China
and Myanmar have set up fine tradition of Paukphaw relations for many years Myanmar
has been taking steps for economic development practising market-oriented economic system Prime
Minister General Soe Win receives foreign correspondents
YANGON, 22
Oct—Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Soe Win received
correspondents from Xinhua News Agency, CCTV-9, China Radio International,
Phoenix TV (Hong Kong), Guangxi TV and Guangxi Daily Newspaper on 20 October
morning at Li Yuan Resort in Nanning, the People’s Republic of China.
The Prime Minister
replied to the queries raised by the correspondents. In connection with
Sino-Myanmar relations, he said that China and Myanmar have set up a fine
tradition of Paukphaw relations between the two nations for many years. The two
nations have maintained good neighbourly relations in line with the five
principles of peaceful co-existence. The two sides have been cooperating based
on mutual interests for economic development. With regard to Myanmar’s economic
development, he said that China has enjoyed development through the open
economic system. Myanmar has been taking steps for economic development with
the practice of the market-oriented economic system.
Peace and stability
needs to prevail in the nation in order that tasks can be carried out for
national development. So, Myanmar is taking all possible measures for gaining
peace, tranquillity and national solidarity, while striving for her development.
Stability, peace and development of Myanmar will contribute towards stability
and peace of the region. Regarding the Nanning Expo, he said that the second
China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit was held in the Nanning Expo with
the aim of promoting cooperation between ASEAN countries and China. He said he
attended the expo in response to the invitation. He expressed his belief that
China and ASEAN countries will shape brighter future through trade fairs and
summits.
Regarding the
China-Myanmar trade, he said that the two nations are trying to meet the target
of trade value of 1.5 billion US dollars this year. China exports machinery,
electrical apparatuses, construction materials and personal goods to Myanmar.
And Myanmar exports agricultural produce, marine products, and forest products
to China.
Sharing the border,
the two nations have made progress in border trade. Now, plans are under way to
upgrade the border trade to normal cross-border trade. Now, traders and
businessmen of the two nations are engaged in the border trade.
Over 100 traders
and businessmen from Myanmar are attending the Nanning Expo, and signing
agreements with trade partners from other countries. Myanmar is encouraging the
private sector.
With respect to
foreign investments in Myanmar, he said that he witnessed infrastructures under
construction in Nanning last year. He noticed that Nanning has seen further
development. He said he also noticed Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region has
enjoyed development in the agricultural and mineral sectors and tourism
industry. Myanmar practises agro-based economic system and is rich in natural
resources. He said at summit, he invited businessmen of the region to make
investments in Myanmar. They may visit Myanmar to observe economic
opportunities and do businesses on mutual interests.
Panhlaing
Bridge, 208th one which is 180 feet and above long built in the time of the
Tatmadaw government Twantay suspension bridge is under construction across Twantay Canal Panhlaing
Bridge inaugurated in Hlinethaya Township
YANGON, 22 Oct —
The inauguration of Panhlaing Bridge was held in Hlinethaya Township this
morning.
The 1,940 feet
bridge was built by bridge construction special group-2 of Public Works of the
Ministry of Construction and it links Hlinethaya Township and Dalla Township.
Present on the
occasion were Chairman of Central Committee for Ensuring Smooth and Secure
Transport Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein
Sein, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of
Yangon Command Lt-Gen Myint Swe, the ministers, the attorney-general, the
Yangon Mayor, the deputy ministers, the vice-mayor, the director-general of the
State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, local
authorities, assistant engineer and officials of bridge construction special
group-2, members of social organizations, local people and guests.
Secretary-1 Lt-Gen
Thein Sein delivered an address. He said the government was glad to see the
emergence of Panhlaing Bridge that brings about better transport along
Hlinethaya-Twantay-Dalla Road. The bridge benefits the people living in the
nearby regions.
The bridge is the
208th one which is 180 feet and above long built in the time of the Tatmadaw
government. The 3,570 feet long Twantay suspension bridge is being built across
Twantay Canal. On completion of those bridges, people can travel easily by car
from Yangon to Twantay, Dedaye, Pyapon, Kyaiklat, Maubin, Nyaungdon and Bogalay
through the bridges. It is a new route to Ayeyawady Division. Opening the new
route will surely bring about better social and economic results for Ayeyawady
and Yangon Divisions and the whole country.
He said the
government is making continued efforts for equal development of all parts of
the Union and improvement of economic life of the people with unity, peace and
the lofty aims of raising the living standard of the people.
He said the
government has set the goal to enable the Union of Myanmar to keep abreast with
the development of other nations. Realizing the fact of the nature and
historical lessons that stronger persons usually have influence on weaker ones,
the government is striving for progress of the nation and its people with the
firm determination to build the own national force and to be free from
influence of others.
He also said the
government is systematically implementing border area development project,
special development region project and rural development project in order to
develop the Union and to narrow the development gaps between one region and
another. He said the government made appropriate arrangements for the regions
that lagged behind in development because of poor transport. In order to bring
about better foundations in a short time through better transport, the Union
Highways and roads linking major cities and bridges across rivers and creeks
are being built, he added.
A lot of bridges
and roads were built in the regions like Ayeyawady and Taninthayi Divisions and
Rakhine State which relied on only waterways in the past. Now people can go by
car in no time from one place to another, he said.
He said although
Hlinethaya, Dalla, Twantay and Kungyangon are near Yangon, there was transport
difficulty. Later, the government has laid down the road and bridge projects
for those regions.
Three bridges,
namely, Bayintnaung Bridge, Aungzeya Bridge and Shwepyitha Bridge were built to
link Yangon and Hlinethaya which was established as an industrial city.
Moreover, Bo Myat Tun Bridge and No 5 Highway linking Yangon and Ayeyawady
Divisions were built. So, the regions on the west bank of Hlaing River have
developed rapidly, he added.
The regions in
Yangon South District will surely develop like townships in Ayeyawady Division
due to the emergence of the bridge which is a gateway to Yangon Division. There
will be progress in commodity transport, trading and travelling and Yangon West
District will also develop, he said.
The government is
building the nation to be a modern developed one and to stand tall among the
nations of the world. The economic plans are successful yearly due to the
cooperation of departments concerned, social organizations and the people under
the leadership of the government. There have been better foundations and
prospects, he continued.
With the
development of education, health and social conditions, the people can now
enjoy the better results of peace and progress. There are better foundations
that can promote sustainable development and prospects for emergence of
discipline-flourishing democratic nation, the Secretary-1 said.
After taking up the
State responsibilities, the Tatmadaw government built the country which had
faced general deterioration to stand tall among the nations of the world on
self-reliance basis. External elements holding negative views are trying to
break up the country and national solidarity with the intention of seizing the
power. They are also making trouble for the people and accusations on the
country. People can distinguish good and bad, right and wrong and constructive
act and destructive act.
The Secretary-1
urged all the people to make continued efforts for emergence of a democratic
nation with consolidated and collective force and to make economic progress
with greater momentum.
He also urged local
people to utilize the bridge and Hlinethaya-Twantay-Dalla Road for regional
development and raising of their economic and social life and national
development, to boost agricultural production, economic and trade forces and to
strive for perpetuation of the country and emergence of discipline-flourishing
democratic nation.
The commander in
his speech cited the guidance of the Head of State saying that only when the
transport sector is fine, will the region be able to enjoy economic, social and
administrative development. And that will help further cement unity among
national races in the region. The roads in the region and linking other regions
are to be fine facilities to ensure regional development.
In the nation, the
government has built 208 bridges above 180 feet long including Panhlaing Bridge
since 1988. Yangon Division has been served with 24 above-180-foot bridges.
On completion of
Twantay Bridge, people can directly travel from Yangon City to the townships in
Yangon South District, and then to Dedaye, Pyapon, Kyaiklat and Bogale
townships in Ayeyawady Division.
He called for
maintenance of the facility for its durability. He expressed thanks to Head of
State Senior General Than Shwe for permission he granted for the project.
He urged local
people in response to the goodwill of the government to be equipped with
patriotic fervour and nationalistic spirits and to make greater efforts to
serve the interests of the region and the nation.
Minister for
Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun also delivered a speech.
The commander and
Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun formally opened the bridge.
The Secretary-1
unveiled the stone plaque of the bridge and sprinkled scented water on it.
The Secretary-1 and
party inspected the facility and cordially greeted local people.
The reinforced
concrete type bridge has a 28-foot-wide motorway and two four-foot-wide
walkways. It can withstand 60-ton loads. Its clearance area is 75 feet wide and
20 feet high.
Prime
Minister General Soe Win visits Nanning Wuling-Guihua vehicle Co Ltd
YANGON, 22 Oct —
During its visit to Nanning, the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the People’s
Republic of China, the Myanmar delegation led by Prime Minister General Soe Win
paid a study visit to Nanning Wuling-Guihua vehicle Co Ltd on 18 October
morning.
General Manager Mr
Mowemwiei explained the manufacturing of various models of small vehicles and
12-wheel trailers and mass-production of power-tillers. The company is staffed
with 130 technicians and over 1,360 workers and manufactures 140,000
power-tillers and multi-purpose tractors and more than 10,000 light trucks for
agricultural purpose. The company also exports its manufactured vehicles.
Next, the Prime
Minister and party studied production line at the power-tillers workshop.
Chinese officials conducted them round the workshop.
After studying
12-wheel trailers, cars and power-tillers, the Myanmar delegation had a
documentary photo taken together with the Chinese officials.
YANGON, 22 Oct —
Prime Minister General Soe Win of the Union of Myanmar on 19 October evening
enjoyed Nanning traditional music and concert near Nanning International
Convention & Exhibition Centre to mark the second China-ASEAN Expo.
Also present at the
concert were ministers, deputy ministers and high-ranking officials of ASEAN
countries and China Chairman of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Mr Lu Bin and
officials, officials of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade,
guests and local people.
Prime Minister
General Soe Win was welcomed at the concert by Chairman of Guangxi Zhuang
Autonomous Region Mr Lu Bin and officials. After hoisting the flag to mark the
second China-ASEAN Expo, the In-charge of the concert announced to open the
Nanning traditional music and concert, followed by a display of fireworks.
Next, Prime
Minister General Soe Win enjoyed the entertainment of artistes. When the Prime
Minister and Myanmar delegates left after the concert, Guangxi Zhuang
Autonomous Region Mr Lu Bin and officials cordially greeted them.
YANGON, 22 Oct —
Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Soe Win and party arrived at
Nanning International Airport from Li Yuan Resort at 1.30 pm on 20 October to
leave Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China for
Yangon of the Union of Myanmar.
Vice-Chairman of
the People’s Congress of the Communist Party of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous
Region Mr Pan Qi, Vice-Chairman of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Mr Wu
Heng, Ambassador-designate to the Union of Myanmar Mr Guan Mu and officials,
Myanmar Ambassador to China U Thein Lwin and embassy staff and traditional
dance troupes bade farewell to Prime Minister General Soe Win and party at the
airport.
Before their
departure for home, Prime Minister General Soe Win and party posed for
documentary photo together with those who saw them off.
The Prime Minister
and party left there by special aircraft and arrived back here in the evening.
Also together with
the Prime Minister, Chairman of Mandalay City Development Committee Mayor
Brig-Gen Phone Zaw Han, President of the Union of Myanmar Federation of
Chambers of Commerce and Industry U Win Myint and CEC member U Tun Aung who
attended the Expo in Nanning arrived back on the same flight.
At 4 pm on 18
October, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha who
accompanied the Prime Minister attended the meeting between Chinese
Vice-President Mr Zeng Qinghong and Economic Ministers of ASEAN countries at
the Conference Hall of Nanning International Conference Center in Nanning.
Also present on the
occasion were Economic Ministers of ASEAN countries and China, ASEAN
Secretary-General Mr Ong Keng Yong and officials.
At the meeting,
Chinese Vice-President Mr Zeng Qinghong extended greetings. Minister U Soe Tha
and Economic Ministers of ASEAN countries discussed more successes achieved in
organizing the Second China-ASEAN Expo and the Second China-ASEAN Business and
Investment Summit as a result of the benefits of the First China-ASEAN Expo and
the First China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit, and matters related to
contributing towards China-ASEAN cooperation, economic, investment and
commercial sectors.
Minister for
National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha and Minister for Commerce
Brig-Gen Tin Naing Thein, who accompanied the Prime Minister, met with Chinese
Minister of Commerce Mr Bo Xilai at No 8 Hall of Li Yuan Resort in Nanning on
18 October evening and discussed economic and investment matters.
On 19 October
morning, General Manager Mr Yin Yi Min of ZTE Corporation of the People’s
Republic of China called on Minister for National Planning and Economic
Development U Soe Tha at No 10 Hall of Li Yuan Resort in Nanning.
Similarly, Minister
for Commerce Brig-Gen Tin Naing Thein met Deputy Director-General Mr Guan Mu of
the Ministry of Commerce of China, and Managing Director Mr Huang Baoding of
Sino Hydro Corporation Ltd of China at No 10 Hall of Li Yuan Resort on 19
October morning. They discussed commercial matters.
Deputy
Foreign Minister arrives back
YANGON, 22 Oct —
The Maynmar delegation led by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Kyaw Thu
arrived back here by air this morning after attending the Myanmar- India
Foreign Office Consultations held in New Delhi, India.
The Myanmar
delegation was welcomed back at Yangon International Airport by
directors-general and officials from Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Charge d’
Affaires ai of the Indian Embassy Mr Manoj Bharti.
While in New Delhi,
Deputy Foreign Minister U Kyaw Thu called on Minister for External Affairs of
India H E Shri K Natwar Singh and Deputy Minister for External Affairs of India
H E Shri E Ahmad and also met with Foreign Secretary of the Ministry of
External Affairs of India H E Shri Shyam Saran. They discussed Myanamr-India
bilateral relations and exchanged views on international and regional issues.
At the Myanmar-
India Foreign Office Consultations, the two sides held comprehensive
discussions on all areas of mutual interest and concern.
Together with
Deputy Foreign Minister, Director-General of Consular and Legal Department U
Nyan Lynn, Director of International Organization and Economic Department U
Myat Soe, Head of Branch-1 Daw Myat Thida Aye and Head of Branch-2 U Khin Maung
Htay also arrived back on the same flight.