Embassy Newsletter, Issue No.1, January, 2004

Chairman of Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt received leader of Kachin State Special Region-1 U Za Khon Ting Ring and party at Zeyathiri Beikman in Yangon on 5 December. At the call, the national race leaders reported that they support seven future policies and programmes of the state and they promised to attend the National Convention without fail. The national race leaders submitted matters related to education, health, roads and bridges and cultivation of new items of crops for regional development.

Chairman of Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt received Chairman of Pa-O National Organization (PNO) U Aung Hkam Hti, Vice-Chairman and party of Shan State (South) Special region-6 at Zeyathiri Beikman in Yangon on 27 December.

At the call, the national race leaders reported to the Prime Minister that they supported seven-point future programme of the State declared by the Prime Minister and they promised that they will attend the National Convention without fail. The matters on education, health, roads/bridges and economic tasks for regional development have also been reported by the Chairman of Pa-O National Organization.

The Chairman of Border Areas and National Races Development Work Committee Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt received Kayan Pyithit Party Vice-Chairman and members in Yangon on 25 December. At the call, national race leaders expressed their support for the seven-point future programme of the State and pledged to attend the National Convention without fail. Afterwards, they discussed matters relation to health, education, road and bridges and economic sectors for regional development.

A Myanmar-French team and a Myanmar-Japanese team conducted survey to find primate fossils in Myaing, Pale, Seikpyu and Pauk townships in Pondaung region, Sagaing Division, from 17 November to 8 December. The Myanmar-French team comprised Myanmar geologists and Prof. Dr Dean Jacques Jeager (leader), Dr Laurent Marivaux and Dr bernard Marandat of France, Dr. Yaolalak Chaimanee of Thailand, Dr Christopher Beard of the US. The Japanese of the Myanmar-Japanese team were Prof. Dr Nobuo Shigehara (leader), Prof. Dr Maranaru Takai, Dr. Naoko Egi, Dr Takehisa Tsubamoto, Dr Takeshi Nishimura and Dr Hiroaki Ugai.

The Myanmar-French team conducted geological survey at Paukkhaung Kyit-Chaung, Yashe Kyit-chaung, and in the surrounding areas in Myaing Township and Pale Township from 17 November to 7 December. The Myanmar-Japanese team conducted geological survey in Seikpyu Township and Myaing Township from 17 November to 7 December.

During the 2003 survey at different places of Paukchaung Kyitchaung the Myanmar-French team found a molar (milk tooth) of a Bahinia primate; a piece of the molar of Pondaungia primate; a molar of Myanmaphipithecus; lower jaw including two molars of an Amphipithicus; and parts of a tarsal bone No.1 of a primate. The team also found teeth of mammals; molars of original pig species, molars of the original species of rats, squirrels and rabbits; fossilized remains of insect eating bats and mountain goats. The Myanmar-Japanese team found fossilized jaws, teeth, tasks and bones of primitive elephants; jaws and teeth of primitive pigs; skulls of the original species of camels; molars, jaws, horns, and bones of primitive cow; lower jaws and teeth of the original species of hippopotamus; teeth of crocodiles; jaws of turtles in the Ayeyawady rock layers near Gwebin village, Seikpyu Township, and Chaingsauk village in Pauk Township; a piece of a upper molar of a Myanmar Phipithecus primate; a right lower molar, a part of a right upper molar, an arm bone, a right lower molar and a part of a front tooth of a primate; in the Pondaung rock layer. The team also found a pair of full-teeth jaws and molars of the original species of a pig; molars of the original species of a rhino; jaws and teeth of the original species of a mountain goat, jaws of the original species of a rat, squirrel and rabbit; lower jaws and teeth of flesh eating animals; teeth of fishes; teeth of crocodiles and turtle shells.

Both team surveyed the upper layer of the Kyitchaungs and also used the filtering method in finding small teeth and body parts of the fossilized primates. The finds have further strengthen the theory- the primates originated in Asia- than in the previous years. The teams will continue their work.

The French scholars found the fossilized ankle and lateral melleolus of a primate at Hsechauk Kyitchaung near Mogaung village while conducting survey together with Myanmar experts in November 2002. The French and Myanmar scholars compiled a paper on their finds. The paper was featured in the Volume 100, No 23 of Proceedings of National Academy of Science journal issued on 11 November 2003 under the heading. The Anthropoid Status of a Primate form the late middle Eocene Pondaung Formation (Central Myanmar); Tarsal evidence....." The paper has reconfirmed the fact that human beings originated in Myanmar in Asia. The paper has also proved that the fossils found in Myanmar were of the Anthropoid Primates, leading to over whelming the opinion- human beings started in Africa. Both teams conducted research at the National Museum from 8 to 12 December. The French and Japanese scientists left Myanmar for home on 13 December.

Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt inspected 12,000-ton capacity dry dock construction project of Myanma Shipyards of the Ministry of Transport in Kamayut Township in Yangon on 21 December. As Myanma Shipyards is an economic organization of the State on completion of the project, the plan is to be implemented not only for repairing vessels from local and abroad but also building local use medium-size ones. Myanmar engineers who have technology and experience on construction of the dock and modern vessels are required to make efforts for more development of the work. The 12,000-ton capacity dry dock construction project will be 168 metres long, 28 metres wide and nine metres deep. The sluice gate is of floating type. On completion, vessels of Myanma Five Star Line can be repaired at the said dock. The State can save foreign exchange of vessel repairing expense annually and earn foreign exchange from repairing vessels from abroad at the dock.

The opening ceremony of Letpan Dam in Myinmu Township in Sagaing District, Sagaing Division, was held on 21 December. The dam is the 15th irrigation project in the division and will be able to irrigate over 2500 acres of land.

A total of 155 irrigation projects to benefit over 2 million acres of land have been implemented all over the country spending K 67,000 million in the time of the present government. As the Ayeyawady, the Chindwin and the Mu rivers flow through the division, a total of 48 river water pumping projects including nine run by electric power and 39 run by diesel have been implemented in the division, irrigating over 67,000 acres of land.

The irrigation facility projects implemented in Sagaing Division, there are--Thaphanseik Multipurpose dam projects or largest irrigation facility projects of the nation to irrigate 530,00 acres of land in Kyunhla, Ayadaw and Budalin Townships and Kindat Diversion Weir, 48 river water pumping projects to irrigate over 67,000 acres of land, Underground water tapping projects to irrigate 22,000 acres in Monywa, ChaungU and Budalin Townships, Irrigation facilities supplying water for 27,000 acres of land such as Myaukyama, Htanzalot, Nwekhwe and Kyebinet dams and reservoirs, and Ywathaya -99 lakes project to irrigate 10,000 acres in Yinmabin Township.

Letpan dam is situated on Letpan Creek at the north of Tawchaung Oo Village in Myinmu Township, Sagaing Division. The earthen dam is 4,000 feet long and 90 feet high with a water storage capacity of 4,910 acre feet. The dam will benefit 25,000 acres of irrigated land to cultivate double and mix crops.

A ceremony to drive Yadana Pile of the Twantay Bridge Construction project in Twantay Township in Yangon Division was held at the project site on 24 December. Twantay Bridge will be built on the road linking Twantay-Dalla Road and Yangon-Pathein No.5 Road in Yangon. The bridge will be built across Twantay Canal. On completion, people can travel from Yangon City to Dedaye, Kyaiklat, Pyapon, Maubin and Nyaungdon townships in Ayeyawady Division through Twantay, Dalla, Kawhmu, Kungyangon townships easily. Twanty Bridge, 4,350 feet in total length, will be built of iron beam suspension bridge. It will have a 28-foot-wide motor way together with six feet wide pedestrians. The bridge can withstand 60 ton loads.

Under the arrangement of Myanmar-Thai narcotic drugs eradication and all-round development of border areas, a ceremony to open 16-bed hospital which was one of the Yaungkha Village Projects in Monghsat District, Shan State (East), was held on 26 December. Chairman of the Shan State (East) Peace and Development Council Commander of the Triangle Region Command and Commanding General of 3rd Army Area of Thailand Lt Gen Picharnmeth Muangmanee formally opened the hospital.

The project is being implemented according to the agreement of Myanmar-Thai narcotic drugs eradication and all-round development of border areas after the meeting between the Prime Ministers of the two countries in 2001. The Prime Minister of Thailand provided 20 million Baht to implement the project. According to the agreement between the officials of the two countries, Yaungkha Village-tract, 30 miles west of Tachilek, was chosen as the project area in 2001-2002. The project will benefit not only Yaungkha Village but also local people residing in Yaungkha Village-tract being formed with 13 villages and its environs. The project started in January 2003. In implementing the education sector of the all-round development project, Basic Education Primary School that can accommodate 500 students was built in May 2003. Starting from June 2003, 10 teachers appointed by the Ministry of Education are teaching 222 students at the school. In the health sector, construction of the 16-bed hospital was completed in September 2003. At present, one doctor and four nurses appointed by the Ministry of Health are providing health care services to the local national races.

With regard to the agricultural sector, the plan has been drawn to cultivate opium-substitute crops. Nowadays, 1,300 acres of highland area and 900 acres of farmland, totaling over 2,200 have been put under paddy, and arrangements were made for building small-scale dams with a view to ensuring cultivation of double cropping. Now, six small-scale dams together with a 20-metre-long canal were built in cooperation with local people for supplying water to over 840 acres of farmland all the year round. Over 2,000 tons of rice surplus achieved this year. Maize, soya beans, beans, bamboo shoot, macadamia were distributed to the local farmers and arrangements are being made to export poppy-substitute crops produced from the project area to Thailand.

The Ministry of Rail Transportation commissioned a new train into service of circular rail system. The ceremony was held on the platform-1 at Yangon Station in Yangon on 29 December. The engines and carriages currently in use in the circular rail system are French-made engines and German-made and Chinese-made carriages. The new train has a seating capacity of 664 and has two engines and four carriages. The two engines were donated by System Chubu Co Ltd of Japan and Doh Pyi Tha Enterprises Ltd through the Prime Minister of the State. The four carriages were designed and built at Myanmar Railways Myitnge Carriage Factory.

Foreign Relations

A Chinese delegation led by Deputy Chief of General Staff of Chinese People's Liberation Army (CPLA) General Wu Quanxu arrived Yangon on a goodwill visit to the Union of Myanmar on 30 November.

In the afternoon, Member of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann of the Ministry of Defence received Deputy Chief of General Staff of PRC and party at the Zeyathiri Beikman on Konmyinttha, Yangon. In the evening, a dinner in honour of the visiting Deputy Chief of General Staff of PRC and party was hosted at the same venue.

Visiting Deputy Chief of General Staff of Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Wu Quanxu and party paid a courtesy call on Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe at Zeyarthiri Beikman in Yangon on 1 December.

Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Khin Nyunt arrived back Yangon by special aircraft after attending the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit in Tokyo, Japan, on 11 and 12 December on 13 December at the invitation of His Excellency Mr Junichiro Koizumi, Prime Minister of Japan.

The opening of ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit and the first session of the summit were held at the Geihinkan State Guest House in Tokyo on 11 December afternoon, attended by Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Khin Nyunt..

Dealing with the discussion, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt said that it was encouraging to witness the development of ASEAN-Japan relations during the past 30 years. Japan remained as a main trade partner of ASEAN and ASEAN was also a main trade partner of Japan, he noted. In addition, Japan was the biggest investor of the ASEAN region, he said and he hoped that Japan will further widen its cooperation in economic alliance and development with ASEAN in the years to come. Japan has been giving aid in implementing Hanoi Action Plan. The pledge to provide assistance for development of basic infrastructures and information and communication technology and human resource development of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam by Japan will contribute much to the whole ASEAN region, he stressed. The ASEAN and Japan were actively cooperating in dealing with the problems of violence, narcotic drugs trafficking, disarmament and transborder crimes, he said and hope they will further strengthen their cooperations owing to latest international developments and changes.

At the second day's session of the summit continued at the same venue on 12 December, holding discussions at the summit, Myanmar PM said that there were many sectors of possible cooperation between ASEAN and Japan, adding that the living standard of the people will be able to improve through enhancing cooperation in economic development. He hoped Japan will offer more scholarships as human resource development is of paramount importance for ASEAN nations. Myanmar had made resolutions to eliminate narcotic drugs in the country. In the process, it has been cooperating with regional and international communities. Myanmar is giving to priority to cultivation of poppy substitute crops as it is assumed as an important step. Japan could made constructive activities by opening of market for poppy substitute crops. In the past, heads of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thai governments met in Bagan and laid down the strategy for cooperation. He hoped that other ASEAN nations and Japan will provide assistance to the project.

In response to Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt, the Japanese Prime Minister said that the discussion had been a constructive one. He added that Japan accepted poppy substitute undertakings as most important ones and will cooperate in the tasks. Heads of ASEAN nations and governments and the Japanese Prime Minister signed the Tokyo Declaration.

Prime Minister Meets Counterparts, House Members and Friends Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt met Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Sri Abdullah bin Ahmad Badawi at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo on 11 December. During the call, they cordially discussed matters on enhancing cooperation between the two countries. Similarly, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt met with Prime Minister of Japan Mr. Junichiro Koizumi at the Prime Minister's Office in Tokyo on 12 December. The two Prime Ministers cordially exchanged views on cooperation in Myanmar-Japan relationship and promoting mutual interests.

During his stay in Japan, the Prime Minister also received Myanmar Economic & Management Institute President Mr. Tomo Takahara, member of the House of Counsellors Mr. Hideo Watanabe, member of the House of Representatives Mr. Koichi Kato, Senior Adviser to Liberal Democratic Party of Japan Mr. Iwakura and the Nippon Foundation President Mr. Yohei Sasagawa in Tokyo. Also, President of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Madame Sadako Ogata together with Japanese Ambassador to Myanmar Mr. Yuji Miyamoto paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Khin Nyunt at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo on 12 December.

The opening ceremony of the Sixth Meeting of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council-ASEAN BAC was held at the Sedona Hotel in Yangon on 13 December. Chairman of the ASEAN BAC Mr Rudy J Pesik of Indonesia chaired the meeting. Those present discussed matters related to implementation of the results of the meeting between the leaders of the ASEAN countries held in Bali on 7 November, 2003 and members of the ASEAN-BAC and tasks to be undertaken in 2004.

The matters related to the tourism industry on Myanmar were explained by the Director-General of Directorate of Hotels and Tourism and those present engaged in detailed discussions over ASEAN Pioneer Scheme. The Members of the ASEAN BAC and President of the ASEAN-CCIU discussed matters related to implementation of major economic cooperation tasks in the ASEAN region. The meeting was adjourned in the evening. The second day session of the meeting will continue at the same venue on 14 December.

The Malaysian delegation led by Under-Secretary Dr. Hj Ismail bin Hj Ahma of Policy Division of Malaysian Armed Forces arrived in Yangon by air on 14 December. After the call, senior Myanmar military officers and the guests discussed matters related to military training courses between the two countries.

The ASEAN senior officials meeting for the 9th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment took place in Yangon on 16 December. Present on the occasion were senior officials from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, senior officials of the ASEAN Secretariat and senior officials of Myanmar. Leader of Myanmar delegation Secretary of the National Commission for Environmental Affairs U Thaung Tun chaired the meeting together with Under-Secretary for Planning Policy Department of Environment and Natural Resources of the Philippines Mr. Demetrio L Ignacio.

The delegates discussed matters on trans- boundary haze pollution, natural conservation and biodiversity, coastal and marine environment, integrated water resources management, multilateral environmental agreements and environmentally sustainable cities and others. They also discussed implementation of the Hanoi Plan of Action, resolutions passed at the World Summit on Sustainable Development, participation in measure for environmental conservation of ASEAN + 3 environment ministers, sustainable development (Yangon declaration), and holding ASEAN ministerial meeting on haze pollution and informal discussions. They approved the reports of the meeting.

In the evening, Chairman of the NCEA Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung hosted a dinner to the ASEAN secretary-general and ASEAN senior officials. The secretary of the NCEA also hosted a dinner to senior officials of ASEAN nations and ASEAN Secretariat.

Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Khin Nyunt delivered an address at the inauguration ceremony of 9th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment and the 2nd ASEAN+3 Environment Ministers Meeting, hosted by the Union of Myanmar in Yangon on 17 December. Also present on the occasion were ministers of the Union of Myanmar, ministers, deputy ministers and members of ASEAN member countries, the ASEAN Secretary-General and officials, ambassadors and officials of embassies of ASEAN countries, resident representatives of UN agencies, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental officials who are members of the National Commission for Environmental Affairs, journalists from local and abroad and guests.

Myanmar is making sustained efforts to conserve its rich natural resources and environment. In 1997 the National Commission for Environmental Affairs developed and adopted a development strategy. Sustainable management of land, forest, agriculture, mineral, marine and fresh water resources has been promoted in keeping with the strategy. Sectoral laws relating to environmental protection have also been enacted and environmental considerations are increasingly being integrated into the sectoral development plans and programmes.

Myanmar is also party to many international environmental conventions and has strictly adhered to its international obligations. Over 70 per cent of Myanmar’s population live in rural areas. In order to improve the quality of life of the rural people, including those living in the remote border areas, integrated rural development programmes are being implemented. In addition to promoting education, health, transport and communication, these programmes also address land degradation, deforestation, availability of water for agricultural purposes as well safe drinking water and rural poverty.

Forest cover in Myanmar amounts to more than 51 percent of the total land area. One of the most successful environmental projects carried our by the Government is the "Greening Project". The project was initiated in 1993-1994 as a pilot project for greening 9 critical districts in the arid areas of central Myanmar. Afforestation, reforestation, water supply, agricultural extension and income generating activities were carried out under the project. As the project has proved to be a success, the scope of the project has been extended to include 4 more districts.

In the afternoon session, Mr. Demetrio L Ignacio of the Department of Environmental Conservation and Natural Resources of the Philippines submitted matters included in the minute of the Senior Officials’ Meeting on the Environment. The participants of the session took part in the discussion concerning the matters. Afterwards, the Minister for Foreign Affairs discussed and adopted the Yangon Resolution on Sustainable Development. The meeting was adjourned in the evening. The meeting continues on 18 December.

Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Khin Nyunt received Minister of Development Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Hj Ahmad Hj Jumnat of the Brunei Darussalam, Environment Minister Dr. Mok Marcth of Cambodia, Environment Minister Mr. Nabiel Makarim of Indonesia, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic Dr. Bountiem Phissamay, Minister of Science, Technology and Environment Dato Seri Law Hieng Ding of Malaysia, Under Secretary of Environmental Conservation and Natural Resources of the Republic of Philippines Mr. Deme Trio Llgnacio, Environment Minister of the Republic of Singapore Mr. Lim Swee Say, Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation Mr. Prapat Panyachatrask of Thailand, Permanent Joint Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation Dr. Pham Khoi Nguyen of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and Secretary-General of ASEAN Mr. Ong Keng Yong who are attending the 9th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Environment in Yangon on 18 December.

A ceremony to sign the Declaration on ASEAN Heritage Parks and Yangon Resolution on Sustainable Development of the Ninth ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment was held in Yangon on 18 December. It was attended by leaders of delegations of ASEAN member countries, deputy ministers, members of the delegations, the ASEAN Secretariat and officials, and officials of the international organizations.

Leaders of the delegation ministers from the ASEAN countries signed the Declaration on ASEAN Heritage Parks, and Chairman of the National Commission for Environmental Conservation of Myanmar Minister for Foreign Affairs presented the declaration to ASEAN Secretary-General Mr. Ong Keng Yong.

The leaders of the delegation ministers from the ASEAN countries also signed the Yangon Resolution on Sustainable Development, and Minister U Win Aung presented the resolution to the secretary-general of the ASEAN. Leader of the Myanmar delegation minister U Win Aung explained matters related to the establishment of the ASEAN Environmental Education Inventory Database.

The 2nd ASEAN+3 Environment Ministers Meeting, hosted by the Union of Myanmar, was held in Yangon on 19 December. Present on the occasion were Chairman of National Commission for Environmental Affairs Minister for Foreign Affairs and delegates, ministers who were leaders of the delegations from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam and deputy ministers and members, deputy ministers who were leaders of the delegations from the People’s Republic of China, Japan and the Republic of Korea and members, the ASEAN Secretary-General and officials.

China, Japan and Korea have vast experience in the field of environment. All three countries are actively engaged in addressing global environmental issues and have been providing technical and financial assistance to the developing countries in their pursuit of sustainable development. ASEAN countries have benefited from the cooperation with the plus 3 countries in environmental affairs.

At the 7th Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment held in November last year in Vientiane, Lao PDR, the environment ministers agreed that in order to achieve meaningful cooperation, ASEAN should prioritize its activities in the following ten areas:

(1)Environmentally Sustainable Cities

(2) Global environmental issues

(3) Land and forest fires and transboundary haze pollution
(4) Coastal and marine environment

(5) Sustainable forest management

(6) Sustainable management of natural parks and protected areas

(7) Freshwater resources

(8) Public awareness and environmental education

(9) Promotion of environmentally sound technologies and cleaner production

(10) Sustainable development monitoring and reporting, database harmonization.

Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Khin Nyunt met Most Venerable Dr. Kori Yoshihiko, Chief High Priest of Nenbutsushu Sect of Japan and Vice-President of Buddhist Summit, and party at Zeyathiri Beikman in Yangon on 20 December. The Japanese guests arrived Yangon to coordinate the tasks of the Fourth World Buddhist Summit.

Myanmar Hosts ASEAN CCI EC Meeting Myanmar hosted the fourth Executive Committee Meeting of the ASEAN Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Yangon on 16 December. Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office President of Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry Executive Committee Chairman of the ASEAN CCI made speeches.

The meeting discussed financial matters, and assessed the accomplishments of the Food, Agriculture and Forestry committees and others. It also approved the future programmes: holding of an ASEAN trade fair in Brunei in 2004. a trade fair of the Greater Mekong Subregion Business Forum in Hanoi, Vietnam, an investment summit in Laos, a tripartite cooperation meeting, the 16th ASEAN CCI Conference in Yangon, the 61st Council meeting, the 1/2004 EC meeting, and ASEAN+China meeting.

Under the economic cooperation promotion programme between Myanmar and Thailand, jointly-organized by the Office of the Commercial Royal Thai Embassy in Yangon and the Department of Export Promotion of Ministry of Commerce of Thailand, a press conference on Thailand Exhibition 2003 to be held at Yangon Trade Centre from 10 to 13 December was held at the Dusit Inya Lake Hotel on 1st December.

Altogether 150 companies will display a wide range of products and services in 180 booths, namely: auto parts & accessories, chemical products, children products, construction materials, hardwares, cosmetics, electronic products, food products, beverages, packaging, furniture, garments and textiles, fashion accessories, household products, kitchenwares, leather products, footwears, machine-tools and parts, pharmaceutical, sanitary products, service, trade and stationery products.

Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win and Assistant Minister of Commerce Mr. Chen Jian of the People’s Republic of China signed the agreement on economic and technical cooperation together with the agreement on provision of a loan at low interest rate at the meeting hall of the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development on 17 December.

The Myanmar delegation led by Minister for Foreign Affairs arrived back in Yangon after attending the Ministerial Meeting of India, Myanmar and Thailand on Trilateral Highway Project held in New Delhi, India. On 22 and 23 December, Minister and party held discussions with the Indian and Thai delegations led by the Minister of External Affairs of India and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. The meetings were held in a spirit of friendship and cooperation and Agreed Minutes were issued at the end of the meetings. The Ministers reviewed the progress made in the project for construction of the Trilateral Highway from Moreh in India to Mae Sot in Thailand through Bagan in Myanmar which would be implemented in 2004. The Trilateral Highway Project which is 1,360 kilometres long will be implemented in three phases. In addition, the Ministers reiterated the importance of the construction of a deep-sea port at Dawei in Taninthayi Division and the Dawei-Kachanaburi Road link to be carried out in one package together with the Trilateral Highway Project.

The Design Printing Services (DPS) has been making arrangements for distribution of V-CD on tourism promotion before the ITB Berlin Germany (2004). It will include colour photos on destination marketing, slide presentations, animations, audio, video, maps of Myanmar, Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan, MraukU, PyinOoLwin, Taunggyi, Inlay Lake and Kyaikhtiyo, and tourist attraction beaches. It helps individual travellers, travel agents and tour leaders to make tour planning through internet technology. A total of free 5,000 CDs will be distributed to local and foreign tourism services, travel agents, foreign embassies in Yangon, Myanmar embassies in foreign countries, international organizations, airlines and respective departments.

A ceremony to inaugurate the Myanmar Shopping Mall was held on 7 December in Yangon. At the shopping mall, various kinds of camera, watches, cosmetics, jewellery items, garments with various designs for ladies, foodstuff, purses, paintings furniture made of rattan, various kinds of electronic devices, sports gear and book stalls are on sale at the shopping mail and Internet Cafe & Network Game are kept open there.

From April 2003 to October 2003, 82,837 visitors via Yangon gateway, 3,066 visitors to Mandalay and Bagan by air route, 1,229 visitors to Yangon and Mandalay via border points entered. A total of 87,132 visitors visited Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan during that period. A total of 190,515 visitors visited broder areas such as Muse, Namkham, Tachileik, Kaw Thaung, Thuhtay Kyunnm, Myawassy and three Pagodas Pass. The total number of foreign visitors entered Myanmar from April 2003 to October 2003 is 277,647. The figure has increased by 59,614 visitors in compared with the total of 218,033 visitors during the same period of last year.

Myanmar International Airways (MAI) has announced the launch of a new service to Hong Kong from Yangon, Myanmar. Commencing 12 December 2003, MAI will operate a twice-weekly service using a combination of Boeing 737-800 and Boeing MD 82 aircraft. Flight 8M 237 will depart Yangon every Monday and Friday at 7.45 am and arrive in Hong Kong at 12.45 am. Conversely, flight 8M 238 will depart Hong Kong at 13.45 pm every Monday and Friday and arrive in Yangon at 3.45 pm.

Christmas Service, and fellowship dinner, organized by Myanmar Christian Council of Churches (MCCC) and Yangon Catholic Archbishop, were held in Dagon Township in Yangon with an address by Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt. It was also attended by ministers, deputy ministers, the vice-mayor of Yangon, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, Departmental officials, Chairman of MCCC and General Secretary, Yangon Catholic Archbishop, chairman and officials of YMBA, All Myanmar Hindu Organization and Myanmar Muslim Organization, special guests and Christians.

Chartered flight Lauda Air Italy carrying tourists, under the arrangement of Myanmar Kipling Tours Ltd with the assistance provided by the Ministry of Transport and under the supervision of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism arrived Yangon on 25 December. The tourists were welcomed at Yangon International Airport by officials of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism and Myanmar Kipling Tours Ltd and traditional dance troupes.

The World AIDS Day commemorative ceremony was held at the International Business Centre in Yangon on 1 December. It was attended by deputy ministers, members of the Central Committee for Prevention and Eradication of AIDS, ambassadors from foreign missions in Yangon, resident representatives of agencies under the UN, members of Global Fund for AIDS, TB & Malaria Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM), members of UN Expanded Theme Group on HIV/AIDS, departmental heads, rectors and officials of universities under the Medical Research Department, medical superintendents from hospitals in Yangon, officials from the Ministry of Health, social organization members, chairmen and representatives of the organizations at home and abroad conducting AIDS educative activities and invited guests.

Delegates of the People's Republic of China to Myanmar-China Drug Control Cooperation ( MCDCC) Meeting held at the Regina Hotel in Tachilek on 26 November led by Deputy Secretary-General Mr. Wang Qianrong of National Drug Control Commission, accompanied by Secretary of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control of Myanmar Director-General of Myanmar Police Force and officials, arrived at Mongyun in Shan State (East) on 27 November and visited the Hydel Power Plant, rice mill and high-yield paddy fields there. The delegation also visited Wan Hong Basic Education High School and Wan Hong Agriculture and Livestock Breeding Integrated Farm in the afternoon. The delegation was accorded a briefing on opium substitute development tasks and assistance offered by the Government.

A ceremony to form Myanmar Geosciences Society was held in Yangon on 21 December with an address by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt. In his address, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt said he believed that establishment of a consolidated national force including intellectuals and intelligentsia from the academic field contributes much towards the national development. He said rapid development of science and technology in the world causes great gap between the rich and the poor and technological gap among the nations of the world. Moreover, some nations with superior wealth and technology are also expanding their powers, creating conditions to deepen such gaps. Myanmar is fighting against the pressure and oppression of some big nations in order not to fall under their influence. At the same time, the government is building the nation with the might of intellectuals and intelligentsia for developing science and technology, turning out brilliant human resources, becoming strong national economic life and keeping abreast with the nations of the world.

Geosciences play an important role in national development as well as improvement of national economic life. Geosciences contribute towards the development of various sectors by exploiting valuable geo-resources such as minerals, gems, petroleum and natural gas for national interests. Assistance of the geosciences plays a crucial role in construction of infrastructures such as major roads, bridges, dams and reservoirs, workshops and factories, urban development including construction of high-rise buildings. The government has acknowledged the role of geosciences and it is making systematic arrangements for development of this field, turning out brilliant highly-developed scholars and making them to take part in nation-building tasks.

The government is giving encouragement to the harmonious development of applied geosciences that developed in the late 20th century such as geophysics, geochemistry, engineering geology, hydrogeology, petroleum geology, gemmology, mining geology, environmental geology. The post-graduate diploma, MSc M.Res and doctorate courses are being conducted at the Human Resource Development Centre of universities and colleges for development of geosciences and turning out highly-qualified human resources in those branches.

The Prime Minister spoke on achievements of Myanmar geoscientists in drawing of Myanmar's geological map in 1977, exposing Pontaung Primate fossils in 1977 and presentation of anthropoid primates excavated in Myanmar. They are significant achievements not only for the geoscientists but also for the entire national people. To serve the interests of the State with the application of their skill, he urged the scholars to make endeavours in unity for their improvement of technical efficiency and spiritual development such as patriotism to develop the nation and its people and nationalist spirit of building the nation free from influence of other nations.

The Government of Myanmar has reaffirmed its commitment to basic education in the national Education for All Plan of Action, completed in March 2003, which was an exercise that brought together government technical departments, national and international NGOs and UN agencies. The Plan also endorses the Child-Friendly Schools Initiative supported by UNICEF, which encourages all primary schools to move towards child-centered teaching approaches and child-friendly learning environments. A successful initiative from Myanmar has been recognized and acknowledged by the UNICEF in its list of global "Best Practices".

The Myanma Radio and Television under the Ministry of Information held a coordination meeting on the launching of a new television programmes of the ministries concerned at the Ministry in Yangon on 12 December. The MRTV-4 channel will integrate entertainment programmes with education programmes on agriculture, livestock breeding, health and others, on dissemination of information data, on tips and techniques, on ways of providing training to departmental employees scattering all over the country, on international affairs, on legal procedures and regulations, on research works, on preservation of cultural heritage and Myanma customs, on sport success and development, on crime reduction, on cooperation with NGOs and UN agencies, on diseases common to animals. The receivers of MRTV-4 channel can receive not only the education programme and entertainment programmes but also movies, videos, newspapers and journals programmes. Arrangements are under way to air the programmes of MRTV-4 channel soon.

The discussion on the formation of a women organization that would take charge of Myanmar women sector widely was held at the National Theatre in Yangon on 20 December attended by the Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and officials concerned. Over half of the population in Myanmar are women so that function of the women sector are becoming wider and greater. Myanmar is participating in activities of the world women sector. The Myanmar National Committee for Women’ s Affairs was formed in accord with guidance on international women’s affairs sector laid down at the fourth world women’s conference held in Beijing and tasks for development of Myanmar women sector were carried out. Myanmar Women’s Affairs Federation (MWAF) is to be formed to be able to take measures for Myanmar women sector effectively, to ensure participation of Myanmar women and to enable the federation to stand as an organization responsible for women sector.

Myanmar Women’s Affairs Federation will be established with the following lofty aims- to promote the role of women in building a peaceful modern developed nation, to safeguard women’s rights, to develop economic, health and education sectors of women and to safe guard their social security, to nurture women to cherish and value the traditional culture and customs of the national races, to systematically implement the tasks, as a national duty, for prevention of violence against women and rehabilitation, to launch campaign on eradication of human trafficking of women and children, and to cooperate with international, regional, internal and external organizations in carrying out matters on women ’s rights in accord with the traditional culture and customs of the national races. Myanmar women fully enjoyed the equal rights as men did from the earliest times and they were outstanding in economic, education and health sectors.

A combined team comprising local Tatmadawmen (Defence Services Personnel), members of local intelligence unit, Myanmar Police Force, departmental staff and local people destroyed 278.4 acres of poppy plantations in the nearby valleys of Bawran Village and Lwailon Village in Khaung-ei Village-tract, Pekhon Township, Shan State (North), from 29 November to 2 December.

Up to 2 December during this poppy cultivation season, a total of 2963.42 acres of poppy cultivation had been destroyed.

* * * * *

The Embassy response to the article entitled "The Two Burmas" which appeared in The Washington Post newspaper on 23rd December,2003 .

December 23, 2003

The Editor

The Washington Post

1150 15th Street, NW

Washington, DC 20071

Dear Mr. Editor,

Sincerely,

Sd/-

Information Officer

Embassy of the Union of Myanmar

2300 S Street NW

Washington, DC 20008

* * * * *

Dr. Khin Maung Nyunt

To draw a parallel between King Bayint Naung’s Place Kambozathadi and King Louis XIV ‘s Palace Versailles may not be too farfetched, though the two kings were far apart in terms of time, place, circumstance, culture and race. Bayint Naung was an oriental king who lived and reigned in the 16^th century A.D . Louis xiv an occidental ruler who lived and reigned in the second half of the 17^th century and early 18^th century A.D. While the former ruled Myanmar for 33 year (A.D 1551-1581) the latter’s reign over France was much longer – 54 years (A.D 1661 – 1715). In spite of such differences in time and place, these two monarchs had coincidentally similar concepts of what monarchy should be, and both pursued surprisingly similar policies of implementing their concepts. Bayint Naung established the Second Myanmar Union by diplomacy and war, dynastic marriages and military campaigns for the purpose of national unification, consolidation and extension of his domains making Myanmar the reichest and strongest in South- east Asia. His French counterpart did the same. Overly inspired by his love of glory and war Louis XIV waged four wars - the war of Devolution, the Dutch war, the war of the league of Augsburg and the war of Spanish succession and he made France the master of Europe. It Bayint Naung set the model of a noble of a noble manarch in the Buddhist tradition Louis XIV succeeded in making a reality of monarchy by Divine Right. Just as Bayint Naung was admired and marveled as "chakaravan, the Emperor of Ten Directions and Paragon King" by his contemporaries in Southeast Asia, all Europe regarded Louis xiv as the "Sun King" the "archetype of a monarch". An eye witness account of Bayint Naung describes that "He was carried on a litter of gold upon many men’s shoulder, the reverence paid him more like a god than a prince… " In French history it is often mentioned that Louis XIV has muttered ‘Letat se moi ‘ " (I am the state).

Both monarchs built new palaces – Bayint Naung built Kambozathadi in A.D.1553, which became the marvel of Asia of his time. Louis XIV built the Palace Versailles which was "the envy of Europe " of his time. But different motives prompted these two powerful rules to erect such palaces of grandeur and magnificence. It was the Crown Prince and ministers who appealed to Bayint Naung to build a new grand palace befitting the status of a great monarch ruling a far-flung Empire. In the case of Louis XIV it was his own desire that "a grand monarch must have a grand surrounding ".

The tragic events that followed the demise of these two monarchs have some similarities with slight differences. After living 66 years and ruling the largest and most extented Empire for 30 year with might and main the oriental monarch passed away peacefully in A.D 1581. His son Nanda Bayin succeeded him. But he proved to be an unworthy successor for he mismanaged administration, misconducted diplomacy and war. Upon accession to the throne the vast domains he inherited from his father showed signs of breakup as he unwisely caused animosities among his vassals who were his in – laws. Untimely waging of wars with the neighbouring kings brought the greatest disaster to his country leading to his downfall. Combined forces of his enemies marched on his Capital Hamsavadi and looted the rich palace for its priceless treasures and burnt it down to melt its gold plates. Had Bayint Naung foreseen such a tragedy he would have uttered on his health bed "After me, the great conflagration!" Similarly Louis XIV was succeeded by two unworthy successors Louis XV and Louis XVI. But the downfall of the Bourbon monarchy came not in the time of his immediate successor came but in the time of Louis XVI . It was Louis XIV who, sensing the impending tragedy, was said to have uttered on his deathbed

"Apri moi deluge"(After me the flood ). The flood broke out in the form of the French Revolution 1789 in the reign of Louis XVI . But Parisian mobs that stormed the Palace Versailles were repulsed at the iron gate by the faithful guards and the grand Palace luckily escaped destruction during the revolutionary wars and subsequent Napoleonic wars, though its treasures were looted. So the grand Palace Versailles of the grand monarch Lousi XIV stands till today. Whereas Bayint Naung’s Palace Kambowzathadi was consumed by flames leaving only its foundation buried underground. The greatness and grandeur of this Oriental Palace remained only in the native chronicles and travelogues of contemporary foreign visitors.

* * *

There are many lovely scenic places in Myanmar like beautiful mountain ranges and waterfall. Looking at domestic travels, there are private pilgrimage trips, recreation visits to seaside resorts and pilgrimage cum holiday vacation trips to sea beaches.

Most popular trips are Kyaikhtiyo-Thamanya pilgrimage trip, Taunggyi-Innlay vacation trip, Pilgrimage to Bagan pagodas, Mawtinsun, Shweseytaw, Ahlaungdaw Kathapha, Mandalay pagodas and Kanthaya resort, Kyaikkhami-Setse beach, Chaungtha, Ngapali, Ngwesaung and Tavoy-Maungmakan sea beaches are most popular in this country. There two types of travel ordinary and first class travel. For ordinary travel the costs includes just round trip fare.

But for first class travel, it includes car fare, ferry fare and board and lodging as hotels and motels. The price is double for first-class travel and one has to note that this traveling fees varies month-wise and trip-wise.

In Yangon, there are about over 40 travel agencies involved in this kind of business. For most these travels, air-con buses and air bag bags are being used, according to the trip, they’re 24-seat, 33-seat, 37- seat and 45-seat buses. Many families usually travel family-wise or organizations travel in groups and there are quite a few individual travelers.

According to travel agencies, the amounts of passengers are less compare to last year’s. The main requirements for traveling are time and money. Most people take vacation to escape from their daily chores and recreate at least once a year like taking pilgrimage trips or to relax at seaside resorts.

Some travelers not only traveled just for relaxation but at the same time they tried to gain knowledge and studied the nature and its environment. Thus, tour companies that put emphasis on portraying Myanmar culture, with the arrangement made before the tour and handed out pamphlets and booklets for travelers to provide the actual facts of the places they will be arriving. There is a proverb that says, traveling once is equal to making a trip 10 times. But still more investments & improvement are needed for the advancement of sector especially in Upper Mandalay, Bagan and Innlay regions.

It is also learnt that the traveling industry gained momentum and success only since past five years. To counter competitiveness, some travel agencies normally give not only discount rate but also add extra services to the students. Starting from February to April Minbu-Shwesettaw pagoda festival, Taungpyone in August, Innlay Phaungdaw Oo pagoda festival and Taunggyi flying balloon festival, 9000 candle lighting festival in Kyaikkhtiyo pagoda festival in December, meaning there are many pilgrimage tours in that season.

During monsoon, because of rains, the traveling is the lowest during that time. In other times, there are traveling tours off and on at that time only the duration be it, long or short, is different. In the cost wise, at the peak season the cost is high and at other time, it is just regular price. Because it usually coincide with school holidays and at that time most of the hotels and motels are full with holidaymakers.

At present, there are not only nationals but also foreigners enjoying these trips. Many tourists visit our country these days to enjoy the natural scenic beauty and lovely sea beaches installed for them. Natural-base eco tourism enhancement not only help our country earn more foreign currency but it envisages protection of wild life and being in contact with all the nationalities of the union which enhances unity among all nationals of the Union.

At this day and age, traveling becomes more convenient and quicker. Whatever the case may be, nowadays, domestic travel, is not only for Myanmar nationals but also to make foreigners abroad realized that Myanmar is rich of natural beauty, lovely environs and country with full of warmth and genuine hospitality.

The Business Tank, December 2003

Information Officer

Embassy of the Union of Myanmar

2300 S Street NW

Washington, D.C. 20008

Tel. (202) 332-9044,332-9045

Fax. (202) 332-9046

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