tna ional tna ional ANALYSIS tna ional Vice President addresses Maungtaw women Bright rays of Performances in one-year MTP ceremony on the alleging rape interviewed peace shining period of MOFA and development of trade sector by journalists on Myanmar Rakhine State Government page 3 page 2 page 8 pages 5+6,11+12

Vol. III, No. 349, 4th Waxing of Tagu 1378 ME www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com Friday, 31 March 2017

together with the people

State Counsellor State Counsellor: Daw Aung San Suu Kyi delivers a speech to commemorate the thanks to people first year in office of her National League State Counsellor Daw Aung San same time, the government changed for Democracy Suu Kyi expressed thanks to the or removed some laws that used to (NLD). Photo: MNA people for their understanding of the suppress the people. incumbent government, pledging The State Counsellor said that the one-year-old administration spending on healthcare was in- would continue to march on the road creased, and guaranteed that the The full text of the to establishing a federal union with effort was not fruitless. In a one-year speech of State eternal peace and introducing a new period, the development of public Counsellor Daw motto: “Together with the people”. health care is improving rapidly, to In a speech aired on state tel- the extent that the world acknowl- Aung San Suu Kyi evision last night to commemorate edged Myanmar’s progress. Signif- will be published in the first year of her National League icant gains has been made in erad- tomorrow’s issue for Democracy (NLD) in office, she icating tuberculosis, malaria, and of the Global New also asked for support from the peo- HIV/AIDS. The accomplishment in Light of Myanmar. ple. She also expressed her thanks healthcare earned the praise of the to the people for their patience and international organization Global understanding of her government in Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis its first year amid criticisms of the and Malaria, which helps in the fight NLD government. to eradicate the three major diseases. Regarding the achievements Starting now, she said the by the NLD-led government in the government will mainly concentrate past year, she said her government on the tasks of job creation, better promulgated laws that could give transportation and increased access protection to the people. At the to electric power.—GNLM

dialogues, one year has already passed with high points and low points. Republic of the Union of Myanmar 2. The main point of the dialogues for peace is trust. Here mutual trust is of Ministry of the Office of the State Counsellor great importance, as is self-confidence. As a result of the strenuous efforts and negotiations for one year, 5 member groups of United Nationalities Federal Council Press Release (UNFC)— Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), New Mon State Party (NMSP), Arakan National Council (ANC), Lahu Democratic Union (LDU) and (3rd Waxing of Tagu 1378 ME) Wa National Organization (WNO) disclosed this evening that they would sign the (30th March 2017) Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA). 3. National Reconciliation and Peace which the national ethnic races and union citizens 1. The Union Government has been implementing the national reconciliation and have been yearning for successive eras is now seeing red rays of hope spraying forth peace process with special focus. And, it has been making concerted efforts for with brilliant colours. At such a time of great importance, undesirable destructive national ethnic armed groups which have not yet signed the Nationwide Ceasefire elements and instigations intended to harm peace might emerge. Therefore, this Agreement—NCA to take part in Union Peace Conference—21st Century Panlong, press release is being issued to urge our brothers who are leaders of the ethnic after building up mutual trust and understanding. According to the nature of peace national races and Union citizens to be extremely careful. 2 national 31 March 2017 Maungtaw women alleging rape interviewed by journalists Foreign and local journalists of being raped. It is necessary who are being allowed to inde- that the victims themselves file pendently report the news from a lawsuit in order for the Bor- Maungtaw have interviewed der Police Force to move in for three women who claim they inspection. Anonymity will be were raped three months ago by given for safety reasons for wit- security forces. nesses if they were to give a tes- The media group visit- timony but the victims need to ed No. 1 Border Guard Police take responsibility for their own Headquarters that had been at- testimonies. If found to be guilty tacked in October and nearby then the perpetrators will be giv- villages in Maungtaw Town- en a fitting sentence in accord ship — Kyikanpyin, Wapeik, with the law,” said the chairman Aungmingalar, Pharwattchaung, of the committee. Pyintphyuchaung, Kyarkaung- “If the victim personally taung, Kyatyoepyin, Ngarsakyu, testifies their sexual assault then Pyaungpype, -- and collected immediate action will be taken, information about socio-eco- however responsibility needs to nomic improvement, local devel- be taken for their own accusa- opment, rule of law, stability, ac- tions,” he added. “Just verbally cidental fires and residents who is not enough, the victims need had returned after fleeing be- to show firm evidences for their cause of the violent attacks that grievances. We need cooperation occurred on October 9, 2016. to take action against the perpe- During the trip that the three trator. We can’t put pressure on women from Kyatkaungtaung th the victims,” said U Ye Htut. Members of media interview local women in Maungtaw, Rakhine State on 30 March 2017. Photo: MNA village allegedly told journalists “If they can say about when that they were raped by security TV, Central News Bureau, Fron- Chairman of the Maungtaw Dis- on that very day. However the and where the event was hap- forces three months ago. It was tier Myanmar, Myanmar News trict Management Committee. victimized female was found pened, we can check out the list learnt that responsible persons Agency, Myanmar Alin and Ky- “Daw Than Than of Kyaty- to have left the village after re- of the officials in that region and will investigate the matter to un- aemon. A total of 18 journalists oepyin Village reported a simi- ceiving compensation and after try to expose the perpetrators,” cover the truth. made the trip, led by General lar case when both media groups listening to voices of the village he said. “Concerning the cur- The media group conducted Manager U Ye Naing from the and the investigation Commis- chief and elders the case was rent case, local women escorted by the Ministry of Information News and Periodicals Enter- sion visited Rakhine. We report- discontinued,” he added. the female victims to Ngakhuya will independently cover news prise. ed to the Border Police Force “We will properly handle police station to file a law suit. from 28 March to 1 April. The Similar events have tran- so that legal action can be taken the case in a legal manner. The Now, they have returned to their media are TV Asahi, the BBC, spired in Pyaungpite and Kyaty- for the victim and they went on three victims confessed to the respective villages,” he said. the VOA, EPA, Nippon, Fuji oepyin villages, said U Ye Htut, a field inspection to the village media regarding the allegations —Myanmar News Agency Tarred road commissioned into Man missing in Maungtaw Township service in Thongwa Township A resident of Ywatnyo Taung Village, Maungtaw Township A ceremony to open a new Thilawa SEZ and the newly in- has been reported missing after tarred road was held in Thong- augurated road will be first of he did not return from a trip to a wa Township, Yangon Region its kind in Yangon Region in nearby village. yesterday morning. the time of new government, he Yar Yar, 23, left his home to At the ceremony, Union said. visit Yethwin village on Wednes- Minister for Construction U Win The union minister high- day at about 7am and did not re- Khaing said that the ministry is lighted that the local products turn home. Security forces have implementing construction of from Thilawa SEZ in Yangon been interrogating residents of roads and bridges in the regions Region and Bago Region can be Yethwin to learn what has hap- and states in its first 5-year short easily exported to other regions pened to Yar Yar. term plan from April 2016 to in a short period of time without According to the interro- March 2021. Six roads and three passing Yangon City. The new gations of the villagers, it was bridges will be built in Yangon road will help improve socioec- learnt that Yar Yar was seen on Region through international onomic status of the local people Wednesday afternoon but was not aids, parliament's pledges and and reduce poverty rate in rural seen by anyone in the evening. BOT system. The ministry had area. In an attempt to ease traffic Yar Yar's uncle has filed already constructed 637 mile congestion and to reduce trans- a case at the local police sta- and 6 furlongs long roads and 49 portation charges, steps have tion and further investigation bridges above 180-ft in Yangon been taken to allow the public Region. to use nine bridges in Yangon is ongoing by the police force. Bago-Thanatpin-Kayan- Region free of charge starting —Myanmar News Agency Thongwa-Thanlyan Road and from 1 April. He called for pub- Yangon-Pathein Road Section lic participation for durability of are scheduled to be upgrade to the bridge. Over 100 died in Malaysian detention camps, half from Myanmar tarred ones with the assistance Daw Nilar Kyaw, Yangon of Asian Development Bank Regional Minister for Electric- KUALA LUMPUR — More ment data provided to the com- as the United States, which in (ADB) commencing the fis- ity, Industry and Road Trans- than one hundred foreigners mission, which is known by its the last financial year recorded cal year 2018-2019, he added. portation, the regional Hluttaw died in the past two years in Ma- Malay acronym Suhakam. 10 deaths in its immigration de- Thakayta Bridge is under con- representatives, a town elder laysia's immigration detention There were 83 deaths in tention system, which has many struction with the help of the and an official from the Road centres from various diseases 2015, and at least 35 in 2016 up more detainees than Malaysia’s. Japan and the detailed designs Department formally opened the and unknown causes, most of to Dec. 20. More than half of the 118 are being drawn up for the Dala tarred road. them from Myanmar, according It is unclear whether the dead are from Myanmar, the Bridge with the fund contribut- Then, the union minister, to documents from the govern- death rate is higher than in neigh- source for tens of thousands of ed by the Korea and the project the regional minister and Thong- ment–funded National Human bouring countries. Government refugees coming to Malaysia, in- is expected to begin in the near wa Pyithu Hluttaw Representa- Rights Commission reviewed by officials in Indonesia and Thai- cluding Muslims from Rakhine future. tive Daw Su Su Lwin and guests Reuters. land told Reuters they do not dis- State. A feasibility study is being posed for documentary photo The toll, which has not been close such numbers. The number of Muslim fa- conducted for the No (3) Bago and strolled along the tarred previously disclosed, is based on The rate is higher than in talities in the camps is unknown. River Crossing Bridge that links road.—Myanmar News Agency Malaysian immigration depart- major industrialised nations such —Reuters 31 March 2017 national 3

Vice President addresses Medium-term Programme U Htin Lynn presents his credentials to (MTP) ceremony on the development of trade sector President of the Swiss Confederation

U Htin Lynn, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotenti- ary of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to the Swiss Confederation , presented his Credentials to Her Excellency Mrs. Doris Leuthard, President of the Swiss Confederation on 28 March 2017, in Bern.—Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maj-Gen James Hartsell congratulates Myanmar on government transition A workshop on Media Rela- people transitioned what had tions during Crisis and Conflicts been the opposition party at that took place at the Thingaha Hotel time into the leadership role of in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday with the current government as well Vice President U Myint Swe, centre, with participants at the ceremony. Photo: MNA an address by National Security as for your continued and sus- Advisor U Thaung Tun. tained dialogues on the national Vice President U Myint Swe ad- sive economic condition. A plan for the first time, on ‘Diagnostic In his address, National Se- peace and reconciliation pro- dressed the gathering at a cere- to be performed globally was Trade Integrated Study—DTIS, curity Advisor U Thaung Tun cesses between the government mony releasing the report on me- laid down in the World Econom- in 2015’ in cooperation with the said that crisis and issues in and armed ethnic groups. dium-term programme (MTP) on ic Forum, 2017” the Vice Presi- World Bank. MTP is the com- Rakhine State are high on the He continued that he recog- development of the trade sector dent said. prehensively-described report of agenda, and but the situation in nized that there remains a long held at the Hilton Hotel in Nay “According to the report re- Action Matrix to be performed in Rakhine has improved consider- road ahead for the people and the Pyi Taw yesterday. leased by the International Mon- short term and medium term (2, ably. As the border guard forc- government and much work still “Today’s ceremony is the etary Fund in 2016, Myanmar 3 or 5 years) from various sec- es were violently attacked the needs to be done due to complex one for releasing the report on stood at second from the top of tors for the trade sector develop- security forces had to react in challenges your nation faces in the medium-term programme the economic progress rate, but ment. It took time to draw up the accordance with the law. political, social, economic and (MTP) on the development of the the economy of the great powers (DTIS) report to be implemented There is no human rights national security areas. trade sector that the World Bank in the Asia region became slow, in the short term and medium abuse and action will be taken He disclosed that some and the Ministry of Commerce with the slowing rate of global term. Besides, others DTISs—re- against those who committed of the greatest challenges still and Trade finally compiled as economy. In such a time, it is of ports on strategy on national ex- the additional working process great importance for our country ports, reports on development in misdeeds. What we are doing faced are that some of the ethnic of the report, ‘Diagnostic Trade to promptly unite with (other) private sector, report on smooth at the moment is ensure peace groups are armed and have re- Integration Study—DTIS.’ It countries, especially in the trade and prompt actions in trade and and stability in the region and fused to sign the ceasefire agree- is a work in progress under the sector. Myanmar laid down 12 report on ASEAN commodities the next step is to develop in- ment and they have continued Enhanced Integrated Framework economic policies. In doing so, it and services were selected as pri- frastructure. At such a time, the to actively resist the peace and (EIF) for development of the drew up policies in accord with oritized sectors. Five major pan- workshop held today will con- reconciliation process that the trade sector of the least-devel- two destinations — creating job els, 23 series of working process tribute much to tackling crisis in majority have agreed to. oped countries from the World opportunities for everyone and and over 180 prioritised enter- the country. There is the challenge of Trade Organization (WTO). upgrading sustainable economic prises to be implemented further Next, Maj-Gen James Hart- the simmering communal ten- The World Bank estimated to- development and emergence of were chosen as priorites.” sell, Director of Daniel K. In- sion in Rakhine State, and all of day’s global economic progress strengthened types of consump- The ambassador of the EU, ouye Asian-Pacific Centre for this has created a perception of at 2.9 per cent, decreasing to 2.4 tion and production. Roland Kobia and Country Man- Security Studies-DKI APCSS, insecurity and instability in My- per cent, actually. It was attrib- The Medium Term Pro- ager of the World Bank, Mr Ab- USA said that he would like to anmar which has caused some uted to the slump of developed gramme will carry out the tasks doulaye Seck, made welcoming recognize the historic success key foreign investors to hold off countries’ economic progress, of subsidizing technical aid on speeches. that Myanmar has achieved to on coming. the slumping of commodity pric- trade in five prioritised spheres Present at the ceremony date with its peaceful and rel- He went on to say that es, the decreasing rate of global needed for supporting the trade were U Hla Kyaw, deputy min- trade demand, dropping trade development sector in coming ister, representatives on econo- atively stable and sustainable Myanmar is experiencing the demands in the advanced eco- five years.” my and finance from Amyotha political transition to a demo- same phenomenon that oth- nomic market and slowing down Afterward, Dr Than Myint, Hluttaw and Pyithu Hluttaw, cratic form of government, add- er nations have experienced, of capital flow. Global countries Union Minister for Commerce ministers for commerce of region ing that you are to be especially which is the implementation urgently need the new set-up of said the aforementioned tasks are and state cabinets, special guests commended for your free, fair, of press freedom and free the world economy, due to the to be undertaken in the future. from WB, and responsible offi- peaceful, and orderly elections speech, come additional layers performances of balancing eco- “The Ministry of Commerce cials from UMFCCI.—Myanmar that took place in November of complexity in governing. nomic policy and slow-progres- managed to make the assessment News Agency 2015 which by the will of the —Tha Sein The Second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge opens traffic to Vietnam, Laos and Thailand

The Final Casting Ceremo- of Baht 3,900 million with the as- on 30 March, with an address by ny for the Second Thai-My- sistance of Thai Government and Amyotha Hluttaw Speaker Mahn anmar Friendship Bridge was the Traffic Change Over and Bor- Win Khaing Than. held at temporary briefing hall der Control Facilities (BCF) will The Kayin State Hluttaw in Myawady, Kayin State on 30 be built by Thailand, he added. speaker, state-level ministers March morning. The Union Minister, Transport and officials from the Minis- Speaking on the occasion, the Minister of Thailand Dr. Arkhon try of Construction cut the rib- Union Minister for Construction Ternpittayapaisith, the speaker of bon to open the new concrete U Win Khaing said that the bridge Kayin State Hluttaw and officials road. Similarly, they opened linking Myanmar with Vietnam, opened the bridge. Eindu-Zarthapyin Road and Laos and Thailand lies on East- The Mudon-Myawady con- posed for documentary photo Amyotha Hluttaw Speaker Mahn Win Khaing Than presents souvenir to West Economic Corridor. The crete road was put into service in before strolling along the road. Thai official at final casting of the 2nd Thai-Myanmar friendship bridge. bridge was constructed at a cost Myawady Township, Kayin State —Myanmar News Agency Photo: MNA 4 31 March 2017 Local

Myawady border camp has largest trade value with ITC The Myawady border camp has Lweje, over Ks2.18 billion in the largest trade value of over Kan Pike Tee, over Ks381million Ks9.77 billion using the indi- in Kawthaung, over Ks708mil- vidual trading card (ITC) as of lion in Reed, over Ks945million 17th March this fiscal year, fol- in Maw Taung and over Ks24mil- lowed by Kan Pike Tee with over lion in Keng Tung and Ks29mil- Ks2.18 billion. lion in Maese, it is learnt. Trade value with ITC hit The Trade Department is- over Ks16.49 billion as of 17th sued 292 cards from 21st Nov March in the current fiscal year, 2012 to 31st March 2013, 261 according to statistics of the cards in 2013-2014 FY, 317 cards Commerce Ministry, with an in 2014-2015 FY, 146 cards in export value of over Ks1.13 bil- 2015-2016 and 209 cards as of lion and an import value of over 17th March in this FY, according Ks15.37 billion. to an announcement released by The border trade values with the ministry. the use of ITC as of 17th March A businessman can trade in this FY were over Ks835mil- Ks3million a day with an ITC, lion in Tamu, over Ks852million and the trade department granted in Muse, over Ks9.78 billion trade up to Ks15million a day, in Myawady, Ks731million in which amounted to a five-day- Tachilek, over Ks30million in trade-value.—Ko Khant A traffic police directs vehicles and mortorcycles in Mandalay. Photo: Aung Thant Khaine External trade value hit over US $27 About 400 vehicles insured billion as of 17th March this FY External trade value from 1st imported into Myanmar. daily in Mandalay Region April to 17th March in the current Trade values of US$5.27 fiscal year 2016-2017 amounted billion were in deficit so far in An average of about 400 vehi- lay Region. The compensation and every other type of motor to US$27.03 billion, which is up this FY when import surpassed cles are insured daily at Myanma for third-party insurance was vehicle must be insured. Starting by US$572.5 million when com- export. There were trade deficits Insurance in Mandalay Region, paid at a meeting hall of Super- from 1stAugust 2016, Ks5,000 pared to a similar period last year. of US$91.9million in 2012-2013, according to the insurance com- vision Committee for Highway was set as the price for a one-year Both export and import val- US$2.55 billion in 2013-2014, pany. Express on 28th March, creating insurance premium for most ve- ue showed an increase this year. US$4.91 billion in 2014-2015 Theere are currently about awareness of travel insurance hicles, and Ks2,000, for motor- Exports as of 17th March fetched and US$5.41 billion in 2015- 300 to 600 cars for which owners and coverage. cycles, it is learnt. US$10.88 billion, whereas im- 2016, according to the statistics pay for insurance daily at Myan- “Previously, people did not The Special Travel Insur- port value reached US$16.15 bil- released by the Central Statistical ma Insurance. About from 900 realize well the benefit of the ance for Express Ways is com- lion, according to the official sta- Organization (CSO). to 1,400 motorcycles are also in- insurance”, said U Aung Kyaw pulsory for travellers to cover tistics provided by the Commerce The government is putting sured, it is learnt. Lin, the chair of the Mandalay losses in case of unavoidable ac- Ministry. Myanmar exported ag- forth a concerted effort so as to Myanma Insurance offers Region Supervisory Committee cidents. Travel insurance aware- ricultural products, animal prod- reduce the trade deficit by scru- policies that cover the compensa- for Motor Vehicles. “Therefore, ness campaigns are being con- ucts, minerals, forest products, tinising luxury items, except the tion caused by car accidents, said we want them to know about the ducted for vehicle owners and and manufactured goods whereas essential ones, according to the Daw Khin Mar Cho, the manager benefits”. drivers, it is learnt.—Myitmakha capital goods, raw industrial ma- second five-year National Devel- of Myanma Insurance in Manda- Trains, cars, motorcycles News Agency terials and personal goods were opment Plan.—Mon Mon Junction City Shopping Centre opens today Junction City Shopping Cen- ducted by Shwe Taung Devel- tre located at the corner of Bogy- opment Co., Ltd, Keppel Land oke Street and Shwedagon Pago- Company, Pan Pacific Hotels da Street in Pabedan Township is Groups and YCDC, with invest- officially open today, according ments totalling US$300million. to the markets department under Phase 1 of this project includes Yangon City Development Com- Junction City Shopping Center, mittee (YCDC). Junction City Office Tower and Over 50 per cent of the shops Pan Pacific Hotel Yangon, the are open for business. All the stores construction of which is slated will be open by the end of May, it to complete this year. Phase 2 was said at a news conference held includes premium service resi- at Junction City Tower on Wednes- dence offices, a multi-storey car day. This centre includes over 240 park and a basement car park, shops, including boutiques, res- which will be completed in 2019. taurants and cinemas. Junction YCDC granted permits to City Tower is 23 storeys high and the previous owners of the shops 33,400 square meter wide. after redevelopment of new Bo- The project is jointly con- gyoke market.—Ko Htet Visitors are seen at Junction City Shopping Centre in Yangon. Photo: Junction City Yangon 31 March 2017 5

MOFA- defending the interests of the nation and its people on the front lines of the international arena

friendly relations not only with public of China the following had Article – Khin Yadana neighbouring countries but also been accomplished: Cooperation Photo – May Oo Moe – MOI with her traditional and new in the Economic and Technology development partners which sectors, building of the Kunloon This period marks the auspi- support her the path towards bridge, donation of US$ 3 million cious 70th Anniversary of the democracy. It is also learnt that for Myanmar’s peace process, founding of the Ministry of For- during the first year of the new agreement reached for financial eign Affairs (MOFA) on 17th Government, in its efforts to pro- assistance of Chinese Yuan 1000 March 1947, as well as the one mote friendship with other coun- million for the health, education, year in office of the new Govern- tries, the Ministry of Foreign agriculture, border area devel- ment. Affairs has arranged visits of the opment sectors. Also, a mech- Heads of State and Government anism was also established for Defending and promoting the and High-Level Delegations China-Myanmar Foreign and national interest from Myanmar and vice-versa, Defence Ministries to have (2+2) A country which has inde- in a balanced manner. high-level meetings. pendence and sovereignty has President U Htin Kyaw paid So far, China-Myanmar the right to conduct foreign rela- friendly visits to Laos, India, Vi- (2+2) high-level meetings have tions. As foreign relations plays etnam and Cambodia in 2016- been held for two times and mat- State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi addresses the 71st United Nations a crucial role in defending and 2017 . He also visited Russia ters relating to peace and stabil- General Assembly in Manhattan, New York, U.S., on 21 September 2016. promoting the national interest, to attend the 60th Anniversary ity in the border areas, the rule every country formulates its for- Celebrations of ASEAN-Russia of law, joint resolution of border eign policy based on and as an be shown.” towards resolving human rights Relations, to Mongolia for the problems, and China to provide extension of its domestic policy. It has been learnt that the challenges while at the same Asia-Europe (ASEM) 11th Sum- constructive assistance for the The main duty of the Minis- Ministry of Foreign Affairs has time making sure that it would mit Meeting, and to Thailand to success of the peace process try of Foreign Affairs is to defend arranged for the visits of leaders not harm our work in the area of sign the Condolence Book on the have been discussed. and promote the national inter- and high-level delegations for National Reconciliation. During passing away of the King of Thai- In the area of Myanmar’s est and to protect the interests the promotion of friendship and the new administration, Myan- land. relations with India, friendly of the people. That is why dur- cooperation between Myanmar mar has been able to adopt an The State Counsellor visit- visits have been made by the ing the one year term of the new and other countries of the world. entirely new approach towards ed the countries in the eastern President and State Coun- Government, the Ministry of Furthermore, it has worked for human rights. Under the new hemisphere namely Thailand, sellor to India, thus creating Foreign Affairs has been pursu- increased and active participa- government, we were able to People’s Republic of China, Ja- warm and friendly relations; ing the “people-centered diplo- tion in regional and internation- show that it places a high regard pan, Singapore and India. She from their side in accordance matic relations” approach which al organizations. It has also put for human rights values. Instead also visited countries in the with the “Neighborhood First regard the people’s interest as more efforts into cooperation of using confrontation, we have west namely the UK and USA. Policy”, they have given great top priority. with other countries to obtain adopted a more positive and co- During her official visit to the emphasis to relations with My- State Counsellor and Un- technical, management skills operative approach”. United States of America, she anmar. During the President’s ion Minister for Foreign Affairs and other forms of assistance for For the achievement of the also attended the 71st Session visit to India, MoU’s (Memoran- Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has giv- Myanmar’s transition towards second goal, Myanmar has par- of the United Nations Gener- dums of Understanding) were en guidance that also as a good democracy, the Peace Process ticipated actively in internation- al Assembly . Moreover, State signed for the building and up- diplomat, he or she needs to and development. al and regional organizations, Counsellor also participated in grading of bridges and bridge consider not also the interests showed her commitments by thethe BRICS-BIMSTEC Sum- approach slabs for the section of own country but also the host Foreign Policy signing and ratifying the inter- mit meeting held in Goa, India of the Tamu-Kyigone-Kalewa country. Moreover, he or she The vision of the Ministry national conventions on Human During the 2016-2017 pe- Trilateral Highway in Myanmar needs to protect not only the in- of Foreign Affairs, which keeps Rights and Disarmament, and riod, leaders from Singapore, and cooperation in the area of terests of Myanmar citizens but at the forefront, is to promote had increased efforts to protect Mongolia, Laos, Thailand and traditional medicine and renew- also the interests of former My- the interests of the State and the interest of Myanmar nation- Cambodia visited Myanmar. In able energy. Also, during the anmar citizens and to treat them its citizens. It is implementing als and thus uplift the image of addition to this, Foreign Minis- friendly visit of the State Coun- in a warm and friendly manner an active, independent and non- Myanmar. ters from China, Canada, Italy, sellor to India, three MoU’s with a family spirit. The conduct aligned foreign policy. In the The Ministry of Foreign United States of America, India, were successfully signed. The and practice of diplomacy are to conduct of its foreign policy, it Affairs has carried out the said Japan, Thailand, France, United new government also reached safeguard the sovereignty and adheres to the Five Principles of duties in close consultation Kingdom and Ukraine paid visits an agreement with India to dis- national interest of the State and Peaceful Co-existence. and coordination with its seven to Myanmar, totaling 20 visits at cuss long-standing agreements solve problems on the front line departments, Embassies, Mis- the Foreign Ministers level . It is and matters relating to border of international arena. Goals and Objectives of the sions, and Consulates-General. also learnt that many high-level affairs in a spirit of cooperation If diplomacy fails, the State Ministry delegations from many countries and consultation. may have to resort to war, that is . The first year period of the Promotion of friendly are scheduled to visit Myanmar It is also learnt that during why diplomacy is crucial. new government, the Ministry of relations with all countries of in the near future. the visit of the State Counsel- It has been learnt from the Foreign Affairs has set two ma- the world The President chose to pay lor to Thailand, Agreement on Ministry of Foreign Affairs that jor goals and working extensive- Geographically, Myanmar a visit to Laos in 2016 as his Border Crossing between the the duty of diplomats was to use ly in achieving them. First is to serves as a bridge between first state visit because of the Two Countries, MoU on Labour their intellectual and negotia- promote friendly relations and South-east Asia and South Asia. fact that Laos has assumed the Cooperation and Agreement on tions skills in the international to strengthen cooperation with From the viewpoint of geopol- chairmanship of ASEAN. This Employment of Workers were arena to negotiate and solve all countries in the world and itics, Myanmar is strategically shows that Myanmar places signed between the two coun- problems that might have origi- second is to uplift the image of located between the two most great value on her relations with tries .Other matters accom- nated in their home countries. Myanmar and her people at the populous and economically pow- ASEAN. plished after consultation and Minister of State for For- international level. erful countries in the region, the cooperation were Myanmar mi- eign Affairs, U Kyaw Tin said, The Minister of State for People’s Republic of China and Friendly visits of significant grant workers in Thailand, and “foreign relations is a process, Foreign Affairs stated that “in India, and also shares borders benefits the reactivation of the matters and therefore just as there are working for first goal , promot- with them. The Minister of State for which have been left pending for positive developments that are ing friendly relations and coop- Therefore, to promote and Foreign Affairs further explained a long time such as boundary de- visible, there are also positive eration with all the countries defendthe national interest, My- that during the visit of the State marcation works. developments which cannot yet in the world, we have worked anmar has been able to maintain Counsellor to the People’s Re- See page 6 >> 6 31 March 2017

Performances in One-Year Period

>> From Page 5 peace process to go on field trips. and made arrangements for the During the visit of the State Diplomatic relations with Flotilla from Malaysia with activ- Counsellor to Singapore agree- over 120 countries ists on board to dock at the port ments were reached for the MoU During the term of the new of Yangon. extension of the Singapore-My- government, all necessary inter- In January 2017, the Minis- anmar Vocational Training Insti- nal arrangements were made ter of State for Foreign Affairs tute Agreement, Amendment of for the establishment of diplo- attended the private informal the Double Taxation Agreement matic relations with Guinea, meeting of ASEAN Foreign Min- between the two countries to be Ecuador, Seychelles, Liberia, isters held on Boracay Island, in conformity with the times, to Holy See (Vatican), Malta, and Philippines and gave an informal give permission to Singaporean the Marshall Islands. After that , briefing on the latest develop- Airline “Silk Air” for stopover the submission was made to the ments on Rakhine State issues. rights to run the Singapore-Yan- Fourth Regular Meeting of the Efforts made for the nation- gon-Mandalay sector for a tem- Second Pyithu Hluttaw. Since al interest at the United Nations porary test period of six months, approval had been received for Cooperation with the Unit- signing of an agreement for the establishment of diplomatic ed Nations is the cornerstone Investment Promotion in both relations with the said countries, of Myanmar’s foreign policy. countries. Myanmar will now have diplo- Given this, the State Counsellor Also during the visit of the matic relations with 120 coun- attended the 71st UNGA – Unit- Prime Minister of Singapore to tries. ed Nations General Assembly Myanmar, a MoU for the grant of meeting in September 2016 and 30 days entry visas to holders of Continued participation within delivered a policy statement ordinary passports was signed. ASEAN represnting the Government of This agreement has entered Myanmar has been a mem- Myanmar. In a similar vein, a into force since1 December 2016. ber of ASEAN for the past 20 delegation led by the Minister State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi meets Thailand Prime Minister During the visit of the State years. For nearly two decades, of State for Foreign Affairs at- Prayuth Chan-ocha at the government house in Bangkok, Thailand, on Counsellor to Japan, the follow- continued criticism and pres- tended the meeting of the Part- 24 June 2016. ing agreements were reached: sure were exerted on ASEAN nership Group on Myanmar and financial assistance of Japa- because of Myanmar’s human briefed them about Myanmar’s nese Yen 40 billion to support rights and democracy record. It transition to democracy and ef- meet with leaders of various. Counsellor sent the Minister of the democratization process in was thus believed within ASEAN forts to promote human rights State for Foreign Affairs as her Myanmar and the National Rec- that Myanmar was a hindrance and how she was solving the Rakhine State Issues – challenges Special Envoy to Bangladesh to onciliation efforts -and financial to ASEAN’s efforts for the pro- remaining challenges. He also and efforts of the Ministry of discuss border security of the two assistance for the balanced de- motion of cooperation with West- made a request to terminate the Foreign Affairs countries and ways to increase co- velopment of urban and rural ern countries. Now, Myanmar practice of submitting a draft National reconciliation and operation between the two coun- areas from the Japanese gov- has transformed into a demo- resolution by EU – the Europe- peace being main priority of the tries. In this matter, Myanmar ernment and Japanese private cratic nation, and has become an Union on Myanmar annually. Union Government, therefore Ambassadors in key countries sector investments totaling Jap- the countries with the most polit- As a result the EU decided not after taking over state responsibil- also approached their host gov- anese Yen 800 billion during a ical and media freedoms among to submit the draft resolution ities, the Government formed the ernments to win their support. five-year period, ASEAN member states, it may on the situation of the human Central Committee for Implemen- In addition to this, a high-lev- During the term of the new have been seen that the partic- rights in Myanmar to the Third tation of Peace, Stability and De- el delegation led by the Minister Government, the US-Myanmar ipation of Myanmar in ASEAN Committee of the Therefore velopment of Rakhine State with of State for Foreign Affairs was relations was categorized as has gained the high regard of the role of Mr.Vijay Nambiar, the State Counsellor as Chairper- dispatched to attend the 34th relationships among partners, other countries in the world. the Secretary-General’s Special son to seek short-term and long- Regular Session of the UN Hu- and a new era of relations was In July 2016, the State Coun- Advisor on Myanmar was termi- term solutions for Rakhine State man Rights Council where he opened. It has been learnt that sellor and Union Minister, Minis- nated. on 30 May 2016. Also, to assess the delivered a speech and carried during the visit to the USA of the try of Foreign Affairs paid a visit As Myanmar had been challenges in Rakhine State from out individual approaches to win State Counsellor, US-Myanmar to Laos, Vientiane to attend the working towards the signature an international perspective and support. relations was upgraded to the 49th ASEAN Foreign Ministers and ratification of the Interna- to seek sustainable solutions, an The Minister of State for For- level of partners by providing Meeting and other related meet- tional Conventions on human Advisory Commission on Rakhine eign Affairs stated, “As far as our support for human rights and ings. In September 2016, she also rights and disarmement . With State was formed, and this Com- Ministry is concerned, if there the transition towards democra- attended the 28th and 29th ASE- regard to disarmament, the In- mission began work on the key are any accusations upon us re- cy and by reinforcing the friend- AN Summit Meetings and other strument of Ratification of the tasks step by step, including ver- garding human rights, including ly relations and elevating it to a related meetings. Comprehensive Test Ban Trea- ification of citizenship, to address issues related to Rakhine State, higher level. Among the ASEAN coun- ty was deposited to the United the challenges in the Rakhine we will make investigations and In October 2016, the US gov- tries, non-interference in the Nations Treaty Section, in New State if proven to be correct, we will ernment terminated the,Nation- internal affairs of another coun- York by the State Counsellor. It is While the Government was focus- take necessary action against al Emergency on Myanmar and try is the most important prin- learnt that Myanmar has ratified ing its attention on the issues in the perpetrators. However, if the the President revoked the Ex- ciple position. Although mem- the CNS – Convention on Nucle- the Rakhine State, starting from intention is not to solve the prob- ecutive Order-based framework ber countries are supposed to ar Safety and the CPPNM – Con- 9 October 2016 when terrorists lem but to intervene and compli- of the sanctions programe and solve problems through con- vention on the Physical Protec- launched armed attacks on bor- cate the efforts of the government lifted all sanctions imposed on sultations and negotiations, tion of Nuclear Material. der guard outposts, news media and exert pressure on us, we will Myanmar by the issuance of four one ASEAN member country Myanmar is preparing to began to spread instigations re- work in coordination with friendly Presidential Executive Orders. levelled criticisms and abuses ratify the human rights conven- garding the area clearance op- countries and exert staunch and In addition, GSP – Generalized against the Myanmar govern- tions such as ICESCR – Inter- erations conducted for security strenuous efforts to maintain our System of Preferences privileg- ment in relation to the events national Covenant on Econom- reasons. Thus Myanmar had to ground using diplomatic channels es were restored. that occurred in Maungtaw, Ra- ic, Social and Cultural Rights suffer increased pressure again in the international arena.” In accordance with the My- khine state. This is a deviation and the “Optional Protocol to . It has been observed that they anmar-US Friendship and Part- from the principles of ASEAN, the Convention on the Rights have started to use United Nation Increased Cooperation in the nership Agreement, the first and a situation has developed of the Child on the Involvement Human Right Council and United Region Myanmar-US Partnership Meet- which can harm ASEAN unity of Children in Armed Conflict. Nation Security Council to exert Myanmar, a member coun- ing was held at the Ministry of and integrity. Moreover, the UN Convention more pressure on Myanmar. try of ASEAN, is making prepa- Foreign Affairs on 15 November Therefore, Myanmar host- Against Torture and Other In- Although Myanmar has rations to join the India Ocean 2016. ed ofAMM Retreat in December human, or Degrading Treatment received support and encour- Rim Association, attending its With regard to the Europe- 2016 in Yangon. The State Coun- or Punishment (CAT) , the Inter- agement from the international meeting for the first time as an an countries, Myanmar held For- sellor gave an informal briefing national Covenant on Civil and community, on the international observer. In cooperation with eign Office Consultations (FOC) to ASEAN countries in a fam- Political Rights ( ICCPR ), and arena, it is now facing dangers Australia which is a partner with Switzerland and the Czech ily spirit about the situation in other international agreements which could ultimately pose a country of ASEAN, Myanmar Republic during the one year pe- Rakhine State. Therefore, the on human rights are being stud- threat to national interests and hosted the ASEAN-Australia Fo- riod of the new governmentThe ASEAN countries welcomed ied, and workshops have been sovereignty and pressures and rum in March 2017. Ministry of Foreign Affairs has Myanmar’s efforts to solve the conducted to educate and create challenges including the Rakh- And, Myanmar took the facilitated the donation from the problem in Rakhine state; it was awareness. ine state affairs. responsibility as the coordina- European countries to the Joint possible to officially accept the Former UN Secretary-Gen- Accordingly, the Ministry of tor in the Asia-Europe Meeting Peace Fund, has made arrange- humanitarian assistance sent by eral Mr. Ban Ki-Moon was invit- Foreign Affairs has been making (ASEM). It is learnt that Myan- ments for the exchange of good other ASEAN countries includ- ed to attend the First Meeting concerted efforts to defend, re- mar will be hosting the meeting experiences for the Myanmar ing Indonesia, Thailand, and Ma- of the 21st Century Panglong spond and solve the problems. It of Foreign Ministers of ASEM, Peace Process and has made laysia through diplomatic chan- Conference. During his stay, ar- is also approaching to win sup- consisting of 53 countries, in arrangements for members of nels. The Ministry of Foreign rangements were made for the port for our cause. forthcoming November. organizations working for the Affairs successfully negotiated former UN Secretary-General to In January 2017, the State See page 10 >> 31 March 2017 Regional 7 Japan ruling party urges govt to Singapore to help acquire capability to hit enemy bases SMEs thrive in Tokyo — Japan’s ruling party on Thursday urged digital economy Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s government to consid- SINGAPORE — Small skills,” she added. er acquiring the capability to and Medium Enterprises Singapore’s govern- hit enemy bases and to beef (SMEs) need to develop ment is making concerted up missile defence, as North strong digital capabilities effort to encourage SMEs Korea defies UN sanctions and raise employees’ skills to take their first steps to- with its nuclear and missile in order to stay competi- wards digitalization. development. tive, a Singaporean official Under the SMEs Go “North Korea’s provo- said on Thursday. Digital program, the In- cations have reached a level At the Human Capital focomm Media Develop- where our country can by (Singapore) Thought Lead- ment Authority (IMDA) no means overlook them ... ership Masterclass Series, will work closely with We cannot afford to lose any Parliamentary Secretary SPRING Singapore’s time to bolster our ballistic for the Ministry of Trade SME Centers to help missile defence,” said a Lib- and Industry & Ministry of SMEs build stronger digi- eral Democratic Party (LDP) Education Low Yen Ling tal capabilities. proposal submitted to Abe. Japan has so far avoid- said SMEs, which make Data analytics is an- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (R) speaks to Hiroshi Imazu (C), Chairman of Re- up 99 per cent of the en- other area of great poten- ed taking the controversial search Commission on Security of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), and for- and costly step of acquiring terprises in Singapore and tial for SMEs. Low said mer Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera (L), head of LDP panel on security policy, after a contribute to nearly half of SMEs can discover new bombers or weapons such as proposal on missile defence was submitted to Abe at the prime minister’s office in Tokyo, cruise missiles with enough the GDP, while employing opportunities and also Japan, on 30 March 2017. Photo: Reuters range to strike other coun- 70 per cent of the work- make informed decisions tries, relying instead on its arrows is a more effective proposal firmly.” The LDP tack can be met with our force, play a pivotal role in through mining available US ally to take the fight to its defence. proposal demanded that the missile defence. But as for Singapore’s development. information. enemies. “Our assessment is that government promptly start repetitive attacks, it is impor- Low remarked that She also stressed the But the growing threat threat from North Korea has necessary consideration for tant to put under control the SMEs need to continually importance of human cap- posed by Pyongyang, in- advanced to a new stage, and the acquisition of capabili- opponent’s launch sites and innovate and scale up to be ital development and life- cluding a simultaneous this assessment is shared ty to hit enemy bases, such prevent second and further able to adapt to global dis- long learning for SMEs to launch of four rockets earlier by the United States,” Abe as cruise missiles, to im- firing,” Itsunori Onodera, an ruption. “Our people have achieve limitless potential this month, is adding weight said at a ceremony where prove deterrent effects of the LDP lawmaker and former to be on a learning track and seize opportunities to an argument that aiming the proposal was submitted. US-Japan alliance. defence minister, told the constantly so as to devel- of the digital economy. for the archer rather than his “We intend to grasp today’s “The first (missile) at- ceremony.—Reuters op new, deep and relevant —Xinhua CLAIM’S DAY NOTICE CLAIM’S DAY NOTICE CLAIM’S DAY NOTICE MV TRANG AN 07 VOY. NO (-) MV SINAR BATAM VOY. NO ( ) MV X PRESS YAMUNA VOY. NO (009) Consignees of cargo carried on MV TRANG Consignees of cargo carried on MV SINAR Consignees of cargo carried on MV X PRESS AN 07 VOY. NO (-) are hereby notified that the BATAM VOY. NO ( ) are hereby notified that the YAMUNA VOY. NO (009) are hereby notified that the vessel will be arriving on 31.3.2017 and cargo will be vessel will be arriving on 31.3.2017 and cargo will be vessel will be arriving on 31.3.2017 and cargo will be discharged into the premises of AIPT where it will lie discharged into the premises of A.W.P.T where it will discharged into the premises of M.I.P where it will lie at the consignee’s risk and expenses and subject to the lie at the consignee’s risk and expenses and subject to at the consignee’s risk and expenses and subject to the byelaws and conditions of the Port of Yangon. the 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 from the Vessel. declared as the third day after final discharge of cargo declared as the third day after final discharge of cargo No claims against this vessel will be admitted after from the Vessel. from the Vessel. the Claims Day. No claims against this vessel will be admitted after No claims against this vessel will be admitted after SHIPPING AGENCY DEPARTMENT the Claims Day. the Claims Day. MYANMA PORT AUTHORITY SHIPPING AGENCY DEPARTMENT SHIPPING AGENCY DEPARTMENT AGENT FOR: M/S BAY LINE SHIPPING PTE MYANMA PORT AUTHORITY MYANMA PORT AUTHORITY LTD AGENT FOR: M/S INTERASIA LINES AGENT FOR: M/S X-PRESS FEEDERS PTE LTD Phone No: 2301928 Phone No: 2301185 Phone No: 2301185 CLAIM’S DAY NOTICE CLAIM’S DAY NOTICE MV EVER APEX VOY. NO ( ) MV PINYA STAR VOY. NO ( ) Consignees of cargo carried on MV EVER APEX Consignees of cargo carried on MV PINYA STAR VOY. NO ( ) are hereby notified that the vessel will be VOY. NO ( ) are hereby notified that the vessel will be arriving on 31.3.2017 and cargo will be discharged into arriving on 31.3.2017 and cargo will be discharged into the premises of H.P.T where it will lie at the consignee’s the premises of M.I.P where it will lie at the consignee’s risk and expenses and subject to the byelaws and risk and expenses and subject to the byelaws and conditions of the Port of Yangon. 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. SHIPPING AGENCY DEPARTMENT SHIPPING AGENCY DEPARTMENT MYANMA PORT AUTHORITY MYANMA PORT AUTHORITY AGENT FOR: M/S EVERGREEN SHIPPING AGENT FOR: M/S CONTINENTAL SHIPPING LINES LINE PTE LTD Phone No: 2301185 Phone No: 2301185 8 ANALYSIS 31 March 2017

Write for us 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. Bright rays of peace shining on Myanmar

Aye Min Soe eace is the main re- has taught us that we cannot State Party (NMSP), Ara- ed rays of hopes for national quirement of a coun- deviate from the peace pro- kan National Party (ANC), reconciliation and peace, Ptry that has faced se- cess. Lahu Democratic Union and has shined a positive vere internal conflicts for Plans are under way to (LDU) and Wa National Or- light onto the many succes- over 60 years. hold the second Union Peace ganization (WNO) sent mes- sive eras of Myanmar histo- As publicly declared, Conference — 21st Century sage to the government yes- ry which dreamed of peace. the incumbent government Panglong in the near future. terday that they would sign These bright rays of has given priority to the The Union Peace Dialogue the Nationwide Ceasefire peace will continue to shine peace process. Normally, Joint Committee has al- Agreement (NCA). in our country as more pro- the peace process needs ready passed a decision to The news comes as the gress is made. time, as it is a task that must reach an agreement on the greatest and most auspi- We, the Global New be implemented through basic principles of cious gift to the country, as Light of Myanmar, firmly lots of patience, tolerance, federalism at the confer- it coincides with the incum- believe that the eternal goodwill and mutual under- ence. bent government’s one-year peace that all indigenous standing while experiencing The United Nationalities anniversary in office. people have aspired to for many ups and downs all Federal Council (UNFC), a The five organisations decades will finally become along the way. coalition that represents five showed their trust in the a reality if the government Many years of experi- armed ethnic groups — Ka- peace-making process by and leaders of the armed or- ence that the country has renni National Progressive signing the NCA. ganisations work together endured while seeking peace Party (KNPP), New Mon Their courage has creat- with the people.

Homegrown Clean Energy an Alternative to Myanmar’s Spotty Power Grid

son, the average U.S. citizen Erin Rubin burns 16.39 tons per year—and that’s practically a ten-year low, Necessity is the mother of in- down from 19.24 in 2007. vention, and in the case of rural The World Bank is provid- Myanmar’s electricity genera- ing $400 million to the $5.8 bil- tion, it’s also the mother of im- lion National Electrification Plan, provement. and confirmed that the money is In rural areas where the na- not funding coal or hydropower tional power grid does not reach, projects. The NEP plans to subsi- residents are creating electricity dize solar systems and mini-grids, out of what’s available to them: but the project will take years to sun and water. Solar and small- complete, and the subsidies are scale hydropower are generating planned for only half a million electricity for households or vil- households. (There are nearly 57 lages, and the country is inad- million people in Myanmar.) vertently bursting onto the highly That leaves millions of peo- modern clean-energy scene. ple currently looking for an ener- Myanmar’s power grid, gy solution, and necessity has which is susceptible to blackouts, driven them to innovate in ways leaves thousands of villages that are good for the planet. As without access to electricity. A the country rapidly modernizes, 2014 World Bank article found renewable energy sources look- that 84 percent of households had ing for a market or NGOs want- no electricity connection. At the ing to help empower communi- same time, rural villagers are ties through technology might connecting to modern technolo- want to look in this corner of the gies and looking to generate a world.—Erin Rubin steady supply of power. Hut under the bridge Amarapura Myanmar [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons. (Erin Rubin is the Editorial According to Myanmar’s Coordinator & Community 2014 census, about 178,000 few years ago, and its first demo- solar grids don’t work that well leeway; transitioning a national Builder at the Nonprofit Quarter- households used private water cratically elected president took on rainy days and storing gener- energy system is expensive and ly. Previously, she worked as an mills as a primary source of light- office in 2016. The country does ated power for future use remains complicated. administrator at Harvard Busi- ing, while 945,000 used solar and not have laws governing the ru- a stubborn problem. But here is But Myanmar’s coal-pow- ness School and as an editorial 1 million used diesel generators. ral, off-grid power production or an opportunity to jump into the ered energy system is not en- project manager at Pearson Edu- Diesel generators are expensive a system of support for the bur- energy future without having to trenched enough in much of the cation, where she helped develop to run, making renewable sources geoning DIY power industry. In overhaul a system from the past. countryside to need overhauling. a digital resource library for re- more appealing in poor villages. partnership with the World Bank, Leaders of developing coun- If investments went to renewable medial learners. Erin has also Less sophisticated sources of Myanmar’s National Electrifica- tries often opine, as Indian Prime energy that’s already a familiar worked with David R. Godine, light, like candles and lamps, tion Plan (NEP) aims to bring Minister Narendra Modi did in and available source, rather than Publishers, and the Association used to be prevalent in poorer power to all citizens by 2030, but 2015, that wealthy countries who to developing the fossil fuel grid, of Literary Scholars, Critics, & households, but they are a fire the government overwhelmingly “powered their way to prosperity Myanmar might be able to mod- Writers. As a member of the hazard in huts made of wood or favors expanding the coal-pow- on fossil fuel” have a greater ob- ernize its energy grid with mini- TEDxBeaconStreet organizing bamboo. ered grid. ligation to lead on clean energy, mal cost. The average Myanmar team, she works to communicate Myanmar (Burma) was eco- There are tradeoffs to decen- while countries with nascent in- citizen burns 0.238 tons of CO2 innovative ideas and translate nomically isolated until just a tralized power sources, of course; dustries should be given more emissions per year. In compari- them into action) 31 March 2017 national 9 One tank of water sells between Ks20,000 and Ks40,000 in Haka Due to the water shortage in built in Haka to supply the water, Haka, one tank of water is sell- the dam is dwindling in quality ing for between Ks20,000 and and now, it is under renovation. Ks40,000, depending on the lo- “I am selling the water with cation. the three-wheeled vehicle for two This current price prevailed rounds per day. Our family could between January and the end of earn around Ks60,000 per day. I March. Shwepyitha, Myothit, have to send the water mostly to Hakathit wards are faced with a Hakathit, said a local water sell- water shortage problem. er. “This season, the water is Normally water is available scarce. The price of water is very only from the mountain stream in expensive this year, compared to old Haka town . The water sellers the same period last year, said a are carrying the water from Old local resident from Shwepyithar Haka town and Thi river and sell ward. them back.—Myitmakha News Although Thimyit dam was Agency The aerial view of Haka City, Chin State. Photo: Myitmakha News Agency Volume of waste water declined Fifty per cent of real estate during 18-month period The volume of waste water de- was redistributed to about 4,000 buyers are homeless or in need clined from 54 per cent to 14 per houses. Fifty per cent of the real estate said U Nay Min Thu, a managing investing in other business,” cent during the past 18 months of As a result of the MMC dealers are buying the real estate director for IMyanmar House. said Daw Saw Mu, apartment projects implemented in South projects, old water meter boxes to live and the remaining 50 per com. rental service from Lamadaw Okkalapa and Insein townships, have been replaced to greater cent are speculating in 2017 Yan- People who want to invest in township. Yangon region by Manila Water benefit the Yangon City Devel- gon region, according to the real real estate are buying the house There are many squatters Mitsubishi Consortium, accord- opment Committee (YCDC). estate agency. in the business area while people in Yangon region because the ing to the consortium. The volume of wasted wa- The local people are buying who have planned to live are buy- prices of apartments are sky- The MMC, a joint effort ter in Insein township was 17.32 the apartment to rent because the ing the low and median-priced rocketing. So, the union govern- between Manila Water and the per cent in August, down from rental business is flourishing in house in the suburban or outskirt ment has planned to increase the Japanese giant Mitsubishi Cor- 52 per cent in March, last year Yangon region. of the town. tax on transaction of land and poration, recently completed its whereas the volume of wasted “Some are buying the real “It is a good business for apartment to control the apart- 18-month initial phase to over- water in South Okkalapa was estate to live. The remaining 50 rental businessmen as they can ment trading. haul the water distribution sys- 12.19 per cent in November, per cent are buying the real estate fetch Ks 200,000 per month for The tax will increase only tem within Yangon.. down from 57 per cent in Sep- to invest. The apartment between renting the apartment costing 30 for the invested rooms not for the The volume of wasted water tember, last year.—200 Ks 500 lakh and Ks 1,000 lakh million kyats. So, some invest- living room.—Myitmakha News are selling well in the market,” ed in the real estate rather than Agency

news Pandal and decorated vehicle to evoke Yaba pills seized in Taunggyi old Mandalay Thingyan images The Mandalay water festival city Mahar Mandat in the first entertaining in turn. It is custom- pandal and Myoma decorated day of water festival. But this ary in Mandalay water festival vehicle are inspired by old Man- year, we will open the first day to greet each other before the dalay Thingyan images this year, of water festival with the enter- mobile musical entertaining car said Dr. Hla Khine, the chairman tainment. leaves the pandal. of Myoma amateur instruments Our decorated vehicle will This year, the Myoma dec- Association. evoke the old Mandalay Thing- orated vehicle will be present “Like previous years, our yan images,” he added. at the opening ceremony of the decorated vehicle was leading “During the 1930 Manda- Mandalay City Mahar in the the pageant of decorated vehicles lay water festival, the pandal morning and entertain around the greeting and passing before the and Myoma musical group were city in the evening.—MMAL Over 10,000 vehicles fined for speeding

Sai Kyaw Hla is seen together with yaba pills and Toyota Ipsum. Photo: MPF Over 10,000 vehicles were Tin, Thigon, Pyin Si, Bawnetgyi, March. Up to now, we have al- fined for exceeding the speed Myo Chaung and Baw Ni are ready filed cases against 9,878 An anti-narcotics squad from named Sai Kyaw Hla, living at limit on the Yangon-Manda- measuring the speed with their vehicle owners,” said an official Taunggyi seized 230,000 yaba Tangyan Township, together lay highway during the last six speedometer. from highway traffic police. pills at Doe Nyi Naung passen- with a Toyota Ipsum vehicle in months, according to an official Most of the fined vehicles The traffic police have set ger gate on Myakantha street in front of Li Shaw guest house on from highway traffic police. are home-use vehicles while the speed limit at 60 miles per Taunggyi on Wednesday. Tuu Myaung Road in Myoma The highway traffic police some are passenger buses. About hour on the Yangon-Mandalay Acting on a tip-off, police Ward in Taunggyi. have been taking action against 57 vehicles are being fined every highway. searched and found a bag hold- Police have taken action those exceeding the speed limit day. If a driver exceeds the speed ing yaba pills that a man picked against Sai Kyaw Hla, 31, un- since 1st September 2016, after “We are taking action limit, he has to pay a fine of up at a delivery service counter der the Anti-narcotic Drugs they provided awareness train- against the cars that exceed the Ks50,000 at traffic disciplinary at the gate. and Psychotropic Substances ing several times. The highway speed limit. A total of 10,307 court in Zabuthiri township, Nay Police detained the man Law.—Myanmar Police Force traffic police from Thargaya, Pan vehicles have been fined as of Pyi Taw.—200 10 national 31 March 2017 Performances in One-Year Period >> From page 6 San Suu Kyi discussed the occur due to human activi- for establishment of warm Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to viously, diplomats and their Thai-Myanmar boundary ties. The two countries have and friendly relations with Thailand, the Ministry of family members holding Finding solutions to demarcation survey with agreed to follow the regu- Myanmar nationals, to pro- Foreign Affairs assisted diplomatic passports were border issues the government of Thailand lations about the building vide necessary assistance the voluntary return of 169 authorized for three years The Ministry of For- during her official visit to of retaining walls as a pre- to Myanmar nationals even Myanmar citizens who fled of stay with renewal but eign Affairs has taken the Thailand with the intention ventive measure of river if they are serving sentenc- Myanmar for many years, now they have been given lead responsibility for solv- of leaving a real legacy for bank erosion with a view to es in foreign countries, be- and refuge in Thai side due stay for the duration of their ing border issues with five future generation. solving the problems of the cause they are Myanmar to internal conflicts. assignment. Similarly, spe- neighboring countries that The surveying work in-river boundary. nationals, to work for for- cial passport holders who share boundaries with us will start about 200 miles mer Myanmar nationals Support for Myanmar used to be granted one year and boundary demarcation along Pakchan River and Myanmar-India living in foreign countries domestic workers in of stay are now permitted matters. Work has been its northern watershed Boundary Demarcation so that they could return to Singapore for stay for the duration of commenced on the renewal area. Now, the aerial survey Fencing along the bor- Myanmar and get a chance Myanmar embassy their assignment. Ordinary of demarcation matters be- has beenconducting and af- der to prevent the build- to participate in working for in Singapore is working passport holders can now tween Myanmar and Thai- ter getting the aerial photo ings constructed by local the country’s development. together with Singapore purchase one-time entry vi- land which was suspended map of that area, the ground Indians between boundary authorities and the Labour sas for a three-month stay. during the period of former survey will be carried out pillar 145 and 146 in Naga Myanmar diplomatic Union to give legal protec- The Minister of State governments, renewal of based on the agreement Land started in December missions have changed tion to Myanmar migrant for Foreign Affairs also stat- demarcation work between made during the British 2016. However, the fenc- Conferences for My- workers including domestic ed that procedures for trav- Myanmar and India and the colonial era. Then bounda- ing works were stopped anmar Ambassadors have workers against abuses and elling inside the country matter of the Myanmar-Lao ry pillars will be erected by as the Indian government been successfully held once violation of labour rights. for foreign diplomats and Friendship Bridge all of the combined team of two requested to carry out the in Nay Pyi Taw and once embassy staffs had been which have been prioritized. countries. Discussions with fencing only after the erec- in London to give them de- Myanmar nationals at mitigated except for certain the Government of Thai- tion of additional boundary tailed briefings about the overseas detention camps restricted areas due to se- Thai – Myanmar Border land are now underway for pillars by the two sides. The policy of the new Govern- brought back home curity concerns. Thai-Myanmar bor- signing an agreement. Myanmar side has stopped ment. The Myanmar Em- Since it took office one Moreover, and Lease der line is 1318 miles long, the fencing operations tem- bassies in countries such as year ago, the government Policy for the relocation of however, only a 36 miles Regulations specified porarily and it is learnt that Thailand, Singapore, Ma- has made efforts to help Diplomatic Mission to Nay long section of Mae Sai- for Thailand-Myanmar this work will be carried out laysia, Indonesia, have been Myanmar nationals who Pyi Taw had been ratified Mae Hok Creek has been Retaining Walls jointly with the Indian side working hard to find better are staying in the detention for a smooth transition of demarcated, and the rest There were some at the end of March 2017. procedures and methods camps in foreign countries embassies after the capital is left still to be surveyed disputes between the two to protect and assist My- as they cannot afford for of Myanmar had been relo- during the time of previous countries concerning the Demarcating the anmar nationals. Although costs to travel back to the cated to Nay Pyi Taw. governments due to unfa- border line in the river that boundary on the these efforts to assist and country. AMore than 200 The Ministry of For- vourable circumstances. change in flow direction of Myanmar-Laos help Myanmar nationals is Myanmar fishermen who eign Affairs, during the one- State Counsellor, Daw Aung the river and the flood that Friendship Bridge limited by the availability of served prison term at the year term of the incumbent Although the first funds and manpower and Port Blair of India were government, has success- Friendship Bridge over the could not yet be provided as brought back by charter fully conducted diplomat- Mekong river, which serves much as desired, the pro- flight in the first one-year ic visits abroad as well as as a boundary between the tection and help provided period of the incumbent welcoming delegations to two countries was complet- to Myanmar nationals has government. the country, attending as Acting Chief Editor - Aye Min Soe ed in 2015, because there improved significantly com- Similarly, 105 Myan- well as hosting internation- [email protected] had been differences be- pared to previous times. mar fishermen who were al forums and conferences Expatriate Consultant Editor tween the two countries trafficked to Indonesia and which have all helped to Mark Angeles with regard to the mainte- Myanmar Migrant who were detained in In- boost international rela- markrangeles@gmail .com nance and issues of sover- workers in Thailand donesia were brought back tions with both neighbour- eignty, an agreement was Ministry of Foreign home. ing countries and around Senior Translators reached in Nay Pyi Taw at Affairs worked together Besides, the Ministry the world. Khin Maung Oo a meeting held in August with Ministry of Labour, of Foreign Affairs assisted “We have to address [email protected] 2016 at the Ministerial-level Immigration and Popula- to bring back 1,768 Myan- the challenges and pres- Copy Writer Min Zaw meeting of the two coun- tion to assist more than 2 mar nationals and seven sure from the internation- International News Editor tries, to show and put on million Myanmar migrant babies detained at 11 camps al community concerning record the border demarca- workers in Thailand to get in Malaysia. the situation in Rakhine. Ye Htut Tin tion point in the river on the equal rights with Thailand Under the 100-day However, we were able to [email protected] bridge itself. workers under the Memo- plan of the government, a stop a draft resolution on Local News Editors Therefore, in order to randum of Understanding total of 619 people were re- Myanmar’s human rights Tun Tun Naing (Editor) embed the two boundary signed between the two moved from the previous situation at the General [email protected] demarcation brass plates countries. government’s blacklist. Assembly of the United Na- jointly on the Friendship The Ministry of For- There were 248 Myanmar tions and were able to ter- Nwe Nwe Tun (Sub-editor) Bridge and to redraw the eign Affairs has also ar- nations and 371 foreigners minate the good offices role Translators marine map no. 12 which ranged to issue passports who were erased from the of the Secretary-General Khaing Thanda Lwin, includes the bridge, a joint at the Myanmar embassy blacklist, and that scrutinis- which was mandated by [email protected] inspection of the bridge lo- in Bangkok to Myanmar ing is underway to remove that resolution. There has Hay Mar Tin Win, cation was conducted. This migrant workers who hold further people. been significant and visible was done to show clearly temporary passports and As part of efforts for progress such as the lifting [email protected] the border demarcation the citizen scrutiny card. encouraging Myanmar of sanctions imposed upon Ei Myat Mon points on the bridge. This Besides, the Ministry nationals in foreign coun- Myanmar by the United Chief Reporter act would also help the local has arranged to issue the tries to participate in na- States. I believe we were Tun Aung Kyaw, authorities to know clearly Certificate of Identity-CI tion building process, the able to maintain good re- [email protected] the extent of Myanmar’s cards, which identify mi- Ministry of Foreign Affairs lations not only with geo- sovereignty. grants in Thailand and reg- in collaboration with the politically powerful nations Computer Team ister their workplaces, to relevent Ministeries has re- but also with all countries Tun Zaw (Chief of Computer Team), Thein Ngwe, Effort made for Myanmar Myanmar migrant workers. laxed the social visa rules, in the world. That is not all, Zaw Zaw Aung, Ye Naing Soe, Nyi Zaw Moe, nationals living abroad The CI cards have been which increase duration of we also received encour- Hnin Pwint, Kay Khaing Win, Sanda Hnin, Zu Zin Hnin During the term of the issued to Myanmar migrant stay from 28 to 70 days for agement and support from current government elect- worker in Samusakun, Su- single entry social visa and the international communi- Circulation ed by the people, the Union parakan, Maisei and Ra- the days for multiple social ty for our transition to de- San Lwin (+95) (01) 8604532, Hotline - 09 974424114 Minister of the Ministry of noung from 3rd March 2017 entry visa are allowed three mocracy and I believe the Advertising inquiry Foreign Affairs has given onward. months, six months and one Ministry of Foreign Affairs 01 8604530, Hotline - 09 974424848 clear instructions and guid- Meanwhile, Ministry year. has been able to coordinate [email protected] ance for Myanmar Embas- of Foreign Affairs has in- with individual countries sies, Missions and Consu- creased the manpower at Unnecessary procedures as well as with internation- [email protected] lates-General to strive to the Myanmar Embassy in for foreign diplomats to al organizations to obtain transform themselves into Bangkok to effectively carry be abolished increased amounts of fi- Printed and published at the Global New Light of My- “people-centered diplo- out the labour issues. During the term of the nancial aid and technical anmar Printing Factory at No.150, Nga Htat Kyee Pa- mats”, to work harder, free incumbent government, support offered by them, goda Road, Bahan Township, Yangon, by the Global from bribery and corrup- Assisting the returnees in services and procedures for the peace process and New Light of Myanmar Daily under Printing Permit tion in protecting the in- Thailand for foreign diplomats have the development of the terests of Myanmar nation- Following the goodwill been scrutinized with im- country” said the Minister No. 00510 and Publishing Permit No. 00629. als, to work continuously visit of State Counsellor practical ones revoked. Pre- of State forForeign Affairs. 31 March 2017 11

Performances in One-Year Period

Opening of Smart Garment in Sittway create job opportunities for local people. The 450-ft long Tunyawai Bridge on the Punnagyun-Yathedaung Road. Photo: MNA Photo: MNA

The Kaladan One-year Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project is under journey of implementation at Sittwayport by Rakhine State MPA as a regional development un- dertaking. Sittwe Government and Paletwa jet- The official of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation hands over ties are also built. Article: Kyaw Thu Htet loan to villages in Buthidaung Township. Photo: MNA

draft for Rakhine State and other nationalities are also Advisory Commission on curity in Maungtaw District. The Kaladan Multi-Modal Development Plans has residing there. Rakhine State comprising ex- Another coordination team Transit Transport Project is un- A been jointly made by UN Rakhine State Chief Min- perts and representatives of is formed to ensure stability and der implementation at Sittway- agencies, international organi- ister U Nyi Pu said that under both sides led by former UN Sec- development and to contribute port by MPA as a regional devel- zations, local and foreign experts the leadership of the State-level retary General Mr Kofi Annan to the works of the central com- opment undertaking. Sittwe and including Rakhine State govern- leaders, development undertak- was formed. The commission mittee. Paletwa jetties are also built. ment. ings have been carried out with made three tours of Rakhine Over 3650 million kyat from Located in the western part greater momentum for Rakhine State and it issued statements Coastal export the President’s Special Fund of Myanmar, Rakhine State is a State. To bring about stability which should be known by the Myanma Port Authority in have been spent on many road coastal state and with the area and prosperity in the state, the people. Rakhine State handled 44616 projects for regional develop- of 14200.08 square miles, it is ad- Central Committee for Stability A Coordination Team for metric tons of coastal export ment. jacent to Magway Region in the and Development of Rakhine led Security, Law Enforcement, during the one-year period of the east, Ayeyawady Region to the by State Counsellor Daw Aung and Regional Development in new government. Law enforcement south, Chin State to the north San Suu Kyi was formed and un- Maungtaw District was also Regarding border trade, Government pays special and Bangladesh to the west. der it there are numerous levels formed with the chief minister at 9053 metric tons of export were attention to stability and law en- Rakhine State is home to of work committees, said U Nyi the helm. The team is responsi- handled and coastal import forcement in Maungtaw area. seven Rakhine ethnic groups Pu. ble for all matters relating to se- touched 366989 metric tons. See page 12 >>

Rakhine State Chief Minister U Nyi Pu inspects vegetables exhibited at the Fruits and Vegetables Exhibition. Pilot plantation of paddy in rain-fed field in Sittway. Photo: MNA Photo: MNA 12 31 March 2017

Performances in One-Year Period

Retaining wall along the Minbu-An-Sittway Road. Photo: MNA Local women learn weaving at the vocational training. Photo: MNA

>> From page 11 ing electricity and installation of Paddy yield After the violent attack on 9 power lines for 65 villages is in The area of cultivating sum- October 2016, Myanmar Tatmad- progress. mer paddy in 2016-2017 stood aw and Myanmar Police Force at 1103762 acres which yielded jointly carried out stability and Disaster prevention 65.27 baskets per acre and thus law enforcement tasks while Six cyclone shelters were the whole areas produced over the Union government and the built at a cost of 600 million kyat 72 million baskets. State government are focusing for villages in Myebon and Taun- Up to February this year on regional development under- gup Townships. Two villages in 7255 acres of summer paddy have takings. Manaung Township also got the been cultivated against the tar- facilities worth 259.16 million kyat. get of 30200 acres. Agriculture Non-discrimination Science was opened in Kyauktaw To ensure convenient jour- Land lease agreements on 3 March 2016 and 250 students ney for locals, all the people are Altogether 585 land lease are pursuing agricultural educa- treated equally except surprise were granted for industrial tion in that school. At the school checks for security reasons. works by State and District Ad- workshop on vocational develop- Five areas namely Kye- ministration Department. Farm- ment and creating job opportuni- ichaung area, Ngakhuya area, ers in rural areas are also enjoy- ties was held attended by agricul- Chamaungseik area, Tamantha ing land lease schemes. turalists and livestock breeding Yarmaung Suspension Bridge on the Yangon-Sittway Road. Photo: MNA area and Taungpyoletwei area and fishery entrepreneurs. have been designated for plying two market buses for each area Smooth transportation, better which are difficult to access. Although Rakh- water supply, rural housing, creating job opportunities Upgrading schools ine State is diffi- Although Rakhine State is In the education sector, high, cult to access in difficult to access in the past, middle and primary schools thanks to the efforts made by were expanded. During one-year the past, thanks Ministry of Construction new period, 29 primary schools were roads and bridges have been opened and 295 were upgraded. to the efforts mushrooming one after anoth- Spending over 5700 million kyat er. Nearly 14000 million kyat was from Union capital fund, 140 made by Minis- earmarked to build 198 bridges schools were built in 2016-2017 try of Construc- big and small in 2016-2017 Fis- Fiscal Year. cal Year. Urban and rural water tion new roads supply systems are introduced Health care spending a total of nearly 500 More health care facilities and bridges have million kyat for 39 projects in ur- Officials from the Veterinary Department inspect chicken farm. emerged in the last Fiscal Year ban areas and 10 projects in ru- in Rakhine State. Moreover, staff been mushroom- ral areas. Rural housing projects Photo: MNA housings were built for health ing one after were implemented spending 350 staff. One of the important steps million kyat in Maungtaw, Buth- taken by Rakhine State Health another. idaung and Taungup. Myasein- Department was appointing yaung village project is aiming at physicians and nurses and other creating job opportunities. Under health assistances. Communication the project 30 million kyat for In 2017, health staff will have Ninety six more towers each village was designated and to take vaccine as a precaution- for mobile phones have been altogether 122 villages has en- ary measure if they need to go erected in Rakhine State. Local joyed the benefits so far. to infectious disease affected people in Rakhine state also re- areas. ceived nearly 60000 SIM cards. People-centered projects It can be deduced from the fact People-centered project is Power supply that communication system cov- implemented with cooperation Millions of kyats were spent ers almost all the areas in Rakh- of World Bank in Ann Township, on installation of transformers ine State. said Chief Minister U Nyi Pu. and erecting power lines in Gwa He also revealed that the Live- Township, Kyaukpyu Township Lots of rain lihoods and Food Security Trust and Ann Township. Due to heavy rains, there Fund (LIFT Fund) is also con- The National Grid supplies occurs bank erosion and silting tributing to implementation of power to 13 townships in Ra- every year. Therefore, the State rural development projects in khine State and measures are government has spared no effort Gwa and Manaung Townships. being taken to supply power to to take measures against bank He expressed his committment The State government has spared no effort to take measures against bank ero- reach villages. erosion and to build retaining to development of the whole Ra- sion and to build retaining walls. Photo: MNA So far, 147 villages are enjoy- walls. khine State. 31 March 2017 world 13 Tens of thousands told to evacuate after cyclone brings flood fears to Australia’s east SYDNEY — Australian au- tracking down the coast is ters. “We’re clearing out stronger than 260 kph (160 thorities told 40,000 people causing havoc across our the pub, mate, and closing it mph). “It’s kind of chaos to evacuate to higher ground state,” Queensland Premier up. All the shops got closed, down here,” Jon Clements, on Thursday as a storm sys- Annastacia Palaszczuk told everyone’s clearing up their an architect awaiting evacu- tem generated by a power- reporters in Brisbane. cellars,” he said. ation from Hamilton Island, ful cyclone that pummeled The cyclone was down- Further north, Queens- told Reuters. “I think there’s the northeast two days ago graded to a tropical low de- land closed more than 2,000 probably three times the swept down the coast with pression on Wednesday but schools as sustained heavy number of people they can heavy rain. on Thursday was driving rainfall brought flash floods put on aeroplanes at the mo- Cyclone Debbie hit as squalls with torrential rain to the Gold Coast tourist area ment down there.” a category four storm in the across a 1,200-km (745- and Mackay further north. At nearby Daydream north of tropical Queensland mile) stretch of Australia’s In the cyclone-hit zone Island, where water supplies state on Tuesday, smash- east coast, swelling rivers, further north still, mili- had run low since the storm, ing tourist resorts, bringing causing flash floods and tary helicopters, ferries and troops brought food, fuel and down power lines, flatten- prompting authorities to tell Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull looks at dam- planes brought hundreds of water while helicopters car- ing canefields and shutting 40,000 people to evacuate. aged and flooded areas from aboard an Australian Army holidaymakers stranded on ried sick guests to the main- down coal mines. In Lismore in the north helicopter after Cyclone Debbie passed through the area resort islands in the storm’s land. Driving rain fell most of neighbouring New South near the town of Bowen, located south of the northern path to the mainland, where The resort will be heavily on Thursday in hin- Wales state, the State Emer- Queensland town of Townsville in Australia, on 30 March tens of thousands more peo- closed for at least a month terland and coastal areas ei- gency Service order 7,000 2017. Photo: Reuters ple were without power. for repairs, management said ther side of the state capital, residents in low-lying areas Resorts along the in a statement, as tourism Brisbane. to leave after forecasts pre- rural hub in the Northern those downtown planned to world-famous Great Bar- operators statewide reported “This severe weath- dicted the town’s worst flood Rivers region of New South seek higher ground, Geoff rier Reef and the Whitsun- canceled bookings and an- er system that began with in nearly 20 years. Wales, home to at least Baxter, a barman at the day coast bore the brunt of ticipated a long-term hit to Cyclone Debbie and is A levee protects the 25,000 people, but most of Richmond Hotel told Reu- the storm with wind gusts trade.—Reuters

“Land to lease in Thilawa commercial area” EU official urges independent Land for rent in commercial area: 15 acres of commercial land in Thilawa port zone area, Yangon Region for lease long-term. A good place to do controls over Brazil meat industry warehouses and industrial business. Available to rent the whole area or part. BRASILIA — Brazil needs suspended imports from 21 sue is not closed. It is about independent controls over meat packing plants that health and quality,” he said. For further details please contact; its meat industry, a top are under investigation in While he said it was Centre for Strategic Planning & Development (CSPD) EU health official said on Brazil, which is the world’s not up to the EU to say what Phone 09766987512, 09766987513 Wednesday, as he wrapped largest beef and poultry ex- inspection system a country Fax 01 2301824 up a visit to the country porter. EU Commissioner should have, Andriukaitis Email [email protected] rocked by an anti-corruption for Health and Food Safety urged Brazil’s government investigation centring on Vytenis Andriukaitis said in to introduce more transpar- bribery of its food-sanitation an interview that its restric- ent rules that avoid pub- inspectors. tions and stepped-up checks lic-private conflicts of in- Souer Co., Ltd (Myanmar Branch) Brazil’s police say in on Brazilian meat imports terest. “The official control court documents bribes may not be removed any- system must be independent Notice of Completion of Closing Down were paid to cover up se- time soon. “The situation and not under the influence rious health violations by of meat imports from Brazil of politicians and other ac- This is to inform the general public that Myanmar Branch of Souer Co., some meat companies, in- will remain under these re- tors. We must guarantee in- Ltd have been completed with effect from 31st March, 2017. cluding the sale of rotten inforced checks until Brazil dependence of the Brazilian and salmonella-contaminat- answers our questions and official control system,” he Daw Soe Soe Htay, Liquidator ed products. Their probe, after our forthcoming audit said. Brazil’s federal food B.Com, C.P.A, D.B.L dubbed “Operation Weak team visits Brazil,” Andri- inspectors currently report Flesh,” led some of Brazil’s ukaitis told Reuters. to the agriculture ministry Room (2B/2C), Rose Condominium, biggest export markets to “The situation will be and the system has come No. 182/194, 1st Floor, Botahtaung Pagoda Road, ban its meats. much clearer in a few weeks under fire for having polit- Pazundaung Township, Yangon Region, The European Union or months. The main mes- ically appointed supervi- The Republic of the Union of Myanmar. is among the markets that sage to Brazil is that this is- sors.—Reuters

Invitation for Prequalification (PQ) and Bids Date: 31st March 2017 At least 13 killed after Loan Agreement N°: MY-P4 dated 5th September, 2014 1. The Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar has received ODA Loan from Japan International Cooperation Agency Texas church bus crash (JICA). The Prequalification and Bids are invited by Myanma Railways for Civil, Track, Signalling and Telecommunication Works. San Antonio — At website. The survivor who Sr. Invitation for PQ & Bids Description Issuing Closing Date and Non-refundable least 13 people were killed was on the bus was in seri- No. Date Time Document Fee and two others injured when ous but stable condition, the CP 101 From Pazundaung to Bago a Texas church bus carry- First Baptist New Braunfels (70.8km) CP 102 From Bago to ing senior citizens collided said on Facebook. 1 IFP No: MR/ PQ/101, PQ/102, PQ/103 31.3.2017 30.6.2017 100 US$ Nyaunglebin(79.8km) head-on with another ve- A group of senior (14:00 PM) CP 103 From Nyaunglebin to hicle on Wednesday, the adults affiliated with the Taungoo(116.0km) church and a Texas state church were on the bus re- trooper said. turning from a three-day 2 IFB No: MR/BD/101, BD/102,BD/103 CP 101, CP 102 & CP 103 Package 31.3.2017 30.6.2017 1000 US$ The church bus had 14 retreat in Leakey, Texas, (14:00 PM) (per package) people aboard when it col- the church said on its Face- 2. The Eligible Nationality of the Applicants shall be Japan in the case of the prime contractor. In case where the prime contractor is a joint venture, such joint venture will be eligible provided that the nationality of the lead partner is Japan, that the-nationality of the other lided with a pickup truck, book page. “Thank you for partners is Japan and/or the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and that total share of work of Japanese partners in the joint venture is with one person in that vehi- the outpouring of love and more than fifty percent (50%) of the contract amount. cle, about 80 miles (130 km) support. Please continue to 3. Interested eligible Applicants may obtain the documents on the submission of a written application to the Tender Office in the head west of San Antonio. The pray,” the church said. office of Myanma Railway at Nay Pyi Taw Railway Station Compound, Pobba Thiri Township, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, during office hour from 09:30 a.m.to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.(except holidays) cause of the crash was under Texas Governor Greg 4. Bid must be delivered to the address above mentioned on or before the closing date and time. investigation, said Sergeant Abbott and his wife extend- 5. Technical Bids will be opened on 28th July 2017 at 14:00 at the conference room, Myanma Railways Head Office, Nay Pyi Taw Conrad Hein, a Texas De- ed their condolences to the in the presence of representatives from prequalified Bidders. partment of Public Safety victims. Managing Director Myanma Railways, Ministry of Transport and Communications spokesman. “We are saddened by Nay Pyi Taw Railway Station Compound, The truck driver was the loss of life and our hearts Pobba Thiri Township, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar airlifted to a San Antonio go out to all those affected,” Telephone: +95-67-77024, hospital, San Antonio Ex- he said in a statement.— Facsimile number: +95-67-77164 press-News reported on its Reuters Electronic mail address: [email protected], [email protected] (not for submission but for clarification) 14 National 31 March 2017 One year journey to a democratic nation

(Front row L-R) C-in-C Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Amyotha Hluttaw Speaker Mahn Win Khaing Than, Vice President U Henry Van Thio, State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, President U Htin Kyaw, Vice President U Myint Swe and former Vice President Dr Sai Mauk Kham pose with ethnic leaders at the 21st President U Htin Kyaw gives the speech. Photo: Myanmar News Agency Century Panglong Peace Conference in Nay Pyi Taw, August 31, 2016. Photo: Reuters

t has been one year since the can be revitalized and there are It is widely known that Act If the history is any indication, it will be National League for Democ- equal standards for all. 5 (f) can be easily applied in ar- found that the country always enjoyed enor- Iracy was able to form a civil- In the road towards equal resting politicians; however the ian government with the slogan development it is important that Hluttaw has abolished it. Also mous benefits whenever the countrymen “Time for change” and a stead- there is no prejudice in the nation successfully amended was the were united. An obvious example was the fast support from the people. In and this was quickly addressed in law that required reporting of in- signing of the Panglong Pact in 1947. The accord with democratic customs the first few days of the current house guests that caused incon- it is customary to promulgate government. It is the harsh truth venience to visitors in town and Panglong Pact was a symbol of the unity of all 100-days and one year reviews of that prejudice has been deeply villages. In the recent Hluttaw, a indigenous races, and attainment of Myanmar the workings of the elected gov- rooted in the nation for decades. Citizen Privacy and Security Law independence could be attributed to this unity. ernment. There has been support for erad- was enacted to ensure citizens re- Only after the publication of ication of prejudice in the govern- ceive the rights to complain and (Excerpt from the message sent by President U Htin Kyaw on the reviews through state owned ment which I believe shows the sue if their aforementioned rights the occasion of the New Year on 1 January 2017.) media can we clearly see the government listens and fulfills to were violated. These are just a achievements of the current gov- the people’s needs. few examples of the effective ernment. Transferring of ruling Concerning the situation in work from the legislative sector. power is much like taking over Rakhine, accusations and blam- The abolishing of some laws the wheel of an old car on a jour- ing by the international commu- that could hinder citizens and ney. We may need to repair some nity is directing the economy of the amending of laws that could parts, change some parts or re- the nation with the government benefit them as well as working place some altogether while still making firm and practical re- on economic changes albeit con- keeping a steady pace towards sponses to the situation which fessions of slow economic devel- the goal. can be likened to a parent caring opment after lifting of economic There once was a time when for their children. The fact that sanctions can be said to be unde- Myanmar was quite prestigious the Tatmadaw and the govern- niable results. among the region but now every- ment collaborated on the various The people should under- one knows it is lagging behind in issues in Rakhine as well as in stand that there are many dif- respect to other countries. The other important matters heralds ficulties and challenges as the reason being that fall of political development of relations be- government has only been in of- stability led to the decline of the tween civilians and the military. fice for one year, while it has been economy as well. That is why the In the three pavilions of leg- taking responsibility on fulfilling government is prioritizing na- islative, executive and judiciary huge expectations of the people tional reconciliation, ending con- of a democratic nation, legisla- who are thirsty for changes, and flicts, and full realization of hu- ture has shown concrete results conducting nation management. man rights so that the economy in the country’s economy. See page 15 >> President U Htin Kyaw greets warmly with the people. Photo: MNA

The Government is trying to implement the national reconsolidation and State peace process by holding the 21st century Panglong Peace Conference. It was obviously found that the armed struggles lasted for long but could not solve the political crisis, only leaving the country undeveloped for decades. Therefore, it is greatly important for all the national brethren to keep an eye on the 21st century Panglong Peace Conference at which all of us can cooperate and find solutions to the national reconsolidation and union peace.

(Excerpt from the message sent by President U Htin Kyaw on the occasion of the 69th Anniversary Independence Day on 4 The State Counsellor addresses the audience at the Union Peace Conference in Nay Pyi Taw. Photo: MNA January 2017.) 31 March 2017 National 15

Former U.S. President Barack Obama meets with the State Counsellor at U Henry Van Thio presents cash assistance to a patient receiving treatment at Matupi Hospital. Photo: MNA the White House in Washington D.C. September 14, 2016. Photo: Retuers

>> From Page 14 lead to the securing of peace cannot achieve everything with- The government was able which people have longed for out the relentless participation to advise cutting down Ks 300 many years. The government of the people. Private business- billion from the national budget has tried the Union Peace Con- men are also welcome to take for the benefit of the people and ference to be all inclusive. part in the nation building pro- the nation while simultaneous- The peace process imple- cess. ly suspending business and mented by the incumbent gov- And people should not har- projects that have no potential ernment is distinct and quite bor the attitude that signifies in contributing to the nation’s the fact that the government economy. is the sole institution to be ac- The national budget always countable for all national duties. used to show budget deficit and And people It is not a spirit of democracy. debt. Only when the national should not harbor People’s strength is vital in budget is strong can the nation building a prosperous country. and its economy develop. For the attitude that A significant political this reason, the government has change occurs in Myanmar af- been focusing on collecting tax signifies the fact ter experiencing the plight for to get for a stronger financial 50 years. foundation. that the govern- It turns one year that the The government formed ment is the sole NLD party had won the 2015 the new Ministry of Ethnic Af- multi-party general election Vice President U Henry Van Thio observes a BEHS classroom. fairs as a Union Ministry which with landslide victory and institution to be Photo: MNA has long been required for eth- formed the government and nic unity and development. accountable for carried out national duties. Education and Health Sector Many has been accomplished are also important for country all national duties. by the incumbent government, which is the basic of the future but there may be a lot left to go of the country. It is not a spirit of further to attain absolute satis- Which is why, the govern- democracy. factory. The transfer of power ment increased the budget for from the previous government these two sectors. to the incumbent government 13% of state budget will be was a smooth process and the used and promoting the rural different from that done by the presence of good potential in health sector and building of the previous governments. Where- the country under the civilian schools are included. as Peace and tranquility is be- government is a good sign for Such undertakings will ing planted in the country the the people. raise the country’s socio-eco- housing projects are also car- People should participate in nomic condition that lagged be- ried out for the people of every marching to the target together hind other neighbouring coun- walks of life. with the incumbent government tries. In founding the better fu- keeping the union spirit and to It is remarkable success to ture of the country it needs overcome the obstacle and diffi- be able to hold the 21 century helps from the people. Only the culties exercising the democrat- Panglong Conference that can government and Hluttaws alone ic practices. Speaker of Pyithu Hluttaw speaks to media. Photo: MNA

Amyotha Hluttaw Speaker Mahn Win Khaing Than attending Hluttaw Vice President U Myint Swe meeting with locals in Maungtaw, Rakhine State. Photo: MNA meeting. Photo: MNA Reuters Brom.— placed West against eighth- disadvantage a his sidewereat past the week, Mourinhosaid over games tional interna- in involved players suspensions. With13United of their game final the serve the weekend’sgameasthey midfield- er AnderHerrerawillmiss and Ibrahimovic are also on the treatment table. and captainWayneRooney Pogba Paul midfielder while West BromwichAlbion, Premier Leagueclashagainst both defenders for Saturday’s that makessense.” cation matches,Idon’tthink qualifi - with mixed matches nal phases. fi- the before sense make only matches forthenationalteam Sky Sports.“Ithinkfriendly friendly matches,”hetold domestic season. need forfriendliesduringthe nia, Mourinhoquestionedthe Lithua- over victory qualifier ing England’s2-0WorldCup jury intraining. while Jonessufferedatoein- of thesquadwithaleginjury, many butthenhadtopullout land’s friendlydefeatinGer- on Englanddutylastweek. Smalling pickedupinjuries fenders PhilJonesandChris ager JoseMourinho,afterde- says ManchesterUnitedman- tion matches makes no sense, qualifica- alongside friendlies mid-season international London —Scheduling Mourinho make senseto friendlies don’t international Mid-season 4 th WaxingofTagu1378ME Leading scorerZlatan United willbewithout “But mid-seasonfriendly “I amtotallyagainstthe With bothplayersmiss- Smalling startedinEng- P hoto : R

euters Nadal beatsSockinMiamiquarters,Nishikoriout eyes that instantly created a laugh eyes that instantlycreated a laugh player with a toothy grin and bulging the of bust bronze a was skills butalsohismodellooks. adored notonlyforhissoccer world playeroftheyearwhois expected tobeonthefour-time Cristiano Ronaldo,alleyeswere in honour of its hometown hero Wednesday renameditsairport F ‘Hideous’ Cristiano Ronaldo statue sparks social medialaughs 6-2. the 2017MiamiOpenatCrandon Park TennisCenter in Miami,FL,USA, on 29March2017.Fogniniwon6-4, Kei Nishikori of Japan reachesfor a backhandagainstFabioFognini of Italy (not pictured) on day nineof When 6-2 tounseededItalianFabioFog- sent packingaftergoingdown6-4, second seedKei Jack SockonWednesday,while American over win sets straight a with semi-finals Open Miami the M unc iami P But grabbing attention instead But grabbingattentioninstead hoto goalkeeper Thursday. the Germanchampionssaid on jury thatrequiredminorsurgery, matches dueatraininggroundin- miss theclub’snexttwoleague M with footinjury out fortwomatches Bayern keeper h the island of Madeira on the island of Madeira on — Rafa Nadal moved into al u : R n (P , ich euters gery on a foot injury late gery onafootinjurylate on Wednesday, ruling on Wednesday,ruling ortu — Bayern Munich —BayernMunich N him outoftheirBun- Manuel N euer underwentsur- desliga matches desliga matches ishikori was ishikori was g al against Augs- N ) — euer will euer will of Ronaldo. The 32-year-old Real of Ronaldo.The32-year-oldReal “the mostgloriouslyawfulbust” Another Twitter userdeemedthestatue @Agave310. posted 5,4,3...,” in meme a be to going is Tom Sutcliffe(@tds153). trait bust,”wroteoneTwitteruser, tiano Ronaldoalongsidehispor- Cris- of picture this viewing after batable likeness. on socialmediabecauseofitsde- shotmaking came to the fore when shotmaking cametotheforewhen Park hardcourt. his 6-2, 6-3 victory on the Crandon for stage the set that game pivotal ble-break earlyinthesecondset,a dou- a down going avoid to points break four off staved Nadal nini. “That hideous Ronaldo statue “That hideousRonaldostatue “I defyyounottofeelbetter nals nextmonth.—Reuters quarter-fi- League Champions crown. They alsofaceRealMadridinthe league consecutive fifth and areclosetoarecord-extending Bundesliga withninegamesleft are 13pointsclearatthetopof ing atrebleoftitlesthisseason, on Tuesday,Bayernsaid. burg onSaturdayandHoffenheim The Bavarians, who are chas- are who Bavarians, The N adal’s poise and adal’s poiseand N euer Ronaldo’s hometown, was Ronaldo’s hometown,was ject ofonlineridicule. model thathasbeenthesub- the soccerstarandoccasional tion ofbeingthesecondbust distinc- the holds statue revealed tiano RonaldoAirport.Thenewly da Madeira,nowknownasCris- ceremony ofPortugal’sAeroporto Maria, bothattendedtherenaming mother, his and Rodriguez, gina Madrid player’sgirlfriend,Geor- view. “With three-zero a player player like Jack,you’ll probably be think- a three-zero “With view. N 15-40,” (down), two-love set, ond stranglehold onthesecondset. 13th seedSockthreatenedtotakea adal saidinacourtsideinter- Another statue, also in Another statue,alsoin “That wasthekeyofsec- dian Wellstwoweeksago. sets fourth-roundthumpingatIn- the resultsays.” The matchwasmuchcloserthan game). next the (in back break the got and game that saved I thing. ing thirdset. best.”—Reuters focussed onmygameanddo performance. I’mjusttryingtobe ment forme.I’mhappyaboutmy semis. “Thisisabig,bigtourna- er in 10 yearstomakethe Miami play- unseeded first the becoming said the29-year-oldFogniniafter Open US hardcourt in2015. the on thriller five-set mindful helosttotheItalianina dal hasa7-3careerrecordbutis O sents apotentialbananaskin. pre- Fognini opponent semi-final ahead toFederer,becausehis ble five-set final at the Australian Australian the at final five-set ble winning bothtimes,inamemora- have Nadal met twicethis year, with Federer and Federer draw. Berdych, ontheothersideof Tomas against quarter-final day with theSwiss, who has a Thurs- final, the in Federer nemesis time luck with statue-makers,” quipped luck withstatue-makers,”quipped Ronaldo hashadsomeappalling his bronzedcounter-part. in likenessbetweentheplayerand glaring obscuritiesanddifferences picked apartforwhatsomesawas pen andinaone-sidedstraight- But positive double a was “It “It’s like a dream maybe,” “It’s likeadreammaybe,” N “For a very handsome man, man, handsome very a “For adal could face his long- Friday, 31March2017 Twitter userTomWil- N adal is not looking adal isnotlooking liams(@tomwfoot- al, otn im- posting ball), side. —Reuters statues sideby ages ofthetwo N a-

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