RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP A STEP TOWARDS CURBING PAGE-8 (OPINION)

Vol. VII, No. 316, Fullmoon of Tabodwe 1382 ME www.gnlm.com.mm Friday, 26 February 2021 Reduction of fuel and cooking oil imports needed to decrease trade deficiencies: Senior General

State Administration Council Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing discusses the health and economic development sectors at the Management Committee Meeting in Nay Pyi Taw on 25 February 2021.

HE State Administration in previous weeks, the negative festivals. Council held the meeting impacts on healthcare services In response to the reports, Tof the Management Com- due to civil disobedience move- . . . reduce fuel requirement in the country, the Senior General gave guid- mittee at its headquarters in Nay ment of health workers, possible ance on the appointment of civil Pyi Taw yesterday. legal actions of relevant minis- with manufacturing electric cars by the service personnel, fair manage- Chairman of the Council and tries against those who disturb relevant ministries for the urban public ment on them without bias, the Commander-in-Chief of Defence the reopening of hospitals, vacci- transport, the need for urgent completion award for dutiful persons, pun- Services Senior General Min nation programme for COVID-19, ishment for the failure of duties, Aung Hlaing delivered a speech import permits for the private of Yangon-Mandalay railway project jointly lesser consumption of cooking at the meeting, which was at- pharmaceutical companies, and implemented by Japan and reduction of fuel oil with changing consumption tended by Vice-Chairman of the reopening of schools. and cooking oil imports to decrease trade habits for better health. Council and Deputy Command- He also discussed the pro- He advised conducting re- er-in-Chief of Defence Services motion of the agricultural sector deficiencies. search and development pro- and Commander-in-Chief (Army) for food sufficiency of the coun- gramme, not to mention the Vice-Senior General Soe Win, the try, livestock and fish breeding unfruitful information on social Union Ministers and the Attor- farms, commercial production ued to reduce fuel requirement reported signing agreements, media, suspension to pay back ney-General of the Union. of foodstuffs, the use of irrigation in the country, with manufactur- the appointment of duties, ex- the two-month salary loans for In his discussion, the Senior water for the agricultural sector, ing electric cars by the relevant emptions and extension of duties. the civil service personnel, de- General talked about the pro- generation of electricity from hy- ministries for the urban public The Union Ministers also velopment of Nay Pyi Taw area, gress in the rule of law in nearly dro and solar powers, promotion transport, the need for urgent discussed fish breeding pro- reopening of factories and work- one-month since the Council of Myanmar martial arts for the completion of Yangon-Manda- jects, systematic spending of places without posing negative took the power of the country, health of people, raising fund for lay railway project jointly imple- state revenue, social welfare impacts on the environment, at- containment measures against the public hospitals to provide mented by Japan and reduction funds, healthcare services at traction to foreign investments COVID-19 with 1.4 million infec- free healthcare services for the of fuel and cooking oil imports the hospitals, school reopening and the establishment of 81-ft tion and about 3,200 deaths in civil service personnel at the in- to decrease trade deficiencies. programme, implementation high marble Buddha image in Myanmar and the possibility of itial stage. The Union Ministers and the of hydropower projects and or- sitting posture in Nay Pyi Taw.— higher figures due to the crowds The Senior General contin- Attorney-General of the Union ganizing celebrations of ethnic MNA

INSIDE TODAY

NATIONAL LOCAL BUSINESS LOCAL BUSINESS LOCAL BUSINESS Naval vessels Traditional clay pots for Okra growers Imports down bring Myanmar drinking water get high in Pwintbyu by $1.7 bln as citizens back from demand in Phaungpyin enjoy of 12 February, Malaysia Township high price MoC reports PAGE-3 PAGE-5 PAGE-5 PAGE-5 26 FEBRUARY 2021 2 NATIONAL THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Republic of the Union of Myanmar Notification to take legal actions State Administration Council against formation of committees Order No 92/2021 representing Hluttaws 14th Waxing of Tabodwe 1382 ME (25 February 2021)

Return to Military Duties 1. The State of Emergency was announced on 1-2-2021 as per Section 417 of the State Constitution (2008), and legislative, administrative and judicial power Major-General Phone Myat, the Deputy Minister for Border Affairs, will be was granted to the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services. Since then, it is assigned for original military duties. deemed that legislative works of all Hluttaws and their respective committees By order, have been suspended, and the respective Hluttaws have been revoked auto- Sd/Aung Lin Dway matically on the day when their terms have ended. Lieutenant-General 2. At present, the Union Election Commission is investigating the voting fraud in Secretary the General Election on 8 November 2020, and the findings were also announced. State Administration Council It has been notified that the Hluttaw representative credentials issued by the UEC to the respective Hluttaws have been invalid during the investigation period. Republic of the Union of Myanmar 3. It is illegal to perform the Hluttaw works such as forming committees rep- Ministry of Health and Sports resenting Hluttaw without authority, holding committee members, making announcements and notifications and appointment of representatives during Order No 22/2021 the investigation period of UEC. th 14 waxing of Tabodwe 1382 ME 4. Therefore, forming the representative committees of Hluttaws after 1 February 25 February 2021 2021 is not in compliance with the State Constitution and Hluttaw laws. Such announcements and notifications could endanger the rule of law, peace and THE Ministry of Health and Sports has issued this order in line with provisions stability of the public. It is notified to avoid such actions, and effective legal stipulated in Section 21-(b) of the Prevention and Control of Communicable Dis- actions will be taken in accordance with the existing laws. eases Law.

1. Regarding the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) preventive measures, the Union Election Commission Ministry of Health and Sports announced that more than 5 people were not allowed to gather except for exceptional cases by Order No 37/2020 dated 16.4.2020 and by Order No 56/2020 dated 28.5.2020. The Ministry of Health and Sports amended the announcement that 15 people or more instead of 5 people were not allowed to Public Announcement gather starting from 1.8.2020 by Order No 79/2020 dated 29.7.2020 and, by Order (21 February 2021) No 88/2020 dated 12.8.2020, it was amended the announcement that 30 people or THE 22 February is the day for more than 900,000 pensioners to withdraw more were not allowed to gather. their pensions, and they also rely only on their pensions. It is found out that the 2. Due to the current outbreak of COVID-19, it has been amended not to gather news is spreading on Facebook to conduct various ways to destruct or block the more than 50 people instead of 30 except for the matters mentioned in these ways to banks by force to fail in pension withdrawals. Moreover, some people orders from 26.2.2021. threatened others to participate in the CDM movement, and so the people who 3. If there is a failure to comply with the instructions and orders issued by the want to stay peacefully sent letters to the State Administration Council many times to solve these cases. According to the culture of democracy, people can stage a Ministry of Health and Sports and the Department of regarding protest in accordance with the law. But now, the lawless actions like threats or COVID-19 will result in legal action. use of force that affect the stability of the people lead to occur riot. Therefore, it is announced that action will be taken against these moves according to the law. Dr Thet Khine Win Union Minister State Administration Council Information Team

25 new cases of COVID-19 reported on 25 February, total figure rises to 141,841

MYANMAR’S COVID-19 positive cases rose to 141,841 after 25 new cases were reported on 25 February 2021 according to the Ministry of Health and Sports. Among these confirmed cases, 3,198 died, 131,417 have been discharged from hospitals.—MNA

Updated at 8 pm, 25 February 2021 Daily death toll until 8 pm 25-2-2021

Total Cases 141,841 New Cases 25 1

Total Death Tally 3,198 Discharged from Hospital 131,417 Ministry of Health and Sports 26 FEBRUARY 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR NATIONAL 3

Republic of the Union of Myanmar State Administration Council Nine Objectives

1. Political affairs sectors of the economy as well (A) Building of a Union based on democracy and federalism in practising genuine (B) Stability of market economy and inviting international investments to develop disciplined multiparty democracy in a full fairness manner the economy of entire ethnic people (B) Emphasizing of restoration of eternal peace for the entire nation in line with (C) Encouragement of local businesses to create employment opportunities to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) be able to produce many products of the State (C) Continuous practising of the “principle” of peaceful co-existence among countries by holding up the independent, active and non-aligned foreign 3. Social affairs policy (A) For ensuring of dynamism of Union spirit which is genuine patriotic spirit (B) Following customs and traditions of all ethnic nationalities and preservation 2. Economic affairs and safeguarding of cultural heritage and national characters (A) Further development of production based on agriculture and livestock (C) Enhancement of health, fitness and education standards of the entire nation breeding through modern techniques and all-round development of other

Five future programmes of State Administration Council

1. The Union Election Commission will be reconstituted to carry out tasks that should be done, including inspection of voting lists in accordance with the law. 2. Effective measures will be taken for the prevention of current infectious COVID-19 with added momentum. 3. Efforts will be made to recover businesses that faced loss caused by COVID-19 in various ways as quickly as possible. 4. Emphasis will be placed on restoring eternal peace in the entire nation in line with agreements from the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) as much as possible. 5. When missions will be accomplished in accord with provisions of the state of emergency, a free and fair multiparty democracy election will be held in accordance with the Constitution (2008), and further tasks will be undertaken to hand over State duty to the winning party meeting the standards of democracy.

Naval vessels bring Myanmar citizens back from Malaysia

MYANMAR naval vessels reached its maritime zone yesterday morning, bringing back a total of 1,086 Myanmar nationals from Malaysia. The police officials and Tatmadaw personnel from the Tanin- thayi Naval Regional Command Headquarter offered Mohinga, while Tatmadaw doctors and nurses were providing healthcare services to the returnees. When they arrive in Myanmar, the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement will cooperate for job opportunities and reunion with their families.—MNA

Myanmar returnees are seen onboard the Navy vessel when it enters Myanmar maritime waters.

137 courses for diploma, postgraduate in medical education to be conducted

A total of 2,082 trainees will be allowed for 137 courses of diploma and postgraduate at medical universities and related universities under the Ministry of Health and Sports in 2021 academic year.

The applications for these courses shall be submitted commencing 2nd week of February. Sr University Diploma M.Sc Doctorate Total 1 Universities of Medicine 7 31 47 85 2 Universities of Dental Medicine 2 10 9 21 3 Universities of Nursing 1 9 1 11 4 Universities of Medical Technology 1 3 3 7 5 Universities of Pharmacy - 4 4 8 6 University of Public Health 1 2 1 4 7 University of Community Health - 1 - 1 Total 12 60 65 137 Ministry of Health and Sports 26 FEBRUARY 2021 4 NATIONAL THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR MNM MNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNNMNM Interest of individuals through peace and MNM stability of the country MNM

He continued to say about legal actions against voter list errors, the systematic holding of elections after the State of Emergency, priority on the MNM livelihood, peace, stability, the rule of law and peace processes and interest of individuals through peace and stability of the country. MNM

(Excerpt from the speech to the coordination meeting of the State Administration Council made by the Republic of the Union of Myanmar State Administration Council Chairman NN Senior General Min Aung Hlaing on 16 February 2021) NN

MNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNN Public information

YANGON Administration Council is working with relevant departments to help the businesses in the region. People are informed to contact the following phone num- bers to get assistance for their small and medium-scaled businesses and investments which are facing some delays and working to do new businesses. Phone numbers: 01 830 1975, 01830 2175 Yangon Region Administration Council

Tatmadaw supporters hold Dutiful civil servants receive threats, incitements for CDM

rally in cities A video file went viral on persons to joining CDM spread PEOPLE in some areas of the in Taunggyi Township (Shan Sasana while holding posters social media of CDM activists on the social network. country staged rallies yesterday east); 1,000 in Myanaung depicting, ‘We Stand With Our threatening civil service personnel Therefore, such moves like to show their support for the and Ngapudaw townships of Defence Services’ ‘We Want of Township Administration office threats and social punishments ruling of Tatmadaw in line with Ayeyawady region; 1,500 in Democracy’, We Stand With of No (4) Ward of Lanmadaw against the dutiful civil servants the 2008 State Constitution. Taungup township in Rakhine State Administration Council’, Township in Yangon to join the should not be carried out as it can About 0.1 million organized State; 1,300 at Thuwunnawadi etc. civil disobedience movement. harm the country’s governance the demonstrations in Mingala and Thanphuzayat townships The Tatmadaw supporters Similarly, another video mechanism. If the people commit Taungnyunt Township, in front in Mon State; 1,400 in Kyunsu have staged 188 demonstrations, clip of a doctor of Kan Htoo such doings, they will be taken of Yangon Railway Station, township of Taninthayi Region. including mass talks, street rally Ma station hospital in Tant-Se action, and those who face Kungyan road to Alanpyaphaya They shouted their slogans and going around in vehicles Township, Shwebo District of such threats can contact the Road, circular round-about in supporting the Tatmadaw that after the General Election on 8 Sagaing Region, explained the announced phone numbers. — near Sule Pagoda; about 5,000 safeguards the nationals and November 2020.—MNA threats from some unscrupulous MNA MoSWRR share information from speech of State Administration Council Chairman

THE Ministry of Social Welfare, der. The Union Minister then ganizations’ staff, private indus- Relief and Resettlement held a highlighted the full guarantee try staff and government staff. Zoom meeting yesterday over of civil servants regarding work, She also urged to adopt ef- re-explanation of the directives accommodation, foreign training fective and systematic efforts of the State Administration and pensions. She then empha- in serving for the public and fol- Council Chairman made on 8 sized the difference between the lowing the Civil Services Law February. insurance and opportunities be- and rules despite changing gov- The meeting was attended tween the private industry staff ernance. by Union Minister Dr Thet Thet and government staff. Deputy Director-General for Khine, relevant Region/State/ The government is mak- Disaster Management U Win District-level staff officers. ing efforts to improve the State Shwe then briefed the excerpts The Union Minister firstly economy, and it can create op- from the speech of the State Ad- discussed the meeting of the portunities for the government ministration Council Chairman State Administration Council employees in the long run. She made on 8 February. with the Permanent Secretaries also appreciated the efforts of The Union Minister also of ministries held on 21 Febru- Union Minister Dr Thet Thet Khine holds Zoom meeting to re-explain employees who come office as urged the civil servants to un- ary regarding the permission the directives of the State Administration Council Chairman, yesterday. usual during this period. derstand the speech of the State for those on annual leave until cept for those on maternity leave vices Law and rules. She then discussed the most Administration Council Chair- 24 February and they were also and for other health cases and if The private sectors faced stable and best life guarantee of man and instructed to discuss informed with letters to come failed, they would face action in hardships due to COVID-19 civil servants out of three kinds collectively for other issues with to the work on 25 February ex- accordance with the Civil Ser- lockdown and Stay at Home or- of staff— non-governmental or- the departmental heads.—MNA 26 FEBRUARY 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR LOCAL BUSINESS 5 Traditional clay pots for drinking water get high Okra demand in Phaungpyin Township growers in TRADITIONAL clay pots for Pwintbyu drinking water are in high de- mand in Phaungpyin Town- ship, Sagaing Region, as it is enjoy high scorching in summer. The prices of clay pots price range between K2,000-K7,000 depending on design, size WITH the abundant yield and quality. Last year, it took of okra in Pwintbyu town- about a month to sell all the ship, the local growers are pots loaded on a motor vessel. happy with the high price Now, the pots on a vessel are of okra in the market, ac- expected to be sold out within cording to the local farm- 15 days on the back of strong ers from Nyaung Gone vil- demand. A ship carrying clay lage in Pwintbyu township. pots are estimated at K2 mil- The farmers from the lion, said the clay pot sellers. villages near Mann creek Some vendors and hawk- in Pwintbyu township, ers carrying goods on their Magway region, are grow- shoulders are selling the clay The prices of clay pots range between K2,000-K7,000 depending on design, size and quality. ing okra on a commercial pots in Kalewa, Mawlaik and scale using the water ir- Phaungpyin townships. In water, flower vase (Buddhist cooking, earthen toys and mon- demand. -- Ko Tun (IPRD)/ rigated from Mann creek addition to pots for drinking offering), and earthen pots for ey-saving box are also in high GNLM and underground water. The okra could heav- ily yield after cultivating Imports down by $1.7 bln as of 12 February, MOC reports for two months. The okra is sold for K6 per piece in the market. Now, the THE value of Myanmar’s im- machines, steel, and aero- up a large share of Myanmar’s to 30 per cent of Myanmar’s growers are happy with ports between 1 October and plane parts, were brought into imports, with petroleum prod- export sector, is struggling the abundant yield of okra. 12 February in the current fi- the country. Their import value ucts and plastic raw materials because of the cancellation of “We, the villagers in Pwint- nancial year 2020-2021 stood at was estimated at $2 billion. The being the main import items. order from the European coun- byu township, are growing US$5.967 billion, a sharp drop of figure was $829 million lower This year, imports of raw ma- tries and suspension of the trade the vegetable crops on a $1.7 billion from $7.67 billion reg- compared to the same period terials plunged to $1.95 billion by western nations during the commercial scale using istered in the year-ago period, in the previous FY. from $2.62 billion registered COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the water irrigated from according to the data released Meanwhile, Myanmar during the year-ago period. import values of raw materials Mon creek and also the by the Ministry of Commerce. imported consumer products During the same period, by CMP businesses have been underground water. We The value of imports in the worth $1.25 billion, including raw materials worth $728.7 mil- dropping. are mainly cultivating consumer, capital, intermedi- pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, lion were also imported for the The top 10 import countries gourd, pumpkin, cucum- ate goods, and CMP businesses and palm oil. The imports of Cut-Make-Pack (CMP) garment to Myanmar are China, Singa- ber, eggplant, tomato, groups dropped in the current consumer products showed a sector, showing a decrease of pore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indo- chilli, onion, corm, bitter FY. slight decrease of $34.9 million $172.75 million compared with nesia, India, Viet Nam, Japan, gourd, radish, coriander Over the past four months compared with the same period last fiscal year. the Republic of Korea and the plant, rosselle and water of the current FY, capital goods, in the previous FY. At present, the CMP gar- US, as per data of the Ministry green. We are relying on such as auto parts, vehicles, Intermediate goods make ment sector, which contributes of Commerce. — GNLM cultivation because it can earn us daily income in the pandemic period. Among Onion price drops by over $30 per tonne depending on size other crops, the cultivation of okra is successful, and the okras are sold for a THE onion price has declined Out of those exported Similarly, the garlic price items to export to the neigh- high price,” said U Than by over US$30 per tonne de- products, the onion has ex- has also slightly declined with bouring country through the Htay Aung, a vegetable pending upon the size, accord- port licenses issued at the FOB $1,070 per tonne for 18 mm- Myawady border trade zone grower from Nyaung Gon ing to the Myanmar Onion, price set to apply for an export 28mm size and $1,250 per tonne are being scrutinized, and village. Garlic & Culinary Crops Pro- licence every two weeks by the for 28mm-upsize. Form-D is being issued to get Okra, or commonly duction and Exporting Associ- MOGCCPEA. Besides, there is no rub- Customs clearance. known as lady’s finger, is ation (MOGCCPEA). For this week, the asso- ber export to foreign market Starting from 1 January a widely consumed vege- About 200 trucks loaded ciation’s FOB prices are $145 so far. The prevailing prices of 2021, Form-D is issued by table. It can be fried, pick- with culinary crops are ex- per tonne for new crops 2021 International Rubber -- Ribbed transmitted e-ATIGA Form-D led or grilled. This green ported daily to Thailand via 20mm-30 mm size, $170 per Smoked Sheets (RSS) and My- using the electric data ex- veggie is filled with phenol the Myawady trade zone. The tonne for 25mm-35mm size and anmar Standard Rubber (MSR) change system. However, if and flavonoid. Consuming shipped items are corn, onion, $215 per tonne for 35mm-up- remain unchanged, according there is a technical error or okra can help people in garlic, peanuts, peanuts (with size. to the fixed price of Myanmar internet error, Manual Form-D their fight against cancer peel), rice, yam, dried chilli, Therefore, the onion price Rubber Planters and Produc- is being issued with a manual in addition to the reduction turmeric, avocado, mussels, plunged by over $ 30 per tonne ers Association (MRPPA). sign instead of e-ATIGA Form of stress, can cure kidney and tamarind. this week. At present, the various D.—NN/GNLM and liver diseases and di- abetes. People with a high blood glucose level should include okra in their dai- Call 09251022355 ly diets. —Ye Win Naing (IPRD)/GNLM 26 FEBRUARY 2021 6 WORLD NEWS BULLETIN THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

NEWS Sri Lanka seeks £1.6 billion from China as reserves shrink IN BRIEF September 2009 when they fell to China’s major $4.2 billion (£2.9 billion). Officials said Sri Lanka was carmaker to boost also in talks with China Devel- cooperation with opment Bank for a $700-million Sweden’s Volvo (£496 million) loan that would in- clude the equivalent of $200 mil- CHINESE carmaker Zhejiang lion (£142 million) being drawn in Geely Holding Group said Chinese currency. Under former Wednesday that its group com- president Mahinda Rajapaksa pany will boost cooperation between 2005-15, Colombo bor- with Swedish auto manufac- rowed billions from China, ac- turer Volvo, but apparently cumulating a mountain of debt failed to agree on a previously for expensive infrastructure explored merge. projects. This sparked West- The Chinese automaker ern and Indian concerns that said it will work together with the strategically located Indian the Swedish manufacturer Ocean nation was falling victim to develop “connected cars” to a Chinese debt trap. Mahinda equipped with advanced tele- An oil refinery facility under construction at Hambantota. Sri Lanka was forced to hand over Hambantota port Rajapaksa returned to power as on a 99-year lease to a Chinese firm in 2017 after Colombo said it was unable to service the $1.4-billion debt communication systems. prime minister in 2019 after his from Beijing used to build it. PHOTO: AFP Zhejiang Geely completed brother Gotabaya Rajapaksa as its acquisition of Volvo in 2010. SRI Lanka is seeking $2.2 bil- Money and capital markets in Colombo while maintaining elected president. Sri Lanka was It has also decided to establish a lion (£1.6 billion) from Chinese minister Nivard Cabraal said that the funds would be used as forced to hand over its strategic new firm to produce an electric banks, the government said on the government was hopeful of a “buffer” to meet the govern- Hambantota port on a 99-year vehicle with China’s leading Thursday, in echoes of a borrow- finalising a $1.5-billion (£1.1 bil- ment’s foreign currency needs. lease to a Chinese company in internet search provider Baidu ing binge more than a decade lion) swap facility with China’s Official figures show Sri Lan- 2017 after Colombo said it was Inc. China has been eager to ago that resulted in the country central bank. “Within the next ka’s foreign reserves plummeted unable to service the $1.4-billion phase out new sales of gas-pow- having to give up a strategic port two weeks we should be able to to $4.8 billion (£3.4 billion) at the (£1 billion) debt from Beijing used ered cars and bring eco-friendly to China. finalise it,” Cabraal told reporters end of January, the lowest since to build it. — AFP ones to the mainstream by 2035, while President Xi Jinping has pledged to make the coun- Indonesia hunts for missing after mine collapse kills six try carbon neutral by 2060. Kyodo News RESCUERS hunted for at least Unlicensed mines are com- one person still missing Thurs- mon across the mineral-rich H.K. to book record day after an illegal gold mine Southeast Asian archipelago and collapse in Indonesia killed six the scene of frequent accidents. budget deficit amid people. Last year, 11 miners died worst economic A landslide Wednesday in Sumatra after a landslide contraction evening buried the remote site sparked by heavy rains, with on Sulawesi island’s Parigi Mou- another nine people also killed HONG KONG is likely to see a tong district, where five women in a landslide at an abandoned record high deficit budget amid and one man died while some gold mine on the island. the biggest annual economic 16 survivors were pulled from In 2019, at least 16 people contraction brought by the the debris. were buried alive when a mine Six people were killed after an illegal gold mine collapsed in Indonesia. novel coronavirus pandemic, At least one person was still collapsed in North Sulawesi. — Authorities said at least 15 survivors had been found and at least one the territory’s finance chief said missing, authorities said. AFP person is still missing. PHOTO: AFP Wednesday. Announcing the annu- al budget at the legislature, Driverless bus hits streets of Malaga in southern Spain Financial Secretary Paul Chan said the deficit for the 2020 fiscal year, which spans from links Malaga’s port to the city hicle, which looks like any other April to March, is expected to centre on an eight-kilometre bus, can carry 60 passengers be HK$257.6 billion (US$33.2 (five-mile) loop it does six times and was developed by Spanish billion), while fiscal reserves a day. firm Irizar. are expected to be HK$902.7 “The bus knows at all times Other driverless pilot pro- billion. where it is and what is around jects already exist in Europe, “Hong Kong will record it,” said Rafael Durban Car- but none of them involves a reg- a deficit for a number of years mona, who heads the southern ular-size urban bus that runs after achieving a surplus for 15 division of Spanish transport on a normal street with other years,” Chan said. “The deficits company Avanza that leads vehicles. are mainly caused by the fact the public-private consortium Despite the advanced tech- that the rise in government behind the project. nology, there is a driver at the expenditure is outpacing the It can “interact with traffic wheel to take control if neces- increase in government rev- lights,” which are also equipped sary since Spanish law does enue.” He added that govern- The electric-powered vehicle operates autonomously, but a driver still with sensors that alert the bus not currently allow vehicles to ment expenditure increased needs to sit behind the wheel as Spanish law doesn’t allow self-driven when they turn red, he told AFP. operate without a driver. vehicles yet. PHOTO: AFP substantially last year, including The bus uses artificial in- “We put it in automatic HK$120 billion in counter-cycli- A new driverless electric bus a first in Europe. telligence to itmprove its “deci- mode and it runs completely cal relief measures, to alleviate has begun operating in the The bus, which began run- sions” based on data recorded autonomously,” explains Cris- economic hardship caused by southern Spanish city of Mal- ning on Saturday, is equipped along the route. tobal Maldonado, the driver. the pandemic. Kyodo News aga, in a project presented as with sensors and cameras and The 12-metre (39-foot) ve- — AFP 26 FEBRUARY 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR GLOBAL NEWS 7 U.S. economy’s contraction Japan, 7 other economies agree to in 2020 unrevised at 3.5% cut saury catch quotas by 40% THE U.S. government on Personal spending, which Thursday left the country’s accounts for two-thirds of JAPAN, China and six other economic contraction for 2020 the world’s largest economy, economies of the North Pacific unchanged at 3.5 per cent in its increased 2.4 per cent after Fisheries Commission agreed latest data revision, with the jumping 41.0 per cent in the Thursday to cut their saury catch figure representing the worst July-September period. quotas by 40 per cent to 333,750 performance since 1946 due Nonresidential private in- tonnes per year in order to ad- to the coronavirus pandemic. vestment, a measure of busi- dress fishery resource depletion. In the October-December ness spending, rose 14.0 per- The new catch limit, which period, the U.S. economy ex- cent following a 22.9 per cent was decided during a three-day panded an annualized real 4.1 growth. online meeting through Thurs- per cent, revised upward by Exports grew 21.8 per cent day, will be in place until the end 0.1 percentage point from an after soaring 59.6 per cent in of 2022. earlier estimate, according to the preceding quarter. Imports The saury catch limit is the Commerce Department. gained 29.6 percent after a 93.1 currently set at 556,250 tonnes The revised data for gross per cent surge in the July-Sep- among the eight participating domestic product in the fourth tember period. economies, with 330,000 tonnes quarter of 2020 was roughly in GDP measures the total allocated for high seas and line with the average market output of goods and services 226,250 tonnes for exclusive eco- forecast of a 4.2 per cent ex- within a country’s borders. nomic zones in Japanese and pansion. Kyodo News Russian waters. The members have agreed to cut both alloca- tions by 40 per cent to 198,000 tonnes and 135,750 tonnes, re- spectively. Tokyo proposed a reduction of the annual catch quotas, first A saury catch is landed at Hanasaki port in Nemuro in Hokkaido, agreed to in 2019, as a way to northern Japan, in November 2020. PHOTO: KYODO prevent overfishing in the high The commission’s other sev- ies agency, the combined catch seas by China and Taiwan. en participants -- Canada, China, of all participants excluding the According to a national sau- Russia, South Korea, Taiwan, United States and Canada in 2019 ry fisheries cooperative, Japan’s the United States and Vanuatu fell nearly 60 per cent from the saury haul in 2020 fell 27 per cent -- have also been experiencing previous year to 191,000 tonnes, from the previous year to a re- poor catches in recent years. far less than the new agreed lim- cord low 29,566 tonnes. According to Japan’s fisher- it. — Kyodo News China sees acceleration in work resumption after Spring Festival holiday The U.S. government on Thursday left the country’s economic contraction for 2020 unchanged at 3.5 per cent in its latest data revision, with the figure representing the worst performance since To prevent the sporadic re- 1946 due to the coronavirus pandemic. PHOTO: AFP surgence of COVID-19, China encouraged people to stay put over the holiday this year, which lasted from Feb. 11 to 17. Pandemic hits beer EARLIER WORK RESUMP- TION sales at brewery The car plant resumed production on Feb. 14, after a THE world’s largest brewer, Belgian-Brazilian brewer said three-day break, when most AB InBev, said Thursday its in a statement. people were still celebrating annual profits were cut by half Beer consumption plum- the holiday. More than 1,700 as bars and pubs closed around meted as lockdown measures employees, or 85 per cent of the world due to the coronavi- were imposed throughout the its staff, clocked in on the first rus pandemic. world since early last year to Photo taken with a mobile phone shows employees working on the day of work, including over 800 production line at Hefei Changan Automobile Co., Ltd. in Hefei, east The group, which in- contain the coronavirus. China’s Anhui Province, Feb. 17, 2021. PHOTO: XINHUA migrant workers who stayed cludes the Budweiser, Stella But “consumers rapidly during the holiday. The manu- Artois and Corona brands, saw adjusted to the new reality by MOVING back and forth on an It was the first time for facturing capacity has returned 2020 net profit slump to $3.8 shifting to in-home consump- automobile assembly line, Zhang Zhang to spend the Spring to the pre-holiday level, with 600 billion. tion occasions, increasing Tianshun was conducting func- Festival, or China’s Lunar New to 700 vehicles rolling off the But in the fourth quarter, adoption of the e-commerce tion tests for vehicles before they Year, away from his hometown production line per day, accord- profits more than doubled to channel and finding new ways roll off the production line. of Zhumadian City, central ing to the company. $2.2 billion from $962 million in to connect with others, rein- “My job is to check the China’s Henan Province. The “Another production line the same period in 2019 and it forcing our confidence in the functionality of seven parts of 19-year-old works at Hefei resumed operation on Feb. 17, forecast “strong recovery” in long-term potential of the beer the car, including four windows, Changan Automobile Co., Ltd. whose capacity is around 300 sales and profits for 2021. category,” the group said. front and rear wipers and the in east China’s Anhui Province. units a day. Cars coming from “Following a strong start to It said sales volumes de- sunroof. It takes two minutes to Zhang received a combined this assembly line will be ex- the year, our overall results in clined 4.7 per cent, but reve- test a car for my part, and I need subsidy of nearly 3,000 yuan ported to Saudi Arabia, Chile 2020 were significantly impact- nues by just 3.7 per cent to $46.9 to handle about 200 cars per day. (about 465 U.S. dollars) from and Brazil,” said Xue Wen, an ed by the disruption caused by billion due to higher pricing. It’s even busier than before the Hefei City and the company for engineer with the company. — the Covid-19 pandemic,” the —AFP holiday,” said the young man. not leaving during the holiday. Xinhua 26 FEBRUARY 2021 26 FEBRUARY 2021 8 OPINION THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR ARTICLE 9 Responsible pet MYANMAR GAZETTE Long-term Covid should be 'clear priority' for Appointment of Permanent ownership a step authorities: WHO Secretary The State Administration Council has appointed U Min towards curbing Min, Director-General of the Union Government Office, as the "It's a clear priority for WHO, and of the utmost importance. It should be for every health Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce. rabies authority," Hans Kluge, regional director for WHO Europe, told a press conference. Appointment of Head of Civil at Pan or Red-silk cotton trees (Salmalia malabrica) and senior World Health for months, including tiredness, Myanmar's folk culture are inseparable, as the dried flowers Organization official on brain fog, and cardiac and neu- Services Organization L of the red-silk cotton trees are cooked with beef, which has A Thursday urged nation- rological disorders. been the traditional cuisine of Myanmar since the time of kings. al authorities to make a priority "The burden is real and it U Sein Win, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Health) of Union But, the Red-silk cotton trees blossom in summer wakes of understanding the long-term is significant. About one in 10 Government Office, Ministry of Health and Sports, is appointed the country's people up to the danger of rabies as the disease's oc- consequences of coronavirus Covid-19 sufferers remain un- as Director-General for Union Government Office on probation currence is notorious among as some people show well after 12 weeks, and many period with effect from the day of his first duty. the Myanmar community worrying symptoms months for much longer," Kluge said. with a traditional saying, "the later. Noting that reports of long- Rabies is time of Lat Pan blossoming "It's a clear priority for term symptoms came soon af- is a time of rabies". It means WHO, and of the utmost impor- ter the disease was first discov- preventable that rabies occurrence is high tance. It should be for every ered, he said that some patients Appointment of Mongolian in the summertime when "lat health authority," Hans Kluge, were "met with disbelief or lack through pan" tree blossom. regional director for WHO Eu- of understanding." Ambassador to Myanmar agreed on Rabies is preventable rope, told a press conference. Kluge stressed that those through vaccination and While some studies are patients "need to be heard if post-exposure . beginning to shed light on the we are to understand the long- THE Republic of the Union of Myanmar has agreed to the and post- Yet, nearly 70,000 people still illness, it is still unclear why term consequences and recov- appointment of Mr Tumur Amarsanaa as Ambassador Extraor- die from the disease every some patients with Covid-19 ery from Covid-19." Students in Wuhan, China, where COVID-19 was first detected, donned face masks for their graduation ceremonies, joining many around the world for dinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to the Republic of the year across the world, mostly continue to show symptoms SOURCE: AFP whom masks have become essential. PHOTO: AFP Union of Myanmar with residence in Bangkok in succession exposure in rural areas. to Mr Tugsbilguun Tumurkhuleg. In fact, to tackle this Mr Tumur Amarsanaa was born in September 1981. He immunization. disease, a multi-sectoral re- holds a Master of law from the Kyushu University of Japan and Yet, nearly sponse is needed. Given that Bachelor of Law from the National University of Mongolia. He 99 per cent of human infec- Covid block disease, but do they stop ? joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia in 2003. From tions are acquired from dog 2003-2008, he served at the Law and Consular Department, 70,000 people bites, mass vaccination of dogs Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia. From 2008 to 2011, he — combined with the man- Several such variants -- more contagious, more deadly or both -- have already proliferat- served as Second Secretary at the Embassy and the Permanent still die from agement of stray dogs and re- Mission of Mongolia to the UNODC, IAEA, CTBTO, OSCE, sponsible dog ownership — is UNCITRAL and other lnternational Organizations based in the disease the most cost-effective way to ed in England, South Africa and Brazil as the SARS-CoV-2 virus finds it harder to find new Vienna. From 2012 to 2014, he served as Deputy Director-Gen- eliminate the disease. eral, Law and Treaty Department of the Ministry of Foreign every year According to a 2018 sur- hosts, a predictable phase in the evolution of a pandemic. Affairs and Trade of Mongolia. From 2014 to 2020, he served as vey, there are over 4 million Director-General, Department of International law and Treaty across the dogs in Myanmar, and this and Department of International Legal Affairs of the Ministry number is too high for our namics at the Harvard T.H. Chan 'Escape variants' er or Oxford/AstraZeneca jabs "They are likely to have failed of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia. Currentiy, he has been serving world, mostly country. Nonetheless, if we School of Public Health, told AFP. In that scenario, commu- -- provides real-world validation to detect some asymptomatic cas- as Ambassador of Mongolia to the Kingdom of Thailand and the ensure that human vaccines Herd is achieved nities and economies already that the vaccines prevent Covid es, and we know that people with- Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in rural areas. and immunoglobulin are af- when most of a population -- es- reeling from the pandemic face symptoms and illness more than out symptoms can still transmit based in Bangkok since 2020. fordable and accessible, we timates vary between 60 to 80 prolonged mask wearing, social 90 percent of the time. the infection," said English. can reduce the fatality rate, per cent -- have acquired de- distancing and more-or-less hard A study published Wednes- But the results are still en- Ministry of Foreign Affairs which is almost 100 per cent if post-exposure prophylaxis is not fences against a virus, whether lockdowns until cam- day in the New England Journal couraging, he added. Nay Pyi Taw given before symptoms develop. through vaccination or because paigns can be completed. of Medicine -- comparing two "These findings give us hope Dated : 26 February 2021 Vaccinating 70 per cent of dogs can reduce human cases they caught the bug and survived. "There is also a greater risk groups in Israel of nearly 600,000 that vaccination alone may get to zero, and the cost of dog vaccines is much lower than that of But if the Pfizer, Moderna that vaccine 'escape variants' persons each, one vaccinated and the R number below 1," English post-exposure prophylaxis for human beings. and AstraZeneca vaccines -- and might be thrown up as the virus the other not -- also reported re- said, referring to the threshold Whenever we read stories about rabies and animal bites in the perhaps others made in China, continues to circulate," English duced illness in line with clinical above which a virus continues media, registration of cats and dogs is the first idea that comes Russia and India -- shield poor- said. trials. to spread. An old woman is kissed by a health member after receiving a dose of the into our head. ly against infection, then even Several such variants -- more But unlike the research from "If it can -- and this is the big Sinovac vaccine against the COVID-19 at Jose Joaquin Vargas, a residence Myanmar Daily Weather Report Registration of cats and dogs is the first step to resolving ani- for the elderly with mental disabilities, in Sibate, Colombia. PHOTO: AFP people who have rolled up their contagious, more deadly or both Scotland, the Israeli findings also question -- we would eventually no (Issued at 7:00 pm Wednesday 25 February, 2021) mal control issues. At the same time, we need to raise awareness sleeves to be injected remain po- -- have already proliferated in showed infections had sharply longer need to take behavioural about responsible ownership of pets. s reports this week from worldwide ward off not only tential, unwitting carriers. England, South Africa and Brazil declined in the vaccinated cohort measures such as lockdowns or BAY INFERENCE: Weather is a few cloud to partly cloudy Scotland and Israel -- To ensure responsible pet ownership and to prevent animals symptoms but the virus itself, it "The big concern is that the as the SARS-CoV-2 virus finds it -- by 92 percent among those at masks to interrupt spread." over the Andaman Sea and South Bay and generally fair from causing a nuisance to the public, registration of stray animals where much or most of the could sharply slow the pathogen's vaccines prevent illness, hospi- harder to find new hosts, a pre- least one week past the second But how is it that despite A elsewhere over the Bay of Bengal. is not being allowed. population have gotten Covid jabs spread and hasten the return to talisation and death, but won't dictable phase in the evolution of two doses. hundreds of studies, as well as FORECAST VALID UNTIL NOON OF THE 26 February, This reflects that ownership of pets comes with responsi- -- confirm that vaccines largely normalcy. sufficiently prevent transmis- of a pandemic. Encouraging results rigorous clinical trials involving 2021: Light rain or thundershowers are likely to be isolated bilities, and if one cannot fulfil them, then it would be better to prevent people from getting sick, "If the true impact on infec- sion," Peter English, a UK-based But recent studies along with The true level of protection tens of thousands of people and forego pets. another question is emerging: do tions was very high, it would be consultant in communicable dis- others in the pipeline give reason may not be that high because Is- resulting in more than half-a-doz- in Upper Sagaing Region and Kachin State. Degree of cer- Meanwhile, local communities' education is also a key pri- they also block infection? great news because that is what ease control and former chair of for optimism. rael does not systematically test en successful vaccines, we still do tainty is (60%). Weather will be partly cloudy in Taninthayi ority to ensure that people who get bitten seek prompt treatment. A lot depends on the answer, we need for herd immunity," Marc the British Medical Association's Research covering the entire for Covid among people with no not know yet how well they block Region and Shan, Kayin, Mon States and generally fair in To achieve a target of no rabies deaths by 2030, we must rec- experts say. Lipsitch, director of the Centre Public Health Medicine Commit- Scottish population of 5.4 million symptoms, the authors acknowl- infection? the remaining Regions and States. ognize that rabies elimination is a health priority. If vaccines being rolled out for Communicable Disease Dy- tee, told AFP. -- a fifth innoculated with the Pfiz- edge. SOURCE: AFP 26 FEBRUARY 2021 10 PANDEMIC: WORLD THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Moderna South Africa Channel Tunnel operator deep variant-specific vaccine in red as virus hits ready for testing GETLINK, the operator of the US biotech firm Moderna said strain are more susceptible to Channel Tunnel link with Britain, Wednesday that doses of its reinfection, and research has reported Thursday a 2020 net new COVID-19 vaccine candi- also shown the variant has part- loss of 113 million euros due to date aimed at the South African ly reduced the protection of the the coronavirus pandemic and coronavirus variant had been current generation of vaccines. Brexit but said it was confident shipped to the US National In- While initial testing has in the future. stitutes of Health for testing. shown that Moderna’s original The company, formerly “We look forward to begin- vaccine - called mRNA-1273 - re- known as Eurotunnel, reported ning the clinical study of our mains effective against emerg- a 2019 net profit of 159 million variant booster and are grateful ing variants, the company said it euros ($193 million). for the NIH’s continued collab- was pursuing the development Revenues were down 25 oration to combat this pandem- of a variant-specific vaccine per cent at 816 million euros ic,” said CEO Stephane Bancel. as part of a number of strate- last year, with Eurostar pas- The South African variant gies being considered. Either senger services badly hit by the is considered among the more a South Africa variant-specif- pandemic restrictions and the dangerous of current mutations ic candidate, called mRNA- fallout from Brexit. Operating The Channel Tunnel has seen a big fall on apssengers numbers due to the pandemic and Brexit. PHOTO: AFP because it evades some of the 1273.351, could be used as a profit -- the company’s preferred blocking action of antibodies booster, or the company might measure -- plunged 41 per cent company had put in a “solid” The company did not make that target the older coronavi- use a booster that combines the to 328 million euros, an amount performance in exceptional specific forecasts for 2021, citing rus strain. classic vaccine with the vari- described as still “very substan- circumstances caused by the a lack of visibility on the outlook. That means people who ant-specific mRNA-1273.351 to tial.” pandemic and Brexit. “We have Leriche noted that the Brit- were infected with the classic create a new product. —AFP The company said it had not no doubt that the rebound will ish government’s announcement “burned through cash,” and had be rapid as soon as restrictions on Monday that it would review also managed to reduce debt are lifted and that the situation travel restrictions on May 17 had during the crisis. will improve, notably thanks to sparked an immediate increase Boss Yann Leriche said the vaccination,” he added. in bookings. —AFP

Qantas posts huge loss, says no international flights until October

US biotech firm Moderna said Wednesday that doses of its new COVID-19 vaccine candidate aimed at the South African coronavirus variant had been shipped to the US National Institutes of Health for testing. PHOTO: AFP

NEWS IN BRIEF Mafia eye health, recovery projects in virus- hit Italy In coronavirus-hit Italy, mafia groups are eyeing the health sector and EU-funded infrastructure projects as their next big mon- ey-spinners, police warned in a report Wednesday. “Significant criminal investments are conceivable in companies op- erating in the so-called health chain,” Italy’s anti-mafia investigative police (DIA) wrote in a bi-annual report to parliament. Qantas, Australia’s biggest airline says it suffered an underlying loss of Aus$1.1 billion (US$858 million) in the Potential targets include building and renovating hospitals, the pro- six months to December 31. PHOTO: AFP duction and supply of medical equipment, hospital waste disposal, and sanitary and funeral services, DIA said. AUSTRALIAN carrier Qantas to Aus$1.47 billion. -- three-quarters of our revenue Police also said it was “very likely” that mafia organisations would reported on Thursday a US$5.5 “These figures are stark, -– around Aus$7 billion -– went “try to intercept the new financing channels” set to be made availa- billion plunge in revenue during but they won’t come as a sur- with it.” ble to upgrade Italy’s infrastructure and modernise its economy. the second half of 2020 and said prise,” said Qantas CEO Alan Joyce noted that the com- That is a reference to the more than €200 billion Rome expects international passenger flights Joyce. pany had already seen revenue to receive from the European Union’s post-coronavirus Recovery would not resume until October “A year ago, none of us fall Aus$4 billion during the first Fund over the 2021-2026 period. as the pandemic continued to knew just how big an impact half of 2020, bringing the to- DIA called for the “utmost vigilance” on companies bidding for devastate the industry. Covid would have on the world, tal impact of the pandemic to health sector public tenders, pointing out that recent corporate The country’s biggest air- or on aviation. It’s clearly worse Aus$11 billion. “That is a mas- changes in ownership, structure or office location may be a sign of line said it suffered an under- than anyone expected,” he said. sive number, probably a bigger mafia infiltration. lying pre-tax loss of Aus$1.03 “Border closures meant number than any other compa- They also said that talk of streamlining public tender procedures billion (US$814 million) in the we lost virtually 100 percent of ny in Australia is experiencing - to minimise the risk of delays in EU-funded projects - “should be six months to December 31, our international flying and 70 because of Covid,” he told a accompanied by careful and swift anti-mafia monitoring.”—AFP with statutory losses climbing per cent of our domestic flying news conference.—AFP 26 FEBRUARY 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR GLOBAL AFFAIRS 11

Nuclear issue key as Iran readies for Rouhani replacement NEWS IN BRIEF IRAN will vote in June for a suc- Tehran are trying to salvage the cessor to President Hassan Rou- troubled 2015 nuclear accord, German man hani and his moderate-reformist which granted Iran internation- charged for spying government, but politics in the al sanctions relief in return for at parliament for country is dominated by the nu- restrictions on its nuclear pro- clear issue and no frontrunner gramme. Russians has emerged. The accord has been near- GERMAN prosecutors said Several conservative heav- ing collapse since Donald Trump Thursday they have filed yweights are thought to be con- unilaterally withdrew in 2018 and spying charges against a man sidering running in the key June reimposed crippling sanctions as suspected of passing floor- 18 race, with the winner to help part of a “maximum pressure” plans of parliament to Russian set the direction of the Islamic campaign against Tehran. secret services, in a new case republic. Rouhani, who bet on en- that risks further inflaming “For the moment, the elec- gagement with the West when tensions between Berlin and toral atmosphere remains cold,” Barack Obama was president Moscow. political analyst Amir Mohebian only to see tensions soar under The suspect, a German told AFP, adding that when politi- Trump, has shown a willingness Iranian President Hassan Rouhani will step down after completing his national named only as Jens cians “try to warm it up, people to engage with the incoming Bid- second consecutive four-year term. PHOTO: IRANIAN PRESIDENCY/ F., worked for a company that are not paying attention”. en administration. AFP was repeatedly contracted Following the election of But Rouhani will step down terms allowed under the consti- remains in charge, the new pres- by the Bundestag to carry US President Joe Biden, Wash- after completing the second of tution, and, while Iran’s supreme ident will direct his own policy out regular checks on electric ington, European powers and his two consecutive four-year leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei course. —AFP equipment across parliament premises. “Against this background, Libya’s new PM to unveil team in first hurdle of transition the defendant had access to PDF files with the floor plans of” parliamentary properties, to parliament for approval at a out “will undoubtedly mobilize said federal prosecutors. venue and date that have yet to to hinder support for his admin- The suspect is believed to be agreed, a member of his office istration.” have decided sometime in the said late Wednesday. The new team aims to re- summer of 2017 to pass on the Libya last week marked 10 place a Tripoli-based Govern- information to Russian secret years since the start of its 2011 ment of National Accord (GNA), services. —AFP NATO-backed uprising that top- headed by Fayez al-Sarraj, and a pled longtime dictator Muammar parallel cabinet in eastern Libya Australia passes Ghaddafi, plunging the country backed by military strongman into a decade of violence and po- Khalifa Hafter and parliament. landmark law litical turmoil. It faces the daunting chal- requiring tech firms Today, the oil-rich North Af- lenge of addressing the griev- to pay for news rican nation is split between two ances of ordinary Libyans, hit by rival administrations, as well as a dire economic crisis, soaring AUSTRALIA’S parliament Abdul Hamid Dheibah. PHOTO: AFP countless militias. unemployment, wretched public passed landmark legislation Emadeddin Badi, an analyst services and crippling inflation. on Thursday requiring global LIBYA’S prime minister-desig- ber. at the Geneva-based Global Initi- Dbeibah, a 61-year-old engi- digital giants to pay for local nate Abdul Hamid Dheibah is Dbeibah, himself selected ative, warns that Dbeibah faces neer and businessman who once news content, in a move close- set to name a transitional gov- earlier this month in a UN-spon- a rough ride ahead. held posts under Kadhafi, was ly watched around the world. ernment Thursday tasked with sored process, will deliver his While his appointment “tem- selected on February 5 by a forum The law passed easily unifying the war-torn nation and line-up to Libya’s presidential porarily” resulted in support of 75 Libyan delegates at UN-led after a last-gasp deal that wa- leading it to elections in Decem- council, before it is submitted across Libya, he said, those left talks in Switzerland. —AFP tered down binding rules Face- book and Google had fiercely opposed in return for the tech Pakistan, India pledge to end skirmishes along Kashmir frontier giants agreeing to pay local media companies. The new PAKISTAN and India on Thurs- months of clashes with each ac- law paves the way for Google day pledged to end all firing cusing the other of being respon- and Facebook to invest tens of along their disputed Kashmir sible for thousands of ceasefire millions of dollars in local con- frontier, according to a joint violations in the past year alone. tent deals, and could prove a statement from their militaries, According to the Pakistan model for resolving the firms’ after months of violence between military, approximately 1.7 mil- tussles with regulators world- the nuclear-armed rivals. lion civilians live along the LoC wide. Google will now pay for The two nations regular- and increasingly rely on hun- news content that appears on ly exchange artillery and ma- dreds of bunkers to shelter dur- its ‘Showcase’ product, and chine-gun fire along the cease- ing frequent skirmishes. Facebook is expected to pay fire line known as the Line of Kashmir has been divided providers who appear on its Control (LoC) that has separated between India and Pakistan ‘News’ product, which is to be the countries for decades. since their acrimonious sepa- rolled out in Australia later this “Both sides agreed for strict ration in 1947. The region has A Pakistani soldier stands guard at the Line of Control at Abdullah Pur year. Regulators had accused village in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir. PHOTO: AFP observance of all agreements, been a cause of two of their three the companies, who dominate understandings and cease firing wars since then. has largely failed to quell the an insurgency that has left tens online advertising, of draining along the Line of Control and all The nations agreed in 2003 skirmishes. of thousands dead since 1989. cash away from traditional other sectors with effect from to a ceasefire along the LoC, Both countries claim large New Delhi regularly accus- news organizations while midnight,” read the statement. which has prevented another portions of the Himalayan re- es Pakistan of supporting the using their content for free. The announcement follows full-blown war from erupting but gion, where India is also fighting insurgents. —AFP —AFP 26 FEBRUARY 2021 12 ECON/ AD THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Heathrow airport Yellen urges G20 to ‘go big’ with dives into £2.0 bn pandemic stimulus annual loss the global economy re- urged the G20 “to increase LONDON’S Heathrow trade at scale,” he said cover from the crisis, “our their support to meet the airport dived into a in the earnings state- first task must be stopping high, unmet needs” of pre-tax loss of £2.0 bil- ment. “Getting aviation the virus” with worldwide global vaccine initiatives lion (€2.3 bn) last year, a moving again will save immunization, she said. like COVAX. result that “underlines thousands of jobs and But she warned “A rapid and truly the devastating impact of reinvigorate the econ- against making the mis- global vaccination pro- COVID-19 on aviation”, it omy.” take of pulling back too gram is the strongest said on Wednesday. Heathrow last year soon on the stimulus stimulus we can provide The loss reflected a had 22 million passen- which governments have to the global economy,” 73 per cent plunge in pas- gers compared with 81 been providing to shore up she said. senger numbers, Heath- million in 2019. More their economies, saying At the same time she row said in a statement. than half of the 22 mil- now is the time to “go big”. stressed that G20 govern- The airport, one of lion travelled in the first Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen says advanced countries Developing nations ments must continue to the world’s busiest hubs, two months of last year, must act together to spend ‘big’ on economic recovery have raised the alarm provide substantial sup- from the pandemic and help poor countries obtain recorded a pre-tax profit before the pandemic took -- echoed by the Interna- port for their own econo- vaccines. PHOTO: AFP of £546 million in 2019. hold and governments tional Monetary Fund and mies to recover from the Heathrow chief worldwide implemented THE world’s most ad- “No one nation alone others -- that the richest pandemic crisis, follow- executive John Hol- national lockdowns. vanced nations must work can declare victory over nations are hogging the ing the lead of the United land-Kaye, who said pas- Heathrow’s revenue in unison both to continue these crises,” Yellen said world’s supply of vaccines, States. senger levels shrunk in meanwhile tumbled 62 spending to boost the pan- in a letter to G20 finance leaving their poor breth- The US Congress is 2020 to levels last seen per cent to £1.2 billion demic recovery, and help officials meeting virtually. ren behind. moving towards approv- in the 1970s, voiced opti- in 2020, while cargo vol- poor nations acquire Cov- “This is a moment made Yellen warned that ing President Joe Biden’s mism for the year ahead umes slid 28 per cent. id-19 vaccines, US Treas- for action and for multilat- this would lead to further $1.9 trillion rescue pack- with Britain vaccinating Heathrow said it has ury Secretary Janet Yellen eralism.” loss of life and delay the age to help boost the econ- millions of adults and £3.9 billion of liquidity, said Thursday. In the battle to help economic recovery, and omy. —AFP preparing to exit its virus enough to see it through lockdown. until 2023. “We can be hopeful The airport’s last Vodafone prepares to float ‘€15 billion’ tower for 2021, with Britain on financial year was nota- the cusp of becoming ble also owing to Britain’s business the first country in the Supreme Court ruling world to safely resume that it could build a third BRITISH mobile phone fering (IPO) on the Frank- international travel and runway. —AFP giant Vodafone on Wednes- furt Stock Exchange “is day said it planned to par- expected to be before the tially float its European end of March 2021”, Voda- telecoms towers business, fone added. Vantage Towers, on the Analysts believe that Frankfurt stock market up to €4 billion could be before the end of March. raised from floating a mi- Headquartered in nority stake, helping to cut Germany and estimated Vodafone’s debt. to be worth €15 billion, Vantage Towers chief Vantage “is focused on executive Vivek Badrinath deploying the full poten- said the IPO “sets the A Vodafone booth at a trade fair in Germany. PHOTO: AFP tial of its market-leading foundations for the next tower infrastructure to across Europe, driven by obligations”, Vodafone said stage of our growth within serve the increasing de- data growth, 5G roll-out in a statement. the dynamic towers indus- Passengers at Heathrow airport. PHOTO: AFP mand for connectivity and regulatory coverage The initial public of- try”. —AFP

CLAIMS DAY NOTICE CLAIMS DAY NOTICE CLAIMS DAY NOTICE M.V KUO LUNG VOY. NO. (111N/S) M.V EVER CHANT VOY. NO. (0230-027N) M.V ALS SUMIRE VOY. NO. (1041W/E)

Consignees of cargo carried on M.V KUO LUNG Consignees of cargo carried on M.V EVER CHANT Consignees of cargo carried on M.V ALS SUMIRE VOY. NO. (111N/S) are hereby notified that the vessel VOY. NO. (0230-027N) are hereby notified that the VOY. NO. (1041W/E) are hereby notified that the will be arriving on 26-2-2021 and cargo will be discharged vessel will be arriving on 26-2-2021 and cargo will be vessel will be arriving on 26-2-2021 and cargo will be into the premises of TMIT/MIP where it will lie at the discharged into the premises of HPT where it will lie at discharged into the premises of MITT where it will lie consignee’s risk and expenses and subject to the byelaws the consignee’s risk and expenses and subject to the at the consignee’s risk and expenses and subject to the and conditions of the Port of Yangon. byelaws and conditions of the Port of Yangon. byelaws and conditions of the Port of Yangon. Damaged cargo will be surveyed daily from 8 am Damaged cargo will be surveyed daily from 8 am Damaged cargo will be surveyed daily from 8 am to 11:20 am and 12 noon to 4 pm to Claim’s Day now to 11:20 am and 12 noon to 4 pm to Claim’s Day now to 11:20 am and 12 noon to 4 pm to Claim’s Day now declared as the third day after final discharge of cargo declared as the third day after final discharge of cargo declared as the third day after final discharge of cargo from the Vessel. from the Vessel. from the Vessel. No claims against this vessel will be admitted after No claims against this vessel will be admitted after No claims against this vessel will be admitted after the Claims Day. the Claims Day. the Claims Day. Phone No: 2301185 Phone No: 2301185 Phone No: 2301185 Shipping Agency Department Shipping Agency Department Shipping Agency Department Myanma Port Authority Myanma Port Authority Myanma Port Authority Agent For: Agent For: Agent For: M/S OCEAN NETWORK EXPRESS (S'PORE) M/S CONTINENTAL SHIPPING LINE M/S EVERGREEN MARINE (S'PORE) PTE., LTD. PTE LTD 26 FEBRUARY 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR ADVERTISEMENT 13

MYANMA PORT AUTHORITY HOLIDAY NOTICE As the wharves, warehouses and chellan Offices of Yangon Port will be closed on the 2nd MARCH 2021 (Peasant's Day), Loading, Unloading and delivery for Goods will be received on Payment as Holiday Fees.

with us/ A d v e r t i s e Hot Line : 09974424848 26 FEBRUARY 2021 14 SOCIETY THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Large real world study confirms Pfizer Covid vaccine 94% effective

THE Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine has proven 94 Texas A&M University who was not involved per cent effective in a study involving 1.2 mil- in the research. lion people in Israel, the first peer-reviewed The experiment was carried out be- real world research confirming the power tween December 20, 2020 and February 1, of mass immunization campaigns to bring 2021 -- a period when a newer variant first the pandemic to a close. identified in Britain was rampant in Israel, The paper, which was published in making the vaccine’s performance all the the New England Journal of Medicine on more impressive. Around 1.2 million people Wednesday, also demonstrated there is likely were divided into equal groups of vaccinated a strong protective benefit against infec- and unvaccinated. Each vaccinated partici- tion, a crucial element in breaking onward pant was matched to an unvaccinated “con- transmission. trol” person of similar age, sex, geographic, “The fact that the vaccines worked so medical and other characteristics. well in the real world... really does suggest Lead author Noam Barda, head of epide- The Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine has proven 94 per cent effective in a study involving that if the nations of the world can find the miology and research at the Clalit Research 1.2 million people in Israel, the first peer-reviewed real world research confirming will, we now have the means to end Covid-19 Institute, told AFP the matching process the power of mass immunization campaigns to bring the pandemic to a PHOTO: AFP forever,” said Ben Neuman, a virologist from was highly robust. —AFP close.

Jordan reimposes Friday curfew as virus surges NEWS IN BRIEF 6 am Saturdays,” Information Minister Ali al-Ayed said in a UK drug dealers adapt to lockdown statement. Walking to a mosque for Friday prayers, however, is ILLICIT drug users in Britain have reported few problems main- permitted, he said. An existing taining their supply since the first coronavirus lockdown, with nightly curfew will begin at 10 around one in 10 purchasing from the dark web, according to a pm instead of midnight, while study published Thursday. from Sunday a maximum of 30 USERS reported some difficulties in finding a supplier and a per cent of public-sector employ- desired drug during the first national lockdown last year, and faced ees will be allowed at their work- higher prices, according to the online survey of 2,621 respondents place. The toughening of Cov- carried out by drugs charity Release. id-19 restrictions returns Jordan BUT the majority of respondents now “did not report finding a to rules imposed in March last supplier to be more difficult compared to before the arrival of COV- year, and which were only eased ID-19”, said lead author Judith Aldridge, with more now seeking Jordan has reimposed an all-day curfew on Fridays to stem the spread of last month. “The kingdom has deals online. coronavirus as cases rise. PHOTO: AFP witnessed a rapid spread of Covid “AT the start of lockdown, many presumed that the drugs JORDAN has reimposed an all- “Starting this week, the gov- in recent weeks. This is why swift market would be severely affected by border closures... and by ‘stay day curfew on Fridays to stem the ernment is imposing a curfew and strict measures are needed,” at home’ restrictions. spread of coronavirus as cases throughout the kingdom from 10 Health Minister Nazir Obeidat “WE did... observe increased difficulties in purchasing drugs rise, officials said Wednesday. pm (2000 GMT) Thursdays until said. —AFP as the first lockdown eased and was lifted, this also coincided with reports of increased prices.” ONE in 10 purchases reported in the survey were made on Bulgaria scraps vaccine priority lists after dark web markets. Thirteen percent of those using such websites reported that it was the first time they had done so.—AFP low take-up BULGARIANS of all ages, some over side effects and growing quickly,” said Denitsa Valkanova, Bangladesh vaccinates sex workers at largest as young as 20, joined long queues distrust of the government and a healthy 31-year-old who got vac- brothel at hospitals this weekend after its institutions. cinated together with her mother. low uptake on priority lists led Other people however were “Friends who live abroad BANGLADESH has begun administering coronavirus vaccines the government to open up vac- happy to take the place of the now tell me they will have to wait to sex workers from the country’s largest brothel, a vast warren cinations to everyone. sceptics. for another seven or eight months of shacks home to around 1,900 prostitutes. Fewer than a third of those “To be frank, I did not ex- before anything like this could THE South Asian nation has so far vaccinated nearly three designated as first in line for Cov- pect that we’d be allowed to go so happen,” she added. —AFP million people aged 40 or above with the AstraZeneca jab, but id-19 jabs have chosen to take has scrapped the age restriction for sex workers at the town of up the offer since they became Daulatdia in the country’s west. available in late December. “AT least 100 sex workers have already got the anti-Cov- Many of those queueing this id-19 jabs,” Asif Mahmud, health chief in Daulatdia, told AFP. weekend were eager to be among “IT is very necessary to vaccinate the sex workers... Thou- the first non-priority Europeans sands of people visit the brothel every day and the sex workers to get vaccinated, after Bulgaria at the massive brothel are most vulnerable to the virus.” announced Friday that some hos- THE country has focused on inoculating the elderly, front- pitals would start administering line health workers and security forces since its vaccination AstraZeneca shots to anyone. drive launched early this month, but plans to eventually cover The decision to scrap its orig- about 80 per cent of the population. inal prioritization lists came af- THE first sex workers from the brothel to receive the jab ter Bulgaria recorded the lowest travelled to a clinic five kilometres (three miles) away, but vaccination rate in the European Suspicion of the authorities is one reason vaccine take-up has been so Mahmud said authorities were also planning a dedicated vac- Union -- largely due to worries low in Bulgaria. PHOTO: AFP cine centre inside the brothel. —AFP 26 FEBRUARY 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR PANDEMIC: TOP STORIES 15 EU leaders’ summit confronts New Zealand Coronavirus cluster grows as three new vaccine rollout woes cases registered EU LEADERS meet Thursday under pressure to speed up NEW ZEALAND reported thorities later said that two Europe’s coronavirus vaccine three new locally transmitted siblings of the student were rollout, and divided over border cases of coronavirus on Tues- also infected with the virus, and closures and what introducing day, as the cluster in its big- have asked everyone linked vaccine travel certificates could gest city of Auckland expand- to the school to get re-tested. mean. ed just days after authorities Officials have also called on The video summit for the were forced to impose fresh people who had visited specific leaders of the 27-nation bloc curbs. Prime Minister Jacinda locations to self isolate and call comes a year into the Covid-19 Ardern lifted a brief COVID-19 local health officials for advice crisis, as most of the EU is expe- lockdown in Auckland last on testing. riencing a second wave of cases week, saying the measures had Auckland’s nearly 2 million -- or a third wave for some -- that helped limit the spread of the residents were plunged into a stubbornly won’t diminish. infection to a family of three. snap three-day lockdown ear- And the member states now However, a student from lier this month, after a family face outbreaks of more conta- Papatoetoe High School in of three - two adults and a child gious variants from Britain and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Auckland was reported to have - were diagnosed with the more South Africa. vaccine manufacturers were the EU’s partners in fighting the tested positive for COVID-19 transmissible UK variant of pandemic. PHOTO : AFP Brussels has warned six earlier in the day. Health au- coronavirus. —AFP governments, including Germa- from drugs giant AstraZeneca, Ursula von der Leyen told the ny’s, about unilateral border re- which under-delivered -- Eu- German regional daily Augs- strictions, while tourist-depend- ropean capitals hope supplies burger Allgemeine that, despite ent countries are piling on the will surge from April as Pfizer/ the friction with AstraZeneca, pressure to lift travel barriers BioNTech and Moderna ramp “vaccine manufacturers are our in time for summer vacations. up production. partners in this pandemic”. After a sluggish start to A one-shot vaccine by John- Her goal is to have 70 per the EU vaccination rollout -- son & Johnson could also be ap- cent of adults in the European largely because the EU’s plan proved by mid-March. Union vaccinated by mid-Sep- was dependent on the vaccine European Commission chief tember. —AFP Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Highly Effective Against Severe Covid

The vaccine was generally well-tolerated, with no reports of severe allergic reactions (ana- New Zealand reported three new locally transmitted cases of phylaxis), which have been seen coronavirus on Tuesday, as the cluster in its biggest city of Auckland in rare cases for the Pfizer and expanded just days after authorities were forced to impose fresh Moderna shots. curbs. PHOTO: AFP Mild to moderate reactions, like injection-site pain, headache, fatigue and muscle pains were more likely to occur in younger China denies using participants than older. There were no reported Covid-19 anal swabs on deaths in the vaccine group, but five in the placebo group. US diplomats “The analysis supported a favourable safety profile with no CHINA on Thursday said it had -- that State Department em- specific safety concerns identi- never asked US diplomats to ployees in China had been A health care worker looks away as she’s immunized with Johnson & fied that would preclude issu- undergo Covid-19 anal swabs, given the test “in error”, de- Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine at Klerksdorp Hospital in Klerksdorp, South Africa, on Feb. 18. PHOTO: AFP ance of an EUA (emergency use following American media re- spite diplomats being exempt authorization),” the FDA wrote. ports that State Department from the procedure. THE single-shot Johnson & J&J vaccine’s efficacy against One dose, fridge storage personnel had complained of “China has never re- Johnson vaccine is highly effec- severe disease was 85.9 per cent A third vaccine is seen as being subjected to the intru- quested US diplomatic per- tive in preventing severe Cov- in the United States, 81.7 per cent a vital means to ramp up the sive test. sonnel in China to undergo id-19, including newer variants, in South Africa, and 87.6 per cent immunization rate in the United China -- which has large- anal swabs,” foreign ministry according to documents released in Brazil. Overall, among 39,321 States, where more than 500,000 ly brought the virus under spokesman Zhao Lijian said by the US Food and Drug Admin- participants across all regions, people have lost their lives to the control domestically -- said at a regular press briefing istration on Wednesday. the efficacy against severe Cov- coronavirus. last month that anal swabs Thursday. The news came as the reg- id-19 was 85.4 per cent, but it fell Some 65 million people in can be more effective than Officials in China have ulator was set to convene an to 66.1 per cent when including America have so far received normal throat and nose used anal swabs to test peo- independent panel Friday that moderate forms of the disease. at least one shot of either the swabs as the virus can lin- ple it considers at high-risk of will likely vote to authorize the Crucially, analyses of dif- Pfizer or Moderna vaccines -- but ger longer in the digestive contracting Covid-19, includ- vaccine, making it the third avail- ferent demographic groups re- unlike those, the J&J vaccine system. ing residents of neighbour- able in the country hit hardest by vealed no marked differences requires just one dose, and is But Beijing rebuffed re- hoods with confirmed cases the coronavirus pandemic. across age, race, or people with stored at fridge temperatures. ports from Vice and Washing- as well as some international In large clinical trials, the underlying conditions. —AFP ton Post -- citing US officials travellers. —AFP 26 FEBRUARY 2021 16 SPORT THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR HUFC centre-back player retires from football

HANTHARWADY United defender Nyi safe life in the future Nyi Nyi Aung”. League in 2010, the 5th place in 2011, the superb skills in 12 matches in the Interna- Nyi Aung retired from football, accord- Before arriving at the Hantharwady fourth in 2018, the fifth in 2019, and bagged tional Club Invitational Tournament and ing to a previous announcement of the United Football Club, the 31-year-old de- second place in 2020, respectively and the 147 matches in the Myanmar National football club. fender played for the Ministry of Mines defender assisted the team with the best League. As a greeting, his teammates made Football Club. of his effort. He scored one goal in an internation- a special wish for the player, saying that Hantharwady United won the cham- Nyi Nyi Aung played for Hanthar- al tourney and scored another single goal “May you be peaceful, happy and have a pionship trophy of the Myanmar National wady United for a decade and also showed in the domestic league. —GNLM Fans, but no cheering, for Mourinho compares ‘diamond’ delayed Olympic torch relay

TOKYO — Spectators will be organisers say the massive Spurs teen Scarlett to Rashford allowed to line the route when event can go ahead and the the Olympic flame begins its torch relay will kick off as LONDON — Jose Mourin- delayed relay across Japan planned on March 25. ho has compared “diamond” next month, organizers said “The infection situation wonderkid Dane Scarlett to Thursday, but cheering will be will vary from area to area, Marcus Rashford after the strictly banned. so we need to take that into 16-year-old impressed in Tot- The torch relay was account and it will be very im- tenham’s 4-0 Europa League scrapped just days before it portant to have a meticulous win against Wolfsberger. was due to kick off last year approach,” Tokyo 2020 pres- The Spurs boss took the when Japanese and Olympic ident Seiko Hashimoto told opportunity to blood some officials took the unprecedent- reporters. youngsters during Wednes- ed decision to postpone Tokyo “We want to get the un- day’s second leg as they 2020 over the coronavirus pan- derstanding of people in every cruised into the last 16 of the demic. area and connect the whole competition 8-1 on aggregate. Despite persistent con- country under the torch re- It was a rare chance for cerns about the safety of hold- lay concept ‘Hope Lights Our Mourinho to highlight the pos- ing the Games this summer, Way’.” —AFP itives after the worst run of his stellar managerial career. A dismal run of six defeats in their previous eight games in all competitions had left Tottenham in ninth place in the Premier League and out Tottenham’s 16-year-old forward Dane Scarlett has caught the eye of of the FA Cup. manager Jose Mourinho. PHOTO: AFP Winning the Europa League is probably their best 2015, for Monaco against Tot- “He is a diamond, a kid chance of qualifying for the tenham. with incredible potential,” said Champions League next sea- His performance rein- the Spurs boss. son. forced Mourinho’s belief that “He will be 17 next month Scarlett is the first 16-year- he is ready to be elevated to and I want him to be part of the You can watch but don’t cheer: Organizers of the Olympic flame relay in Japan have released rules for how the event can go ahead, which old to assist a Europa League the first-team squad for next first-team squad next season. includes limits on what spectators can do. PHOTO: AFP goal since Kylian Mbappe in season. —AFP

Mendy’s late strike puts Real Madrid in sight of Champions League quarters

MADRID — Ferland Mendy put “It’s a very good result Real Madrid within touching dis- against an Atalanta team even tance of the Champions League at ten, because they defended quarter-finals on Wednesday very well. with the late strike that sank “The tie is open. We are 10-man Atalanta 1-0 in Bergamo. going to have a great return The French left-back’s curl- match.” ing effort came four minutes Atalanta had attacked early from time in a last 16, first leg but the game was transformed clash in which the hosts had to when Swiss midfielder Remo play a man down for over 70 min- Freuler was harshly send off utes, giving Zinedine Zidane’s in the 17th minutes for tripping side the advantage heading Mendy at the edge of the penalty into the second leg in Madrid area. on March 16. Gian Piero Gasperini’s woes “We didn’t have a great continued with forward Duvan game tonight, but the most im- Zapata limping off after half an portant thing was the result, hour with a muscular problem scoring away was important for with midfielder Mario Pasalic Real Madrid’s French defender Ferland Mendy (L) scored the only goal against Atalanta in Bergamo. PHOTO: us,” said Zidane. coming off the bench. —AFP AFP