Present at the dinner were the USDA Coordinator, the secretary-general, members of the secretariat, members of the central executive committee of the USDA, the presiding chairmen of the mass rallies and members, representatives of social organizations, masters of ceremonies of the mass rallies, and outstanding youths of the new generation.

Yesterday morning at the Tharapa Hotel in the Bagan Archaeological Zone, Lt-Gen Soe Win gave a tea party to persons from respective associations and representatives who participated in the mass rallies to mark the successful conclusion of the mass rallies for the success of the seven-point future policy programme of the State, and spoke words of thanks.

Present at the tea party were the USDA Coordinator, the secretary-general, secretaries, members of the central executive committee of the USDA, the presiding chairmen of the mass rallies and members, representatives of social organizations, masters of ceremonies of the mass rallies, and outstanding youths of the new generation.

At the tea party, Lt-Gen Soe Win thanked those present for the successful conclusion of the mass rally for the success of the seven-point future policy programme of the State in the Bagan Archaeological Zone and called for their active participation with full Union Spirit in the realization of the seven-point roadmap of the State in accord with the Bagan Declaration. Lt-Gen Soe Win cordially met with them.

YANGON, 22 Oct - The representatives of the national races from all the states and divisions of the Union of Myanmar arrived at Bagan-NyaungU by car, by train and by air on 19 and 20 October to attend the Bagan mass rally to support the seven future policy programme of the State.

With a view to enhancing friendship and relations and flourishing Union Spirit between the representatives and local people, local authorities made arrangements to provide temporary accommodation to the guests at the homes of local residents.

Under the programme, a total of 100 representatives from Kachin State put up at Ward 4 and Thahtaykan Village in NyaungU Township. CEC Member of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Brig-Gen Thein Zaw visited the houses where the representatives were staying and presented gifts to the hosts. The Kachin guests visited cultural heritages and pagodas in Bagan region.

Similarly, altogether 106 representatives from Kayah State put up at Ward 3, and visited Bagan cultural museum and pagodas in Bagan.

Likewise, 51 representatives from Chin State put up at Ward 1 in the town. USDA CEC Member Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko presented gifts to the hosts.

A total of 204 representatives from Sagaing Division stayed at Thantsinkyai Village, Kondangyi Village-tract, NyaungU District. Member of the secretariat of the USDA (Central) Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan met representatives from Sagaing Division and local people from Thantsinkyai Village and viewed regional develop tasks being carried out by the representatives. He provided cash assistance for development of the villages, publications to rural libraries and sports gear and exercise books to rural people.

The representatives presented gifts to the local residents. They whitewashed the Yayzu Pagoda in the village. In the afternoon of 20 October, football matches and traditional games and Karaoke competition were held for the villagers. Next, prizes were presented to the winners. In the evening, newsreels of documentary films and Myanmar films were shown to the villagers.

USDA CEC Member Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein visited the houses at which fifty representatives from Taninthayi Division were putting up. He presented gifts to the representatives and the hosts. Representatives fishery entrepreneurs from Taninthayi Division presented local products to the hosts.

USDA CEC Member Brig-Gen Kyaw Win visited the representatives from Bago Division (West) who were putting up at Eastern and Western Phwasaw Villages. He presented gifts to the hosts. The representatives visited the pagodas in Bagan region.

Putting up at Thiripissaya Ward in NyaungU Township, altogether 112 representatives from Magway Division paid a visit to the pagodas in the region and contributed voluntary services and made cash donations.

USDA CEC Member U Soe Tha also visited the representatives from Magway Division at Thiripissaya Ward and cordially greeted the hosts and presented gifts to them.

The representatives from Mandalay Division lodged at Ward 5 in NyaungU. USDA Secretariat member U Aung Thaung cordially met the hosts at Ward 5 and presented gifts to them. The representatives carried out sanitation work at the Shwezigon Pagoda in the town and made cash donations.

A total of 100 representatives from Mon State put up at Ward 6 and visited the pagodas in Bagan and donated cash to them.

Altogether 101 representatives from Rakhine State put up at Kyansittha Ward and visited the pagodas and cultural heritage. USDA CEC Member Brig-Gen Khin Maung visited the house where the representative were put up and presented gifts to the hosts.

Temporarily staying at Wetkyi-inn and Taungphi villages in NyaungU Township, 254 representatives from Yangon Division carried out community health care and social services for the people. They donated over 800 copies of different kinds of publication to the libraries of the villages.

Altogether 100 representatives from Shan State (South), 109 from Shan State (North) and 54 from Shan State (East) lodged at Anawrahta and Kyansittha wards in the town.

They also took part in the community health and social welfare services in cooperation with the local populace. In the evening, they visited the pagodas and made cash donations there. A total of 105 representatives from Ayeyawady Division lodged at Myinkapa Village in NyaungU Township and performed health care services for the children, social and educational services in the village. They presented souvenirs to the hosts.

Myawady TV Broadcasting Unit entertained the representatives with Shumawa Anyeint, the Myanma Motion Picture Enterprise of the Ministry of Information with the films titled "Kaung-kin-htet-ka-pan-ta-pwint" and "Pan-ta-pwint-phan-sin-chin" and documentry on 18 October evening, "Achit-ko-mway-phwar-chin" and "Chit-chin-ei-acha-me-hnike" and documentry on 19 October and "Hna-lon-hla-lu-maik" and "Tha-mee-maik" and documentry on 20 October.

The Myanma Radio and Television and the MRTV-3 under the Ministry of Information held interview programmes with the representatives and local residents.

YANGON, 22 Oct - The Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise under the Ministry of Energy held its third four-monthly work coordination meeting for the 2003-2004 fiscal year at the meeting hall of the ministry on Pyay Road yesterday morning.

Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi spoke on the occasion.

Next, the minister heard progress reports on exploitation of crude oil and natural gas and gave instructions. Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Than Htay, Director-General of the Energy Planning Department U Soe Myint, Managing Director of the MOGE U San Lwin and officials also gave additional reports.

After hearing the reports, the minister gave instructions on more production of crude oil and natural gas for local sufficiency, fire prevention measures, and the minimizing of loss and wastage. He also laid down future plans.

Mid-year Gems Emporium fetches over 15.2m euro

YANGON, 22 Oct - The Mid-year Gems Emporium 2003, which started from 17 October, was successfully concluded at 12.15 pm today. gems, jades and pearl lots were sold at the emporium through tender and competitive bidding systems.

A total of 348 jade lots worth 6,827,110 Euro were sold from 17 to 19 October, 44 gem lots worth 8,218,435 Euro from 20 to 21 and 44 pearl lots worth 145,349 Eruo today totalling 436 jade, gem and pearl lots worth 15,190,894 euro were sold.

The emporium fetched 15,221,255 Eruo from the sale of jewellery, jades and gems including jade sculptures worth 30,361 Euro which were sold at fixed price.

A total of 838 gem merchants- 457 from 176 companies of nine countries and 381 national gem merchants from 146 companies at home- attended the emporium and bought the gems, jades and jewellery.

Gems trading to be extended

YANGON, 22 Oct - With the aim of raising national income by boosting gems trade, the Myanma Gems Enterprise of the Ministry of Mines holds gems emporiums in March and October yearly by coordinating with local gems merchants.

Moreover, during the period when no gems emporium is held, MGE makes arrangements to sell and export uncut gems and jade of local gems merchants at Gems Trading Centre opened at the MGE (Head Office) in coordination with the Myanma Foreign Trade Bank, the Customs Department and other respective departments.

At present, measures are being taken by MGE to hold more gems emporiums and extend gems trading in Myanmar. The local merchants who takes interest in gems trade may contact the MGE (Head Office).

Tong Tah Trade Fair to be held

YANGON, 22 Oct - With the permission of the Ministry of Commerce, Myanmar Tong Tah Trade Fair 2003 will be held grandly at the Yangon Trade Centre on Pazundaung Street here from 26 to 30 November.

On sale at the trade fair will be various kinds of textile, cosmetics, plastic ware, foodstuff, electric and electronic appliances, household utensils, stationery, machines, sport gear and other materials.

YANGON, 22 Oct - Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyai Sone received Mr Jimmy Teo of JBs Resources Pte Ltd, Singapore, and party this afternoon.

Also present at the call were Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Aung Tun, directors-general and managing directors of the ministry.

Myanmar delegation leaves for India

YANGON, 22 Oct - Myanmar delegation led by U Khin Maung Win, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs left here this morning for New Delhi to attend the Foreign Office Consultation to be held at the Ministry of External Affairs of India.

The delegation was seen off at the Yangon International Airport by Directors-General from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Mr Rajiv Kumar Bhatia, Ambassador of the Embassy of India.

Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win was accompanied by Deputy Director-General U Nyan Lynn and Director U Ye Myint of the Political Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Second ASEAN+ China and Japan Senior Transport Officials Meeting held

YANGON, 22 Oct - The second ASEAN and China Senior Transport Officials Meeting was held at Sedona Hotel this morning.

Present were senior officials of member of ASEAN nations Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam and delegates, officials of ASEAN Secretariat and delegates of senior transport officials of the People's Republic of China and delegates.

Leader of Myanmar delegation Deputy Minister for Transport Col Nyan Tun Aung presided over the meeting and leader of delegation from the PRC Ms Guo-Mei Tang acted as joint chairman.

Deputy Minister for Transport Col Nyan Tun Aung spoke on the occasion. He said he would like to report on some salient points regarding the initial part of ASEAN-China cooperation. In the 5th ASEAN+China summit on 16th November 2001, Brunei Darussalam, the leaders identified agriculture, information technology, human resources development, investment and Mekong River Basin Development as five priority areas for cooperation between ASEAN and China. Moreover, the ASEAN and Chinese leaders decided to convene a meeting of ASEAN and Chinese Transport Ministers.

The main objective is to enhance the transportation infrastructure linkages and services between the ASEAN member countries and the People's Republic of China by embarking on mutually beneficial cooperation programme. The guiding principles are (1) To mutually exchange information and best practices in the transport sector; (2) To strengthen policy dialogue and promote project cooperation in the transport sector, and (3) To encourage private sector participation and public-private sector collaboration in the development and implementation of joint ASEAN - China transport cooperation programs and activities.

First ASEAN and China Transport Ministers Meeting decided to build and integrate transport network for smooth and speedy movement of goods and peoples as a supporting infrastructure to a free trade area between ASEAN and China, he said.

He said the ministers agreed to pursue collaborative activities in land transport infrastructure, facilitation of maritime and river transport, and the expansion of air transport services. Senior officials are to implement mutually beneficial programmes of ASEAN+ China Transport cooperation for assessment in the coming ATM. He said he hoped that matters relating to transport projects, ASEAN+China Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Transport cooperation and potential opportunities for joint co-operation would be focused.

Participants discussed statements, resolutions of the 9th ASEAN Summit held in October 2003, 8th ASEAN Summit held in November 2002 and the 1st ASEAN+China Senior Transport Officials Meeting held in September 2002, reports of ASEAN Secretariat, draft of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Transport cooperation between China and ASEAN, exchange of views on future tasks, three projects to be implemented under the ASEAN+China transport cooperation programme and agenda for the second ASEAN+China Transport Ministers Meeting.

Next, 2nd ASEAN and Japan Senior Transport Officials Meeting was held at the same venue in the afternoon today.

Present were senior transport officials of 10 ASEAN nations and delegates, officials of ASEAN Secretariat and transport officials of Japan and delegates.

Leader of Myanmar delegation Deputy Minister for Transport Col Nyan Tun Aung presided over the meeting with leader of delegation from Japan Mr Mitsuo Nakamoto as joint chairman.

The deputy minister delivered a speech. He said the 1st STOM+Japan Meeting was held on 7-8 May in Tokyo Japan. From that meeting 22 projects have emerged in transport sector for further cooperation between ASEAN and Japan.

He said these projects are tasked to various ASEAN Working Groups to further discuss in detail for prioritization and implementation. Now these projects are grouped by various specialists and 16 projects were laid down.

He said he was convinced that further strengthening and cooperation between ASEAN and Japan would be established in order to achieve, safe, secure and quality transport linkages.

Next, those present worked out agreements for implementation of 16 projects on land, water and air and other cooperation. Agenda for the first ASEAN+Japan Transport Ministers Meeting were also discussed. The meeting came to a close in the evening.

YANGON, 22 Oct - Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) yesterday contributed 1,000 blood bags worth K 3 million to Yangon General Hospital. Medical Superintendent of the hospital Dr Teik Wan accepted the bags and presented certificates of honour to Ms Sook Hee Baek of KOICA.

Sports Minister arrives back

YANGON, 22 Oct - The Myanmar delegation led by Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, after attending the fifth civil sports festival of the People's Republic of China held at Chansa, Hunan Province, the PRC, from 18 to 22 October, arrived back here by air this afternoon.

The delegation was welcomed back at Yangon International Airport by Minister at the Prime Minister's Office U Ko Lay, Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board Dr Than Nyunt, officials of the Ministry of Sports, members of panel of leading patrons of Myanmar Women's Sports Federation, Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Li Jinjun and embassy staff and families.

Members of the delegation Joint-Secretary of MOC Director of Sports and Physical Education Department U Than Zaw and member of MOC President of Myanmar Wushu Federation U Khin Maung Lay also arrived back on the same flight.

ASEAN Transport Ministers arrive

YANGON, 22 Oct - The ministers and the deputy ministers of Malaysia, Laos, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Brunei and Vietnam and ASEAN Secretary-General arrived here to attend the 9th ASEAN Transport Ministers Meeting hosted by Myanmar from 23 to 25 October.

They were welcomed at Yangon International Airport by ambassadors, military attaches and staff of the respective embassies, Chairman of reception and accommodation sub-committee Director-General of Road Transport Administration Department U Hla Thaung Myint and members.

YANGON, 22 Oct - Ministry of Education on 20 October held Kathina robes offering ceremony at Sabbinyu Monastery and conserated the pagoda No 3129 at Bagan in NyaungU Township.

The ministry also held the consecration ceremony of the Pagoda No 3129. At the robe offering ceremony, Minister for Education U Than Aung and officials offered robes to the monks. The minister and officials presented K 2.2 million donated by the ministry to the monks. At 11 am, the monks consecrated the pagoda. Next, the minister and officials offered robes and presented K 2.6 million to the monks and K 1 million to the trust funds of the pagoda through an official.

YANGON, 22 Oct - The marionette contest on Maha Janaka drama of the 11th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions continued at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street in Dagon Township this evening.

The Maha Janaka Drama troupe of Sagaing Division took part in the contest with the accompaniment of U Sein Hla Myaing Saing troupe today.

It was attended by members of panel of patrons of the competitions Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung and Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Linn and wife, Vice-Chairman of the leading committee for holding the competitions Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Chairman of the work committee Commander of No 3 Military Region Col Tint Hsan, Commander of No 4 Military Region Col Yan Naing Oo, officials of the work committee and subcommittees, artistes and fans.

Tawwin marionette troupe of Yangon Division will participate in the contest which will continue at the same venue tomorrow.

YANGON, 22 Oct - The 11th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions continued at respective venues for the 9th day today.

The competitions were attended by members of Panels of Patrons and Chairman of the leading committee for holding the competitions Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Minister for Cooperatives Maj-Gen Htay Oo and Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, Vice-Chairman of the leading committee Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Chairman of the Work Committee for holding the competitions Commander of No-3 Military Region Col Tint Hsan, Director-General of the State Peace and Development Council office Lt-Col Pe Nyein, departmental heads, officials of work committees and sub-committees, enthusiasts and tourists.

The song contest was held at the National Museum on Pyay road. Chairman of Panel of Judges Assistant Director Daw Tin Tin Mya of MRTV, Secretary Assistant Engineer Daw May Pyone Khine and work committee members made judgements on the performance of the contestants at the song contest.

At the professional level classic/modern song contest (women), a total of fourteen contestants competed with "shweledaing" song composed by Shwe Pyi Aye. At the basic education level religious song contest (aged 10-15, boys), a total of 17 contestants competed with Arsriya Saya song composed by vocalist Thein Han Lay.

The higher education level religious song contest (boys) and basic education level classic/modern song contest (aged 15-20, girls) will be held at the National Museum tomorrow.

The competition of songs composed by the basic education level (aged 5-10) contestants were held at the Kambawza Theatre of the Fine Arts Department on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road this morning. Songs entitled "Miba Saya Yothaybar" composed by the nine contestants were competed with the accompaniment of artistes. Songs entitled "Pyinnya Yeyint Pweletint" composed by the ten contestants of higher education level song-composing contest were competed with the accompaniment of artistes. Chairman of the Panel of Judges Bogalay U Tint Aung and members made judgements on the competitions.

A total of 11 contestants participated in the amateur level piano contest (male) with Nyidaw Minnan song.

A total of two contestants participated in the amateur level piano contest (female) with Nyidaw Minnan song. A total of 8 contestants participated in the basic education level piano contest (aged 15-20, boys) with Taw Hnint Taungswe (Yodaya) song.

A total of four contestants participated in the basic education level piano contest (aged 15-20, girls) with "Moe" song.

Chairman of Panel of Judges for piano contest Sandaya Chit Swe and members made judgements on the contests.

A total of 9 troupes from states and divisions participated in the professional level Saing contest (men).

A total of six contestants participated in the basic education level Saing contest (aged 15-20, boys). Member of Panel of Judges U Sein Stin and members made judgements on the performance.

YANGON, 22 Oct - Under the joint cooperation of the Myanmar Computer Federation and the CICC of Japan, the Myanmar Computer Enthusiasts' Association launched a mobile programme for educational talks on IT at eight places in six townships of Ayeyawady Division on 21 October, and the programme will go on until 27 October.

Officials from computer associations led by Chairman of MCF U Thein Oo will give talks at six high schools and two education colleges in Danubyu, Hinthada, Yekyi, Myaungmya, Pathein and Chaungtha townships in Ayeyawady Division.

Practical demonstration will be given on the application of computer networking systems in education, health, social and economic fields.

Arrangements have been made for students, teachers and computer enthusiasts to explore the Internet. Small computer dictionaries will be presented to every student as well as teacher who attends the talk shows. And wellwishers - Myanmar Computer Co (MCC), Knowledge Management & Dedication C (KMD), Computer Technical Team (CTT), Geocomp Myanmar Co, Myanmar Compu Mart Co, Queen Star Co, Lucky Bird Co, and Myanmar Millennium Group (MMG) - will provide necessary equipment for installation of the Network to the six high schools and the two education colleges. Moreover, Soft Guide Co Ltd will also donate CDs on nine-grader biology and chemistry.

YANGON, 22 Oct - Under the aegis of the Maternal and Child Welfare Association of Yangon Command, the Tatmadawmen's children aged from nine months to five years were vaccinated against measle at the command this afternoon.

Present on the occasion were Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, senior military officers, President of the association Daw Swe Swe Oo and members, MCWA members, and Head of Dagon Township Health Department Dr Ohnmar Thwin and members.

Dr Ohnmar Thwin reported on arrangements for giving the vaccine to 147 children. The commander viewed the children vaccinated against measles.

Blood Donors Day to be observed

YANGON, 22 Oct - The ceremony to observe the 27th Blood Donors Day will be held here in December.

The blood donors (50 times and above) and the blood donors who won medals for outstanding performance in social fields class I, II or III on 4 January 2003, may enlist together with blood donation certificates and national registration cards at the Central National Blood Bank of Yangon General Hospital from 9 am to 3.30 pm from 21 October to 21 November

YANGON, 22 Oct - A combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and Myanmar Police Force on 20 September seized 0.215 kilo of heroin packed in 17 soap cans from a house of Daw Ma Aye, Ward-10, Takwin Village, in Hopang, Mohnyin Township and arrested her. In connection with the case, the authorities also held Ma Shan Pu (a) Ma Aye Hwan, owner of the drug. Similarly, the local authorities on 28 September searched the house of U Makhaw Gan in Thayagon Village, Seikmu Village-tract, Phakant Township and arrested the house owner and his wife Daw Lu Ywe together with 0.411 kilo of heroin packed in 31 soap boxes and 5.715 kilos of morphine.