Senior General Than Shwe sees off Prime Minister Lt-Gen Soe Win on his departure for Philippines

YANGON, 20 Feb — At the invitation of the President of the Republic of the Philippines Her Excellency Madame Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar Lt-Gen Soe Win and party left here by special flight this morning to pay an official visit to the Republic of the Philippines.

Prime Minister Lt-Gen Soe Win and party were seen off at Yangon International Airport by Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe, Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, Member of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann, Members of the State Peace and Development Council, the Commander-in-Chief (Navy) and the Commander-in-Chief (Air), the Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command, the ministers, senior military officers, the Charges d’ Affaires ai of the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines Mr Pablito A Mendoza and embassy staff and heads of departments concerned.

Prime Minister Lt-Gen Soe Win was accompanied by Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Htay Oo, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, Director-General of the State Peace and Development Council Office Lt-Col Pe Nyein, Director-General of the Prime Minister’s Office U Soe Tint, Director-General of Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet, Director-General of Political Department U Thaung Tun and heads of departments.

Source: "The New Light Of Myanmar", www.myanmar.com/nlm/
 

 Secretary-1 attends opening ceremony of World Series International Sepaktakraw Championship-2005 (Myanmar)

YANGON, 20 Feb — The World Series International Sepaktakraw Championship-2005 (Myanmar) hosted by the Union of Myanmar was opened at the National Indoor Stadium-1 in Thingangyun Township this morning, attended by Chairman of Myanmar National Olympic Council Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein.

Among the spectators were Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe and wife, ministers, the Chairman of the Committee for Ensuring Success of Myanmar Sports the Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor, members of the Myanmar Olympic Committee, diplomats, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, presidents and officials of Myanmar sports federations, President of International Sepaktakraw Federation Maj-Gen Dr Charouck Arirachakaran, President of Asian Sepaktakraw Federation Mr Abdul Halim Bin Kader and members, members of jury and umpires.

First, athletes from Australia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and host Myanmar and the umpires took positions. Chairman of MOC Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint delivered an opening address. Next, ISF President Maj-Gen Dr Charouck Arirachakaran and President of Myanmar Sepaktakraw Federation U Chit Khaing made speeches.
The Secretary-1 and party cordially greeted the athletes.

After the ceremony, trainees of Sports and Physical Education Institute (Yangon) and selected Myanmar sepaktakraw athletes performed skills demonstration.

The Championship will be held up to 24 February.

Source: "The New Light Of Myanmar", www.myanmar.com/nlm/
 

Standardization of weighing systems, copyrights, patents, trademarks, industrial designs, intellectual properties are issues that should be included in Union Legislative List

YANGON, 20 Feb — On behalf of the Panel of Chairmen, member of the Panel of the Alternate Chairmen Maj-Gen Aung Thein of the Delegates of the State Service Personnel presented the panel of chairmen’s collection of excerpts from the suggested proposals submitted by delegates to the National Convention on the industrial, transportation and communication sector at the Pyidaungsu Hall of the Nyaunghnapin Camp in Hmawby Township, Yangon Division, on 18 February.

The following is a translation of presentation made by Maj-Gen Aung Thein.

In connection with the basic principles to be laid down for the industrial sector on grounds of 11 legislative matters relevant to the sharing of legislative power that shall be included in writing the State constitution, I will continue to present the panel of chairmen’s collection of excerpts from the suggested proposals submitted by some delegate groups to the National Convention and from those by certain delegates to the National Convention.

At the Plenary Meeting of the National Convention held on 19 May 2004, the Chairman of the National Convention Convening Work Committee clarified that: “Now, I will present the industrial sector. Two of the four economic objectives of the State call for Development of agriculture as the base and all-round development of other sectors of the economy as well, and Development of the economy inviting participation in terms of technical know-how and investments from sources inside the country and abroad. The industrial sector plays a vital role in the realization of these two economic objectives.”

“A basic principle laid down in connection with economy by the National Convention states that the State economic system shall be market economic system. In connection with the industry it was laid down that the State shall provide inputs such as technology, investment, machinery, raw materials etc as much as it can for development of industries.”

“I have clarified these points for the delegates to discuss and make suggestions on whether to formulate detailed basic principles to include in the Union Legislative list to introduce laws, if necessary, in connection with the following points that should be included under the industrial sector —

1. Industries to be undertaken by the Pyidaungsu level,

2. Industrial Zones,

3. Science and technology and research on science and technology,

4. Standardization of weights and measures,

5. Intellectual properties such as copyrights, pat ents, trademarks, industrial designs.”

“Hence, the delegates are to discuss and make suggestions on whether to formulate detailed basic principles to include in the Region or State Legislative list to enact laws in connection with 1. Industries other than those designated to be undertaken by the Pyidaungsu level,

2. Cottage industries, which should be included under the industrial sector.”

As regards this clarification, the National Unity Party discussed that with the growing number of industries, it is likely that industrial zones will gain in number. In this context, systematic measures should be taken for the environmental impact of pollution. It is therefore proper to include it in the Union Legislative List. The development of industry, science, and technology rests on the sustained research work. It is therefore proper to include it in the Union Legislative List. Moreover, the standardization of weighing systems, copyrights, patents, trademarks, industrial designs, and intellectual properties are the issues that should be included in the Union Legislative List. The National Unity Party also agreed to the condition in which legislative power is distributed to the Region or the State Hluttaws to enact laws necessary for the industries and cottage industries in their respective areas, except the industries that shall be undertaken at Union level.

The Union PaO National Organization proposed that the National Convention should adopt the clarifications on the industrial sector made by the Work Committee Chairman as detailed basic principles to be included in the Union Legislative List and the Region or State Legislative List.

The Mro (a) Khami National Solidarity Organization discussed that the five points of the industrial sector clarified by the Work Committee Chairman are reasonable and suitable. They continued that in like manner the two points that should be mentioned in the Region or State Legislative List are also proper.

The Lahu National Development Party discussed that the five points that should be included in the Union Legislative List and the two points that should be included in the Region or State Legislative Lists are proper.

The Union Kayin League proposed that the five points of the industrial sector as clarified by the Work Committee Chairman are so complete that they should be included in the Union Legislative List. The Union Kayin League also discussed that the Region or State Legislative List should cover the two points as clarified by the Work Committee Chairman.

The Kokang Democracy and Unity Party discussed that the industrial sector plays an important role in the successful implementation of the two of four economic objectives of the State: “Development of agriculture as the base and all-round development of other sectors of the economy as well” and “Development of the economy inviting participation in terms of technical know-how and investments from sources inside the country and abroad”. It continued that an industrial country can be established through the implementation of the plans that encourage industries based on agriculture.

It also pointed out that most of the countries with robust economies are industrial countries. They agreed to the Work Committee Chairman’s clarification that the industrial sector falls into two categories: one is to be undertaken at Union level and the other at Region or State level.

The Wa National Development Party discussed that as the National Convention has laid down one basic principle in respect of the industrial sector, the five points to be included in the Union Legislative List should be adopted as detailed basic principles so that law can be enacted when necessary.

It continued that in the industrial sector, there will be two kinds of industry— one to be undertaken at Union level and the other to be undertaken at Region or State levels— in turning the country into a modern and developed one. They also suggested that the two points to be included in the Region or State Legislative List be adopted as detailed basic principles so that law can be enacted when necessary.

Of the five proposed papers submitted by the delegate group of representatives-elect, which is one of the eight delegate groups to the National Convention, the proposed papers of the National Unity Party and the Mro (a) Khami National Solidarity Organization have been presented by the parties, which are members of the delegate group of political parties. In like manner, it is found that other delegates concerned submitted their proposals.

Dr Hmu Htan, the independent representative-elect from the constituency of Thantlan township in Chin State and U Aung Thein, the independent representative-elect from the constituency of Ywangan township in Shan State discussed that the five points of the industrial sector clarified by the Work Committee Chairman to be included in the Union Legislative List should be adopted as detailed basic principles. They agreed to the Chairman’s clarifications in connection with the industrial sector, saying that these points should be adopted as detailed basic principles in the Region or State Legislative Lists.

The two independent representatives-elect also proposed that the permission for the establishment of industrial zones in regions or states will enrich creative and innovative ideas, thereby benefiting the country. They also suggested that the matter of industrial zone should be adopted as detailed basic principle in the Region or State Legislative List.

U Tin Win, the independent representative-elect from the constituency-2 of Kyaiklat township, U Thein Kyi, the independent representative-elect from the constituency-1 of Taung-dwingyi township, U Hla Soe, the independent representative-elect from the constituency-2 of Minbu township, U Mya Hlaing, the independent representative-elect from the constituency-2 of Twantay township, U Kyi Win, the independent repre-sentative-elect from the constituency-1 of Mingaladon township, and U Tin Tun Maung, the independent representative-elect from the constituency-2 of Mingaladon township discussed that they agreed to the fair distribution of legislative power to Union Hluttaw, Region or State Hluttaws, and Self-Administered Areas in connection with the industrial sector, the transport sector, and the social sector.

The delegate group of national races discussed that they agreed to the adoption of the five points as detailed basic principles in the Union Legislative List so that law can be enacted when necessary.

They continued that under Union Law, the Union Hluttaw will enact laws in connection with the industrial sector. They also agreed to the distribution of legislative power to the Region or State Hluttaws to enact laws on the industries and cottage industries, exclusive of those to be undertaken at Union level. They supported that the matters should be mentioned in the Region or State Legislative List so that laws can be enacted when necessary.

They also made separate suggestions on the use of metric system in the standardization of measurements.

The delegate group of peasants discussed that the State is giving encouragement to industries including the cooperative sector and the private sector by investing in the industrial sector to turn the country into an industrial one in line with two of the four economic objectives of the State — “Development of agriculture as the base and all-round development of other sectors of the economy as well” and “Development of the economy inviting participation in terms of technical know-how and investments from sources inside thIt also agreed to the adoption of the five points to be included in the Union Legislative List and the two points to be included in the Region or State Legislative Lists as detailed basic principles.

The delegate group of workers discussed that as clarified by the Work Committee Chairman, the five points to be included in the Union Legislative List and the two points to be included in the Region or State Legislative List should be adopted as detailed basic principles.

The delegate group of intellectuals and intelligentsia agreed to the adoption of the five points related tor as detailed basic principles in the Union Legislative List. They also agreed to the adoption of the two points related to the industrial sector as detailed basic principles in the Region or State Legislative List.

The delegate group of State service personnel suggested that the following points be included in the Union Legislative List. They are:
1. industries to be un dertaken by the Pyidaungsu level,

2. industries,

3. standardization and specification of products,

4. science and technology, and research on science and technology,

5. standardization of weighs and measurements, and

6. intellectual properties such as copyrights, patents, trademarks, and industrial designs.

They also suggested that the matters related to cottage industry be included in the Region or State Legislative List so as to enact laws when necessary.

Their suggestions on the industrial sector are:

1. industries other than those to be undertaken by the Pyidaungsu level, and

2. cottage industries.

They proposed that these points should be included in the Region or State Legislative Lists so as to enact laws when necessary.

Though the Chairman of the Work Committee presented five points of the industrial sector to be included in the Union Legislative Law, the delegate group of State service personnel added another point — standardization and specification of products— making the points altogether six. Their explanation was that the type and quality of a product is of vital importance in industry. With the competitive market in the open market-oriented economic system, the quality of products can vary.

The product of substandard can be harmful to the user. It is necessary to introduce laws for the standardization and specification of products. Therefore, this matter should be included in the Union Legislative List.

The delegate group of other invited persons discussed that they agreed to the fair distribution of legislative power to the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, the Region or State Hluttaws, and the Self-administered Areas to enact laws in connection with the five points to be included in the Union Legislative List and the two points to be included in the Region or State Legislative List.

They proposed another two points:

1. medium and small industries, and

2. industrial zones.

They suggested that these two points be added as detailed basic principles in the Region or State Legislative Lists.

They also proposed another three points:

1. medium and small industries,

2. cottage industries, and

3. industrial zones.

They suggested that these three points be considered to practise them in the Self-administered Area or the Self-administered Zone.

I will present the excerpts of the presentation of the delegate groups and some delegates concerning the transport and communication sector compiled by the panel of chairmen.

Esteemed delegates,

At the plenary session, held on 19 May 2004, the Work Committee Chairman said, “Now, I will clarify the transport and communication sector. The transport and communication sector plays a vital role in striving for economic progress to achieve national development. As it is known to all, the State has been earnestly building and repairing roads and bridges which will contribute towards economy and commerce. Better transport is conducive to regional economic progress resulting in the closer contacts among the national races and strengthened friendship among them. In the transport sector, the State has given top priority to importing passenger buses and cargo trucks, rented and sold motor vehicles to the private sector, reconditioned and repaired motor vehicles in cooperation with foreign firms, built railroads under special projects, expanded joint ventures with private companies in railway transport, inland water transport and transport inside and outside the country, extended or upgraded airports and built new ones.

“In the field of communications, IDD telephone service has been extended; transmission, reception and satellite stations have been built to communicate with foreign nations; transmission and reception stations have also been set up to make contact with ocean-going ships; directives of the International Telecommunications Union are studied, put on record and acted upon.”

He continued to explained, “Matters under the Transport and Communications Sector which should be included in the Union Legislative list to enact laws may be put together as follows:

1. Inland Water Transport

2. Maintenance of waterways

3. Water resources and river systems improvement

4. Overseas shipping

5. Port terminals

6. Light house, lightship and light house facilities

7. Ship building, repair and maintenance

8. Air transport

9. Aviation, flight control and building of airfields

10. Road transport

11. Railways

12. Roads and bridges under the management of Pyidaungsu

13. Posts, telecommunications, telephones, fax, e-mail, Internet, Intranet and similar communication services

14. TV, satellite communication, transmission and reception and similar communication services

“I have clarified the above-mentioned points for the National Convention delegates to discuss and make suggestions whether to lay down detailed principles to include in the Union Legislative list to enact laws.”

He also said, “The matters relating to the Transport and Communication Sector that should be included in the Region or State Legislative list may be put together as follows:

1. Ports, jetties and pontoons under the management of the Region or State

2. Roads and bridges under the management of the Region or State

3. Systematic movement of the private-owned vehicles within a Region or a State

“Hence, the National Convention delegates are to discuss and make suggestions on whether to lay down as detailed principles to be included in the Region or State Legislative list, if necessary, in connection with matters that should be covered by the Transport and Communication Sector.”

National Unity Party said that it sees the clarification on the transport and communication sector made by the Work Committee Chairman as comprehensive. As the civil aviation involves the laws concerning hijacking of planes and extradition of prisoners, it should be put on the Union legislative list. As the railroads and bridges play an important role, they should be put on Union legislative list as detailed basic principles. And as the global communication sector is advancing, It is appropriate to put post, telegraph, telephone, fax, e-mail, Internet, intranet and related communication equipment, television, satellite communication, broadcasting, monitoring and related communication services, on the Union legislative list. Apart from ports under the Union management, ports that are under the management of regions and states should be included in the region or state legislative list. Similarly, roads and bridges controlled by the regions and states should be put on the region or state legislative list. Union Pa-O National Organization said that good roads will lead to regional economic development and strengthening amity among the national races. The government has been giving priority to importing passenger buses and cargo trucks, renting and selling cars to the private sector, boosting car production, undertaking joint-ventures with foreign companies, building railroads, building new airports and extending and upgrading the existing ones. It is also developing the internal and external communication network in accord with the international principles and directives. The State-owned, cooperative-owned and private vessels are running inland and international passenger and freight transport services. In this regard, the 14 points explained by the Work Committee Chairman should be included in the Union legislative list as detailed basic principles. The three points explained by the Chairman should be put on the region or state legislative list as detailed basic principles. Mro or Khami National Solidarity Organization said that the 14 points explained by the Work Committee Chairman should be included in the Union legislative list as detailed basic principles, and the three points explained by the Chairman should be put on the region or state legislative list as detailed basic principles.

Lahu National Development Party said that it is appropriate to put the 14 points explained by the Work Committee Chairman on the Union legislative list as detailed basic principles and the three points explained by the Chairman on the region or state legislative list as detailed basic principles.

Union Kayin League said that the 14 points explained by the Work Committee Chairman should be included in the Union legislative list as detailed basic principles, and the three points explained by the Chairman should be put to the region or state legislative list as detailed basic principles.

Kokang Democracy and Unity Party said that road transport is important for national and regional economic development and national unity. Installation of modern communication facilities in the nation will help develop multi sectors and enable her to stand shoulder to shoulder with global countries.

Thus, it is appropriate to put the 14 points explained by the Work Committee Chairman on the Union legislative list as detailed basic principles and the three points explained by the Chairman on the region or state legislative list as detailed basic principles. Wa National Development Party said that the Work Committee Chairman presented a comprehensive report covering international principles and agreements Myanmar has acceded to. The transport and communication sector needs a large amount of investment and a large number of skilled personnel. Thus, the 14 points explained by the Work Committee Chairman should be included in the Union legislative list as detailed basic principles. Some of the management functions of the sector are within the control of regions and states. Hence, the three points explained by the Chairman should be put on the region or state legislative list as detailed basic principles.

Source: "The New Light Of Myanmar", www.myanmar.com/nlm/
 

Myanmar beat Thai in International Sepaktakraw C’ship

YANGON, 20 Feb — The World Series International Sepaktakraw Championship-2005 (Myanmar) hosted by the Union of Myanmar was opened at the National Indoor Stadium-1 in Thingangyun Township here this morning.

Myanmar (B) team beat Thai team 2-1 in the Men’s double regu event in the Group B. And, Malaysian team and Myanmar (B) team beat Korean team 2-0 each.

In the Group A, Myanmar (A) team beat the Philippines team 2-0; Singaporean and Myanmar (A) teams won over Pakistan 2-0 each.

In the women’s double regu event, Thai team beat Korean 2-0; Myanmar (B) team defeated the Philippines 2-0; Myanmar (A) team won over Japan team 2-0; Thai team beat Myanmar (B) team 2-0; and Korean team was defeated 2-0 by Myanmar (A) team.

Among the spectators were Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, Chairman of the Committee for Ensuring Success of Myanmar Sports Chairman of YCDC Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin, presidents and officials of Myanmar sports federations, the President of International Sepaktakraw Federation, President of Myanmar Sepaktakraw Federation U Chit Khaing and officials.

Source: "The New Light Of Myanmar", www.myanmar.com/nlm/

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