Today’s press conference will be in 2 parts. Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development will take the first part and Ministry of Labour, the second part.
Firstly, I would like to brief you Myanmar’s Economic Development. We have distributed the paper on Myanmar’s Economic Development and based on that, I will explain with power point.
It is well known that the growth or decline of an economy is presented in terms of GDP. We will do so in today’s presentations.

An international accepted practice, and economy could be separated into three main categories, namely agriculture, industry and services. These three main categories can be subdivided into a number of economic sectors to cover the whole economy. In our case, there are 14 sectors namely Agriculture, Livestock and Fishery, Forestry, Energy, Mining, Industry, Electric Power, Construction, Transport, Communication, Financial, Social and Management, Rental and other Services and Trade.
Our presentation is basically how much we have achieved in our national development plan in various sectors and our current socio-economic situation in our national development endeavours.

During the period 86/ 87 to 88/89 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) declined by 15.8 per cent. The deterioration of the economy affected the political stability which led to the change of government.
The economic system was also changed from socialist economic system to a market-oriented one in late 1988.

Economic Situation during the period 1989/90 (Stabilization Programmes periods)
The government has placed emphasis on stabilization and consolidation of the country and consequently, during the three year period from 89/90 to 91/ 92, stabilization programmes were formulated to revitalize the economy.
The economy began to restore, registering a growth rate of 5.9 per cent or an increase of 1.1 times during the three-year period.

Economic Situation during the Short Term Four-Year Plan (1992/93 to 1995/96)

As the stability has been restored, short-term plans had been formulated since 92/93 with a view to accelerating the economic development. Short Term Four-Year Plan spanning 92/93 to 95/96 was formulated with target average annual growth rate of 5.1 per cent.
The economy achieved with an average annual growth rate of 7.5 per cent.
The economy expanded 1.3 times and per capita income rose from K 4,496 to K 13,515.
The Short Term Four- Year Plan was successfully implemented, creating a favourable economic foundation for further development.

Economic Situation during the Second Short Term Five-Year Plan (1996/97 to 2000/2001)
With an aim towards a stable and sustainable growth by consolidating the favourable economic foundation achieved, the Second Short Term Five-Year Plan (96/97 to 2000/ 2001) was formulated with target an average annual growth rate of 6 per cent.
The Five-Year Plan was successfully implemented, achieving average annual growth rate of 8.5 per cent, an increase of 1.5 times while that of per capita income increased to K 50,927 in 2000/2001 from K 13,515 in 95/96.

Agriculture sector realized average annual growth rate of 7.3 per cent, Industry sector 11.4 per cent and Services sector 8.5 per cent.

Economic Situation during the Third Short- Term Five-Year Plan (2001/2002 to 2005/2006)
After completion of the Second Plan, the Third Short Term Plan was formulated.
GDP for this Five- Year Plan (2001/02-2005/ 06) was targeted with an average annual growth rate of 11.3 per cent. The performance achieved during the plan period was 12.8 per cent, an increase of 1.83 times. Per capita income was K 50,927 in the base year and K 221,217 in the final year 2005/06.
Average annual growth rates in agriculture sector increased 9.8 per cent, industry sector 23.5 per cent and services sector 13.9 per cent.

Agriculture Sector

Agriculture sector, the mainstay of Myanmar’s economy, contributes 40.2 per cent in the national economy.
For the development of agriculture sector, emphasis had been placed on ensuring self-sufficiency and surplus for export.

With an aim to expand cultivable land , private entrepreneurs and companies are allowed to reclaim vacant and fallow land, virgin land and wet land.
The net area sown increased to 29.3 million acres in 2005/2006 from 19.9 million acres in 88.89 showing an increase by 1.5 times. Mixed and multiple cropping area increased to 16.8 million acres in 2006/2006 from 3.9 million acres in 88/89 by 4.3 times, Thus total sown area increased to 46.1 million acres from 23.8 million acres by 1.9 times resulting in increased cropping intensity to 157.3 per cent from 119.6 per cent.

Out of the total cultivable land of 43 million acres, the net area sown was 26.9 million acres or 62.6 percent.

It is only 16.1 per cent of total land area. Thus there is a vast potential for further development of agriculture sector.
Irrigated area increased to 5.52 million acres from 2.52 million acres in 88/89 of an increase by 2.2 times.

Crop Production

As the sown acreage increase during the period, production of principal crops also increased. Production of paddy increased by 2.1 times, beans and pluses 11 times, edible oil crops 3.3 times, cotton 3.9 times, sugarcane 3.3 times and kitchen crops 4.7 times.
As concerted efforts are being made for the development of the agriculture sector with added momentum, agriculture sector increased by average annual growth rates of 7.3%, 6.3% and 8.5% during the first, second and third short-term plans respectively.

Livestock and Fishery Sector

The average annual growth rates of livestock and fishery sector were 4.6%, 12.7% and 17.2% respectively in the first, second and third short term plans.

Production of meet, high and prown also increased to 4.9 and 3.8 times respectively.

Forestry Sector

About 52 per cent of Myanmar’s land acrea is covered with forests. Reserved forests area increased from 14.9 per cent in 88-89 to 23.2 per cent in 2005/06 or 1.6 times.
Number of acres and trees planted increased by 2.7 times in both cases.
The average annual growth rates of forestry sector were (5.4%), 3.2% and 3.6% respectively in first, second and third Plans. It can be noticed that as environment needs of be preserved and maintained, we have kept the average growth rate relatively low, around 3% in all three short-term plans.

Concerted efforts are being made to produce more crude oil and natural gas to meet the domestic requirement and to export. Currently 13 international oil companies are operating 33 projects in on-shore and off-shore areas. The production of natural gas has increased significantly to 402,898 million cubic feet in 2005/06 from 39,085 million cubic feet in 88/89 or 10.3 times.
The average annual growth rates of Energy sector were (-) 0.4%, 27.27% and 13.9% in the First, Second and Third Short-Term Plans respectively.

Mining Sector

Mining sector contributes 0.4% in our economy. We are producing Refined copper and Pig iron more than 5 times than before and we have achieved 21.2%, 20.9% and 15.1% averge annual growth rates in the First, Second and Third short-term plans.
In selected production of mining sector such as Gold and Pig iron increased by 23.1%, 5.1% respectively. The production of Refined copper in 88/ 89 was almost negligible, but it reached nearly 30,000 tons in 2005/06.

Processing and Manufacturing Sector

The share of processing and manufacturing sector constitutes 15.4 per cent of the total GDP.
In order to promote the development of industries, industrial zones have been established across the country since 95/96 and as of 2005/06 (End of March), altogether 18 industrial zones have been established in 9 states and divisions operating with a total numbers of 9,849 factories and mills.
The total number of factories increased to 81,176 in September 2006 from 28,847 in 1988, showing an increase of 51,747 during 18 years.
The registered average annual growth rates of 9.1%, 10.4% and 23.8% in the three plans reveal the accelerated development being taken place in this sector.

Endeavours have been made to increase power supply.
The installed capacity was 685 megawatts in 1988 while the installed capacity at end March 2006 is 1,701 megawatts, an increase by 2.5 times. Power consumption increased by 3.7 times. The average annual growth rates achieved in the three plans were 16.2%, 10.6% and 10.6% respectively.

Infrastructure Development during the period 1988 to 2006 (end of September)
As infrastructure is not only crucial for economic development but also important for establishing friendship and solidarity among our nationalities, necessary infrastructure development works are being undertaken to promote development in every region of the State. Hence, the government has accorded high priority to infrastructure development projects such as irrigation network, roads, bridges, railway lines, port facilities, airports, power and communication facilities.

As regards irrigation networks, total number of dams and reservoirs stand at 644 as of September 2006, showing an increase of 189 dams and reservoirs from 475 numbers in 1988.

From 1988 to 2006 altogether 27 hydroelectric plants have been constructed and another 16 major hydroelectric plants are under construction. The already-built hydroelectric plants are being installed with the capacity of 746 megawatts and after the completion of 16 carry on projects inclusive of Shwekyin, Khapaung, Phyuchang, Kun, Yeywa and Yenwe, 10,413 megawatts will be installed. At the same time 10 gas power plants were installed with the capacity of 561 megawatts.

During the period, the installed capacity increased to 1,701 megawatts as at end September 2006 from 685 megawatts in 1988, showing 2.5 times. Power generation increased to 6,015 million kilowatt hours in 2005/06 (end of March) from 2,226 or 2.7 times of 1988 level.
Power transmission and distribution lines extended to 20,662 miles as at end September 2006 from 10,733 miles in 1988 showing an increase of 9,929 miles or 1.9 times.
The total number of electrified towns and village increased to 473 towns and 1,267 villages as at end September 2006 from 286 towns and 741 villages in 1988 showing an increase of 187 towns and 526 villages during that period.

Roads and Bridges

There were 745 bridges of over 180 feet in 1988. 404 bridges were increased becoming a total of 1149 bridges by the end of September 2006.
Union highways and main roads were extended to 58,170 miles from 20,548 miles in 1988, an expansion of 37,622 miles during that period. In 2006 total rail tracks have been stretched to 4,034 miles from 2,794 in 1988, expansion of 1,240 miles an increase of 1,4 times.

Transportation

The total number of airports increased to 73 in 2006 from 66 in 1988 showing an increase of 7 airports. Moreover, renovation and upgrading of 13 airports and expansion of airstrips are being carried out. Construction of international jetties and container terminals were also carried out to promote services.
The number of jetties increased to 32 in 2006 from 15 in 1988 an increase of 17 jetties. We have now 5 new container terminds.
As regards communication sectors, micro wave stations increased to 230 in 2006 from 71 in 1988 by 3.2 times an increase of 159 new stations.
Cellular, CDMA, GSM telephone system as well as Internet services are introduced and being expanded. The number of telephone exchange increased to 866 in 2006 from 245 in 1988 increasing 621 exchanges.

External Trade

During the First Four-Year Plan period, exports increased at an average annual growth rate of 17.7 percent and imports by 21.1 per cent. In the Second Five-Year Plan Period, exports increased at an average annual growth rate of 17 per cent while that of imports by 4.8 per cent.
In the Second five years plan it may be noticed that yearly export growth is over 20% with the exception in 2003/04 showing negative growth. This was due to the prohibition made to some Western Banks from providing financial services to Myanmar using US currency in business transations.
Otherwise the export growth would be over 20%. There was reduction in import. However, import began to rise in 2005/06. It can be observed that in all 4 years of first plan period and in all five years of second plan, balance of trade was negative, which is unhealthy for the economy.
It may be aware that, balance of trade was surplus for the four consecutive years beginning from 2002-2003.
Myanmar foreign trade is mainly with the Asian countries, sharing 90 %, followed by European countries, 4.8 % and American countries, 1.5 %. ASEAN shares 51.3 %.
It can be seen that as of September 2006, total export increased by 28.2 % and total import by 31.9% over the same period of last year. Total trade volume also increased by 29.49%.

Inflation

The rates of inflation at the beginning and end of the four year plan were 25.18 per cent and 21.13 per cent.
Inflation decreased from double digit level in 1999-2000 to single digit level in 2001. Inflation rate started to rise again and efforts have been made to bring down the level back to single digit. It stood at 3.76 percent in March 2005, but it rose again and was 16.4 percent in September 2006.

Investment

From 1988-89 to 2006 (end September), permitted amount of foreign investment totaled US$ 13.849 billion. The inflow of foreign investment started to contract since 1997-98, mainly due to the indirect impact of monetary crisis in Asian countries and sanction imposed by some western countries. However, foreign investment increased again in 2005-2006.
The permitted amount of investment is US$ 158 million and US$ 6.06 billion in 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 respectively.

Asian countries are the largest investors with share of 79.5 %, followed by European countries with 17.3 % and American countries with 3.2%. Out of Asian countries, the share of ASEAN is 71.2%.

Fourth short-term five-year plan (2006/07 to 2010/ 11)

The fourth short-term five-year plan was formulated aiming to maintain the stable and sustained high economic growth rate, to continue the achievement of good foundation in economic and financial condition of the nation, to strive for balanced regional development and to have progressive human resources development.

National plan target
The fourth short-term five-year plan is aimed to achieve an average annual growth rate of 12 per cent or to increase the economy by 1.77 times.

2006-2007 annual plan and performance

(up to September 2006)
GDP growth rate for 2006-07, the first year of the fourth short-term five-year plan, is targeted at 12 percent.
The growth rate achieved in the first quarter (Q1, April to June) of 2006-07 annual plan was 14.4%. Agriculture Sector increased by 12.3%, Industry Sector by 17.5% and Services by 14.2%.
The second quarter (Q2, July to September) realized the growth rate of 12.8%. Agriculture Sector increased by 11.9%, Industry Sector 16.9% and Services by 11.9%.
The performance for the first half of the year registered at a growth rate of 13.4%, comprising 12% growth in Agriculture, 17.2% in Industry and 12.9% in Service Sector.

Conclusion: Economic Development

Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
To summarize my presentation-

We have implemented three economic plans. The first short-term five-year plan achieved an average annual growth rate of 7.5%, the second short-term five-year plan achieved 8.5% and the third five-year plan achieved an averageannualgrowthrateof12.8%. The economy expanded 1.34, 1.5 and 1.83 times respectively. It can be judged from these figures that our economy has grown gradually — the growth of the second plan is better than the first plan and the third plan is far better than the second.
When we look at per capita GDP, it was 4,496 kyats in 1991,92 before we started the first short-term plan. Upon completion of the plan, it increased to 13,415 kyats and after the second and the third short-term plans, it increased to 50,927 kyats and 221,217 kyats respectively.
The agriculture sector achieved an average annual growth rate of 6.4%, 7.3% and 9.3% during the first, second and third short-term plans respectively.

The industry sector realized an average annual growth rate of 11.6% during the first short-term plan, 11.4% during the second short term plan and increased sharply to 23.5% during the third short-term plan.

The services sector realized an average annual growth rate of 7.3% during the first short-term plan and grew to 8.5% and 13.9% respectively during the second and third short term plans.
Thus, it is worth noting that Myanmar’s economy is developing with accelerated growth in all 3 main sectors.
If we look at crop production, total sown acreage increased twice and irrigated area increased 2.2 times. The production of principal crops also increased. The increment of paddy production is 2.1 times; beans and pulses, 11 times; cotton, 3.9 times; sugar cane, 3.3 times, oil crops, 3.3 times; and culinary crops, 4.7 times. The production of meat increased 4.9 times and fish and prawn increased 3.8 times.

Let me recap the infrastructure sector. The length of roads increased 3 times; the number of factories increased 2.8 times; the number of bridges over 180 feet increased 1.5 times; electric power generation increased 2.7 times and length of power transmission and distribution lines increased 1.9 times. The number in microwave stations also increased 3.2 times.

These growths are due to the concerted efforts of the people, government, and the Tatmadaw. It is because of the ce-ta-na of the State, good and right objectives and the combined and concerted efforts of the general public, we have obtained peace and stability in the whole country and equitable and balanced development among states and divisions including the border areas.

The government has placed emphasis on agriculture sector as the base and all round development of other sectors as well. On the other hand, the development of the industry sector is being encouraged with the view to become a modernized and wealthy country. Along with the development of industry sector, extensive expansion of electric power and exploration of oil and gas are also being undertaken.
When we look at external trade position, there was deficit for 22 consecutive years starting from 1977-78. But we have improved that situation and now we have surplus in external trade since 2002-2003.
We will try more to have better results. Current account balance was also negative for more than 2 decades. Necessary measures have been undertaken thereby we have achieved surplus in current account since 2002-2003.
The improvement in balance of trade and current account is one of the important factors to bring about sound economy.

Regarding inflation, the inflation rate was around 25% during the first and second short-term plans but we try our best for the decline of the inflation rate. During the middle of the third short term plan, it declined to the level below 5%, but is has started to rise again. We are making all round efforts to reduce the rate.

Out of the 3 major economic indicators to asses the situation of the economy, for the first indicator - DP

- We have sustained high growth rate. For the second indicator – Current Account Balance – we have sustained improvement. Only the last one - inflation – which has risen, we will try to make it decline.
What I have briefed you here, is based on true facts and official figures of our country. There is a saying - Seeing is believing! After seeing the figures and the reality of physical development, one can make the rational judgment. Those who do not have any prejudice can make the right assessment.

There is sanction from one western country and yet, we have gained remarkable achievement in our endeavours for the s o c i o - e c o n o m i c development of the country. Our achievement is mainly because of the unity and the relentless combined effort of the people, the government and the Tatmadaw. We can achieve more if there is no sanction. But if we look from the other side, we can say that, the sanction unintentionally makes us work harder, rely more on our own and thereby heighten our ability.

The people, the government and the Tatmadaw will unitedly continue our endeavours for the further development of the socioeconomic conditions of the people and the country.
Implementation of MDGs and Cooperation with UN Agencies and INGOs

Excellencies, Distinguished Guests and Journalists, Ladies and Gentlemen

I would like to brief the efforts we have made in trying to achieve the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Here, I would like to give a brief explanation on how MDGs have been developed. The UN Millennium Summit held in September 2000 in New York declared the UN Millennium Declaration which aimed to solve the challenges on poverty, education, health gender discrimination and environmental protection. This declaration with aims to be achieved by 2015 has been adopted by 189 member countries. These aims are now as Millennium Development Goals- MDGs in short.

MDGs consisted of 8 goals, 18 targets and 48 indicators. The first seven goals are to alleviate poverty multisector approach, and the last goal is to develop a global partnership in order to achieve the first seven goals.

Countries have to compile figures and data which show whether targets have been achieved or not and their progress on MDGs. Then they have to submit these data to the UN and international organizations. Some indicators can only be obtained by conducting surveys. The UN issues annual reports on country or region. The UN agencies, international organizations including World Bank and developed countries provide assistance in collecting data and information related to MDGs.
In order to achieve the MDGs by 2015, developing countries have to be constantly aware of inputs required for development of indicators for MDGs, and intergraded these in the context of their national plans.

By looking at MDGs annual reports issued by the UN, developed countries, UN and international organizations can realize the situations in developing countries and they provide financial and technical assistance to help developing nations achieve their MDGs.
As for Myanmar, the international organizations such as World Bank, IMF, ADB had suspended assistance since 1988 and ODA is almost none. Nevertheless, Myanmar has been endeavouring to achieve the MDGs through our national plan frame using her own resources, and the MDG indicators have been looking good.

In implementing development program by preparing Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) to alleviate poverty-which is the fundamental goal of the MDGs, World Bank, IMF and international organizations provide financial and technical assistance to low income countries but not Myanmar. However, in 2004/2005, a survey has been conducted in more than 100 townships within 14 states and divisions under “Intergraded Household Living Conditions Assessment Project” in cooperation with UNDP. Altogether 16 MDG related indicators were included in the survey.
Myanmar has compiled facts and figures related to MDG indicators, and has issued MDG reports for 2005 and 2006. Most of the performances in the reports have been achieved through our own programs using our own resources. Myanmar Millennium Development Goals Report for 2006 is displayed here today.

I would like to continue with Myanmar’s situation and figures related to MDGs.
Goal No 1 is to eradicate poverty and hunger and to lower the ratio of people who suffer from poverty and hunger by half between 1990 and 2015. There is no severe hunger problem in Myanmar. Rice, which is the staple food for Myanmar people, has presently been produced two times more than before. Population in the 1980s was about 40 million and is now 55 million.
Compared to the population growth, production of rice is more than sufficient. Production of meat has increased by five times, fish and prawn by 4 times and culinary crops by 4.7 times. Hence, there is no food insecurity problem.

In measuring the target to lower the ratio of people who suffer from poverty and hunger by half, nourishment is the indicator. The percentage of underweight children under five years has been declined.
Nutrition promotion and intervention programs and programs for micro nutrient deficiencies are also being undertaken. That’s why I would say there is no difficulty for Goal 1, Target 4 in Myanmar.
Goal No 2 is to achieve universal primary education, and Myanmar has a remarkable achievement in intake and post primary enrollment ratio in primary education. At the last press conference on 29th November, the minister for Education had already explained detailed information regarding MDG’s education targets so I would not discuss these in detail.
Regarding Goal No 3 which is to promote gender equality and empower women, there is no gender discrimination in Myanmar. The ratio of girls is higher than boys in basic education as well as universities.

The indicator for Goal No 4, which is to reduce child mortality, has been in a good trend.
As regards to Goal No 5, which is to improve maternal health, the trend for mortality rate for child bearing mothers has not declined significantly, and it is still necessary to focus on maternal health care in order to achieve Goal No 5.

Goal No 6 is to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases. This has been carried out under the National Health Program in collaboration with UN agencies and 3D Fund Program. Generally, prevalence of HIV/AIDS has been decling. Likewise, the indicator for morbidity and mortality of malaria has also become better. The programme to combat tuberculosis is also a success.
Goal Nos 4, 5 and 6 are mainly related to the health sector. Since the minister for health has explained how the Ministry of Health has been endeavouring to achieve MDGs within national programmes at the press conference held on 29 November, I would not explain these in detail.

Goal No 7 is to ensure environmental sustainability and a special emphasis has been placed on environmental sustainability in Myanmar. Greening of Nine Districts Project in central Myanmar has been commenced since 1995, and has now expanded to 13 districts. Projects have been planned to make the greening of Central Yoma. A project to make Yangon and its surroundings within 30 miles green is under implementation.

In carrying out various projects, preventive measures have been taken for pollution of air, water and land degradation.

I also wish to note that in the current five-year plan, an objective regarding environmental protection such as reforestation and greening have been included.

Goal No 8 is to develop a global partnership for development, but assistance and aids from West Bloc, World Bank, IMF, and ADB have been suspended due to political reasons. Even the development programmes for Myanmar by UNDP are not the same level as the ones for other developing countries. The programmes for Myanmar are limited.

With an aim to exceed the MDG targets, the objective “to exceed the targets of MDGs in implementing the national plans” has been included in our Fourth Short-term Five Year Plan (2006-2007 to 2010-2011).

In implementing the MDGs, some indicators are still lacking, but we are trying to achieve the targets within our projects and programmes. These will be carried out on our own, and we are also prepared to work with other organizations that are willing to collaborate with us.
The third and final part is the cooperation with UN agencies, Inter-Governmental Organizations (INGOs), Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) and International Organizations.
As of October 2006, there are 14 UN agencies implementing 55 socio-economic development projects, 44 INGOs implementing 56 projects, 9 International Organizations implementing 15 projects and 2 NGOs implementing 2 projects in Myanmar. Altogether there are 128 projects under the cooperation program.

I would now like to briefly explain the implementation of these projects.
With the aim to facilitate systematic cooperation with these Organizations, Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development issued the guidelines last February 2006. The reason behind this is that, during December last year, a representative of one UN Agency paid a courtesy call on a minister before his departure upon completion of his assignment in Myanmar. He talked about INGOs working in the border area of Myanmar without any collaboration among them. The consequence is that there is not much effective impact on the local people there. He firmly suggested the government to take the guiding role in coordnating with these organizations.

The higher authorities have also the same view and directed the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development as initial coordinator for relations with the UN Agencies, International Organizations, INGOs and NGOs and the respective
Ministries to take the implementation part.

After that, activities of these organizations who are working in cooperation with Myanmar agencies have been reviewed.

It was found out that systematic coordination from Myanmar side is necessary so as to have more effective results from the activities being carried out by these organizations which are somehow supporting Myanmar’s socio-econimic development.

Thus, guidelines have been issued in order to implement projects more systematically and more effectively for the benefit of the people and the country under cooperation peograms. The guidelines cover the whole process for cooperation program - from the initial stage of project proposal to the stage of implementation. Our main objective of preparing the guidelines is not to deter or not to slow down the project activities of these organizations. We are doing what we ought to do after we have realized the weakness as pointed out by that Representative.

UN Agencies and UN Specialized Agencies have privileges and immunities under the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations and the 1947 United Nations Convention on the Privileges and immunities of the Specialized Agencies. These Conventions and the Guidelines, the nature by itself, are completely different.

The next matter I wish to express here is the security measures at some project sites in Myanmar. There have been complaints from some UN agencies about limitations or restrictions for field visits to some project sites. Let alone the foreigners in our country, even we, ourselves, have to take security precautions for traveling since there still remain very few insurgents in some parts of the country. Therefore, security measures have to be arranged by the related agencies for domestic travels of the UN personnel.

We have the responsibility to take care for them. We do not wish any unpleasant incident to happen to them even if they take their own risks to travel. The UN agencies have to inform us at least 2 weeks ahead. We can even make arrangement for group travel. We are facilitating in every way we can for the convenience of these people.

Most of the organizations made their trips according to their proposed itinerary. However, there are instances such as doing additional items outside the itinerary. Taking this opportunity, I would like to mention one example. It was in May 2004 when we have coordinated a trip with other related agencies for a senior official from one UN agency to northern Myanmar; he intentionally went and met with one organization that was not in the proposed itinerary.

One UN Organization based on guidelines for humanitarian needs, even asked for free movement to the project sites. We, on our side, have never stopped any UN official from his/her official visits to the project sites. We are cooperating with them for the successful implementation of the projects. Some western countries are accustomed to free novement, but in our country, we have the security reasons. Security reasons differ from one country to another. These people do not try to understand our situation; they thought we were hindering them from what they wanted to do. In fact, it is not.
The humanitarian assistance from the UN agencies does not just happen out of the blue. It has to be well planned and formulated before implementation. The same was official visits. They have to be also planned and everything has to be pre-arranged for smooth realization.

Timely arrangements are being done for official field visits of UN Agencies in Myanmar. During the period from January 2003 to October 2006, we have arranged more than 550 field visits for 7 UN Agencies as per their proposed itinerary. Also field visits of 28 INGOs have been arranged in coordination with the respective Ministries. Altogether we have arranged more than 500 trips during that period. The International Organizations in Myanmar made over 180 field visits.

Myanmar and UN Agencies are jointly implementing programs and projects under the respective cooperation programs. We warmly welcome those who come and work with us in accord with the UN Charter for the further development of social and economic conditions of Myanmar. I would like to stress that we can not accept those who use UN to do activities that will infringe our sovereignty and harmful to our union solidarity.

We are cooperating with all the UN Agencies, INGOs, NGOs and International Organizations in more than120 projects. We look forward to strengthening our cooperation with these organizations in utmost good faith.

With this, I would like to conclude this first part of the press conference.

Deputy Minister for Labour Maj-Gen Aung Kyi clarified development of employment opportunities and cooperation between ILO and Myanmar.

The Minister for National Planning and Economic Development has already made clarification that the State Peace and Development Council has been making great efforts in prevalence of law and order throughout the nation, community peace and tranquillity, uplift of living standard of the people, smoothing the transportation, building a modern developed nation, and other development works. As a result of these activities, there has been much progress in both internal and overseas employment opportunities in Myanmar. According to ASEAN Finance and Macroeconomic Surveillance Unit Database, Myanmar becomes the fourth country which has the least unemployment, among the 10 ASEAN member states. I would like to summarize the progress in employment opportunities in Myanmar sector by sector.

In agricultural sector of Myanmar, development activities that have been carried out include the reclamation of cultivable land resources from fallow and waste land in deepwater areas, the construction of new reservoirs and dams, double cropping and mixed cropping, cultivation of annual and perennial plants, switch from shifting cultivation into terrace farming, utilization of modern methods, cultivation of poppy-substitute crops, enabling private entrepreneurs to make investment in agricultural industry, and opening the Agricultural Bank and the Seed Bank.

In livestock and fisheries sector, poultry, pigs, fish, and shrimp have been increasingly raised and bred in separate farms as well as in combination with agriculture. Accelerated efforts are being made in fresh water fisheries and marine fisheries, rice-fish farming, breeding of turtles, crocodile breeding, modern bee-keeping, special zoning for agriculture, livestock and fisheries. Consequently, production has exceeded the local consumption and the surplus has been exported to foreign countries.

In forest sector, extended activities are being carried out in setting up of forest plantations, greening tasks of the central dry regions, reorganizing protected public forests, reafforestation, reclamation of reserved natural forests and natural parks, protection and maintenance of the natural environment, establishing places for recreation and establishment of nursery forest gardens.

In mining sector, extended activities are being performed in exploration, production, extraction, purification, and marketing of metals, gems, pearl, and salt and marine chemicals.
In industrial sector, new mills and factories have been constructed, the existing factories have been upgraded, Industrial Development Banks have been established, 18 industrial zones have been established to encourage private industries collectively.

In energy and electrical power sector, crude oil and natural gas exploration projects and factories, fertilizer plants and methanol plants have been built. There are also extended cooperation with foreign oil companies, and offshore natural gas xploration. Medium-scale and small-scale hydroelectric power stations, gas turbine power stations, and recycle power plants utilizing the waste heat, have been constructed for electricity generation.

In transport sector, highways, overpass, river crossing bridges have been built. For rail transportation, new railroads and railway bridges have been built and extended works has been done in the production, repair and maintenance of locomotives and carriages. In water transport, tasks are being carried out for smooth riverine transport. Besides natural disaster prevention services, new vessels have been built, and old ones repaired and maintained.

Modern ports for loading and unloading cargoes, docks for general cargo transport, warehouses, and dockyards have been built. For air transport, there are airport construction projects and airport extension projects.

In trade sector, internal and external trade, and border trade have been extended. The newly opened border trade offices, departmental stores, Myanmar Foreign Trade Bank, and ports can also be seen.
In the rural and urban sector, there can be seen the increased social infrastructures, such as buildings, schools, universities, degree colleges, colleges, clinics, and hospitals, which show significant development. Moreover, urban infrastructures have been developed due to establishment of new satellite towns, and extension of urban areas.

As mentioned above, there has been all-round development in each sector of the nation. Myanmar has attracted many tourists from foreign countries since it is peaceful and safe, inaddition to having fine weather, beautiful scenery, honest and hospitable Myanmar people, and wealth of valuable natural resources.

It can numerically be seen that in the agricultural sector, 190 new dams, and 298 river water pumping stations have already been implemented. There have been built 999 rural dams, along with artesian wells and small-scale dams.

As a result, in comparison with 1988 figures, the sown acreage has increased to 29.3 million from 19.9 million. And the annual cultivation capacity has risen to 46.9 million acres from 23.8 millions acres. The sown acreage of monsoon paddy has grown to 16.8 million acres from 11 million. In the past, summer paddy was not cultivated. But, due to the water supply projects, summer paddy is now grown on 3.4 million acres, and other crops have also been grown by double cropping and mixed cropping. Thus the overall cultivation capacity has increased to 157 per cent, and there have been more employment opportunities in agricultural sector.

Similarly, per acre yield of crops are on the sharp increase. The output of beans and pulses has increased to 11 times, edible oil, three times and kitchen crops, four times. In the industrial sector, because 18 industrial zones have been established and the number of State-owned factories and private factories is over 42,000, the employment Moreover, in the sectors of livestock breeding, forestry, communication, electric power, energy, education, science and technology, health, transportation, hotel and tourism and urban sector, developments have been achieved by many times compared with the situations in 1988. As a consequence of these developments, employment opportunities in the country also increase significantly. Much improvement is also obtained in the technological expertise and performance of human resources.

A total of over 34.7 million of working age groups are working throughout the country in 2005- 2006. There are over 22.3 million workers in agricultural sector, over 4.8 million in industrial sector and over 7.5 million in service sector. According to data, the comparison with 1988 figures show that the workers in local employment in agricultural sector increase over two times, those in industrial sector over 2.5 times, those in service sector nearly two times. Thus, overall employment opportunities increased by more than twice of that in 1988-89. To enjoy more overseas employment opportunities, the licences were issued to 70 overseas employment agencies and 28,689 employment opportunities to 14 countries were created. Temporary passports have been issued to those who were illegally working in Thailand to become legal ones starting form 6th November, 2006. The process will be more accelerated in the future. Moreover, new workers will be employed legally in Thailand through the border entrances in cost-effective way according to the coordination and cooperation between the two governments. We hope this can begin in near future. So it can be said that there will be more overseas employment opportunities.

It can be seen that the united, unswerving and self-reliant efforts and cooperation among the people, the government and the Tatmadaw, under the guidance of the Head of the State, is the main reason for these increase in employment opportunities in agricultural sector , industrial sector and service sector.
In the second part, I would like to explain the status on the cooperation between Myanmar and ILO.

The Union of Myanmar regained her independence on 4 January, 1948, and became a member of the United Nations on 19 April, 1948. In the same year on 18 May she also became a member of International Labour Organization (ILO). At present, Myanmar has ratified 19 of the ILO Conventions adopted.

As a member of ILO, Myanmar has never failed to submit annual reports, to be in line with the provisions under the ILO constitution, always replying on the comments of the Committee of Experts. Moreover, Myanmar has also submitted annual reports of the ungratified Conventions. Myanmar has never failed to fulfill her contributions according to the obligation of a member country. Myanmar delegates attend the International Labour Conference regularly. ILO has been providing technical assistance and technical experts to the areas of employment creation, employment training, working condition and environment, industrial relations and social security, etc.

Charter of the United Nations and Objectives of ILO

Myanmar is a member of ILO and a member of the United Nations as well. It is explicitly prescribed in Article 2 (7) of the United Nations Charter that the United Nations has no authority to intervenetion in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of a State. In accordance with the Article 1 of the Agreement reached between ILO and the United Nations, ILO is treated as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations. Hence, as ILO is a Specialized Agency which is cooperating not only with the UN but also with the Economic and Social Council of the UN, it is obligated to abide by the UN Charter.

Ratification of Convention No 29 Related to Forced Labour by Myanmar

Convention No 29 related to forced labour is adopted in the year 1930 and Myanmar ratified this convention in March 1955. But Article 2(2) of Convention 29 clearly mentioned the work of service not to be included in forced or compulsory labour. The Ministry of Home Affairs has already issued Order No 1/99 and Order Supplementing Order No 1/99 to be compiled with the above Convention.
During 35 years from 1955 to 1990, utilization of labour contribution was arranged in cases of emergency during the military operations. After 1990s, 17 armed groups have exchanged their arms with peace and joined hands with Tatmadaw Government in endeavoring the nation building tasks. Hence, presently as there is no heavy military operation and forced labour practice is strictly prohibited, there is no longer use of other working forces.

Origin of the Problems (Pyithit Nyunt Wai)

What is unusual here is that ILO has never made any complaint before 1990 when a host of labour contributions were used. But there are now crying out at a time when there is practically no forced labour. We began to think why they are highlighting forced labour only now. As a matter of fact, it all began with Maung Maung (a) Pyithit Nyunt Wai, who departed from Myanmar to avoid legal action for his commitment of misappropriation at the Gem Corporation in 1988. The Ministry of Home Affairs has already declared FTUB as a terrorist organization in its Notification 1/ 2006 dated 12-4- 2006 since Maung Maung (a) Pyithit Nyunt Wai has abetted the demolitionists to perpetrate disturbances besides being a fugitive.

Taking FTUB as a base, Maung Maung (a) Pyithit Nyunt Wai contacted ICFTU, which is influential in ILO and sent false news and information. He has constantly been doing these things so that ILO can take action against Myanmar. Based on his wrong information, ICFTU submitted the reports to ILO that accused Myanmar of committing forced labour. ILO formed a commission of Inquiry (COI) to investigate the situation of forced labour in Myanmar. But Myanmar did not recognize the commission. When a request to visit the country was made by the commission, it was rejected because it would not contribute towards resolving the case and it would interfere in the internal affairs of the country. Nevertheless, the commission visited along the border areas and submitted a report based upon wrong information and unfair allegations. The commission prepared a report and Myanmar was urged to follow the three recommendations.

Although Myanmar did not recognize the Commission she implemented the three recommendations to her fullest possible extent as a gesture of respect for ILO.

In implementation of the first recommendation

Under the instruction of the State Peace and Development Council, the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued Order No 1/99 and Supplementtary Order to No 1/99, not to exercise forced labour practices in Myanmar.

In implementation of the second recommendation

The above orders were translated into English as well as ethnic languages and distributed down to the district, township, ward/village-tract levels in all 14 States/ Divisions. Convention 29 Implementation Committee including the Deputy Ministers for Home Affairs and Labour, the Director-General from the Department of General Administration and the Director-General from the Ministry of Labours was formed for systematically carrying out the elimination forced labour. Besides, Field Observation Teams( FOT) headed by Senior Officials from the Ministry of Labour made inspection visit to various States and Divisions. The FOT teams have visited the most alleged areas and provided knowledge concerning forced labour to people. An ILO Liaison Officer also participated in an observer status at some workshops.

In Implementation of the Third recommendation

50 cases received from ILO Liaison Officer were investigated and if the allegations were found to be true, there are evidence of actions taken against him/her whether they are Civil or Military Personnel according to the provisions under the Article 25 of the Convention No 29 , Article 374 of Penal Code and existing laws.

In addition, to show a gesture of cooperation with ILO, Myanmar has received and discussed with ILO TCM four times, HLT one time, vHLT one time and ILO Mission four times since the year 2000. Myanmar has also accepted the appointment of ILO Liaison Officer as an implementation of the resolution adopted by ILO 2000 and recommendation of HLT, and this shows the willingness of cooperation with ILO. Nonetheless, on the part of ILO, it has never fulfilled the following recommendations by HLT.

- Myanmar needs help to promote its economy because the economic growth plays a part in eradication of forced labour, and

- The international community needs constructive engagement with Myanmar.
The instances of Myanmar’s taking actions against those who have committed forced labour under the existing laws indicated that Myanmar respects Convention 29 and does not encourage forced labour.
When action is taken against those who are found guilty of committing forced labour , it should be taken into account from the judicial point of view, why action should not be taken against a person or an organization that files a false complaint with the intention to defame or to damage the accused. Under Section 182 (b), 420, 468, 499 and 500 of the 1860 Penal Code , it is stated that a person is liable to be taken actions against him or her if he commits deception and does damage to others. This law is still in force, and in the international community, too, so those who suffer have the right to sue a person for defamation and damage.

Furthermore, there have been evidences of those who committed forced labour have been taken action under Article 25 of the ILO Convention 29. There is no provision in Convention 29, which says the false complainant must not be taken action. Yet, ILO is demanding no action against such false complainants, which is beyond our national law.

Not wishing to yield the international impression that it is reluctant to cooperate with ILO, Myanmar has fulfilled the demand of ILO. With this in mind , Myanmar has relaxed existing national laws: for the false complaint, no action would be taken against the person lodging a false complainant for the first time and will be informed of his wrong action; if the same person files a false complaint for the second time, he will be given warning , and if the same person files a false complaint for the third time, he will have to be taken action against according to the existing laws. Notwithstanding this very relaxed proposal, ILO hasrejected it all in total.

Moreover , there are demands from ILO such as having discussion for establishment of a mechanism to accept complaints on forced labour before October 2006 and approval to be accorded by the highest authorities concerned of both parties, to release Aye Myint, the case relating to the complaint on forced labour at Nga Pyin village of Aung Lan township should be further proceeded for completion etc.
In this connection, when the process of complaints are studied , it is found that the majority of complaints are from Taungup, Aunglan and Bago areas and that people like Aung Than Tun are behind the scene. The death of Ko Win Lwin from Nga Pyin village in Aunglan Township was a good example. In this case, it can be verified in documental evidences shown on the board that Aung Than Tun, Thein Zan, an ex-lawyer, and Zaw Htay, had filed the false complaint.

Present Relationship between ILO and Myanmar
Concerning the establishment of the mechanism requested by ILO, meetings have already been conducted four times in Yangon and five times in Geneva. Moreover, during October, an ILO mission had visited Myanmar for discussion. However, negotiations are required to continue to set up a mechanism as there are three remaining differences between ILO and Myanmar.Now, I would like to present three points of disagreement.

The First Point: Their request is that the ILO Liaison Officer wants to examine the complaint of forced labour and confidentially meet the complainants, their representative and witnesses by himself alone. As this demand is similar to semi-investigation, it seems to be beyond the existing laws of our country. According to Section 202 (1) of 1898 Code of Criminal Procedure, this kind of, authority is vested only in a Magistrate or a police officer assigned by the Magistrate.

Although Myanmar side made negotiation for going together with a person assigned by the Working Committee, the Liaison Officer requested to go alone and examine and the person assigned by the Working Committee only will have to accompany him in particular for security reason beyond the frame of Myanmar laws.

The Second Point: Their request is to extend the capacity of ILO liaison officer to appoint an additional international staff. Myanmar side proposed that there are evidences that in present situation, the Liaison Officer can handle with the complaints of forced labour himself alone. In future, in response to the workload of Liaison Officer which he may have adjustments of his facilities may be accorded due discussions of both parties. We do not seriously deny the request, but we will consider it in future as in present situation it will not be necessary to extend the capacity.

The Third Point: ILO requests a trial period not less than 18 months. Myanmar side has proposed a trial period of twelve months, but ILO did not accept it yet.

Demands of the ILO over the disagreement

ILO says, these requests are their minimum positions and it remains unchanged. The 297th Session of ILO Governing Body held in November 2006 made a resolution that the intensive discussions should be made between Myanmar and ILO concluding implementation of Convention No 29. Such a discussion should be based upon the final compromised text proposed by ILO. If Myanmar had not been able to set up a mechanism to deal with the complaints of forced labour until the next March GB Session 2007, a specific item would be placed in the agenda of its Session, to enable it to move on legal options, including, as appropriate, involving the International Court of Justice.
It was found that there is submission of the matter to ICJ for advisory opinion in the concluding remarks. Indeed, only if there is dispute or question of provisions under article 37 (1) of the Constitution of ILO, it can be referred to ICJ.

Let me present the original clause:

“Any question or dispute relating to the interpretation of this Constitution or of any subsequent Convention concluded by the members in pursuance of the provisions of this Constitution shall be referred for decision to the International Court of Justice.”
Concerning the term of the false complainant, whatever prescribed in the internal law, ILO requested not to take action against the false complainant. Such a request is not contained in provisions under the Convention No 29 and so we do not question over the dispute in the interpretation of the provisions under the convention No 29.

Concerning Myanmar case, the representative of People’s Republic of China expressed his opinion at the 297th GB Session of ILO as follows:

- It should be discussed within the framework of ILO in cooperation and negotiation and it should not need to discuss and transfer to other UN Organizations.

- In order to take actions upon one country, we disagree to take sanction.

- It is found that the forced labour problem is related to the economic development, and if it is really willing to eradicate forced labour in that country, the international community should consider taking this fact into account and give assistance to that country. Similarly, there are other countries that expressed constructive opinions on Myanmar. We think that it will be more practical if ILO takes their constructive advice into consideration.

Conclusion

I would like to conclude that since the beginning of her independence, Myanmar became a member of ILO at an early stage and cooperated with ILO heartily. As in the past, Myanmar will cooperate with ILO in the future. But we will steadfastly carry out only the tasks which will be beneficial to the country and the people. At the time of Tatmadaw Government, all the Conventions are being observed at its best and the actions have been taken effectively against offences which have happened in some sectors at lower level. I would like to express that compared with the successive periods after gaining independence, the level of observance of the application of Convention 29 reaches the highest at the time of the Government o the State Peace and Development Council.

Minister for NPED U Soe Tha, Minister for Finance and Revenue Maj-Gen Hla Tun, Deputy Minister for Labour Maj-Gen Aung Kyi, Deputy Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Than Htay, Governor of Central Bank of Myanmar U Kyaw Kyaw Maung, Managing Director Dr San Oo of Myanma Electric Power Enterprise, Deputy Director-General U Kyaw Zaw of the Directorate of Investment and Companies Administration replied to the queries raised by local and foreign journalists

The press conference was held today at the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development, here, on the clarification concerning economic growth of Myanmar, implementation of the Millennium Development Goals and Myanmar in cooperation with the UN agencies and internal and international NGOs, development of employment opportunities and cooperation between ILO and Myanmar. The following are the replies of the officials to local and foreign journalists and those in-charge of periodicals.

U Hla Htwe (Nihon Keizai Shimbun): I am satisfied with the clarification of the Minister for National Planning and Economic Development on sect oral economic growth, especially energy and electric power sectors. However, supply of electricity has been deteriorating during the last two months. Tell me please why electricity cut is happening in Yangon, Mandalay and other major cities from 8 to 10 hours daily. Power deficiency will affect production capacity. Hence, I would like to know arrangements for supply of power.

Managing Director Dr San Oo of MEPE: The charts displayed by the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development show the progress of electric power sector. Today’s production of electricity increased 2.5 times that in 1988, and power supply, 1.9 times. Power demand of the industrial sector becomes higher year after year. Generating power relies on gas turbines and combine cycle power plants in addition to hydel power plants. Though there were 642.8 megawatt generated in October 2006, the generating power declined to 423.7 megawatt in November and December. Bilu-chaung Hydel Power Station No 1 and No 2 are always producing electricity. However, generating of other hydel power plants are depending upon water storage capacity of the dams. Hence, power is being supplied alternately. At present, industrial zones are being supplied with electricity at day time. Now, natural gas power stations are being built. Therefore, arrangements are being made for supplying power to three regions for 12 hours a day.

U Aung Hla Tun (Reuters News Agency): I would like to know foreign investment in Myanmar. Furthermore, I want to know circulation of FEC amount in the country.
Minister for NPED U Soe Tha: The minister clarified sector-wise and country-wise permitted Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) with the use of charts.

Deputy Director-General U Kyaw Zaw of Directorate of Investment and Com-panies Administration: I will now recap the amount of foreign direct investments in all sectors of Myanmar. Investments are US$ 6,030 million in electric power sector, US$ 2,248 million in oil and gas sector, US$ 1,452 million in production sector, US$ 591 million in hotel and tourism sector, US$ 858 million in real estate sector, US$ 309 million in transport and communications sector, US$ 301 million in livestock breeding and fisheries, US$ 193 million in industrial estate sector, US$ 172 million in mining sector, US$ 37 million in construction sector, US$ 34 million in agriculture sector, and US$ 33 million in other services sector totaling 13 billion.

Governor of Central Bank of Myanmar U Kyaw Kyaw Maung:
There are 27.305 million FECs in circulation in Myanmar till 31 October 2006.

Daw Sint Sint Aung (Nippon TV): What does forced labour mean? According to the deputy labour minister, if an accusation was true, action was taken against anyone who committed forced labour, regardless of civilian and military serviceman. So, I would like to know what degree of action was taken against those who committed forced labour? Was there any action taken against a person whose complaint had been a false one? I have learnt that the laying of pipelines for natural gas in Sittway, Rakhine State, will displace the wards on Strand Road including Zaygyi Hospital. Is that true? If so, when and how will they be moved?

Maj-Gen Aung Kyi, Deputy Minister for Labour: Facts about forced labour are being displayed here at the press conference. The Ministery of Home Affairs has issued additional orders (1/99) regarding forced labour. These orders prescribe which kinds of cases mean force labour and which do not mean, and prohibit the cases that concern forced labour and the cases that do not concern.

These orders were issued according to paragraph (2), Article (2) of ILO’s Convention (29). In this regard, the five major cases that do not concern forced labour are: (1) conscription prescribed under compulsory military service law, (2) tasks for regional development and health care and social sector carried out under public civics in the interests of the people, (3) hard labour for those who are sentenced to prison terms under law, (4) work done collectively by the people under a state of emergency due to natural disasters such as fire, floods and earthquake, and (5) contributions of the members towards the social organization concerned.

As soon as the news on forced labour had been reported, field observation teams were sent to make an investigation into such a case. If the complaint was found true, action was taken against those who were involved in it. If not, no action was taken against the accused. So far, there have been 50 cases related to local authorities and 12 to military field.

Deputy Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Than Htay: When a large gas deposit was discovered in a Rakhine offshore area, it was guessed that the gas would be sold to a foreign country through pipelines. And those who could not bear to see the prosperity for the development of the nation and the people due to the discovery manufactured a wilful accusation on the project. We have no plans to relocate any wards in this regard.

U Thet Khaing (Myanmar Times Journal): The ILO put pressure on Myanmar politically. Let me know how Myanmar tries to ease political pressure. At such a time, what is the advantages and disadvantages of cooperation with ILO? My second question is that Myanmar is a signatory of ASEAN Economic Community. Some of the member nations made Economic Structural Adjustment (ESA). Is it necessary for Myanmar to make reforms for ESA? If so, how does the government undertake the issue?

Deputy Minister for Labour Maj-Gen Aung Kyi:Putting political pressure is not the business of ILO. In the preamble of the constitution of ILO worker issues are to be solved through justice and equality. If Myanmar’s measures on worker issues can be explained and made public, they will satisfy the problem. Myanmar has positive attitude towards ILO. We hope that a stage that all can accept will come soon and Myanmar informed ILO of continued cooperation. Myanmar will continue to cooperate with ILO as long as its attitudes are not harmful to the interests of the nation and the people.

Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha: ASEAN is trying to establish the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015. The AEC includes commodity trade and service sector and investment sector. Agreements on those sectors were signed among the ASEAN nations. There is no agreements that Myanmar cannot sign. Four agreements among the ASEAN were signed in the Philippines in December.

U Kyaw Swa Min (Yangon Times): It is learnt that ILO will submit Myanmar issue on forced labour to International Court of Justice (ICJ). Is it true? According to the overseas employment agencies, workers do not get jobs abroad and there are some difficulties for them. Is there any arrangements for that issue? Some private factories made workers work the whole night. Is there any action against them?

Deputy Minister for Labour Maj-Gen Aung Kyi: Submitting the issue to ICJ is unnecessary and it is not in accord with the ILO constitution. The government gave instructions to the factories that
workers are to work within working hours. If they fail to follow the instructions for the first time, the government sends an official notice to them. They are to sign the pledge if they fail to do so for the second time. In the third time, the government files a suit.

The Ministry of Labour had issued licences to 70 overseas employment agencies. If they do not follow rules and regulations, the licences are revoked. If necessary, legal action is taken against them. Those that violate the rules were given seven years imprisonment and fine.

Nay Tun Naing of Weekly Eleven Journal : What I would like to know is that old service personnel who have retired are now to rely on their retirement pensions. But their pensions are on longer in consonance with the present time. Regarding this, is there any plan to increase their pensions?

Minister for Finance and Revenue Maj-Gen Hla Tun: Since 1 April 2006, service personnel who are currently engaged in government establishments have been facilitated with a new scale of salary. However, old service personnel who have already retired are still being provided with an old scale of salary. Those who are enjoying a new scale of salary will be provided with retirement pensions depending on the new scale of salary when they retire.

U Kyi Soe of Leyarsibwa News Journal: What I would like to know is that the increase in transport charge has an impact on the commodity prices. Although it is now the time of new harvest and new paddy is there no significant decrease in the price of rice. In this regard, is there any measure to be taken for stabilizing the price of rice in the long term?

Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha: To cope with the price of rice we are now focusing on fighting against rising inflation. We are striving to control inflation. In the process, public cooperation is essential. The rising of commodity prices has a profound impact on the entire people. Those who unintentionally caused the rising of commodity prices will also be hurt by the impact of the rising prices. This being the case, all are to pay serious attention to stabilizing of commodity prices.

Also present on the occasion were Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Thein Swe, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Deputy Minister for NPED Col Thurein
Zaw, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Maung Myint, Deputy Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Than Htay, Deputy Minister for Education U Myo Nyunt, Deputy Minister for Health Dr Mya Oo, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Philippines Ambassador Mme Phoebe A Gomez, diplomats, Chargesd’ Affaires ai of the foreign missions and embassy staff, resident representatives of UNDP, UNICEF, FAO, UNODC, WHO, UNFPA, WFP and UNIAP, departmental officials, representatives of NGOs, responsible persons of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, Myanmar Women’s Affairs Federation, Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Myanmar Women Entrepreneurs’ Association, War Veterans Organization, Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry and social organizations, news and information officials, Patron of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club U Hla Htway, President U Sao Kai Hpa and members, those in-charge of periodicals and guests.

Later, the diplomats, journalists and guests viewed charts, graphs, documents and documentary photos concerning economic growth of Myanmar, implementation of the Millennium Development Goals and Myanmar in cooperation with the UN agencies and internal and international NGOs, development of employment opportunities and cooperation between ILO and Myanmar.