[myanmar_information] THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (Tuesday November 19, 2002)

[Ok Kar <okkar66126@xxxxxxxxx>]

THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (Tuesday November 19, 2002)

Headlines  
1.   Harmonious national outlook and conviction of 
      new generation youths driving force of national
resources 
      required by state
2.   Patron of USDA Senior General Than Shwe addresses

      USDA Annual General Meeting (2002)
International Relations     
3.   State Peace and Development Council Chairman 
      Senior General Than Shwe sends message of
congratulations to 
      President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Region
4.   Senior General Than Shwe hosts dinner in honour
of 
      delegates to USDA Annual General Meeting 2002
5.   Agreement signed on purchase of iron frames
6.   Meeting on promotion of hotels and tourism
industry and 
      preservation of Myanma cultural heritage held
7.   Exhibition on Myanmar Women's Endeavours
continues
8.   Exhibition on Myanmar Women's Endeavours
continues
Religion 
9.   Matho Thingan weaving competitions held at
Pagodas in Yangon
10. Matho Thingan Weaving Competition held 
      at Shwephonepwint Pagoda
Economic 
11.  40th Myanma Gems Emporium to be held

_____________________________
1.   Harmonious national outlook and conviction of 
      new generation youths driving force of national
resources 
      required by state

During nine-year period, over 12.25 million youths
attended UDSA courses, acquiring intellectual skills
and efficiency in respective fields
Economic infrastructure development project gives
priority to strengthening agricultural force, nation's
main economy
Senior General Than Shwe addresses UDSA Annual General
Meeting 

YANGON. 18 Nov - The following is a translation of the
address delivered by Patron of Union Solidarity and
Development Association Chairman of the State Peace
and Development Council Commander- in-Chief of Defence
Services Senior General Than Shwe at the 2002 Annual
General Meeting of USDA today:

I would like to greet all the members of the Union
Solidarity and Development Association including the
members who are attending the Annual General Meeting
of the USDA.

Now, the USDA has entered its tenth year. The USDA
since it was founded in accord with the basic
principles based on "Our Three Main National Causes"
--Non-disintegration of the Union; non-disintegration
of the national solidarity; and perpetuation of the
sovereignty--has been consolidating its organizational
set-up, and conducting organization and training
programmes with greater momentum.

The spirit of the youths, who joined the association
with firm determination to strive for emergence of a
peaceful, modem and developed nation in accord with
the pledge of the USDA - to discharge the national
duty and to be loyal to the State and her citizens,
should be honoured.

During the nine-year period, the USDA has established
different levels from the central to the ward/village
level. The association at different levels have been
implementing the future work programmes laid down at
the annual general meetings.

The training projects designed to develop the
qualifications of the youths, covered by the USDA work
programmes, have been implemented on a wider scale,

The USDA training programmes are being con- ducted
with the aim of enabling youths to become worthy
citizens understanding the objectives, the basic
policy and the Code of Con- duct stipulated in the
basic principles and possessing patriotism and Ui1ion
Spirit.

Training programmes 

The training programmes will help produce the human
resources endowed with intellectual ability and
technical skin.

The objective of the training courses are to promote
national outlook, Patriotism and Union Spirit of the
youths, enabling them to discharge the national duties
well. The objectives also include lecturing of the
subjects on the State's goal and objectives. At
present, the USDA members are studying the State's
affairs as well as the international affairs.

In 2002 alone, over 228 million youths attended the
courses on various fields conducted by the central
level and the state/division USDAs.

During the nine-year period, over 12.25 million youths
had attended the courses, acquiring intellectual
skills and efficiency in the respective fields.

Especially, cultural and moral courses, which have
been conduced. nation-wide covering villages, have
trained 11.18 million youths. At the courses, these
youths had studied the subjects meant to help them
further promote their national pride and dignity,
which are the national characters, steering them to
preserve the cultural heritage, traditions and
customs, family values and improving their moral
conduct. The traditions of the Myanmar society have
consolidated the Myanmar social live and ensured
peace.

Driving force

The cultural and moral courses have given new
generation youths the national outlook and conviction.
The harmonious national outlook and conviction of the
new generation youths are the driving force for the
national resources required by the State. The force of
the new generation youths inheriting, protecting and
exercising the national resource driving force is the
power of the 
national human  resources that will continue to
strengthen and steer the present and future Myanmar
society.

Fine traditions

Since its forn1ation and till now, the USDA has
preserved its fine traditions, dutifully carrying out
the task of training and nurturing the new generation
youths to become qualified citizens and a patriotic
force, fully endowed with Union Spirit, and defending
and safeguarding the independence and sovereignty of
the nation and protecting the Union from breaking up.

During the past year, the activity being launched
together with the national force had reached a new
stage. The USDA is taking part more in the national
development I drive and rural development tasks being
launched under the leadership of the State.

The mass rallies honouring and supporting the national
development undertakings and rural development
programmes were held at 17 venues in the V/hole nation
from 6 to 17 January 2002 under the sponsorship of the
USDA.

At the mass rallies, USDAs at different levels
supported the national development undertakings and
rural development project and made a firm resolution
to energetically participate in them.

The USDA held a special General Meeting from 19 to 20
February 2002 to carry out the resolutions of the mass
meetings. At the Special General Meeting, the members
exchanged views on the plan to take part in the
national arid rural development drive.

As I have already said, the USDA has trained and
nurtured its member youths to become the nation' s
resource driving force possessing intellectual ability
and efficiency.

In accord with the future Work programmes, the
association has striven to firmly stand as a
consolidated national  force, changing from
qualitative power to quantitative power as the aim in
this respect.

Participation of the national resource driving force
in the national and rural development drive shows its
ability to serve the public interests. We welcome its
positive and constructive attitude.

Public participation

The national development drive requires the force of
the entire people's participation. We are going to
build a peaceful, modem and developed nation, with the
political, economic and social forces.

In striving to give strength to all the sectors, the
persons wishing to firmly consolidate the national
unity placing jn the fore Our Three Main National
Causes -Non-disintegration of the Union;
non-disintegration of the national solidarity; and
perpetuation of the sovereignty - with trust, and
wishing to see the rule of law and regional peace,
always stand as the core force on which the nation can
rely. The force is participating in regional peace,
security and defence in addition to development
undertakings. 

As peace and stability and security is prevailing in
all the regions, the development drive can be
implemented more. In this year's general meeting, the
topic on the Union development and Our Three Main
National Causes and another topic on the State's
thrifty programmes were included as a sector. 

The Union development and Our Three Main National
Causes have interrelationship. The national force,
standing firmly and unitedly and placing in the fore
Our Three Main National Causes can protect and ensure
the national security and peace and stability. The
national economic development undertakings mainly rest
on growth in the gross domestic product. Efforts are
being made in all the sectors for development of
agricultural production and industrial production of
the nation. 

At a time when efforts are being made to increase the
amount of investments and volume of production, the
entire nation's efforts to exercise thrifty method and
reduce waste also are paying off. 

The results achieved from practicing the thrifty
method and reducing waste are as effective as the
production growth. The State is achieving good results
in giving instructions to the departments in accord
with the thrifty project. Good results can be found in
implementing the project to use electricity
efficiently. The electricity the nation has saved
through the project is being used by the industries.
Thus, industries can use more power for production.
The related results of the project have also led to
reducing the production cost and boosting production. 

The thrifty method and minimize waste project has been
designated as part of the national development drive,
and the member youths are urged to organize the people
to achieve more success in implementing the project. 

If we study the different stages of the national
modernization and development drive in relation to
each other, we can see that peace and stability and
security 

have effects on the infrastructure development,
heading towards evolution of economic and social
forces. Today, all-round efforts are being made to
realize the goal - emergence of a peaceful modern and
developed nation. 

Priority 

In launching the economic infrastructure development
project, priority has been given to strengthening the
agricultural force in the initial stage as agriculture
is the nation's main economy. 

The agriculture sector remains not only as the
economic life of the 70 per cent of rural population
but also as the resource of the trade and services
industries of the entire people. 

Therefore, to promote the agricultural force, projects
for such infrastructures as dams, reservoirs and
sluice gates have been implemented with momentum. As a
result, there are now 139 dams including recently
inaugurated Hinywet Creek Dam in An Township, Rakhine
State. Another 37 dams are under construction and
feasibility studies for building dams all over the
country are also being conducted. 

Moreover, 262 river water pumping stations have been
built and another 8 are under construction. 

Exploiting resources 

With the aim of promoting the use of water resource
and land resource, infrastructures for the agriculture
sector are being built with might and main. Thanks to
the implementing of projects of dams, reservoirs and
sluice gates, the people now start to enjoy the fruits
of water supply for agriculture purpose, floods
prevention and greening of the environs. 

While promoting the agriculture sector, programmes for
expansion of agro-based industries and development of
the industrial sector are being laid down and
implemented. 

Founding of medium and heavy industries of the State
as well as private industries are being implemented
simultaneously. For the promotion of the industrial
sector, 18 industrial zones have been established
throughout the country and according to the
conditions, inputs and machinery are provided. Only if
agriculture and industrial forces are strengthened the
productivity will become higher. Therefore, all are to
make cooperation in these two sectors. 

The development of the energy sector plays a key role
in raising the agricultural and industrial power. The
development of the energy sector requires a lot of
time and money. Plans are being laid down and
implemented to meet the energy needs in the
manufacturing sector and the socio-economic life of
the people. New natural resources and energy deposits
are being continuously explored. Naturally, the
construction work for exploration and production takes
a considerable time. Anyway, momentous efforts are
being made for the exploration of offshore and inland
natural energy deposits. 

New oil and natural gas deposits were found in
Nyaungdon in 1999, in Thagyitaung and Sabeitaung in
2001 and in Indaw in August, 2002. Special efforts are
being made to explore new deposits. In the same way,
projects are being implemented simultaneously to meet
the rising need of electricity, which is the result of
extension of industrial enterprises and rapid
development of manufacturing and service industries
and urban development. Before 1988, hydel-power and
natural gas burning power plants generated 588
megawatts but the power plants built after 1988 are
generating over 560 megawatts. 

Now, to fully meet the electricity needs of the public
and industries, 9 hydel power plants with the capacity
of 1,790 megawatts and one steam power plant with the
capacity of 120 megawatts - totalling 1,910 megawatts
-  are under construction. Three out of these
projects, namely, Paung-laung, Mone Creek and Tikyit
power plants will be completed soon and they will
generate 475 megawatts. 

In addition to these projects, it has been planned to
build 5 hydel power plants and one steam power plant
during the period from 2006-2007 to 2010-2011. The
plants will be capable of generating 5,468 megawatts.
The completion of one power plant after another will
surely help strengthen the economic power of the
nation. It is necessary not only to produce more
electricity but also to use it systematically. The use
of electricity in government offices has been sharply
reduced and this measure is aimed at supplying more
electricity to the public and industrial enterprises. 

Transport 

In building the economic infrastructure, top priority
is being given to transport and communications. If we
look at motor roads which have been built so far, it
can be easily seen that they were built the length and
breadth of the nation including hill regions and
remote areas. The roads which have been built since
1988 have a total length of 4,359 miles. A total of 14
major river-crossing bridges have been built, six are
under construction and plans are being made to build
another three. One of the Ayeyawady river-crossing
bridges linking Magway and Minbu will be opened in the
near future. 

New railroads were also built where necessary for the
easy and smooth transportation of goods and
passengers. The total length of railroads built after
1988 is over 1,065 miles. The extension of airports
are being carried out for speedy transportation in the
future. The extension of airports includes the
upgrading of the old ones and the building of the new.
A total of 13 airports are now being built
simultaneously for the people to be able to travel
quickly to different parts of the country. 

A large sum of money is being invested in the
transport and communication sector as this sector
plays a vital role in strengthening the economic power
of the nation and in improving the socio-economic life
of all the Myanmar nationals. Nowadays, the Government
is making every endeavour to transform the nation into
a modern and developed one by utilizing all the
available natural and human resources and by
strengthening agricultural, industrial and transport
and communication powers of the country. 

All the service personnel and citizens who are working
together in the respective sectors for achieving the
above-mentioned powers are worthy of honour. All the
nationals are required to cooperate and lend
themselves to the measures for achieving and
strengthening these powers. Only if these powers can
be retained, socio-economic life of the people will
always be improving. 

I would like to urge all those responsible to retain
the improving Myanma economic life by functioning
according to the procedures and rules and regulations
set for the smooth running of trade and commerce and
manufacturing and service industries. It is necessary
for all to safeguard the benefits of economic power so
that all the national people will be able to enjoy
them. You all are now dedicate yourselves to
nation-building tasks and work programmes for
improving the capabilities of youths. You all are
required to cooperate with the people to strengthen
the already-achieved economic power and to develop
Myanma economic life continuously. There was a
tradition of the people to actively participate in
national development tasks. 

Forestry 

The government is implementing the 30-year
multi-purpose project in the forestry sector with the
motto -  keep the nation green and pleasant with the
strength of forests. The project covers nine districts
and greening of arid zones. The government has carried
out the tasks of conservation of natural forests and
establishment of plantations for greening the areas in
cooperation with the people. During monsoon in 2002
altogether 64 million of trees were planted. Among
them, the people planted 16 million of trees. They
have planted 154 million of trees of various kinds
since 1988. 

The World's Forests Report of Food and Agriculture
Organization stated the progress of Myanma forestry
sector. According to the report, Myanmar's forest
covered areas in 1995 were 67 million acres, 41 per
cent of the area of the State. In 2000, the forest
covered areas were 85 million acres, 52 per cent of
the area of the State. Therefore, the forest covered
areas increased by 18 million acres, about 11 per cent
of the areas of the State in five years. This showed
that the government in cooperation with the people had
ability to conserve the valuable Myanma forests and to
plant trees. It was an effort beneficial not only to
Myanma new generation but also to conservation of
world environment. 

Education 

The entire people's greater cooperation can be found
in implementation of national education promotion
programme. With the cooperation and assistance of the
people, the school enrolment programme for the
school-going age children, the first task of building
of human resource was implemented for four consecutive
years. The school enrolment rate at primary level
increased annually. The school enrolment rate was
93.07% for this year. Due to the cooperation of the
people of different regions in the Union the rate of
55 project townships was 98.36%. 

The tasks for completion of primary, middle and high
school education are being undertaken in national
education promotion programme. In order to receive
middle school education for children in rural areas in
basic education sector, over 2,400 post-primary
schools were opened. In the whole country, altogether
39,999 basic education schools were opened. There are
three basic education schools in every five
ward/village. These facts show that there are more
opportunities in receiving education in the country. 

Moreover, universities and colleges were opened in
higher education sector. There were 32 universities
and colleges in the past but now there are 151
universities and colleges. The significant point is
that they are opened in various parts of the country.
In various fields of study the doctorate courses can
now be conducted. Well-experienced retired scholars
are still discharging their duties of teaching in
national education promotion programme. 

The government cooperated with the people for gaining
learning opportunities with the use of information and
communication technology at the respective schools in
basic and higher education sectors. The government
spent a large sum of money including foreign exchange
with the contribution of wellwishers. They have
donated over K 7,000 million for the education funds,
construction of basic education school buildings,
modern teaching aids and school enrolment activities. 

Health 

The objective of uplift of health, fitness and
education standards of the entire nation was laid down
for promotion of social sector. As I have said
earlier, the people participated in national education
promotion tasks and the government also received
public cooperation and assistance in health sector.
The Government has been upgrading the health sector
quantitatively and qualitatively. There were 631
hospitals before 1988 and 128 new hospitals were added
in 2002 making the total number of hospitals to 759.
In addition, 104 hospitals were upgraded. 

Modern hospital equipment were bought in foreign
currency and installed at hospitals. With the
qualification of the Myanma physicians and
installation of modern medical equipment, success has
been achieved in heart operation, kidney transplant,
extension of cardiac vessels, operation of conjoined
twin sisters on whom the operation had to be done in a
difficult position. It is the symbol of the success in
medical sector. In disease control project, the
national immunization days are launched the length and
breadth of the nation every year as mass movement for
eradication of polio. Thus, Myanmar will become a
polio-free nation in 2003. Furthermore, prevention of
other infectious diseases is also being carried out
with public participation. 

This being so, the leprosy will be totally eradicated
in 2003. In TB control also, the tactic of
direct-observe and short-time treatment has been
introduced and now it covers 90 per cent of the total
population. The project will cover the whole
population in 2003. 

In health sector, teaching of medical science is being
upgraded qualitatively and quantitatively. There were
4 institutes of medicine before 1988 and there are now
14 institutes of medicine and other related
universities. 

Altogether 450 doctors were produced annually in the
past and 912 produced in 2000. Altogether 2600 doctors
will be produced yearly starting from 2006/2007. 

Emphasis has been placed on teaching post- graduate
medical science. A total of 455 trainees are attending
the 25 MSc courses which started in 2000. The 36
MMedSc courses are being conducted and 166 trainees
are attending them. 

In enhancing the traditional medicine sector,
altogether two traditional medicine hospitals with a
capacity of 50 beds, 10 state/division traditional
medical hospitals with a capacity of 16 beds, and 214
traditional medical centres in districts and townships
have been opened. The traditional medical university
has been opened in 2001 in addition to opening of
traditional medicine hospitals. Therefore, the
traditional medicines play a wider role in uplift of
health and fitness of the entire nation. The
Government has made efforts on self-reliance basis to
gain the basically required forces for the emergence
of a modern and developed nation. Building a peaceful,
modern and developed nation is to enhance the national
prestige and integrity and to keep abreast of the
times. 

The Government has mobilized all the resources with
the participation of the entire people to realize the
lofty objective. The result already achieved up to now
is based on the internal strength, patriotism, Union
Spirit, firm conviction and strong determination. 

In conclusion, the USDA members are urged to firmly
accept that every strength already built is in the
interest of the State and its people, and to safeguard
those interests with diligence and constant vigilance
to be free from danger. 

In taking measures for national development, priority
is being given to equitable development nation-wide.
Development projects for border areas and national
races have been laid down and are being implemented.
And the 24 development regions have been laid down and
are being implemented to ensure development in all
sectors. In addition, the five rural development tasks
have been laid down and are being implemented.

It is incumbent upon the USDA members to strive
together with the people in undertaking national and
regional development tasks. It is required to redouble
efforts with the aim of serving the long-term and
short-term interests of the State and the people. 

The USDA members will have to make efforts for the
emergence of a modern and developed nation and
dedicate themselves to the task of fulfilling the
Panglong pledges and the resolution of the mass
rallies held by USDA nation-wide early this year.
Difficulties and hindrances will have to be overcome
in building the Union and accepting Our Three Main
National Causes. The constructive approach and
cooperation leading to the national development will
have to be accepted, whereas the evil attitudes and
acts designed to undermine the national development be
warded off. 

He called on the USDA members to make sustained and
relentless efforts with firm conviction and resolution
together with the people in every development task
needed for the emergence of a strong nation after
laying down future plans.
____________
2.   Patron of USDA Senior General Than Shwe addresses

      USDA Annual General Meeting (2002) 

YANGON, 18 Nov - Patron of the Union Solidarity and
Deve1opment Association Chairman of the State Peace
and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence
Services Senior General Than Shwe delivered an address
at the fourth-day session of the USDA Annua1 General
Meeting (2002) at Union Hall of the Central Training
School of the association at 9 am today.

Also present on the occasion were members of the Panel
of Patrons of USDA (Central) Vice-Chairman of the
State Peace and Development Council Deputy
Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-
Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye,
Secretary-l of the State Peace and Development Council
General Khin Nyunt.

Taunggyi District USDA Executive Daw Khin Thanda Oo
and Aungmyethazan Township USDA Executive Daw Thin
Thin Oo acted as master of ceremonies and co-master of
ceremonies. First, the master of ceremonies announced
the opening the annual general meeting according to
the permission of the Patron of USDA. Patron of the
Union Solidarity and Development Association Chairman
of the State Peace and Development Council
Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General
Than Shwe gave guidance at the meeting. (The guidance
given by the Senior General was reported separately.) 

Then, USDA Secretary-General U Than Aung presented
gifts in commemoration of the 9th anniversary of USDA
to Ma Yuzana Khin Zaw who cut the ribbon to put up the
signboard of the USDA in 1993. Ma Yuzana Khin Zaw, (Dr
Yuzana Khin Zaw who is discharging duty at Insein
General Hospital) won six distinctions in the Basic
Education High School Examination and stood first in
the entire nation. 

Then, USDA Secretary-General U Than Aung presented
gifts to outstanding students who stood from first to
tenth positions in the Science Combination in the
entire nation - Naw Thitsa Moe Myint of Anisakhan BEHS
in PyinOoLwin Township who stood first in the entire
nation and Mandalay Division, Ma Ei Sanda Nyein of
Dagon BEHS No 1 in Yangon Division who stood second in
the entire nation and first in the Yangon Division,
Maung Thu Han Htet of Mandalay BEHS No 16 who stood
third in the entire nation, Maung Phyo Zaw Hein of
Dagon BEHS No 1 who stood third in the entire nation,
Ma Kyi Nu Win of Kamayut BEHS No 2 who stood fourth in
the entire nation, Ma Aye Myat Myat Zaw of Toungoo
BEHS No 1 who stood fifth in the entire nation and
first in Bago Division (East), Maung Phone Zaw Soe of
PhaungdawU Affiliated BEHS in Aungmyethazan Township
who stood fifth in the entire nation, Maung Nay Lin Oo
of Dagon BEHS No 1 who stood sixth in the entire
nation, Ma Nay Thi Tun of Latha BEHS No 2 who stood
seventh in the entire nation, Ma Su Phyo Aung of Mogok
BEHS No 1 who stood eighth in the entire nation, Ma Ei
Thanda Nyein of Dagon BEHS No 1 who stood ninth in the
entire nation, Ma Khin Moe Hsan of Dagon BEHS No 1 who
stood ninth in the entire nation, Ma Thiri Khin of
Latha BEHS No 2 stood tenth in the entire nation and
Maung Min Thet Khaing of Dagon BEHS No 1 who stood
tenth in the entire nation. The USDA Secretary-General
presented gifts to outstanding students who stood from
first to tenth positions in the Arts Combination in
the entire nation - Ma Thin Ei Zan of Zalokma Village
Affiliated BEHS in Myanaung Township who stood first
in the entire nation and also first in Ayeyawady
Division, Maung Kyaw Thu Win of Taungdwingyi who stood
second in the entire nation and first in Magway
Division, Ma Myo Myo of Pathein BEHS No 7 who stood
third in the entire nation, Maung Thiha Aung of
Mingaladon BEHS No 3 who stood fourth in the entire
nation and also first in Yangon Division, Maung Ye Zaw
Oo of Yekyi BEHS who stood fifth in the entire nation,
Maung Yaza of Thingangyun BEHS No 1 who stood sixth in
the entire nation, Maung Thet Maung of Shwelaung BEHS
in Wakema Township who stood seventh in the entire
nation, Maung Aung Myo Tun of Tagwa Affiliated BEHS in
Myanaung Township who stood eighth in the entire
nation, Ma Haymar Win of Barkat Village BEHS Branch of
Kayin State who stood ninth in the entire nation and
also first in the Kayin State, Maung Zaw Min Naing of
Thandwe BEHS No 2 who stood ninth in the entire nation
and also first in Rakhine State, and Ma Naygyi Oo of
Kyonpyaw BEHS who stood tenth in the entire nation. 

Secretary-General U Than Aung presented gifts to the
outstanding students Maung Kaung Kyaw Swe of No-4
BEHS, Myitkyina, Kachin State, Ma Swe Zin Lin of No-1
BEHS, Kawkareik, Kayin State, Salai Kyaw Kyon Sin
Htaung Lwe of No 2 BEHS, Falam, Chin State, Ma Aye
Pyai Phyoe Khaing of No-1 BEHS, Monywa, Sagaing
Division, Ma Phyu Phyu Khaing of No 1 BEHS, Dawai,
Taninthayi Division, Maung Zaw Phyo Htet of No 1 BEHS,
Pyay, Bago Division (West), Maung Nanda Myo Kyaw Htin
of No 1 BEHS, Magway, Magway Division, Ma Thwe Zin Win
of No 8 BEHS, Mawlamyine, Mon State, Maung Aung Nyein
Thu of No 2 BEHS, Sittwe, Rakhine State, Maung Yan
Naing Win of No 1 BEHS, Kyaukme, Shan State (North),
Ma Myat Mon Thant of No 2 BEHS, Kentung, Shan State
(East) and Ma Su Kay Khaing of Ngathainggyaung BEHS,
Ayeya-wady Division, who stood first in matriculation
examination in year 2002 with science combination in
their respective States and Divisions. 

Then, Secretary-General U Than Aung presented gifts to
outstanding students Ma Yin Yin Nwe of Hopin BEHS,
Monyin Township, Kachin State, Maung Lwe Zin of No 2
BEHS, Loikaw, Kaya State, Maung Kam Dain Hauk of No 1
BEHS, Tiddim, Chin State, Maung Kyaw Htwe Aung of
BEHS, Indaw, Sagaing Division, Ma Aye Aye Than of
Dawei, Taninthayi Division, Ma Yi Yi Cho of BEHS,
Gyobin-gauk, Bago Division (West), Ma Yu Yu Aye of No
3 BEHS, Bago, Bago Division (East), Maung Naing Lin
Aung of No 2 BEHS , Lewei, Mandalay Division, Ma Wai
Wai Khaing of No 1 BEHS, Mudon, Mon State, Ma Sein
Sein Maw of No 5 BEHS, Taunggyi, Shan State (South),
Ma J Kaing Hsan of Kutkai, Shan State (North) and
Maung Win Thu of Monghkat BEHS, Shan State (East) who
stood first in matriculation examination in year 2002
with Art combination in their respective States and
Divisions. 

Then, Secretary-General U Than Aung presented gifts to
students who gained five gold medals and above in
Myanma Tradinational Cultural Performing Arts
Competitions organized by the State - 11 gold medalist
Maung Thura Kyi Moe (a) Pho Thingyan of No 2 BEHS,
Kamayut Township, nine gold medals winners Maung Ye
Hteik of No 1 BEHS, Taikkyi, Ma Ei Ei Chun of No 1
BEHS, Dagon Township and Ma Cho Thet Tin of University
of Culture (Yangon), eight gold medals winners Maung
Star Bo Htet of No 5 BEHS, Tamway Township and Maung
Zaw Min (a) Pho La Pyai of Sangyiwa Village,
Mingaladon Township, seven gold medals winners Maung
Kyaw Kyaw Han of University of Culture (Yangon), Maung
Nay Aung (a) Maung Sein Myet Pyu of No 2 BEHS, Dagon
Township, and Maung Zeya Tun Wai of No 3 BEHS,
Botahtaung Township, six gold medal winners Ma Thuza
Aung of University of Culture (Yangon), Ma Wint
Thinzar Sten of North Okkalapa Township, Yangon
Division and Maung Aung Pyi Sone of North Okkalapa
Township, five gold medals winners Maung Myo Aung Oo
of No 4 BEHS, Dagon Myothit (South), Maung Han Win
Aung of No 4 BEHS, Thakayta Township, Maung Htet Myat
Soe of Ahlon Township, Yangon Division, Maung Zin Min
Hteik of University of Culture (Yangon), Maung Myo Min
Tun of Insein Township, Yangon Division, and Maung
Myat Zaw of Insein Township, Yangon Division. 

Then, Secretary-General U Than Aung presented gifts to
the students who gained medals in XIV Asian Games Ñ Ma
Khaing Khaing Maw of 2nd year, Business Management,
University of Distance Education, Yangon, who gained a
gold medal in Wushu, Maung Aung Hein of 2nd Year,
Myanmar, Dagon University, who gained silver and
bronze medals in Sepak Takaraw and Ma Moe Moe Lwin of
1st, Year, (Eco), Institute of Economics (Yangon) who
gained a silver medal in Sepak Takraw. 

Then, the USDA Secretary-General presented gifts to
third prize winner Maung Aung Kaung of Mayangon
Township in the individual event in 2002 ASEAN Quiz
(regional level) and the Most Friendly ASEAN Student
Award winner Ma Khaing Zin Oo of Dagon Township;
outstanding trainees Maung Kyaw Kyaw Shein of Yangon
Division in the Advanced New Generation Aviation
Course 2002, Maung Thu Han Tun Aye of Meiktila in the
Basic New Generation Aviation Course 2002 and Maung
Aung Kyaw Soe of Shwepyitha Township and Maung Pyi
Sone Kyaw of Lanmadaw Township in the Basic New
Generation Marine Courses; first prize winner Maung
Myint Maung Maung Sein of Thanlyin Township in the
USDA (Central Level) Extempore Talks Contest hailing
the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day; outstanding Red
Cross Society members Quartermaster Sergeant Than
Myint Zaw Oo of Sitkwin Red Cross Brigade of Minhla
Township and Deputy Company Commander Lwin Mar Soe of
Myeik Township Red Cross Battalion; outstanding
Auxiliary Fire Brigade members Company Commander Maung
Maung Aye of Tamway Township Auxiliary Fire Brigade
and Platoon Commander San San Wai of Kyimyindine
Township Auxiliary Fire Brigade. Next, students of
Kamayut BEHS No 1 and Botahtaung BEHS No 6 sang the
copyright song of the USDA titled "Yarthetpan
Pyidaungsu (Eternal Union)" composed by Hinthada Myint
Ngwe and the four-day session of the meeting adjourned
at 10.45 am.
______________
3.   State Peace and Development Council Chairman 
      Senior General Than Shwe sends message of
congratulations to 
      President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan 

Yangon, 18 Nov - Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of
the State Peace and Development Council of the Union
of Myanmar, has sent a message of congratulations to
His Excellency General Pervez Musharraf, President of
the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on his resumption of
the High Office of the President of the Islamic
Republic of Pakistan.
______________
4.   Senior General Than Shwe hosts dinner in honour
of 
      delegates to USDA Annual General Meeting 2002

Yangon, 18 Nov - Patron of the Union Solidarity and
Development Association Chairman of State Peace and
Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence
Services Senior General Than Shwe hosted a dinner in
honour of the delegates from
state/division/district/township USDAs who attended
the USDA Annual General Meeting 2002 at Zeyathiri
Beikman Hall on Konmyinttha this evening. 

Senior General Than Shwe arrived Konmyinttha at 7 pm
and was welcomed by the USDA delegates from states and
divisions, outstanding students who passed the year
2002 matriculation examination with the positions from
one to ten, students who won first prizes in
respective states and divisions, students who won
gold, silver and bronze medals in the 14th Asian
Games, students who won prizes in ASEAN Quiz (regional
level) and the Most Friendly ASEAN Student award,
outstanding members of auxiliary fire brigade and Red
Cross Society, outstanding trainees of the new
generation navigation course and aviation course,
those who won prizes in the extempore talks (central
level) held in commemoration of the 57th Anniversary
Armed Forces Day, those who won five gold medals and
above in the Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing
Arts Competitions and artistes. 

Also present on the occasion were members of the Panel
of Patrons of USDA Vice-Chairman of the State Peace
and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of
Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior
General Maung Aye and Secretary-1 of the State Peace
and Development Council General Khin Nyunt, members of
the State Peace and Development Council, the
Commander-in-Chief (Navy), the Commander-in-Chief
(Air), the Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and
Development Council Commander of Yangon Command, the
ministers, the chief justice, the attorney-general,
the auditor-general, the chairman of the Civil Service
Selection and Training Board, the central executive
committee members of USDA, members of the National
Convention Convening Commission, the deputy ministers,
senior military officers from the Ministry of Defence,
the directors-general and managing directors from
departments and enterprises, chairmen and members of
subcommittees for organizing the USDA Annual General
Meeting 2002, local and foreign correspondents,
officials from social and economic organizations,
artistes who starred in the TV plays honouring the
Ninth Annual General Meeting, delegates from
state/division/district/township USDAs, outstanding
youths for 2002 and distinguished guests. Before and
after the dinner, artistes of Myanma Motion Picture
Asiayone and Myanma Music Asiayone presented
entertainment programmes to the accompaniment of the
MRTV band, artistes from the University of Culture and
Production Branch of the Fine Arts Department, the
Ministry of Culture presented variety dances. 
_______________
5.   Agreement signed on purchase of iron frames

Yangon, 18 Nov - A ceremony to sign an agreement on
purchase of iron frames for construction of Ayeyawaday
River Bridge (Yadanabon) was held at Public Works
(Headquarters) on Shwedagon Pagoda Road here at 1 pm
today.

 It was attended by Minister at the State Peace and
Development Council Chairman's Office Lt-Gen Min
Thein, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun,
Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, the Deputy
Ministers for Construction, Ambassador of the People's
Republic of China to Myanmar Mr Li Jinjun, Economic
and Commercial Counsellor Mr Jin Honggen.

First, Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun and Madam Luo Yan made
speeches. Next, Managing Director U Nay Soe Naing and
Madam Luo Yan signed and exchanged the documents.
Then, Madam Luo Yan presented the design of Ayeyawady
River Bridge (Yadanabon) to Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun
and the ceremony came to an end.
______________
6.   Meeting on promotion of hotels and tourism
industry and 
      preservation of Myanma cultural heritage held

Yangon, 18 Nov - A meeting on promotion of hotels and
tourism industry and preservation of Myanma cultural
heritage took place at the Karaweik Palace this
afternoon. Present at the meeting were ministers,
deputy ministers, personnel of Yangon City Development
Committee, directors-general of related ministries,
deputy directors-general, officials, chairmen of the
hoteliers association and the tourism entrepreneurs
association and members, representatives and guests. 

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Hotels and
Tourism Brig-Gen Thein Zaw said success in the hotels
and tourism industries will be attained only through
cooperative efforts exerted by related ministries and
entrepreneurs instead of undertaking them by the
ministry alone. As the hoteliers association and the
tourism entrepreneurs association have been
established, it is necessary for them to go hand in
hand with the ministries. In operating the hotels and
tourism industries, attempts must also be made to
benefit the State and the people and to create a
"year-round tourist season" without centring solely on
one's own profits, he said. 

Then, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe
also discussed of transportation matters relevant to
the convenient visits of tourists. Next, Minister for
Immigration and Population Maj-Gen Sein Htwa urged the
entrepreneurs to offer advice and cooperate with the
ministry. Later, Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung
explained matters related to ancient cultural heritage
preserved by the State; and Minister for Home Affairs
Col Tin Hlaing, assistance rendered to tourists.
Chairman of hoteliers association Dr U Khin Shwe and
Chairman of tourism entrepreneurs association U Khin
Zaw also provided their suggestions. Afterwards, the
meeting drew to a close with concluding remarks of
Brig-Gen Thein Zaw. 
______________
7.   Exhibition on Myanmar Women's Endeavours
continues  

Yangon, 18 Nov - The Exhibition on Myanmar Women's
Endeavours continued for the fourth day at Tatmadaw
Convention Hall on U Wisara Road today. At the
exhibition, the booths on women and information, the
booths on women health and education, preventing
violence against women and rehabilitation of women,
cultural affairs are displayed. 

Artistes of Myanma Motion Picture Asiayon, Myanma
Music Asiayon, Fine Arts Department and University of
Culture presented entertainment programmes to the
visitors. Over 4,200 people visited the exhibition
today. It will continue till 21 November from 9 am to
5 pm daily and anyone can visit it free of charge. 
_____________
8.   Exhibition on Myanmar Women's Endeavours
continues  

Yangon, 18 Nov - The Exhibition on Myanmar Women's
Endeavours continued for the fourth day at Tatmadaw
Convention Hall on U Wisara Road today. At the
exhibition, the booths on women and information, the
booths on women health and education, preventing
violence against women and rehabilitation of women,
cultural affairs are displayed. 

Artistes of Myanma Motion Picture Asiayon, Myanma
Music Asiayon, Fine Arts Department and University of
Culture presented entertainment programmes to the
visitors. Over 4,200 people visited the exhibition
today. It will continue till 21 November from 9 am to
5 pm daily and anyone can visit it free of charge. 
______________
9.   Matho Thingan weaving competitions held at
Pagodas in Yangon 

Yangon, 18 Nov - Under the sponsorship of Yangon
Division Peace and Development Council, the seventh
Shwekyar Thingan Weaving Competition was opened with
ceremony at the Tooth Relic Pagoda (Yangon) in
Mayangon Township at 5 pm today. 

Present on the occasion were Yangon Division Peace and
Development Council Chairman Yangon Command Commander
Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Minister for Religious Affairs U
Aung Khin. Patron of the subcommittee for holding the
competition Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe spoke on the
occasion. Then, the commander and Yangon (West)
District Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col
Maung Maung Shein formally opened the competition by
cutting a ribbon. Altogether 9 teams took part in the
weaving competition. Prizes will be given away to the
winners at 4 am tomorrow. 

Botahtaung Pagoda 

Similarly, the 20th Matho Thingan weaving competition
of the Botahtaung Kyaik-dae-up HsandawU Pagoda in
Botahtaung Township was held at the pagoda at 5 pm
today. No 4 Military Region Commander Defence Services
Records Office Commandant Brig-Gen Myo Myint formally
opened the competition. Altogether ten teams took part
in the weaving competition. 

Kaba Aye Pagoda 

Likewise, the seventh Matho Thingan weaving
competition of the Thiri Mingala Kaba Aye Pagoda in
Mayangon Township was held at the pagoda at 4 pm
today. Altogether seven teams took part in the weaving
competition. 

Shwedagon Pagoda 

The 18th Matho Thingan weaving competition of the
Shwedagon Pagoda in Bahan Township was held at the
north-western corner of pagoda platform at 4 pm today.
Altogether nine teams took part in the weaving
competition. 
_____________
10.  Matho Thingan Weaving Competition held 
       at Shwephonepwint Pagoda 

Yangon, 18 Nov - The 12th Matho Thingan Weaving
Competition was held at the Shwephonepwint Pagoda in
Pazundaung Township at 5 pm today. 

It was attended by member of the Central Executive
Committee of the Union Solidarity and Development
Association Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw
Hsan.

After opening the ceremony with three-time recitation
of namo tassa, Chairman of the pagoda board of
trustees U Ko Ko Gyi explained matters related to the
holding of the competition. Next, Minister Brig-Gen
Kyaw Hsan formally opened the competition. Contestants
from Gawtami loom, Withakha loom, Khema loom,
Okpalawun loom, Yathawdaya loom, Tham-mawady loom,
Papawady loom, Maedawmaya loom, Dhammadeinna loom and
Thubadda loom started weaving, following the opening
of the competition. 

The minister, departmental heads, officials and
wellwishers watched the competition. Shwekya robes,
produced by the competition, will be offered to the
Buddha images in the precinct of the pagoda at 4 am
tomorrow. 
______________
11.  40th Myanma Gems Emporium to be held

Yangon, 18 Nov - With the aim of increasing the State
income and national income in terms of foreign
exchange and ensuring the emergence of gem market in
the country, Myanma Gems Enterprise of the Ministry of
Mines is making arrangements to hold 40th Myanma Gems
Emporium in March 2003. 

Gems and jewellery were sold at reasonable prices and
the foreign gem merchants purchased them at
competitive bidding system at 2002 Mid-Year Myanma
Gems Emporium. Thus, their total sales set the new
record. Myanma Gems Enterprise will attend to the
needs of the Emporium in cooperation with respective
departments.

Local gem merchants, who wish to sell gems, lots of
jade and jewellery at 40th Myanma Gems Emporium, may
contact Myanma Gems Enterprise beginning 25 November.
______________________________
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