Internal Developments

 Kawliya Dam Inaugurated in Bago Division

Kawliya dam was inaugurated in DaikU Township, Bago Division on 22 March. Altogether 144 dams including Kawliya Dam have been built since 1988 at a cost of K 59,902.38 million. As a result, they benefit over 20 million acres of farmland. The Kawliya Dam was the 35th dam built in Bago Division. The 35 dams were built in the east and west regions of Bago Yoma. They now irrigate over 550,000 acres of land. The earthen dam, 130 feet high and 900 feet long, can irrigate 24,500 acres of farmland for double cropping in Bago and DaikU Townships and it will prevent flooding in Yenwe and Pyuntaza plain.

Ayeyawady River (Dedaye) Bridge Inaugurated

Honoring the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, Dedaye Bridge linking Kungyangon Township in Yangon Division and Dedaye Township in Ayeyawady Division was inaugurated on 23 March. The Dedaye Bridge linking Yangon and Ayeyawady Division was opened on 23 March 2003 as a gesture of hailing the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day. The bridge with the length of over 4,000 feet is part of the Yangon-Kungyangon-Dedaye-Pyapon-Kyaiklat-Maubin-Yangon Main road. With the use of bridge, one can travel Pyapon-Kyaunkadon-Seikma-Ahma trip, Pyapon-Bogalay trip, Maubin-Nyaungdon-Pathein and Nyaungdon-Hinthada trips and Nyaungdon-Thandwe of Rakhine State trip.

The most significant ones are Bo Myat Tun Bridge, Maubin Bridge, Myaungmya Bridge, Pinlelay Bridge, Gonnyindan Bridge, Wakema Bridge, Shwelaung Bridge, Uto Bridge and the newly opened Ayeyawady River (Dedaye) Bridge. A network of motor roads and bridges in the division emerged as a result of concerted and collective efforts exerted by the local people.

The construction of Dedaye Bridge across Toe River started on 10 June 2000. The bridge is equipped with reinforced concrete piers, RCD bole piles and steel frame. It is 4088.3 feet long and 28 feet wide, and has six-foot-wide pedestrian lanes on both sides. The clearance under the bridge is 36 feet high and 350 feet wide. The bridge can bear 60 ton-loads.

For Supply of Sufficient Electric Power, Kentaung Hydel Power Project and Tasang Hydel Power Plant

A survey was conducted for implementation of Kentaung Hydel Power Project of Kengtaung Waterfall, on Nantim creek, 31 miles east of Mongnai in Shan State. Construction of the project is now under way. The three turbines will generate 30 megawatts at the second phase. There are numerous projects for supplying electricity through hydroelectric power generation for instance, Department of Hydel Power of the Ministry of Electric Power and MDX Group of Companies of Thailand signed an agreement on construction of Tasang Hydel Power Plant.

On Thanlwin River in Shan State (South) on 20 December 2002. The Plant will have the capacity to generate 7,110 megawatts upon completion. The first phase of the project includes installation of three 700 megawatts generators and other equipment will be installed every year. Electricity generated from this plant is to be sold to Thailand and South-East Asian Region. In Yangon, there are about 500,000 households using electricity.

Foreign Relations

State Visit of Senior General Than Shwe and Daw Kyaing Kyaing to Vietnam

Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing arrived back in Yangon on 17 March after paying a state visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam at the invitation of President of the SRV Mr. Tran Duc Luong and Madame Nguyen Thi Vinh.

During the state visit, Senior General Than Shwe paid a courtesy call on President Tran Duc Loung of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi, on 15 March. On the occasion, the two Heads of State exchanged views on nation-building experience and discussed matters relating to bilateral relations between the two countries, regional affairs and international affairs.

Senior General also explained the purpose of his visit to the SRV that he and his entourage arrived there to further strengthen friendship relations between the two countries, He also expressed his wish to promote bilateral cooperation in every sector. President Tran Duc Loung also emphasized the fact that the State visit of Senior General Than Shwe to Vietnam is a very important one for bilateral relations of the two countries and it must be recorded in the history of Myanmar-Vietnam relations. The SRV will make cooperations with Myanmar in economic sector and arrangements have already made to cooperate in education, health and social sectors. He also spoke of the importance of unity among ASEAN member nations in international affairs.

Senior General Than Shwe also paid a courtesy call on Chairman of the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Mr. Nguyen Van An at Ba Danh Hall in Hanoi on 17 March, 2003.

Senior General Calls on General Secretary of CCCP of SRV

Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe met with General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam Mr. Nong Duc Manh at the central committee on 17 March.

General Secretary of SRV pointed out the fact that the Senior General’s State Visit will further enhance the friendly relations. Bilateral relations in political sector are good and so will in the economic sector. He also expressed the desire of the SRV and its people to promote bilateral relations with Myanmar and continued to say that he is delighted to know the development of Myanmar. The two countries have traditional ties of friendship and they had relations before the independence was regained. Myanmar rendered assistance to the SRV before the SRV regained her independence. He also expressed the SRV’s wish to promote Myanmar-Vietnam relations and to realize this, high-ranking officials are to be sent by the two countries. Good friendly relations will make not only the two countries but also the world peaceful. The Senior General’s visit opens a new chapter in friendly ties of the two countries.

Then, Senior General Than Shwe also expressed his thanks for being hosted a dinner. He arrived there to promote bilateral relations and the visit was a successful one. The two countries have traditional friendly ties and cooperation is to be made in all sectors. He also explained endeavors for the development of Myanmar.

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Arrives on Official Visit to Myanmar

At the invitation of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council and Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe, a goodwill delegation led by Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Begum Khaleda Zia arrived in Yangon on an official visit to the Union of Myanmar on 19 March.

The Senior General and the Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh met at the Pyithu Hluttaw (People’s Parliament) Building in Yangon. A ceremony to sign memorandum of understanding between the Government of the Union of Myanmar and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh was also held at the same venue. Minister for Commerce of Myanmar and Minister for Commerce of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Account Trade Agreement and the Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of Joint Trade Commission and exchanged the documents.

Secretary-1 of State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar General Khin Nyunt also called on the visiting Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, at the State House on the same day.

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Inaugurates Bangladesh Trade Fair-2003

Bangladesh Trade Fair-2003, sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce of Myanmar and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in Yangon, was opened at the Yangon Trade Centre on 20 March. The visiting Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Begum Khaleda Zia opened the trade fair.

The Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt also delivered an address. Secretary-1 said: " As members of BIMST-EC, and the World Trade Organization (WTO) we are striving to enhance trade and investment for well being of our peoples. There exist great potential for economic cooperation between Myanmar and Bangladesh. We are happy to note that the volume of trade between our two countries is gradually improving. However, full potential is yet to be realized. We should therefore redouble our efforts to exploit existing potentials. In addition to the Normal Trade, Counter Trade, Transit Trade and also Account Trade should be considered for the promotion of trade between our two countries.

Bangladesh conducted a Trade Fair from 26 to 30 March 2002. This year’s Trade Fair is more significant due to the presence of the Honorable Prime Minister of Bangladesh Her Excellency Begum Khaleda Zia. Yesterday, Chairman Senior General Than Shwe and Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia were able to hold discussions on a wide range of subjects, particularly on finding ways of strengthening bilateral cooperation in the economic and commercial fields. The exchange of views demonstrated our common desire to enhance trade and investment ties. The signing of the MoU on Account Trade Agreement and the establishment of Joint Trade Commission will surely provide momentum to our trade links. In addition, Myanmar will be able to sign the agreement on coastal shipping that will surely facilitate trade between the two countries later on 20 March."

Visiting Prime Minister of Bangladesh also gave a speech on the occasion and she said: "The objective of such a trade fair is to promote intra-regional trade, investment and other economic activities between the two friendly neighboring countries. Bangladesh look forward to working with Myanmar to boost trade and investment between two countries. As a result of greater interaction between the business communities of the two countries, the two-way trade would increase substantially in the days to come. Bangladesh has already initiated certain measures such as establishment of a river port in Teknaf and finalization of Account Trade Agreement. Bangladesh should also perhaps develop more facilities in both the countries once Coastal Shipping Agreement is activated."

Later, the guests were entertained with Bangladeshi songs and dances. Afterwards, a ceremony to sign an ‘Agreement on Coastal and Maritime shipping’ between the Union of Myanmar and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh took place at the Yangon Trade Central. On the occasion, Minister for Transport of Myanmar and Bangladeshi Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. M Morshed Khan signed the agreement and exchanged documentaries. Ninety Bangladeshi companies exhibit 90 booths and put on sale household utensils, leather wares, electric appliances, foodstuff, medicines, clothes, cosmetics, handicrafts, construction materials and small machinery at the trade fair. It will be kept open daily from 9 am to 5 pm till 23 March.

Bangladeshi Delegation Visits MICT Park, Bagan Cybertech IDC & Teleport

The visiting Prime Minister of Bangladesh and party visited Myanmar Information and Communication Technology Park and Bagan Cybertech International Data Center & Teleport on 20 March. They were welcomed by e-National Task Force Chairman Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs and members, Myanmar Information and Communication Technology Development Co.Ltd. (MICT DC) Chairman and officials.

The Chairman of MICT DC briefed on production of Soft Ware, implementation of e-National Task Force’s pilot projects, collaboration with other countries including ASEAN nations for ICT development and MICT Park’s future tasks. The delegation also visited Bagan Cybertech IDC & Teleport.

The goodwill delegation led by Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Begum Khaleda Zia left Yangon for home by special flight on 21 March after paying an official visit to Myanmar. She and her goodwill delegation arrived in Yangon on 19 March at the invitation of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council and Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe.

Foreign Affairs Minister Receives ASEAN Secretary-General

Mr. Ong Keng Yong, Secretary-General of ASEAN called on Minister for Foreign Affairs of Myanmar at the Ministry Yangon on 30 March. Minister U Win Aung and wife also hosted dinner in honour of the secretary-general at Zizawa Yeiktha of the ministry.

Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman’s Office Brig-Gen Abel, Home Affairs Minister Col. Tin Hlaing and wife, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and wife, and the directors-general of the ministry and wives also attended the dinner.

 Economic cooperation

Fourth Forum on REC Among Bangladesh, China, India and Myanmar Opened

The opening of the Fourth Forum on Regional Economic Cooperation (REC) among Bangladesh, China, India and Myanmar took place in Yangon 19 March, with an address by Minister for Commerce of Myanmar.

Also present on the occasion were Ministers, senior officials of Myanmar and commercial counselors of embassies of Bangladesh, China and India, officials, representatives of those countries and observers, Myanmar representatives of the ministries, the president of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) and guests.

This Economic Cooperation Forum was initiated with a view to establishing the important and strategic position of the regional cooperation and development among the member countries. Myanmar is a member of various regional organizations such as BIMST-EC, where India and Bangladesh are members and Greater Mekong Sub Region-GMS, where Yunnan Province of the People’s Republic of China is a member, together with Myanmar. Besides these, Myanmar is also a member of ASEAN and ASEAN is implementing the establishment of the Free Trade Areas with China and India within a decade with the aim to develop trade and investment.

The Bangladeshi delegation presented the paper on"Improving Transport Connectivity and Facilitation Measures"; the Indian delegation, on "Promoting Cooperation in Tourism in the BCIM Forum"; and the Myanmar delegation, on "Regional Trade Relations: Looking Back and Ahead", followed by a general round of discussions. The forum continues on 20 March.

News in brief

 Italian Tourists Arrive

 Under the supervision of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism and with the assistance of the Ministry of Transport and arrangements of Asian Trails Tours Co Ltd, 94 Italian tourism entrepreneurs arrived at Yangon International Airport by flight TG 303 of Thai Airways on 15 March. They will tour Yangon, Bagan, Popa and Mandalay during their visit and leave Myanmar on 20 March.

Tourist on Adventurous Journey in Kachin State

Under the supervision of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism and arrangement of the Shwelaytagon Travel Service, a six-member group led by Australian citizen Mr. Brett Melzer successfully carried out primary observation of adventure tours such as rafting in arduous journey and kayak boat-rowing along the route of Maykha and Malikha in Putao region during the period from 16 February to 14 March. The group included internationally experienced tourists in rafting and boat-rowing from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. They all enormously enjoyed and the rapid current along the Maykha and Malikha rivers unlike the other countries.

Third Asian Billiards Championship Opened

The 3rd Asian Billiards Championship-2003, organized by Myanmar Billiards and Snooker-Federation, was opened at Asia Plaza on Bogyoke Aung San Street in Yangon on 16 March. Present on the occasion were Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports and officials, Asian Confederation of Billards Sports Secretary General Mr. Syed Mahboob, MBSF President and executive, guests and athletes of the participating countries; India, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Myanmar. After the ceremony, the minister watched the demonstration of snooker given by snooker champions, Praprut and Udon of Thailand. The round Robin matches between participating countries will commence at Asia Plaza at 10 am tomorrow.

Myanmar’s Natural Gas Attracts Bangladesh

It is reported that Bangladesh wants to buy natural gas from Myanmar. Negotiation between the leaders of the two countries was made during high-level discussion. However, final decision has not yet been made. Bangladesh’s intensions for buying Myanmar gas include: to store gas for themselves which is sufficient enough for another 50 years and to make profit out of reselling Myanmar gas to India. Myanmar has abundant amount of natural gas and during 2003, Daewoo Co, Ltd from Korea has launched its Block A-1 trial exploration of natural gas in Rakhine off-shore.

Thai Citizen Seized with Stimulants in Tachilek

Members of local intelligence unit, Tachilek Special Anti-drug Squad, Bureau of Special Investigation and Myanmar Police Force, acting on information, searched Thai citizen Sophon, 43, who was strolling near friendly bridge in Tachilek on 27 March. The combined force seized him 950 stimulant pills. Police station concerned has field the drug trafficker under Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.

Drug Trafficker Sentenced

A combined team acting on information on 18 November 2002 searched U Beyarme’ s house in Tachilek and seized 28,600 stimulant tablets bearing "WY". Action was taken against U Beyarme, 49, under Sections 15/19(A)/21 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by the Tachilek Police Station. The Tachilek District Court handed down 5 years’ imprisonment on U Beyarme under Section 15 and 25 years’ imprisonment under Section 19(A) to serve separately.

General News

Special Meeting 1/2003 of CCDAC Held

The Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control held its Special Meeting 1/2003 at the meeting hall of Drug Elimination Museum in Yangon on 15 March, with an address by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.

In his address the Secretary-1 stated that, "—Progress has been made in implementing the 15-year drug elimination plan. At the same time, the Government has laid down the New Destiny Project and is implementing it to accelerate the momentum in implementing the 15-year drug elimination plan. Meanwhile, the entire national people in border areas are cooperating with the government in the project. The Counter Narcotic and Crime (CNC) has been conducting surveys on illegal poppy cultivation and production in Myanmar yearly since 1993. It has conducted the surveys nine times up to this year. The CNC acknowledged that there was a decrease in poppy cultivation and production in Myanmar year by year. According to the CNC’s survey, there were only 77,700 hectares of poppy acreage with the production of 2,560 metric tons in Myanmar in 1996. Thus, there is a remarkable decrease in poppy cultivation and production. In addition, the poppy cultivation and production in Myanmar in 2003 was cut by half in comparison with those in 2002, according to the CNC. It is obvious that the international community has acknowledged the efforts of Myanmar in the fight against drugs with facts and figures but some western powers do not acknowledge Myanmar’s efforts by intermingling then with politics. The poppy farmers in border areas have to make just ends meet in growing poppy. So also poppy substitute cultivation and other business undertakings need to be created for them. The government with its own financial strength has laid down the 15-year drug elimination plan and is implementing it to create poppy substitute cultivation and other business undertakings for the poppy growers. There were poppy-substitute plantations countable by the thousand and progress has been made in poppy-substitute industries and livestock breeding tasks in border areas.

A remarkable progress has been made in Myanmar’s cooperation with neighboring countries in the fight against drugs. Achievements have being made in exchange of information of seizures of drug suspects between Myanmar and China. In addition, progress has been made in searching the markets of Myanmar ’s poppy-substitute crops in the PRC. Similarly progress has been made in Myanmar’s cooperation with Thailand. Thailand has been making efforts with added momentum after laying down a special plan in the fight against stimulants like amphetamine".

Jade Lots Fetch over US$ 1.5 M

The Chairman of Central Committee for Holding the Myanma Gems Emporium Deputy Minister for Mines and party visited the 40th Myanma Gems Emporium at the Myanma Gems Emporium Hall in Yangon on 18 March.

The sale of jade lots started on 18 March. Local and foreign merchants have bought 182 jade lots at the price of US$ 1.5 million. The sale of jade lots continued late in the evening. Up to now, 1,029 gem merchants —434 local and 595 foreign merchants—have arrived at the emporium.

MNWCWA Members Meet Regional WCWAs in Shan State (North)

The field excursion team made up of members of the Myanmar National Working Committee for Women’s Affairs (MNWCWA) led by member of MNWCWA and Working Committee Dr. Daw Khin Win Shwe and party left Yangon to carry out tasks for national consolidation and development of the women sector arrived at Lashio on 23 March afternoon. They met with about 500 local people including members of ward and village-tract WCWAs, towns elders and local national races from Ward 1,2,3 and 4, Panlot, Konkout, Seu, Kaungkaw, Namsalat, Kaunghaw, Nasaut, Painser, Kamtain, Maiyan, Mingpa and Moutsali Village-tracts in Hsenwi Township at the hall of Hsenwi Station.

Dr. Daw Khin Win Shwe explained the purpose of their visit to the region and noted the fact that they visited the region to meet with local national race girls and to provide township, ward and village WCWAs with ways and means in solving the difficulties with the tasks, and to clarify the development tasks being carried out by the State. Especially, the State was giving priority to border area development tasks. It was the duty of all the citizens to ward off those who instigated to cause dissension between the Tatmadaw and the people. She also urged members of WCWAs at all levels to organize young women not to go to the neighboring country for the purpose of earning money. She then handed over exercise books, pencil and medicines donated by MNWCWA to officials. They held family style discussions with those present and help them solve their difficulties and problems. They met with members of township, ward and village WCWAs and town elders in Muse, Namkham and Kutkai Townships at the Development Affairs Department in Kutkai. About 500 local people including members of ward and village-tract Working Committees for Women’s Affairs, social organizations and cultural troupes, town elders and local national races attended the meeting. Members of MNWCWA occasionally made field tours of states and divisions especially border areas. They also urged officials to cooperate in giving educative talks to women, taking actions against those trafficking in human, and creating job opportunities in the region.

Senior General Than Shwe attends 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade

The 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade was held at the Resistance Park on 27 March with an address by Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe. The following is the excerpts from Sonior General's Address.

- In order to safeguard the lives, security and well-being of the people, the Tatmadaw (Defence Services) had to remove the various threats posed by internal insurgency.

- The various armed groups, that appreciate the true cetana (good will) of the Tatmadaw, have come back to legal fold and joined hands with us in working for the development of their regions.

- The Tatmadaw Government set up the Central Committee for the Development of Border Areas and National Races almost immediately after it assumed the state responsibilities and is working with might and main to promote the economic and social well-being of our national races. At the same time, eradication of narcotic drugs was also implemented without hesitation and with great momentum. Nowadays, as peace has returned to these border areas, these regions have achieved dramatic progress and development in a very brief period of time.

- The Tatmadaw and the people have been able to work hand in hand in constructing economic and social infrastructures in any direction you look all over the country.

- With the aim of constructing a comprehensive network of development that would cover the entire country, 24 Special Development Regions have been set up to promote the economic, education and health conditions and the advancement of the highly-qualified human resources.

Senior General and Wife Host Armed Forces Day Reception and Dinner

Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing hosted reception and dinner in commemoration of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day at Zeya Thiri Beikman in Yangon on 27 March attended by the senior officials, Ambassadors and Charged’ Affaires ai of the embassies in Yangon, heads and resident representatives of UN agencies, Military Attaches and their wives and guests who attended the reception and dinner.

Regional Workshop on Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Opened

The opening of the Asia Regional Workshop on global fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria was held in Yangon on 28 March attended by the minister, deputy minister, directors-general, deputy directors-general, rectors, directors and medical superintendents of departments of the Ministry of Health, representatives of the global fund, officials of World Health Organization, Directorate of Southeast Asia Region, representatives of member countries of the global fund in Southeast Asia and the Pacific regions -- Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, East Timor, India, Laos, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines and Thailand, chairmen of local and foreign social organizations, representatives of sponsor nations and organizations.

The Government of the Union of Myanmar has formed the National Health Committee (NHC) since 1990. It is an inter-ministerial and inter-sectoral policy-making body on health concerns in Myanmar. Currently, the committee comprises 17 members and is chaired by General Khin Nyunt, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council. The National Health Plan was drawn up with the primary objective of attaining "Health for all" using the Primary Health Care approach. Under the disease control programme, Malaria, Tuberculosis and HIV-AIDS are the three priority diseases being addressed in the National Health Plan. The Ministry of Health has expanded health staff and teams for HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria control programmes in strategic areas of the country.

Despite marked increase in the government inputs for these three diseases, and also additional inputs from UN agencies and other organizations, there is still an urgent need for funding for HIV/AIDS, TB and Malarial prevention and control activities in Myanmar. Country Coordination Mechanism, Myanmar has submitted proposals to the Global Fund for both the first and the second round. The Global Fund secretariat has provided positive response for funding of the TB component in the second round. Apart from the TB component, funds are still needed for further improvement in quality of services, geographic expansion and scaling up of activities in HIV/AIDS and malaria prevention and control in Myanmar.

Representatives of 11 nations in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Region, the sponsor nation and non-governmental organizations, regional directors of GFATM Headquarters and GFATM Region totalling about 80 are attending the workshop that continues on 29 March for the last day.

Special feature

Government Spent K 40.56 Billion for Border Areas and National Races Development Drive

The Working Committee for Progress of Border Areas and National Races held meeting at the Ministry of Defence in Yangon on 18 March, with an address by the Chairman of the Working Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.

The Secretary-1 noted the fact that, now the border area development drive has been nearly 13 years. There has been an unprecedented progress in socio-economic infrastructure in the border areas if the present situation is compared with that of before the 13-year period. Concerning the Government’s significant accomplishments in the drive since 1989 to date, Secretary-1 also emphasized the fact that the Government has allocated over K 21.353 billion, building 2,746 miles of earth roads, 1,527 miles of gravel roads and 197 miles of tarred roads, and repairing and upgrading 2,743 miles of existing ones. The Government has also built 42 major bridges and 640 minor ones and 16 suspension bridges, ensuring smooth transport for goods and passengers in the border areas. In the education sector, it has used over K 3.17 billion in building 627 primary schools, 61 middle schools and 82 high schools. In the border areas alone, 52 hospitals, 82 dispensaries, 28 rural health centres and 41 sub-health care centres have been built at a cost of over K 1.43 billion. Due to the existence of the facilities, disease control, treatment and health education measures can be taken on a wider scale. In the public relations sector, over K 682 million has been used in building 97 TV retransmission stations, to let the local people know the prevalence of peace and development of the nation. These stations are also contributing towards development of the economic and social sectors.

In the energy sector, Government has spent over K 880 million, building small-scale and middle-scale hydel power stations in eight border towns,and installing 248 generators in 184 villages. Thus, towns and villages in the border areas now have electricity for small industries. In the communications sector, the Government has spent over K 1.02 billion to install 47 post offices, 35 telegraph offices, and 80 telephone services, helping develop the economic, social and administrative sectors of the areas. Government has also spent over K 1.21 billion in building agricultural facilities including 31 offices, 115 farming centres, 40 completed dams and those under construction, 17 dam projects surveyed, four canals, and 11 tractor stations. The facilities have paved the way for ensuring regional food sufficiency and created opportunities to grow cash crops. Livestock breeding projects including 19 farms, 41 livestock breeding and veterinary centres and the tasks to distribute pigs, cows and donkeys have been implemented in the border regions. The projects have cost over K 572 million. The projects to systematically exploit the mineral deposits and generate job opportunities for local people have been implemented in the border areas at a cost of over K 134 million.

Necessary education and organizational measures have been taken in the border areas to nurture the youths. Up to now, over K 264 million has been used in these measures. Government has spent over K 855 million in launching the youth resource development drive. The drive covers opening of one National Races Youth Resource Development Degree College each in Yangon and Mandalay, 17 national race youth development training schools, and 13 women’s domestic science training schools. Plans are under way to build six national race youth development training schools in Lashio, Panglong, Hpa-an, Matupi, Kanpelet and Pakokku.

In addition to the border areas development drive, 24 development zones have been set up for advancement of the areas which are not included in the drive in order to narrow the development gap among the regions. The 13 development zones—Myitkyina, Bhamo, Loikaw, Hpa-an, Sittway, Kale, Dawei, Myeik, Mawlamyine, Taunggyi, Panglong, Kengtung and Lashio development zones— are included in the drive. A university or a degree college, a government computer college, a government technological college and a 200-bed general hospital have been built in every zone.

Government has used a total of over K 2.38 million for the Panglong development zone including over K 1.41 billion for Panglong University, over K 289 million for Panglong Computer College, over K 627 million for Panglong Technological College, over K 10 million for 25-bed Panglong Hospital Extension Project, over K 20 million for Panglong water supply project, and over K 23 million for energy project. Further financial and material assistance will be provided for the project.

Government has also spent K 40.56 billion for the border areas and national races development drive from 1989 to date. In addition, about 500 million units in foreign currency have been spent on the drive. The amount was spent by the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs alone. The expenditures of other ministries to develop the border areas and national races are not included in the amount. Because of the drive covering the whole nation, the development gap between the national races is narrowing, and the national people have come to realize that their regions have developed due to the assistance of the Government. Thus, the local people have accepted the need to perpetually cooperate with the Government.

The State has been taking all the necessary measures to make the whole nation free of opium by the year 2014 by implementing the 15-year drug elimination project starting from 1999. However, as we have made a promise that Wa and Kokang regions will be free of opium by the year 2005, various ministries and all the regional committees should render as much assistance as they can to keep our word. It is also necessary to root out the production of metaphetamine manufactured with chemical agents, which enter from abroad. To eradicate narcotic drugs and stimulant tablets, efforts are being made to become three border towns of Tachilek, Myawady and Kawthoung drug free zones.

In connection with young women in border area sector, local young women were illiterates and had no vocational education because of weakness in educational campaign. They got into trouble when they worked in the other country. There are many illiterate young women in border areas. The Three R’s Courses will be opened for them so that they can watch TV and listen to the radio and gain knowledge. Secretary-1 also pointed out the fact that his clarifications beginning 1989 showed how the Government was serious about the development of border areas and national races. With the development of border areas and national races, national solidarity will be strengthened and perpetuation of the Union ensured.

In his report, the Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs (MPBANRDA) said, in 2002-2003 financial year, out of 235 projects on construction of bridges and roads, agriculture, housing, public relations, energy and communications in Kachin State, Shan State (North), Shan State (East), Kayah, Rakhine and Chin States, Sagaing Division, Mon and Kayin States and Taninthayi Division, 136 had been completed and 99 were under implementation. The majority of border area development projects cover building of socio-economic infrastructures, which could mainly be implemented in the open season. Supervisory measures were being taken for ensuring timely completion of the remaining projects.

There were 108 projects planned for border area development to be carried out in 2003-2004 financial year. They would be implemented beginning in the open season and measures would be coordinated for timely completion in the next open season. Funds of K 40.56 billion were set up for the development of border areas—K 17.49 billion by MPBANRDA and K 23.07 billion by other ministries.

Regarding the projects being carried out with the cooperation of international organizations, the five-year southern Wa Region alternative development project was being implemented in cooperation with UNDCP in the period from August 1998 to July 2003 with the funds of US$ 11.62 million and Myanmar Government contributed K 28.36 million to the project, which covered nine buildings, vaccinating children and carrying out health care services in 234 villages, water supply for 17 villages, construction of four basic education primary and two middle schools, two rural health care centres and one hospital, installation of power line between Pansang and Mongpauk, construction of 13.24 -km Mongpauk-Mongka earth road, establishing a nursery and distributing seeds of crops and quality strains of pigs.

Tasks were being carried out with US$ 1.16 million for reclamation of 2,000 acres of land for double cropping and digging an 11-kilometre canal. Efforts were being made for completion during the present agricultural season. Development project phases No.1, 2 and 3 for far-flung townships had been implemented in cooperation with the UNDP and it covered construction of 281 primary schools, renovation of 198 primary schools, construction of 24 pre-primary schools, one station hospital and 71 dispensaries, water supply for five towns and 200 villages, building 1,786 reservoirs for storing rain, and 685 wells, construction of 6,924 fly-proof latrines and three small dams, distribution of 4.368 million coffee plants, construction of 38 bridges and reconstruction of nine old bridges in ten townships of Kachin, Chin and Rakhine States in the period from 1994 to 2002. Plans were under way to implement the phase No. 4 in 12 townships of those States. The UNDP contributed US$5.5 million to the three-year project (from 2003 to 2005). Different levels of supervisory committees had been formed to implement the projects under the supervision of local authorities and respective departments.

With the assistance of the Nippon Foundation in Japan, the Progress of Border Areas and National Races Department and an organization in Japan were implementing the five-year project (from 2002 to 2007) for building 100 basic education schools in Shan State. In the first phase, ten schools were under construction - four in Shan State (North) and six in Shan State (South). The already-built primary school in Ganaingywe, Taunggyi Township had been opened on 11February, 2003 and the remaining ones being constructed. Similarly, the Kachin and Shan States development projects (from 2001 to 2004) were being implemented in cooperation with the SWISSAID of Switzerland with US$ 0.45 million.

The SWISSAID provided K 28 million for Metta Development Foundation to conduct agricultural and pest control course, K 10.5 million for establishing a livestock breeding bank in Kachin State, 12 million for small loan enterprises, rural water supply and conducting vocational training course in Myitkina, Mogaung and Bhamo, and K 17.5 million for introducing highland cultivation and establishment of plantations for firewood in Putao, Myikyina, Lashio and Kutkai townships. K 18.85 million has been provided for establishing a sweet chestnut nursery and reclamation of 460-acre land for perennial crops by Kokang Region Poppy Control Work Committee after a field trip of four deputy ministers led by the Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation. In addition, K 9.99 million was provided for the expenses of drug addict at Shwepyitha and Shwepyiaye Rehabilitation camps, trainees of the six rehabilitation camps under Social Welfare Department and drug addicts of Laukkai Rehabilitation Hospital, 3,000 bags of rice and 3,000 viss of salt for the former poppy farmers at the opening ceremony on Laukkai Drug Elimination Museum, two power-tillers and one trailer for Shwepyitha Rehabilitation Centre on 20 October, 2000, K 5 million for families of 3,805 households whose poppy plantations had been destroyed, K 10.07 million for distribution of seeds of poppy-substitute crops and perennial crops to the national races groups who have exchanged arms for peace by the agricultural subcommittee, 500 bags of rice, 500 viss of salt and K 3 million for 1,184 people of 243 households of former poppy farmers whose poppy plantations had been destroyed along Namtlwe Creek in Mongphyan Region, Mongyan Township, K 10 million for drug elimination project in southern Wa Region, K 50 million for Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control in 2003-2004 to lay down the New Destiny Project to beef up for Drug Elimination.

Arrangements are being made to provide K 50 million to the CCDAC in 2003-2004, K 0.23 million for medical expenses of 28 drug addicts in Mongpauk under the programme of Mongpauk District, K 63.982 million by four deputy ministers led by the Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation during their tour of Kachin State, K 79.38 million for reclamation of 500 acres of land in Mon Region and K 6.94 million for Namhsanyan-Padaung Road in Kachin State. Afterwards, the Minister for Home Affairs reported on tasks for emergence of drug free zones; the Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation on speedy implementation of agriculture, irrigation and highland reclamation tasks, cultivation of macadamia and coffee, and making macadamia widely known to the public; the Minister for Information on information and public relations; the Minister for Education on annually conducting three ‘R’ courses in border areas starting 2000 and arrangements for conducting ‘R’ courses in Summer of 2003; the Deputy Minister for Health on progress in construction of hospitals in border areas and requirements; the Deputy Minister for Livestock and Fisheries on distribution of breeds of cattle, pigs, poultry and goat and fingerlings to border areas and gaining achievements; and the Minister for Electric Power, the Minister for Construction and the Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs on electric power, construction of bridges and roads and communications in border areas respectively.

Culture

 Tabaung Festival

 The Month of Tabaung is the last month in the Myanmar Calender. The first 15 days are still cool because the cool season has not ended yet. But the latter 15 days become hot as summer season enters. According to Myanmar Saying, it is hot during daytime and cool during night time.

It is also said that toddy juice from toddy palm trees are collected and boiled in large pots. Boiling of toddy juice is spoken as “ Htan- baung” in Myanmar so that this month is known as the month Htanbaung and later became Tabaung month. According to Myanmar astrology, the month is “Mein Yarthe” or Pisces with two fishes as its symbol. The seasonal flower is Tharaphi. During this season, the rivers ebb and many sand bars emerged.

 In ancient time, people held festivals on the river bank at which zedis made of sand are built. This month is characterized by seasonal changes and you can observe the trees turning their leaves. It is so beautiful and refreshing to see the new leaves sprout on trees in pleasant surroundings.

 In Yangon, the Tabaung Festival is held merrily every year at the Shwedagon Pagoda. The government has annually conferred titles and honors to venerable Sayadaws at the Maha Pathana Cave of Kaba Aye Hillock in Yangon. The alms-giving ceremony for the honoured Sayadaws is held on the morning of Full Moon Day of Tabaung. The alms-giving and donation ceremonies were held on 8th March 2001. The Full Moon Day of Tabaung to the Full Moon Day of Tabaung to the delight of merit-offering Myanmar Buddists.

 MRTV-3 Culture section

 Tourism

NAGA Land                 
            Welcomes all

Unlike last year, with one day extension provided as closing ceremony, the Naga nationalities celebrated the New Year Festival in Khamti.Having missed the scheduled flight for those left behind in Khamti, the closing day of the New Year Festival was held again for them in Khamti on 16 th December. New Year Festival held in Lahe on 15th January, was exactly like all New Year Festivals held yearly.

The Naga nationalities and foreign guests seemed different but in the closing ceremony festival held in Khamti with traditional food and customs depicted in the natural surrounding, make the gueses and the hosts all-in-one and it was a happy sight full of love and joy. The food was very good and all foreigners enjoyed the traditional food served with warm hospitality.

And the SST Tourism learnt that every one of them enjoyed themselves immensely. Altogether over 150 foreigners visited the Naga New Year this year and the number doubled the figure than of last year. At the regular festival held in Lahe, including the foreigners, the local Nagas celebrated the Naga New Year at Lachee and Nanyun respectively.

On the grand day, it was an unbelievably colourful sight .All the beads, the feathers, the teeth and claws of boar,bear and tiger hung from the necks,from hats, from ears,the braids made from wild palm or orchid fibers, the dyed fur of monkey or goat , the hats made of bear fur handed down from the forefathers, as there are now few bears to be seen.Also, the jingling of tiny brass bells, the tap,tap of their lances on the thick leather shields as they danced,these are unforgettable moments inclusive of utterly fascinating chants and the rhythmic chants created a waveof vibrations that eerily sounded as if they issued from lofty, blue mountains around all.

If you like to enjoy this festival of colour with warm hospitality do come to our golden land, the homes of our brethren Nagas for the Naga land welcomes you warmly.

The Naga Tribes

Origins of the Nagas are believed that they are of Mongoloid, Tibeto-Burman descendant. Others believe the Nagas are related to Karen, while still others think there may be a Chin connection. In all probability, the Nagas stem from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

There are numerous Naga tribes spread throughout the northwester hills of Myanmar, along the India border. While each tribes is unique and certain aspects of tribal culture differ, they share many common beliefs and practices.

One such shared practice is the annual Naga New Year Festival. Tribes from throughout Nagaland-both on the India side of the border and in Myanmar-come together to celebrate this event. Although the celebration centers around January 15, the festivities start as soon as the first tribe arrives at the Festival site, which is often several days before the official New Year date. Dressed in their colorful best, tribesmen and women parade into the hosting village with an enthusiasm and swagger that draws all who witness it to join the fun.

Not only do the arriving Nagas make an exotic, lively entrance, they do so under the burden of all they will need to sustain them during their stay at the Festival. Food, bedding, supplies, utensils, adornments-everything they use is carried on their backs, sometimes for many miles. Distant tribes march a week or more to attend the Festival.

Still the incoming tribes make a grand entrances, showing no sign of the weary march they have just completed. They sing, chant, whoop and otherwise announce their arrival in an exuberant display of bravado.

Young warriors and elders alike draw a dashing figure in head-dresses adorned with feathers, fur and framed at the crown by curving wildboar’s teeth. A shepy (metal disk) worn over the crotch area, trophies of monkey skulls and hair, and beautiful hand-woven blankets and shawl further enhance the men’s outfits.

A common motif in headdresses, in addition to boar’s teeth, is the hornbill. Hornbill feathers jutting high above the men’s heads top nearly all headdresses. Some also use hornbill beaks as headdress ornamentation. Naga men carry Dama (also called Dah- a machete-like weapon and long wooden spears decorated in red dyed goat hair. Shields of water buffalo hide, sometimes ornately painted, add to the brave warrior image they portray. Arm bands of elephant tusks and strips of palm leaves wrapped around arms and ankles and colorful beads of red, gold, yellow and blue show attention to detail in the men’s attire.

An unusual and especially beautiful adornment worn by some of the Naga men is an intricately patterned brass anklet worn on top of the foot. Wooden and metal head pendants dangling from necklaces indicate "head-taking", a tradition no longer practiced among the Nagas, but head-taking ornamentation passed down from ancestors are prized by the Naga men. Other male decorations include wigs of monkey hair, breech clouts decorated with cowry shells and teeth, ornate earrings, mirrors and beads sewn onto various articles of clothing and headdresses.

Older blankets worn by men are often decorated with stick figures and geometric designs of cowry shells, with red squares of dyed dog hair adding to the color. Owners of these heirlooms are particularly proud of their possessions.

Ceremonial tails and baskets used for carrying sharpened bamboo spikes (once stuck into the ground to impede an enemy’s progress), elaborate shoulder ornaments decorated with shells, seeds and dyed goat hair add even more color to the Naga costumes. Some shoulder ornaments and baldrics (sashes) decorated with a slain enemy’s teeth and passed down in families are occasionally seen.

Women wear various colors and designs of hand-woven longyis (skirt-like nether garment) and colorful blouses or sweaters. Heavy beaded breastplates drape over their chests, or they wear layers and layers of brightly colored necklaces. Silver and brass bracelets jangle on their wrists. Loops, large disks and dangling earrings further embellish the women’s costumes. These are made of brass, silver, shell and sometimes even plastic or foil.

In addition to bracelets worn below the elbow, women often wear armlets around their arms. A woman of prestige may have her arms completely covered in bracelets and armlets. Perhaps one of the most striking feature of the women’s appearance is their beautiful thick hair. Arranged in various styles, the shining black tresses are used to best advantage. Some wear simple ponytails that hang to their waists. Others create artistic swirls and chignons, allowing a part to swing freely from the elaborate bun or twist that encircles their heads.

Naga women also wear hand-woven blankets of the same bright colors as men, although the females’ blankets are of a different design. Conch shells are prized among Naga women, some worn smooth and thin from age. They are passed down for generations, first acquired by ancestors who traded goods with coastal peoples. Earrings, head ornaments and necklace clips, often etched with human figures or geometric designs are made from large disks carved from the center of conch shells.

Leggings of finely plaited cane, some decorated with seeds and fur, and embroidered breast cloths are a Naga tradition among women, although today, women are as commonly seen in shoes or sandals. Even stockings have become a part of the Naga women’s wardrobe.

Overskirts made of numberous layers of colorful stone beads, worn around the waist and hanging over the hips like a skirt, are still seen among women who have preserved these family heirlooms. They are, however, seen less and less frequently.

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