The New Light of Myanmar (Wednesday, 20 February, 2002)(2/3)

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The New Light of Myanmar (Wednesday, 20 February, 2002)(2/3)

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1. Senior General Than Shwe addresses USDA Special General
   Meeting (2002)
2. - Patron of the Union Solidarity and Development Association
     Senior General Than Shwe addresses the USDA Special General
     Meeting (2002)
3. Minister receives Malaysia guests
4. - Myanma buckwheat exported to Japan
   - Commander inspects construction of Loinanpha Dam
5. - Minister tours Kachin State, Sagaing Division
   - Commander looks into construction of sluice gate
6. - Myanmar Fishery and Livestock Fair 2002 continues
   - Commander visits Pulp Factory Project
7. Pilgrim group of Mongmao region visit famous pagodas
8. - Wellwishers invited for sinking tube-wells
   - Collective donation of blood
9. - Myanmar trounces Vietnam 6-2
   - 2,933 drug-related cases exposed in 2001

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 Short-term plans

In implementing a four-year short-term plan from 1992-93 to 1995-96, the
economy grew by 7.5% annual against the target of 5.1%. On the basis of the
already-achieved progress, a second five-year short-term plan running from
1996-97 to 2000-2001 was implemented. It was targeted to achieve annual
economic growth by 6%. In fact, the economy grew by 8.4% surpassing the plan
target. This achievement can be attributed to the implementation of the plan
in every sector and every region, the effective use of human resources of the
nation, participation of the people and the abundance of natural resources.
With a view to promoting further economic growth of the nation, a third
five-year short-term plan which runs from 2001-2002 to 2005-2006 is in course
of implementation.

 The aims of the plan are:

-  to expand the establishment of agro-based industries,

 - to develop the electric power sector and the energy sector in keeping with
the expansion of industries,

- to expand the agriculture sector and the livestock and fishery sector for
domestic sufficiency and export promotion,

- to strive for all-round development of other sectors,

- to expand the education and health sectors with the aim of developing human
resources; and

 - to develop rural areas.

During the period of the five-year short-term plan, measures are to be taken
to increase GDP considerably. The agriculture sector will continue to make
progress. Likewise, the volume of investment in the industrial sector will
increase substantially. After touching on the efforts of the government for
national solidarity, peace and stability of the State, development of
economic infrastructures and generation of economic growth, I would now like
to continue to elaborate on a task which has been undertaken to fulfill the
need of the region. It is the promulgation of a law and the laying down of
aims and objectives for progress of border areas and national races. The
Central Committee for Progress of Border Areas and National Races, the Work
Committee and the Sub-committees have been formed to undertake development
tasks in the border areas where the national races reside. To ensure the
successful realization of the set aims, the Government has also established a
separate ministry called the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and
National Races and Development Affairs. First, the most fundamental tasks
such as construction of roads and bridges have been undertaken using a large
sum of money. Up to the end of 2001, altogether K 12,188 million had been
used in building and repairing roads and constructing bridges, big and small,
in border areas. In the education sector, 366 primary schools, 48 middle
schools and 19 high schools have been opened since 1988. Moreover, 17 youth
training schools and 12 women's domestic science training schools have been
opened in order to enable poor and needy children in border areas to have
access to education and vocational training. With respect to the health care
for the national races in border areas, 46 hospitals, one township health
centre, 74 clinics, 18 rural health centres and 30 sub-rural health centres
have been opened after 1988. To supply electricity to the border areas, eight
hydroelectric power projects have been implemented. With respect to public
relations, 85 TV relay stations have been set up. For the development of the
agriculture sector, 31 agricultural offices, 113 agricultural stations, 4
canals and 11 tractor stations have been opened. Moreover, some 40 dams have
been constructed or are in the process of construction while feasibility
studies have been conducted for 17 other dams.

 Communication

In the communication sector, post offices, telegraph offices and satellite
stations have been built, and radio telephones and trunk call lines,
installed. During the period of the present five-year plan, work programmes
for various sectors have been already worked out for further uplifting of the
conditions in the border areas. During the period from 1989 to 2001, the
Government spent over K 22,852 million on the development of border areas and
national races.

Greening projects

One of the tasks which protects the environment is Nine-District Greening
Project. Greening work has been carried out in Sagaing and Monywa Districts
in Sagaing Division, Myin-gyan, Meiktila and Yamethin Districts in Mandalay
Division, Magway, Pakokku, Minbu and Thayet Districts in Magway Division.
Although originally intended for nine districts, greening work has now been
extended to 13 districts. According to the project, over 200,000 acres of
forest plantations have been established, and over 600,000 acres of remaining
natural forests have been conserved and protected. Furthermore, the tasks for
extension of use of wood-substitute fuel and water supply have been carried
out. The arid zone greening work is being done in accordance with a 30-year
master plan. During the implementation period, 7.5 million acres of green and
lush forests will emerge. The Nine-District Greening Project will surely
prevent desertification of dry regions. As an area of over 130,000 square
miles of Myanmar, 50.81% of the total area of the nation, is covered with
forests. To keep forests in Myanmar green and lush for ever, a 30-year master
plan is being implemented in the forest sector. Due to this plan, over 66
million acres of land will always be covered with forests. Just as regional
development tasks have been carried out, so measures are also being taken for
the development of respective sectors. While Myanmar is an agricultural
nation, efforts are also being made for the development of the industrial
sector.

 Industrial development

To increase the momentum of industrial development, a Myanmar Industrial
Development Committee was set up, and measures have been taken for industrial
development. Investment Law has been enacted, and the private sector, the
cooperative sector and the foreign investment sector are being encouraged. To
increase the volume of investment in the industrial sector, Myanma Investment
Commission has been formed and scrutiny work is being carried out. The
Government is building medium- and large-sized factories in accord with the
requirement of the nation. As encouragement is being given with the aim of
ensuring emergence of an industrialized nation, it is found that the number
of factories and plants, employment opportunities and the GDP ratio of the
industrial sector have increased. In 1988-89, there were over 42,000 small-,
medium- and large-sized factories and plants. In 2000-2001, the number grew
to over 57,000, by an increase of over 15,000.

Employment opportunities

The increase in the number of factories and plants as well as the growth of
the private sector has resulted in a lot of employment opportunities. In
1988, there were over 18 million employees in the State sector, the
cooperative sector and the private sector; now the number rises to over 25
million. In other words, seven million more people got employment. The net
value of goods produced in the industrial sector amounted to K 4,094 million
in 1988-89, and the amount increased 2.5 times up to K 10,204 million in
2000-2001. To be able to provide assistance for private industries with the
aim of promoting industrial development, the government has established 18
industrial zones in nine states and divisions, and altogether 4,496 factories
and plants have been set up in these industrial zones. To promote investment,
the Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd has been established, and is now
participating in industrial development tasks. It is running 49 enterprises
including joint-venture enterprises with respect to production, trading,
services and investment.

 Industry

 In the State sector, the Ministry of Industry-1 built 33 new factories
during the period from 1988 to 2001 with a view to boosting the production of
consumer goods for the people. During the period of the present third
five-year economic plan, another 78 factories will be built and consumer and
household goods, produced. Included in these factories are Pwintbyu Textile
Factory, Pakokku Textile Factory, Salingyi Textile Factory, paper mills under
construction in Thabaung and Yeni, pharmaceutical factories, soap factories
and cement plants. The Ministry of Industry-2 is producing automobiles,
tractors, power tillers, pumps, machinery and electrical appliances with the
aim of developing the agriculture sector, the transport sector and small- and
medium-sized industries. Up to 1988, there were only nine factories. Now
there are 19 factories  seven new factories in Yangon Division, four new
factories in western Bago Division and eight new factories in eastern Bago
Division. Among these factories, the diesel engine plant in Indakaw
Industrial Zone, Bago Division, is already producing eighteen-horsepower
diesel engines. Diesel engines will be produced not only to be utilized in
agriculture but also for generation of power. To produce engines in the
country, a 2,000-ton smelting plants will be built. During the implementation
period of the present Third Five-Year Plan, 40 projects will be implemented
for production of transport vehicles, and equipment for agricultural purposes
and power supply.

Health

Another sector which has received priority is the health sector. To provide
health care for the entire nation, existing hospitals have been extended and
upgraded, new hospitals opened and specialised hospitals, also extended. In
1988, there were 631 hospitals; at present the number has grown to 750. In
border areas, 13 hospitals and 37 station hospitals have been opened.
Similarly, new clinics and rural health centres have been opened. To provide
health care of high standard for the people, new institutes of medicine and
health-related institutes have been opened. In 1988, there were three
institutes of medicine and one institute of dental medicine; now there are
five institutes of medicine and two institutes of dental medicine in addition
to three institutes of nursing, two institutes of pharmacy, two institutes of
pharmacology and one university of primary health care. In the same way,
there were previously 28 nurses training schools in states and divisions;
now, up to 43 nurses training schools have been opened. The institutes and
universities are now offering seven medical doctorate courses, seven basic
doctorate courses, 20 medical master courses, six medical diploma courses and
four diploma courses in pharmacy and pharmacology. To provide effective
medical treatment for the people, specialists have been appointed for six
specialized subjects in district-level hospitals and for 12 specialized
subjects in state / division hospitals. As hospitals have been provided with
modern medical equipment, effective treatment is now available to the people
across the country. Complex surgical procedures such as heart operations and
kidney transplant operations can now be performed in the nation. Another
sector is development of traditional medicine. In 1988, there were only two
traditional medicine hospitals; there are now 10 traditional medicine
hospitals. The number of traditional medicine clinics rose from 109 to 214.
To produce potent traditional medicines, nine herbal gardens have been
established. To promote the quality of traditional medicine practitioners,
the Institute of Traditional Medicine has been upgraded to the university. To
preserve and maintain traditional medicine, treatises and remedies, the
national-level traditional medicine practitioners conferences and the
traditional medicine and medical equipment exhibitions are held every year.
With respect to public health, effective measures concerning health
education, disease prevention through mass activities, high-level modern
treatment and higher standards of teaching in the field of medicine, have
been undertaken.

Human resources development

The next sector which I would like to touch upon is development of human
resources. To build a modern, developed nation which can face possible
challenges at present and in future rests on development of necessary human
resources. A national education promotion plan is being implemented to
develop highly-qualified human resources for the State and for respective
regions. The Ministry of Education takes charge of the basic education sector
and the higher education sector while the Ministry of Science and Technology
is responsible for the development of engineering and computer technology
education. Other ministries are also teaching respective subjects in the
higher education sector.

Education

 To provide equal opportunities of pursuing education all over the nation,
144 universities and colleges have been opened. It may be recalled that in
1988, there were only 32 universities and colleges in the country. Therefore,
112 new universities and colleges have been opened during the time of our
government. Moreover, the University of Marine Technology and the Aerospace
Engineering University will soon be opened, the first of its kind in the
nation. In various fields of study, master courses and doctorate courses have
been conducted. At the universities under the Ministry of Education, Ph.D
courses for 20 branches of study have been offered; at the universities under
the Ministry of Science and Technology, Ph.D courses in engineering, applied
science and computer technology are being conducted. With regard to opening
basic education schools, in 1988, there were 33,747 basic education schools.
Now there are 39,970 schools. Therefore, 6,223 new schools have been opened.
In order to enable students in rural areas to continue to pursue education,
post-primary schools have been opened starting from this academic year. To
improve the standard of education, electronic teaching aids are now being
used in basic education schools, universities and colleges. Altogether 304
e-learning centres which can receive data broadcast through satellite have
been established all over the nation. From the above-mentioned endeavours, it
can be seen that both the Government and the people are paying special care
and attention to striving for the improvement of national education. All in
all, it is evident that the country has been able to achieve progress and
advancement in every sector and every region in a very short period of time.
To develop the State sector, the cooperative sector and the private sector,
laws have been enacted and revised, and investment has been made. These
efforts are aimed at building a modern, developed nation. For the all-round
development of the State and the citizens, a 30-year long-term plan has been
formulated in every sector. The long-term plans are to be implemented by
means of laying down short-term plans. In implementing the third five-year
short-term plan, priority is to be given to five rural development tasks. The
government will also be concentrating its efforts on fulfilling of the basic
needs of rural areas such as transportation, water supply, education, health
and economic livelihood including agriculture and livestock breeding.

Practical deeds

In conclusion, I would like to urge all those attending the Special General
Meeting which begins today to work for the successful realization of rural
development working programmes as well as for the development of the State in
accord with the future tasks laid down by the Association. The new generation
needs to be able to preserve historical traditions, maintain the good legacy
and improve the social status of Myanmar society. It is not for nothing that
we are now in the present position in the country. We are working day and
night as best we could for the emergence of a peaceful, modern, developed
nation. It can be achieved not by words but by practical deeds. We are fully
aware that there can be difficulties and obstacles ahead. There are a lot of
disturbances from inside and outside the country. Against all the odds, we
are working because of our love of the nation. If there are no disturbances
and obstacles, the pace of development of the nation will be quicker and so
will the work to build a democratic nation. More disturbances and blockages
will only mean that it will take longer to reach that objective. Efforts are
being made for the modernization and development of the future nation and
also to make sure that the new generation is free from any hardship and
troubles. Efforts are being made to ensure non-disintegration of the Union
and non-disintegration of national solidarity and to safeguard the
sovereignty of the nation, thereby making sure that the nation is not at the
beck and call of others. Therefore, in conclusion, I would like to urge all
of you to develop patriotic spirit; to strive for the development of the
Union and safeguard it with your lives; and, as befits the members of the
USDA, to nurture strong will and determination so as to overcome any
difficulty whatsoever.

Excerpts from Senior General Than Shwe's address

- With the restoration of peace and stability, the government is now able to
turn its attention to national modernization and progress.
- The nation-building task is enormous and arduous.
- Myanmar is still an agro-based nation, and agriculture plays a pivotal role
in the nation's production sector.
- Since 1988, the government has built 129 new dams.
 - Consequently, the irrigated area now covers 4.9 million acres, an increase
of 2.4 million acres since the irrigated areas amounted to only 2.5 million
acres in the past.
- Due to extension of irrigation facilities, total sown acreage of the nation
has reached 37.14 million acres as compared to 23.8 million acres in 1988.
 - At present there are 17,874 miles of motor roads in the nation, an
increase of 4,239 miles from 13,635 miles in 1988-89.
 - The State has spent US$ 398 million and K 36,005 million on building the
facilities of the Myanma Railways since 1988; it has also used US$ 336
million and K 93,634 million in building motor roads and bridges.
- Major bridges spanning rivers have been built at all necessary places in
implementing motor road and railroad projects.
- Nine new river-crossing bridges have been built during the period from 1988
to January 2002.
 - The Mandalay International Airport was built at a cost of US$ 151 million
and over K 6,543 million.
- There are now 12 airports, which can handle jet aircraft compared with only
six before 1988. Six more airports are under construction at present.
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( 3 ) Minister receives Malaysia guests

Yangon, 19 Feb -Minister for Labour U Tin Winn received a delegation led by
Director of Malaysia- Myanmar Friendship Association Azmin Mustam bin
Abdulkarim and two members at his office at 3 pm today. Also present at the
call were Deputy Minister for Labour Brig-Gen Win Sein, Director-General of
Labour Department U Soe Nyunt and officials.
__________________________

( 4 ) Myanma buckwheat exported to Japan

Yangon, 19 Feb - Under the agreement signed by Myanmar and Japan on 14
February to export buckwheat, grown as a poppy-substitute crop, to Japan for
the third year, a ceremony to export them to Japan by MV Magway was held this
morning. Present were Managing Director of Myanma Agricultural Produce
Trading U Min Hla Aung and officials, Director-General of the Progress of
Border Areas and National Races Department Col Than Swe and Deputy
Director-General Col Myint Swe, officials from Myanmar Drug Elimination
Special Programme, and heads and experts from Japan International Cooperation
Agency (JICA) Mr Tochi Michi Aoki, Mr Masaru Imamura and Mr Uji Oike. As
emphasis was placed on drug elimination in Myanmar, MAPT of the Ministry of
Commerce has been exporting buckwheat, a poppy-substitute crop, to Japan
yearly.

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Commander inspects construction of Loinanpha Dam

Yangon, 19 Feb -Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Eastern
Command Commander Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint, together with Kayah State Peace
and Development Council Chairman Brig-Gen Nyunt Hlaing and Commander of
Pekhon Station Brig-Gen Thura Sein Thaung, inspected the construction of
Loinanpha dam in Dimawhso Township, Kayah State, on 17 February morning.
Incharge of the project reported on work done, irrigating 550 acres of
monsoon paddy and 150 acres of summer paddy before the completion of the dam
and prospect of irrigating 2150 acres on completion. Then, the commander and
party inspected along the dam and left necessary instructions.
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( 5 ) Minister tours Kachin State, Sagaing Division

Yangon, 19 FebÑ Minister for Labour and Minister for Culture U Tin Winn,
Director-General of Archaeology Department U Nyunt Han, Director-General of
Central Freight Handling Committee Office U Maung Maung Ohn and officials
arrived in Shwegu in Kachin State on 16 February. The minister and party went
to Shwepawkyun, three miles east of Shwegu. Chairman of Shwepawkyun Pagoda
Board of Trustees U Aung Chein and officials reported on history of the
pagoda and all-round renovation of the pagoda. The minister gave instructions
on maintenance of ancient cultural heritage in Shwe-pawkyun and
reconstruction of the pagodas without affecting the ancient works.

There were altogether 7,700 pagodas of Konbaung period in Shwepawkyun. Among
them over 1,000 were washed away. About 530 pagodas were ruined and they
remained as mounds. Over 700 are in ruin and 152 pagodas were rebuilt with
the contribution of the people. The minister paid obeisance to Kyundawkyaung
Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Sobhita and presented
offertories to the Sayadaw. The minister paid respects to relics and ancient
Buddha images at the reliquary and spent the night in Shwegu.

On 17 February, the minister and officials met personnel of Labour
Department, Factories and General Labour Laws Inspection Department, Social
Security Board and Township Inland Freight Handling Committee.

He discussed medical treatment, welfare and functions. Yesterday morning, the
minister inspected arrangements for construction of Pitakattaik, which was
donated by King Bodaw-mintaya, near the Shwe-chettho Pagoda in the Pitakat
Aungmyin Kyaungtaik compound, West Market Ward. The minister gave
instructions on construction of the Pitakattaik without affecting the ancient
works. The minister inspected Township Inland Freight Handling Committee
Office, District Factories and General Labour Laws Inspection Department and
Labour Department and dispensary of Social Security Board in Shwebo.

He discussed planting of shade trees, cultivation of crops, work efficiency,
utilization of the strength of workers and health care services. The minister
went to Shwebon Yadana Mingala Palace of King Alaungmintaya in Shwebo.
Director-General U Nyunt Han, historian Shwebo U Than Tun and officials
reported on construction of the Palace, future tasks and financial matters.
The minister met service personnel of the Ministry of Labour and Ministry of
Culture. On his way to Sagaing, the minister met service personnel of the
Ministry of Labour at Township Inland Freight Handling Committee Office.

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Commander looks into construction of sluice gate

Yangon, 19 Feb- Chairman of Mon State Peace and Development Council Commander
of South-East Command Brig-Gen Thura Myint Aung, accompanied by Col Myint Soe
of Thaton Station, Chairman of Thaton District Peace and Development Council
Lt-Col Tin Aung and officials, arrived at the construction site of the sluice
gate of Zeikkaye Canal in Thaton on 17 February morning. Assistant Director U
Mya Aye of Construction Group-6 of Irrigation Department reported on
construction of the sluice gate. The commander inspected the construction
site and attended to the requirements. The sluice gate will have 21
six-foot-wide and 12-foot-high valves. On completion, the sluice gate can
take measures for prevention of salty water and flooding for 20,000 acres of
wetland on either side of Thaminyoe Canal in Thaton Township.

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to be continued ...