The New Light of Myanmar (Tuesday, 5 March, 2002)

[Ok Kar <okkar66126@xxxxxxxxx>]

The New Light of Myanmar (Tuesday, 5 March, 2002)
------------------------------------
1. General Maung Aye looks into greening tasks, jade
   plots
2. General Maung Aye pays obeisance to Shwemyinzu
   Pagoda in Indawgyi region, Mohnyin
3. - Secretary-1 receives Chinese guests
   - Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt hosts dinner to
     Chinese guests
4. - Secretary-1 previews 39th Myanma Gems Emporium
   - Secretary-1 inspects construction of  White
     Elephant house
5. Secretary-1 inspects regional development tasks in
   Shan State (South)
6. - Nepalese guests call on Minister for Foreign
     Affairs
   - Minister receives Chinese guests
7. - Ambassadors, diplomats visit Gems Emporium
   - Journalists visit Gems Emporium
8. - Industry-1 Minister inspects factories
   - Basic Diplomatic Skill course concludes
9. - Commander visits Vegetable and Poultry Farming
     Special Zone
   - AWB demonstrates on-line banking service
   - Tourists arrive in Mandalay

---------

( 1 ) Myitkyina-Sumprabum-Putao road cuts travelling
time, contributes to smooth transport in the region

 Efforts required to ensure local food sufficiency, to
put land under perennial edible plants such as tea and
persimmon species

General Maung Aye looks into greening tasks, jade
plots

Yangon, 4 March - Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and
Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of
Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General
Maung Aye, accompanied by members of the State Peace
and Development Council Maj-Gen Soe Win and Maj-Gen Ye
Myint of the Ministry of Defence, Adjutant-General
Maj-Gen Thein Sein, Quartermaster-General Maj-Gen
Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and Chief of Armed
Forces Training Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, Commander-in-Chief
(Navy) Vice-Admiral Kyi Min, Commander-in-Chief (Air)
Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Chairman of Kachin State Peace and
Development Council Commander of Northern Command
Brig-Gen Maung Maung Swe, ministers, deputy ministers,
the director-general of the State Peace and
Development Council Office and departmental heads,
left Putao for Sumprabum by helicopter on 2 March
afternoon.

General Maung Aye and party were welcomed in Sumprabum
by Tactical Operations Commander Col Tin Shein, the
chairman of Township Peace and Development Council and
members, departmental officials and national races.
The General and party met with the chairman of
Sumprabum Township Peace and Development Council and
members, departmental officials, civil servants,
members of the Union Solidarity and Development
Association, Maternal and Child Welfare Association,
Red Cross Society and Auxiliary Fire Brigade at Bantru
Hall in Sumprabum. Chairman U Wan Aung of Township
Peace and Development Council briefed the General on
agriculture tasks, health care services, education,
transportation, development tasks and requirements of
the township.

Then, member of the State Peace and Development
Council Maj-Gen Kyaw Win reported on the assistance
being rendered by the State for sufficiency of rice in
the region, the upgrading of
Myitkyina-Sumpra-bum-Putao road and development of the
township. Chairman of Kachin State Peace and
Development Council Commander Brig-Gen Maung Maung Swe
briefed the General on systematic arrangements for
upgrading roads, supply of clean water, development of
regional economy, health and education sectors.
General Maung Aye said transport in Sumprabum was
difficult. Due to the opening of
Myitkyina-Sumprabum-Putao road, it can be reached from
Myitkyina in a day, and transport between Sumpra-bum
and Putao has become easy. The government is making
arrangements to further upgrade the roads.

 As there is progress in road transport, efforts
should be made to develop the local economy. Efforts
should be made to ensure local rice sufficiency, and
to put the land under perennial edible plants such as
tea and persimmon species. As the government is
rendering assistance to the best of its ability, all
are required to work hard. General Maung Aye and party
viewed the scenery of the town.

Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt
Tin and Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, who
accompanied the General, inspected the office of
Township Settlements and Land Records Department and
the office of Township Information and Public
Relations Department respectively. Similarly, Central
Executive Committee members of the Union Solidarity
and Development Association U Soe Tha, Col Thein
Nyunt, Brig-Gen Ohn Myint and Brig-Gen Thein Zaw met
USDA members and local people.

Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint
Maung inspected the police station in Sumprabum;
Deputy Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint, the Township
People's Hospital. On arrival at Myitkyina, the
General and party were welcomed by Deputy Commander of
Northern Command Brig-Gen San Tun, Brig-Gen Bo Kyi of
Myitkyina Station, senior military officers,
officials, Tatmadawmen and families, members of the
police force, USDA members and others. Yesterday
morning, General Maung Aye and party visited Shwe
Myintzu Pagoda in Indawgyi region, Mohnyin Township.

At Namhmaw mining block in Phakant Township, they
heard a report on jade stones cut out of the 3,000-ton
jade boulder, raw jade stones and utility jade mined
from Namhmaw-Kyaukkyi-gon mining block presented by
Chairman U Nay Win Tun of Ruby Dragon Jade and Gem
Company Limited. At the briefing hall, U Nay Win Tun
reported to the General and party on the mining of
jade and gems in Phakant Township and the finding of a
3,000-ton jade boulder in July 2000. General Maung Aye
gave suggestions. The General and party inspected the
place where the jade boulder was found and the
arrangements to enable visitors to view it. U Nay Win
Tun presented a jade Buddha image to General Maung
Aye.

 In Phakant Township, they inspected Phakantgyi-hmaw
mining block where the company and Myanma Gems
Enterprise of the Ministry of Mines are mining jade on
a mutually beneficial basis. At Uru Yadana Yeiktha,
they inspected jade samples. They then met with local
authorities, departmental personnel and jade
entrepreneurs. The General said jade mining should be
conducted in accord with the law. The government is
providing as much assistance as possible for the
prosperity of the national entrepreneurs.

 They should strive to mine more jade. In addition,
they are required to strive to conduct farming to
ensure local rice, vegetable and fish and meat
sufficiency. Donations were made in honour of the 57th
Anniversary Armed Forces Day. U Nay Win Tun presented
K 5 million, U Han Myint of Pale Family K 1 million, U
Aye Than, U Ra Haing and U Tin Shwe, on behalf of the
17 donors, K 7 million.

 Member of the State Peace and Development Council
Chairman of Leading Organizing Committee of the 57th
Anniversary Armed Forces Day Chief of Armed Forces
Training Maj-Gen Kyaw Win accepted the donations. U
Nay Win Tun presented K 1 million towards funds of the
Northern Command to hold the Armed Forces Day parade,
U Han Myint K 500,000 and 17 donors K 3 million.
Commander of Northern Command Brig-Gen Maung Maung Swe
accepted the donations.

 Back in Myitkyina, the General and party paid
respects to Buddhist monks led by Vice-Chairman of
State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw Agga Maha
Pandita Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Bhaddanta Silavamsa
at Dhamma Rekkhita Wuntho monastery. They also visited
the Abbot Training School and paid respects to the
Sayadaws.

They then inspected development of Myitkyina. Member
of Central Panel of Patrons of USDA Maj-Gen Soe Win,
accompanied by CEC members U Soe Tha, Col Thein Nyunt,
Brig-Gen Ohn Myint and Brig-Gen Thein Zaw met USDA
members. Member of the State Peace and Development
Council Chairman of Central Organnizing Committee of
Myanmar War Veterans Organization Adjutant-General
Maj-Gen Thein Sein, accompanied by Secretary Brig-Gen
Thura Myint Maung and officials, met with members of
the War Veterans Organizing Committees at different
levels and war veterans. He explained the aims,
attitude, the five current tasks and the seven future
tasks.

 Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National
Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt visited
border area youth development training school. He
presented gifts to the trainees. He also met with
departmental personnel at Myitkyina Township
Development Affairs Department. He also visited a
nursery. The General met with Kachin State, district
and township departmental officials at the City Hall
in Myitkyina this morning. The ministers, the deputy
ministers, the director-general of the State Peace and
Development Council Office and heads of department,
who accompanied the General, met with them at first.

Also present were members of Kachin State Peace and
Development Council and Kachin State departmental
officials, district authorities, departmental
officials of Myitkyina Township, members of social
organizations, ward authorities and traditional dance
troupes. Minister for National Planning and Economic
Development U Soe Tha spoke of economic development of
the nation, economic development of Kachin State in
comparison with other states and divisions and
implementation of the 2001-2002 economic plans by
Kachin State.

Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt
Tin spoke of the condition of the agriculture sector
and cultivation of rice, peas and beans, oil crops,
pepper, coffee, tea and rubber in Kachin State.
Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut explained
matters related to hydro-electric power projects
implemented by the Government to fulfil electricity
needs. Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung spoke
of tasks undertaken by the Ministry of Information in
building a new, peaceful, modern and developed nation.

 Then, the General and party arrived at the City Hall
at 9.15 am. Chairman of Kachin State Peace and
Development Council Commander of Northern Command
Brig-Gen Maung Maung Swe reported on the area of
Kachin State, the area of cultivable land, cultivation
of monsoon paddy and summer paddy and yields,
sufficiency of rice in townships, purchase of paddy,
cultivation of oil crops, sufficiency of edible oil,
cultivation of peas and beans, arrangements to grow
perennial crops, livestock breeding work and staff
welfare.

Afterwards, Maj-Gen Ye Myint said that as Kachin State
has made concerted efforts, local sufficiency of rice
has been achieved. There are a lot of acres of
cultivable land, and cultivation is to be extended for
the development of Kachin State. As measures are being
taken for the betterment of transport, regional
development is gaining momentum.

He also stressed the importance of carrying out work
in line with rural development tasks. Then, the
General said that the purpose of his visit to Kachin
State is to find out whether there is any difficulty
in implementing the objectives laid down by the
Government, to speed up efforts for the development of
Kachin State and to fulfil requirements. To develop
the Union made up of 14 states and divisions including
Kachin State, it is necessary to develop all the
states and divisions. It is necessary to expedite the
development of all the states and divisions and to
narrow the gap of development as much as possible
among states and divisions. Therefore, the first
short-term four-year plan and the second short-term
five-year plan were implemented beginning 1992.

 Now the third short-term five-year plan is being
implemented. After the implementation and the first
short-term four-year plan and the second short-term
five-year plan, the economy of the nation grew by 7.5%
and 8.4% respectively. In 2001-2002, the first year of
the third short-term five-year plan, the prospect of
achieving the target of the plan is bright. The
achievements can be attributed to the concerted
efforts of the Government, the people and the
Tatmadaw. With a view to ensuring the emergence of a
peaceful, modern and developed nation, the ministries
are implementing long-term plans as well as short-term
ones.

These short- and long-term plans are required to be
implemented successfully in respective states and
divisions. Kachin State abounds in natural resources.
There are a lot of land resources which can be
utilized for agriculture and livestock breeding. It is
imperative that Government employees in Kachin State
work hard for the development of Kachin State with
Union Spirit.

The Government, on its part, is attending to the needs
of Kachin State. To establish a transport network with
other states and divisions, Shwebo-Myitkyina motor
road and Tagaung-Bhamo motor road have been built. In
addition, Myitkyina-Sumprabum-Putao motor road has
been built. Plans are afoot to upgrade the motor road
to the one which can be negotiable in all weathers. At
the same time, Myitkyina-Tanaing motor road and
Tanaing-Nanyun motor road are being built with added
momentum. All in all, tarred roads have increased by
125 miles and gravel roads by 154 miles in comparison
with those in 1988. Roads are being upgraded and
repaired. Where necessary, bridges, big and small,
have been built. The bridges, 180 feet and above long,
are Bala Min Htin Bridge, Tapein Bridge, Tabetchaung
Bridge, Nammyitkha Bridge, Maliyan Bridge, Namsanyan
Bridge, Moele Bridge and Tanaing Bridge totalling
eight. In the education sector, 32 new high schools,
35 new middle schools and 64 new primary schools
totalling 131 have been opened.

 To provide higher education, six colleges and
universities have been opened in Myitkyina and Bhamo.
In the health sector, the 200-bed Myitkyina Hospital
has been upgraded to a 300-bed one; the 150-bed Bhamo
Hospital, to a 200-bed one. Seven hospitals have been
opened as well. The successful undertaking of the
development tasks in Kachin State can be ascribed to
the cessation of armed insurgency, stability and
prevalence of peace and tranquillity in Kachin State.
As national peace groups, in cooperation with the
Government, are carrying out national and regional
development tasks.

 What's important is to work hard in unity with Union
Spirit. All are to work hard on self-reliance. In
other words, reliance is to be placed on internal
strength. The nation did not get foreign assistance
due to internal and external forces who do not bear to
see national unity and development of the nation.
However, as the State, the people and the Government
have cooperated and worked hard, success has been
achieved. If there are no internal and external
disturbances, more success will be achieved and a
peaceful democracy will emerge in a short time. Due to
efforts of the national people, there are surpluses of
rice in Kachin State where there was no sufficiency of
rice previously. More efforts need to be made to
enable Kachin State to keep pace with other states and
divisions in development.

 Only when there is development in all states and
divisions, will the entire Union develop. During the
present third short-term five-year plan, emphasis has
been placed on development of rural areas. If five
tasks for development of rural areas where the
majority of the population of the nation live can be
undertaken effectively, the gap of development between
rural and urban areas will become narrower and
narrower and the living standard of rural people will
improve as well.

If the gap of development between rural and urban
areas becomes narrow and there is equitable
development, Union Spirit will surely flourish all the
more. Only when Union Spirit is kept dynamic and
alive, the Union made up of 14 states and divisions
exists for ever. In conclusion, the General urged all
to work hard in unity for the development of Kachin
State and the economic sector. Then, the General had a
cordial meeting with those present. The General and
party went to the confluence of Maykha and Malikha
where the River Ayeyawady originates by helicopter at
11 am. The General and party had photos taken at the
confluence. Later, the General and party arrived back
here via Myitkyina by Tatmadaw aircraft in the
evening.

Excerpts from General Maung Aye's speech in Myitkyina
on 4-3-2002

-To develop the Union made up of 14 states and
divisions including Kachin State, it is necessary to
develop all the states and divisions.

- It is necessary to expedite the development of all
the states and divisions and to narrow the gap of
development as much as possible among states and
divisions.

- The achievements can be attributed to the concerted
efforts of the Government, the people and the
Tatmadaw.

- It is imperative that Government employees in Kachin
State work hard for the development of Kachin State
with Union Spirit.

- The Government, on its part, is attending to the
needs of Kachin State.

- The successful undertaking of the development tasks
in Kachin State can be ascribed to the cessation of
armed insurgency, stability and prevalence of peace
and tranquillity in Kachin State.

- What's important is to work hard in unity with Union
Spirit. All are to work hard on self-reliance. In
other words, reliance is to be placed on internal
strength.

- The nation did not get foreign assistance due to
internal and external forces who do not bear to see
national unity and development of the nation.

- As the State, the people and the Government have
cooperated and worked hard, success has been achieved.


- If there are no internal and external disturbances,
more success will be achieved and a peaceful democracy
will surely emerge in a short time.
___________________________

( 2 ) General Maung Aye pays obeisance to Shwemyinzu
Pagoda in Indawgyi region, Mohnyin

Yangon, 4 March- Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and
Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of
Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General
Maung Aye paid obeisance to Shwemyinzu Pagoda in
Indawgyi region, Mohnyin Township, yesterday morning.
Accompanied by members of the State Peace and
Development Council, the Commander-in-Chief (Navy),
the Commander-in-Chief (Air), the Chairman of Kachin
State Peace and Development Council Commander of
Northern Command, ministers, deputy ministers, the
director-general of the State Peace and Development
Council Office and departmental heads, the General
left Myitkyina by helicopter and arrived at Shwemyinzu
Pagoda in Indawgyi region at 9 am.

The General and party were welcomed there by
Officiating Tactical Operations Commander Lt-Col Thura
Thet Oo Maung of Northern Command, Chairman of
Myitkyina District Peace and Development Council
Lt-Col Hla Thaung, Chairman of Mohnyin Township Peace
and Development Council U Win Htay and officials and
members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees. Then, the
General and party went to Shwemyinzu Pagoda which is
located in the Indawgyi Lake, paid obeisance to the
pagoda and offered ÔsoonÕ, water and flowers. Then,
the General inspected all-round renovation of
Shwemyinzu Pagoda and gave necessary instructions.
Next, the General presented cash donation for the
funds of the pagoda to the members of the Pagoda Board
of Trustees. Afterwards, the General and party visited
the pagoda.
___________________________

( 3 ) Secretary-1 receives Chinese guests

Yangon, 4 March - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received
Vice-Chairperson of the Chinese People's Institute of
Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China Mrs
Chen Baoliu and party at the Ministry of Defence at 5
pm today.

Also present at the call were Minister for Industry-1
U Aung Thaung, Minister at the State Peace and
Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel,
Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Minister for
Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Chairman of Yangon City
Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay, Deputy Minister
for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Director-General
of the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet and
Counsellor of the Embassy of the People's Republic of
China Mr Tang Ying.

---------

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt hosts dinner to Chinese
guests

Yangon, 4 March - Secretary-1 of the State and Peace
and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt hosted a
dinner to visiting Vice-Chairperson Mrs Chen Baoliu of
the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs,
People's Republic of China, and party at the Karaweik
Palace of Kandawgyi here at 7 pm today. Also present
at the dinner were chairman of Yangon City Development
Committee Mayor U Ko Lay, deputy ministers, officials
of the State Peace and Development Council Office and
departmental heads and officials from Chinese embassy
to Myanmar.

__________________________

( 4 )  Secretary-1 previews 39th Myanma Gems Emporium

Yangon, 4 March- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt previewed the
39th Myanma Gems Emporium for 2002 this morning. On
arrival at the Myanma Gems Emporium at 9 am, the
Secretary-1 was welcomed by members of the State Peace
and Development Council Maj-Gen Aung Htwe and Maj-Gen
Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defence, Chairman of Yangon
Division Peace and Development Council Commander
Brig-Gen Myint Swe, ministers, the Attorney-General,
deputy ministers, members of the 39th Myanma Gems
Emporium Central Committee and officials. The
Secretary-1 and party viewed jewellery shops and
mosaic shops on the ground floor of the emporium, raw
jade around the emporium and lots of gems and pearls
on the second floor. The Secretary-1 gave instructions
and left the emporium at 10.30 am.

---------

Secretary-1 inspects construction of White Elephant
house

Yangon, 4 March- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by
Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development
Council Commander Brig-Gen Myint Swe and officials of
the State Peace and Development Council Office,
arrived at the construction site of the house for Raza
Gaha Thiri Pissaya Gaza Raza White Elephant at the
garden on the southern part of Mindhamma Hill in
Insein Township, at 10 am today.

 The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed there by
Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, deputy
ministers, the vice-mayor, heads of department,
members of the security committee for the white
elephant and officials. At the office of the work
site, Deputy Minister for Forestry Col Thaik Tun and
Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa reported on the work of
looking after the White Elephant and feedstuff.

Deputy Minister for Science and Technology U Nyi Hla
Nge and officials reported on construction of the
house for the While Elephant, Myanmar handicraft works
and tasks for the garden for the White Elephant. The
Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions. Then, the
Secretary-1 and party viewed the White Elephant. Next,
the Secretary-1 inspected construction of garden for
the While Elephant, the house, the waterfall and lakes
and left the construction site later in the morning.

__________________________


( 5 ) Secretary-1 inspects regional development tasks
in Shan State (South)

Yangon, 4 March- Chairman of the Working Committee for
Development of Border Areas and National Races
Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council
Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by member of the State
Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Aung Htwe of the
Ministry of Defence, Chairman of Shan State Peace and
Development Council Commander of Eastern Command
Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint, ministers, the Chief of
Staff (Navy), the Chief of Staff (Air), deputy
ministers, officials of the State Peace and
Development Council Office, departmental heads and
officials, left Loilem, Shan State (South), by
Tatmadaw aircraft on 2 March morning and arrived in
Wamhaing Village, Kehsi Township, at 10 am.

 They were welcomed there by Command Staff Colonel Col
Win Hlaing of Eastern Command, Deputy Director Maj
Aung Phone of Development of Border Areas and National
Races Department, Chairman U Lwe Mao of Shan State
(North) Special Region-3 and national race leaders and
local people. Then, the Secretary-1 met with
departmental personnel and national race leaders at
the hall of Wamhaing Village. First, Chairman U Lwe
Mao of Shan State (North) Special Region-3 and border
area development in-charge U Kaung Tai reported on
facilities of education, health, agriculture and
irrigation, construction of roads and bridges and TV
retramission station, power generation, exploitation
of minerals and regional development tasks.

The Secretary-1 attended to their needs in the
regional development tasks. Next, the Secretary-1
presented TV and VCD set, clothes, medicines and
exercise books to U Lwe Mao. Similarly, U Lwe Mao
presented gifts to the Secretary-1 and party.
Afterwards, the Secretary-1 met with education staff
and fulfilled their requirements. Then, the
Secretary-1 and party proceeded to Wamhaing Orphanage
Parahita School where Principal Daw Nang San Kham
reported task to look after the 85 orphan students and
academic matters. The Secretary-1 attended to the
requirements of the school and gave instructions on
efforts to be made for teaching the students with the
aim of turning out outstanding students from the
school.

Next, the Secretary-1 provided cash assistance for the
school and exercise books, pencils and clothes for the
students to Principal Daw Nang San Kham. Afterwards,
the Secretary-1 and party inspected development of
Wamhaing Village. On arrival at Wamhaing Hydel Power
Plant, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the 75
kilowatt generator and 125 kilowatt generator.
Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party proceeded to the
antimony-smelting plant. At the briefing hall, factory
manager U Sai Htu reported on the location and
exploitation of raw antimony, production method of
refined antimony and manufacturing tasks.

The Secretary-1 left necessary instructions. Then, the
Secretary-1 and party inspected raw antimony, refined
minerals and the antimony-smelting workshop. Next, the
Secretary-1 and party went to Nawathida Monastery in
Wamhaing Village and then paid homage and donated
provisions to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Mulinta and members of
the Sangha. They then proceeded to Mongshu Gems Land
in Lwehsaunghtauk region where they were welcomed by
Tactical Operations Commander Col Hsan Tun, local
authorities, departmental personnel and members of the
Union Solidarity and Development Association, social
organizations and local people.

 At the Yeiktha, Deputy Director U Than Htaik of
Myanma Gems Enterprise reported on area of the gems
land, number of jewellery exploitation blocks,
condition of commercial blocks, methods of searching
jewellery, production of gems and jade in the gems
land, private entrepreneurs in cooperation with MGE
and tasks being carried for development of Mongshu
Gems Land in participation of private entrepreneurs.

Then, Tactical Operations Commander Col Hsan Tun
reported on arrangements being made for fire
prevention of Mongshu Gems Land. Then, the Secretary-1
said. The government has been making arrangements for
emergence of a gem market, development of gem mining
in mines including Mongshu gem mine and making gem
mining systematic laying down plans. Arrangements have
been made for making true accounts of gem stones mined
from gem mines, legal trading of gems with the prices
worth by eliminating illegal trading and emergence of
a gem market within the country.

 These tasks also include collecting due taxes for the
State and helping entrepreneurs get due benefit. So,
entrepreneurs are to do their business honestly and
faithfully knowing goodwill of the government. As
priceless stones come out only at pure holy land, I
believe precious stones will come out more as long as
the entrepreneurs are mentally and physically clean
and have good moral, integrity and dignity.

He urged the entrepreneurs to systematically perform
their tasks abiding by rules and regulations laid down
for development of gem mines. Entrepreneurs are to
follow the rules for prevention of fire, security and
law enforcement. He also called on officials to
constantly supervise and inspect work sites. Then, the
Secretary-1 and party inspected samples of gem stones
mined from plots of Mongshu Mine. Later, the
Secretary-1 and party proceeded to the gem mining site
jointly implemented by Myanma Gems Enterprise and Ruby
Dragon Gem Mining Enterprise (Group 1) on mutual
interest basis. They inspected quality rubies and raw
rubies and others.

Next, the Secretary-1 and party inspected rubies and
raw rubies mined from Zwe Ahman Gem Mining Co Ltd.
Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party proceeded to
Narai region in Namhsan Township where they were
welcomed by Leader of Narai region development and
rehabilitation group U Lichen, members and their
families who have returned to the legal fold, service
personnel and local people. At the hall, the
Secretary-1 met with departmental employees and
national race members of the group. On behalf of the
leader of the group, in-charge of economy U Ba Win
reported to the Secretary-1 on construction of the
village, roads and bridges, agriculture and livestock
breeding work, education and health matters,
construction of TV re-transmitting station, and plans
for development of economy in the region.

 The Secretary-1 fulfilled the requirements. The
Secretary-1 presented TV sets, VCPs and clothing to
the national leaders and note books to the teachers.
Then, national leaders also presented gifts to the
Secretary-1 and party. The Secretary-1 and party posed
for documentary photographs with national leaders and
local people. Later, the Secretary-1 and party arrived
at the work site of Mongsit Region of
Saikkhaung-Namhsan section of Shwenyaung-Namhsan
railroad construction project.

They were welcomed there by Minister for Rail
Transportation U Pan Aung, No 55 LID Commander
Brig-Gen Sein Lin, members of Township Peace and
Development Council, service personnel, members of
USDA, Red Cross and social organizations. First, the
Secretary-1 had a cordial meeting with Tatmadaw
members of battalions and units who were constructing
Saikkhaung-Namhsan railroad and gave encouragement to
them. At the briefing hall, Minister U Pan Aung
reported to the Secretary-1 on work being carried out
at the construction of 103-mile long
Saikkhaung-Namhsan section  finding axis, earthwork,
construction of embankment, collecting gravels and
sleepers, laying of rails and construction of bridges.

 Brig-Gen Sein Lin also reported on participation of
Tatmadaw members from battalions and units under No 55
LID and construction of rural roads, wells and lakes
by Tatmadaw members. Then, the Secretary-1 presented
delicacies to officials for Tatmadaw members.

 The Secretary-1 and party arrived back in Loilem in
the evening. On 1 March evening, the Secretary-1 and
party paid obeisance to Mwedaw Phyiphya Pagoda in
Loilem and made cash donation. Afterwards, they went
to Yadanasi Kyaungtaik in Loilem and paid obeisance
and presented offertories to members of Sangha led by
Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sila Nanda. Deputy Minister for
Health Prof Dr Mya Oo who accompanied the Secretary-1
inspected extension of Panglong Station Hospital on 1
March. He also inspected Namhsan Hospital on 3 March.
___________________________

( 6 )  Nepalese guests call on Minister for Foreign
Affairsfairs

Yangon, 4 March- A two-member delegation led by Deputy
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mr Arjun Jung
Bahadur Singh of Nepal arrived here by air today. The
guests called on Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win
Aung at his office at 3.3 pm and Deputy Minister U
Khin Maung Win at 12.30 pm. Also present at the calls
were Charge d'Affaires ai of the Nepalese Embassy Mr
Harishchandra Ghimire, the director-general of
Political Department and officials.

---------

Minister receives Chinese guests

Yangon, 4 March - Minister for Industry-1 U Aung
Thaung received the eight-member delegation led by
Vice-Chairperson of Chinese People's Institute of
Foreign Affairs Mrs Chen Baoliu at his office at 1 pm
today. Also present at the call were Deputy Ministers
Brig-Gen Thein Tun and Brig-Gen Kyaw Win,
directors-general of departments and managing
directors of enterprises.
___________________________

( 7 ) Ambassadors, diplomats visit Gems Emporium

Yangon, 4 March- The ambassadors, diplomats, military
attaches and officials of UN agencies visited the 39th
Myanma Gems Emporium 2002 this morning. The emporium
is organized by Myanma Gems Emporium Central
Committee.

---------

Journalists visit Gems Emporium

Yangon, 4 March - Member of the Information Committee
of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy
Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein,
Director-General of Myanma Radio and Television U Khin
Maung Htay, Director-General of the Information and
Public Relations Department U Chit Naing, Director
(News) of News and Periodicals Enterprise U Hla Tun,
Correspondent of Kyodo News Agency U Sein Win, Patron
of Myanma Foreign Correspondent Club U Hla Htwe,
President U Sao Kai Hpa and member correspondents,
chief editors and editors of dailies visited the 39th
Myanma Gems Emporium for 2002 at noon today. On
arrival at the emporium, they were welcomed by the
Central Committee Chairman Deputy Minister U Myint
Thein, Secretary Managing Director of MGE U Khin Oo
and members of the Central Committee. They viewed
modern jewellery manufactured by Myanmar VES
Joint-Venture Company, lots of gems and jade,
jewellery and jade figurines to be sold at fixed
prices by Myanma Gems Enterprise, private jewellery
shops and mosaic shops, raw jade around the emporium
and lots of gems and pearls to be sold through
competitive bidding.

Chairman of the 39th Gems Emporium Central Committee
Deputy Minister for Mines U Myint Thein held a Press
meet. He said 742 companies from 29 countries were
invited to attend the emporium. Up to 1 March, replies
have been received from 174 merchants from 74
companies of 12 countries to attend the emporium.
However, most of the merchants from Hong Kong attend
the emporium without making any replies. Thus, it is
estimated that 300 foreign merchants will attend the
emporium.

The emporium will put on sale 1,162 jade lots at a
floor price of over US $ 13.14 million, 208 gem lots
at a floor price of over US $ 10.01 million, 59 pearl
lots at a floor price of over US $ 570,000, totalling
1,429 lots at a floor of over US $ 23.72 million. It
will also sell jewellery and jade figurines at a fixed
price of over US $ 1.11 million. Deputy Minister
Brig-Gen Aung Thein gave a speech. Chairman of the
Central Committee Deputy Minister U Myint Thein,
Secretary Managing Director U Khin Oo and member U
Maung Toe replied to the questions raised by local and
foreign journalists. They said two local private
companies are conducting joint-venture jade mining on
mutual interests with the State in Loihsanhtauk
region, Mongshu Township, eight local private
companies in Phakant Township, and one local private
company in Khamti Township.

 The companies have mined 918,020 kilos of jade and
9,301,472 carats of gems. They have sold US $
4,063,097 worth of gems and US $ 2,321,684 worth of
jade. Moreover, low quality utility jade were sold for
two times at Lonkhin in Phakant Township at K
409,334,188. The joint-venture companies will sell 170
lots of jade at a floor price of US $ 2.9 million.
Three gems lots from Mongshu region will be put on
sale at a floor price of US $ 603,000. Foreigners will
be permitted to buy with US dollars, and the local
companies with US dollars, FECs or kyats. Period of
inspection will be from 5 to 7 March. Sale of jade
blocks under tender system will be from 8 to 10 March,
gems lots on 11 March and pearl lots on 12 March.
___________________________

( 8 ) Industry-1 Minister inspects factories

Yangon, 4 March- Minister for Industry-1 U Aung
Thaung, accompanied by Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen Thein
Tun and Brig-Gen Kyaw Win, arrived at the branch of No
1 Footwear Factory of Myanma General and Maintenance
Industries on Insein-Mingaladon Road in Insein
Township this morning. The minister inspected storage
of raw materials and production process. At the
briefing hall, Factory Manager U Than Tun reported on
production and distribution of various items of
footwear, availability and storage of raw materials.

At 8 am, the minister attended and delivered an
address at the opening ceremony of cement quality
control technique course at Advanced Firebrick Factory
of Myanma Ceramic Industries in Phawgan, Insein
Township. Altogether 35 trainees are attending the
course. Next, Chairman of Myanma Industrial
Development Committee Minister for Industry-1 U Aung
Thaung, together with Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket
Sein, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Deputy
Minister for Health Prof Dr Mya Oo and officials,
arrived at the factory of Myanmar Jick Young Co on Min
Theikdi Kyawswa Road in Hlinethaya Industrial Zone and
inspected production process of the disposable syringe
factory. Officials discussed GMP system to be
accurately observed in manufacturing the syringe to
meet the set international standard. Minister U Aung
Thaung, Minister Maj-Gen Ket Sein and Deputy Minister
Prof Dr Mya Oo gave necessary instructions. Later,
they arrived at the factory of the New Golden Bamboo
Co Ltd and inspected production of bamboo parquet.

---------

Basic Diplomatic Skill course concludes

Yangon, 4 March - The concluding ceremony of Basic
Diplomatic Skill Course (5/2001-2), conducted by the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was held at the Wunzin
Minraza hall of the ministry this morning. It was
attended by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung,
Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win, departmental heads,
and Myanmar ambassadors, senior diplomats, rectors and
professors of universities who lectured the course,
and trainees. The minister made a course concluding
speech and presented completion certificates to the
trainees. Altogether 156 trainees of government
employees, company staff, entrepreneurs making
business with foreign companies and those interested
in international affairs attended the 12-week course.

___________________________

( 9 )  Commander visits Vegetable and Poultry Farming
Special Zone

Yangon, 4 March - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace
and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command
Brig-Gen Myint Swe visited Yangon Division Vegetable
and Poultry Farming Special Zone near Nyaunghnapin
Village in Hmawby Township, Yangon District (West) in
Yangon Division this morning. Brig-Gen Myint Swe
inspected the growing of vegetables and poultry
farming in the zone. He gave necessary instructions to
the officials and attended to the needs. He arrived at
Hmawby Hsan hall of Special Zone-1 at 11.30 am and was
welcomed there by officials.

At the briefing hall, the commander heard the reports
by Manager of Yangon Division Myanma Agriculture
Service U San Maung, In-charge of Special Zone-2
Commissioner of Yangon Division General Administration
Department U Thein Swe, In-charge of Special Zone-3
Division Officer of Yangon Division Settlements and
Land Records Department U Naing Win on land
reclamation, land preparation, cultivation and
livestock breeding tasks. Executive Engineer U Aung
Kyaw Oo of Yangon Division Myanma Electric Power
Enterprise reported to the commander on installation
of power lines in extended area of Special Zone-2 and
other regions, and Director U Ko Ko of Yangon Division
Forest Department on nurseries to be set up at
roadsides in the zone and future tasks. After giving
necessary instructions to the officials, the commander
inspected the growing of vegetables in greenhouses by
Myanmar Agro Peace Co Ltd. He also inspected thriving
vegetable fields of OK Agriculture Group and
plantations in Special Zone-1 and left there in the
afternoon. Ministries and national entrepreneurs are
growing vegetables and raising poultry in the zone and
altogether 3,268 acres of land have been put under
vegetables and over 500,000 layers and over 200,000
broilers have been distributed to date.

---------

AWB demonstrates on-line banking service

Yangon, 4 March- A ceremony to explain the on-line
banking service was held at May Hwa Hall at
Theingyizay Market this afternoon. Vice-Chairman of
Asia Wealth Bank Ltd U Aik Tun explained the use of
on-line banking service at the branches of AWB and
answered the queries. Then, officials demonstrated the
use of on-line banking service. Later, the lucky draw
programme was held.

---------

Tourists arrive in Mandalay

Yangon, 4 March- Under the arrangement of Asian Trails
Tour Ltd with assistance provided by Ministry of
Transport and under the supervision of Ministry of
Hotels and Tourism, the chartered CrossAir carrying 54
tourists and nine crew on board arrived at Mandalay
International Airport at 2 pm on 3 March. They were
welcomed there by officials of the ministries
concerned and Asian Trails Tour Ltd. Swiss are the
largest number among the tourists. They visited
Amarapura, Sagaing and Mandalay. Tomorrow, they will
go to Bagan-NyaungU by Air Mandalay flight and leave
Mandalay International Airport at 9.40 pm on 6 March.

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