[myanmar_information] The New Light of Myanmar (Tuesday, July 29, 2003)

Subject: [myanmar_information] The New Light of Myanmar (Tuesday, July 29, 2003)
From: Ok Kar <okkar66126@xxxxxxxxx>
Date: Tue, 29 Jul 2003 19:05:52 -0700 (PDT)
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The New Light of Myanmar (Tuesday, July 29, 2003)
-------------------
1. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye receives US Defence &

Army Attachés
2. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye receives ROK Defence
Attachés
3. Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt attends opening of
MIFFA
4. Secretary-1 presents prizes to outstanding children

of members of intelligent units
5. Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Secretary-2 meet officials
and locals in Tonzang, Tiddim, Falam in Chin State
6. Natthataw Dam inaugurated in Ngazun Township
7. Tube-wells opened in 12 villages
8. Pearl sales, pearl ornamental design show and
contest conclude fetching over K 230 million
9. Home Affairs Minister attends Five-Nation
Narcotic Drug Elimination Meeting
10. ASEAN Food Fair on 2 August
11. Computer, printer, e-mail accessories handed
over to Ministry of Information
12. Prayers for parents 3 Aug

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

1. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye receives US Defence &

Army Attachés

Yangon, 28 July - Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and
Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Deputy
Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services
Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung
Aye received Defence & Army Attaché of the United
States of America to the Union of Myanmar Col Michael
A Norton at Zeyathiri Beikman on Konmyinttha at 3.30
pm today.

---------

2. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye receives ROK Defence
Attachés

Yangon, 28 July - Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and
Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Deputy
Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services
Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung
Aye received Defence Attaché of the Republic of Korea
to the Union of Myanmar Col Yoon Han-Hong, who had
completed his tour of duty, and his successor Col Shim
Jae Koo at Zeyathiri Beikman on Konmyinttha at 3.30 pm
today.

---------
3. Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt attends opening of
MIFFA

The birth of Myanmar International Freight Forwarders'
Association
will be a shot in the arms of national forces

Yangon, 28 July - The opening of Myanmar International
Freight Forwarders' Association (MIFFA) was held at
the Sedona Hotel on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road here this
afternoon, with an address by Secretary-1 of the State
Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary-1 General Khin
Nyunt said that as is known to all, the Government is
making efforts to cement the national economic life in
order that the Union of Myanmar can stand tall and
proud amidst international community and keep abreast
with the nations of the world.

In the drive to develop the nation through the strong
national economic life, it will be of necessity to
build consolidated national forces in every economic
sector. Only then will it be possible for the national
development to be on the right track promising
national interests.

At a time when the Government in every approach is
giving encouragement to national forces capable of
promoting national interests, the birth of the MIFFA
will be a shot in the arm of national forces.

Nowadays, the Government places emphasis on
effectively promoting the national interests, in other
words, the interests of the entire people, for the
development of national economic infrastructures as
well as for harmonious progress between the
State-owned economic forces and the private ones so
that the Union of Myanmar and its people can catch up
with the international community in terms of
development.

Thanks to the assistance rendered by the Government,
there has been steady progress in agricultural
businesses, industries and trading companies owned by
national entrepreneurs in the private sector.

As the Government is taking measures to enhance
economic cooperation and business transactions with
international community, there have been more contacts
with international economic organizations not only in
the State sector but also in the private sector.

Moreover, arrangements are under way to promote
regional economic cooperation by creating special
trade areas like the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) and
bilateral trade opportunities like the Accounting
Trade System.

In addition to the regular trade system, such trade
systems as burden trade, the transit trade and the
account trade were allowed and encouraged in the trade
sector. As a result, the economic transactions of the
country is booming in leaps and bounds. Development
infrastructures such as dams, the Union Highways,
river-crossing bridges and hydel power stations, all
of which can contribute to the development of
productive economic forces and trading companies of
the State, in addition to that of State, are being
built nation-wide.

In accelerating the economic transactions with
international community, the extension and
modernization of international ports and airports, all
of which are practical transport infrastructures, have
resulted in the smooth flow of commodities more than
previous years. In the aviation sector, the Yangon
International Airport was refurbished at the time of
the present Government and is still under renovation.
Moreover, the new Mandalay International Airport was
constructed. Therefore, the tourism industries prosper
and the functions of freight transport industries
quicken.

Better services are being provided as modern
techniques and equipment are installed at the
buildings of the two international airports. In water
transport sector, modern international ports, jetties,
modern weigh measurement systems and equipment, and
international-level container yards are now
mushrooming.

In road transport sector, Asia Highway as well as
international highway passing through Myanmar and
linking to neighbouring countries is under
phase-by-phase construction and promises a brighter
prospect of accelerated development in the road
transportation.

The emergence of the MIFFA that will ensure systematic
development in the international freight forwarding
sector coincided with the time when the national
development and business transactions are in
favourable conditions. And it will also help raise the
status of the national economic life of the entire
people. The international freight forwarding sector
takes a vital part in striving for the development of
the State, nation-building endeavours and business
transactions.

At a time when economic infrastructures and
infrastructures for production and trade are making
progress, it is important to ensure harmonious
development of all services including international
freight forwarding. In addition, measures are to be
taken for enabling production, trade and services to
be capable of enhancing the economic life of the
State.

High capability of the international freight
forwarding will surely contribute much to progress of
other development sectors.

The international freight forwarding is taking general
services such as choosing the trip for sender and
buyer, shipments, delivery, storage, making
arrangement for freight forwarding, and customs
clearance on behalf of the cargo owner.

With development in the field of the international
trade, and changes in packing and transport, and of
vessels, aircraft and automobiles, the international
freight forwarding is becoming wider and deeper.

Under these circumstances, Myanmar has been promoting
its foreign trade and economic cooperation with
foreign countries. This being so, the international
freight forwarders' association will have to take the
initiatives for ensuring development of the
international freight forwarding to be in line with
the international trade laws and regulations and
procedures, and development of cooperation among
freight forwarders.

Member entrepreneurs of the international freight
forwarders' association are the ones who have been
capable and skillful in international freight
forwarding. With the emergence of the association,
they will have to shape the national economy while
striving for development of their association. At a
time when members of the association are being
recruited, concerted efforts are to be made to enable
the association members to attend the six Mekong
region countries' meeting and ASEAN meetings on
international freight forwarding and to attend the
respective training courses abroad. Seminars and
workshops on international freight forwarding were
held in the country. As a result, entrepreneurs gained
knowledge and the seminars and workshops contributed
towards the improvement of freight forwarding. He
spoke of the need for officials to make arrangements
to link up international freight forwarding networks
as international freight forwarding services are
linked with the nations of the world. Nowadays,
e-Commerce system is widely used and so arrangements
are to be made for development of modern technology on
information technology among the entrepreneurs in
Myanmar.

He spoke of the need to make arrangements for freight
forwarding services in conformity with the procedures
of international laws on trade, economic relations,
customs and banks. He urged the association to launch
educative programmes and deliver information to its
members so that they would know the respective laws,
procedures, international practices and codes of
conduct.

The association is to lead its members in order to
bring about not only their own interest but also
long-term interest of the nation and strong national
economic life in undertaking international freight
forwarding services.

He said some countries with high technology want to
dominate developing and newly developed countries and
they put political and economic pressure on them. He
said that the entrepreneurs are to implement the
objectives set without paying attention to this
pressure. He said all the entrepreneurs are to build
strong national economic life in the interest of the
people while keeping constant vigilance.

In conclusion, the Secretary-1 urged officials and
members of MIFFA to make efforts for national
development and promotion of national economic life
through international freight forwarding services, to
work in unity for systematic improvement of
international freight forwarding services, promotion
of long-term national interest and development of
international trade and strive in the interest of
state and the people with national spirit.

Next, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe
presented a souvenir to mark establishment of MIFFA to
the Secretary-1.

Afterwards, General Khin Nyunt accepted K 5 million
for the association presented by directors of MIFFA;
two executive class plane tickets by Myanmar Airways
Int'l; two executive class plane tickets by Thai
Airways Int'l Public Co Ltd; 1,000 FECs by P & O
Nylloyd Ltd; 1,000 FECs by Sein Chit Travels & Tours
Services Ltd and K 1 million each by Myanmar
Industrial Port and Htoo Trading Company Ltd.

Next, Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe also accepted two plane
tickets presented by Silk Air; one return ticket each
by Malaysia Airlines and Mandarin Airlines; 1000 FECs
by Phee Group of Companies; K 500,000 by Asia World
Port Management; K 300,000 by Metro Asia Myanmar Co
Ltd and 2,365,000 by 22 entrepreneurs of MIFFA.

---------

4. Secretary-1 presents prizes to outstanding children

of members of intelligent units

Yangon, 28 July- A ceremony to present prizes to
children of officers and other ranks of the military
intelligence units under Office of Chief of the
Military Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence who
passed the 2003 matriculation examination was held at
No 2 Tatmadaw Guest House on Inya Road at 5 pm today,
attended by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee
Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council
Chief of Military Intelligence General Khin Nyunt.

Next, Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw
Win and the heads of department presented cash prizes
to the outstanding students who passed the 2003
matriculation examination. A total of 189 children of
officers and other ranks from the Office of Military
Intelligence and intelligence units passed the 2003
matriculation examination. Cash awards worth K
6,480,000 were presented to one five-distinction
winner, three four-distinction winners, five
three-distinction winners, one two-distinction winner
and 15 one-distinction winners.

---------

5. Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Secretary-2 meet officials
and locals in Tonzang, Tiddim, Falam in Chin State

Yangon, 28 July - Member of the State Peace and
Development Council Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann,
Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council
Lt-Gen Soe Win and Member of the State Peace and
Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint, on 23 July
morning left Reedkhodar in Falam Township for Tonzang
by helicopter.

At Chinshwepyi sport grounds in Tonzang, they met with
officials, social organizations, townselders and local
people, and Lt-Gen Ye Myint explained the purpose of
the tour of Tonzang.

Next, the Township Peace and Development Council
Chairman reported on endeavours for the development of
the township and the requirements for construction of
Basic Education High School in Tonzang and renovation
of Township People's Hospital.

The Secretary-2 next attended to the needs and
presented K 3 million to the fund of Tonzang Township
People's Hospital and K 2 million to the fund of Kyika
Station Hospital through township medical officer Dr
Wai Phyo Win.

Afterwards, Lt-Gen Ye Myint presented cash assistance
for Township Work Committee for Women's Affairs and
Township Maternal and Child Welfare Association
through officials.

Next, Vice Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee
Lt-Gen Soe Win also presented cash for construction of
the Tonzang BEHS, and for renovation of Township
People's Hospital through officials. He also presented
exercise books for the basic education schools in the
township and clothes.

The Secretary-2 urged local people to extend mulberry
cultivation, to implement highland cultivation and to
extend breeding of domesticated wild oxen.

Next, Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann also urged local people
to make efforts in the interest of the people and the
nation with patriotic spirit and cordially greeted
them.

After the meeting, Lt-Gen Soe Win went to the Township
People's Hospital and inspected it.

Deputy Minister for Health Dr Mya Oo reported on
renovation of the hospital and the Secretary-2 gave
necessary instructions.

Next, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Soe Win arrived at Tonzang
BEHS and met with the headmaster and teachers and gave
necessary instructions.

He then presented cash assistance for the school to
the headmaster.

Next, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Soe Win and party inspected
learning of students, multimedia classrooms and the
school building needed to be renovated.

Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Shan who was in
the tour of Tonzang inspected Tonzang Township
Information and Public Relations Department and gave
necessary instructions to officials.

Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and party at 3.30 pm arrived at
Tiddim by helicopter.

They were welcomed there by Commander of regional
command Col Kan Maw Oo, local authorities,
departmental officials and local people.

At the office of the Township Peace and Development
Council, Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and party met with
departmental officials, social organizations and
townselders. At the meeting, Lt-Gen Ye Myint made an
opening speech.

Next, Chairman of the Township Peace and Development
Council U Sai Maung Lu reported on work being carried
out for development of agricultural and livestock
breeding, education and health sectors and
requirements. Afterward, Lt-Gen Soe Win presented K 5
million for Tiddim Township People's Hospital to Dr
Aye Aye Maw, K 1.5 million each for Htokhlaing Station
Hospital and Hlaingtwi Station Hospital to U Sai Maung
Lu, and exercise books for students to the Township
Education Officer.

Next, Lt-Gen Ye Myint presented cash assistance for
the Township Maternal and Child Welfare Association
and the Township Working Committee for Women's Affairs
to officials.

Next, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Soe Win gave necessary
instructions to officials.

Later, Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann made a speech and
greeted those present on the occasion.

After the ceremony, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Soe Win and
party proceeded to No 1 BEHS of Tiddim, where they
were welcomed by Headmaster U Khine Ngike Lant,
teachers and students.

Next, they inspected learning of students and
multimedia classrooms.

Afterwards, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Soe Win and party
arrived at No 2 BEPS in Tiddim and inspected the
school and its environs.

On arrival at the Township People's Hospital, the
Secretary-2 and party inspected the operation theater
and X-ray room. They then met with the health staff
and gave necessary instructions.

Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann on 24 July morning met with
officers and other ranks and their families of the
local battalion and gave instructions. They then
inspected the plantations of the battalion.

The Secretary-2 and party met students of border areas
and national races youth development training school
in Tiddim. The Secretary-2 presented school uniforms
to Headmaster U Tin Aung and inspected the school.

They went to sericulture factory where Manager of Chin
State U Van Thaung and factory manager U Win Naing
reported on functions of the factory and weaving of
silk. Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation
Brig-Gen Khin Maung gave a supplementary report.

The Secretary-2 and party visited the factory.

Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, the Secretary-2 and party
arrived in Falam by helicopter. They inspected
classrooms of No 1 Basic Education High School in
Falam and greeted students. They met Falam District
and Township departmental officials, members of social
organizations, townselders and local people.

Member of the State Peace and Development Council
Lt-Gen Ye Myint spoke at the meeting. Next, Chairman
of Township Peace and Development Council U Sein Min
reported on cultivation of monsoon paddy, maize,
groundnut, sesamum, sunflower, Pesinngon, industrial
raw material crops, cotton, coffee, tea, pepper and
Thitseint trees, reclamation for highland cultivation,
raising of fowl and cattle, economic development in
the township, education and health sectors, hydropower
station and requirements.

Secretary of Falam District Peace and Development
Council Maj Tin Maung Cho reported on development of
border areas, measures undertaken for rural
development, targets and implementation of the
project, cultivation of tea, raising of domesticated
wild ox, breeding of fish, education and health
conditions and requirements.

The Secretary-2 presented cash assistance for BEHS No
1 and 2 in Falam and BEHS in Lonban to headmasters,
exercise books for basic education schools to Township
Education Officer and clothes for local people to the
Chairman of Township Peace and Development Council.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint presented cash assistance for Township
Working Committee for Women's Affairs and blankets to
officials. The Secretary-2 explained the government's
assistance to the development of Chin State, progress
being made in agriculture, education and health
sectors as a result of cooperation between
administrative bodies and service personnel and local
people and efforts for further development.

Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann called on local people and
service personnel to work hard for townshipwise
development. He then greeted those present. Lt-Gen
Thura Shwe Mann and the Secretary-2 met trainees of
nursing training school. Commander Maj-Gen Soe Naing
presented cash assistance to a trainee. Lt-Gen Thura
Shwe Mann met officers, other ranks and their family
members at the hall of regional battalion in Falam.

Meanwhile, the Secretary-2 and party inspected the
e-education learning centre and the multimedia
teaching centre at Falam BEHS No 1. The Secretary-2
gave instructions on application of teaching aid at
the multimedia teaching centre, turning out
outstanding students and efforts to be made for
producing youths who can carry out development of the
region. In the afternoon, the Secretary-2 and party
inspected Falam District Hospital. At the hall, they
met with doctors, nurses, MCWA members and officials
and gave necessary instructions.

Next, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Soe Win presented K 5 million
for the district hospital and K 1.5 million for
Teebwam Station Hospital to officials. Next, he
presented cash assistance for Township MCWA to an
official. They also inspected the X-ray room and
medical store. Afterwards, the Secretary-2 and party
went to Falam BEHS No 2 and saw over the computer
based instruction room and the language lab.

At 5 pm, Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, the Secretary-2 and
party discussed the inspection tour of Chin State at
the Yeiktha of the local battalion in Falam. Deputy
Minister for Construction Brig-Gen Myint Thein
reported on upgrading of roads in Chin State and
Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation
Brig-Gen Khin Maung on arrangements for cultivation of
tea, orange and pear.

Chairman of Chin State Peace and Development Council
Col Tin Hla and officials reported on plans to achieve
success in respective sectors. Minister for Livestock
and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein reported on
three-year plan for breeding domesticated wild oxen.

After hearing reports, Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann,
Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Soe Win and Lt-Gen Ye Myint gave
instructions on upgrading of roads, extended
cultivation of tea, orange and pear, breeding of
domesticated wild oxen and development tasks. In the
afternoon Minister for Information, Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan
who accompanied the inspection tour team, went to
Falam Township Information and Public Relations
Department and met with staff.

On 25 July morning, Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann,
Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Soe Win and party left Falam for
Kale by car and inspected condition of roads and
conservation of natural forests.

---------

6. Natthataw Dam inaugurated in Ngazun Township

Strong nation must be built based on its own strength
and power

Yangon, 28 July- An inauguration ceremony of Natthataw
Dam was held at the dam near Natthataw Village in
Ngazun Township, Myingyan District, Mandalay Division
this morning.

Member of the State Peace and Development Council
Lt-Gen Ye Myint delivered an address. He said
Natthataw Dam was built across Natthataw and
Shwelinban Creeks in Ngazun Township and would
irrigate 1,500 acres of farmland. Situated in Myingyan
District, Ngazun Township gets 20 inches of rainfall
each year and it is in the arid zone. Local farmers
could not utilize water from the creeks that flow into
the Ayeyawady River although they live near them. They
undertook agricultural tasks with much difficulty due
to the lack of favourable weather condition.

Therefore, he said, that Nine District Greening
Project for availability of water for agricultural
purpose, drinking water and greening the arid zone in
Anya region was implemented under the guidance of Head
of State Senior General Than Shwe. Achievements have
been made due to active cooperation of State
organizations and the people. Later, the project was
extended to 13 districts.

He said the government built dams and river water
pumping stations spending a large sum of money with
the use of available water resources. In other words,
water resources were explored.

He said Head of State Senior General Than Shwe laid
down tasks for rapid development of the nation and
made arrangements for progress of education, health,
economic and social conditions in rural regions. The
Senior General himself made field trips to rural areas
and fulfilled the requirements. The newly inaugurated
dam was the result of his arrangement.

In Mandalay Division, 37 dams including the present
one were built at a cost of over K 7,754 million and
they are irrigating over 329,000 acres of cultivable
lands.

A total of 14 dams in Myingyan district were built and
more dams are to be built where water is available.
Lt-Gen Ye Myint said the government is launching river
water pumping projects. Due to the projects water can
be supplied to farlands of edible oil crops and beans
and pulses all the year round.

Dams and reservoirs in Mandalay Division are the
results of goodwill of the government and they are the
foundations for posterity of local farmers.

He said the government is implementing the development
tasks not only in the states and divisions but also in
border areas. A total of 149 dams and 265 river water
pumping stations have been built in the country so
far. Owing to the government's efforts crops lands
have become farmlands in Anya region. Farmers who have
not grown paddy before can now cultivate it.

He spoke of the need for the farmers to make efforts
to per acre yield increase after applying the better
conditions created by the government. Cotton,
sugarcane, beans and pulses and oil crops can
successfully be cultivated in Mandalay Division.
Therefore, Mandalay Division is one of the divisions
on which the government relies economically. Local
people in Mandalay Division are to strive for
successful implementation of agricultural tasks that
contribute towards national and economic development,
he said.

He said arrangements are being made for opening of
university and technical institute soon and health
standard was promoted. People now can easily go to
Myotha, TadaU, Kyaukse, Simikhon and Myingyan from
Ngazun because of improved rural roads in the
district.

He spoke at length on construction of roads in the
division. Development has been made in various sectors
with the harmonious cooperation of the State, the
people and the Tatmadaw.

He said based on its own strength and power, the
nation must be built. If the country relies on foreign
assistance, it will become a satellite one, he warned.
Efforts are to be made for national development based
on patriotism and Union Spirit, he added.

He said all are to build a peaceful, modern
development nation based on their own strength.
Moreover, all the people with unity are to fight
against those who undermine the stability and
development.

He called for maintenance of the dam, conservation of
forest in the catchment area. He also thanked
engineers and service personnel of the Irrigation
Department and local organizations that rendered
assistance.

Afterwards, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation
Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin made a speech. He said that at a
time when efforts are being made for national
development, tapping and exploiting of more water
resources plays a key role in successful
implementation of agro-economy. This being so, dams
and reservoirs are being built. Natthadaw Dam opened
today will contribute much to development of
agriculture sector of Mandalay Division.

Building of Natthadaw Dam constitutes ensuring rural
water supply for the people of Ngazun Township. The
irrigation facility will also benefit a number of
acres of farmland in the township. With the emergence
of the dam, socio-economic life of the local people
will improve.

Dams and reservoirs large and small and river water
pumping projects are being implemented with own
resources across the nation under the guidance of the
Head of State for development of agricultural sector
as well as State's economy.

The irrigation facilities contribute to rural
development and enhancing of living standard of the
people. Steps are being taken for the emergence of
more irrigation facilities and Natthadaw Dam is the
149th of its kind in Myanmar.

As the world population is on the increase, there has
been a limitation on availability of water resources.
In this regard, every nation is paying serious
attention to in fresh water resources. With this end
in view, the government is making efforts for tapping
of water resources to ensure development of
socio-economic life of the people as well as
development of environmental conservation. In the
process, dams and river water pumping projects are
being implemented constantly.

Myotha Dam and Phaungkadaw Dam emerged in 2000 and
2003 respectively in the region, and there now emerges
Natthadaw Dam. Those dams will create the
opportunities for development of agricultural sector
in Ngazun Township.

The five rural development tasks are being implemented
for development of education, health, transport and
social sectors of rural areas which rely on
agriculture. Efforts are being made to increase the
per acre yield of the ten main crops and to boost the
agricultural production.

Farmers and the people are to make efforts for
regional and national developments as a network of
dams and reservoirs emerged. All are also urged to
protect and maintain the dam for its durability.

In conclusion, the minister wishes the farmers to be
prosperous and successful in agricultural undertakings
with the use of the irrigation facility.

Next, Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint gave a speech. He
said that today's ceremony is to open Natthataw Dam
which plays a vital role in uplift of living standard
of the local farmers in Ngazun Township.

Natthataw Dam is the 149th dam of the irrigation
project as well as the 37th one in Mandalay Division.

Mandalay Division will put 686,675 acres of lands
under monsoon paddy in 2003-2004. In cultivating the
monsoon paddy, 95 dams and lakes in the division and
1,327 small dams and lakes will irrigate 459,410 acres
of farmland. The agricultural tasks will be carried
out with the use of 66.9 per cent in irrigation
facilities. Similarly, 198,874 acres of summer paddy
in the division will be irrigated by dams, lakes and
river water pumping projects in 2003-2004.

It is necessary to extend paddy cultivation for local
food sufficiency. Water is essential for the
cultivation. The Government is carrying out various
ways of water supply. River water pumping projects and
dam projects were implemented and lakes and drains
were restored. Therefore, water can be supplied to
65,546 acres of farmlands this year.

Altogether 42.2 per cent of agricultural sector
includes in the production and services value of
Mandalay Division. The opening of Natthataw Dam can
benefit the agricultural sector.

Next, a local resident spoke words of thanks.

Afterwards, Lt-Gen Ye Myint unveiled the stone
inscription of the dam. Next, Commander Maj-Gen Ye
Myint and Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin formally opened
the dam. Next, they inspected the dam.

Natthataw Dam is located in northern part of Natthataw
Village, Ngazun Township. Water from Natthataw and
Shwelinban creeks will be stored at the dam which is
6,040 feet long and 57 feet high. The dam will
irrigate 1,500 acres of croplands through three feet
diameter RCC pipe. The spillway, 30 feet wide and
1,360 feet long, was built at the dam.

Construction of the dam started in September 2002. The
dam will irrigate 200 acres of paddy, 200 acres of
cotton and 1,100 acres of edible oil crops.

---------

7. Tube-wells opened in 12 villages

Yangon, 28 July - The Development Affairs Department
of the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and
National Races and Development Affairs opened
tube-wells at 12 villages in Yinmabin and Kani
townships lying along Monywa-Yagyi-Kalewa Road in
Sagaing Division in the dry region.

Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development
Council Commander of North-West Command Maj-Gen Soe
Naing, Minister for PBANRDA Col Thein Nyunt and
Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint formally
opened the tube-wells at the villages this morning.

The tube-wells were sunk and opened in accord with the
guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe,
said the commander at the ceremonies to open the
tube-wells.

The commander and the ministers also attended to the
needs of the local people. The people of the villages
are happy to be able to get access to potable water.

---------

8. Pearl sales, pearl ornamental design show and
contest conclude fetching over K 230 million

Yangon, 28 July - The Pearl sales and pearl ornamental
design show and contest, organized by Myanma Pearl
Enterprise under the Ministry of Mines, continued for
the final day at Thiri Yadana hall of the ministry on
Kanbe Street this morning, attended by Chairman of
Central Committee for Holding the Myanma Gems Emporium
Deputy Minister for Mines U Myint Thein.

Next, members of panel of patrons of MWEA, advisers,
the chairperson and officials presented first, second,
third and consolation prizes to winners respectively.

A total of 74 lots of pearl worth K 142.748408 million
were sold through sealed tender system and 19 lots of
pearl worth K 90.313563 million through competitive
bidding system. The show and contest fetched a total
of K 233.061971 million for 93 lots of pearl.

In the show and contest, Managing Director U Maung Toe
presented a handsome prize to Daw Yu Yu Khin who
bought pearls lots worth K 41.5 million.

Altogether 53 local pearl merchants attended the show
and contest.

---------

9. Home Affairs Minister attends Five-Nation
Narcotic Drug Elimination Meeting

Yangon, 28 July- The Myanmar delegation led by
Chairman of Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control
Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing attended the
Five-Nation Narcotic Drug Elimination Meeting together
with China, India, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand in
Chiang Rai, Thailand, from 22 to 24 July.

The senior officials meeting was held on 22 and 23
July and the ministerial meeting on 24 July. At the
opening ceremony of the meeting, Prime Minister of
Thailand Mr Thaksin Shinawatra delivered an address.
After the meeting, Chiang Rai Declaration was issued.

The Chiang Rai Declaration pledged that the five
nations will cooperate to accelerate drug elimination.
In doing so, emphasis is to be placed on control of
chemical precursors used in drug refinery,
transitional cooperation and creation of markets for
opium-substitute products and invitation of
international community.

After the ministerial meeting, the press conference
was held. The ministers answered the queries of
journalists. The ministers attended the dinner hosted
by Chairman of Drug Control Committee of Thailand
Deputy Prime Minister Mr Chavalit Yongchai-Yudth. On
25 July, the ministers and the representatives visited
the Drug Museum near Chiangsai and implementation of
substitute development Doiton Project of the mother of
the king in Doiton region.

On 26 July, they went on one-day trip in Tachilek via
Meisai of Thailand and left for home via Bangkok. The
meeting was attended by Vice-Chairman of National
Narcotic Drugs Control Commission of China Deputy
Minister of Public Security Mr Luo Feng, Deputy
Minister of Internal Affairs of India Mr Shri ID
Swami, Chairman of Narcotic Drugs Control National
Commission of Lao PDR Minister at the President's
Office Mr Soubanh Srithirath, Minister of Judicial
Affairs of Thailand Mr Phongthep Thepkanjana and the
Myanmar delegation comprising CCDAC member Brig-Gen
Kyaw Thein, Myanmar Ambassador to Thailand U Myo
Myint, Joint-Secretary of CCDAC Police Col Hkam Aung
and Second Secretary U Moe Naing Aung. The meeting
decided to hold the experts of chemical precursor
control meeting of five nations to be held soon and
the high-ranking officials meeting the next year in
Thailand.

---------

10. ASEAN Food Fair on 2 August

Yangon, 28 July - Hailing 36th Anniversary of ASEAN
Day which falls on 8 August 2003, the ASEAN Food Fair,
to be organized by Myanmar ASEAN Women's Friendship
Association, will be held at Mahawthada Hall, Zizawa
Yeiktha, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 2 August.

Members of the Panel of Patrons of the Association the
wife of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the wife
of the Deputy Minister and party, the Philippine
Ambassador and wives of ASEAN Ambassadors will sell
traditional foods of the respective countries in the
ASEAN Food Fair. Anyone can visit the fair free of
charge.

---------

11. Computer, printer, e-mail accessories handed
over to Ministry of Information

Yangon, 28 July - Under the arrangement for exchange
of news between Myanma News Agency (International) of
News and Periodicals Enterprise under the Ministry of
Information and Press Trust of India (PTI), the Indian
embassy handed over computer, printer and e-mail
accessories to the Ministry of Information at the
office of the ministry on Bo Aung Kyaw Street this
morning. On behalf of the Minister for Information,
Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aung Thein accepted the
donations.

Present on the occasion were Managing Director of News
and Periodicals Enterprise U Tin Kha, Director-General
of Myanma Radio and Television U Khin Maung Htay,
Managing Director of Printing and Publishing
Enterprise U Myint Thein, Director-General of
Information and Public Relations Department U Chit
Naing, Managing Director of Myanma Motion Pictures
Enterprise U Bo Kyi, departmental officials, Indian
ambassador to Myanmar Mr Rajiv Kumar Bhatia and First
Secretary Ms Manika Jain.

Next, Indian ambassador to Myanmar Mr Rajiv Kumar
Bhatia explained the purpose and presented the
computer, printer and e-mail accessories which were
accepted by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aung Thein.

Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aung Thein spoke words of
thanks.

---------

12. Prayers for parents 3 Aug

Yangon, 28 July -Father Edwin David and members of the
University Catholic Students' Apostle (Yangon) will
say prayers for the parents for the 14th time at the
St Augustine Church on Inya Road, Kamayut, Yangon, at
9.30 am on 3 August (Sunday).

Yangon Archbishop Charles Bo will deliver a sermon.
The parents, friends and youths are invited to attend
the ceremony.

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