Unprecedented progress made in storm-hit regions thanks to concerted efforts of government, entrepreneurs, well-wishers

Chairman of the State Peace and Develop ment Council Commander- in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe, accompanied by member of the SPDC General Thura Shwe Mann, Chairman of National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee Prime Minister General Thein Sein, member of the SPDC Lt-Gen Tin Aye, the Commander-in-Chief (Navy), the Commander- in-Chief (Air), senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence, Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Maj-Gen Kyaw Swe, the ministers, the deputy ministers and officials, left Pathein byhelicopter yesterday morning and arrived in Hainggyigyun at 10.50 a.m. Along the route, Senior General Than Shwe and party inspected the development of Kyonku and Zeegyaingt villages. Next, Senior General Than Shwe and party looked into rehabilitation and construction tasks in Hainggyigyun region, progress in reconstruction of residential structures,basic education schools, hospital, dispensary, departmental buildings and religious edifices in a motorcade. At the meeting hall of Hainggyigyun, Brig- Gen Myo Myint Than of local station reported on rehabilitation of the storm-hit Hainggyigyun and work carried out for regional development to the Head of State and party. Details of his reports include salient points of Hainggyigyun,reconstruction of hospital, schools, monasteries and religious buildings in storm-hit Hainggyigyun by Shwe Than Lwin, AryonOo, FMI, Moe Kye Sin, Thein, AMC and Tet Lan Companies, distribution of relief items, reconstruction of roads in wards and village-to-village roads and bridges, distribution of paddy seeds, tractors and cattle for timely cultivation of monsoon paddy, progress in cultivation of monsoon paddy, supply of fishing boats and nets, restoration of import of fish, prawn and crabs, distribution of water pumps, power tillers and fuel. Next, Commander Maj-Gen Kyaw Swe reported on other salient points.
After hearing the reports, Senior General Than Shwe stressed the need for officials concerned to rehabilitate and construct. Hainggyigyun phase by phase so that it can possess the characteristics of a town and to regenerate local business until it returns to normal, while striving for ensuing better transport. Next, Senior General Than Shwe and party viewed the rehabilitation and development of Hainggyigyun from the meeting hall’s view point.Afterwards, Senior General Than Shwe and entourage left Hainggyigyun by helicopter and arrived in Kyaukkalat village at 12.30 pm. Along the route, they looked into construction of Labutta-T h o n g w a - O t t w i n - Hteiksun road and development of Chaungwa, Pyinkhayaing, Hteitsun and Phondawpyi villages The Head of State and entourage were welcomed
there by Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint who is supervising the rehabilitation and construction of Ngapudaw Township, departmental officials and local people. Later, Senior General Than Shwe and party inspected progress in reconstruction of houses, schools, dispensaries and offices in Kyaukkalat, Phonsoegyi and Konthaya villages and construction of gravel roads. At the briefing hall in Kyaukkalat village, Minister for Mines Brig- Gen Ohn Myint reported on tasks carried out in rehabilitation of Ngapudaw Township such as construction of rural houses, rehabilitation of hospitals, dispensaries, schools by AryonOo, FMI, Tet Lan, Myint Myat Ahlin and Mitta Foundation Companies, cultivation of monsoon paddy in Ngapudaw Township, distribution of paddy seeds, power tillers, cattle and arrangements for cultivation of summer paddy, distribution of fishing boats and nets, reconstruction of schools, dispensaries and religious edifices by Shwe Than Lwin, Tet Lan, Thein, AryonOo, AMC and Moe Kye Sin Companies, construction of two-storey school building, disbursingof loans for full regeneration of salt industry, emergence of motorcycles, private bus line, boat line, shops, video lounges, arrangement for construction of cyclone shelters, construction of L a b u t t a - T h o n g w a - Ottwin-Hteiksun road and cultivation of crops on a manageable scale to Senior General Than Shwe and party. After hearing the report, Senior General Than Shwe spoke of the need to make arrangement for ensuring drinking water, electricity and roads in rehabilitation of Hteiksun, Kyaukkalat and Konthaya villages, for timely completion of Labutta-Thongwa- Ottwin-Hteiksun road as it plays a leading role in regional development and to strive for ensuring electricity with the use of bio-gas and solar energy. Senior General Than Shwe continued to say that the strong cyclone hit some villages and left heavy loss and casualty. However, as the government, construction entrepreneurs and well-wishers were able to engage in rehabilitation and construction of the storm-hit regions, unprecedented progress has been made in those regions.He said that those who observe the situation of the regions are now witnessing the fruitful results of development enjoyed by local people, and spoke of the need for officials concerned to make continued efforts for improvement of socio-economic status of local people including development of education, health and business of villages.
At the same time, cyclone shelters are to be built in case of a disaster and cyclone preparedness drills are to be launched for local people to be able to face natural disasters, he noted. Next, the Head of State and entourage observed the beach from the briefing hall’s view point and greeted local people of Kyaukkalap village. Senior General Than Shwe and party left Kyaukkalat Village in Ngapudaw Township by helicopter. They inspected reconstruction of Thingangon, Thetkalthaung, Thingangyi people, members of social organization and officials. The Head of State inspected reconstruction of Pyinsalu, construction of houses, offices, hospitals, dispensaries and schools and growing of shade trees and windbreak plants. Senior General Than Shwe and party went to the Max Myanmar office of rehabilitation and construction of Pyinsalu. Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt reported on massive losses and measures taken for rehabilitation and reconstruction, Senior General Than Shwe observed a map showing Pyinsalu and its environs and gave guidance to officials. Next, Commander Maj-Gen Kyaw Swe reported on production of monsoon paddy, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun on construction of Labutta-Thingangyi- Pyinsalu Road, Minister for Livestock and Fishersooner in case of emergency. On his way to Pathein, Senior General Than Shwe and party inspected construction of Labutta-Thingangyi- Pyinsalu road from the helicopter. They arrived in Pathein at 4 p.m.

Senior General Than Shwe pays homage to pagodas in Bagan-NyaungU

Senior General Than Shwe inspects progress in bank erosion prevention task at Lawkananda Sacred Tooth Relic Pagoda.—

NAY PYI TAW, 18 Dec—Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe, accompanied by State Peace and Development Council member General Thura Shwe Mann and party, paid homage to pagodas in Bagan-NyaungU at 11.30 a.m. yesterday. The Senior General and party offered flowers,
water and oil lights to Lawkananda Sacred Tooth Relic Pagoda. Next, the Senior General made cash donations for the pagoda through the pagoda board of trustees and paid homage to the pagoda clockwise. Senior General Than Shwe inspected tasks of prevention against bank erosion of Ayeyawady River at the pagoda.
At Shwezigon Pagoda, the Senior General and party paid homage to Kakuthan Buddha Image at the eastern archway. After paying obeisance at the pagoda, the Head of State and party donated cash to the trust funds of the pagoda through the pagoda board of trustees. Next, they paid homage to the pagoda clockwise. The Head of State and party proceeded to Bagan Archaeological Museum. At the meeting room, Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Khin Aung Myint reported to the Senior General on the background history of themuseum and preservation of cultural heritage.
After hearing the reports, the Senior General gave necessary guidance and signed in the visitors’ book. The Senior General viewed gold Buddha image and silver Buddha image, 12 inches in height, 11 inches in width between two knees of the image and five inches in thickness cast in 12th Century, found at the Pagoda No. 1515 near Myebontha Phayahla in Bagan, the bronze water lily bud cast in 11th Century and dolomite plaque and dolomite Buddha image of
Bagan era, bronze Buddha image, fossil ivory parts of ancient elephants and fossil molars. At Ananda Pagoda, the Senior General and party offered flowers, water and lights to the Buddha
image at the western archway and paid homage to the pagoda. The Senior General also paid homage to the Buddha images in the tunnel of the Ananda Pagoda clockwise and made cash donations. At Hsinmyarshin Pagoda, the Senior General and party paid obeisance to the Buddha image offering flowers, water and lights and made cash donations to the funds through the pagoda board of trustees. Later, they paid homage to the pagoda.

Strive for success of modern farming

Agriculture sector plays extensive role in the economic growth of the country. The government has been implementing plans to develop agriculture including reclamation of new land, availability of water for agricultural purpose, boosting per acre yield and production of high quality products. Local farmers in cooperation with entrepreneurs are making endeavours to introduce modern farming after establishing agricultural zones in Dagon Myothit region, Yangon Division, which has a lot of fallow and vacant lands. Reclamation of lands, digging of
canals and land preparations are being carried out with the use of heavy machinery. If we study each region we will see agriculture contributes towards not only sufficiency of food but improvement of socioeconomic life of the local farmers. The farmers will surely enjoy benefits
through reclamation of fallow and virgin lands, cultivation of quality high-yield paddy strains
and application of modern cultivation methods. The government on its part is providing requirements for agricultural development including supply of adequate irrigation water, minimizing loss and wastage of crops, wide utilization of farm implements. Considering the population and consumption, the country has rice surplus. However, continued efforts are to be made for boosting production of paddy like other riceexporting countries. It is needed to focus not only on paddy but also on other marketable crops such as beans and pulses, corn and sesamum. Making use of the government’s assistance for agriculture, local farmers are to cultivate quality high-yield strains with the application of modern cultivation methods in order to develop national economy.

7th Myanmar ICT Week 2008 in PyinOoLwin

NAY PYI TAW, 15 Dec— The opening ceremony to mark the 7th Myanmar ICT Week of 2008 was held in the compound of Yatanarpon Teleport Building of Yatanarpon Myothit in PyinOoLwin Township on 12 December. Present on the occasion were Minister for Agriculture
and Irrigation Maj-Gen Htay Oo, Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, Minister for Energy
Brig-Gen Lun Thi, Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung, Minister for Electric Power No.1 Col Zaw Min, Minister for Education Dr Chan Nyein, Minister for Forestry Brig-Gen TheinAung, Chairman of Mandalay City Development Committee Mayor Brig-Gen Phone Zaw Han,senior military officers, deputy ministers, departmental heads, officials of Myanmar Computer Federation, IT professionals form home and abroad, domestic and foreign
entrepreneurs, locals from PyinOoLwin district of Mandalay Division, members of social organizations, teachers, students, pom pom troupes and guests. Chairman of ENational Task Force Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw officially
opened the 2008 7th Myanmar ICT Week. Next, ministers and officials viewed displayed
advanced hi-tech IT products and electronics of companies from home and abroad. The 2008 7th Myanmar ICT Week will be held from 12 Dec to tomorrow with seminars and workshops at

Yatanarpon Teleport main building during the ICT week.

Nurture citizens on whom the State can rely

Teachers of the education sector are a strong national force capable of nurturing and training human resources that are required in various sectors in the process of building a new modern developed disciplineflourishing democratic nation. Realizing the history of the State, efforts of the government in building a new nation and the national objectives, all the teachers will have to be fully equipped with national outlooks and nationalistic fervour. The government has paved the way for building a new modern developed disciplineflourishing democratic nation by building a large number of infrastructures. As efforts are being made to effectively utilize natural resources in agriculture and manufacturing sectors while striving for development of human resources, the education standard of the entire nation has enhanced both in form and essence during the period of two decades. There are a series of socio-economic challenges in the 21st century. The teachers capable of guiding the youths to the respective fields in line with their bent and good prospects are to produce intellectuals and intelligentsia required in building a new nation. Meanwhile, teachers who are helping shape the future of the State should
possess political, economic and social outlooks, nationalistic fervour and upright morale.
As dutiful citizens with strong convictions are the strength of the nation, all the teachers are to try their best to produce citizens on whom the State can rely and for the development of human resources.

Senior General Than Shwe inspects development tasks of Yatanarpon Myothit Project and National Kandawgyi Gardens

NAY PYI TAW, 14 Dec—Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-
in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe went on an inspection tour of ongoing Yatanarpon Myothit Project and developing National Kandawgyi Gardens, in PyinOoLwin on 11 December and gave necessary guidance. Senior General Than Shwe, accompanied byMember of the SPDC General Thura Shwe Mann, Secretary-1 of the SPDC Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and Members, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence, commanders, ministers, military officers and officials of the SPDC Office, arrived at YatanarponMyothit Construction Project site near mile post No. 27/0 on Mandalay- PyinOoLwin motor road in PyinOoLwin township at 11.30 a.m. and inspected progress in allotting lands to implement housing projects and IT workshops in a motorcade.

Next, Senior General Than Shwe and party oversaw conditions of Incubation Centre buildings and the project area. Afterwards, Senior General Than Shwe was conducted round Incubation
Centre No. 7 by Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw and
officials while inspecting booths of private companies, E-Telegram booths of Myanma Telecommunications.
When Senior General Than Shwe and members arrived at Yatanarpon Teleport, which is the
main building of the project, ministers, deputy ministers, the Mandalay Mayor, members of committee for building Yatanarpon Myothit, officials and IT experts of Myanmar Computer Federation and entrepreneurs welcomed them.
At the briefing hall of Yatanarpon Teleport, Senior General Than Shwe and party heard reports onof soils in an area of 10,000 acres of project site, land preparations, progress in constructing factories and office buildings, housing project area and progress of implementation presented
by Chairman of Mandalay Division PDC Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Tin Ngwe.
Next, Chairman of Myanmar Electronic NationalTaskforce Chairman of Supervisory Committee for Building Yatanarpon Myothit Minister for CPT Brig-Gen Thein Zaw presented reports to Senior General Than Shwe and party on progress in building Yatanarpon Myothit.
He reported that Yatanarpon Myothit Project will be implemented in two phases. In the first phase the project area is 2,200 acres where a teleport and seven structures for incubation centre have been built. Altogether 13 local and foreign companies have proposed to invest in IT industry including designs of factories, items to be manufactured and arrangements forproducing human resources.
He also reported on allotment of land, construction of roads, installation of communication
equipment, supply of water and power and efforts for establishment of a modern town full of IT industries.
Next, Chairman of Mandalay City Development Committee Mayor Brig-Gen Phone Zaw Han reported on implementation of housing project in the north of Yatanarpon Myothit in cooperation with private companies, rules and regulations issued for residents to buy plots of land and 194 plots of land allotted.
Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung and Minister for Industry-1 U Aungmatters related to IT industries.
Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and member of SPDC Lt-Gen Tin Aye reported on development of IT industry. Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance on coordination for establishment of IT factories of the companies that have invested in this
field as soon as possible, land allotment for investors and residential housing units.
Senior General Than Shwe and party inspected charts of Yatanarpon Myothit Construction
Project and observed modern computers and accessories and IT equipment.
Senior General Than Shwe and party went to National Kandawgyi Gardens and visitedflower plantations at the third flower festival. They were conducted round the festival by Minister for
Forestry Brig-Gen Thein Aung and officials of Myanmar Floriculturists Association.
At the flower festival, altogether over 7 million flowers of 16 local species and over 70 foreign species were on show with 15 flower displays depicting the map of Myanmar and arbour for the royalty in the palace garden, two lions, flower hills, Nan Myint Tower, aircraft, ship, snow flower, etc.
The aim of the flower festival is to enable flower-lovers to observe a wide array of flowers at a place at the same time and to attract local and foreign tourists by holding such a grand flower festival yearly.
Next, Senior General Than Shwe and party looked into the development of the National Kandawgyi Gardens and recreation of the people.
Afterwards, Senior General Than Shwe and party proceeded to the modern orchid garden in
the National Kandawgyi Gardens where they were conducted round by MinisterBrig-Gen Thein
Aung and officials.
The modern orchid was established with the aim of flourishing foreign and local orchids and preserving orchids of Myanmar species.
Altogether over 300 local orchid species from states and divisions and hybrid orchids are grown
in the orchid garden.

7th Myanma ICT Week 2008 in Yatanarpon Teleport for IT enthusiasts

Myanmar is striving for rapid development of information technology to be able to catch up with the advancement of IT the global countries have made. On 3 December morning, I had an opportunity to visit the Information and Technology Department ofYatanarpon Teleport in Yatanarpon Myothit being built by the government for the emergence of an IT City at mile post

27/0 on Mandalay- PyinOoLwin Road in PyinOoLwin Township. The Yatanarpon Teleport where the Seventh Myanma ICT Week 2008 will be held soon was established on 30 June 2006. On 14 December 2007, the Head of State attended the opening ceremony of the building of Yatanarpon Teleport and opened it. The Yatanarpon Teleport is being constructed on 10,000 acres of land. The Teleport has been facilitated with a four-lane concrete entrance road. Moreover, one 5.6 miles long twolane concrete road and one 12.7 miles two-lane earth road have been completed and more roads are under construction. At the Myothit, ADSL Internet will be accessible through the fibre optic communication system, the under water cable Internet system and the transnational Internet system. The building of the Teleport is being facilitated

with WiFi, Wimax and Broadband 7th Myanma ICT Week 2008 in Yatanarpon Teleport for IT enthusiasts Article & Photos: Tin Maung Photo shows scale model of digital auto-exchange, transmission equipment and factory to produce MDF and telephone accessories of Tamoenye Chan Thar Tun Wai Co on No. 13 plot of Yatanarpon Myothit Project. Incubation Wireless Internet Access. Moreover, applications and machinery for satellite communication system,
auto-telephone system, mobile telephone system and cable TV system have been installed for
those who will live in the Myothit, companies and business organizations. Potable water

from Hsinlan and Sitha Dams are being provided to the Myothit and arrangements

have been made to supply electricity to the new town round theclock. At the Teleport, the
soft Based Factory project is being implemented. At present, the ICT Main Complex of the Teleport and seven buildings to serve as the Incubation Centre were completed. Plans are under way to build the International Software, the Local Software, the Commercial & Service, the Park & Convention, the Training Center, Research & Development and the Southern
Residential Area. In the northern part of the Myothit, Mandalay City Development Committee started the construction of Private Housing Estate Project. Those wishing to buy the plot for their residence at the housing estate are to follow the disciplines for the dwellers prescribed by
the MCDC. Furthermore, water, power and road transport facilities will be provided for the residents. Furthermore, a world class computer training centre will be established. The
Teleport located in the area with favourble weather condition has easy access to Anisakhan Airport and other regions through road transport link. Therefore, a total of 35 joint venture
companies at home and from abroad invested in the Yatanarpon Myothit Project to produce different types of IT items and accessories. So far, the ICT Weeks have been held for six times in the country for development of the human resources based on IT. The 7th Myanmar ICT
Week 2008 will be held at Yatanarpon Myothit from 12 to 16 December with the aims of enabling the IT enthusiasts to understand the development of IT and relevant knowledge at the IT exhibitions, disseminating the IT knowledge to the youth, uplifting the IT capacity of the youth through the IT exhibitions, enabling the visitors and IT enthusiast youth to apply the modern IT accessories, enjoy the entertainments at the exhibition and view the progress of IT and latest IT products at the Yatanarpon Teleport. At the ICT Week, experts and technicians
will submit papers and give lectures on advancement of modern IT products at the IT workshops and seminars, paper-reading sessions and educative talks. The tasks based on the IT progress of youth will contribute to development of the State economy. Local IT companies
will open over 70 booths to display the latest IT products to the visitors. Companies will sell
modern products related to IT technology at reasonable prices. The ICT Week will be organized
with the programmes of modern ICT product lucky draws, model shows, Miss IT 2008 contest and IT games and handsome prizes will be awarded to the winners. During the ICT week, vocalists will entertain the visitors with variety of songs. Moreover, arrangements are being made to perform entertainments for visitors with the programmes of MRTV-4, City FM, Mandalay FM through LED Indoor and Outdoor monitors. Express buses will ply forthevisitors of the ICT Week from Zaygyo in Mandalay to Yatanarpon Myothit and the bus fare will be fixed
at K 500 per head. Officials have made arrangements for the students to visit the ICT Week exhibitions. As such, IT enthusiasts and the people may not only view the modern IT products at the exhibitions of the ICT Week but also the scenic beauty of the Hill Station and the floral festival inPyinOoLwin.

Cut number of malaria victims by half in year 2010

The government has laid down and is implementing the national health policy for successful realization of one of the social objectives— uplift of health, fitness and education standards of the entire nation. Malaria is one of the six major diseases faced by the nation. It triggers not only a health related problem but also a social related problem. Globally, the number of people who are infected with malaria yearly is from 300 to 500 million, thereby causing about 2 million deaths. About 700,000 people in Myanmar are infected with malaria yearly. Malaria could affect not only the victims and their families but also national economy. Since 2000, the government has been taking steps to reduce the number of deaths caused by malaria by half in the year 2010. Man is infected with malaria after being bitten by mosquitoes that carry protozoal parasites. Such malaria-borne mosquitoes usually bite people at night. Everyone regardless of age could fall victim to malaria. Those who move from malaria-free regions to malaria-stricken regions are more susceptible, and once infected it could prove serious. Preventive measures such as imparting knowledge to the people, using mosquito nets treated with insecticide, cultivating the habit of visiting hospitals and receiving proper treatment need to be widely carried out. Preventive measures against the fatal disease are to be taken with the participation of the entire national people with a high level of health awareness. Only then, will the nation be able to reduce the number of malaria victims by half in the year 2010.

Success of tea-growing calls for concerted efforts

The government is making its utmost efforts for boosting production of tea. Teagrowing is a lucrative business. Cultivation acreage is extended every year. In Chin State, a hilly area in the west ofMyanmar, tea can be grown well as it is a fertile region for growing tea. The state has an
area of over 8.9 million acres. Only 500,000 acres of land have been put under crops and thus many acres are left to grow tea. Tea is widely grown in Shan and Chin States. Model plantations of tea are being established in Natyaykantaung region in Ngaphe Township in Minbu District and Mt Popa garden area in Kyaukpadaung Township. Natyaykantaung region in Ngaphe Township is a favourable region for growing tea. Tea can easily be transported to the markets in Pyay in Bago Division (West), Magway Division and Rakhine State. The government is making
arrangements for implementation of 2,000 acres of tea in 2009 under the supervision of the Ministry of Forestry after promoting investment opportunities to the private investors. Tea will be grown on every available land of Mt Popa garden area of Forest Department in Kyaukpadaung Township which has a favourable condition for tea. Growing of tea contributes towards not only increasing job opportunities but raising socio-economic life of the people in those regions.

NAY PYI TAW, 4 Dec — Maj-Gen Min Aung Hlaing of the Ministry of Defence together with Chairman of Shan State (North) Peace and Development Council Commander of North-
East Command Maj-Gen Aung Than Htut and departmental officials on 2 December visited edible oil crop (oil radish) plantation of farmer U Tin Yan at Shwemuhtaw Village in Nawnghkio
Township.Next, Maj-Gen Min Aung Hlaing and the commander inspected samples of edible oil crop strain, sample oil and oil radish plantation. During the tour, he met with officers and other
ranks of the Station Command at Dokhtawady Hall and presented clothes and foods to families of the station. Next, he visited thrivingoil radish plantation in the command. At Taungshe Hospital in the township, Maj-Gen Min Aung Hlaing visited the hospital and provided medicines and equipment to the hospital. Afterwards, he inspected Naungshwe- Yerkhsuk-Indaw-Taungkham- Nawnghkio road section and maintenance of Dokhtawady Bridge (Nawnghkio). Next, he visited construction of Basic Education High School (Lonca) at the village and made cash donations. Next, he inspected Thein Yadana Oil Mill at Shwemuhtaw in
Nawnghkio Township,and harvesting of Hsinshawli paddy plantation of farmer U Sai Tun
Oo at Naungan Village in Kayukme Township.

Prevent and control HIV/ AIDS collectively

Today, AIDS is spreading rapidly like an epidemic throughout the world. So, many countries are paying special attention to AIDS control measures and taking care of those infected with HIV.

Myanmar is launching AIDS control campaigns at the national level. In the process,the Central Committee for Prevention and Control of AIDS was formed in 1989. The committees at state
and division, district and township levels are stepping up AIDS control measures. In particular, they are working together with the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement and internal NGOs for prevention of HIV infection against women and caring for women infected with HIV. At the same time, the committees at all levels are providing consultancy, giving educative talks and rendering effective treatments to the victims. The United Nations AIDS
body announced that as a result of those measures, Myanmar’s HIV/AIDS cases dropped
from0.94 per cent in 2000 to 0.67 per cent in 2007. Myanmar is playing an active role in AIDS prevention and control campaigns hand in hand with UN agencies and international NGOs.
AIDS has adverse effects not only on the health but also on social and economic development of world people. Therefore, the entire people have to participate in HIV/ AIDS control campaigns in collaboration with departments concerned and social organizations and console and look after the victims.

Traditional medicine practitioners

The ninth Myanmar Traditional Medicine Practitioners’ Conference was held at the Ministry of Health in Nay Pyi Taw the other day. In his message to the conference, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council SeniorGeneral Than Shwe urged Myanmar traditional medicine practitioners to make collaborative efforts with might and main
through the conference, taking full advantage of the encouragement and assistance of the government in order to
provide better health care to the people across the nation including rural and border areas. The Head of State also exhorted them to improve Myanmar traditional medicine practitioners’ therapies and potency of traditional medicines through advanced methods and raise the standard of Myanmar traditional medicine. Myanmar traditional medicine is, indeed, a national legacy that has improved in conformity with the country’s geographical features, climate patterns, culture, customs and traditions in the course of Myanmar history. The people have been consuming Myanma traditional medicines from the earliest times. Throughout successive periods, Myanmar traditional medicine
practitioners provided health care services to the people. They preserved medical science, therapies and potent medicine. The government is giving effective encouragement to measures for enabling Myanmar traditional medicine to be well-known at the international level by means of improving it through medical research and manufacturing
potent Myanmar traditional medicines. Myanmar Traditional Medicine Practitioners’ Conference is held every year and it is a forum where Myanmar traditional medicine practitioners hold discussions and pass resolutions in unity. Myanmar traditional medicines are effectively used in the fields of propagation, practical treatment, education and training,
research and development and disease control. We believe that traditional medicine practitioners will continue to make efforts for development of Myanma traditional medicine, a national prestige, based on their unity and strength.

Industry-2 Ministry opens Course No. 1/2008

NAY PYI TAW, 27 Nov — Conducted by the Ministry of Industry-2, 3D Modeling for Pro
Engineer Course No. 1/ 2008 was opened at the ministry here on 25 November.
Deputy Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Kyaw Swa Khaing,departmental heads,officers and trainees attended the openingceremony. First, the deputy minister made an opening speech and visited the course. A total of 20 trainees under the ministry are attending the one-month course.
Ministry of Industry-2 has opened basic computer course and Auto CAD course for service personnel.

Myanmar, Thai specialists provide ear care services

NAY PYI TAW, 27 Nov—Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint, together with Deputy Minister Dr
Mya Oo, viewed the joint treatment of Myanmar and Thai surgeons at Department of Eye, Ear,
Nose, Throat, Plastic, Maxillo-facial and Oral Surgery of Nay Pyi Taw People’s General Hospital
(1000-bed) on 25 November.
At the hall, the minister and party met with leader of Ear Surgery Mobile Unit of Thailand Prof Soontom Antarasena and held a discussion with Thai Ambassador Mr Bansarn Bunnag on

Myanmar and Thai health matters.
An eight-member ear surgery team led by Prof Dr Thein Tun and the 18- member Thai ear surgery team led by Prof Soontom Antarasena are providing ear care services at Nay Pyi Taw People’s General Hospital and Nay Pyi Taw Pyinmana People’sHospital.
The Thai ear treatment team had jointly performed treatment with Myanmar surgeons for nine times. The team will give treatments in Toungoo and Maubin townships.
The Myanmar-Thai ear care team provided treatments to 545 patients at Nay Pyi Taw People’s
General Hospital and 848 patients at Nay Pyi Taw Pyinmana People’s Hospital.

Yangon Division Industrial Zones Management Committee eyes industrial development

YANGON, 27 Nov—The coordination meeting of Yangon Division Industrial Zones Management Committee was held at the meeting hall of Yangon Command Headquarters on Konmyinttha here at 1 p.m. today, with an address by Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the Ministry of Defence.
Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Win Myint submitted reports on making endeavours for more development of industrial sector in Yangon Division and assistance provided. Chairmen of Yangon Division Industrial Zones Management Committees, responsible persons and
entrepreneurs reported on carrying out of sector-wise tasks and requirements. Later, Lt-Gen Myint Swe, the commander and officials concerned fulfilled the requirements.
Departmental officials presented the reports on their respective sectors. Afterwards, Lt-Gen Myint Swe delivered a concluding speech.

Defence Services Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) Football Tournament opened

YANGON, 25 Nov—The 47th Defence Services Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy Tatmadaw (Army,Navy and Air) Football Tournament was opened at the Youth Training Centre
(Thuwunna) here at 3p.m. yesterday with an address by Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thura Myint Aung of the Ministry of Defence, on behalf of the Commander- in-Chief.
Also present on the occasion were Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Win Myint, senior military officers, defence attaches from foreign missions,
officials from the Ministry of Sports, guests, Tatmadawmen and their families, social organizations and enthusiasts.
After making a speech, Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thura Myint Aung took the salute of the football teams. At the opener, the South-West Command beat the Yangon Command 3-2.
The first round-robin matches will be held from 28 November to 11 December at the respective
zones which include South-East Command zone (Mawlamyine) for Group-A, South-West
Command zone (Pathein) for Group-B, North-West Command zone (Monywa) for Group-C, Central Command zone (Mandalay) for Group-D and Southern Command zone (Toungoo) for Group-E.

Industry-2 Minister inspects projects of Thagara Industrial Region

NAY PYI TAW, 25 Nov—Minister for Industry-2 Vice-Admiral Soe Thein inspected progress of construction of lecture halls, main building, auditorium and roads for Technical Training School (Thagara) at Thagara Industrial Region in Yedashe Township, Bago Division this morning.

Next, the minister looked into progress of construction of Hydropower Turbine and Generator factory and installation of machines at iron foundry of Diesel Engine factory. He also greeted Chinese technicians.
At Bulldozer and Excavator factory in the region, the minister met with staff and explained the role of employees of the ministry for industrial development of the State.
Next, the minister presented three TV sets each for the staff of Bulldozer and Excavator factory and Diesel Engine factory.

9th Myanmar Traditional Medicine
Practitioners’ Conference
2-3 December 2008
Nay Pyi Taw
---------

Traditional medicine, principal
contributor to public health
Myanmar Traditional Medicine
Practitioners’ Conference, a genuine
Myanmar legacy left by ancestors

Myanmar delegation attends Industrial Development Conference of LDCs

NAY PYI TAW, 23 Nov—A Myanmar delegation led by Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung arrived in Siem Reap of Cambodia on 18 November to attend Industrial Development Conference of Least Developed Countries, jointly organized by United Nations Industrial Development Organization and World Trade Organization. The minister attended an informal
meeting together with Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Cambodia Mr Cham Prasidh and members at Sokha Angkor Hotel.
The following day Industrial Development Conference of Least Developed Countries was held at Sokha Angkor Hotel and Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen made an opening speech on the occasion.

Present on the occasion were the Directors-General of UNIDO and WTO, regional heads, officials of Asian Development Bank and African Development Bank, ministers, delegates and agencies from 43 out of 49 countries.
The Cambodian Prime Minister had a documentary photo taken together with those present
and held meetings with them. Next, the report from the workshop held in Gali of Rwanda was submitted and it was discussed and donor countries also discussed guaranteed funds.

Minister U Aung Thaung took part in the discussions, saying that trade assistance to Myanmar
was limited resulting from economic sanctions, and in consequence, there was a decline in currency flow and trade volume. However, global economic crisis does not have much impact on Myanmar, unlike many other developed and developing countries. The country is making political and economic reforms through the State’s seven-step Road Map. So, the country will soon enjoy disciplined development in next few years.
As such, it is required to try and look on the bright side in the Myanmar’s issue. Trade opportunities and assistance provided by every country, developed and developing, will make significant contribution towards duty free, quota free system. Like some other countries, Myanmar’s fundamental objective is to achieve agro-based economic growth, he said.

Myanmar delegation attended the dinner hosted by the Cambodian Government and the
conference continued on 20 November. Ministers and leaders of delegations held meetings in groups.
They discussed an epidemic of America-centered economy spreading across the world to be cured in a certain period. They are to overcome that certain period.
The declaration of Siem Reap was approved and UNIDO and WTO held a press conference. On 21 November, the Myanmar delegation toured Angkorwat Temple and arrived back here by air in the evening.

Prime Minister General Thein Sein receives Vietnamese Ambassador

NAY PYI TAW, 24 Nov —Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Thein Sein received Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in the Union of Myanmar Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Mr Tran Van Tung who has completed his tour of duty at the Government Office here at 3.30 p.m. today.
Also present at the call were Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Maung Myint,Director-General of the Government Office Col Thant Shin and Director-General U Kyaw Kyaw of the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Border region equipped with modern communication facilities

With utmost efforts,the government has been implementing 24-region development plan for narrowing the gap between urban and rural areas and for ensuring equitable development of all regions of the country,and remarkable progress can be witnessed in all aspects.In this regard, the communications sector is a case in point. The requirements are fulfilled in the communications sector throughout the nation. The local people in Bhamo region have enjoyed fruits of developing communication facilities.

Grow crops extensively for better socio-economic life

Total sown acreage of monsoon and summer paddy is over 20 million acres in Myanmar. The agricultural sector serves as the dominant contributor to the economic growth of the nation. So, effective measures are being taken constantly for boosting production of crops especially paddy.So far, the government has constructed 216 dams and 322 river water pumping stations across the nation for adequate supply of irrigation water, the major requirement of the agricultural farming. Simultaneously,it is encouraging farmers to choose highyielding paddy strains, apply advanced agricultural methods, and use farm machinery, thereby making a boom in the agricultural sector.The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation is implementing dam projects,sluice gate projects and underground water pumping station projects throughout the country, particularly in arid regions: Sagaing,Magway and Mandalay divisions.
Plans are under way to launch Daungmyu Dam Project, Kandaunt Dam Project, North Yamar irrigation system, Kyaukchat Dam Project and Yaybokkyi Dam Project in central Myanmar.In addition, more sluice gates are due to be built in Mon State and Bago Division to protect the regions from being flooded in the rainy season and irrigate farmlands in summer. Similarly, small dams and lakes are under maintenance in Mandalay Division to increase the acreage of irrigated arable lands.At a time when the government is working hard to construct more irrigation facilities, it is obligatory for farmers to grow crops on a wider scale through mixed- and multiplecropping patterns for food sufficiency of the regions concerned and improving their living conditions.

Prime Minister General Thein Sein receives Member of Political Bureau of CPC

Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Thein Sein received a delegation led by Mr Zhang Gaoli,Member of Central Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China and Secretary of the CPC Tianjin Municipal Committee at the Government Office, here, today.Also present were Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Aye, Minister for Industry-2 Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Mayor of Nay Pyi Taw Col Thein Nyunt, Director-General of the Office of the SPDC Col Kyaw Kyaw Win,Director-General of the Government Office Col Thant Shin and Director-General of Protocol Department of Ministry of Foreign Affairs U Kyaw Kyaw. Member of Political Bureau of CPC Mr Zhang Gaoli was accompanied by Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China Mr Guan Mu.

Kamanat-Myaungdagar grid put into commission

The State Peace and development Council is making sustained efforts to extend production of electric power in order to catch up with the industrial advancements.It was not complacent about Lawpita Hydropower Station on the Balu Creek, and planned to implement many other hydropower projects. Of the hydropower projects approved by the Special Projects Implementation Committee, six have been completed, 22 are ongoing, and 15 need the green light of the committee.In Myanmar, generation of hydropower has surged from over 200 to about 900 megawatts.The majority of the ongoing special hydropower projects are due to be completed in a few years.

More pylons to supply extra power

Minister for Electric Power No. 2 Maj-Gen Khin Maung Myint inspected driving bore pile for construction of No. 248 pylon of the power grid with the use of pilling machine at mile post No.60 of Bago-Thongwa-Yangon Road near Thahtaykwin Sanpya Village in Thongwa Township yesterday.He inspected pylons Nos 247 and 249 and gave instructions on worksite safety.The minister went to Thanlyin main sub-power station and inspected construction of switch yard.Project Manager Superintending Engineer U Saw Win Maung reported on construction of 272 pylons of Kamanat-Thanlyin power grid and 36 pylons of Thanlyin-Thakayta bundle double circuit transmission line and 230 KV and 33 KV Switch Bay at Kamanat (Bago) and Phayagon (Thanlyin) main sub-power stations.He stressed the importance of meeting the standards in constructing grids and switch bays, and inspected Thanlyin sub-Power Station, extension of switch yard, linking power lines and output feeders and distribution of power.

Minister fulfils needs for development of Ayethaya Industrial Zone

Ayethaya Industrial Zone In-charge Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi,accompanied by Deputy Commander of Eastern Command Col Chit Oo, met with executive directors of the foundry at Ayethaya Industrial Zone in Taunggyi on 15 November.Speaking on the occasion, the minister said the State has invested foreign currency on the foundry with the aim of developing the industrial sector. Local industrialists have also shares in the foundry. Therefore,accounts of the foundry should be kept in accordance with the financial rules and regulations and the accounts should be presented to the chairman of the supervisory committee for the industrial zone, he said.He also urged responsible personnel to make efforts for development of the industrial zone.After hearing reports of directors of the foundry and officials concerned, the minister attended to the needs of the industrial zone.During the tour of the industrial zone, Minister Brig-Gen Lun Thi also visited Aung Myin Shan Star Auto production workshop and Taunggyi Jeep production workshop and gave instructions to responsible persons.He also visited Theinmin Fertilizer Factory and Sunflower Fertilizer Factory, and the antimony smelting factory of Genius Group Company and urged responsible personnel of the factory to produce the metal meeting the set standard.

USDA Secretariat member attends dinner in honour of artistes and technicians

The Union Solidarity and Development Association held dinner in honour of artistes and technicians who had helped a hand in the video feature named “Tomorrow of Ayeyawady”,which hailed USDA’s Annual General Meeting for 2008 at Karaweik Palace in Kandawgyi Gardens yesterday.Secretariat Member Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan attended the dinner and made a speech on the occasion, saying that artistes stimulated national spirit of the public through the might of art in the preindependence period,while doing their bit. They are engaging in the interest of the State and the people in the time of preserving the independence and building the nation.Upholding national interests, the artistes will be discharging duties of the State and art in the time of paving the way to democracy. The video feature is the one honoring nation-building endeavours of the USDA. In addition to that, it represents the prestige of the entire people. The artistes are to carry out duties of the art upholding national interests of the State all the time.Next, certificates of honour and cash awards were presented to artistes and technicians. And Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan handed certificates of honour and cash awards to director academy Zin Yaw Maung Maung, script writer academy Nyein Min, academy Nay Aung,academy Kyaw Ye Aung,Academy Soe Myat Thuzar, Academy Eindra Kyaw Zin and adviser director Hein Soe.Afterwards, Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Soe Naing donated K 64 million fetched from six video features to build the school in Amar town of Pyapon District of Ayeyawady Division.Next, Minister Maj-Gen Soe Naing and Minister for Electric Power No. 2 Maj-Gen Khin Maung Myint presented certificates of honour and cash awards to artistes and the producer.Afterwards, director academy Zin Yaw Maung Maung spoke words of thanks and the USDA hosted dinner to those present. And Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan handed cash awards to the leader of the orchestra of Karaweik Palace and then cordially greeted those present.Also present on the occasion were Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa, heads of department of the Ministry of Information and officials, officials of Myanmar Motion Picture Asiayon, Myanmar Music Asiayon and Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association, artistes and technicians and guests.

Strive for running factories and mills at full capacity

In order to strengthen national economy the government hand in hand with the people is making all-out efforts making better use of natural resources.Today, industrial zones are being established the length and breadth of the nation for development of both the Stateowned industries and private industries.And steps are being taken for boosting the productivity of the State-owned industries while building more new import-substitute factories and workshops.The Ministry of Industry-1 is building paper and pulp factories to satisfy the local demand for paper. The emergence of the factories helps reduce the import of paper and acquire more advanced techniques.The 50-ton Paper Mill (Thabaung) of Myanmar Paper and Chemical Industries under the Ministry of Industry-1 in Thabaung Township, Ayeyawady Division,was opened on 16 November. The paper mill is now producing different kinds of quality paper.Nowadays, paper factories were built in different regions along with the 200-ton paper and pulp factory and the 50-ton paper mill in Thabaung Township. Those factories and mills are producing paper and pulp to meet the local demand for paper.As a large number of factories and mills have emerged throughout the nation,continued efforts are to be made to run the factories and mills at full capacity, to ensure better operating ratio, to produce more new items, to reduce production cost and to ensure sufficient supply of raw materials.The emergence of more factories and mills will contribute much to creating job opportunities for local people and regional
development.

Prime Minister General Thein Sein to attend second Summit on BIMSTEC

Nay Pyi Taw, 10 Nov - Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Thein Sein will leave for New Delhi, the Republic of India , to attend the Second Summit on the Bay of the Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Coorperation (BIMSTEC) , which will be held on 13 November 2008.

Obama to use executive orders for immediate impact

WASHINGTON, 10 Nov —President-elect Obama plans to use his executive powers to make an immediate impact when he takes office, perhaps reversing Bush administration policies on stem cell research and domestic drilling for oil and natural gas. John Podesta, Obama’s transition chief, said Sunday Obama is reviewing President Bush’s executive orders on those
issues and others as he works to undo policies enacted during eight years of Republican rule.
He said the president can use such orders to move quickly on his own. “There’s a lot that the
In this 7 Nov, 2008 file photo, President-elect Obama responds to question during a news conference in Chicago as vice president-elect Joe Biden, right, listens. Obama is putting hope on hold. INTERNET Obama to use executive orders for immediate impact president can do using his executive authority without waiting for congressional action, and I think we’ll see the president do that,” Podesta said. “I think that he feels like he has a real mandate for change. We need to get off the course that the Bush administration has set.” Podesta also said
Obama is working to build a diverse Cabinet.
Internet

Applied Pharmaceutical Management Course concludes

The concluding ceremony of Advanced Applied P h a r m a c e u t i c a l Management Course
No. 3 organized by Myanmar Medical Merchants and Entrepreneurs’ Associa-tion was held at the office of UMFCCI Office Tower on Minye Kyawswar Road in Lanmadaw township, here, on 6 November. President of Myanmar Medical Merchants and En- Applied Pharmaceutical
Management Course concludes trepreneurs’ Association Dr Win Si Thu and the vice-president gave speeches and the president and executives presented certificates of honour to the course instructors and completion certificates to the trainees. The president presented prizes to outstanding trainees and Dr Mi Mi Ko recountedexperiences on the course and trainee U Wai
Chit Zaw expressed gratitude.—MNA

4th Traffic Rules Enforcement Educative Exhibition opens

Enforcement Educative Exhibition and Competitions organized by Yangon Division Traffic Rules Enforcement Committee were held at Tatmadaw Convention Hall here today. Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the Ministry of Defence unveiled the signboard of the exhibition and honoured
the winners of the competitions. Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Win Myint, Chairman of the Traffic Rules Enforcement Committee Deputy Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Kyaw Kyaw Tun and Vice-Chairman of the committee Joint Secretary of Yangon City Development Committee U Kyaw Soe formally opened the exhibition. Lt-Gen Myint Swe unveiled the signboard of 4th Traffic Rules Enforcement Educative Exhibition opens the exhibition. Afterwards, Lt-Gen Myint Swe and party visited the booths at the exhibition. At the ceremony, Lt-Gen Myint Swe presented prizes to the first, second and third prize winners of the quiz at the basic education primary, middle and high school levels. Afterwards, Commander Brig-Gen Win Myint and officials concerned awarded other winners. Lt-Gen Myint Swe and party enjoyed the performance of the first prize winners of the poem and song contests at the basic education high, middle and primary school levels. The exhibition will be kept open from 10 to 16 November. The booths at the exhibition are staged by the departments related to traffic rules enforcement and industrial zones.
MNA

Prime Minister General Thein Sein visits National Institute of Animal Sciences in Hanoi

Prime Minister General Thein Sein visits feedstuff factory of National Institute of Animal Sciences in Hanoi.—MNA NAY PYI TAW, 9 Nov—Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar
General Thein Sein, together with Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, Minister for
National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Director- General Col Thant Shin
of the Government Office, departmental heads, Myanmar Ambassador to Vietnam U Aung Thein and officials, arrived at the National Institute of Animal Sciences in Tu Liem District of Hanoi, Vietnam, at 8 a.m yesterday. At the hall of the institute, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Region Development Mr Vu Van Tam extended greetings. Principal Dr Hoang Van Tieu reported on the history and sections of the institute, livestock breeding and rural development tasks. The Prime Ministerspoke words of thanks. The principal replied to
the queries of the Prime Minister on academic, management and research matters of the institute. The Vietnamese Deputy Minister presented books published by the institute to the Prime Minister. Next, Prime Minister General Thein Sein and party visited the Feedstuff Factory, the Thuy Thuong Pig Research Centre and the poultry farms.—MNA

Prime Minister General Thein Sein attends 3rd Summit of ACMECS

NAY PYI TAW, 9Nov—Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Thein Sein attended the 3rd Summit of Ayeyawady-Chao P h r a y a - M e k o n g Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) at Room 339 of National Convention Centre in Hanoi of Vietnam at 9.45 a.m on 7 November. Also present at the summit were Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen, Laotian Prime Minister Mr Bouasone Bouphavanh, Thai Prime Minister Mr Somchai Wongsawat, Vietnamese Prime Minister Mr Nguyen Tan Dung, Minister for Foreign Affairs
U Nyan Win, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Director-General Col Thant Shin of the Government Office, departmental heads, ministers and high ranking officials of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen and Prime Minister Prime Minister General Thein Sein attends 3rd Summit of ACMECS Mr Bouasone Bouphavanh of Lao PDR discussed progress of cooperation between ACMECS member countries and future tasks. Prime Minister General Thein Sein participated in discussions on reviewing the cooperation of ACMECS and future tasks. Thai Prime Minister Mr Somchai Wongsawat discussed improvementof cooperation and future prospects of ACMECS cooperation. At the summit, Vietnamese PrimeMinister Mr Nguyen Tan Dung and Prime Ministers of ACMECS member countries focused on the role of private sector for effective implementation of ACMECS member countries’ cooperation,
uplift of the role of ACMECS Economic Council, establishment of the Working Group on environmental cooperation, participation of

ACMECS in trade and investment at border regions, cooperation in agriculture, industry,
energy, transport, human resources, tourism, public health and vital part of environmental conservation. They exchanged views on organizing the 4th Summit of the ACMECS. They approved the declaration of the 3rd Summit of the ACMECS. Next, they approved Cambodia to host the 4th ACMECS Summit in 2010. The 3rd Summit of Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-
Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) concluded at 11 a.m with an address by
Vietnamese Prime Minister Mr Nguyen Tan Dung. Later, the Prime Ministers had lunch
together at Room 243 of the National Convention

China in good position to
expand economy
SAO PAULO, 9 Nov —
World Bank President
Robert Zoellick said on Saturday that China is in a good position to have astrong fiscal expansion, away to offset the effects of international financial crisis. China is in a very good
position to have a strong fiscal expansion. The Chinese authorities spoke of that aspect,” he told a press conference in Sao Paulo, where he participates in a G20 meeting. Officials from the finance ministries and central banks of the world’s key developed and emerging countries began a twoday meeting here Saturday to look at ways to tackle the global economic crisis. Zoellick compared China’s situation in comparison with other developing countries which cannot expand their expenditures so much. Zoellick considered “very wise” China’s decision
to make large improvements in its infrastructure in the last few years, adding that it could
be taken as a model by other countries.—Xinhua

Lt-Gen Myint Swe discusses paddy production meeting the target

Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the Ministry of Defence attended the coordination meeting with departmental officials and agricultural entrepreneurs on production of paddy meeting the target at the briefing hall near Ngamoeyeik Sluice Gate in Dagon Myothit (East) Township this afternoon.Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Win Myint explained the arrangements for agricultural entrepreneurs and farmers to grow the Lt-Gen Myint Swe discusses paddy production meeting the target crops to meet production target.Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee
Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin reported on necessary assistance to be provided by YCDC to the farmers.The agricultural entrepreneurs submitted the reports on efforts to be made for meeting production target of paddy and tasks being carried out.Departmental officials presented reports on their respective sectors to render assistance to the growers.After hearing the reports, Lt-Gen Myint Swe attended to the needs and gave concluding remarks.Agricultural entrepreneurs and farmers will cultivate high yield paddy strains on 8,731 acres of farmlands with the use of agricultural machinery in Yangon Division Agricultural Special Zone (1) in Dagon Myothit (East) Township and Special Zone (2) in Dagon Myothit (South) and (Seikkan) Townships.

Thaphanseik Dam, main contributor of upper Myanmar’s agricultural sector

We left Shwebo of Shwebo District, Sagaing Division, for Kanbalu Township to observe Thaphanseik Dam, from which water is drained to Karboe and Kindat diversion weirs to irrigate monsoon and summer paddy fields in Shwebo District,the granary of Sagaing Division.
On the left side of the embankment of the canal were greenish paddy fields stretching to Karboe Diversion Weir, and on the right side, Shwebo Canal, in which water flowed continuously.

Senior General Than Shwe sees off Prime Minister General Thein Sein on his departure for Vietnam

Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe saw off Prime Minister General Thein Sein at Nay Pyi Taw Airport at 10a.m today.Prime Minister General Thein Sein left here by special flight to attend the 4th Cambodia,Senior General Than Shwe sees off Prime Minister General Thein Sein on his departure for Vietnam Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam (CLMV) Summit and the 3rd Ayeyawady-
Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) to be held in Hanoi of the
Socialist Republic of Vietnam.Also present at the airport to see off the Prime Minister were Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of
Defence Services Comm a n d e r - i n - C h i e f (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye,SPDC member General Thura Shwe Mann of the Ministry of Defence,Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Commanderin-Chief (Navy) Rear-Admiral Nyan Tun,Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein,Lt-Gen Myint Hlaing,Maj-Gen Maung Shein,Maj-Gen Ohn Myint,Maj-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, Maj-Gen Thura Myint Aung and Maj-Gen Hla Htay Win of the Ministry of Defence,Commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command Maj-Gen Wai Lwin, Minister
for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Deputy Minister for Transport Col Nyan Tun Aung,senior military officers,Director-General Col Kyaw Kyaw Win of the SPDC Office, departmental heads, Charge d’Affaires ai of the Vietnamese Embassy Mr Vu Van Minh and officials.The Prime Minister was accompanied by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win,
Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Director-General
Col Thant Shin of the Government Office and departmental heads.

Sittoung Bridge (Moppalin) for smooth and speedy transport

Nowadays, the government, the people and the Tatmadaw have been making harmonious efforts to construct roads for passing through mountains and to build bridges spanning rivers and creeks across the nation. As a result, road networks have been set up ensuring smooth transport from north to south and from east to west throughout the nation.
Indeed, Mon State plays a key role in realizing the national economy of the State. The region has rice surplus in the agriculture sector. Moreover, remarkable progress has been achieved in cultivation of rubber in the State after setting an aim that Mon State must be a rubber state.
In Mon State, special project bridges such as Thebyu Creek Bridge, Attayan Bridge, Donthami Creek Bridge, Ye River Bridge and Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine), which is the longest and largest one in the country, have been built. In addition, the 1,365 feet long Sittoung Bridge (Moppalin) was inaugurated on 12 July 2008 contributing to more development of Mon State.
Sittoung Bridge (Moppalin) was built four miles downstream the existing Sittoung Bridge (Theinzayat). Its upper structure is steel frame type and the bridge can withstand 60-ton loads of every vehicle.
The bridge is connected with two approach roads — 224.1 feet long approach road was constructed on Kyaikto bank and 783.6 feet long one on Waw bank. The bridge is 2,392.7 feet long and it has 28 feet wide motorway flanked by six feet wide pedestrian ways.
In the past, the local people did not have easy access to Mon and Kayin States and Taninthayi
Division due to poor transport. At present, they have the opportunity to travel from one place to another in a short time. Furthermore, the local people can visit other States and Divisions through the bridges. Sittoung Bridge (Moppalin) is the sixth facility of its kind in Mon State as well as the 235th facility in the entire nation. River crossing bridges have been built one after another, and plans are under way to construct more and more bridges. Actually, these bridges are the milestones that reflect the correct leadership of the government, the ardent efforts and innovative capabilities of Myanmar engineers and the united strength of the national people.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye receives Vietnamese Military Attachés

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye shaking hands with outgoing Military Attaché of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to the Union of Myanmar Sr. Colonel Le Van Thanh at Bayintnaung Yeiktha in Nay Pyi Taw.—MNA

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye cordially greets incoming Military Attaché of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to the Union of Myanmar Sr. Colonel Nguyen Van Vui at Bayintnaung Yeiktha in Nay Pyi Taw.—MNA

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye receives outgoing Military Attaché of Vietnam Sr. Colonel Le Van Thanh and incoming Military Attaché Sr. Colonel Nguyen Van Vui at Bayintnaung Yeiktha in Nay PyiTaw.—MNA

NAY PYI TAW, 29 Oct—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 Military Attaché of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to the Union of Myanmar Sr. Colonel Le Van Thanh who has completed his tour of duty and his successor Sr. Colonel Nguyen Van Vui at Bayintnaung Yeiktha, here, thismorning.
Also present at the call were Member of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann, Commander- in-Chief (Navy) Rear-Admiral Nyan Tun, Commander in-Chief (Air) Lt- Gen Myat Hein and Military Affairs Security Chief Lt-Gen Ye Myint.—MNA

Maintain roads for development of storm-hit regions

There were damages in some parts of Ayeyawady Division due to natural disaster in May this year. Therefore rehabilitation tasks are being carried out with plenty of guts, goodwill and solidarity of the people. The government provides food, clothing and shelter needs of storm victims and assistance for resuming of their livelihood. Houses have been built in villages in Labutta, Mawlamyinegyun, Pyapon, Kyaiklat, Dedaye and Hainggyikyun Townships. Local people in those areas have carried out agriculture and fisheries works and permormed otherbusiness with greater momentum. Roads were mainly used for rescue, relief and rehabilitation tasks in the stormhit regions after the post-storm period. Yangon-Pathein Road and Pyapon-Bogale Road were deteriorating due to heavy traffic and rains. Priority is being given to roadrepair work for the convenience of heavy trucks and passenger buses. Now the dry season has set in, so potholes along the roads are to be filled with laterite and sand and to be resurfacedthrough the coordination of departments concerned. Model villages were established afterthe government provided health care services, safe drinking water and transport facilitiesin the region. Better transport and communication is the main factor for regional development.Therefore it is necessary to properly maintain the major roads in the regions in all seasons.Local people in cooperation with officials concerned are to take part in the rehabilitation tasks of the storm-hit regions and improvement of their livelihood.

Prime Minister holds discussions with divisional level officials in Pathein Needs to improve transport for convenience of trucks in a bid to facilitate regeneration of storm-hit areas and reconstruction tasks stressed

YANGON, 28 Oct—Chairman of the National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee Prime Minister General Thein Sein had a meeting with
divisional level departmental officials at South-West Command in Pathein yesterday
afternoon. It was also attended by Maj-Gen Ko Ko of the Ministry of Defence, Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South- West Command Brig-Gen Kyaw Swe, ministers, deputy ministers, the director-general of the Government Office, and heads of department. The Prime Minister in his address said that Yangon-Pathein Road and Pyapon-Bogale Road have gone to rack and ruin due to the facts that it have to cope with excessive traffic for rescue, relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction tasks bein YANGON, 28 Oct— Chairman of the National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee Prime Minister General Thein Sein had a meeting with divisional level departmental officials at South-West Command in Pathein yesterday afternoon. It was also attended by Maj-Gen Ko Ko of the Ministry of Defence, Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South- West Command Brig-Gen Kyaw Swe, ministers, deputy ministers, the director-general of the Government Office, and heads of department.
The Prime Minister in his address said that Yangon-Pathein Road and Pyapon-Bogale Road
have gone to rack and ruin due to the facts that it have to cope with excessive traffic for rescue, relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction tasks being regard, the Ministry of Construction is sharing the tasks with the company for stepping up the tasks of repairing the road. As the first phase, potholes along the roads were filled with laterite and sand for the convenience of the trucks, but the facilities are now deteriorating following heavy rains.
It is required to provide constant repair to the roads section-wise under daily supervision for
smooth transport. The Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs is undertaking tasks for upgrading Pyapon-Bogale Road section.
This rainy season, the task most available in the process is the filling of the potholes on the surfaces of the roads. So, potholes are to be filled in the first stage. He called for resurfacing of the roads a the same time. Divisional level officials have to provide supervisions in the regions concerned and hold coordination between departments. Simultaneously, five roads leading to seaside regions in Ayeyawady Division are under construction to be able to evacuate people and farm animals in the face of a natural disaster and to speed up regional
development tasks. In the first phase, the roads have to be shaped into earth ones with
bridges, medium and small, in this dry season. The road sections in the villages along the coast are to be raised to as high as 25 to 30 feet along with cyclone shelters. As to the second
phase, the majority of the people are rural folks, so the nation will be developed only if the people in rural areas enjoy social and economic development. As a result of the five rural development work programmes, rural people have been able to enjoy the taste of development in the education, health, water supply, transport and economic sectors. Now, it can be demonstrated for raising the living standard of rural people that a household with four or five heads of cattle can do the cooking, generate electric power with the use of the biofuel derived from the natural waste of the farm animals, and they can also use the bio-fertilizer and waste liquid from the digester for growing crops, and that helps the plants grow fast and boost agricultural production. In conclusion he called on officials in the administrative bodies to encourage local people to use bio-gas fuel on a wider scale. The commander reported on progress in growing monsoon paddy in the division, conditions of thriving paddy fields, provision of agricultural equipment, arrangements for control of pests, rehabilitation and
reconstruction tasks, production of fish and prawn, and preparations for operation of salt farms. Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt reported on progress in implementing rehabilitation and reconstruction tasks, construction of houses, the site chosen for construction of cyclone shelters in Labutta Township, plans for supply of clean water, progress in constructing roads and bridges in the urban areas, rehabilitation and reconstruction tasks in Mawlamyinegyun Township; Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, on progress in building houses in the storm-hit areas in Hainggyikyun Township; Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe, on the number of houses to be built and work progress, donations and distribution of relief supplies; Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Thein Swe, on transport of construction materials and farm implements, and freights of floating hospitals; Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint, on health care being provided in the storm-ravaged areas; Minister
for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig- Gen Thein Zaw, on arrangements for improving the communication network in Ayeyawady Division; and Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, on distribution of fishing boats and fishing nets, donations and distribution of cattle. In response, the Prime Minister attended to the
requirements, calling for inculcating all the households in the villages and townships in Ayeyawady Division to grow fruit and vegetables on a small scale. He also called for establishment of model agricultural farms with the use of the bio-fertilizers and
waste liquid by raising pigs on a commercial scale in the towns. He said that all are to work hard for generating electric power with the use of bio-gas as part of the drive for rural development.

Bio-fuel saves money and energy, reduces environmental pollution and deforestation Prime Minister inspects natural waste biogas digesters

Prime Minister General Thein Sein visits the natural waste biogas digester of MyanmarPharmaceutical Factory (Yangon).—MNA

Prime Minister General Thein Sein hears a report on anti-venom from chicken egg by Assistant Factory Manager Dr Aung Zaw.— MNA

Cooking with bio-fuel from natural waste bio-fuel digester.—MNA

YANGON, 26 Oct – Prime Minister General Thein Sein visited Myanmar Pharmaceutical Factory (Yangon) and inspected the natural waste biogas digesters this afternoon. The Prime Minister, accompanied by Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the Ministry of Defence, arrived at MPF (Yangon) at 2 a.m. They were welcomed there by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Brig- Gen Win Myint, the ministers, the deputy ministers, senior military officers, the director-general of the Government Office and departmental officials. The Prime Minister looked into the biogas digester displayed at the briefing hall. Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung and factory manager U Win Ko Ko reported on production of bio-fuel from natural waste. Next, he viewed the cooking of rice, boiling of water and lighting of storm-lanterns with the use of bio-fuel produced from the digester. Then, the Prime Minister inspected the digester and its parts.
In meeting with officials, the Prime Minister spoke of the need to build digester in every village by convincing the households that they can do the cooking and light storm-lanterns with the
use of bio-fuel derived from animal waste of five or six heads of cattle, to get the rural people to use bio-fuel extensively for improvement of their living conditions and the remaining bio fertilizers and bio solution for the growing of crops and to conduct multiplier courses on installation and use of bio-fuel boilers. About 20 pounds of waste of four to five heads of cattle, five pigs or 15 goats are enough to run the bio-fuel digester. With the use of bio-fuel, many things such as cooking, boiling of water and lighting of two 40 watt bulbs per night can be done
without any danger. The waste liquid from the digester can be used as feedstuff for pigs and fish
and for plantations. It can also be spread on dried hay to produce powerful natural fertilizers. Use of bio-fuel can save money and energy and reduce environmental pollution and deforestation. Afterwards, the Prime Minister studied research work on producing antivenom
from chicken eggs. Assistant factory manager Dr Aung Zaw reported on production process.
Minister U Aung Thaung reported on production of anti-venom from horse blood. Later, the Prime Minister visited the instrumental laboratory and inspected the testing of melamine content in imported milk powder. Deputy factory manager Daw Ohn Yi reported on matters related to testing of melamine content in milk powder. The Prime Minister gave necessary instructions and left there at 3.15 p.m.