The New Light of Myanmar (Thursday, 31 January, 2002)(1/2)

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The New Light of Myanmar (Thursday, 31 January, 2002)(1/2)
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1. Senior General Than Shwe hosts dinner to trainees of
   UDNR Primary Teachership Course
2. Secretary-1 call for seeking means to acquire ICT from
   countries moving ahead of others in ICT field
3. - Regional development inspected in Chin State
   - Training Workshop on WTO Agreements and Trade and
     Investment Opportunities for Myanmar opens
   - Labour Minister receives guest
4. - Transport Minister receives guests
   - Industry-1 Minister receives guests
   - Minister for Culture receives guests
   - Appointment of Ambassador agreed on
5. - River water pumping projects inspected
   - Ministers inspect garment factories
   - New operation theratre handed over to NyaungU
     District People's Hospital
6. - Minister inspects cooperative societies in Mon State,
     Bago Division
   - Subcommittee for facilitating entry-exit of tourists
     holds coord meeting
   - USDA CEC members tour Chin State
7. - UDNR trainees continue excursion in Yangon
   - Foreign Ambassadors based in Singapore leave
8. - Deputy Minister receives guests from PRC
   - Minister inspects AMDA training centre
9. - 194 drug cases exposed in December
   - Drug traffickers get 15 years each

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( 1 ) Senior General Than Shwe hosts dinner to trainees of UDNR Primary
Teachership Course

Yangon, 30 Jan- Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council
Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe hosted a
dinner to trainees of the Primary Teacher- ship Course No 34 of the
University for Development of National Races at the Pyithu Hluttaw at 6.30 pm
today. The Senior General arrived at the Pyithu Hluttaw at 6.20pm and
cordially greeted the trainees at the archway of the Pyithu Hluttaw. Then,
the Senior General hosted the dinner in honour of the trainees.

Also present on the occasion were Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and
Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services
Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye, Secretary-1 of the State Peace
and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, members of the State Peace and
Development Council, the Commander-in-Chief (Navy), the Commander-in-Chief
(Air), the chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council
Commander of Yangon Command, ministers, the Attorney-General, the
Auditor-General, the chairman of the Civil Service Selection and Training
Board and members, members of the Management Work Group for Excursion of the
trainees, the director-general of the State Peace and Development Council
Office, departmental heads, guests, the rector of UDNR,the pro-rector and
supervisor teachers and trainees. Before and during the dinner, vocalists
entertained the guests with songs to the accompaniment of Myanma modern music
troupe. After the dinner, the Drama Division of the Fine Arts Department of
the Ministry of Culture entertained those present with variety dances at the
Thabin Hall.
___________________________

( 2 ) Secretary-1 call for seeking means to acquire ICT from countries moving
ahead of others in ICT field

Yangon 30 Jan- A coordination meeting on implementation of development tasks
of Myanma ICT was held at the Myanma ICT Park in Hline Township this
afternoon, attended by Chairman of Myanmar Computer Development Council
Secertary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt- Gen Khin Nyunt.

Also present on the occasion were the ministers, senior military officers,
the deputy minister , officials of the State Peace and Development Council
Office, developmental heads, officials of the Myanmar Computer Federation ,
and other association. Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary-1 said that
present coordination meeting the word the first held be national level
associations related to computer and information such as the Myanmar Computer
Development Council, e-National Task Force and the Myanmar Computer
Federation. In Myanmar an international level ICT Park had been established
and thus concerted efforts would have to be made for implementing future
tasks in accordance with the nation requirements he added.

After signing e-ASEAN Agreement, Myanmar formed a national level e-National
Task Force for equal progress in the information and Communication Technology
among the ASEAN Nations. Efforts have been made to create the fovourable
conditions in the ICT sectors to set up a modern ICT structure, and the ICT
Park was established in a short period. The Bagan Cybertech International
Data Communication and Teleport was also set up to fulfil the requirements.
The opening ceremony of the MICT Park and Bagan Cybertech IDC and Teleport
was held on a grand scale, and hte skills of the Myanmar technicians were
demonstrated. The ASEAN nations welcomed Myanmar's development in Information
and Communication Technology with pleasure.

Head of State Senior General Than Shwe visited the facilities and looked into
the requirements. Thus, it is required to make continued efforts to
effectively use the facilities for national development. He incited
discussions to contribute towards continuous development of ICT.Then,
Joumt-Secretary pf e-National Task Force U Pyone Maung Maung reported on
tasks being implemented for ICT Park; Lt-Col Tin Oo of the Ministry of
Defence on tasks being carried out in cooperation with the Bagan Cybertech,
ministers and banks, and future tasks on communication services; and
Vice-Chairman of MCF U Thein Oo IT master plan.

Afterwards, the ministers, the deputy ministers and officials took part in
the discussions.The Secertary-1 said according to the discussions at the
meeting, it is needed to carry out tasks for ICT development after
systematically forming of subcommittees. Extension projects should be
implemented at the ICT Park.In accord with the guidance of Head of State
Senior General Than Shwe, means should be sought to acquire ICT from the
countries which are moving ahead of others in the field of ICT and to
continuously produce human resources equipped with international level ICT
for progress of Myanmar's ICT according to schedule.

He urged the departmental personnel, technicians and entrepre3neurs to
harmoniously strive for development of Information and Communication
Technology with a view of effectively utilizing the Information and
Communication Technology for national progress.
___________________________

( 3 ) Regional development inspected in Chin State

Yangon, 30 Jan- Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Ye
Myint of the Ministry of Defence, accompanied by Chairman of Sagaing Division
Peace and Development Council Commander of North-West Command Brig-Gen Soe
Naing, Chairman of Chin State Peace and Deve-lopment Council Col Than Win and
officials, attended opening of multimedia teaching centre at Basic Education
High School in Tonzang Township, Chin State on 18 January. Headmaster U Phong
Kain and Chairman of School Board of Trustees U Sumi Dauk Htang formally
opened the ceremony and Commander Brig-Gen Soe Naing formally unveiled the
signboard of the centre.

Maj-Gen Ye Myint, the commander and party inspected the centre. Chairman of
School Board of Trustees U Sumi Dauk Htang reported on arrangements for
opening of the centre. Maj-Gen Ye Myint presented K 50,000, Commander
Brig-Gen Soe Naing a computer and teaching aids donated by the North-West
Command and wellwishers cash to the school. The Chairman of School Board of
Trustees and the headmaster accepted the donations and gifts. In the evening,
Maj-Gen Ye Myint met departmental officials at BEHS in Tonzang.

Chairman of Township Peace and Development Council U Nyunt Hlaing reported on
implementation of regional development and cultivation of crops. Maj-Gen Ye
Myint called for participation in regional development and extension of
cultivation of tea and mulberry. He then visited Tonzang People's Hospital, a
tea plantation of Myanma Agriculture Service and a nursery farm. He also
presented offertories to members of the Sangha at a monastery in Tonzang.
Maj-Gen Ye Myint, the commander and party inspected cultivation of mulberry
and production at the office of Myanma sericulture project manager of Myanma
Cotton and Sericulture Enterprise in Tonzang. On 19 January, they inspected
maintenance of the 32-mile Tiddim-Reed road, stockpiling of materials for
construction of Manhsaung suspension bridge. Maj-Gen Ye Myint discussed
implementation of rural development task with departmental personnel and
townselders at Reed Village.

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Training Workshop on WTO Agreements and Trade and Investment Opportunities
for Myanmar opens

Yangon, 30 Jan- The opening ceremony of Training Workshop on WTO Agreements
and Trade and Investment Opportunities for Myanmar jointly sponsored by the
Ministry of Commerce, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for
Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) was held at Traders Hotel on Sule Pagoda Road
this morning.

Present were Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister at the State
Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Able, the
directors-general and managing  directors, officials of the Union of Myanmar
Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Delegates from ESCAP in
Bangkok, International Trade Centre in Geneva, University of Auckland New
Zealand and Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Japan and 50 participants from
government departments and the private companies.

Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone delivered a speech. He said;

"It is indeed a great pleasure and honour for me to get the privilege of
saying a few words at the Opening Ceremony of the Training Workshop on WTO
Agreements and Trade and Investment Opportunities for Myanmar. As I
understand, this Training Workshop is jointly organized by the Directorate of
Trade, Ministry of Commerce of the Union of Myanmar and the United Nations
Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific-ESCAP. I would like
to express my deep appreciation and heartiest thanks to the responsible
personnel and Resource Persons from the ESCAP, ITC, WTO, UNCTAD and
particularly to the Government of Japan for the kind assistance to convene
this Training Workshop.

Taking this opportunity, allow me to recall that , when the WTO was
established in January, 1995, as the successor to the GATT, Myanmar was among
the first group of countries which signed the WTO Agreements. Therefore, we
can say with pride and delight that Myanmar was not only the founder-member
of old organization GATT, but also the first group of signatories to the new
organization WTO. The WTO provides a rule-based multilateral trading system.
These rules are quite important for all the member countries, especially for
the small and medium size economies. All the members have to follow the
obligations of these rules and also all the members have rights to safeguard
their economic sovereignty.

The rule-based multilateral trading system can guide the deciplined trade all
over the world and it also can accelerate the global trade liberalization and
trade volume as well. However, on the other hand, it becomes complicated for
the interpretation of these rules by each and every member. Some member
countries have been able to reap the benefits generated from these rules.
Many others, especially, Least Developed Country Members are facing with the
complications in terms of implementation of these Agreements and exploitation
of the benefits from them due to the lack of resources and knowledge. Because
of the current down turn of the global economy, we are facing a growing
concern for protectionism especially by the developed country members, though
the commitments for market access and special and differential treatment are
given to the developing members in the WTO.

Under this situation, we need to foster expansion and diversification of our
trade for the economic development and we, therefore, need to know more than
ever about the WTO trading principles and trade opportunities. We need to
know thoroughly the issues of the WTO and it is essential to find ways and
means to reap the benefits and opportunities for small economies. Many people
said and we do hope that the coming Doha Round's negotiations are the light
of future for us. In this regard, the effective and efficient participations
of Developing Country Members in these negotiations are crucial.

Therefore, I would like to highlight that, this Training Workshop is one of
the helping hands to understand the WTO issues and which is held on the right
time at the right place. As I understand, this Training Workshop is attended
by 50 participants from various Departments concerned and also from the
private sector. I would like to urge to the participants by taking this
opportunity to exchange your views and queries with the experienced Resource
Persons. Before I conclude, I would like to express once again my deep
appreciation and profound thanks to the Resource Persons from ESCAP, ITC,
WTO, UNCTAD and the Government of Japan for sharing of your knowledge and
experience with us. I wish you a success in your deliberations." Next,
Economic Affairs Officer of International Trade and Industrial Affairs
Department of ESCAP Ms Tiziana Bonapace spoke on the occasion. The training
workshop contiunes till 1 February.

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Labour Minister receives guest

Yangon, 30 Jan- Minister for Labour U Tin Winn received Charge d' Affaires
a.i of Canadian Embassy to Myanmar based in Bangkok Mr James Trottier at the
Ministry of Culture this morning. Also present at the call were
Director-General of Labour Department U Soe Nyunt and officials of the
Ministry of Culture.
__________________________

( 4 ) Transport Minister receives guests

Yangon, 30 Jan- Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe met a delegation
led by Retired Rear-Admiral Dato Yaacob Haji Daud, Executive Director of PSC
Deferce Technologies SDN, BHD of Malaysia at his office this morning. They
discussed cooperation in navigation and modern nautical technologies. Also
present were Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint and U Pe Than, and
officials.

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Industry-1 Minister receives guests

Yangon, 30 Jan- Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung received Managing
Director of IWK Packaging Machinery Ltd based in Bangkok, Thailand, Mr
Matthias Jungling and party at his office this afternoon. Also present at the
call were Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen Thein Tun and Brig-Gen Kyaw Win,
directors-general and managing directors of the departments and industries
under the ministry.

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Minister for Culture receives guests

Yangon, 30 Jan- Minister for Culture U Tin Winn received In-charge of Asia
and Pacific region of BBC Ms Elizabeth Wright, Mr Chris Greene and Mr Somchai
Suwansan at his office this morning. Ms Elizabeth Wright discussed matters
related to tourism, lodging of guests at the hotels, facts about Myanmar for
the international communities and labour affairs. Also present at the call
were Director-General of the Fine Arts Department U Kyaw Win and officials.

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Appointment of Ambassador agreed on

Yangon, 31 Jan- The Government of the Union of Myanmar has agreed to the
appointment of His Excellency Dato' Cheah Sam Kip as Ambassador Extraordinary
and Plenipotentiary of Malaysia to the Union of Myanmar. Born on 19 September
1947 in Taiping, Perak, His Excellency Dato' Cheah Sam Kip received a
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree from the University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia. His diplomatic career began in 1971 with his appointment as
Assistant Secretary in the Administration and Diplomatic Service of Malaysia,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In addition to the various posts in the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, he had also served in Malaysian missions in
Washington DC, Hanoi, Singapore and Cairo. Prior to his appointment as
Ambassador of Malaysia to the Union of Myanmar, His Excellency Dato' Cheah
Sam Kip served as Malaysia's Ambassador to Vietnam from 1992 to 1997 and to
Spain from 1997 to date. He is married and has two children.
__________________________

( 5 )  River water pumping projects inspected

Yangon, 30 Jan-  Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin
inspected Chindwin River water pumping projects in Saingyi Township, Monywa
District, Sagaing Division yesterday. North-West Command Commander Brig-Gen
Soe Naing, the minister, Secretary of Sagaing Division Peace and Development
Council Lt-Col Ye Htut and officials arrived at Nyaungpingyi river water
pumping project in Salingyi Township.

At the briefing hall, the officials reported on facts about the project. The
minister discussed matters related to water supply project, double crops to
be grown, irrigated region to be set up, the cotton special zone and the
regions to supply water. The minister inspected the main canal, progress of
construction of still tank and the site chosen for the pontoon. He also
inspected sunflower fields in Budalin Township. Then, the minister proceeded
to river water pumping project in Budalin township. The officers in charge of
the project reported on progress of work, obtaining equipment for water
pumping project and matters relating to drainages. The minister gave
necessary instructions and inspected round the construction site. Afterwards,
the minister inspected water storage ponds and lakes for supplying water to
Twintaung Ywathit Village.

Officials concerned reported on water supply from the lakes and four sinking
tube wells for the village. In the afternoon, the minister arrived at Indaw
river-water pumping project in the same township and inspected the progress
in construction of canals, installation of iron pipes and arrival of the
pontoons. He then gave necessary instructions. Indaw river-water pumping
project has two phases. Water will be pumped to the heights of 63 feet and 40
feet to irrigate farmland of mixed and double cropping there. In the evening,
Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin and Commander Brig-Gen Soe Naing attended the
meeting to form the Myanmar Cotton and Cotton Products Traders Association
held at the city hall of Monywa and made speeches. Vice-President of Union of
Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry U Win Aung explained
matters relating to the formation of the association. Managing Director of
Myanma Cotton and Sericulture Enterprise Dr Thein Htay explained matters on
cultivation and production of cotton. All-round discussions were then held
after which the meeting ended with concluding remarks by the minister.

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Ministers inspect garment factories

Yangon, 30 Jan- Ministers led by Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung
inspected garment factories in Yangon today. Minister U Aung Thaung together
with Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha,
Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin
Hlaing, Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint and Minister for Livestock and
Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein inspected No 12 Garment Factory of
Myanma Textile Industries in Sethsan Ward, Mingala Taungnyunt Township, this
afternoon. At the briefing hall of the factory, the ministers heard a report
on location of the factory, floor area, production process and situation of
the factory presented by Managing Director of MTI U Oo Thein Maung with the
help of charts. Accompanied by officials, the ministers visited the different
production divisions of the factory. They also inspected No 14 Garment
Factory.

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New operation theratre handed over to NyaungU District People's Hospital

Yangon, 30 Jan- Operation theatre donated by German Inter Plast, was handed
over at the People's Hospital in NyaungU District, Mandalay Division on 28
January morning attended by Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein. Also
present were Director-General of Health Department Dr Wan Maung and
officials, Chairman of NyaungU District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col
Khin Maung Oo and officials, Ambassador of Germany Dr Marius Haas and
wellwisher of German Inter Plast Mr Juergen Von Jordan and invited guests.

First, the minister and the ambassador formally opened the theatre. Then, the
wellwisher presented the documents relating to the building worth US$ 30,000
to the minister. The minister presented the certificate of honour to the
wellwisher. In the afternoon, the minister attended the foundation-laying
ceremony of two-storey building in Kyaukpadaung People's Hospital compound.
Then, the minister accepted K 16 million donated by each of 16 wellwishers at
the hall of the hospital. The minister presented the certificates of honour
to them. Then, the minister inspected the hospital and attended to needs.

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to be continued ...