Peace and tranquillity and prevalence of law and order important for development of a region or a nation Secretary-1 tours Lashio, Hsenwi Townships

YANGON, 1 May — Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, accompanied by members of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint and Lt-Gen Aung Htwe, Chairman of Shan State (North) Peace and Development Council Commander of North-East Command Maj-Gen Myint Hlaing, the ministers, the deputy ministers, senior military officers, leaders of special regions of Shan State (North) and special region-2 of Kachin State, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departmental officials, inspected regional development of Shan State National Army (SSNA) that exchanged arms for peace unconditionally on 12 April and agricultural work in Lashio and Hsenwi Townships on 30 April.

The Secretary-1 and party arrived at opium substitute corn and bee-keeping station of North East Command in Mansaw region.

Commander Maj-Gen Myint Hlaing reported on annual reclamation of 500 acres of land and agricultural education to local farmers. Farm in-charge Lt-Col Nay Lin Aung reported on cultivation and bee-keeping. Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Htay Oo reported on the Ministry’s assistance.

The Secretary-1 said Shan State (North) is a fertile region and urged local people to engage in cultivation of various kinds of crops.

He also gave instructions on establishment of research farms in states and divisions and arrangements of Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation.

The Secretary-1 and party inspected bee hives, honey, other related products and corn plantation.

They proceeded to Mongli model village in Hsenwi Township. The Secretary-1 met members of war veterans and presented saplings of honey orange and supplies to members of war veterans. The Secretary-1 planted a sapling of honey orange in the compound of a war veteran. Lt-Gen Ye Myint and Lt-Gen Aung Htwe also planted saplings.

The Secretary-1 inspected the houses built for families of war veterans by North East Command and cordially met families.

The Secretary-1 and party went to basic education high school in Se-U Village in Hsenwi Township. U Kan Na of SSNA Brigade-11 that unconditionally exchanged arms for peace presented 35 remaining small arms and walkie-talkies to the Secretary-1.

The Secretary-1 then inspected the construction of extension building of the school. Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa presented a fire engine for the village to U Kan Na.

The Secretary-1 and party inspected the farm of U Kan Na and digging of fish breeding ponds and gave instructions. They also inspected cultivation of summer paddy and Brig-Gen Soe Oo and officials reported on cultivation of summer paddy and sufficiency of rice in the township. The Secretary-1 presented prizes for cultivation of Hsinshweli paddy to farmer U Sar Tun and Lt-Col Ko Ko Gyi.
Next, the Secretary-1 and party went to Mongyaw Village in Lashio Township by helicopter. They met villagers and officials concerned. Commander Maj-Gen Myint Hlaing reported on assistance for development of Mongyaw village.

Commanding Officer U Pwan Wan of Battalion 27 of SSNA Brigade-11 reported on requirements for regional development.

In his address, the Secretary-1 said he and the ministers came to the region to fulfill the requirements for development. Mongyaw region is not far away from Lashio.

As there was no peace and law and order in the past, regional development tasks could not be undertaken well. Although Myanmar regained her independence for over 50 years, local people could not be able to enjoy the independence. Now there is peace and tranquillity and prevalence of law and order. The more the people are in contact, the more friendly they become. Regional development tasks can be carried out without any doubt among the people.

He said peace and tranquillity and prevalence of law and order are important for development of a region or a nation. After realizing the genuine goodwill of the government, SSNA led by U Kan Na exchanged arms for peace unconditionally. Therefore, local people are now free from fear and burden. He urged U Kan Na and his group to participate in the tasks for community peace and tranquillity, prevalence of law and order. The government would provide assistance to them as far as possible, the Secretary-1 said.

After peace and stability has been restored well in the nation, the government launched three major projects — the border areas and national races development project, the 24 special regions development project and rural development project — to ensure equitable development of all parts of the nation. Now, the drive has borne fruitful results. The Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs was established to speed up implementation of the development projects.

Now, local people of border areas, that had poor transport in the past, have enjoyed remarkable development in various fields due to prevalence peace and stability.

The 24 special regions development project covers Taunggyi region, Lashio region, Kengtung region, and Panglong region, where national solidarity necessary for independence was conceived, in Shan State. Plans are well under way to help these four regions develop at a high momentum.

Furthermore, the government is putting into motion the five rural development tasks for the sake of the rural regions where the majority of the nation’s population reside.

Local people on their part are to make efforts to ensure regional progress and to raise their living standard.

In conclusion, the Secretary-1 stressed the importance of harmonious endeavours to ensure rice sufficiency, growing cash crops, and raising chicken, pigs and cattle on a small scale and speedy development of the region.

After the meeting, the Secretary-1 had a cordial conversation with U Kan Na, U Pwan Wan and members, departmental officials, and local people.

Next, the Secretary-1 presented gifts to U Kan Na and U Pwan Wan.

The Secretary-1 inspected the construction of Mongyaw Affiliated BEHS and gave necessary instructions.

He also inspected Mongyaw Station Hospital and provided cash assistance for the medical staff.

In addition, the Secretary-1 viewed from helicopter the development of Lashio District, Shan State (North), progress of construction of Tangyan-Mongkaung-Mongshu road, and transport condition of the region.

The Secretary-1 arrived back in Lashio in the afternoon.

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

New building of Myawady Bank Ltd (Bayintnaung) opened

YANGON, 1 May — A new building of Myawady Bank Ltd (Bayintnaung) was opened on Nwethagi Road in Bayintnaung Brokerage, Mayangon Township this morning, attended by Chairman of Myawady Bank Ltd member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Aye.

Also present were Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Minister for Finance and Revenue Maj-Gen Hla Tun, Yangon Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin, Governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar U Kyaw Kyaw Maung, Managing Director of Myawady Bank Ltd Maj-Gen Win Hlaing (Retd) and members of the board of directors, heads of departments, officials and staff.

Next, Maj-Gen Win Hlaing (Retd), Director Col Ba Tun (Retd) and Deputy Managing Director U Tun Kyi formally opened the new building.

Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Aye formally unveiled the stone plaque of the building and inspected it.

In his address, Lt-Gen Tin Aye said the government is building a peaceful, modern developed nation in accord with the four political, four economic and four social objectives. Only when there is economic progress, will there be political and social developments and will the defence power be high.

After the introduction of market-oriented economic system in Myanmar, private banks were allowed to open in accord with directives, rules and regulations of Central Bank of Myanmar. With the increase of deposits at the bank, loans are disbursed to entrepreneurs, he said.

Banking services contribute much towards the development of agriculture, industries, trade and other services. With the economic development, there will be job opportunities for the people, he added. Myanmar is cooperating with regional countries and participating in the tasks of ASEAN Financial cooperation. Myawady Bank Ltd is making efforts for progress of banking services in Myanmar, he said.

Next, Minister Maj-Gen Hla Tun spoke on the occasion. Deputy Managing Director U Tun Kyi reported on the new building. In commemoration of the opening of the new building , alms were offered to ten members of the Sangha led by Bhaddanta Indobhasa of Kyaku Pariyatti Sarthintaik in Dagon Township.

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

Foreign Minister arrives back

YANGON, 1 May— Myanmar delegation led by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win arrived back here this afternoon after paying a goodwill visit to the People’s Republic of China from 27 April to 1 May at the invitation of Mr Li Zhaoxing, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China.

The delegation was welcomed back at Yangon International Airport by Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, officials from MOFA and Ambassador of the PRC to Myanmar Mr Li Jinjun.

During the goodwill visit, the Foreign Minister met with Member of the State Council of PRC Mr Tang Zhao Xuan, Foreign Minister Mr Li Zhaoxing, Governor of Yunnan Province Mr Xu Rongkai and discussed bilateral cooperation in a cordial manner.

Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Aung Tun and Deputy Minister for Electric Power U Myo Myint also arrived back here on the same flight.

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

------ End of Message ------