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

[Ok Kar <okkar66126@xxxxxxxxx>]

The New Light of Myanmar (Tuesday October 29, 2002)
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1. State Peace and Development Council Chairman
   Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations
   to Republic of Turkey
2. Secretary-1 inspects development tasks in
   Shan State (North)
3. Secretary-1 attends enshrinement, Htidaw hoisting
   ceremony at Maha Dhammayanthi Yanaung Pagoda in
   Kaungkha Myothit
4. Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt pays homage
   to Hsinthet Sayadaw of Chinese Buddhist
   Missionary Association
5. Three-storey Mahazeya Mingala Theinkyaungdaw
   of Bangladesh Kyaungtaik in Tamway
   Township opens
6. General Khin Nyunt meets executives,
   officials of travel agencies and hoteliers
7. A Mon Factory opens

---------------------

1. State Peace and Development Council Chairman
   Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations
   to Republic of Turkey

Yangon, 29 Oct - On the occasion of the anniversary of
the Proclamation of the Republic of Turkey, which
falls on 29 October 2002, Senior General Than Shwe,
Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of
the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of
felicitations to His Excellency Mr Ahmet Necdet Sezer,
President of the Republic of Turkey.

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2. Secretary-1 inspects development tasks in
   Shan State (North)

Mongyai-Nanlaung-Kehsi road and other roads being
upgraded for better transport in southern and northern
Shan States with efforts of Tatmadawmen

Yangon, 28 Oct - The presentation of fertilizers for
cultivating 250 acres of special high yield Hsinshweli
paddy strain in Shan State (North) was held in
conjunction with cultivation of 300 acres of special
high yield paddy at the model paddy field in Humon
Village-tract in Lashio on 27 October morning.

The Secretary-1 and party viewed the agricultural
machinery showroom of Agricultural Mechanization
Department and the booth of Myanma Agriculture
Service. Chairman of Shan State (North) Agricultural
Supervisory Committee Additional Commissioner U Sein
Oak of General Administration Department reported that
the Commander of North-East Command managed to
cultivate 25,000 acres of special high yield
Hsinshweli paddy strain in the state this rainy
season.

At present, 7,106 acres of paddy out of 25,000 acres
have been harvested and the yield was 150.35 baskets
per acre. A total of 20,424 acres of land will be put
under high yield Hsinshweli paddy strain this summer.
Although 80,000 acres of high yield paddy will be
cultivated for cent per cent local sufficiency of rice
in the coming monsoon, 100,000 acres of land will be
put under paddy for achieving the surplus. Altogether,
there will be 30,000 acres of paddy in Lashio
District, 3,200 acres in Muse District, 33,000 acres
in Kyaukme District, 3,000 acres in Kunlong District
and 2,000 acres in Laukkai District, totaling 100,000.
In addition, mechanized farming is being carried out
with added momentum for improving the living standard
of local farmers and timely cultivation. Although
there were 672 power-tillers in Shan State (North) in
2001-2002, there are 1,568 ones now with an increase
of 896; there were 112 paddy threshing machines in
2001-2002 compared with 178 machines now with an
increase of 66; and a total of 44 paddy harvesters and
13 threshing and winnowing machines have been provided
in the region.

A total of 250 power-tillers, nine paddy threshers, 43
paddy harvesters, three water pumps and four threshing
and winnowing machines, managed by the Commander of
North-East Command. In coming monsoon, the first
cultivation of the hybrid paddy strains will be
undertaken on 100,000 acres of farmlands depending
upon success achieved in the cultivation of summer
paddy and arrangements will be made for cultivation of
the rest on the remaining acres of land. It is
expected to produce 35,089,922 baskets of paddy in
Shan State (North) in 2003-2004 after monsoon paddy
cultivation. Local rice sufficiency is 33,766,424
baskets of paddy and surplus of paddy is 1,323,498
baskets of paddy. Then, the commander reported on
arrangements being made for local sufficiency of rice
in Shan State (North) designating the local rice
sufficiency as the national duty. The Secretary-1
presented 750 bags of fertilizers donated by Diamond
Star Co Ltd to be used in special high yield paddy
cultivation to the commander.

Next, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the nursery
of high yield paddy strain of Hsinshweli, broadcasting
of Hsinshweli paddy strain and paddy transplanting
demonstration. At 9 am, the Secretary-1 and party,
accompanied by the commander, arrived in Mongyai,
Lashio District, where they were welcomed by Tactical
Operations Commander Col Khin Maung Myint and local
authorities, national race leader U Loi Maung and
members of Shan State (North) Special Region-3, USDA
members and local people.

Then, the Secretary-1 attended the opening ceremony of
the multimedia classrooms at Mongyai Basic Education
High School at 9.30 am.

Headmaster U Win Myint and Chairman of SBT U Sai Sein
Maung formally opened the multimedia classrooms. Then,
the General formally unveiled the signboard of the
multimedia classrooms. Next, the General and party
inspected the language lab, the computer skills room,
the computer aided instruction room, the projected
media room, the audio lab and the printed media and
the students learning at the classrooms. Then, they
inspected the domestic science room and the art room.
Afterwards, the General and party enjoyed performance
of the students at the art room. Then, the ceremony to
open the multimedia classrooms followed at the hall of
the school. Headmaster U Win Myint reported on the
purpose for opening the multimedia classrooms at the
school and installation of modern teaching aids at the
rooms. The Chairman of the School Board of Trustees
reported on efforts made for emergence of the
multimedia classrooms.

Next, the General presented one set of computer, a TV,
a VCR and teaching aid video tapes to national race
leader U Loi Maung. The Secretary-1 then accepted
three computers, teaching aids worth K 1,640,000 for
the school donated by Commander Brig-Gen Myint Hlaing;
five clocks for the multimedia classrooms by Minister
for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and
Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt; K 1 million by
national race leader U Aik Maung of Shan State Special
Region-3; K 1 million by Managing Director U Tun Myint
Naing of Asia World Co Ltd; and K 7,544,806 by Lashio
District and Mongyai Township authorities, regiments
and units, departments, social organizations, members
of SBT and PTA and local people through Chairman of
Lashio District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col
Kyaw Shwe.

The Secretary-1 presented 28 school uniforms for
teachers of the school, 816 dozens of exercise books
and 136 dozens of pencils to Headmaster U Win Myint.
Then, officials and national races reported on
agriculture, transport, telecommunication, power
supply, education, health and other requirements. The
General attended to their needs.

Then, the Secretary-1 delivered an address.The
Secretary-1 said he and his party came to northern
Shan State including Mongyai Township to fulfil the
requirements. He made arrangements for opening of
multimedia classrooms in the region. There is surplus
of rice in Mongyai region. The high-ranking officials
urged regional authorities concerned to undertake the
measures for rice sufficiency in the region. Under the
close supervision of the commander, special high yield
paddy was cultivated. According to the reports, paddy
yield increased and there was surplus of food in the
region.

He said the government has been making arrangements
for better transport which is important for regional
development. The government also renovated old roads
and built new ones and bridges in the regions. The
Mongyai-Nanlaung-Kehsi road and other roads are being
upgraded for better transport in southern and northern
Shan State with the efforts of the Tatmadawmen. Armed
forces with different views that opposed the
government made peace with the government with the
attitudes of participation in regional development and
uplift of living standard of the people. As a result,
border regions have now been significantly developed.

The Secretary-1 said he and party arrived in Wanhai
region in Kehsi Township recently and fulfilled
education, health and transport and social
requirements. The armed groups and the Ministry of
Progress of Border Areas and National Races and
Development Affairs held coordination meetings for
regional development. Kokang, Laukkai, Mongmaw, Namtip
and Pangsang regions can now catch up with the
development of other nations.

He said there are still some inner regions that lagged
behind development. He spoke of the need for the
government, region-in-charges and local people to work
hard in harmony for development of those regions.
Under the guidance of the Head of State, Loilem
district including Panglong region which originated
the Union was designated as a major development
region. Magnificent Panglong University, computer
college and technological college are being
constructed. Moreover, the 100-bed hospital is being
upgraded to 200-bed one in order to promote health
care service for local people.

The government has been building universities, degree
colleges, computer colleges and technological colleges
with the aim of turning out intellectuals and
intelligentsia in Shan State in future and development
of human resources. At a time when the government is
making endeavors for equal development of the regions
in the Union, the national people are to strive for
all-round development of the Union based on the Union
Spirit and brotherly spirit. He said insurgents and
expatriates living in other countries has spread
fabricated news with the intention of breaking up the
Union and national solidarity and sowing discord among
the national people. It is necessary for them not to
be deceived by such fabricated news. Due to outside
instigations and doubt among the national brethren
armed struggle occurred. There was no peace in the
region for 40 years. The people had also witnessed
difficulties and bitter experiences.

He said the government with genuine loving kindness
and goodwill towards the national people is
implementing the tasks for equal development of the
regions and uplift of the national people not in words
but in actions. He pointed out that development tasks
cannot be carried out by the government alone. He
called on all the national people and departmental
officials in the states and divisions to work in
harmony with the Union Spirit, national solidarity
spirit and patriotism. The Secretary-1 and party had
photos taken together with national race leaders,
members of school board of trustees, teachers and
students.

The Secretary-1 and party went to the site of
Mongyai-Nanlaung road section of upgrading strategic
roads in northern Shan State. Commander Brig-Gen Myint
Hlaing reported on extension of 53 mile and two
furlongs Hsipaw-Nanlan-Tonlaw Road, renovation of
gravel road, paving of tar road, 55-mile
Tangyang-Mongkaung-Mongshu Road, renovation of
Nanlan-Tonlaw tarred road section, extension of
24-mile Lashio-Mongyai-Nanlaung road section, paving
of roads, stockpiling of materials, quarries and
machines. Lt-Gen Aung Htwe gave supplementary report.
The Secretary-1 gave instructions and presented cash
to commanding officers for the Tatmadawmen rendering
assistance to the construction of roads. The
Secretary-1 and party inspected paving of
Lashio-Mongyai-Nanlaung Road.

The Secretary-1 and party inspected the construction
of roads by the Tatmadawmen and had a chat with them.
The Secretary-1 and party went to the exploration of
coal ore in Harphut region in Tangyang Township. They
were welcomed by Director-General of Geological Survey
and Mineral Exploration Department U Win Ti and
officials. The Secretary-1 and party inspected sample
of coal from the region. Commander Brig-Gen Myint
Hlaing reported on exploration of coal ore in Manpang
and Mongmar regions and Harphut region, findings of
geologists, blocks and estimated extraction of 1.2
million tons of coal. Director-General of Geological
Survey and Mineral Exploration Department U Win Ti and
officials reported on geological position, detail
geological survey, extraction of coal, the volume of
coal ore and tasks to be done. Minister for Mines gave
a supplementary report.

The Secretary-1 gave instructions and inspected
1600x380 feet coal ore and 180x60 feet coal ore.
Experts of Geological Survey and Mineral Exploration
Department are conducting detailed survey on condition
of coal ore and prospects. The Secretary-1 and party
arrived back here from Lashio in the evening.

On 25 October, Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein
inspected Mantong 25-bed hospital. The minister was
conducted round by medical superintendent Dr Win
Naing. The minister met the medical superintendent and
staff and discussed requirements.

On 27 October, the minister inspected construction of
delivery ward of Lashio Hospital. The minister gave
instructions on effective use of power and fuel and
inspected rehabilitation centre for drug addicts and
ward for children.

On 27 October, the minister inspected construction of
extension of ward, maintenance of operation theatre,
delivery room and medical storage and gave
instructions on requirements.

Deputy Minister for Immigration and Population U Maung
Aung met officials and service personnel of
Immigration and National Registration Department in
northern Shan State on 26 October. He fulfilled the
requirements of the service personnel.

Deputy Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen Than
Tun met departmental officials of Internal Revenue
Department, Customs Department, Myanma Economic Bank,
Myanmar Insurance and small loans department on 25
October.

On 26 October, Deputy Minister for Agriculture and
Irrigation Brig-Gen Khin Maung met Shan State and
District supervisory committees and gave instructions
on cultivation of cold season crops, cultivation
acreage and correct yield and organizing and educating
farmers after making field trips.

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3. Secretary-1 attends enshrinement, Htidaw hoisting
   ceremony at Maha Dhammayanthi Yanaung Pagoda in
   Kaungkha Myothit

Yangon, 28 Oct - The upper enshrinement ceremony of
Maha Dhammayanthi Yanaung Pagoda was held in
conjunction with the ceremony to hoist the Shwe Htidaw
atop the pagoda on Thiri Manda Hill in Kaungkha
Myothit, Kutkai Township, Shan State (North), on 26
October morning, attended by Secretary-1 of the State
Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.

The Secretary-1 offered Shwezedi and jade Buddha image
donated by Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw
Mya Mya San and Seinbudaw; Lt-Gen Aung Htwe of the
Ministry of Defence, Hngetmyatna- daw; Commander
Brig-Gen Myint Hlaing, Buddha image; national race
leader U Mahtu Naw, gold bells to Sayadaw Bhaddanta
Muninda. Commander Brig-Gen Myint Hlaing donated the
documents related to the plot of the pagoda to the
Sayadaw.

Then, the enshrinement and Htidaw hoisting ceremony
followed. First, the Secretary-1 and party, national
race leader U Mahtu Naw, national races and
wellwishers conveyed Seinbudaw, Hngetmyatnadaw, tiers
of Shwehtidaw and religious objects round the pagoda.
Then, the Secretary-1 and party, U Mahtu Naw and
wellwishers carried Seinbudaw, Hngetmyatnadaw, tiers
of Shwehtidaw to the decorated carriage pandal.

The lay persons also carried the sacred relics onto
the upper reliquary. At the auspicious time, the
Secretary-1 kept sacred relics into the eastern
reliquary, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe at the southern one,
Commander Brig-Gen Myint Hlaing at the western one and
U Mahtu Naw at the northern one.

Then, the Secretary-1 and party sprinkled scented
water at the reliquaries. At the auspicious time,
General Khin Nyunt, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe, Brig-Gen Myint
Hlaing and U Mahtu Naw hoisted tiers of the Htidaw,
Hngetmyatnadaw and Seinbudaw atop the pagoda by the
decorated carriage. The ministers, on behalf of the
wellwishers, hoisted Htidaws atop the encircling
Zedis. The Secretary-1 then shared merits gained and
the ceremony came to an end.

Next, the Secretary-1 performed the rituals of golden
and silver showers to mark the successful completion
of the ceremony. Afterwards, the consecration ceremony
of the pagoda was held at Gandakuti Taik. Members of
the Sangha consecrated the pagoda. Next, the donation
ceremony and the merit-sharing ceremony were held at
Thirimanda Sasana Beikman. The Secretary-1 and party,
national race leader U Mahtu Naw and wellwishers
offered provisions to the Sayadaws.

Then, the Secretary-1 accepted K 25 million for the
pagoda donated by the Ministry for Progress of Border
Areas and National Races and Development Affairs
through Minister Col Thein Nyunt; K 15 million by
North-East Command Headquarters and regiments and
units through Commander Brig-Gen Myint Hlaing; K 10
million by national races of Special Region-5 through
national race leader U Mahtu Naw; K 10 million by Asia
World Co through Managing Director U Tun Myint Naing;
K 8,458,000 by local people in Muse District and
Township through Tactical Operations Commander Col
Shan Shwe Than; K 3.4 million by Shan State (North)
Special region peace group through U Kai Hpa of
Special Region-3 peace group; K 500,000 by families of
the local intelligence unit through Commandant Maj Win
Zaw; and others.

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4. Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt pays homage
   to Hsinthet Sayadaw of Chinese Buddhist
   Missionary Association


Yangon, 28 Oct - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council General Khin Nyunt, arrived at
Aungmyay Bodhi Dhamma Yeiktha Alodawpyi Monastery in
Tamyay Township at 11 am today.

Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and party paid homage
to Alodawpyi Sayadaw Bhaddanta Ariyavamsa and members
of the Sangha led by Hsinthet Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kusala
of the Taipei Chinese Buddhist Missionary Association.
Then, the Hsinthet Sayadaw presented a Buddha image to
the Secretary-1 as a Dhamma gift.



The Secretary-1 in return offered a gem-studded
Alodawpyi pagoda to the Hsinthet Sayadaw. At a
cash-donation ceremony, Sayadaw Bhaddanta Ariyavamsa
spoke words of thanks for all the donations made by
Chinese Buddhist Missionary Association in Myanmar.

Next, the Hsinthet Sayadaw donated K 50 million for
the construction of Alodawpyi Dhammacariya University.
Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin accepted
the donation.

The Hsinthet Sayadaw also donated K 10.5 million for
the maintenance of the Bagan ancient pagoda No 1362.

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5. Three-storey Mahazeya Mingala Theinkyaungdaw
   of Bangladesh Kyaungtaik in Tamway
   Township opens

Yangon, 28 Oct - A ceremony to open new three-storey
Mahazaya Mingala Theinkyaungdaw of Bangladesh
Kyaungtaik on Myanmar Gonyi Road in Natchaung Ward,
Tamway Township was held in conjunction with the sixth
ceremony to offer Kathina robes to the Kyaungtaik at
the Kyaungtaik at 10 am today.

Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council
General Khin Nyunt attended the ceremonies and
presented Kathina robes and offertories to members of
the Sangha. The ceremony was opened with three-time
recitation of Namo Tassa and Staff Officer of Yangon
Division Religious Affairs Department U San Thin
Hlaing read the stone inscription. Then, Minister for
Religious Affairs U Aung Khin and Patron of the
Kyaungtaik Board of Trustees member of Civil Service
Selection and Training Board U Hla Myint Oo formally
opened the new three-storey building.

Next, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt unveiled the
stone inscription of the new three-storey building.
Then, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt sprinkled the
stone inscription with scented water and the ceremony
ended with three time recitation of Buddha Sasanam
Ciram Titthatu. This was followed by Kathina robes
offering ceremony. The congregation received the Five
Precepts from Secretary of State Sangha Maha Nayaka
Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga
Maha Sadhammajotika Magway Sayadaw Bhad-dnata Kumara.
Then, members of the Sangha recited parittas.

Afterwards, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt presented
Kathina robes and offertories to Magway Saya-daw
Bhaddanta Kumara. Then, the commander, ministers, the
Yangon Mayor and wellwishers presented offertories to
members of the Sangha. Then, the Secretary-1 presented
certificates of honour for wellwishers who donated
cash at the first, second and third cash donation
ceremonies for the new three-storey building through
Chairman of the Kyaungtaik Board of Trustees U Soe
Aung. Next, the fourth cash donation ceremony for the
new building was held.

Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt accepted the donations
K 2 million by U Win Naing of Pyi Sone Win Naing Co ;
K 1 million by U Soe Aung of Thukha Aung Co; K 100,000
by member of CSSTB U Hla Myint Oo-Daw Aye Aye Myint
and family; K 500,000 by U Kyaw Naing-Daw Khin Khin
Myint and family; K 340,000 by U Saw Oo-Daw Nyo Than
and family and K 120,000 by U Kyi Lwin-Daw Saw Tin Aye
and family.

Afterwards, Magway Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara delivered
a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained. The
ceremony ended with the three-time recitation of
Buddha Sasanam Ciram Titthatu. After the ceremony, the
Secretary-1 performed the rituals of golden and silver
showers to mark the success of the ceremonies.

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6. General Khin Nyunt meets executives,
   officials of travel agencies and hoteliers

Yangon, 28 Oct - Chairman of Management Committee for
Development of Tourism Industry State Peace and
Development Council Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt met
executives and members of Myanmar Hoteliers
Association and Myanmar Travel Association which are
formed under the supervision of the Ministry of Hotels
and Tourism at Ottara Hall of Karaweik Palace here
this morning and gave instructions on matters relating
to development of tourism industry.

Chairman of the Committee Secretary-1 General Khin
Nyunt made a speech. He said at a time when efforts
are being made with own national forces for the
emergence of a modern and developed nation, it is
heartening to see that the Myanmar Hoteliers
Association has been firmly organized because it means
addition of one more national force for the State to
rely on. Moreover, the association is a force that can
cooperate with Myanmar Travel Association for
development of tourism industry of Myanmar. The State
Peace and Development Council is making all-round
efforts for progress of national socio-economy of the
citizens and for the country to be able to stand tall
among world nations.

In doing so, encouragement is being given for the
development of the tourism industry that is a
successful business in world countries. In reality,
tourism industry is a lucrative business that earns
foreign currency easily and it is the one that can
make the reputation of the country famous in the
world. It also creates opportunities for obtaining
foreign investments as well as technologies. So, it is
a beneficial industry for the State, he pointed out.
The tourism industry comprises two sections hotel and
travel sections and these two sections are to provide
assistance to each other for harmonious development.

In the time of the present government, social,
economic and communicative relations with other
countries have been promoted, and in economic sector,
the State permitted foreign investments and firms in
Myanmar that has contributed to the development of
hotel and travel agencies. At the same time,
assistance are being provided by the State for the
emergence of international standard civil buildings.
So, international trade centres with modern servicing
systems, modern department stores, international
airport and terminals as well as five-star hotels and
high standard hotels and motels have emerged here and
there all over the country, he added.

The General continued to say that these good
foundations are good conditions for booming of hotel
and travel agencies. Hotel industry has been
developing with momentum in Myanmar since the
Government has encouraged it. In 1988, there were
altogether 19 hotels with 790 rooms under the Myanma
Hotels and Tourism Services. Since the Government have
come to power, new itineraries and new regions have
been extended for tourism industry and there are
altogether 42 hotels with 1,402 rooms at present.

The Government founded the Ministry of Hotels and
Tourism in 1992 for development of the industry and
tasks have been implemented with added momentum. IN
addition, private entrepreneurs are permitted to
engage in the industry for wider performance. Foreign
investments are invited and as of August 2002, the
number of hotels with foreign investment of US $
1,235.106 million is 40. Out of the 31 projects of the
Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, 19 have been completed
and that contributed to the opening of 3,574 hotel
rooms. Out of nine projects of other ministries, seven
have been completed. But the present situation is not
satisfactory if compared with other nations.

So, strenuous efforts are to be made cooperatively, he
pointed out. Hotel industry and tourism industry are
inseparable and are promising. So, world nations place
emphasis on these two industries and are regarded as
Invisible Export. As the hotel industry develops, it
is important to male efforts for development of
tourism industry. Tourists have developed the habit of
visiting new and strange tourist sites for recreation
as well as for cultural, natural and social
observations. There are good prospects for development
of tourism industry in Myanmar and having fauna and
flora unspoiled is a strong point of Myanmar. She has
snow-capped mountain-ranges, natural ponds and
forests, pleasant horizontal beaches remain unspoiled.


Hence, the region is the habitat of flora and fauna
and rare birds and butterflies which are on the verge
of extinction in the world. Furthermore, untouched
coral reef and islands and biodiversity of aquatic
animals attract tourists who are fond of yachting and
scuba-diving, he elaborated. Ancient cultural
buildings, religious edifices decorated with ten
Myanmar traditional arts and crafts are abundant in
Myanmar. Traditional costume and customs, arts and
handicrafts are being preserved to date. National
races also contribute to development of cultural
tourism.

Moreover, traditional festivals and 12 Myanma
traditional festival are cultural basis that can be
observed all the year round. Some countries make one
or two resources interesting for development of
tourism industry. As for the Union of Myanmar, there
are various kinds of good foundations for development
of almost all kinds of tourism. So, it is high time
for all to make cooperation with innovations and
concerted efforts. Departments of the State are needed
to contribute assistance to the industry and hoteliers
and travel agency entrepreneurs are to unitedly make
cooperation.

The Government has been giving encouragement for
development of tourism by building the international
airports and ports of the international level. Permit
has been granted to use the international level
airports and ports as the gates to the world. In
addition, permit has been granted to use the border
gates as land entry as well as to package tour to
enter Myanmar. The Visa fees and exchange of foreign
currency for FEC have been reduced and encouragement
is being given to private sectors to enable them to
use more foreign currency.

Arrangements have been made to fly direct flights of
foreign airlines at Mandalay International Airport in
addition to Yangon International Airport and to extend
the domestic airlines for tourists. Permit has also
been given for chartered flights and ocean-going
liners, powered boats and boats and to visit Myanmar.
Union of Myanmar Travel Association and Myanmar
Hoteliers Association, which will take the leading
role for both hoteliers and tour operators, have
emerged and the association are to make relentless
efforts in unity for development of tourism sector
under the their flag.

He urged the two associations are to make efforts in
unity with the same objectives for tourism
development. He called on officials concerned to
safeguard the dignity and image of their races and
nation as the nature of work has to deal with the
international community and to pay serious attention
to preserving their fine culture, customs and
integrity while making efforts for their own benefit
and national interests. With combined efforts, all
concerned are to take further measures to enable the
associations to stand as a national force, to ensure
the emergence of a hotel syndicate that possessed good
performance and discipline, and to boost the tourism
of the State.

In Myanmar, there are many tourist attractions and
destinations, the tourism has not met with success yet
as expected due to hindrance and obstacles
manufactured by internal and external destructive
elements. They are attempting to block investments and
foreigners from coming to Myanmar with ill intention.
Thus, the entrepreneurs who take responsibility for
tourism are needed to crash and destroy the slanderous
fabrications of the internal and external destructive
elements. He urged the two associations to join hand
with the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism in making
efforts for development of tourism in Myanmar and if
combined efforts are to be made the arrival of 1
million of tourists, the objective of the State, will
be fulfilled soon.

He stressed the need for officials to enhance the
relationship among the entrepreneurs and media
penetration as own Website has been set up, to apply
modern techniques and facilities in boosting the
standard of hotels, to make constant efforts for
raising the service quality and secure and smooth
transport, to train and teach staff at different
levels for service of high quality and to make earnest
efforts for enhancing the dignity and prestige of
their own races and nation. In conclusion, he called
on the two associations to make combined efforts with
the same aims in order to depend on each other while
standing as a strong national force, to exert
sustained efforts with added momentum for development
of tourism while endeavoring for won benefit.

U Khin Shwe of Mya Yeik Nyo Hotel Group presented K 3
million for Myanmar Travel Association and Myanmar
Tour Operators Association, U Htay Myint of Yuzana
Hotel K 3 million, Dr Maung Maung Oo of Asia Plaza K 3
million and Chairman of Myanmar Travel Association U
Khin Zaw 2.9 million donated by 17 executive committee
members to the Secretary-1.

Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, Chairman of Hoteliers
Association U Khin Swe and Chairman of Myanmar Travel
Association U Khin Zaw accepted K 2 million donated by
U Win Aung of Woodland Popa (Bagan Zone), K 1.8
million by U Saw Lwin of Sunny Paradise Hotel, K 1
million each by U Yan Win of Panorama Hotel, U Zaw Min
of Mingala Garden Hotel, Daw Tin Tin Win of Queen Park
Hotel, U Kyaw Myint (a) Joe of Pine Hill Hotel, U Than
Shwe of Power Hotel and U Myint Han of Bagan Hotel, K
1.1 million by Dr Maung Maung Oo and nine hotels, K 1
million by U Kyaw Tun of Sunfar Travels, K 14.6
million by 31 hotels and K 10.2 million by 17 Travel
Agencies.

U Khin Swe and U Khin Zaw thanked the wellwishers. The
Secretary-1 and party had photos taken together with
executives of Hoteliers Association and Travel
Association.

---------

to be continued...

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