Asiayon Wunna Kyaw Htin U Sein Aung Min sang a Dhamma song to the
accompaniment of Cetena Thanbara Wut Association royal drum troupe. Artistes
of Myanmar Music Asiayon sang Zeya Aungchar classical song. At the auspicious
time, Patron of Shwedagon Pagoda All-round Perpetual Renovation Committee
Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt
formally opened the archway of western stairway of the pagoda.

The conch shell was then blown and the royal drum was played nine times by
Teingyar Htidaw Hoisting team. The Secretary-1 sprinkled scented water with
spring of eugenia on the archway. The Secretary-1 and party walked to the
Shwedagon Pagoda platform through the western stairway in a ceremonial
procession. On their arrival at the pagoda platform, the opening ceremony of
the western stairway of the pagoda was held. Staff Officer U San Thin Hlaing
of Yangon Division Religious Affairs Department acted as master of ceremonies
and announced the agenda. Stage performer Maung Thein Zaw recited verses to
the accompaniment of the Ministry of Culture orchestra. At the auspicious
time, Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin formally opened the western
stairway. The conch shell was then blown and royal drum was played nine times
by Teingyar Htidaw Hoisting team. The Secretary-1 and Minister U Aung Khin
sprinkled scented water on the stairway. The Secretary-1 and party offered
flowers and light to Kassapa Buddha image in the western stairway prayer
hall. The Secretary-1, religious associations and guests went round the
pagoda clockwise. They then went to Chanthagyi Tazaung and shared merits for
construction of the stairway. Religious associations and wut associations
offered 9,000 lights and 9,000 flowers at the respective places. At the same
time, ceremonial formation of ancient Myanma Tatmadaw comprising elephant
troops, cavalry and infantry soldiers went round the Theingutara Hill.

Then, the merit-sharing ceremony to mark the success of all-round renovation
of Naungdawgyi Pagoda, the Golden Stairway and the western archway of
Shwedagon Pagoda was held at the Chanthagyi Tazaung. Present on the occasion
were Daw Kyaing Kyaing, wife of Senior General Than Shwe, Daw Mya Mya San,
wife of General Maung Aye, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, wife of Secretary-1 Lt-Gen
Khin Nyunt, members of the State Peace and Development Council and their
wives, wives of the Commander-in-Chief (Army), and Commander-in-Chief (Air),
Commander Brig-Gen Myint Swe and wife, ministers, the Chairman of Civil
Service Selection and Training Board, deputy ministers, members of the
Leading Committee and the Work Committee, officials of the State Peace and
Development Council Office, heads of department, members of the Shwedagon
Pagoda Board of Trustees, well-wishers, members of wut associations, guests
and devotees. The merit-sharing ceremony was opened with three-time
recitation of Namo Tassa. Next, the congregation received the Nine Precepts
from Vice-Chairman of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Pandita
Agga Maha Sadhammajoti-kadhaja Myintkyina Sayadaw Bhaddanta Silavamsa.
Afterwards, the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha recited parittas. In his
supplication, the Secretary-1 said that he was pleased to have the
opportunity to pay obeisance to State Ovadacariya Sayadaws, State Sangha Maha
Nayaka Sayadaws, Ovadacariya Sayadaws of Shwedagon Pagoda Board of Trustees
and invited members of the Sangha who were present at the merit-sharing
ceremony.

The Shwedagon Pagoda was first built by King Okkalapa and then has been
renovated by Myanmar good kings at different ara. Nowadays, the Shwedagon
Pagoda becomes a marvellous one of the world that brings the glory and
prestige of Myanmar. Traditional relief works of Myanmar craftmen at
religious edifices under the umbrella of the Shwedagon Pagoda are artistic
ones, and they will be perpetually famous among the world nations as the
centre of Myanmar culturral heritage. Out of religious edifices under the
umbrella of the Shwedagon Pagoda, some were decayed and disgraceful as they
have been for years, and renovation works are needed for them. The Committee
for Perpetual All-round Renovation of the Shwedagon Pagoda was formed under
the Ovada of Ovadacariya Sayadaws of the Shwdagon Pagoda Board of Trustees in
accordance with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe in
ensuring the successful implementaion of the renovation works, and 36 major
tasks have been set to start the project in 1995 with various sub-committee
sector-wise.

Construction of parks and gardens at the foot of the pagoda, renovation of
the southern, eastern and northern archways have been implemented with the
use of modern technigues and without damaging the ancient Myanmar arts work
thanks to the donation of the public from far and near. The Archway Lion
Stautes was renovated and large-scale lifts were installed. Laying of tiles
on the pletform of the pagoda, renovation of circling pagodas and Tazaungs
and offering of gold foil to the pagoda have been conducted. The three-day
Shewthidaw hoisting ceremony of the pagoda was held on a grand scale on 4
April 1999 and Buddha Pujaniya Buddhabhiseka consecration ceremony was held
with alms offering to 5,000 members of the Sangha. Htidaw design pagoda was
built to enable the public to pay close-up obeisance to old Htidaw offered by
King Mindon in 1871 after enshring old parts of the Htidaw while hoisting the
new one.

The remaining work of all-round renovation tasksÑmaintenance of the Htidaw of
Naungdawgyi pagoda, replacing steel rods, hoisting the Htidaw atop,
plastering of the pagoda, gilding of the pagoda and maintenance of the 24
circling pagodas have finished. In addition, maintenance of Northern
stairwaysÑmaking anew of roofs, ceilings and pillars with glass mosaic have
also finished. All-round renovation of Naungdawgyi Pagoda was made at a cost
of K 113.9 million donated by wellwishers and K 135.3 million for Northern
stairways. The total amount was over K 2 49.3 million. Renovation of prayer
hallsÑRakhine, Palale, U San Chain, Eikhan and so on is being done without
affecting old craftsmanship with the use of modern techniques. Wellwishers of
successive eras have made donations for renovation of Naungdawgyi pagoda for
Buddha Sasana. Northern stairways is donated to the Shwedagon pagoda. He
wished for Nirvana, cease of sufferings, with the help of the beneficence. He
concluded his supplication wishing peace and prosperity on earth including
Myanmar.

Afterwards, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council
Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw
Kyaing Kyaing, Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council
Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army)
General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San, Patron of All-round Renovation
Committee of Shwedagon Pagoda Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development
Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, members of the State
Peace and Development Council presented offertories to the Sayadaws and
members of the Sangha. Then, Secretary of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka
Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika
Magway Sayadaw Bhaddantta Kumara delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of
merits gained. Later, Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing,
General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San and Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt
performed rituals of golden and silver shower to mark successful completion
of the ceremony.

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Representing State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than
Shwe, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt receives Malaysian Ambassador

Yangon, 28 Jan- On behalf of State Peace and Development Council Chairman
Senior General Than Shwe, State Peace and Development Council Secretary-1
Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received Ambassador of the Malaysia Mr Dato' Muhammad Bin
Noh, who has completed his tour of duty, at the Yeiktha of the Ministry of
Defence at 5 pm today. Also present at the call were Minister for Foreign
Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win and Director-General of
the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet.
___________________________

( 3 ) Departmental personnel urged to actively cooperate with local people
for region development

Yangon, 28 Jan- Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen
Maung Bo of the Ministry of Defence inspected oil palm plantations and road
and bridge construction projects in Taninthayi Division. Accompanied by
officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and heads of
department, Maj-Gen Maung Bo left here by air for Kawthoung on 25 January
morning.

On arrival at Kawthoung at 11.45 am, he was welcomed by Chairman of
Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Coastal Region
Command Maj-Gen Aye Kyway, Col Khin Zaw Win of Kawthoung Station, Tactical
Operation Commander Col Myint Tun, Chairman of Kawthoung District Peace and
Development Council Lt-Col Kyaw Phyo, departmental personnel and national
entrepreneurs. At a meeting with national entrepreneurs, Maj-Gen Maung Bo
said land has been allocated to entrepreneurs to grow oil palm in accord with
the guidance of the Head of State to make Taninthayi Division an edible oil
bowl of the nation. They arrived there to make coordination with departmental
personnel to seek means to successfully carry out the guidance. Entrepreneurs
should make co-ordinated and cooperative efforts for success of their
projects in order to serve the interests of the nation and the people.
Commander Maj-Gen Aye Kyway explained plantation of oil palm in the division
and extended cultivation of paddy for regional food sufficiency. Officials of
Yuzana, Pokaung, Shwe Khamauk, Tet Nay, SI, Super One and Dagon Timber
companies reported on land allocated to the companies, area of land which has
been put under oil palm and efforts being made to meet the plantation targets
company-wise. Departmental personnel explained assistance being rendered to
the project. Maj-Gen Maung Bo gave suggestions.

In the evening, he met with departmental personnel and local authorities,
members of Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Red Cross, Auxiliary Fire
Brigade, War Veterans Organization and social organizations and townselders.
He said that at present, Departmental personnel urged all-round efforts are
being made for emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation. He and
his team visited the region to give supervision to develop agriculture and
transport, to improve the living standard of the people and to foster Union
Spirit. Construction undertakings including road and bridge projects have
been implemented in the entire nation. Departmental personnel should actively
cooperate with local people for region development and to hand down the good
traditions to the new generation youths. The commander and the officials of
Myanmar Perennial Crops Enterprise and Myanma Agriculture Service explained
assistance being provided by the government bodies for development of
agriculture and livestock breeding in the division. Maj-Gen Maung Bo looked
into their requirements. Afterwards, he met secretaries and executives of
Kawthoung District and Township Union Solidarity and Development Association.


Then, they went to Pyidawaye Pagoda in Kawthoung. They paid obeisance to the
Buddha image at Mingala Sankyaungdaw and donated cash towards the funds of
the pagoda. On 26 January, Maj-Gen Maung Bo, Maj-Gen Aye Kyway and party
inspected development of Kawthoung by car. Next, Maj-Gen Maung Bo and party
inspected agriculture and livestock breeding tasks of Toetetaung Agriculture,
Livestock Breeding and Trading Cooperative Ltd in Thaungphyu Village,
Shwepyisoe Village-tract, Kawthoung Township. Toetetaung Agriculture,
Livestock Breeding and Trading Cooperative Ltd puts 200 acres of land under
rubber and is breeding sea prawn in 49.32 acres of pond and raising 22,000
poultry. Maj-Gen Maung Bo gave instructions on tasks to be carried out for
achieving success in cultivation of oil palm and rubber and breeding of
poultry and prawn. Afterwards, Maj-Gen Maung Bo and party inspected the
vegetable patch of Kawthoung Township Peace and Development Council and gave
necessary instructions to officials.

Then, Maj-Gen Maung Bo and party proceeded to the oil plantation of Yuzana
Oil Palm Cultivation Co Ltd near Kawthoung-Bokpyin Road. In the briefing
hall, Chairman of Yuzana Oil Palm Cultivation Co Ltd U Htay Myint reported on
cultivation of oil palm. Commander Maj-Gen Aye Kyway and officials gave
supplementary reports. Next, Maj-Gen Maung Bo attended to their needs. He
planted oil palm saplings together with the commander and inspected thriving
oil palm plantations. Yuzana Oil Palm Cultivation Co Ltd has grown 800,000
oil palm saplings on its allocated area in Kawthoung District. Afterwards,
Maj-Gen Maung Bo and party arrived at the site of Dagon Agriculture Project.
Project Manager U Win Myint reported on cultivation of oil palm and Managing
Director U Myint Oo of Myanma Perennial Crops Enterprise on distribution of
fertilizers and pesticide to the project. Maj-Gen Maung Bo gave necessary
instructions. In Kawthoung District, Dagon Timber Ltd of Dagon Agriculture
Project has put 1,503 acres of land under oil palm in the year 2000 and 1,205
acres in 2001. Afterwards, Maj-Gen Maung Bo and party went to the Oil Palm
Cultivation Camp of Pokaung Co Ltd.

In the briefing hall, Chairman of Pokaung Co Ltd U Aye Maung reported on
progress in cultivation of oil palm in 3,100 acres of land out of the
permitted area and arrangement for extension of growing 60,000 saplings in
1,000 acres of land in this cultivation season. Then, Commander Maj-Gen Aye
Kyway and officials gave supplementary reports. Maj-Gen Maung Bo gave
instructions on efforts to be made for meeting the target. Next, Maj-Gen
Maung Bo and party inspected construction of Kawthoung-Bokpyin Road between
mile posts 85 and 112 with a view to ensuring use of the all round season and
gave instructions on timely completion of work. The 34 mile-long tarred road,
76 gravel road and 32 earth road have been constructed on Kawthoung-Bokpyin
Road. Then, Maj-Gen Maung Bo and party proceeded to South Dagon Oil Palm
Cultivation Camp. Officials reported on completion of oil palm cultivation
and tasks to be done. Maj-Gen Maung Bo gave necessary instructions. South
Dagon Oil Palm Cultivation Co Ltd has put 3,670 acres of land under oil palm
against the target. Next, Maj-Gen Maung Bo and Commander Maj-Gen Aye Kyway
planted oil palm saplings and then went to Bokpyin. On 27 January, they
arrived at Yuzana Oil Palm Cultivation Project at Wachaung Camp on
Bokpyin-Taninthayi Road in Bokpyin Township and inspected growing of 400,000
oil palm saplings.

At the briefing hall, Chairman of Yuzana Co Ltd U Htay Myint reported on
arrangements for extended cultivation of 4,000 acres of oil palm plantations
in this cultivation season. Afterwards, Maj-Gen Maung Bo and party inspected
extended construction of Bokpyin-Mandaing road section at mile post 124/1 on
93 miles and three furlongs long Taninthayi-Bopyin Road with the use of heavy
machinery by Public Works and he gave instructions on meeting the set
standard of the road. At 1 pm, they arrived at Layhnya camp of the
construction site of Layhnya-Mandaing Bridge being built at mile post 112/0
on Myeik-Taninthayi-Bokpyin Road four mile from Layhnya Village in Myeik
Township. In the briefing hall, Senior Engineer U Hla Min of Bridge
Construction Special Group-3 reported on construction of the bridge and the
approach road and requirements in work. The Commander and officials gave
supplementary reports. Then, Maj-Gen Maung Bo gave instructions on meeting
the set standard of the bridge, efforts to be made for opening of the bridge
earlier than the schedule time, minimizing loss and wastage and security
measures. Next, they inspected progress in construction tasks of the bridge.
Layhnya-Mandaing Bridge, 860 feet long, has two-way motor-road.

The bridge can withstand 60-ton loads. Senior Engineer U Aung Khaing of
Taninthayi-Bokpyin Road reported on completion of the project and future
tasks. The Commander gave a supplementary report. Maj-Gen Maung Bo gave
necessary instructions and inspected construction tasks of Layhnya-Mandaing
road section of Taninthayi-Bokpyin Road. Taninthayi-Bokpyin Road is 93 miles
and three furlongs long. So far, construction of 14 miles tarred road, 53
miles and four furlongs gravel road and 25 miles and seven furlongs earth
road have been completed. Then, Maj-Gen Maung Bo and party proceeded to the
oil palm cultivation project camp of Shwe Kanbawza Cultivation Co Ltd in
Yebyu region, Taninthayi Township, where they were welcomed by Project
Manager U Hla Shwe and officials. Shwe Kanbawza Cultivation Co Ltd has
cultivated 201 acres of oil palm plantations in 1999, 2,325 acres in the year
2000 and 1,964 acres in 2001. In addition, 300,000 oil palm saplings are
being grown. At 4.30 pm, members of USDA and MCWA and officials welcomed
Maj-Gen Maung Bo at the entrance bridge of Taninthayi. Maj-Gen Maung Bo
cordially met them. They arrived in Myeik in the evening.

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USDA Patron member meets local members in Ywangan and Kyaukse

Yangon, 28 Jan- Member of the Panel of Patrons of Union Solidarity and
Development Association (Central) Maj-Gen Soe Win of the Ministry of Defence,
accompanied by Deputy Commander of Eastern Command Col Myint Aung and
officials, met with members of state/district/township level USDAs, War
Veterans Organization, Red Cross and Fire Brigade and Maternal and Child
Welfare Association, departmental staff and townselder in Bahtoo Hall in
Ywangan Township, Shan State (South), yesterday morning. Maj-Gen Soe Win
urged all to actively participate in rural development tasks and fufilled the
requirements concerning the reports submitted by officials. In the afternoon,
Maj-Gen Soe Win met with members of Kyaukse District and Township USDAs and
gave necessary instructions on participation of the association members for
the development of the State, human resources development and rural
development tasks in Myinsai Hall of Kyaukse.
__________________________

( 4 ) Third meeting of Committee of Experts/Officials of BIMST-EC Energy
Sector Cooperation Programme held

Yangon, 28 Jan- The third meeting of Committee of Experts/Officials of the
BIMST-EC Energy Sector Cooperation Programme, was held at the Sofitel Plaza
at 9 am today. It was attended by Minister at the State Peace and Development
Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel, Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun
Thi, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Deputy Minister
for Energy U Tin Tun, Deputy Minister for Electric Power U Myo Myint,
director-general of Department of Energy Planning, managing directors of
enterprises and organizations under the Ministry of Electric Power, Myanmar
experts, ambassadors and officials of embassies of BIMST-EC, delegates of
BIMST-EC member countries and invited guests.

First, Minister Brig-Gen Lun Thi delivered an opening speech.
Director-General of the Department of Energy Planning U Soe Myint presided
over the meeting. Thai delegate reported on the status of implementation of
the development of energy infrastructure (Natural gas) project in the
BIMST-EC region; an Indian delegate on the status of the implementation of
the development of new and renewable sources of energy project in the
BIMST-EC region and the suggested format for collecting, compilation and
consolidation of the energy information and data for BIMST-EC member
countries and a Myanmar delegate on the status of the establishment of the
Energy Information Centre in Myanmar. After participating in the discussions,
the meeting for the first day ended. The meeting continues tomorrow.

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Minister Col Thein Nyunt inspects development tasks

Yangon, 28 Jan- Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and
Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, accompanied by officials yesterday
inspected rural water supply tasks of the Development Affairs Department in
Mandalay and Magway Divisions. First, Minister Col Thein Nyunt attended the
opening ceremony of an artesian well in Kyaung Pangone Village in Kyaukse
Township and inspected the functions of water supply.

After hearing the report on rural roads and water supply tasks by responsible
officials, Minister Col Thein Nyunt proceeded to the Ngatkataung Village and
inspected the sinking of an artesian well and road construction. Then,
Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development
Affairs Col Thein Nyunt met with Township Development Affairs Department
officials in Myin-gyan, Meiktila and Yamethin Districts gave instructions.
Minister Col Thein Nyunt also inspected the sinking of artesian wells in
Pyipin Village in Chauk Township, Magway Division, and discussed water supply
tasks with elders of Taungzin and Ngathayauk Village-tracts in Magyi Sauk
Village in Nyaung Oo Township.

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Minister inspects fish breeding tasks in Htantabin

Yangon, 28 Jan- Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, together with
Deputy Minister U Pe Than and officials inspected the fish breeding tasks of
the ministry in Thabaw Creek Village, Htantabin Township yesterday afternoon.
The minister, together with Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint, Managing
Director of Myanma Five Stars Line U Khin Maung Kyi, Managing Director of
Myanma Port Authority U Thein Htay and officials inspected the loading of
export products onto mv Inwa of MFL at Sule No 5 Jetty this morning and
officials reported on works to the minister.

Managing Director U Khin Maung Kyi reported to the minister on the capacity
of the cranes of the vessel and the loading capacity. Then, the minister and
party inspected the engine room of the vessel and gave necessary
instructions. The minister then inspected mv Pathein and attended to the
requirements. Afterwards, the minister and party arrived at Sule No 7 Jetty
and inspected Pansodan jetty No (1), (2) and (3) and left instructions.
__________________________

to be continued ...