FOCUS ON REDUCING IMPACT OF DROUGHT PAGE-8 (OPINION)

NATIONAL NATIONAL MoHA minister inspects Insein Prison, MoALI holds meeting on water supply activities to Fire Services Department address water scarcity due to climate change

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Vol. VII, No. 268, 11th Waning of Nadaw 1382 ME www.gnlm.com.mm, www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com Saturday, 9 January 2021 State Counsellor delivers video message, VP II attends National Tourism Development Central Committee meeting

Vice-President U Henry Van Thio speaks at the 1/2021 meeting of the National Tourism Development Central Committee in Nay Pyi Taw on 8 January 2021. PHOTO: MNA

HE National Tourism try and its related sectors. World Myanmar Tourism Impact Relief get over K21,000 million loan with in line with the manual of Na- Development Central Tourism Organization estimated Plan (2020), which includes three 1 per cent annual interest for the tional Tourism Guidelines for T Committee held a 1/2021 about 100 million unemployment phases in the index of COVID-19 hotels and tour agencies. Basic Safety Measures against COV- meeting in Nay Pyi Taw yester- across the world, with negative Economic Relief Plan (CERP). and advanced cash for training ID-19, which was adopted from day to review the committee’s implications on micro, small and Phase I Survival could bring courses were conducted for the the guidelines of the Ministry of objectives and plans for Myan- medium-sized businesses that over K500 million relief for ho- staff members for hotels and Health and Sports, the Ministry mar tourism sector. mainly employ the young peo- tel and guesthouse businesses, tourism businesses and people of Transport and Communica- State Counsellor Daw Aung ple, including women, economic, nearly K450 million for tour agen- from the related sector. K4,800 tions, the Ministry of Religious San Suu Kyi delivered a video social and health sectors, and cies and about K100 million for was given per day for nearly Affairs and Culture and the message to the meeting. conservation of cultural industry the tour guides. The tax levy was 3,000 trainees and K10,000 per Ministry of Hotels and Tour- (State Counsellor’s video and societies. suspended for six months. Rent- day for almost 1,200 tour guides, ism. Businesses were allowed message is covered on page 4) In accord with the Nation- al of FDI hotels was reduced and experienced hotels and tour- to reopen with the enforcement As the chairman of the cen- al Committee on Prevention, by 50 per cent for nine months, ism staff members, who acted as of safety measures, and digital tral committee, Vice-President U Control and Treatment guide- relieving a total of near US$6 mil- trainers. A total of K230 million marketing was also promoted for Henry Van Thio talked about the lines, the National Tourism De- lion for the ministry and K1,800 was spent on this programme. safe tourist destinations. impacts of COVID-19 pandemic velopment Central Committee million for State-owned hotels. Phase II Reopening includ- on the Myanmar tourism indus- is implementing the COVID-19 The committee could manage to ed conducting pieces of training SEE PAGE-3

INSIDE TODAY

NATIONAL LOCAL NEWS LOCAL BUSINESS LOCAL BUSINESS First-ever virtual Monywa, Fujita Price of watermelon Distributors need to sell career fair to be held Corporation discuss exported to China palm oil at reasonable prices in Myanmar on 6, 7 power generation from continuously during pandemic period: February waste materials plunges MEODA PAGE-7 PAGE-10 PAGE-11 PAGE-11 9 JANUARY 2021 2 NATIONAL THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR “People are the key”

His Majesty King Felipe VI, King of Spain sends Congratulatory Message to the President

On the occasion of the celebration of the National Day of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, I wish to send to Your Excellency, along with the Government and the people of Spain, my warmest congratulations. Receive Mr President, my best wishes of personal well-being, peace and prosperity for the beloved people of Myanmar. With the testimony of my highest consideration and esteem.

His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar sends Congratulatory Message to the President

On the anniversary of your country’s Independence Day, I want to extend to you and your people, on behalf of the people of the State of Qatar and my own behalf, our cordial greetings and felicitations, coupled with our best wishes of good health and well-being to Your Excellency and further development and progress to you people.

His Excellency Mr Khaltmaagiin Battulga, President of Mongolia sends Congratulatory Message to the President

On the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, allow me to extend my sincerely congratulations to Your Excellency, Mr Pres- ident, and to the friendly people of Myanmar. It would be my great pleasure to continue closely collaborating with Your Excellency in further expanding and strengthening friendly relations and cooperation between Mongolia and Myanmar, based on shared values of democracy. I avail myself of this opportunity to extend to Your Excellency my best wishes for your good health and well-being, as well as for the progress and prosperity to the friendly people of Myanmar.

His Excellency Hassan Rouhani, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran sends Congratulatory Message to the President

I have the honour to extend my sincere congratulation to Your Excellency and the people of Myanmar on the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. The Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of the Union of Myanmar have enjoyed long-lasting relations and friendly cooperation in the past years. I do hope we would witness further expansion and strengthen relationship in the interests of both nations and in all fields. I avail myself of this opportunity to wish for further well-being and fortunateness of Your Excellency and glory and prosperity for the people of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.

His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Deputy Amir of the State of Qatar sends Congratulatory Message to the President

On the occasion of the anniversary of your country’s Independence Day, I want to express to you my sincere greetings and congratulations, coupled with my best wishes of good health and well-being to Your Excellency and continued development and progress to you people.

HE Sheik Khalid Bin Khalifa Bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of the State of Qatar sends Congratulatory Message to the State Counsellor

It pleases me, on the anniversary of your country’s Independence Day, to extend to you, on behalf of the government of the State of Qatar and myself, our sincere greetings and felicitations, coupled with our best wishes of continued well-being to Your Excellency and further development and progress to your people.

In efforts to speed up the prevention, containment and treatment of the COVID-19 disease, the call centre (phone number COVID-19 Call 2019) is established by four communications operators and the Blue Ocean Company with the coordination of the Medical Research Department of the Health and Sports Ministry and Post and Telecommunications Department from 9 am to 5 pm Centre opens daily at the Medical Research Department in Yangon. Over 43 staff from the Medical Research Department and 17 volunteers from the Myanmar Medical Association totally daily 60 workers have been working at the centre since 8th April.­—MNA 9 JANUARY 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR NATIONAL 3 State Counsellor delivers video message, VP II attends National Tourism Development Central Committee meeting FROM PAGE-1 Phase III Relaunching in- cludes organizing ‘non-landing sightseeing flights and river cruises in line with the Enchant- ing Myanmar Health & Safety Protocol approved by the nation- al COVID-19 control committee. Caravan tour and day trip flight will also be arranged to Ngapali and Bagan soon. The protocol to secure the World Travel and Tour- ism Council’s trust in Myanmar Union Ministers participate in the virtual meeting of National Tourism as a safe tourism destination will Development Central Committee on 8 January 2021. PHOTO: MNA Union Minister U Soe Win Union Minister U Thaung Tun

Union Minister U Kyaw Tin Union Minister Dr Pe Myint Union Minister Thura U Aung Ko Union Minister U Thant Sin Maung Union Minister U Ohn Win committee to promote natural tourism, ethnic tourism, environ- mental tourism which focus on physical distancing, rather than on crowded city areas. Union Minister U Ohn Maung, in his capacity as the Vice-Chairman of the commit- tee, Secretary of the committee and Deputy Minister U Tin Latt, Joint-Secretary and the Direc- tor-General from the Directorate of Hotels and Tourism reported Union Minister U Thein Swe Union Minister Dr Than Myint Union Minister Dr Myint Htwe Union Minister U Ohn Maung on the implementations of central be implemented. of Hotels and Tourism and the preparations are being made to adopted by the Global Tourism committee decisions, the approv- Plans are also underway to Ministry of Labour, Immigration develop the ‘travel bubble’ among Crisis Committee to recover this al for MTSRR (2021-2025) and relaunch the tourism sector in and Population by spending K140 partner countries to allow busi- industry in the post-COVID-19. Enchanting Myanmar Health and the third quarter of this year with million for 300 trainers and over ness travellers and package The 37th ASEAN Summit Safety Protocol. ASEAN member countries and 1,000 trainees. tours. also issued the ASEAN Decla- The Vice-President then of- Asian countries. Cross-border Plans for the resumption of The Vice-President also ration on Digital Tourism’ on 12 ficially launched MTSRR (2021- tourism with Laos and Cambo- international flights are being called for collaboration among November last year, while the 2025) and Enchanting Myanmar dia will be carried out for ‘trav- carried out by the Ministry of the tourism industry stakehold- member countries are imple- Health and Safety Protocol. el bridge’. ‘Travel bubble’ with Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of ers to ensure more resilience and menting the ASEAN Compre- The members of central Thailand and Viet Nam are being International Cooperation, the inclusiveness under the sustaina- hensive Recovery Framework committee and Union Minis- arranged and expanded to Japan, Ministry of Planning, Finance and ble development goals to liberate (ACRF). ters, Deputy Ministers and de- South Korea, China, Hong Kong Industry, the Ministry of Health from just relying on the natural The Myanmar Tourism Re- partmental officials discussed the and Macau where the COVID-19 and Sports, the Ministry of Trans- resources. covery Strategic Roadmap (2021- works of respective state agen- has successfully controlled. port and Communications, the He also explained the UNW- 2025) has been developed in line cies for tourism developments In line with the protocol, the Ministry of Labour, Immigration TO Priorities for Global Tourism with World Tourism Organization in the country. —MNA cash for training courses are be- and Population and the Ministry Recovery and the UNWTO Global guidelines and the ACRF with the ing conducted by the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism. Besides, Guidelines to Restart Tourism approval of national COVID-19 (Translated by Aung Khin) CBM issues subsidiary licences to more foreign banks THE Central Bank of Myanmar has granted operating licences to foreign banks to develop the banking industry since 2014 and bringing to 13 the number of foreign bank branches in Myanmar in the first and second rounds of licencing. During the third round of licencing, the CBM granted subsidiary licences to Taiwan’s Mega International Commercial Bank Co., Ltd on 5 January while the Korea Development Bank of ROK and another Taiwan’s Cathay United Bank on 6 January respectively. The foreign subsidiaries can offer retail banking services including services for any financing to local and foreign corporates and other banking services. There are 16 foreign banks currently allowed to operate branches, and it can provide financial assistance to local businesses as well as the import sector to promote the country’s economy status.—MNA (Translated by Khine Thazin Han) 9 JANUARY 2021 4 NATIONAL THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Speech delivered by State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi at National Tourism Development Central Committee meeting 1/2021 (8 January 2021)

I wish to send greetings and to participate, cooperation and metta for the good health and make concerted efforts. It would well-being of all distinguished be necessary to work with new guests who are attending this ideas, new outlooks, and new im- meeting. aginative concepts to bring out We will be announcing very the best features of each particu- shortly the Myanmar Econom- lar region. To develop tourism ic Recovery and Reform Plan markets, it might be necessary (MERRP) incorporated in the for us to be able to penetrate Myanmar Sustainable Develop- global digital platforms in line ment Plan, which also includes with global trends. We will be measures to reduce the impact able to penetrate the tourism of COVID-19. The Ministry of market only if we are able to in- Hotels and Tourism in coopera- tegrate innovations, technology tion with other organizations in and market development har- this sector, taking into considera- moniously. tion the recommendations of the In conclusion, what I wish WTO – World Tourism Organ- to talk about is the tourism ization and the World Tourism and interest of the Union. Our Council formulated the Strategic country is a Union. Since our Roadmap for Tourism Recovery. country has been established This Strategic Roadmap, which protection against COVID-19, as a matter of habit to obtain cultures of our ethnic nationals with various ethnic nationals, in includes short-term, mid-term which will incorporate all the in- the certification from the World as well as the daily social lifestyle whatever we do, we should not and long-term strategic objec- structions issued by the relevant Tourism Council. It would not of our people. forget the interest of the Union. tives, will have to be implement- Ministries for the protection and be easy. There would be a need Not only that, we need to be In our efforts to develop tourism, ed in tandem with the MERRP control of COVID-19. for periodic inspections and ad- able to make arrangements to we should not look at one region during the COVID-19 period. For Myanmar to obtain ministrative actions. I wish to make the tourists interested in only but look at the interest of urge all concerned to cooperate our rural life, the unique char- the Union as a whole and try to with the relevant departments acteristics of each region and coordinate and be cognizant of I wish to urge all concerned to so that a durable system is es- our agricultural works. We also the inter-relationships. This is tablished; something that rises need to make concerted efforts very important. If we try to make cooperate with the relevant de- quickly and withers away is not for cleanliness in our rural areas, interesting tour programmes for what we want. for safety, to be in accord with travellers by trying to link the partments so that a durable sys- At the moment, we have al- health guidelines; and to offer various regions, it will go a long ready initiated flights for tourists reasonable prices. We need to way to bring our ethnic nationals tem is established; something as well as riverine cruises in ac- make efforts for the emergence closer to each other and promote that rises quickly and withers cordance with the said protocols. of small enterprises, local cui- unity. We are also drawing up plans sine and dishes, small guest Let me conclude by urging away is not what we want. to reopen our coastal areas in houses and hotels. We need to all of you to join hands and co- accordance with rules and reg- do all this without losing our operate in unity to revive the ulations. The tourism sector traditional characteristics and Myanmar tourism enterprises, has been facing difficulties on incorporating innovative ideas. which have been facing tremen- In our efforts to achieve the Safe Tourism award, En- a world-wide scale. In order to To be able to develop a dous difficulties, as quickly as recovery, the most important chanting Myanmar Health and achieve recovery of Myanmar tourism destination which is possible and to be able to operate thing is the safety of travellers Safety Protocols have already tourism, I hope that we would attractive and safe, the Union free from danger and in safety. and people who are providing been adopted. In operational- be able to continue our efforts to Government, state and region- I thank you all. May you be services to them. That is why we izing these protocols, we would promote and develop people-ori- al governments, ministries, blessed with good health and are planning to launch National need to undergo training until we ented tourism, promote and ex- private organizations, and the well-being. (Translated by: Tourism Handbook related to are able to follow the guidelines hibit our traditional cultures, local people – all of them need Kyaw Myaing)

711 new cases of COVID-19 reported on 8 January, total figure rises to 129,483

MYANMAR’S COVID-19 positive cases rose to 129,483 after 711 new cases were reported on 8 January 2021 according to the Ministry of Health and Sports. Among these 129,483 confirmed cases, 2,812 died, 112,876 have been discharged from hospitals.—MNA

Updated at 8 pm, 8 January 2021 Daily death toll until 8 pm 8-1-2021

Total Cases 129,483 New Cases 711 13

Total Death Tally 2,812 Discharged from Hospital 112,876 Ministry of Health and Sports 9 JANUARY 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR NATIONAL 5 Our aim should be to arrive at an encouraging situation BY keeping these goals in view, we will be making practical implementations for process, design and inclusiveness of all stakeholders in the upcoming five years. We will make strenuous efforts with increased momentum on ‘the New Peace Architecture’ in the post-2020 which balances representation and effectiveness and allows thorough negotiations among the main stakeholders; a review process which has been widely discussed from all points of view; thus it would enable subject matter and management support groups, political parties, CSOs, and the people to join in and participate. The year 2022 will be the ‘Diamond Anniversary’ or the ‘75th Anniversary’ of the Panglong Agreement. In this year our aim should be to arrive at an encouraging situation where we can see clearly and distinctly in front of us a clear path for us to march towards the goal of our Union; I wish to state that we would be making exerted efforts by using this as our “New Peace Architecture” in the post-2020 period.

(Excerpt from Chairperson of National Reconciliation and Peace Centre and State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s speech on New Year, on 2 January 2021)

MoHA minister inspects Insein Prison, Fire Services Department

UNION MINISTER for Home Affairs Let-Gen Soe Htut inspected the Insein Central Prison, Myanmar Fire Services Department headquarters in Mayangon Township, and the Dagon Myothit (South) Township Fire Station on 7 January. The Union Minister and party first visited the Insein Prison where the Department of Correction’s Acting Director-General U Zaw Min, Yangon Region Office Head Director U Zaw Zaw, the prison’s in-charge and officials explained the prison’s works with the use of PowerPoint, and the Union Minister coordinated the requirements. He also inspected the prison’s buildings from the prison tower and going inside the buildings, investigating of the offenders via videoconferencing, the rooms for quarantining new prisoners, and also met the family members of the staff. The Union Minister visited the Myanmar Fire Services Department headquarters in Mayangon Township and inspected its command and control centre. He also visited the Dagon Myothit (South) Township Fire Station, inspected the fire extinguishing equipment, viewed the drill of the firefighters, looked around the staff apartments, their agriculture and breeding works, and also met the family members of the staff. —MNA Union Minister Let-Gen Soe Htut holds meeting with the staff of Insein Central Prison on 7 January (Translated by Kyaw Zin Tun) 2021. PHOTO: MNA Myanmar nationals abroad brought back home by relief flights

Myanmar returnees from Malaysia and Singapore are seen at the Yangon International Airport on 8 Janaury 2021. PHOTO: MNA

A total of 413 Myanmar citizens lief flight of Myanmar Airways Supporting Committee jointly and the Yangon Region govern- concerned to bring back cit- who were stranded abroad – 142 International to repatriate 142 organized the relief flight of My- ment provided them with prop- izens stranded abroad due to from Malaysia, 146 from Singa- citizens from Malaysia, and the anmar Airways International to er medical tests and arranged the suspension of international pore and 125 from the Republic Myanmar Embassy in Singa- repatriate 125 Myanmar seamen 7-day quarantine at specific plac- commercial flights, in accord- of the Korea—because of the pore organized the relief flight from the ROK. The three flights es or designated hotels, followed ance with the guidance of the suspension of commercial flights of Myanmar National Airways landed at Yangon International by the 7-day home quarantine. National-Level Central Commit- returned home by relief flights to bring back 146 citizens home Airport yesterday. The Ministry of Foreign tee on Prevention, Control and yesterday. from Singapore. The Ministry of Labour, Im- Affairs has been working with Treatment of COVID-19.—MNA The Myanmar Embassy in The Myanmar Embassy migration and Population, the Myanmar embassies in foreign (Translated by Kyaw Zin Kuala Lumpur organized the re- in Seoul and the Crew Change Ministry of Health and Sports countries and local ministries Tun) 9 JANUARY 2021 6 NATIONAL THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Renovation works at National Theatre (Yangon) projected to finish this year

buildings that define our nation Myanmar. The Memorandum of Un- derstanding on the renovation of the theatre was signed on 19 November 2017, he added. The ministry’s permanent secretary who is incharge of the project Director-General U Tun Ohn and officials from the Beijing Construction Engineering Group Co., Ltd presented the major ren- ovation of the national theatre with the use of PowerPoint. The Union Minister said that the Union Minister Thura U Aung Ko participates in the virtual meeting on renovation to the National Theatre (Yangon) on 8 January 2021 . ministry would provide the as- PHOTO: MNA sistance needed by the Beijing THE newly renovated National 2020. Speaking at the meeting, ing and security systems. gon) was constructed with assis- Construction Engineering Group Theatre (Yangon) could be inau- Union Minister for Religious Af- He said that the theatre tance from the People’s Republic Co., Ltd on the project, saying the gurated at the end of this year, fairs and Culture Thura U Aung after upgraded would become of China and completed in De- company to meet at the opening according to the Ministry of Reli- Ko said that the national theatre an international standard one cember 1990. ceremony of the theatre in end- gious Affairs and Culture’s virtual being upgraded with assistance and extended gratitude to the Deputy Minister U Kyi Min 2021 and wishing the company meeting yesterday. from the People’s Republic of Chi- People’s Republic of China on said that every country has the good health and happiness in the The project commenced on na covered its main building and behalf of Myanmar government buildings that represent the na- New Year. — MNA 10 August 2019, and it has reached audio, lighting, LED, 4K movie, and people. tion, and the National Theatre 52 per cent until 31 December air-conditioning, fire extinguish- The National Theatre (Yan- (Yangon) was included in the (Translated by Kyaw Zin Tun)

MoALI holds meeting on water supply activities to address water scarcity due to climate change

MINISTRY of Agriculture, Live- for effective and efficient use of stock and Irrigation held a coor- existing water resources without dination meeting on water re- wasting them. He said Myanmar sources and measures to address is changing its rainfall pattern water scarcity caused by climate due to global climate change and change yesterday afternoon in the inflow of water into dams is accordance with the COVID-19 declining. He continued that the prevention directives in Nay Pyi meeting aimed to set short term Taw. and long term activities to pre- At the meeting, Union Min- vent water reduction in the dams ister Dr Aung Thu urged to the and prioritize the safety work of responsible engineers from the the completed dams according Ministry to provide disciplined to the budget year. leadership for exploration, con- The Director-General for servation and systemic use of Irrigation and Water Utilization water resources with the guid- Management Department ex- ance of the respective state and plained the extensive use of Rain Union Minister Dr Aung Thu joins the meeting on tackling water scarcity caused by climate change on 8 regional governments. Water Harvesting technology in January 2021. PHOTO: MNA He added the need to access relation to water supply works for uty Minister discussed the con- projects; to select and implement manent Secretary U Kyaw Min groundwater to address potential irrigated acreage development struction of dams that can supply potential dams for long-term Oo, the Directors-General and water scarcity issues; to explore and the use of Ground Water Re- water to the existing dams, ca- implementation and the need officials from the Irrigation and water sources for rural drinking charge technology in construct- nals with short-term and medi- to carry out safety work on the Water Utilization Management water supply, safe drinking wa- ing sluice gates and small dams um-term activities; continuing to dams. The meeting was attended Department.—MNA ter and agriculture; to develop and new river pumping stations. implement Dam Series; conduct- by Union Minister Dr Aung Thu, (Translated by Ei Phyu and implement concrete plans The Union Minister and Dep- ing surveys for long-term dam Deputy Minister U Hla Kyaw, Per- Phyu Aung)

Announcement on fund establishment to purchase COVID-19 vaccines

1. The National-Level Central Committee on Prevention, Control and Treat- 2. Therefore, organizations and people (local/ foreign countries) who want to ment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on 30-12-2020 formed a Fund contribute cash donation for the purchase of vaccines, can donate any type Management Sub-committee on the Purchase of COVID-19 Vaccines. The of foreign currency to the COVID-19 Vaccination Fund (Foreign Currency sub-committee has opened the COVID-19 Vaccination Fund at the Myanma Account No. EDC 600012) at the Myanma Economic Bank (Nay Pyi Taw), Economic Bank in Nay Pyi Taw as follows: and can donate Myanmar Kyat to the COVID-19 Vaccination Fund (Myanmar (a) Fund for purchase of COVID-19 vaccines (Foreign Currency Account No. Currency Account No. OA 013733). EDC 600012). The bank account will be initially deposited with USD250 3. The potential well-wishers can contact the following phone numbers: million, equivalent to about K338 billion from State-funding. Director-General (067 3410156) (b) Fund for purchase of COVID-19 vaccines (Myanmar Currency Account Treasury Department (067 3410158) No. OA 013733). The bank account is initially deposited K1 billion (K1,000 million) from State-funding. Ministry of Planning, Finance and Industry 9 JANUARY 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR NATIONAL 7 Ministries discuss draft version of Comprehensive Education Plan for Rakhine State

THE Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement and the Ministry of Education organized a virtual coordination meeting on the draft version of Comprehen- sive Education Plan for Rakhine State yesterday. During the meeting, Un- ion Minister Dr Win Myat Aye discussed the three crises in development, human rights and security sectors of Rakhine State and the importance of education to promote the critical thinking skills of the local populace to over- come these crises. The Union Minister added only the education could develop Union Minister Dr Myo Thein Gyi and Union Minister Dr Win Myat Aye lead the meeting on draft version of Comprehensive Education Plan for the human resources, create the Rakhine State yesterday. PHOTO: MNA job opportunities and changes in the socio-economic sector and ing of the state’s education sector, ment (PNA) of ASEAN’s Sec- draft of CEPR with five priority the CEPR (draft). also expressed his hope to gain focussing on equal access, im- retary-General Office and AHA sectors based on the report of He then highlighted cooper- significant changes thorough the proved quality of education, and Centre for repatriation. the advisory commission led by ation works to establish quality Comprehensive Education Plan upgrading of physical facilities He also said if the people Kofi Annan, work plans to fulfil education in line with the recom- for Rakhine State (Draft). and teaching materials. in Rakhine State have high ed- the needs in education sectors mendation of the Advisory Com- He also discussed plans be- The higher education can ucation skills, it can support the according to NESP (2016-21) mission on Rakhine State and ing carried out for the 88 facts of create various approaches to development of citizenship, econ- for the development of Rakhine further supports of his ministry. the Advisory Commission on Ra- the problems and can take to omy, social affairs, free transpor- State and Learning Together The Directors-General of rel- khine State led by Mr Kofi Annan. the pathway of eternal peace by tation and social harmony. programme of the ministry to evant departments respectively He also highlighted the sug- finding ways to avoid the conflicts, When the harmony in com- promote the social harmony in presented the plans regarding gestions of advisory commission he added. munity emerges, the security and Rakhine State. with the draft of CEPR(draft) and to draft a plan based on the five He then talked about the health sectors of Rakhine State The Union Minister also then the Union Ministers Dr Win recommendations for the Minis- principles in recommendations of will also develop, and there will urged the participants to give Myat Aye and Dr Myo Thein Gyi try of Education such as to give Kofi Annan and the Independent be tranquillity and prosperity in suggestions to meet the needs concluded the meeting.—MNA the education sector in Rakhine Commission of Enquiry (ICOE) the state. in basic and higher education a major lift, to develop a compre- while implementing the CEPR Union Minister Dr Myo sector, technical, vocational edu- (Translated by Khaing hensive plan for the strengthen- and Preliminary Needs Assess- Thein Gyi then discussed the cation and training together with Thazin Han) First-ever virtual career fair to be held Local mountain in Danu becomes in Myanmar on 6, 7 February alive with local visitors

MyJobs will host the First Ever post-COVID-19 economic re- should be prepared, useful Virtual Virtual Career Fair, My- covery for the country. MyJobs topics when applying for jobs anmar’s first online job fair, on Myanmar has been supporting and the topics in the skills and February 6 and 7. The purpose the Myanmar digitization pro- knowledge needed to develop of the event is to help job seek- cess of the job market for the careers in the current work- ers who are struggling to find a last eight years. In the light of place. Thousands of profession- job and cannot go outside due to the above, MyJobs Myanmar is als have been invited to attend, the pandemic Covid-19, easily organizing the 1ST VIRTUAL and this is also a good oppor- apply for a job virtually. 50+ CAREER FAIR, on the 6th and tunity to create a professional local and international compa- 7th of February 2021, and re- network online. nies will recruit more than 1,000 quest your participation hum- Job seekers can also ac- job listings and arrange job bly so we can together help the cess employers’ company in- Ashae-Myin-Anaut-Myint Mountain is a popular destination for visitors seekers to apply for jobs online. boost of the Myanmar econo- formation online and apply for in Danu Self-Administered Zone. PHOTO: MNA Hundreds of professionals will my in 2021. Together we can!” multiple jobs for free in one A mountain, namely Ashae-Myin- be reached from three routes— attend a series of webinars, and regarding organizing a virtual place using MyJobs digital Anaut-Myint, in Danu Self-Ad- Pindaya, Ywangan and Yaksawk local and international experts career fair. profile. They can also take a ministered Zone is now alive townships through villages on will share their experiences for Register on the online plat- pre-employment assessment with locals since October as its the way. the next career path. form to easily find a job with before applying for a job by environment is attractive to the Rhododendrons trees fully The CEO of MyJobs, Mr a personal login account, and which they will get a chance visitors until March every year. blossom at the mountain in open Harry Anarakis said: “In 2020 have the opportunity to meet to outstand among various can- With an altitude of 7,752-ft, season, and it is also an attrac- the impact of COVID-19 on My- directly with recruiters from didates. The MyJobs Candidate the mountain is an attraction for tion for both local and foreign anmar’s economy was grave. top companies. By attending Care Team also offers timely tourists, climbers, hill walkers visitors, creating employment Just recently the government MyJobs Virtual Career Fair, ex- assistance for online job appli- and local people for the night stay, opportunities for the indigenous has reaffirmed its support to perts from various fields will cations through phone, email while the locals opted for their people of Danu, Taungyoe, PaO the digitization of the economy, share on the current needs and or on Facebook Messenger and day trip from 5 am to 6 pm. and Palaung etc.—Aung Ko Oo as the strongest lever for the requirements of the job, what Viber.—GNLM The top of the mountain can (Pindaya) 9 JANUARY 2021 9 JANUARY 2021 8 OPINION THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR ARTICLE / NATIONAL 9 Focus on reducing INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION TO TACKLE GLOBAL CHALLENGES MYANMAR GAZETTE Heads of Service Organizations Citizens globally affirm belief in international cooperation confirmed, appointed impact of drought th Launched to mark the Organization’s 75 anniversary, the exercise was the UN’s most ambitious 1. The President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar has confirmed the appointment of the following persons as Heads ITH changing rainfall patterns and droughts year effort to date to gather input from the global public, and the largest survey on priorities for recover- of Service Organizations shown against each of their names by year, climate change is hitting the world including on the expiry of one-year probationary period. our country. ing from the COVID-19 pandemic. Our country is witnessing less rainfall patterns Name Appointment W (a) U Myint Zaw Managing Director year by year and less water has flowed into the dams than expected. A fall in the water level in the dams means thirstier winter eople worldwide have Short-term challenges man development countries tend- Myanmar Shipyards and summer crops, quenched with less water supply from dams. overwhelmingly highlight- With the coronavirus pan- ed to give the highest priority to Ministry of Transport and Communications As anticipated, drought has arrived in our country, mostly P ed their faith in multilater- demic reversing progress in hu- the environment and human affecting sections of the nation’s rural areas. alism to address global challenges, man development and widening rights, those in lower human de- (b) U Htay Aung Managing Director The situation has rung alarm bells and brought into focus the the results of a year-long survey by inequalities, many respondents velopment countries tended to ac- Inland Water Transport need to fundamentally rethink water resources management and the United Nations have shown. prioritized access to basic services cord the highest priority to less Ministry of Transport and agricultural patterns. The UN75 initiative was and support to the hardest hit plac- conflict and meeting basic needs, Communications In this situation, regional and state governments are urged to launched by Secretary-General es and communities in the short- such as employment, healthcare take a leading role in managing, planning and proper use of rivers António Guterres, in January last term, according to the results. and education. 2. The President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and water resources which are one of the most vital resources for year, to understand the global pub- The top immediate, short- has appointed U Myint Cho, Deputy Director-General of the Consumer Affairs Department of the Ministry of Commerce, fresh water supply and will be crucial for future climate change lic’s hopes and fears for the future, term priority globally was univer- UN’s role as Director-General of the same department on probation from conditions. as well as their expectations and sal access to healthcare. Many respondents also looked the date he assumes charge of his duties. To solve the challenges ideas for international coopera- In addition, given the impact to the United Nations to lead in in- from the climate change-in- tion, and for the UN in particu- of the crisis on children and ed- ternational cooperation to address ... regional and duced drought, we need to lar. More than 1.5 million people ucation, greater investments in immediate and longer-term global Letter to the Editor formulate and implement from 195 countries took part in the education and youth programmes challenges, the results showed, concrete plans and projects campaign through surveys and ranked high among respondents, with many also want the Organ- state govern- On (Not) Conceding US Presidential Elections: A Brief which focus sustainable use dialogues. particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, ization to innovate – to be more of underground water, find- “The UN75 global consulta- and central and southern Asia. inclusive, engaged, accountable Retrospective Dear Editor ments are urged ing new ways to satisfy the tion showed that 97 per cent of The UN undertook a global crowdsourcing opinion campaign as part of its 75th anniversary celebrated in and effective. 2020. PHOTO: UN impending rapid increase in respondents support international Long-term challenges In surveys and UN75 dia- to take a leading Like a few million non-Americans from Afghanistan to Zimba- demand for drinking water cooperation to tackle global chal- the UN Office at Geneva on Fri- ality check”, and the results were affordable basic services, health- Similarly, while people expect logues held around the world, bwe -- not to say India and Jamaica where the parents of Vice-Pres- and irrigation water in rural lenges,” Mr Guterres said on the day, Fabrizio Hochschild, Special striking, he continued. care, quality education, water and access to health services to im- participants called on the UN ident-elect of the United States Kamala Harris hails from -- I rejoice role in manag- areas and effective use and results. Adviser to the Secretary-General Unity, across generations, re- sanitation, and related is the world prove over the next 25 years, re- for moral leadership; a more re- that around 3:25 am local time in the morning of 7 January 2021 the management of existing wa- “That represents a very on the commemoration of UN’s gions income groups, and levels of seeks much greater solidarity with spondents in all regions identified formed, representative and agile United States Senate and Congress formally, officially, constitution- ing, planning ter resources. strong commitment to multilat- 75th anniversary, said that togeth- education, was one such striking the hardest hit communities and climate change and environmental Security Council; and an inclusive ally affirmed, approved, declared that Mr Joe Biden and Ms Kamala Our country has abun- eralism, and to the mission of the er with UN75 conversations and result, Mr. Hochschild highlight- places, he added. issues as the number one long- and participatory UN system, with Harris were respectively President and Vice-President-elect of the United States. and proper use dant water, holding 16 per United Nations. Now it is up to us surveys, innovative methodologies ed, explaining that opinions were Launched to mark the Organ- term global challenge. improved understanding of the The current occupant of the White House (‘God willing’ -- using it cent of the water resources – Member States and the UN Sec- and artificial intelligence analysis united when it came to people’s ization’s 75th anniversary, the exer- Other longer-term priorities work of the Organization among as a figure of speech -- or ‘circumstances permitting’ that regrettable of rivers and in ASEAN and 12 per cent in retariat – to meet the expectations were employed to gauge world hopes and fears for their future, cise was the UN’s most ambitious vary according to income levels, citizens around the world, and episode should end on noon 20 January 2021, US East Coast time) all of Asia. of the people we serve,” he added. opinion, including through tradi- and their expectations of interna- effort to date to gather input from but include rising concern with which shows more care for the stated that though he QUOTE totally disagree[d] with the outcome water resources tional and social media. tional cooperation. the global public, and the largest employment opportunities, re- needs of the people. of the election UNQUOTE he would ensure that there would be a We should keep in mind Unity across groups and re- In addition, two independent In the immediate priorities survey on priorities for recovering spect for human rights and re- SOURCE: UN ‘smooth transition to a new administration’. which are one that Myanmar is the world’s gions surveys were commissions around post-COVID-19, the world is united from the COVID-19 pandemic. ducing conflict. The outcome of the election was to translate Burmese sayings second most vulnerable Announcing the findings at the same questions to have a “re- in wanting much better access to Respondents in higher hu- ‘as clear as spaghetti strings’ ကွက်ကွက်ကွင်းကွင်း မုန့်တီဟင်းကဲ့သို့ or as country to climate change, ‘an elephant in the field’ လယ်ပြင်မှာဆင်သွားသလို ထင်ရှား at the latest by of the most vital mid-November 2020. It took Mr Trump about two months after the according to the Global Cli- election results became clear to make this tepid (not quite) ‘conces- mate Risk Index prepared WHO URGES TOUGHER MEASURES TO CURB 'ALARMING' VARIANT resources for sion’ forced as he was by the temporary occupation of the United by the research group Ger- States Congress by a group of thugs (as stated by both Democrats fresh water sup- manwatch. Studies have and Republicans in the aftermath) waving placards bearing his name. shown that the onset of the WHO warns of COVID-19 ‘tipping point’ as cases rise across Europe The late Richard Nixon in the 1960 Presidential election conced- ply and will be monsoon is becoming more ed within hours after his loss to Senator the late John F. Kennedy. variable, increasing the risk Regarding the virus mutation, he reported the SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern has been Nixon lost to Kennedy with less than 160,00 popular votes. Fast of drought. forward 40 years, then-Vice President Al Gore graciously conceded the election on 13 December 2000 within hours after the US Supreme crucial for future In the dry zone, water is Court by a 5-4 majority peremptorily stopped Florida recounts albeit becoming more scarce every detected in 22 countries in the region. climate change Gore won the popular vote nation-wide by more than 540,000 votes. year with frequent droughts. And in 2016 although more than 2.8 million voted for her than The dry zone comprises 58 he World Health Organization – where science, politics, technology and Dr Kluge said the impact of the recent Trump within hours after the US networks projected that Trump conditions. townships in Mandalay, (WHO) has warned of a “tipping values must form a united front, in order holiday period, characterized by family had won the electoral votes, Hilary Clinton conceded. In comparison Magwe, and Sagaing, and is Tpoint” in the fight against COV- to push back this persistent and elusive gatherings and the relaxing of preventive there were 7 million more votes for Biden and Trump’s electoral home to 10 million people, ID-19, amid surging cases in Europe and virus”, he told journalists. measures such as physical distancing and votes loss was 74 (306-232) in the 2020 election. Alas, all of the above who mostly rely on rain-fed agriculture and oil crops. the fresh challenge of a mutating virus. wearing masks, cannot yet be determined. were, in comparison, upright, decent persons. The worst has not yet come. Food security will be at risk if “We were prepared for a challenging More lockdowns expected It is said that a week can be a long time in politics’. As one writes on 8 January 2021, it is 12 days before the inauguration of Joe Biden more rice-producing regions experience crop failure, and an energy start to 2021 and it has been just that”, Dr Last year, more than 26 million cases Virus mutation ‘alarming’ as the 46th president of the United States. Though ‘between the cup Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for of COVID-19 were confirmed in the WHO Regarding the virus mutation, he re- crisis will be imminent if supply of water at hydropower plants falls and the lips’ anything can happen, if all goes as scheduled 20 January short. The chain reaction set off by drought will continue further Europe, said on Thursday during a virtual European Region, which comprises 53 ported the SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern 2021 should be a day where at least a plurality of Americans and a in the form of inflation as a result of declining rice production. press briefing from Copenhagen. countries. has been detected in 22 countries in the few million non-Americans around the world can heave a sigh of There is no time to waste. We must prepare to solve our climate Although new tools against the dis- Over a quarter of States are seeing region. “This variant is ‘of concern’ as it relief though (dare I say it and in a sense sadly so) the pernicious crisis. Significant water resource management, reducing industry’s ease are now available, including several very high incidence of the disease and has increased transmissibility. So far, we atmosphere ‘he’ and his followers had caused will likely continue impacts on the environment, cleaning up rivers, coastal waters vaccines, and knowledge about the virus strained health systems. Currently, understand there is no significant change for a long time to come. and contaminated land and encouraging our farmers to take up has increased, “we remain in the grip of more than 230 million people are living in to the disease this variant produces, mean- I convey my sincere congratulations to Mr President-elect Joe Biden and Ms Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris of the United different crops and different agricultural techniques, which need COVID-19”, he said. countries under full national lockdown, ing the COVID-19 is not more, nor less, States of America. less water can make a difference. “This moment represents a tip- and more governments are expected to severe,” he said. A rise in coronavirus infections is putting pressure on hospitals across Europe during Myint Zan ping-point in the course of the pandemic announce lockdowns in the coming week. SOURCE: UN News winter. PHOTO: AFP 9 JANUARY 2021 10 LOCAL NEWS THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

www.gnlm.com.mm Monywa, Fujita Corporation discuss power www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com

CHIEF EDITOR generation from waste materials Aungthu Ya [email protected] OFFICIALS from Monywa and DEPUTY CHIEF EDITOR Japan’s Fujita Corporation and Aye Min Soe [email protected] Mitsubishi Research Institute organized their third meeting SENIOR EDITORIAL CONSULTANT via videoconferencing on elec- Kyaw Myaing tricity generation from waste materials on 7 January. EXECUTIVE EDITOR Aung Khin “Three-year plan was made with Fujita Corporation LOCAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS on power generation from EDITORS waste materials under carbon Ye Htut Tin [email protected] reduction project”, said U Tun Aung Htein Tun from Monwya City Devel- Tun Tun Naing opment Committee. “Implementation of the TRANSLATORS project is in second years, Hay Mar Tin Win, Ei Myat Mon, Kyaw Zin Lin, Kyaw Zin Tun, and was suspended because Maung Maung Swe, Khine Thazin Han, of the coronavirus outbreak. Officials from Monywa and Fujita Corporation hold meeting on power generation from waste materials on 7 Ei Phyu Phyu Aung Plastics will be sorted from the January 2021. PHOTO: MYO WIN TUN (MONYWA) waste during the suspension REPORTER Nyein Nyein Ei, period to generate electricity,” Committee also joined the mar-based TESCO Co., Ltd sorting wastes and generat- he added. meeting together with U Tun also participated in the meet- ing energy from the wastes. PHOTOGRAPHER U Thit Htoo Myint from Tun. ing. — Myo win Tun (Monywa) Kyaw Zeya Win @ Phoe Khwar Sagaing Region Development Officials from Myan- The meeting discussed (Translated by Kyaw Zin Tun) Kyaw Zeya

COMPUTER TEAM Thein Ngwe, Zaw Zaw Aung, Kay Khaing Win, Traditional sword business thriving in Sanda Hnin, Zu Zin Hnin, Thein Htwe, Nyi Lin Thu Naung Po Aung village, Sagaing EDITORIAL SECTION (+95) (01)8604529, Fax — (+95) (01) 8604305

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Printed and published at the Global New Light of Myanmar Printing Factory at No.150, Nga Htat Kyee Pagoda Road, Bahan Township, Yangon, by the Global New Light of Myanmar Daily under Printing Permit No. 00510 and Publishing Permit No. 00629. [email protected] Pictures show a blacksmith workshop making traditional swords in Naung Po Aung Village in Homalin Township, Sagaing Region. PHOTO: MYO www.gnlm.com.mm WIN TUN (MONYWA) www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com www.facebook.com/thegnlm MYANMAR traditional Naung sword businesses don’t stop due designs, the swords are still in- at home, rubber planters and Po Aung sword business remains to the continuous demands from spired by the traditional forms. household users. growing with high market de- the markets,” he said. Nhat-Kyi- Taung swords The finished product of the mand even in the crisis of the In Naung Po Aung village, and Kendo swords are mostly Nhat-Kyi-Taung sword sells for COVID-19, according to Ko Thant there are about 30 blacksmith in demand and 75 per cent of the 100,000 to 800,000 kyats, while the Zin Maung, a sword producer in workshops, mostly in Naung Pa- swords are shipped to Yangon unfinished version costs around Naung Po Aung village, Homalin khar ward and Oh Bo Tan ward as well as to Taunggyi, Nay Pyi 35,000 to 100,000 kyats.—Myo Win township, Sagaing Region. and there are about 30 types of Taw, Tachilek, Kyaikto and Tha- Tun (Monywa) “Although it is the COVID-19 swords with variety of designs. ton townships. The swords are (Translated by Ei Phyu Write for us period, most Naung Po Aung Although there are new modern ordered mostly for the decoration Phyu Aung)

We appreciate your feedback and contributions. If you have any comments or would like to submit editorials, analyses or reports please email [email protected] with your name and title. Due to limitation of space we are only able to publish “Letter to the Editor” that do not exceed 500 words. Should you submit a text longer than 500 words please be aware that your letter will be edited. Call Thin Thin May, 09251022355,09974424848 9 JANUARY 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR LOCAL BUSINESS 11 Price of watermelon exported to China keeps falling

However, the price is now only sankyawt border post because 2,300 Yuans per tonne,” he added. of extended operating hours from Besides, the price of musk- 7 am to 8:30 pm that started 5 melon is ranging between 3,500 January, Myanmar will export and 4,000 Yuans per tonne. About the fruits limit to quantity to 200 trucks carrying the water- maintain the market. melon and 50 trucks carrying the The Fruit Commodity Depot muskmelon are entering China at Muse 105th Mile trade zone through Muse border area. announced on 5 January that the At present, Myanmar ex- trucks would enter the exchange ports its watermelons and musk- ground under the Fruit Commod- melons mainly to China. Last ity Depot and Truck Supervision December, Myanmar exported Board management. 25 tonnes of seedless watermel- Last year, Myanmar faced a ons to the Dubai market for the problem in the export of melons first time. to China because of COVID-19. According to Myanmar So, the local growers and melon Melon Producers and Export- traders suffered significant loss- ers Association, Myanmar is also es because the exported melon arranging to export more melons price declined. to Dubai and Qatar markets. Watermelons and muskmel- Merchants wearing face masks are seen beside a lorry carrying watermelons at a Myanmar-China border trade According to the statement ons are grown across the coun- zone during the second wave of coronavirus outbreak in Myanmar. PHOTO: SUPPLIED released by the Fruit Commodity try, excluding Kayah and Chin By Nyein Nyein “Although the watermelons “The price of watermelon Depot in Muse 105th Mile trade states. It can be harvested until fetched over 7,000 Yuans per is at its lowest price. Now, the zone on 5 January, the number of coming May. Myanmar yearly ACCORDING to the Myanmar tonne at the end-November of watermelon is priced only at fruit trucks will be limited to be exports over 800,000 tonnes of Melon Producers and Exporters last year, the price has currently 2,300 Yuans per tonne for the able to control the melon market. watermelons and about 150,000 Association, the prices of the wa- fallen to 2,300 Yuans per tonne,” high-quality ones. At the end of Although Myanmar could tonnes of muskmelons to China, termelon exported to China are said U Naing Win, chairperson November, the watermelon price export more watermelons and the association affirmed. continuously falling. of the association. rose to 7,400 Yuans per tonne. musk melons through Kyin- (Translated by Hay Mar)

Distributors need to sell palm oil at reasonable prices during pandemic period: MEODA

By Nyein Nyein Myanmar annually imports farmlands caused by erratic 700,000 tonnes of palm oil from weather conditions in Malaysia THE palm oil distributors need Malaysia and Indonesia to meet and the lack of intensive farming to sell the palm oil at a reasona- the domestic demand, he added. activities affected by COVID-19. ble price to prevent the shortage The association is coordi- The production also declined of domestic palm oil as imported nating with the relevant govern- because of factories not able to palm oil prices are high during ment departments to distribute operate as usual. There were the pandemic period, said the the healthy palm oil at a reason- more imports of edible oil due Myanmar Edible Oil Dealers’ able price and meet the domes- to tax reduction and increases in Association (MEODA) in its tic market’s self-sufficiency in the export taxes in the palm oil statement on 7 January. COVID-19 period. manufacturing countries such as MEODA urged palm oil distributors to sell the product at reasonable “Currently, the domestic According to the Malaysian Malaysia and Indonesia. prices amid COVID-19. PHOTO: SUPPLIED palm oil price is rising as im- Palm Oil Board (MPOB) official The domestic palm oil mar- ported oil prices are on the rise,” data, about 2 million metric tons ket situation changes depending ic, the government purchased ciation statement. said MEODA Chair U San Lin. of palm oil were stockpiled in on the foreign palm oil price and over 12,000 tonnes of palm oil for The domestic consumption “These days, the price of 2019, and about 1.2 million metric foreign exchange rate. Accord- reserves and distributed them of edible oil is estimated at 1 imported oil is on the rise. As tons also accumulated in Janu- ing to the current situation, to the oil tanks in the respec- million tons per year. The local you know, the domestic edible ary 2021. palm oil is priced at K2,500 per tive regions and states. There cooking oil production is just oil price is directly linked to the Additionally, the palm oil viss ( a viss equals 1.6 kg) in the is no decrease in domestic palm about 400,000 tonnes, and about international price. That is the price has jumped to a price rang- domestic market, according to oil demand as the imported oil 700,000 tonnes of cooking oil are reason why our domestic palm ing between US$1,055 and $1,075 MEODA. companies stored about 12,000 imported annually to meet the oil price is hiking in this pandem- per tonne from $780 per tonne To ensure the self-sufficien- tonnes in palm oil reservoirs for domestic demand. ic period,” he explained. in last October as the flooded cy during the COVID-19 pandem- reserves, according to the asso- (Translated by Hay Mar)

MoHT invites rental tender for Nan Myaing Hotel in PyinOoLwin

By Nyein Nyein PyinOoLwin Nan Myaing Region. The domestic entrepre- QR code. pm on 8 February. Hotel, built between 1918 and neurs interested in renting the The tender application For further information, con- Nan Myaing Hotel in PyinOoL- 1922, is owned by the directorate building could apply for the open forms need to submit not later tact can be made to the Ministry win will be rented, according of hotels and tourism, the Minis- tender application. than 8 February to N0. 33 plan- of Hotels and Tourism’s planning to the tender committee of the try of Hotels and Tourism. The The conditions for the open ning department of the Ministry department: phone-0673-406242 Ministry of Hotels and Tourism. hotel was constructed on 15.22 tenders application is found at of Hotels and Tourism in Nay and 0673-406172 within office The tender committee has acres of land and is located at the directorate of hotels and Pyi Taw within office hours. hours and email: project,dht@ announced to invite open tender 5th QR Mandalay, Lashio Road, tourism’s management depart- The applicants are needed to gmail.com, according to the ten- starting from 8 January to rent between Nan Myaing Street, Py- ment and following website: pay K10,000 for registration fees. der committee. Nan Myaing Hotel. inOoLwin (Maymyo), Mandalay http://bit.ly/3olxvN5 by scanning The tender will be opened at 1 (Translated by Hay Mar) 9 JANUARY 2021 12 BIZ THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

ACCUSATIONS OF COVER-UP SELF-DRIVING ELECTRIC VEHICLES Boeing to pay $2.5 bn to settle US fraud Hyundai shares soar on charges after MAX crashes Apple car talks reports US prosecutors on Thursday hit SHARES in South Korean automaker Hyundai soared Friday on Boeing with $2.5 billion in fines, the back of reports it was in talks with Apple for a joint project settling a criminal charge over to manufacture self-driving electric vehicles. claims the company defraud- Hyundai Motor shares rocketed 19.4 per cent in Seoul, with ed regulators overseeing the its affiliate Kia also jumping 8.4 per cent at the close. 737 MAX, which was grounded The moves came after cable broadcaster Korea Economic worldwide following two deadly TV said the iPhone maker had approached the South Korean crashes. The Department of Jus- company to discuss a potential partnership to develop electric tice (DOJ) said Boeing reached a cars and batteries for them. deferred prosecution agreement SOURCE: AFP related to the company’s pro- nouncements to regulators dur- BENY STEINMETZ ing the certification of the MAX, which was taken out of service for Israeli magnate set for corruption 20 months after the crashes and Pilots are pictured in the cockpit of a Boeing 737 MAX aircraft operated trial in Geneva only recently cleared to return to by low-cost airline Gol as it sits on the tarmac before take off at the skies. Prosecutors described Guarulhos International Airport, near Sao Paulo on December 9, 2020, AFTER a drawn-out international investigation, French-Israeli Boeing’s failings in withering as the 737 MAX returns into use more than 20 months after it was diamond magnate Beny Steinmetz will go on trial in Geneva next grounded following two deadly crashes. PHOTO: AFP terms, accusing the company week over allegations of corruption linked to mining deals in of spreading “half-truths” and employees of one of the world’s concealing material information Guinea.The trial, due to kick off Monday and last for two weeks, engaging in a “cover up.” leading commercial airplane from the FAA concerning the op- will delve into allegations of multi-million-dollar bribes paid to top “The tragic crashes of Lion manufacturers,” said Acting At- eration of its 737 Max airplane Guinean officials to win lucrative mining rights. The 64-year-old Air Flight 610 and Ethiopian Air- torney General David Burns. and engaging in an effort to cover billionaire businessman has travelled from Israel to Switzerland lines Flight 302 exposed fraud- “Boeing’s employees chose up their deception.” and will be present at the trial, according to his lawyer Marc ulent and deceptive conduct by the path of profit over candor by SOURCE: AFP Bonnant. SOURCE: AFP

Invitation for Bids Invitation for Bids Date: 05 January 2021 Date: 5 January 2021 Loan Agreement No: MY-P20 Loan Agreement No: MY-P20 IFB No: 1/ICB/MY-P20/MESC/2021 IFB No: 2/ICB/MY-P20/MESC/2021 Reference Identification No:JICA(MY)12-28006 Dated on 28 December 2020 Reference Identification No:JICA(MY)12-22008 dated on 22 Dec 2020 1.The Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar has received a loan from Japan 1.The Government of Republic of the Union of Myanmar has received a loan from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) toward the cost of Power Distribution System International Cooperation Agency (JICA) towards the cost of Power Distribution System Improvement Project in Major Cities. It is intended that part of the proceeds of this loan will be applied to eligible payments under the Contract for Procurement of Power Distribution System Improvement Project in Major Cities. It is intended that part of the proceeds of this loan Improvement Project in Major Cities, Package 12 Introduction of Utility Vehicles. will be applied to eligible payments under the Contract for Package 11 Construction of New Five 33/11 kV Substation in Mandalay City. 2.Bidding will be conducted through procedures in accordance with the applicable Guidelines for Procurement under Japanese ODA Loans, and is open to all Bidders from eligible source 2.Bidding will be conducted through procedures in accordance with the applicable Guidelines countries, as defined in the Loan Agreement. for Procurement under Japanese ODA Loans, and is open to all Bidders from eligible source 3.The Mandalay Electricity Supply Corporation now invites sealed Bids from eligible and countries, as defined in the Loan Agreement. qualified Bidders for the procurement of Utility Vehicles (“the Goods”). 3.The Mandalay Electricity Supply Corporation now invites sealed Bids from eligible a) Truck Mount Aerial Work Platform 2 Nos. to be delivered to designated place in Myanmar Bidders for the design, execution and completion of Construction of New Five 33/11 kV b) Digger and Pole Erection Machine 2 Nos. to be delivered to designated place in Myanmar Substations in Mandalay City (“the Works”). International Competitive Bidding will be 4.Interested eligible Bidders may obtain further information from and inspect the Bidding conducted in accordance with JICA's Single-Stage Bidding Procedure. Documents at the office of Mandalay Electricity Supply Corporation (MESC), Ministry of 4.Interested eligible Bidders may obtain further information from and inspect the Bidding Electricity and Energy (MOEE), 27th Street, Between 77 and 78 Street, Chan Aye Thar Zan Documents at the office of the Mandalay Electricity Supply Corporation (MESC), Ministry Township, Mandalay, Myanmar. of Electricity and Energy (MOEE)Address: Between 26-27 and 77-78 Streets, Chan Aye 5.A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders on the Thar Zan Township, Mandalay Phone: +95-2-4069121, FAX: +95-2-4069121 submission of a written application to the address above, and upon payment of a non-refundable 5.A complete set of the Bidding Documents may be purchased and inspected by interested fee: MMK 15,000 or 10 Dollar Bidders on the submission of a written application to the address above and upon payment of a non-refundable fee of MMK 50,000 or USD 40 As special measures in consideration with the restriction or constraint on moving to Mandalay City due to COVID-19, a complete set of Bidding Documents can be purchased by means 6.Bids must be delivered to the address above on or before 14:00 on 9 March 2021 and of prepaying a fee by bank transfer and sending PDF files to an interested Bidder by e-mail. must be accompanied by a Bid Security of JPY13,500,000 If requesting this method, an interested Bidder shall contact to the Purchaser. (Telephone 7.Bids will be opened in the presence of Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at numbers or e-mail addresses are shown below.) 14:00 on 9 March 2021 at the office of Mandalay Electricity Supply Corporation (MESC), Mandalay. 6.The provisions in the Instructions to Bidders and in the General Conditions of Contract are the provisions of the Standard Bidding Documents under Japanese ODA Loans for the Mandalay Electricity Supply Corporation (MESC), Ministry of Electricity and Energy Procurement of Goods. (MOEE) Mr. Aung Kyaw Hein, General Manager Planning Department 7.Bids must be delivered to the above address at or before 14:00 on 9 March 2021 and must 27th Street, Between 77 and 78 Street, Chan Aye Thar Zan Township, Mandalay, Myanmar be accompanied by a Bid Security of 20,000USD. Telephone: 1) +95-2-4069121 8.Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at 2) +95-9-259116604 14:00 on 9 March 2021 at the office of Facsimile number: 1) +95-2-4069121 Mandalay Electricity Supply Corporation (MESC), Ministry of Electricity and Energy (MOEE) 2) +95-2-4034889 Mr. Aung Kyaw Hein, General Manager Planning Department Electronic mail address: 1) [email protected] 27th Street, Between 77 and 78 Street, Chan Aye Thar Zan Township, Mandalay, Myanmar 2) [email protected] 3) [email protected] Telephone: 1) +95-2-4069121 2)+95-9-259116604 Facsimile number: 1) +95-2-4069121 2)+95-2-403488 Call Thin Thin May, Electronic mail address: 1) [email protected] 2) [email protected] 09251022355,09974424848 3) [email protected] 9 JANUARY 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR ECON / AD 13

19-NATION ZONE PRESIDENT-ELECT Virus impact keeps Biden names final economic team picks eurozone inflation negative EUROZONE inflation remains doggedly negative, the Mayor Martin Walsh and mer Federal Reserve chair latest official data showed on Thursday, the fifth straight former Obama official Isa- Janet Yellen as treasury month it has languished in the red because of the coro- bel Guzman as nominees secretary. “They share navirus pandemic. for the three positions, re- my belief that the middle The Eurostat figures for December gave the 19-na- spectively. “With two doz- class built this country and tion zone an inflation reading of -0.3 per cent, the same en cabinet nominees an- that unions built the mid- level as in November. It has been negative since August. nounced, President-elect dle class,” Biden said of the The reading is well below the European Central Bank’s Biden has put forward group he has assembled, inflation target level of just under two per cent. the most diverse cabi- according to the statement. The biggest drag on inflation was energy, which net in American history,” The new officials’ pri- was -6.9 per cent in December compared with -8.3 per the Biden team said in a ority will be “digging us out cent the month before. The biggest positive component statement. Biden had al- from the worst jobs crisis was food, alcohol and tobacco, which rose 1.4 per cent, ready revealed choices for in nearly a century by sup- US President-elect Joe Biden speaks at The Queen theatre in compared with 1.9 per cent in November. Overall prices part of his economic team porting small businesses, Wilmington, Delaware on January 7, 2021. PHOTO: AFP have been brought down by restrictions imposed in in early December, com- dramatically increasing un- Europe to curb a second wave of the new coronavirus. US President-elect Joe Bid- istrator to fill his incoming posed mostly of women, ion density, and rebuilding Curfews, work-from-home orders, mandatory quar- en on Thursday unveiled economics team. minorities and those who the backbone of America antines and travel restrictions have all taken their toll. his picks for commerce The transition named had served under former -- our middle class,” the And in several euro-using countries they have been secretary, labour secretary Rhode Island Governor president Barack Obama. transition’s statement said. hardened even further in late December. and small business admin- Gina Raimondo, Boston Most notable was for- SOURCE: AFP SOURCE: AFP

PLAN SCRAPPED US suspends tariffs on French goods in digital tax dispute WASHINGTON has sus- suspended collecting the pended a plan to impose duties until January 6. new tariffs on $1.3 billion That was in retaliation in French products in a for the tax France approved dispute over a digital ser- in 2019 on tech firms like vices tax, the US Trade Facebook, Amazon, Apple Representative (USTR) an- and Google, which were ac- nounced on Thursday. The cused of moving their prof- punitive levies were due to its offshore. USTR Robert take effect Wednesday, but Lighthizer slammed the USTR held off citing ongo- move saying it “unfairly ing investigations of simi- targets US digital tech- lar measures “adopted or nology companies.” Paris under consideration in 10 suspended collection of the other jurisdictions.” digital services tax through The government of the end of 2020, as the sides President Donald Trump have been trying to a ne- in July 2020 announced gotiate a deal through the the decision to impose 25 Organization for Economic per cent tariffs on French Co-operation and Develop- handbags and cosmetics, ment (OECD). among other items, but SOURCE; AFP with us/ A d v e r t i s e Hot Line : 09974424848 CLAIMS DAY NOTICE CLAIMS DAY NOTICE M.V HANSA HOMBURG VOY. NO. (052S) M.V BBC ST PETERSBURG

Consignees of cargo carried on M.V HANSA Consignees of cargo carried on M.V BBC ST HOMBURG VOY. NO. (052S) are hereby notified that PETERSBURG VOY. NO. (1262004) are hereby the vessel will be arriving on 9-1-2021 and cargo will be notified that the vessel will be arriving on 9-1-2021 and discharged into the premises of MITT/MIP where it will lie cargo will be discharged into the premises of AIPT where at the consignee’s risk and expenses and subject to the it will lie at the consignee’s risk and expenses and subject byelaws and conditions of the Port of Yangon. to the 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 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 from the Vessel. from the Vessel. No claims against this vessel will be admitted after No claims against this vessel will be admitted after the Claims Day. the Claims Day. Phone No: 2301185 Phone No: 2301928 Shipping Agency Department Shipping Agency Department Myanma Port Authority Myanma Port Authority Agent For: Agent For:

M/S SEALAND MAERSK ASIA PTE LTD M/S BEN LINE AGENCIES (S'PORE) PTE LTD 9 JANUARY 2021 9 JANUARY 2021 14 ARTS & CULTURE THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR ARTS & CULTURE 15

Maha Waluka Ceti made of sand in Mahaaungmye Township in Mandalay Region. Custom of festival for

By Maung Tha (Archaeology) TRANSLATED BY THAN TUN AUNG Ceti made of sand

CUSTOM of Myanmar people means the structure enshrined with sacred rel- was very famous as building Ce- ics. Ceti made of sand means the pagoda built of tis made of sand in the month of sand based on circular foundations. Among Dhatu, Tabaung dedicating to the Lord Dhamma, Paribhoga and Uddisa Cetis, the Cetis Buddha among seasonal festivals made of sand is inclusive of Uddisa Ceti dedicating inA 12 months of Myanmar. Currently, the custom of the Lord Buddha. building Cetis made of sand is gradually fading out. Thera Apadana of Tri Pitakat treatises men- Even though the Cetis built of sand can be seen tioned hermit Narada residing near Yamaka Hill in some parts of the country, including Mandalay went to Amarika River where he built a Ceti made and Yangon. Among them, five Cetis can be seen on of sand and paid homage to it dedicating to the the eastern side of Shwetachaung Canal and one on Buddha alive. the western side in Mandalay till today. Likewise, Mogharajatthera story of Angutthora Atthaka- many similar Cetis can be seen in Lanmadaw, tha said hermit Bavari built a sandy Ceti near his Sangyoung and Twantay townships of Yangon hut and scattered red flowers there. Region, Thaton and Mawlamyine townships in Generally, Cetis made of sand are built in Mon State, Kyaikkhami, and Toungoo Township Tabaung but people from some areas hold festivals in Bago Region. for the sandy Cetis in Tazaungmon and Tagu.

Month of Tabaung and Myanmar Festival of sandy Cetis in the past Tabaung is the 12th month in Myanmar calen- The Cetis must have between three feet and dar. Veteran writer Maung Htin collected excerpts nine feet high with five circular foundations. The that U Po Latt mentioned Tabaung is the month of circulars made of rattan or bamboo are filled with cooking jiggery while Secretary of Boat Associa- sand, dedicating to five abodes of Mount Myinmo. tion defined Tabaung was derived from Tapashar The structure of the Ceti is decorated with golden meaning the month of high hotness. or silver sheets as well as banana leaves. Top of In the past, MP Kaludayi supplicated the Lord the Ceti is hoisted with banners. Then, the Ceti Gotama Buddha to return to Kapilavatthu for ac- was consecrated. Meals, flowers, oil lights, fruits cepting homage paid by father, King Suddhodana. and alms are donated to the Ceti. Local people go So, poet monk Shin Ohn Nyo composed the poem round the Ceti three times. In some areas, local for sixty stanzas of Gatha. people invite members of the Sangha and take Sabbath from the monks. Origin of Cetis built of sand In the past, sandy Cetis were built on banks Buddha Waluka Ceti made of sand in Lanmadaw Township of Ceti derived from Cetiya in Pali language of rivers and creeks. In Tabaung, water-level de- Yangon Region. 9 JANUARY 2021 9 JANUARY 2021 14 ART & CULTURE THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR ARTS & CULTURE 15

in the eastern part of Rahaing within a day. On 14th waxing of Market and passed away in 1185 Kason, alms are donated to the ME. As royal families of Yodaya Ceti, and alms for draw lots and requested King Bodawpaya to meals are offered to members build a Ceti made of sand in line of the Sangha on full moon day with their tradition near their of Kason. residences beside Shwetachaung Similar Cetis can be seen in Canal, the king allowed them. Yangon Region till today. Buddha So, the monk who was former Waluka Pagoda at the corner of Yodaya king led royal families Kyongyi and Kaingtan streets to build a Ceti made of sand in in Lanmadaw Township was Minthasu Ward in 1783 AD, ac- built in 1253 ME. YwaU Thepon cording to the stone inscription Ceti in South Sangyoung Ward of in the precinct of the Ceti. Sangyoung Township was built in The Ceti is rebuilt in 1220 ME and renovated as a brick Minthasu Ward on Akya Day of pagoda in 1286 ME. As Manle Maha Thingyan Festival period Sayadaw preached Desana near for holding the Buddha Pujaniya Mawtin in Lanmadaw Township festival, and it is dissolved once of Yangon in 1282 ME, a Ceti near a year. Those related to Yodaya the site of preaching Desana can people participate in donations be seen on 10th street in Lan- of a handful of sand and a cup of madaw Township till today. water in minimum to build the Myanmar Buddhist people Ceti. On Atet Day, the umbrella is built Ceti made of sand in vari- hoisted atop the Ceti, and mem- ous areas of the country during bers of the Sangha are invited the Second World War with the to share merits gained on New purpose of ensuring the people to Year Day. be free from dangers. The Cetis Montisu Ward which dedicating to the Lord Buddha emerged together with Minthasu is a tangible culture of Myanmar Maha Waluka Ceti made of sand in Mahaaungmye Township in Mandalay Region. Ward was resided by Yodaya peo- as well as festivals of those Cetis, ple in the past. The Cetis in Mon- intangible culture of the nation. tisu Ward and Minthasu Ward clines in rivers and creeks with tled in Montisu ward, servants the eastern part on 85th Street were the same. The stone in- emerging sandbanks. Buddhist in Palin compound and firework between 37th and 38th streets scription behind the Ceti in Mon- people collected sand to be used makers in Hsukha Village of Ma- in Montisu Ward of Mahaaung- tisu Ward bore the events from References: in building Cetis. daya. mye Township are rebuilt of sand the stone inscription of the Ceti Royal Palace built in walls King Badon moved his royal yearly as part of maintaining the in Minthasu Ward. But, the Ceti (Natmauk Tun Shein) Myanmar and sandy Ceti palace from Inwa to Amarapura traditions. in Montisu Ward which was one Festival of Ceti made It can be assumed that as on 12 May 1783. The king ordered Among Yodaya people, oust- year later than that of Minthasu of sand (U Maung Maung Tin) People in Myanmar related to Shin Maha Silavamsa composed compound officer U Yauk Gyi to ed Yodaya king Kyauk Bwa Tauk Ward was built in 1784 AD under Yodaya (Sayawun reason of sandy Ceti in Buddup- supervise dredging of Shwe- was also brought to Mandalay. the leadership of Yodaya monk. Tin Maung Kyi) patti poem in Inwa era, custom tachaung Canal linking Madaya He was ordained, and the monk The Ceti in Montisu Ward of Ceti made of sand flourished and Amarapura with the partici- resided in Paungle Monastery is built on 13th waxing of Kason, in Inwa era. In the reign of King pation of Yodaya people residing Alaungmintaya, Letwe Thondara along the canal. used Gulon Thepon which means Shwetachaung Canal flew sandy Ceti in Thadhina poem. with high speed. Boats could be As such, the custom of building used from Madaya to Tetthay sandy Ceti might flourish in the Lake via the canal which be- mid-Konbaung era. came an important waterway for Some researchers assumed trading. Yodaya people moved to the custom of building sandy Ceti around Shwetachaung Canal to might be derived from Yodaya reside in Minthasu and Rahaing people who arrived in Myanmar. wards. Yama chambers showing On 30 November 1764 in the faith of Yodaya can be seen the time of King Myedu, 20,000 there. Yodaya’s custom of pay- soldiers led by Maha Nawrahta ing sandy Ceti can be seen along marched to Yodaya. In November Shwetachaung Canal. 1766, General Maha Nawrahta passed away in Yodaya. Nemyo Mandalay City and Cetis Thihapatae occupied all districts made of sand of Yodaya on 9 April 1767 and In the early years, Cetis brought Yodaya King and queen, were built of sand in the western daughter, sister and grandchil- part of Shwetachaung Canal. Due dren as well as Yodaya families to flooding once three years, the to Royal Palace. Cetis were moved to the eastern Family members from Yun, part. So, there are five Cetis in Chaingmai and Laos were ap- the eastern part and one in the pointed at Linzin troops. Lin- western one. zinkon in Amarapura is the Six sandy Cetis along Shwe- residence of Linzin troops. King tachaung Canal in Mandalay Myedu settled Yodaya princes were very famous. Among them, and royal families in Amarapura four Cetis were built of bricks and and in Minthasu Ward around cement. The Ceti in the western 82nd and 45th streets of Manda- part of Shwetachaung Canal in lay. Yodaya ministers were set- Minthasu Ward and one more in Buddha Waluka Ceti made of sand in Lanmadaw Township of Yangon Region. 9 JANUARY 2021 16 SPORT THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR U Aung Naing to take SUFC technical director position

HEAD coach U Aung Naing, who for his team. knowledge with the coaches of assisted Shan United in winning “When the club president the youth team. Second, I’d like the Championship titles for two offered me for the technical di- to implement a youth develop- consecutive years, will serve as rector position, I was delight- ment programme. There are lots a technical director position for ed and accepted the offer. I’ve of young people who want to play the team, according to the foot- achieved two trophies already, football not only in Shan State ball club’s authorities. and I think I’ve done as best as but across the country as well. The team released an offi- I can and this is the time when I’d also like to share my cial statement on Thursday that I should help all my juniors,” U knowledge with them. Last but he would serve the duty for the Aung Naing said. not least, I’d like to start grass- upcoming 2021 Myanmar Na- Being a technical director, roots activities. Only when the tional League season. U Aung Naing commented that youth are good enough, the The 54-year-old head coach he would give the best of his football career of our country is the only local head coach to not only for senior and junior will then be good. I just want to bring the two times Champion- teams of Shan United but also work both for the team and for ship titles for Shan United FC. for youths across Myanmar. the country. I’m ready to work U Aung Naing has said his “I have three targets as for the country if I’m given the excellent feeling about taking part of my duties as technical opportunity,” U Aung Naing add- U Aung Naing, former head coach of the Shan United will now serve as a the technical director position director. First, I will share my ed.—Lynn Thit (Tgi) technical director position for the team. PHOTO: SUFC No room for Tokyo Olympics ‘safe and secure’ complacency as despite virus emergency: organizers Atletico’s rivals find their rhythm MADRID—Real Madrid have hit their stride and Barcelona are gaining momentum but Atletico Madrid have stayed strong at the top of La Liga, ahead of what could prove a crucial month in the title race. A surprise loss to third division side Cornella in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday came in stark contrast to Atletico’s form in the league, where only defeat to their capital city rivals last month blots an otherwise perfect run of results that stretches back to mid-October. Two narrow victories over Getafe and Alaves last week made it four league victories on the bounce since Atletico’s setback at the Alfredo di Stefano stadium, where a hesitant, passive performance offered Madrid reassurance. The postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympics are scheduled to start on July 23. PHOTO: KYODO Atletico had caved when it mattered most and many thought that spelled danger for their prospects longer-term. TOKYO—Tokyo Olympics or- surge in infections. this summer, and we will proceed But while Zinedine Zidane’s Madrid have used the derby ganizers insisted Friday that the Tokyo 2020 chiefs have al- with the necessary preparations victory to string together an unbeaten run of eight games, sev- coronavirus-postponed Games ready said another postpone- accordingly,” organizers said in en of them wins and five with clean sheets, Atletico have also will still go ahead despite Japan ment of the Games -- set to begin a statement. responded. declaring a state of emergency on July 23 -- is out of the question. Suga said Thursday that Ja- Luis Suarez scored consecutive winners against Getafe and less than 200 days before the And they insisted Friday pan is committed to holding a Alaves, his tap-in at Mendizorroza on Sunday prompting the kind opening ceremony. Prime Min- that the emergency would not “safe and secure” Olympics, and of celebrations to suggest his team genuinely believes they can ister Yoshihide Suga on Thurs- derail plans. “This declaration of that he believes the public mood go the distance.—AFP day announced the month-long emergency offers an opportunity will change when the country measure covering the greater to get the Covid-19 situation un- begins vaccinations, currently Tokyo area, taking effect from der control and for Tokyo 2020 to scheduled for late next month. Friday, as the country battles a plan for a safe and secure Games —AFP

Coronavirus, Brexit tame Premier League spending

LONDON—Premier League clubs shrugged off lockdown. the coronavirus crisis to splash out £1.2 billion Football is feeling the strain. Forty positive ($1.6 billion) in the summer transfer window Covid-19 cases were discovered over two rounds but reality is expected to bite in a depressed of Premier League testing in late December and market this month. early January, with three matches postponed. Since the last window closed in early Octo- This led to fears that another season could ber, hopes for a large-scale return of fans have be interrupted by the pandemic, with clubs tak- Atletico Madrid’s Argentine coach Diego Simeone gestures during the match between Real Madrid CF and Club Atletico de Madrid at been dashed by soaring infection rates across ing a fresh financial hit, even if Premier League the Alfredo di Stefano stadium on 12 December 2020. PHOTO: AFP England, which have led to another national bosses insist the season will continue.—AFP