Pleasant and Prosperous Myanmar

- Manju Ratna Sakya
President
Nepal Journalists Association

It is a great honour to all of us to visit the Great country Union of Myanmar again on 12th January 2007. This is my seventh official visit to this lovely country. At the kind invitation of Govt. of the Union of Myanmar, the six members high level Nepalese journalists delegation led by me had visited Yangon, Bagan and other different places of Myanmar from 12th to 19th January 2007. In this delegation Mrs. Subha Laxmi Sakya, Mr. Mohan Bir Thapa, Mr. Prakash Maskey, Mr. Chiran Ratna Sakya and Mrs. Sumitra Maskey were included.

During our stay in Yangon, we got the opportunity to meet His Excellency U Soe Win, Managing Director of News & Periodicals Enterprise (NPE) of the Ministry of Information at the Hall of the New Light of Myanmar Daily on Strand Road on 13th Jan. 2007. At that time Director (News) U Win Tin, Chief Editors, high level govt. officials and senior journalists were present. His Excellency U Soe Win presented documentaries on the National Convention and development of Myanmar, books on press conferences and collective articles to me on that occasion. His Excellency U Soe Win briefed us about the development and progress made by the Government of Union of Myanmar in each and every sectors.

In the evening in honour of the Nepalese journalists delegation, H.E. U Soe Win, Managing Director of NPE hosted a grand cocktail dinner at Queen Park Hotel at the corner of Anawrahta and Bo Myat Tun Street. In the dinner U Hla Myaing, Chairman of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association (MWJA), Vice Chairmen of MWJA U Tin Kha, U Than Maung, U Myint Thein, Chief Editor of Myanma Alin Daily U Ye Myint Pe, senior journalists and high level government officials were present.

Visit to Shwedagon Pagoda

We visited Shwedagon Pagoda which is a symbol of Strength and Serenity. The Shwedagon Pagoda is more than just a pagoda. It is a series of structures, each with its own significance. The main Pagoda stands on a 21 ft (6.4m) high plinth which is surrounded by a line of 64 small pagodas with a larger pagoda at each of the four cardinal points. This upper terrace is a series of umbrellas, symbolising royalty and at each of the four corners, a manuthiha (sphinx) surrounded by chinthes (lions) who guard the Pagoda. Directly in front is a ring of plinth shrines interspersed with four devotional halls, making the cardinal points and eight planetary posts. A small offering wall decorated with scenes from the ten prominent lives of the Gautama Buddha encircles the Pagoda. The main walkway is surrounded by numerous pagodas, shrines and 72 tazaungs (pavilions) which mainly date from the late 19th century. Around the outskirts of the 5.6 hectare (4 acre) platform is another walkway which has excellent view of Yangon.

The Shwedagon Pagoda has a distinct aura of peace despite its turbulent history. It remains a symbol to the Myanmar people and is the essence of Myanmar, indestructible, indisputable and unforgettable.

We also visited National Musuem which is located at Pyay Road. The National Museum was first established in 1952. After shifting two places, occupying a land area of 3.804 acres the National Museum was opened on 18th September 1996. It is an imposing 5 storied building with the total dimension of 380 ft. by 200 ft. The height of the building is 80 ft. The floor area of exhibits are 194800 sq.ft.

The main exhibit hall is the Lion Throne which is about 150 years old and made of Yamanay wood and gilded all over. There are 8 different kinds of thrones but in numbers there are 9 thrones became two of them are similar. The Lion Throne was used by the King to adjudicate on law cases. Taken to Kolkata for display at the museum there it was returned to Myanmar after independence in 1948. This is the only throne left intact as the other 8 were destroyed during World War II.

During our stay in Yangon we also visited Narcotic Drug Musuem. The Narcotic Drug Precursor Chemicals were destroyed time to time in Yangon and in the Border Areas too. There is also high level Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control. In this committee, Minister for Home Affairs is the Chairman whereas Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Minister for Foreign Affairs are the Vice Chairmen.

Later we visited Kan Taw Gyi National Garden, Lawkachantha Abaya Labamune Stupa and Myanma Gems & Jade Musuem.
In our life time, we have never seen the white elephant. But this time, we got the opportunity to see and touch the white elephants in Yangon. According to the learned persons of the past successive eras, the characteristics of a white elephant are the pearl eyes, the white hoofs, the back which hangs down like the bough of a banana tree, the white hairs on the body and tail, and the tah gah paik (closed door) shapped tail. Its ears are larger than those of ordinary elephants. Throughout history, white elephants emerged during the time of Myanmar Kings and governments who ruled the nation discharging the ten kingly duties.

According to the records compiled by the learned persons, it is said that the white elephant brings peace, stability and prosperity to the nation that it prevents all hazards and dangers and that the nation enjoys annual bumper food harvests and is rich when the white elephant emerges. Emergence of the white elephants are a good omen for the nation at a time when the state is endeavouring to build a peaceful, modern and developed nation. It is assumed that the nation will be peaceful, prosperous and totally free from all the dangers because of the white elephants.

Likewise, we had a sight seeing in Botathung Strand. We also visited World Peace Pagoda (Gabaraye Pagoda) at Mayangone Township. There is Mahapasana Cave (The Great Sima) and we have visited the Examination Hall of monks where we have seen the highest level examination of 96 monks.

The Govt. and the people have made the progress for the development of education sector. The vision of Myanmar education, which is "To create Education System that will generate a Learning Society capable of facing the challenges of Knowledge Age". Their motto is "Building a modern and developed nation through education". In this sector the guidance made by the H.E. Head of State Senior General Than Shwe are (1) to ensure teacher quality, (2) to upgrade syllabuses and curricula to international level, (3) to use modern teaching aids effectively, (4) to respect and abide by rules, regulations, disciplines, laws and (5) to nurture and strengthen patriotism and Union Spirit.

To give easy access of basic education to every school-age children, irrespective of where they live, many new basic education schools are opened in all over Myanmar.

About Myanma Alin Daily and Newspaper Production

The Nepalese journalists delegation visited the office of the state owned Myanma Alin Daily Newspaper which is located at No. (53), Natmauk Lane (1), Bahan Township in Yangon. The Chief Editor U Ye Myint Pe and officials welcomed us & gave a brief details of the Newspaper & Press. The Myanma Alin Newspaper is one of the three papers published from News & Periodicals Enterprise, Ministry of Information.

Formerly, the Myanma Alin newspaper was published with the name of "Loktha Pyinthu Nezin (Working People Daily)" beginning 1st October 1963. On 17th April 1993, the newspaper's name was changed to "Myanma Alin (Light of Myanmar)". The circulation of Myanma Alin newspaper is over 78 thousand copies. They have sub-printing houses in other towns and cities such as Mandalay, Taunggyi, Magway, Kyingtong, Kalay, Myitkyina, Sittway, Lasho and Nay Pyi Taw. There are 36 editorial staffs at the Myanma Alin Daily. The total employees of the Daily is 219.

Process of Newspaper Production : Local news are mostly obtained from Myanmar News Agency (Internal). They also have their reporters and correspondents in Yangon as well as in other towns and cities. There are 267 correspondents in various States and Divisions of the country. International news are gathered from Myanmar News Agency (External).

The Myanma Alin Daily Newspaper is effectively taking parts in the development of Public Relation Media, an important role of the State, with the best efforts of it's staff.

Cocktail Dinner by Myanma Writers and Journalists Association

The 84 years old U Hlya Myint, Chairman of Myanma Writers and Journalists Association (MWJA) hosted a grand Reception with Cocktail Dinner in honour of the Nepalese journalists delegation at Royal Garden Restaurant in Yangon.

In that program, Vice Chairman U Tin Kha, U Than Maung, U Myint Thein, General Secretary Dr. Tin Yun Uo and all the executive members of MWJA were present.

MWJA have altogether 7,000 members and its Objectives are a) to work for the development of the art of both fictional and informative writings benefiting the country, b) to continue working for the solidarity of the literary world, c) to assist the writers and journalists in the event of their joyful or sorrowful occasions, d) to work for the development of books and periodical publication works, e) to help make the reading public accessible to classical and contemporary literature, f) to extend help to cartoonist, comic writers who are making contributions to magazines and journals & publishers.

Likewise, MWJA have the work programs, which are : a) to make literary contributions for broadening the knowledge, concept and idea of the people, b) to work for the development of respective generes of fictional and informative literature, c) to take part in the activities for preserving national culture, d) to contribute for maintenance of national unity through media means, e) to compile books for children and youth so that their knowledge might be enhanced f) to organize paper reading sessions on literature, literary talks, courses on literature from time to time and carry out literary works which are conducive to literary development, g) to compile books for the people bridging Myanmar and international literature, h) to safeguard the lawful rights of the members of the literary world in accord with existing law, i) to carry out printing, selling and publication business for the successful achievement of the objectives and work programs of the Association.

MWJA Fourth Conference : The first-day session of the Fourth conference of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association was held at Pyidaungsu Hall of Kyaikkasan Ground in Yangon with an address by Patron of Central Committee for Organizing the Conference Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan. It was attended by the Chairman of MWJA and CEC members, literati, guests and delegates of States and Divisions and observers.

Vice-Chairman of MWJA U Tin Kha presided over the conference together with members of the panel of Chairman U Nyunt Aung, U Tin Tun, U Ba Htein, U Tin Myint, U Hla Maung Latt and U Maung Kyaw Oo, Joint-Secretary Dr Tin Tun OO acted as MC.

The MC read out messages of Myanmar Women's Affairs Federation, Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Myanmar Motion Picture Asiayon, Myanmar Thabin Asiayon, Myanmar Traditional Artists and Artisans Asiayon, Myanmar Sports Writers Federation and Myanmar Women Entrepreneurs Association.

The Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association launched its fourth conference at Kyaikkasan Ground on the 1st of July, with an opening address by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt.Gen. Thein Sein.

The government annually presents manuscript and 14 national literary awards to literati. Moreover lifelong literary achievement awards are presented to veteran and well-experienced literati. With the advancing mass media, workshops and seminars are held occasionally in the country in cooperation with UN agencies for development of literature and knowledge about intellectual property rights. Preparations are under way for exercising modern intellectual property laws regarding the development of art in the respective fields.

Visit to MRTV

We visited Myanmar Radio & Television (MRTV) at Pyay Road in Yangon. While welcoming the Nepalese journalists delegation, the Director General of MRTV U Khin Maung Htay gave us the details of progress made by MRTV. Later, entertainment was made by Myanmar Traditional Orchestra performing classical songs at TV station.

Radio Broadcasting : It started in early 1936. On 15th February 1946, it emerged as the Burma Broadcasting Service (Bama Athan). It was changed into Voice of Myanmar (Myanma Athan) on 28th November 1958. With its expansion of work, it was reorganized as the Information and Broadcasting Department on 15th March 1972. It was reestablished as Myanma Television and Radio Department on 24th January 1991. Stepping into field of commercials the name was also changed into Myanma Radio and Television on 2nd December 1997. The whole country can access SW transmission but MW is accessible only in Yangon and neighbouring areas.

Education lessons for University of Distance Education is broadcasting for 2 hours daily after National races programmes. National races programmes are broadcast in eight distinctive dialects, Kachin, Kayah, Poe Kayin, Skaw Kayin, Chin, Mon, Rakhine and Shan.

Television was introduced on 1st November 1980. Since 1st December 1988 both Radio and TV have been carrying commercials. Transmission via Satellite system has been started on 30th May 1990 and now it is using ThaiCom 3 Satellite. To get more TV-coverage especially for remote areas, 203 relay stations were installed up to now. Among those, 22 are high power (1KW and above) and the rest are low power (under 1KW). The coverage of Myanma Television is 85.19 percent Township-wise. Of 324 township in Myanmar, 276 township can receive Myanma TV transmission.

Prevalence of law and order, community peace and tranquility, economic development of the State and the people and human resource development are essential for emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation. At a time when all-out efforts are being made for national development, there can be seen some elements disturbing and harming national interests. To expose the acts of these destructive elements, counter-measures are being taken through media. In serving the State's interest through mass media, Myanma Radio and Television is trying its best in broadcasting programmes aimed at providing information, education, entertainment and special programmes.

In doing so, Radio Myanmar has enhanced its progrmmes and the programmes aired on short waves and medium wave frequencies are also channelled through FM frequency. Yangonites are able to view the programmes broadcast by Myanma Television through the transmitter. And through satellite, 197 TV retransmission stations broadcast TV programmes for people from states and divisions. These programmes cover over 89 percent of the nation's population.

Excellent Media Coverage : To raise the education standard of the entire people and for all the national people to be bright and intelligent and to posses the right concepts are the main factors which play an important role in striving to raise the living standard of the entire people and ensure national development. The information sector is serving as a bridge between the State and the people, between the State and the international community and among people. The information sector is enhanced with the aim of enabling the people to know news and information such as development undertakings carried out across the Union by the State.

Myanmar's news and information sector is developing in parallel with rapid development of information and communication technology. One can read newspapers as well as access to the Internet to know the daily developments of the State. Clear voice and pictures can be received in the northern most part of the country such as Nanyun and Dawpghonyan and southern part as Hainggyi Island and Coco Island.

To disseminate knowledge to rural people and to enhance the media coverage, Information and Public Relations Department offices have been opened throughout the country and the number has reached up to 375. Myanmar people are now able to view televisions programmes, and have access to libraries, wall magazines, self-reliant libraries and mobile libraries through these offices.

Development of Mass Media : In the age of rapid information technology, mass media reach and influence almost all fields. Taking full advantage of the advanced information technology, some big countries are trying to influence upon political, economic and social affairs of other countries. During the time, the government of Union of Myanmar is carrying out the nation-building tasks and disseminating news and information to the people at home and to those around the world. Being the major component in the mass media, the information and public relations task plays an important role in sending the authentic news to the people.

In an effort to disseminate knowledge to the people in urban and rural regions, Information and Public Relations Department - IPRD is providing information to all over the country. Self-reliant libraries have been set up in 48,667 villages, out of over 60,000 villages in Myanmar. Arrangements are being made to establish libraries in the rest of villages.

About Botataung Pagoda

In Yangon, we visited the Botataung Pagoda which is located in Seikkan Township. The Chairman and members of the Trustees of the Buddha's First Sacred Hair Relic Pagoda welcomed us & gave the details of the Pagoda.

King Okkalapa placed the hair relics on the very site the present Botataung Pagoda was built and allowed the people to pay homage for six months. As a token of gratitude, King Okkalapa gave one hair relic each to the two brothers. The elder brother Tapussa enshrined the hair relic and built a pagoda over the very site where the eight strands of hair relics were kept for six months. The rest of the hair relics were taken to the Theinkothara Hill and enshrined. Over it the famous Shwedagon Pagoda was built.

For the second time another strand of Buddha's hair relic was enshrined in the Botataung Pagoda by Thirimartawka Theiktha King of Thaton.

The third strand of Buddha's hair relic and two body relics were also enshrined in the Botataung Pagoda by King Sihadipa of Syriam.

Altogether three strands of Buddha's holy hair relics and two body relics were enshrined within this Botataung Pagoda at three different times by these different Myanmar Kings.

At the same place we visited the (Nan Oo) Royal Palace Bronze Image, which was returned to Myanmar from Britain. This Royal Palace Bronze was on foreign soil for 66 years. Finally this Bronze image arrived back to Myanmar soil on 17th June 1951. After it was taken to the Botataung Pagoda where the Buddha's First Sacred Hair Relic was enshrined.

Visit to Bagan

During our visit to Bagan, we stayed at Thante Hotel (Nyaung Oo). Bagan is a mirror which reflects the glory and greatness of Myanmar society. Bagan was founded by King Thamudarit in the first century A.D. So Bagan is about 2000 year old. King Anawrahta (A.D. 1044-77) one of the benevolent Kings of Bagan firmly laid the foundation of national solidarity during his reign. He also introduced and promoted the true faith of Theravada Buddhism which contributed of the secular and spiritual benefits of the people of Myanmar. Within the area of 42 square kilometers at Bagan, the Kings and the people had built several zedis, stupas and other religions monuments of worship and devotion. As Myanmar's ancestral heritage, they still stand proudly at Bagan. Art and architecture, sculpture, painting, plaster moulding etc. which were created with artistic skill, goodwill, generosity, piety and perseverance of the Bagan people are witnessed till today.

We visited Shwezigon Pagoda, Ananda Pagoda, Thabyinnyu Pagoda and other Pagodas. We also visited Bagan Archaeological Museum. Afternoon we visited Lawkananda Tooth Relic Pagoda to view of the sunset over Ayeyawady river.

During our stay in Bagan, we visited Lacquerware Museum which was established in 1972. The museum and processing of lacquerware has been systematically displayed for the benefit of both domestic and foreign visitors. It was shown ancient lacquerware from 12th to early 20th century which are etching design, gilded lacquerware design, embossing with glass mosaic lacquerware design and plain design.

In the same place there is also the Lacquerware Training School which was established in 1924. The school was elevated to Myanma Lacquerware Institute in 1995. The institute was upgraded to Lacquerware Technology College in December 2003. It is only one Lacquerware Technology College in the whole southeast Asia. There are Training, Research & Production and Administration departments under the Lacquerware Technology College.

The objectives of the College are : (a) to preserve Myanmar lacquerware technology, (b) to introduce invent and disseminate new methods without endangering the traditional lacquerware technology, (c) to continuously produce lacquerware technicians, (d) to develop lacquerware technology through the school education and (e) for emergence of business minded scholars.

Visit to Hlinethaya Industrial Zone

We also visited the Hlinethaya Industrial Zone in Yangon. This City of Industry was established on 15 February 1995 with the objectives (a) to create job opportunities and increase income of the people in the region, (b) to further enhance the social and economic development of the region, (c) to accelerate the development of national economy, promoting local and foreign investment and technology through industrial sector. The factories are in operation - 477, non operation - 87, under construction - 51, not constructed yet - 107. The total employment in this zone is 37326 people and the investment is K-65614.821 million plus USD. 59.684 millions.

In this zone, we visited FAME Pharmaceuticals factory. U Tin Maung Aye, General Manager of the factory gave details of the industry. This factory has been established in 1999 with the aim to manufacture high quality pharmaceutical products locally and it was completed at the end of 2001.

The pilot scale production was started on 1st January 2002 by manufacturing herbal and natural products. Upto October 2005, the factory is producing 46 items of natural products which were registered and distributed in the local and overseas markets.

FAME factory is well organized by medical doctors, pharmacists, chemists, botanists, herbalists and engineers to fulfill the quality standard of the products. This factory have been built and managed according to GMP guideline laid down by WHO and certified by the Ministry of Health of the Union of Myanmar. This factory was also certified as ISO 9001 : 2000 quality management system by BVQI of UK on 10th October 2002.

In addition, the FAME Pharmaceuticals was international honoured for its quality management and products. The FAME Pharmaceuticals factory is situated in No. 20 at the corner of Mingyi Maha Min Gaung Road and Nawaday Street, Industrial Zone 3, Hlaing Tharyar City of Industry, Yangon. The factory is well organized by departments such as Planning, Administrative, Production, Quality Control, Research and Development, Sales, Marketing, Engineering and Quality Management.

In this zone, we also visited Teak Farm & United Wood Industry. This factory was established in 1998 and supply its products in the world. "The right product at the right price at the right time" is their motto.

This company has a MYANMAR workforce of 350 people & offering good wages with excellent working conditions. With over ten years experience manufacture & managing quality furniture they are the world market leaders is give to ensure that high standard are maintained to produce high quality product.

They have the commitment to quality starts with timber selection & careful drying process through to design & manufacture and finally to the market. All round qualities such as neatness in joints, material itself sanding qualities of the furniture are also high.

About National Convention Convening Commission

The State Law and Order Restoration Council issued the Order for the formation of the National Convention Convening Commission with eighteen members under the Chairmanship of Lt. Gen. Myo Nyunt and assigned duties to it on 2nd Oct. 1992. In order to carry out the assigned duties more effectively, the National Convention Convening Work Committed chaired by Chief Justice of the Union and the National Convention Convening Management Committee chaired by Brig. Gen. Tin Aye were formed and assigned respective duties.

The delegates of the National Convention were divided into eight groups. Political parties were free to elect delegates from their parties and delegates from the representatives elect to the National Convention. With regard to the delegates from the public sector, the designated delegates were proposed freely by the public in accordance with the criteria of each representative group and later these designated groups elected the final delegates by consensus among them to attend the National Convention.

The National Convention is being convened to lay down principles to serve as a basic in drafting an enduring Constitution for the Union of Myanmar with six objectives : (a) non-disintegration of the Union;
(b) non-disintegration of national solidarity; (c) consolidation and perpetuation of sovereignty; (d) flourishing of a genuine multi-party democracy system; (e) further flourishing of noblest and worthiest of worldly values, namely, justice, liberty and equality in the State; and (f) for the Tatmadaw to be able to participate in the national political leadership role of the future State.

7-Step Road Map

Even though the Government had faced such difficulties, it did not lose sight for the emergence of a democratic nation which is the desire of the entire people. Giving priority to the interests of the nation and the people, the State Peace and Development Council therefore outlined the Seven-Step Road Map for step by step and systematic transition towards democratization :

1st. Step - Reconvening of the National Convention that had been adjourned since 1996.

2nd. Step - After the successful holding of the National Convention, step by step implementation of the process necessary for the emergence of a genuine and disciplined democratic system.

3rd. Step - Drafting the Constitution in accordance with the basic principles and detailed basic principles laid down by the National convention.

4th. Step - Adoption of the Constitution through national referendum.

5th. Step - Holding of free and fair elections for Hluttaws (Legislative bodies) according to the new Constitution.

6th. Step - Convening of Hluttaws attended by Hluttaw members in accordance with the new Constitution.

7th. Step - Building a modern, developed and democratic nation by the State leaders elected by the Hluttaw; and the government and other central organs formed by the Hluttaw.

Development in Border Areas

In striving for narrowing the development gap among states and divisions of the Union, emphasis is being placed on socio-economic progress of people living in border areas. These endeavours are being made effectively in 22 border area development regions namely Kachin Special Region 1 and 2, Kokang, Wa, Shan, Kachin North East, Palaung, Kengtung East, Homein, Monghtaw Monghta, Mawhpa, Pa-O, Kayah, Rakhine, Chin, Sagaing (Naga), Kabaw Valley, Kayin, Taninthayi, Mon regions including Yangon and Magway Division.

In these regions, roads and bridges are being built. The hospitals, clinics and schools are established. Agricultural, forestry and water supply tasks carried out and such services as electricity, post office, telegram and telephone provided as well as TV retransmission stations are opened. As a result, national people living in these areas are enjoying fruits of development.

Border areas lagged behind in development in the past but now full peace and stability prevails in these areas and development infrastructures have been established well. This is due to dispelling the misconception and reconsolidation of national unity and cooperating with the State. As the national people have come to realize the genuine goodwill of the Tatmadaw government, they are now taking part in regional developments drives hand in hand with the government.

Boarder Areas witness Progress

The Tatmadaw Government is throwing all its energies into carrying out the tasks of Three Man National Causes namely: non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty. The "Three Main National Causes" is the correct work programme for national consolidation and perpetuation of the Union. In the past, national brethren living in border areas lagged behind in development due to evil legacy of colonialists, internal strife which was born together with independence and poor transport.

After assuming duties of the State, the Tatmadaw government first established peace in border areas. Boarder areas development projects have been implemented for socio-economic development of people living in hilly regions. As a result, narrow-minded racial views among national brethren have vanished. National race armed groups have returned to the legal fold and now they are taking part in regional development drives with might and main.

To accelerate the development undertakings in border areas, the Tatmadaw formed Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs in 1992. Moreover, the Central Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races and Work Committees were also formed to carry out development tasks effectively. Tens of billions of money have been spent on border areas development projects. As the saying goes, "actions speak louder than words" prevailing peace in border areas and its development are the tangible proof that the Tatmadaw has been energetically striving for border area development tasks. It has been paying serious attention to border area development projects which were unheard of in the past.

Agricultural Development in Myanmar

Being an agro-based nation, the Union of Myanmar is taking measures for development of agriculture as the base and all-round development of other sectors of the economy as well. The agriculture sector fulfils the food requirement of the citizens. It also contributes much towards their socio-economic development and rural development.

It is safe to say that only a country with strong economy will be able to ensure peace and stability. Only when there is peace and stability in the country will it be possible to carry out tasks for economic development, uplift of education standard and other development undertakings harmoniously. Therefore, emphasis is being placed on development of the agriculture sector which plays a fundamental role in national development. Three objectives, namely, paddy surplus, edible oil sufficiency and increased production of beans and pulses and industrial crops have been laid down and are being implemented for agricultural development.

Moreover, farmers are free to conduct agricultural business. They are encouraged to grow season crops and perennials on a commercial scale and participation of the private sector in distributing farm implements and other items.

With the five agricultural policies - reclamation of land, exploiting water resources for agricultural purposes, using mechanical power, promoting technology and developing quality strains - concerted efforts are being made for development of the agriculture sector of the State.

The agriculture sector plays a vital role in striving for national development based on own resources. In the past, the ratio of sown acreage to growing population remained disproportionate with no progress in cultivation capacity. But in the time of the Tatmadaw government, innovative measures are being taken not only for the existing population but for the posterity resulting in the growth of cultivation capacity.
The Government of the Union of Myanmar is dedicatedly committed to implement its twelve point political, eocnomic and social objectives. The twelve points objectives are as follows :

Political objectives :
• Stability of the State, community peace and tranquility, prevalence of law and order
• National reconsolidation
• Emergence of a new enduring State Constitution
• Building of a new modern developed nation in accord with the new State Constitution

Economic objectives :
• Development of agriculture as the base and all-round development of other sectors of the economy as well
• Proper evolution of the market-oriented economic system
• Development of the economy, inviting participation in terms of technical know-how and investments from sources inside the country and abroad
• The initiative to shape the national economy must be kept in the hands of the State and the national peoples

Social objectives :
• Uplift the morale and morality of the entire nation
• Uplift of national prestige and integrity and preservation and safeguarding of cultural heritage and national character
• Uplift of dynamism of patriotic spirit
• Uplift of health, fitness and education standards of the entire nation

We highly appreciate and sincerely support all these objectives. We have found that the entire people of the country are extending their full-fledged support to the measures adopted by the government.

Seeing is believing

Western nations and their medias are launching a propaganda campaign saying that Myanmar people and the nation are in a state of bankrupt. But the Myanmar's objective conditions show that the Myanmar's present conditions are ten times better than it was in 1988. When the Tatmadaw government took over the state duties, Myanmar's economy was in a state of decline. Developement infrastructures were deteriorating. At that time the government administrative machinery came to a halt with the breakdown of the transport sector.

Now a days, Myanmar affairs have drawn the attention of many countries and foreigners. Among them, many have expressed their happiness for the success achieved thanks to the efforts made in concert by the government, the people and the Tatmadaw in Myanmar that has prospects for development, while some cannot bear to hear or see her significant progress.

Nobody has the right to interfere in the internal part of any country. So the Eastern & Western medias should not exploit Myanmar's affairs through exaggerations. They shoud visit Myanmar first and express after that because seing is believing.

It can be witnessed that now Myanmar has enjoyed unprecedented development. the phase-by phase implementation of the State's seven-point Road Map is in progress for the transforming of the nation into a discipline-flourishing modern, developed and democratic one.

The stability and peace in the political arena, Myanmar is enjoying are unprecedented. Concerning national unity, many national race armed groups including 17 major ones have made peace with the government and dedicating themselves to the tasks hand in hand with the people for national and regional development in respective regions across the nation.

Only Myanmar people know the history of their country and they are the only ones who can feel and realize the good or bad consequences of the history of Myanmar. Moreover, only Myanmar people can shape their better future based on the true background history of the nation. After 1988, the entire national people based on Union Spirit and patriotism, have been shaping their future. Thus, at present, fruits of development in political, economic and social sectors can be witnessed vividly.

We experienced and witnessed in a very close quarter how the living standard of the Myanmar people had risen and improved. We noticed almost all people, to whatever vocation they belong to, very well dressed, quite happy and honestly dedicated to develop their country. Every where, both in the urban and rural regions, we found construction and development works going on in full swing. All through new hotels are under construction to promote tourism, which is also flourishing. The environment and atmosphere is everywhere neat and clean. So far as the matter of developments are concerned, the people are fully satisfied with development works. Development works are going on tremendously in all sectors. It was really a happy occasion to see Myanmar developing. So far as the issue of human rights are concerned we found the people enjoying full freedom of work, full freedom of expression and full freedom of press.

The Government of the Union of Myanmar has succeeded in maintaining and promoting political stability. We wish a good health, long life of His Excellency Senior General Than Shwe & prosperity of the Union of Myanmar.

We have found that the relations between the Govt. and the people is just like the relations between fish and water. We are highly satisfied and impressed from the developments & progress made by the Government under the dynamic and far sighted leadership of H.E. Senior General Than Shwe.

Wherever we visited, we have been accorded warm welcome and kind hospitality which we never forget. We feel assured that this successful visit of Nepalese journalists delegation to the Union of Myanmar will further bring closer the relations between the Governments, journalists and people of the two countries. We want to convey our thanks to U Aung Gyi, Commercial Manager of Yangon Airways, U Ko Ko Gyi, Manager of Air Mandalay and U Nyunt Wai, Chief Reporter of New Light of Myanmar. We once again express our sincere gratitude to the Government of the Union of Myanmar, H.E. U Soe Win, MD of NPE, U Hlya Myint, Chairman of MWJA, the journalists friends and the people as well as H.E. U Aung Khin Soe Ambassador and U Tun Ohn, Minister-Counsellor of the Embassy of the Union of Myanmar in Nepal for making this visit successful.