Planetarium (Nay Pyi Taw) for knowledge and recreation

The opening ceremony of Planetarium (Nay Pyi Taw) of the Ministry of Forestry was held near the Zoological Gardens (Nay Pyi Taw) the other day, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo. The planetarium (Nay Pyi Taw) was established with the aim of serving as a public recreation centre, gaining knowledge and arousing the youth’s interest in astronomy. The design of the planetarium and all the structures were built by Myanmar engineers. In the world there are very few nations that can build modern planetarium and there are over 300 planetariums only. Advanced technology-installed and digital planetariums can be built in some developed nations. Opening of the modern planetarium (Nay Pyi Taw) in the International Astronomy Year in the early 2009 is something Myanmar has done that she should be proud of. The planetarium includes the main hall, the lecture hall and it is installed with modern equipment. Opening of the planetarium (Nay Pyi Taw) for younger generation to enable them to keep abreast of the development of other nations shows the improved image of Myanmar to the world and it is a feather in the nation's cap.

Implement more hydropower projects for socio-economic development

Peace and stability, good transport and wealth of aquatic and terrestrial resources are the basic requirements for social and economic development.
Nowadays, favourable environment is being created in every way so that peace and tranquility prevail the length and breadth of the nation and the people can enjoy higher living standard. Electric power projects are among the plans being carried out for overall development of the entire Union and momentum of hydropower projects implementation is being raised to generate more electricity necessary for development of the production, service, social and economic sectors. Kengtawng hydropower station constructed by the Ministry of Electric Power No. 1 in Monai, Langkho district, Shan State (South), was commissioned into service on 21 March. The station, with 54-megawatt generating capacity, can generate over 377 million kilowatt hours per year. Kengtawng hydropower station will be able to supply electricity not only to townships in Loilem and Langkho districts in Shan State (South) but also to other states and divisions through the national grid. More and more hydropower projects are being implemented for all-round development of the nation and, at present, there are 12 power stations including the newly-opened Kengtawng hydropower station and they are generating and supplying more and more electricity. Now is the time when new industries are being established. Therefore, implementation of new hydropower projects and supply of more electricity will surely contribute to industrial, economic and social development of the nation.

From better transport to unity

Hailing the 64th Anniversary Armed Forced Day, the inauguration of Okshitpin- Kamma railroad section built by Myanma Railways of the Ministry of Rail Transportation was held in front of Okshitpin Station the other day, graced by Member of the State Peace and Development Council
General Thura Shwe Mann. Plans are being implemented for harmonious progress of the entire Union. Better transport network linking one region
after another is the basic requirement. In connection with transport, the Head of State has given guidance that better transport contributes to socio-economy of the people and also serves as the foundation of unity. In accord with his guidance, the government has laid down strategic plans and is building transport networks including roads and bridges spending a large sum of money. Moreover, the government is building railroads with the aim of raising the socioeconomic life of the people in states and divisions. With the development of new technology, the transport sector has greatly changed for the better. Old railroads were upgraded, new roads were built, single-way railroads were upgraded to dual ones and new stations were built and stations in cities were upgraded to the ones of international standard. The 35-mile Okshitpin-Kamma railroad section is part of 320-mile Kyangin-Pakokku Railroad. The 40-mile Kyangin-Okshitpin Railroad was opened on 1 March 2008. Now the people can go to Kyangin from Pathein and to Kamma from Kyangin- altogether 222 miles distance. The national railway network will emerge soon as the government is constructing transport facilities in the whole country including border areas.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye inspects dress rehearsal of parade columns at Nay Pyi Taw Parade Ground

NAY PYI TAW, 23 March—Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services
Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye inspected dress rehearsal of parade columns that will take part in the 64th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade for 2009 at the Parade Ground here
this morning. Together with member of the SPDC General Thura Shwe Mann of the Ministry of Defence, Prime Minister General Thein Sein, Secretary-1 of the SPDC Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, member of the SPDC Lt-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defence, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Rear Admiral Nyan Tun, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein, senior military officers of the
Ministry of Defence, Chairman of Leading Committee for Observance of the 64th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Hla Htay Win, Chairman of the 64th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Organizing Management Committee Commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command Maj-Gen Wai Lwin, ministers, members of the Leading Committee and senior military officers, Vice- Senior General Maung Aye at 6 a.m arrived at the Nay Pyi Taw Parade Ground where the 64th Anniversary Armed Forces Day would be held. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party
inspected the drill of members of Myanmar Police Force, Myanmar Fire Brigade and Myanmar Red Cross Society, Anawratha Column led by Column
Commander Col Than Win, Kyansittha Column led by Column Commander Col Yan Myo Aung, Bayintnaung Column led by Column Commander Col Min Thein Tint, Aungzeya Column led by Column Commander Col Than Aung, Hsinbyushin Column led by Column Commander Col Nay Win, Bandoola Column led by Column Commander Col Khin Maung Htwe, Myawady Column led by Column Commander Col Kyaw Thant Naing under the command of Parade Commander Brig-Gen Tun Nay Lin and Parade Adjutant Lt-Col Soe Moe Kyaw. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye inspected
Tatmadaw members from seven columns, MPF members, members of Myanmar Fire Brigade and Red Cross Society of the parade companies and gave necessary instructions to officials and left there at 8.20 a.m.

Transport network basic requirement for harmonious progress of whole Union

NAY PYI TAW, 22 March—As a gesture of hailing the 64th Anniversary Armed Forces Day 2009, Kyangin-Okshitpin railroad section of Kyangin- Pakokku railroad construction project of Myanma Railways of the Ministry of Rail Transportation was inaugurated at Okshitpin railway station in Padaung Township this morning, with an address by Member of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann. Also present on the occasion were Maj-Gen Ko Ko, Lt-Gen Khin Zaw and senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence, Chairman of AyeyawadyDivision PDC Commander of South-West Command Maj-Gen Kyaw Swe, Chairman of Bago Division PDC Commander of Southern Command Brig-Gen Hla Min, ministers, deputy ministers, Chairman of Magway Division PDC Col Phone Maw Shwe, Vice-Chairman of Bago Division PDC Brig-Gen Sein Myint, officials of the SPDC Office and departmental heads, staff of Myanma Railways and local people. General Thura Shwe Mann in his address said,
the railroad is opened as a gesture of hailing the 64th Anniversary Armed Forces Day. Better transport plays a vital role in government’s efforts for harmonious progress of the whole Union. Head of State Senior General Than Shwe in his guidance said that better transport contributes to public
social lives and also serves as the foundation of unity. In accord with the guidance, the government has made systematic plans to link all the regions including border areas divided by geographical conditions using a large amount of funds from its budget. The railroad has emerged due to continuous efforts based on public participation, innovations of service personnel and the government’s goodwill to uplift economy and social lives of the people and ensure a safe and secure transport. The 35-mile long
Okshitpin-Kamma railroad is a section of 320-mile long Kyangin-Pakokku railroad. The 40-mile long Kyangin- Okshitpin section was commissioned into service on 1 March 2008. Soon, trains will be able to run along the 222-mile long railroad linking Pathein and Kamma via Kyangin. The Head of State has already given guidance to build a network of railroads for socioeconomic progress of all states and divisions. The new projects are
320-mile long Kyangin- Pakokku railroad, 95-mile long Katha-Bhamo railroad, 95-mile long Pyawbwe-Natmauk- Magway railroad, 132-mile
long Dawei-Myeik railroad, 198-mile long Namhsam-Kengtung railroad,
and 257-mile long S i t t w a y - A n - M i n b u railroad. Soon, the national
railway network will emerge. Thanks to the endeavours of the Rail Transportation Ministry, there are now railroads from Myitkyina in the north to Dawei in the south and from Namhsam in the east to
Kalay in the west. In addition Loikaw in the southeast is also reachable by
train. Another project is Pyawbwe-Natmauk- Magway railroad. And when the said railroad touches Kyangin-Pakokku railroad on the west bank of Ayeyawady River, a railway connecting east and west banks of the
Ayeyawady and up to Nay Pyi Taw in the central Myanmar will emerge.
Railroads have been built in Kayah State, Taninthayi Division and upper
Magway Division which had no railways in the past. New railroads have already been built in Shan State and Sagaing Division. People all along the railroads will be able to enjoy a lot of benefits from them. It is safe to say that the transport sector has undergone a great change to keep pace with changes and development of new technology. However, rail transportation
is still in existence as a service on which much have to rely. Such being the case, the government is giving priority to secure and smooth rail transportation that still plays an important role in passenger and commodity transport. To bring about better rail transportation, renovation
of old railroads, building of new railroads, upgrading a single railroad into dual ones, construction of new railway stations and upgrading of major railway stations in cities into the ones of international level were carried out. As a result, before 1988, there were 1976 miles of railroads, 2793 miles of railways and 487 railway stations. And at present, there are 3238 miles of railroads, 4326 miles of railways and 821 railway stations with an increase of 1262 miles of railroads, 1533 miles of railways and 334 railway
stations. In the time of the Tatmadaw government, progressector with the emergence of a large number of village- to-village roads, townto- town roads and districtto- district roads as well as roads that link one region and another and those linkings has been made in road transport sector in addition to rail transportation linking states and divisions and Union Highways. Meanwhile, new roads in border areas were constructed. As
a result, there were over 20,000 miles of tarred roads, gravel roads and earth roads in 1988, and there are now over 70,000 miles of those transport facilities. In the meantime, emphasis was placed on building of bridges large and small in different regions. Therefore, there emerged 221 bridges with a length of over 180 feet including 17 major river crossing bridges. In the aviation sector, construction of new airports and upgrading of original
airports were carried out. Consequently, there are now over 70 airports in the nation including two international airports. In the water transport sector, there were 13 jetties to which foreign vessels can moor in the past. And at present, there are 26 jetties of such kind plus three container yards of international level. The government spent a large amount of funds and
labour on the tasks for development of such transport sectors. Local people
have already realized that such goodwill of the government towards them is
huge and profound. Remarkable progress achieved in striving for improvement of socio-economic status of the people based on own resources and strength can be vividly witnessed. The emergence of railroads including Okshitpin-Kamma railroad that were built to bring about equitable development the length and breadth of the nation can be attributable to genuine goodwill and correct stand of the government. With this concept, the entire people are to safeguard those facilities for perpetuation while striving for improvement of their socio-economic status
making better use of them. In conclusion, General Thura Shwe Mann stressed the need for staff of the Ministry of Rail Transportation,
passengers and local people to try their best for durability of the newly
opened Okshitpin-Kamma railroad. Commander Brig-Gen Hla Min gave a speech. He said that in the time of the Tatmadaw government, priority is being given to ensuring secure and smooth transportation in all regions of the nation and the remarkable progress can be witness in the transportation sector among the regions. In accord with the guidance of the Head of State, Pathein-Monywa Road had been constructed in regions on the west bank of Ayeyawady River, he added. Moreover, workers of Myanma Railways under
the Ministry of Rail Transportation are making concerted efforts for construction of three sections on 322 miles long Kyangin- Pakokku railroad to link Pathein, Kyangin and Pakokku on the west bank of Ayeyawady River, he said. At present, he said that 35-mile Okshitpin-Kamma railroad section, which is the second part of 111-mile Kyangin-Thayet railroad section, was successfully opened. In conclusion, he noted that Pathein- Kyangin Pakokku-Kalay railroad will contribute to development in inter-relation among Ayeyawady, Bago, Magway and Sagaing divisions on the west bank
of Ayeyawady River. Next, Chairman of Magway Division PDC Col Phone Maw Shwe delivered a speech. He said that the newly opened Okshitpin-Kamma railroad section will contribute to economic development
of the local people and he thanked the Headof State for his permission to build the railroad and the minister and staff of the Ministry of Rail Transportation for their concerted efforts in construction of the railroad section. The Minister for Rail Transportation also made a speech, saying that 320- mile Kyangin-Pakokku railroad is being constructed with three sections— 110-mile Kyangin- Thayet railroad section, 100-mile Thayet-Pwintbyu railroad section and 110- mile Pwintbyu-Pakokku railroad section. Of them, 38-mile Kyangin- Okshitpin railroad section of Kyangin-Thayet railroad section was opened on 1 March 2008 and 35-mile Okshitpin-Kamma railroad section was opened today, he added. The railroad section started on 25 June 2007, and a total of 185 bridges and six
railway stations were built on the section. In conclusion, he disclosed
that Minbu-Sittway railroad is being constructed for emergence of the Union Railroad in accord with the guidance of the Head of State. On behalf of the local people, U Tin Hla of Myaungshay Village of
Padaung Township spoke words of thanks.Next, the General and party cordially conversed with the local people. Afterwards, the commander,
the minister and Col Phone Maw Swe formally opened the Okshitpin-Kanma railroad section. 23-3-minister continued to say that Construction of Okshitpin-Kamma The General unveiled the stone plaque. Next, the General, Maj-Gen Ko Ko and Lt-Gen Khin Zaw, the commanders and the ministers sprinkled scented water on the special train and posed for documentary photo. After the ceremony, the General and party greeted the local people onboard the special train that will leave Okshitpin for Kanma.
At Kamma Station, the General and party cordially greeted departmental personnel and local people attending the opening ceremony
of Okshitpin- Kamma railroad section. Speaking on the occasion, the General said that he came to Kamma region for the first time and met with local people. He said that he was pleased with getting the opportunity to
open the railroad section. He continued to say that it is not easy to carry out regional development tasks including construction of railroads. Only whenthe development undertakings are to be carried out with goodwill, diligence and perseverance, will achievement be gained, he noted. He pointed out that it is necessary to maintain the durability of the development infrastructures and to strive for efficiently applying the development facilities. He added that in the region with lack of peace and stability, efforts cannot be made for carrying out development tasks in full swing. In conclusion, the General urged the local people to continuously
strive for gaining more and more development of the region. In his speech, Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan said that only when peace and stability is prevailing in the region with development of road transportation, will
the regional development tasks be undertaken. Prevalence of peace and stability, unity, reasoning power and better transport are essential for building a modern and developed nation, he added. Minister Maj-Gen Aung Min explained construction of the railroad for development of regions on the western bank of Ayeyawady River, opening of the newly-built railroad section as a valuable transport route for the region and the people, and arrangements for giving permission to the local people to ride the train free
of charge for three days in commemoration of the railroad section opening ceremony. The meeting ended with concluding remarks by the General. At that time, the special train that left Okshitpin railway station this morning arrived at Kamma station, and the local people welcomed it. At Thegon, Padaung, Phayapaw, Nyaunggaing and Dangaing railway stations along the railroad section, the local people accorded rousing welcome to the train. Deputy Minister U Pe Than and officials presented gifts to the local passengers. In line with the guidance of the Head of State to ensure equitable development of the western regions on the west bank of Ayeyawady River similar to that of the river’s eastern bank, Myanma Railways of the Ministry of Rail Transportation is building 320-mile Kyangin-Pakokku railroad with three sections—110-mile Kyangin-Thayet railroad section, 100-mile Thayet-Pwintbyu railroad section and 110-mile Pwintbyu-Pakokku railroad section. In Kyangin-Thayet railroad section, 38-mile Kyangin-Okshitpin section was opened on 1 March 2008, and 35-mile Okshitpin-Kamma section was inaugurated today. A total of 185 bridges and six railway stations were constructed along the section.
Thanks to construction of Okshitpin-Kamma railroad section, the local people can travel from Pathein to Kyangin and Kyangin to Kamma through the 222 miles long route.

PRC donates bulldozers, excavators to storm-hit areas

The government of the People’s Republic of China donated 18 bulldozers and 40 excavators today to Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and resettlement to be used in rehabilitation and reconstruction of the storm-hit areas. At the ceremony held at Bo Aung Kyaw Jetty here, Minister for Social
Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe and Ambassador of the PRC to Myanmar Mr Ye Dabo signed the documents related to the machinery. Minister Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe accepted the machinery, spoke words of thanks and presented a certificate of honour to Mr Ye Dabo. After the cyclone Nargis, the government of the People’s Republic of China donated about 16.87 tons of foodstuff, about 20 tons of personal goods, about 17 tons of construction materials, about 6 tons of medicines and 1,628 tents to storm survivors. Besides, a medical team from the PRC had provided medical treatment to 4,199 storm victims in Kungyangon Township and also donated 4 vehicles to Myanmar. Also present at the ceremony were Deputy Minister for Construction Brig-Gen Myint Thein, Deputy Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Col Thurein Zaw, Deputy Minister for Finance and Revenue Col Hla Thein Swe and departmental officials.

Indian doctors of AMRI hold medical conference

Doctors from AMRI (Advanced Medical Research Institute Ltd) in Kolkata of India held a medical conference at the Traders Hotel here yesterday
afternoon. Director of AMRI Mr D. N Agarwal extended greetings and Professor Dr Saw Naing (Retd) presided over the conference. Professor Dr R. N Bhattacharya of AMRI gave talks on Endoscopic Neurosurgery in the era of Micro Neuro Surgery, Dr K.M Mandana on Valve Repairs & Paediatric Cardiac Surgery, Dr Arghya Majumdar on an overview of Renal Transplant
Therapy and Dr Joydeep Banerjee Chowdhury on Recent advances in management of Osteoarthritis of Knee and replied to queries raised by those present. Next, Director Dr Pronab Das Gupta expressed thanks and Professor Dr Saw Naing (Retd) preented gifts to those who gave talks.
The branch of AMRI is open at Room F-28, First Floor, Building-B, Pale
Condo, Yangon by the name of Myanmar Vertex Co Ltd.

Work coordination meeting on disaster preparedness

As part of technical cooperation between UNESCAP and Myanmar, a work coordination meeting on preparedness for disaster in Myanmar was held at Meteorology and Hydrology Department here today. Director-General of
MHD Dr Tun Lwin ex- tended greetings and Head of UNESCAP Mr Eduard
Rene Bastiaans explained the mission for disaster preparedness.
Dr Tun Lwin briefed the measures taken after the cyclone Nargis and the
participants discussed matters related to disaster preparedness.

General banking course (officer level) concludes

Organized by Banks Supervisory Committee, a concluding ceremony of
general banking course (officer level) No.13 was held at the hall of Myanmar Banks Association, Yankin Township here, today. Chairman of the Banks Supervisory Committee Deputy Minister for Finance and Revenue Col Hla Thein Swe made a speech and presented prizes to the outstanding trainees. Afterwards, the Governor of the Central Bank of the Union of Myanmar U Than Nyein gave certificates to the trainees and certificates of honour to the instructors. One of the trainees spoke words of thanks.
Present on the occasion were Directors-General and Managing Directors of Departments and Enterprises under the Ministry of Finance and Revenue, executives of Myanmar Banks Association, guests, instructors and trainees.
A total of 45 trainees from State-owned banks and private banks attended the 12-week course.

Senior General Than Shwe sees off Prime Minister General Thein Sein on his departure for Indonesia, Singapore

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 2.30 pm yesterday on his departure for Indonesia and Singapore. The Prime Minister is due to
pay goodwill visits to the countries at the invitations of President of the Republic of Indonesia Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore Mr Lee Hsien Loong. Together with Senior
General Than Shwe, Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in- Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-
Chief (Army) Vice- Senior General Maung Aye, member of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann of the Ministry of Defence, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, SPDC member Lt- Gen Tin Aye of the
Ministry of Defence, Lt- Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence,Commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command Maj-Gen Wai Lwin, heads of department, Ambassador of Singapore to Myanmar Mr Robert Chua Hian
Kong and Charge d’ Affaires ai of Indonesian Embassy Mr Totok Prianamto also saw off the Prime Minister at the airport. The delegation led by Prime Minister General Thein Sein comprises Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Soe Naing, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Tin Naing Thein, minister for Transport Maj-Gen Thein Swe, Minister for Forestry Brig-Gen Thein Aung, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Maung Myint, Deputy
Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Phone Swe and departmental heads and officials.

Raise momentum in control of narcotic drugs

There has been drug production and trafficking in the world resulting in social problems in the societies related to the drug addicts and drug traffickers.
The youths in the nations of the world abused stimulants in various forms and the danger of drug problem is still great in the world. In Myanmar, the government enacts Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law. According to the law, deterrent actions have to be taken against drug addicts, those who are in possession of drugs and traffickers. The government launched anti-drug campaigns with greater momentum in law enforcement sector. In February, a total of 183 drug cases were exposed and action was taken against the culprits.
At the same time, the government in cooperation with local people destroys poppy plantations in illegal poppy growing regions. In February, poppy plantations were destroyed in some regions in northern, southern and eastern parts of Shan State and Kachin State. Over 7,000 acres of poppy plantations have been destroyed in the present poppy cultivation season in states and divisions. Stimulant tablets including chemical precursors used in production of opium, heroin and other narcotic drugs pose a threat to mankind and its social environment.
To overcome these problems, nations across the world have to promote cooperation at the regional, sub-regional and bilateral levels. The government and the entire national people are to strive vigorously through the national plan to eradicate narcotic drugs in the country.

Summer paddy, sunflower thriving in Maungtaw Township

I had one more opportunity to recently visit Maungtaw and it was the ninth time. Under the arrangements of Chairman of Mawtaw District Peace and Development Council U Aung Swe Nyunt and Chairman of Buthidaung Township Peace and Development Council U Nyan Myo, I proceeded to Maungtaw from Buthidaung by car.
Chairman of Maungtaw Township PDC U Khin Maung Tun waited for me at the office of the District PDC, and then accommodated me at the Strand Yeiktha. He explained to me the programmes for the visit to thriving summer paddy and sunflower plantations in Aungsitpyin Village, 25 miles from Maungtaw.
The following day, I left together with Chairman of Township PDC U Khin Maung Tun and township level departmental officials for Kyeinchaung Village by car along Maungtaw-Kyeinchaung Road. I saw thriving summer paddy and sunflower plantations on either side of Myothagyi Village of Maungtaw Township. Moreover, lush summer paddy plantations, cold season crops and kitchen crops plantations welcomed us along the road from 3rd-mile gate to Kyeinchaung Village.
It is worthy of praise for the successful cultivation of summer paddy and cold season crops in Maungtaw region surrounded by seawater. On our way to Kyeinchaung Village, I took photographs on the lush and thriving Yadana Aung strain summer paddy plantation on 27 acres of land.
The chairman of Township PDC and members of the Agricultural Supervisory Committee said that they made field trips to the villages four days a week and provided fertilizers and agricultural methods to the local farmers.
We saw thriving sunflower plantations at every village. The road from Kyeeganbyin to Kyeinchaung Village is a tarred road section plus gravel road section. I had visited Kyeinchaung Village five times from 1996 to 2001. Thanks to concerted efforts of the Township Development Affairs Committee, the Kyeinchaung-Maungtaw Road can be used in all seasons. Relying on the road, village-tracts and other villages are enjoying fruits of development in education, social and economic sectors.
At 12 noon, we arrived at Aungsitpyin Village. Chairman of Township PDC U Khin Maung Tun explained cultivation of sunflower to provide assistance for the staff of his office (General Administration Department) and for boosting production of edible oil.
“Our GAD grows 130 acres of sunflower for providing K 3,000 for one viss of sunflower oil to the staff. There are over 100 staff. The sunflower plants are grown on the lands in 109 villages with a view to enabling the local people to understand sunflower cultivation methods. To get the correct cultivation methods, the farmers from Pyawbwe Township from Mandalay Division were invited to demonstrate the cultivation of sunflower as the practical work,” said the chairman of the Township PDC. Next, the chairman and the agricultural supervisory committee members conducted me round the thriving sunflower plantation.
Sunflower plants are thriving on 2,569 acres— 130 acres cultivated by Maungtaw Township PDC, 1,629 acres by local growers and 800 acres under supervision of the Township PDC. After visiting 57 summer paddy plantations at Gyitchaung Village near Kyeinchaung Village, the Chairman of Township PDC and party explained to me cultivation of paddy plantation with the use of water pumped from the creek.
Head of Township Irrigation Department U Khin Zaw said, “Our Township grew 5,258 acres of summer paddy. By spending the funds of Township GAD, Gawrakhali, Meetaik, Myawtaung and Thechaung Dams were constructed, and the Irrigation Department built 17 dams including Mawrawady and Tharaykonbaung Dams.
Some of them are for the purpose of supplying drinking water.”“Our Township put 5,229 acres of summer paddy against the target of 5,000 acres in 2007-2008. The paddy yield was 76.91 baskets per acre. To boost paddy production, Rakhine State Peace and Development Council distributed fertilizers at the fair prices to the local farmers. Moreover, a total of 11,133 acres of edible oil crops, 23,589 acres of beans and pulses and 7,902 acres of kitchen crops were planted in the township,” Head of Township Settlement and Land Records Department U Hla Tun Pru added.
Furthermore, Township Manager U Thein Wai of Myanma Agriculture Service explained the rices of vegetables and kitchen crops. During the tour I visited villages one after another. Despite tiredness, I was really pleased with the concerted efforts of the staff to supply water for agricultural purpose and for boosting production of paddy and other crops.

Alpha Health & Care Ltd holds press conference

Alpha Health & Care Ltd (Myanmar), a branch office of Alpha Group International Ltd (New
Zealand), held a press conference on natural traditional medicines at Mya Yeik Nyo Royal Hotel
here, yesterday morning. Vice-Chairman to Myanmar branch Dr Khin Shwe made an opening
speech on the occasion. Chairman of Alpha Group International Ltd (New Zealand) Prof Gao Yihuai, Chief Executive Officer Mr Gao Wei, General Manager Mr Li Tiegang and Advisory Technology Prof Tang Wenbo made speeches on the occasion. Responsible personnel
replied to the queries raised by media persons and those present observed traditional medicines on display. Ganopoly O +, Ganopoly C +, Ganopoly B +, Ganopoly A +, Hepa Tech Heripoly, Heri PAG, FEMO Care and other medicines are being distributed. For further information, please dial Tel-558675, 558676, 559437 and 559537.

UMFCCI Vice-President meets foreign guests

Vice-President of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry U Win Aung, General Secretary U Sein Win Hlaing, and Joint Secretary (1) Dr Maung Maung Lay and party met Vulnerable Anlysis Coordinator Mr Naoki Minamiguchi of FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific at the office on 9 March. At the centre of the cordial meeting were
programmes to hold workshops and educative talks for development of Myanmar's agriculture
sector. A Chinese delegation led by Deputy Director- General Mr Li Rong of Yunnan Province Trade Department of the People’s Republic of China together with Chinese Economic & Commercial Counsellor called on Vice-President U Win Aung, General Secretary U Sein Win
Hlaing and party at the same venue in the afternoon. The meeting focused on boosting bilateral trade and investment, and reached an agreement under which Myanmar will stage exhibitions at
China (Kumming) ASEAN Stone Expo and The 4th China Yunnan International Pu'er Tea
Expo to be held in April and July in Kumming, Yunnan Province.

CPT Ministry holds coord meeting

Ministry of Communications,Posts and Telegraphs held its work coordination meeting at the ministry here today. The meeting was opened with an address by Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw. Deputy Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Maj-Gen Thein Tun, departmental heads, chief engineers and officials concerned participated in the meeting. The participants of the meeting reported on completion
of works and measures to be taken sector-wise. The meeting ended with concluding remarks by
the minister.

Development tasks under way in Ngazun

Deputy Minister for Transport Col Nyan Tun Aung held a meeting with service personnel at
Mandalay International Airport and inspected the airport on 2 March. On 4 March, he addressed the donating of the river pumping water purifying machine and the lake in Ngazun. In the
afternoon, he met with local people at Kanhla Village. On 5 March morning, he inspected
Nganmyargyi Village station hospital and gave instructions on health care. The deputy minister
and wife donated K 900,000 to Nganmyagyi Basic Education High School; K 50,000 each to
the station hospital and staff members; and K30,000 each to the village auxiliary fire brigade, the village Maternal and Chil Welfare Association and the Village Women's Affairs Organization.
In the afternoon, he had meetings with local people at Moe Taung Post- Primary School, and
Htanzinhla BEPS.

Ngawun Bridge (Myokwin), Kanyin Dam, Ma Mya Dam inspected

Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West
Command Maj-Gen Kyaw Swe inspected progress of Ngawun Bridge (Myokwin) project and
cultivation of beans and pulses and sunflowers in the sandbanks in Hinthada Township on 26 February morning. The commander also viewed progress of Kanyin Dam project in Ingapu Township and installation of two generators at the right canal of Ma Mya Dam in Myanaung Township. On 27 February, the commander looked into Basic Education High School and preparation for reconstruction of Myoma Market in Yekyi. The commander accepted corrugated iron sheets donated by wellwishers and cordially greeted rice and bean merchants and rice millers. After that, he viewed the participation of servicemen in the military code of conduct contest to
mark the 64th Anniversary Armed Forces Day.

Moneyin Dam helps local farmers grow summer paddy Article: Htein

Long ago, Moneyin in Namtu Township,Shan State (North), was a secluded region with poor
transport and armed insurgency reigned supremethere.After 1988, the Tatmadaw government
managed to make peace with armed groups andexpedited projects for all-round development of theregions across the nation. As part of the plan, itconstructed roads and bridges to form a network of transport facilities covering the whole country along with dams wherever necessary and possible. So far, it has constructed 219 dams, including Zeechaung Dam in Kyauktaw Township, Rakhine State, that was inaugurated recently. Moneyin in Namtu Township, Shan
State (North), has been enjoying the taste of peace. Moneyin Dam constructed at a cost of about K 1690 million was put into service on 31 May 2008. With a maximum water storage capacity of 25,900 acre feet, the 1700 feet long and 100 feet high earthen type facility is on the Namhswan Creek. The dam also can generate 2.2 million kilowatt hours a year. Now, No (4) secondary canal of the dam has been dug, thus increasing the irrigated area of farmlands to 4000 acres. Moneyin is constituted with 27 villages of three villagetracts: Moneyin (Mongyin), Weinnan and Mansarlon. In the past, the region was in no position to grow summer paddy. It put 50 acres under summer paddy in 2006; 150 acres in 2007; and 800 acres in 2008. The construction of Moneyin Dam led to reclamation of 2000 acres of lands designed to scale up cultivation of summer paddy. Thanks to the facility, the paddy fields that relied on rainwater previously have become irrigated ones, and some vacant lands were reclaimed to grow paddy When asked about reclamation of fallow lands, Director U Nyo Win of the Highland Reclamation Project (1)
under the Agricultural Mechanization Department told the Myanma Alin Daily, “Our project
is based in Lashio in northern Shan State. Now, we are reclaiming vacant lands around Moneyin
Dam.” Deputy Director (Civil) U Phone Tin of the Irrigation Department said that the dam was irrigating farmlands in Weiknan, Mongyin, Ahtet-manti, Auk-manti, Kaungkye and Khoma villages in Namtu Townships; and due to the dam, some farmlands were not flooded any longer, and local people could grow summer paddy and the region's rice supply had met the demand.
Manager U Win Hlaing Oo of Shan State (North) Myanma Perennial Crops Enterprise said, “Moneyin is about 20 miles from Namtu. We had to pass through Namtu if we
wanted to go to Lashio. The road was not in good condition in the rainy season. Mostly, local
people do highland farming, grow beans and pulses and corn, cut down trees in the forests for
firewood and charcoal. Due to Moneyin Dam, there has been a 20 miles long motor road between
Lashio and Moneyin, and local people have broadened their horizons a lot. Now, they grow
vegetables in addition to monsoon and summer paddy. We will grow rubber in the deforested
areas and on barren hills to maintain the dam. In that regard, we have a plan to grow rubber on 20,000 acres of vacant lands around Moneyin to conserve the watershed areas, to make the region green again with trees, to generate job opportunities, and to produce industrial materials. Now, we have got green light for 1200 acres, and up to now we have grown rubber on 600 acres of land. Local people are happy with the dam because they can not only enjoy safe water and
irrigation water but also grow crops all year round.” Farmer U Aung Pa of Weiknan Village in Moneyin said, “Previously, rainwater was the only source to grow paddy. Now, we are very pleased that we can grow summer paddy in addition to monsoon with the water from the
dam.” Farmer Daw Shwe Sar of Weiknan Village said, “We had never grown summer paddy previously. But, now we can grow summer paddy due to the dam.” It is indeed very challenging to reclaim farmlands following the construction of a dam, especially in mountainous regions like Shan State (North). Now, Moneyin Dam has emerged in Namtu Township, Shan State (North), and local farmers have enjoyed higher living standards due to enthusiasm of local farmers, the
supervision of Commander Maj-Gen Aung Than Htut of North-East Command, hard work of service personnel, and the government's benevolent attitude toward the people.

Information Minister receives Chinese Ambassador

NAY PYI TAW, 11 March—Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan received Chinese Ambassador to the Union of Myanmar Mr Ye Dabo at the ministry, here, yesterday evening. Also present at the call were Director-General of Myanmar Radio and Television U Khin Maung Htay, Managing Director of Printing and Publishing Enterprise U Aung Nyein, Managing Director of News and Periodicals Enterprise U Soe Win, Managing Director of Myanma Motion Picture Enterprise U Aung Myo Myint, Acting Director- General of Information and Public Relations Department U Ye Htut and Head of Office U Myint Htwe. They held discussions on further cooperation in information and media sectors between the two countries.

Technological University in Lashio with equitable learning opportunity

With the aims of ensuring equitable creation of learning opportunities across the nation and turning out the qualified human resources in the respective regions, the government upgraded 49 science and technological colleges to the universities established in 24 special development regions of the nation as of 20 January 2007. Technological University (Lashio) was one of
these upgraded universities. The facility was opened as Government Technical Institute on 27 December 1999. It was upgraded to the technological college on 10 September 2001. On 20 January 2007, the facility became a technological university. Technological University (Lashio) is located near Hopaik Village, north of Lashio and east of Lashio- Hsenwi Road. It is a three-storey building built on 36 acres of land. During the visit to Lashio, the news team of the Myanma Alin Daily arrived at Technological University in Lashio to observe the learning opportunity
for higher education of the local youths. We had an interview with Principal Dr U Zaw Min
Oo of the university. He said, “A total of five courses are being conducted at Technological University (Lashio). These courses are the Civil Engineering Course, the Electrical Communication Engineering Course, the Electrical Power Engineering Course, the Mechanical Engineering Course and the Machine Tools Engineering Course. A total of 67 faculty members in the academic section are providing 582 students with modern engineering knowledge.

U Than Swe appointed as Permanent Representative of Myanmar to UN

The Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar has appointed U Than Swe as the Permanent Representative of the Union of Myanmar to the United Nations, New York.

Pagodas in Nay Pyi Taw, Yangon packed with devotees on Full Moon Day of Taboung

Pagodas in Nay Pyi Taw and Yangon were thronged with Buddhist devotees meditating there today (on Full Moon Day of Taboung).

Buddhist devotees visited Uppatasanti Pagoda, Datusara Pagoda and other historic pagodas in Nay Pyi Taw today and performed meritorious deeds and meditated there today.

Similarly, Shwedagon Pagoda, Sule Pagoda, Bodahtaung Pagoda, Buddha Tooth Relic Pagoda and Kyaikwai Pogada were packed with pilgrims today. Buddhist devotees also performed meritorious deeds and meditated at other pagods in Yangon including KabaAye, Maha Wizaya, S h w e p h o n e p w i n t , Kyaikkasan, South Okkalapa, Kyaikkalo, Kyaikkale, Kyaikhmawwun, Kyaikkhauk and Padakyi pagodas and Laka Chanta Abaya Labamuni, Kohtetgyi, Chaukhtetgyi and Ngahtetgyi Buddha Images.

Tatmadaw in perpetual service of public interest

In the course of the history of the nation, the Tatmadaw has preserved the fine tradition of upholding independence and sovereignty of the motherland at risk to life, and it is in perpetual service of the public interest, while safeguarding the life and property of the people.

Today, the Tatmadaw is implementing the State's seven-step Road Map step by step in harmony with the entire people to transform the nation into a peaceful, modern and developed nation.

Simultaneously, the Tatmadaw is trying to complete the process of building a suitable economic infrastructure and improving the education and health standards. Now, various sectors have proved successful, and the entire people are now in a position to enjoy the taste of development.

Myanmar has been able to stand tall as a sovereign nation in the global community due to the fact that the Tatmadaw and the people remained united in times of internal armed insurrection and foreign invasion throughout the history of the nation. So, each and every citizen is under the bounden duty of putting in the fore Our Three Main National Causes: non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity, and perpetuation of sovereignty.

The Tatmadaw has never failed to grapple with the issues posing threat to Our Three Main National Causes. It will keep on sustaining Our Three Main National Causes in future.

It is our belief that the Tatmadaw will go on serving the interest of the nation and the people, upholding Our Three Main National Causes at the risk of life as the national policy in conformity with the fine tradition of guarding the nation against various forms of dangers.

CCDAC holds discussion with secretaries of work groups

The Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control held the meeting 1/2009 with secretaries of the work groups at the hall of Myanmar Police Force Headquarters, here, yesterday afternoon. Speaking on the occasion, Director-General of MPF Brig-Gen Khin Yi said that the task forces undertaking the opium substitute tasks are to make field trips to the rural areas by joining hands with the local military units, police force, special anti-narcotic drug squads and local authorities. In implementing the second five-year plan, over 700,000 acres of seasonal crops and over 800,000 perennial crops could be cultivated more than the first five-year plan. Over K 37 million was spent on distribution of pedigree cow, pig, goat and chicken, K 13.5 million on the medical treatment and K 9 million on fish breeding. The Social Welfare Department trained 478 voluntary supervisors for drug abuse control and they are to coordinate with the local authorities for looking after the drug addicts at the rehabilitation camps, holding educative talks and disseminating knowledge on danger of narcotic drugs and HIV/AIDS, he said.
He added that from 1 January to 31 December 2008, action was taken against 3,773 persons in 2,429 drug-related cases. Myanmar signed the bilateral agreements with neighbouring countries in the region and sub-region in carrying out the narcotic drug eradication tasks.
As of 5 January 2009, Myanmar is joining hands with the People’s Republic of China in conducting survey of poppy cultivation in Shan State. He urged the secretaries of the work groups to strive for achieving the success in 2009 in implementing the second fiveyear plan of the 15-year narcotic drug eradication plan.

Mandalay University of Traditional Medicine

Together with Mandalay Hill, Mandalay University of Traditional Medicine adds to the attraction of Mandalay. The only educational institution of its kind in Myanmar it serves as a source of traditional medicine and produces traditional medicine practitioners.
Mandalay University of Traditional Medicine Project was launched in 2002 and completed in 2004. Standing on a land of more than five acres, the university has a main building, a four-storey building, a three-storey building, a two-storey building and a convocation hall.
It is constituted with six departments of major subjects, 10 departments of minor subjects, an administration department, an accounts department, a students’ affairs department, a research department, a museum, library and computer department, and a herbal garden. When asked about the university, Rector Dr Aung Myint told the Kyemon Daily, “Traditional Myanmar medicine is a national legacy that has improved a lot throughout the history due to the fertile soil, vast forest coverage, temperate climate, culture, customs and traditions of our country.
“Our university has come into existence in compliance with the guidance of the Head of State on preservation and dissemination of traditional medicine without sacrificing its nature and potency.” “Regarding the academic matters,” he said “in addition to the subject on the four primary elements which are the core of traditional Myanmar medicine, we prescribe some minor subjects on western medicine such as anatomy, biology, microbiology and pharmacy for first year and second year courses.
“In second year and third year, students have to learn traditional medicine theoretically and practically. And in the fifth year, they have to study in the field. They have to study five years in total. “Our university is the only one of its kind in Myanmar, and students are of various ethnic groups, and therefore, that boost friendly relations between one ethnic group and another.
We are trying in the academic field to make our university a leading traditional medicine university at the international level, to deal with the challenges of the 21st century, and to produce traditional Myanmar medicine practitioners with a sense of social ethics and duty.” Fourth year student Ma Myat Thet Mon from Myaungmya Township, Ayeyawady Division, said, “In our township, traditional medicine is known as Beindawsay.
My father is a government staff member. When I complete education, I can give health care to my family with traditional medicine. One of my uncles consumed traditional medicines and recovered from his disease that has resistance to modern medicine. So, I came to believe traditional Myanmar medicine. So, I decided to join this university. We had to learn both traditional and modern medicine in first year. In second year, I came to have keen interest in traditional medicine, and I became confident about myself.
“As soon as I complete my education, I think I will start providing health care to the people of rural areas. I have a plan to do research on traditional medicine by then. And I want to do further studies about traditional medicine abroad.”
Fourth year student Ma Nilar Shwe from Aungmye Thazan, Mandalaysaid, “My mother believes traditional medicine. So, she urged me to join this university, and I happened to joint it. Previously, I knew traditional medicine as Bamar medicine.
Some time after I had learnt traditional medicine, I came to notice the delicacy of traditional medicine. While making a comparative study between traditional medicine and modern medicine, I came to know the important role traditional medicine plays in community health care. I want to become a skilled traditional medicine practitioner. I want to provide health care with traditional medicine in the regions with less development. I will serve as a traditional medicine health assistant in the region I will be posted to just after I complete my education. I will continue my study in the field to help improve traditional medicine. I will continue to nurture my ambition till I achieve it.” I think, in response to the government's encouragement to human resource development, students of Mandalay Traditional Medicine University will keep on working hard to improve traditional medicine and provide better health care with traditional medicine.

Regional development work in Sittway inspected

Chairman of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Commander of Western Command Maj-Gen Thaung Aye, Minister for Industry-2 Vice-Admiral Soe Thein and Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt viewed water supply tasks at Kandawgyi Lake in Sittway on 2 March.
At the briefing hall, officials reported on water supply tasks in Sittway, arrangements being made for storing more water in the lake and future tasks. The commander gave necessary instructions and Minister Col Thein Nyunt instructed the officials to speed up the tasks for expanding the lake in its height, building a new 25- acre lake, systematically laying of pipelines, completion of the tasks before monsoon and building of a new lake.
Next, the commander and the ministers inspected the extension of the lake and coordinated tasks for regional development. Then, Minister Col Thein Nyunt met with executive officers and engineers of Township Development Affairs Committees at Rakhine State Development Affairs Committee Office. On 3 March, Minister Col Thein Nyunt visited the training school for national race youths from border areas and provided cash assistance. Later, the minister visited Vocational Training School (Sittway) and met the staff of Rakhine State Border Region Development Supervisory Office (Sittway).

Commercial-scale farms necessary for boosting tea production

Gifted with fertile soil and temperate climate, Myanmar is a land where various species of crops grow well. Delta and plain regions, for instance, cultivate paddy, beans and pulses, edible oil crops and seasonal crops on a commercial scale. It is required of highlands to grow such perennial trees as rubber, avocado mango and tea extensively.
Tea thrives especially in the regions with an altitude of about 3000 feet and above. So, Shan State, Chin State and Sagaing Division should choose appropriate species of tea to grow. Now, Chin State and Sagaing Division are having a geographical spread of tea farms, and producing quality tea on a small scale township-wise.
Namsang Township in northern Shan State occupies about 80 per cent of the nation’s total acreage of tea farms. So, it has to transform its thriving tea farms into commercial-scale ones by applying advanced agricultural methods and making best investments. Today, tea is used to make not only plain tea but also raw materials for value-added products such as cosmetics and personal goods. Therefore, tea-growing regions have to focus on production of value-added tea-based products, while trying to achieve both quantitative and qualitative improvement in the tea enterprise.
Now, everything goes according to the plans in many sectors such as transport and health the government is implementing for development of Namsang Township. In response, local national entrepreneurs should pay more attention to boosting production of quality tea by means of establishing large tea farms to enjoy greater profits.

Rural roads put into service in two townships in Rakhine State

Hailing the 64th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, Chairman of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Commander of Western Command Maj-Gen Thaung Aye and Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt attended an opening ceremony of Mingala Manaung new gravel rural road in MraukU Township on 2 March.

The road, 4,840 feet long and 12 feet wide, was built at a cost of K 13.4 million in 2008-2009 fiscal year. Rural people from Yadanabon, Tezayama, Hsinchaseik and Ywahaung-taw Villages can now go to MyaukU any time.The commander and the minister met with local people from five villages at Hsinchaseik village.The Winzar-Ngapukwa gravel rural road was opened in Minbya Township hailing the 64th Anniversary Armed Forces Day. The road, 4,300 feet long and 12 feet wide, was built at a cost of K 12.6 million in 2008-2009 fiscal year.The commander and minister met with local people from five village tracts at Ngapukwa village.

Secretary-1 looks into development of Namsang

Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo left Kyaukme by helicopter yesterday morning and arrived at Namsang at 9.45 a.m.

The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed by Deputy Commander of North-East Command Brig-Gen Hla Myint and departmental officials. The Secretary-1 and party inspected the site Secretary-1 looks into development of Namsang chosen for construction of 50-bed People’s Hospital near Phayagyi Village in Namsang Township.

Chairman of Township PDC U Than Lwin reported on the layout plan of the town. At Tatmadaw Tea Processing Factory in Namsang, the Secretary- 1 and party inspected completion of repair of the machines and test-run of the factory. The Secretary-1 and party were conducted round the factory by Factory Manager U Than Tun.
Machines of the factory have been maintained for production of the tea at full capacity. At Zayangyi Monastery in Zayangyi Ward, they paid homage to Abbot Sayadaw Bhaddanta Pandiça and members of the Sangha and offered robes and alms. At Namsang People’s Hospital, the medical superintendent conducted the Secretary-1 and party round the buildings of the hospital.
At the hall of the hospital, the Secretary-1 met with doctors and nurses. Medical Superintendent Dr Than Htay reported on providing health care to the patients and common diseases in the region. After fulfilling the requirements, the Secretary-1 instructed them to give health care to the patients with lovingkindness, strive for winning the trust of the people, make field trips to the grassroots level for undertaking health care services and rehabilitation. Maj-Gen Min Aung Hlaing of the Ministry of Defence presented medicines and Deputy Minister for Health Dr Mya Oo, cash to the funds of the hospital through the medical superintendent.
At Phayagyi Monastery, they paid homage and offered robes to Abbot Bhaddanta Tejavanta. They offered flowers, water, lights and gold foils to Maha Muni Buddha Image in Namsang. The Secretary- 1 and party signed in the visitors’ book and viewed the renovation of religious structures. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party left there and arrived back here by helicopter in the evening.

Strive for realization of goals of the State

Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo visited Kyaukme the other day on his tour of inspection of regional development in Shan State (North).

Kyaukme District has better foundations for development. The Head of State had given guidance on the need for every region to try to achieve food security and he fulfilled the requirements. According to the data reported, Kyaukme District achieved 130 per cent in rice sufficiency and 123 per cent in edible oil.

The government has been fulfilling basic needs in order to achieve equal development in states and divisions. It is necessary for local people to make efforts for increase of per capita income. They have to continue to try to realize the target of average per capita income of K 600,000.

Health care services in Shan State (North) are being upgraded. Hospitals and dispensaries have been constructed and health staff have also been appointed. Regarding the transport sector, the government will make arrangements to upgrade Kyaukme-Hsipaw-Namsang- Panton road to an all-weather one.

The government is fulfilling the requirements of the education, health, social and economic sectors of local people while putting emphasis on development of every region in the Union. Local people on their part need to participate in the efforts so that the goals of the State will be realized sooner.

Senior General Than Shwe felicitates Bulgarian President

Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Georgi Parvanov, President of the Republic of Bulgaria, on the occasionof the National Day of the Republic of Bulgaria, which falls on 3 March, 2009.

Prime Minister General Thein Sein felicitates Bulgarian counterpart

General Thein Sein, Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Sergei Stanishev, Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria, on the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Bulgaria, which falls on 3 March, 2009.

Service personnel have to put public interests in the fore, Secretary-1 says

Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo had a meeting with district and township level service personnel from Kyaukme at Kyaukme, Shan State (North) yesterday afternoon. Chairman of Kyaukme District PDC U Khin Maung Lay reported on education, health, social and economic conditions of the district; Chairman of Shan State (North) PDC Commander of North-East Command Maj-Gen Aung Than Htut, on self-reliant hydropower stations, achievement of food sufficiency, and progress in reclaiming highlands; Minister for Electric Power No. (2) Maj-Gen Khin Maung Myint, on increase in electric power supply with the completion of Shweli Hydropower Project, and ongoing projects; Deputy Minister for Health Dr Mya Oo, on construction of more hospitals and dispensaries and appointment of health staff to expedite community health care, and Service personnel have to put public interests in the fore, Secretary-1 says requirement of massive participation to make progress in health care; and Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Aung Myo Min, on education promotion plans to be implemented with the participation of teachers, parents and students.

The Secretary-1 in his address said that the purpose of his tour is to fulfil requirements for development of the district in the education, health, economic and transport sectors. He quoted the reports of officials concerned as saying that Kyaukme District achieved 130 per cent in rice sufficiency, 123 per cent in edible oil, and over 300,000 kyats in per capita income (2007-2008).

He added that the Head of State has given guidance on the need for every region to try to achieve food security, and is fulfilling the requirements. He said that they have learnt lessons that local people face food shortage in times of natural disasters and interruption of transport, adding that he wanted local people realize why they are urged to pay serious attention to local food sufficiency.

Now, per capita income of 600,000 is on target, he said, instructing officials concerned to contribute towards the drive as Kyaukme District has got basic foundations for development.The government is pursuing the goal of ensuring equitable development of all states and divisions.

If local people work hard, each of them and the region will enjoy greater development in proportion to the efforts they have exerted, he noted. On the tour, he will drop in Namhsan and fulfil requirements for regional development including the upgrading of Namhsan Hospital to a 50-bed facility. Moreover, arrangements will be in force to upgrade Kyaukme-Hsipaw-Namhsan- Panton Road to an all-weather one, he said.

He pointed out that service personnel have to put in the fore public interests, to carry out community welfare service, to show good moral conduct to win public trust and reliance, and to avert acts that can burden the public.In some cases, he said that those responsible incidentally burden local people due to the former's excessive goodwill and sense of duty, so service personnel are to avert such an unnecessary matter.

In conclusion, he called on service personnel to organize local people to be able to mobilize their participation in and comprehension of the tasks. Also present on the occasion was Maj-Gen Min Aung Hlaing of the Ministry of Defence.

After the meeting, the Secretary-1 cordially greeted the attendees.

Construction of Orthopaedic Hospital (Mandalay) inspected

Maj-Gen Ohn Myint of the Ministry of Defence , accompanied by Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Tin Ngwe and officials, on 24 February met with officers and other ranks of Mandalay Station at Yanaungmyin Hall and departmental officials, rectors, principals and Construction of Orthopaedic Hospital (Mandalay) inspected members of social organizations at the meeting hall of the Division PDC Office.

After that, Maj-Gen Ohn Myint inspected newly built five-storey Mandalay General Hospital on 30th Street and progress in construction of Orthopaedic Hospital (Mandalay) near the Institute of Nursing on 62th Street. Next, Maj-Gen Ohn Myint of the Ministry of Defence and party looked into tarring of 35th Street, renovation of Shwetachaung Drain and tarring of 87th and 41st Streets on self-reliant basis and left for Nay Pyi Taw.

ASEAN countries to boost economic cooperation

Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Thein Sein attended the 14th ASEAN Summit and related meetings held in Hua Hin, Thailand, on 28 February and 1 March at the invitation of his Thai counterpart Mr Abhisit Vejjajiva.

At the 14th ASEAN Summit Retreat, Heads of State/Government of ASEAN countries held discussions on implementation of ASEAN Charter, exchange of views on regional and international issues, global financial crisis, disaster management, food and energy security, and regional and international situations.

Then, they signed the Declaration on Roadmap for ASEAN Community. After the 14th ASEAN Summit Retreat, the foreign affairs ministers of ASEAN countries signed the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement. At the working dinner for ASEAN Economic Ministers, the economic ministers inked ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement, ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement, protocol to implement the 7th Package of Commitments under ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services, and 3 programmes for mutual recognition of ASEAN Quality.

ASEAN is now trying hard to boost regional economic cooperation as part of the drive for establishing ASEAN economic community by 2015. Being rich in natural resources and human resources, ASEAN region has economic opportunities and attracts the attention of investors.

Now, ASEAN members have endorsed the Declaration on Roadmap for ASEAN Community. When ASEAN Community comes into existence, the peoples of ASEAN members will be able to enjoy progress in the fields of peace, stability, prosperity, social affairs and culture.

ASEAN countries can enjoy greater regional development in the near future if they keep on boosting trade and investment and cooperation in the economic sector in accordance with the fine tradition of their unity.

Prime Minister General Thein Sein signs Declaration on Roadmap for ASEAN Community

Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Thein Sein attended the 14th ASEAN Summit Retreat held at Dusit Thani Hotel in Hua Hin, Thailand yesterday morning.Prime Minister General Thein Sein, Heads of State/Government of ASEAN countries arrived at the hotel at 8.25 a.m. They were welcomed by Thai Prime Minister.

Before the meeting, the Heads of State/Government of ASEAN countries posed for documentary photos. The 14th ASEAN Summit Retreat was held at the Royal Dusit Grand Ballroom (B) of the hotel.The meeting was attended by King of Brunei Darussalam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Muissaddin Waddaulah, Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen, Indonesian President Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Lao PDR Prime Minister Mr Bouasone Bouphavanh, Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi, Philippine President Madame Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Singaporean Prime Minister Mr Lee Hsien Loong, Thai Prime Minister Mr Abhisit Vejjajiva, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tang Dung and ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Surin Pitsuwan.

The Prime Minister, the Heads of State/Government of ASEAN countries held discussions on implementation of ASEAN Charter, exchange of views on regional and international issues, global financial crisis, disaster management, food and energy security and regional and international situations.

After the meeting, the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of ASEAN countries signed the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement in the presence of the Prime Minister, the Heads of State/Government of ASEAN countries.

A ceremony to sign declarations on ASEAN Summit was held at the Royal Dusit Grand Ballroom (A). It was attended by the Prime Minister, the Heads of State/Government of ASEAN countries. They signed the Declaration on the Roadmap for an ASEAN Community.

The Thai Prime Minister hosted a luncheon in honour of the Prime Minister, the Heads of State/Government of ASEAN countries, Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the ASEAN, Economic Ministers, ASEAN Secretary-General and senior officials at Dusit Thani Hotel.

Minister U Nyan Win attends ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, who accompanied Prime Minister General Thein Sein to attend the 14th ASEAN Summit,attended the working dinner for ASEAN Foreign Ministers held at Dusit Thani Hotel in Thailand at 7 p.m on 26 February.

At the dinner, the for- eign ministers discussed regional and international situations and exchanged views on extension of the duration of post-Nargis rehabilitation tasks, Gaza issues, overcoming of the global financial crisis on a cooperative basis and the issue of illegal migrant workers.

Minister U Nyan Win attended the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ informal meeting held at Dusit Thani Hotel Napalai Ballroom (B) in Hua Hin of Thailand. The meeting discussed matters related to the admission of Turkey to the friendship and cooperation agreement, the admission of European Union and European Council to the Treaty of Amity and Co-operation, decision to set the dates of holding ASEAN related summits and schedules of ASEAN meetings.

Minister U Nyan Win attended the meeting of ASEAN Coordination Council. The participants of the meeting discussed the confirmation of the budget of the ASEAN Secretariat for 2009 by theASEAN ministers, confirmation of the appointment of Under-Secretary-General of ASEAN, interim guideline for appointment of the ASEAN permanent representative, establishment of the ASEAN Permanent Representative Office, implementation of ASEAN Charter and establishment of three ASEAN communities.

At 10.45 a.m, Minister U Nyan Win met with the ASEAN Foreign Affairs Ministers, the delegation of senior officials for establishment of ASEAN human rights organization and the delegation of legal experts for implementation of ASEAN Charter and discussed legal affairs.

Third Meeting of 6th SCWCS ends

The last day session of the Third Meeting of the 6th State Central Working Committee of the Sangha was held at Maha Pasana Cave on Kaba Aye Hill in Mayangon Township here today.

Vice-Chairman of the Committee Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Gunesana presided over the meeting and Joint Secretary Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Manita Siribhivamsa acted as MC. First, Joint Secretary Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Kammathanacariya Dvipitaka Kovida Bhaddanta Jagarabhivamsa clarified the report on measures taken by the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee within one year and sought the approval of the meeting.

In the afternoon, Chairman of the Committee Presiding Sayadaw of Mahawithuta Rama Monastery in Magway Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Bhaddanta Kumara presided over the meeting. Sayadaws who presided over the meeting, the Chairman Sayadaw, secretaries of the working committee, representative Sayadaws from states and divisions and other ganas signed in the record book to approve the resolutions passed at the meeting.

The meeting ended with concluding remarks by Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara.Today, U Kyaw Hsan and Thiha Thudhamma Theingi Daw Nyunt Nyunt Win (Pyawutyi Enterprise Ltd and Edible Oil Mill) offered meals to members of the Sangha.

Strive in concert for increasing cultivation capacity

The government is dedicated itself to improving the living conditions of the people in pursuance of the national goal of building a peaceful, modern and developed nation. With favourable weather pattern and geographical features, Myanmar has been an agro-based nation since time immemorial.

The majority of the nation's working population are farmers. Therefore, development of agriculture as the base and all-round development of other sectors of the economy as well is a practical task. At present, the government is working hard to beef up exploitation of natural resources, reclamation of fallow and virgin lands for agricultural purpose and cultivation capacity.

In the message sent by Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe on the occasion of the Peasants Day (2009), it was stated that the agriculture is booming, and the transforming of the country from conventional farming to mechanized farming is on target in terms of manufacturing farm equipment and machinery; that therefore, the nation's food supply has met the demand for the future population of 100 million, far more than the supply for the present population of over 50 million, and our country is contributing towards the food supply for the world people.

At present, there are 190 dams, 29 sluice gates, 322 river water pumping stations, 7974 underground water tapping stations and 658 small rural dams in the nation. As a result of the emergence of a large number of new irrigation facilities, the nation's total sown acreage has increased, and the cultivation capacity has jumped. At such a time, the farmers in cooperation with the entrepreneurs are to set up agricultural zones and reclaim fallow and virgin lands for the success of mechanized farming. And they are to extensively engage in cultivation of high yield crops applying modern agricultural methods.Only then, will the cultivation capacity increase and the agricultural sector improve.