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.