PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL CONVENTION

19 MAY 2004

 Source, with photos: “The New Light of Myanmar” 20 May 2004

Detailed basic principles for economic, agriculture, livestock breeding, energy, electricity, mining and forestry, industry, transport and communication sectors clarified at National Convention

YANGON, 19 May — The National Convention Convening Work Committee clarified economic, agriculture and livestock breeding, energy, electricity, mining and forestry, industry, transport and communication sectors in the plenary session of the National Convention which continued at Pyidaungsu Hall of Nyaunghnapin Camp in Hmawby Township at 9 am today.

Present at the National Convention were Chairman of the National Convention Convening Commission Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein and commission members, Chairman of National Convention Convening Work Committee Chief Justice U Aung Toe and committee members, Chairman of National Convention Convening Management Committee Auditor-General Maj-Gen Lun Maung and committee members, delegates of political parties from Kokang Democracy and Unity Party, National Unity Party, Union Kayin League, Union Pa-O National Organization, Mro (or) Khami National Solidarity Organization, Lahu National Development Party and Wa National Development Party, representatives-elect of National Unity Party, Mro (or) Khami National Solidarity Organization and independent delegates, delegates of national races from Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Mon, Rakhine, Shan (South), Shan (North) and Shan (East) States, Sagaing, Taninthayi, Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Yangon and Ayeyawady Divisions, delegates of peasants from Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Mon, Rakhine, Shan (South), Shan (North) and Shan (East) States, Sagaing, Taninthayi, Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Yangon and Ayeyawady Divisions, delegates of intellectuals and intelligentsia and delegates of workers from Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Mon, Rakhine, Shan (South), Shan (North) and Shan (East) States, Sagaing, Taninthayi, Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Yangon and Ayeyawady Divisions, delegates of State service personnel from the State Peace and Development Council Office, the President’s Office, the Pyithu Hluttaw Office, the Government Office, the Supreme Court, the Attorney-General’s Office, the Auditor-General’s Office, the Multi-party Democracy General Election Commission Office, the Civil Service Selection and Training Board, the Yangon City Development Committee, the Mandalay City Development Committee and ministries, invited persons and other invited delegates and delegates from Shan State (North) Special Region-1, Shan State (North) Special Region-2, Shan State (North) Special Region-3, Shan State (East) Special Region-4, Shan State (North) Special Region-5 (KDA), Shan State (South) Special Region-6, Shan State (North) Special Region-7, Kachin State Special Region-1, Kachin State Special Region-2, Kayah State Special Region-1, Kayah State Special Region-2, Kayah State Special Region-3, Kayinni National Development Party (KNDP) Dragon Group, Kayinni National Progressive Party (KNPP) (Splinter, Hoya), Kayinni National Unity and Solidarity Organization (Ka Ma Sa Nya), Shan State Nationalities People’s Liberation Organization (Ya La La Pha), New Mon State Party, Democratic Kayin Buddhist Association (DKBA), Haungthayaw Special Region Group, Phayagon Special Region Group, Shan State National Army, Burma Communist Party (Rakhine Group), Homein Region Welfare and Development Group, Shwepyiaye (MTA) Group, Manpan Regional Militia Group, Mon Armed Peace Group (Chaungchi Region), Mon Splinter Nai Saik Chan Group and Arakanese Army (AA) who exchanged arms for peace.

Before the plenary session of the National Convention, the delegates signed in the attendance registers.

Chairman of the National Convention Convening Commission Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein presided over the plenary session of the National Convention and Secretary of the NCC Commission Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan acted as master of ceremonies.

First, Secretary of NCCC Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan announced the start of the meeting as there were 1,072 out of 1,088 listed accounting for 98.53 per cent. Next, the National Convention Convening Work Committee clarified matters concerning the detailed basic principles for the Executive, Legislative and Judicial sectors that are to be included in drafting the State Constitution.

National Convention Convening Work Committee member Supreme Court Justice U Tin Aye clarified the economic sector and National Convention Convening Work Committee Chairman Chief Justice U Aung Toe, the agriculture and livestock breeding sector.

National Convention Convening Work Committee Vice-Chairman Attorney-General U Aye Maung explained the agriculture and livestock breeding sector and the energy, electricity, mining and forestry sectors and the plenary session recessed.

At 10.45 am, Secretary of the Work Committee U Thaung Nyunt explained the industry sector and the transport and communication sector. Next, the plenary session went into recess in the morning.

(The sectoral clarification of the National Convention Convening Work Committee is reported separately.)

The plenary session of the National Convention will continue tomorrow.

Source: http://mission.itu.ch/MISSIONS/Myanmar/n-convention/nc190504_1.pdf and http://www.ibiblio.org/obl/docs/NLM2004-05-20.pdf

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Clarifications on detailed basic principles for economic, agriculture and livestock breeding, energy, electricity, mining and forestry, industry, transport and communications sectors made at National Convention

YANGON, 19 May— The followings are the translation of clarifications concerning detailed basic principles for economic, agriculture and livestock breeding, energy, electricity, mining and forestry, industry and transport and communication sectors that are to be included in drafting State, Constitution made at the National Convention today.

Clarifications of National Convention Convening Work Committee member Supreme Court Justice U Tin Aye

The economic sector

I am now going to explain the economic sector. The State, with the aim of ensuring the emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation, is making endeavours for the economic sector, laying down the economic objectives and long-term and short-term plans, and making systematic and coordinated efforts.

The endeavours for economic development are being made in accord with the following objectives:

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

A robust economy is required for a nation as its economy is serving as the main link connecting politics and the social sector. The connection between the politics and social sectors will be strong only if the economic link is strong.

Respected Chairman,
An economic system that will help build the task of building a new nation is the market-oriented economic system. Thus, the State is introducing necessary economic reforms for proper evolution of the market-oriented economic system.

Since after 1988, economic and legal reforms have been made to build market-economic infrastructures in the economy of Myanmar. Some of the significant economic reforms are:

1. Farmers are permitted to cultivate their chosen crops and mill, transport and trade their produce systematically;
2. Permitting foreign investments;
3. Promoting support for infrastructure;
4. Encouragement of the private sector development;
5. Export promotion and export and import facilitation.

The State has been issuing laws, bye-laws, rules and notifications as and when necessary for successful implementation of the market-oriented economic system.

The main activities in the legal sector are reviewing of the existing laws to make amendments, to annul laws or to enact new laws as and when necessary. Some of the laws promulgated are: Union of Myanmar Foreign Investment Law in 1988; the State-Owned Economic Enterprises Law and the Fishing Rights of Foreign Fishing Vessels Law in 1989; the Private Industry Law, the Myanmar Travels Law, the Commercial Tax Law, the Central Bank of Myanmar Law, the Financial Institutions of Myanmar Law, the Myanma Agriculture and Rural Development Bank Law, and the Myanmar Maritime Fisheries Law in 1990; the Promotion of Cottage Industries Law, and the Fresh Water Fisheries Law in 1991; the Forest Law, and the Tariff Law in 1992; the Myanmar Hotels and Tourism Law, and the Myanma Insurance Law in 1993; the Science and Technology Development Law, the Myanmar Mines Law, and the Myanmar Citizens’ Investment Law in 1994; the Law Amending the Union of Myanmar Central Bank Law in 1995; the Insurance Business Law in 1996; the Law Amending the Myanma Agriculture and Rural Development Bank and the Law Amending the State-Owned Economic Enterprises Law in 1997; the Overseas Employment Law and Law Amending the Myanmar Merchant Shipping Act in 1999; the Illegal Money and Property Control Law and the Chemical Fertilizer Law in 2002; and the Law Amending the Myanma Gems Law in 2003. Concerning the economy, the National Convention has also laid down the following principles to be formulated as the basis:

1. the State economic system shall be market-oriented economic system;
2. the State permits all economic forces such as the State itself, regional organizations, cooperative organizations, joint ventures organizations and private concerns etc, to take part in economic activities for the development of national economy;
3. the State shall prevent acts that harm public interests through monopolization or manipulation of prices by an individual or group with intent to jeopardize fair competition in economic activities.

When we study the above points, we will find that the State has laid down policies, and introduced a large array of economic and political reform programmes harmoniously. Single reforms would not be enough for some of the economic reform programmes. So some of the reforms are to be amended and harmoniously integrated with other reform programmes for their effectiveness.

In the future also, only the Union level should lay down economic policies, enact necessary laws for the economic sector, and draw and implement economic plans, covering the entire State, for the improvement of the standard of living of all the national people.

Thus, the matter of enacting laws, concerning “economy” and laws laying down economic policies should be included in the Union Legislative list.

Respected Chairman,
Trade and economy of the State are related. Domestic and foreign trade activities are being carried out at present, and the State-owned, cooperative-owned and the private-owned sectors are taking part in them on a wider scale. The State-owned enterprises are forming joint ventures in cooperation with local and foreign entrepreneurs, while permitting local entrepreneurs to set up enterprises on partnership basis and companies limited. Trade fairs and market festivals are being held in the nation, while domestic products are being displayed at foreign trade fairs to extend markets for local products and for export promotion. The State continues to make efforts to facilitate the participation of the private sector in the economy and trade of the nation.

Endeavours have been exerted for development of trade in the whole nation, and likewise, in the future also, there will be harmonious progress in the entire nation, only if the necessary requirements are being fulfilled by the Union level. Thus, the enacting of laws concerning “trade” should be included in the Union Legislative list.

Respected Chairman,
In changing the State economy to a free market system, it is required to provide control enabling entrepreneurs to do their work systematically. In doing so, the cooperative sector will have to play a role to help balance the State economy.

Currently, the role of the cooperative sector has been promoted for national economic development. More cooperative colleges are being opened and upgraded to, cooperative degree colleges to bring out skilled labour while cooperative market festivals are being organized to increase distribution of cooperative products to local markets and abroad. The State has also enacted necessary laws concerning the cooperative sector. The cooperative enterprises are running businesses on a wide scale in accord with the laws. In the future also, there are prospects for gradual extension of the cooperative enterprises as much as they are achieving success.

Only the Union level should lay down necessary policies and work guidelines for facilitating the functions of cooperatives and link between each other to do business. Thus, the enacting of laws, as necessary, concerning “cooperatives” should be included in the Union Legislative list.

Respected Chairman,
The State is giving impetus to participation of the private sector in its economy and trade activities. Thus, some of its economic enterprises and entrepreneurs are setting up corporations, companies and partnerships and running trade businesses to the extent of their capacity. The State on its part has also enacted necessary laws concerning corporations, companies and partnerships to enable them to do so. If the enacting of laws concerning corporations, boards, enterprises, companies and partnerships is required in the future systematically in accord with the international practices, it should be included in the Union Legislative list.

Respected Chairman,
At present, the nation is increasing its exports, while, at the same time, importing more goods. The nation’s economy will be in good shape only if there is balance between the value of exports and imports or if there is surplus in its foreign trade. Hence, the nation’s economy will enjoy development and be in good shape, only if the institutions at central level continuously study, amend and control the condition of exports and imports.

As the State has laid down the economic objective — proper evolution of the market-oriented economic system — and is providing necessary assistance, the volume of production, sales and distribution businesses will gradually grow larger. In the future also, the State economic institutions or the private sector will compete one another in running production, sale and distribution businesses in accord with the market-oriented economic system. Quality control is required in production, sale and distribution of goods to ensure customer satisfaction. Thus, if promulgation of law concerning “imports, exports and quality control” are needed it should be included in the Union Legislative list.

Respected Chairman,
Not only the State-owned sector, but also the private sector is participating in striving to raise foreign exchange revenues from hotels and tourism services. After designating 1996 “Visit Myanmar Year” the nation has seen gradual rise in the number of tourists visiting the country. As the number of foreign tourists is increasing, necessary arrangements should be made to ensure standard accommodation and transport for them during their stay in Myanmar. In the future also, laws will have to be enacted if the legislation of laws in connection with hotels and tour business, is needed, for offering convenient and standard accommodation and transport to tourists. It should be included in the Union Legislative list to enact laws, as necessary, concerning “hotels and accommodation and tour business”.

Respected Chairman,
The following is a collection of issues concerning the economic sector that should be included in the Union Legislative list:

1. Economy
2. Trade
3. Cooperatives
4. Corporations, boards, enterprises, companies and partnerships
5. Imports and exports and quality control
6. Hotels and accommodation
7. Tour business

In this regard, I have explained the said issues so as to enable delegates to make discussion and give suggestion on whether or not the detailed principles are to be formulated to include in the Union Legislative list.

Respected Chairman,
Now, I will continue to explain the economic matters that should be included in the region or state legislative list.

As the market-oriented economic system has been practised in the country, the economic and trade activities are gradually developing and increasing. Thus, a large number of entrepreneurs are taking part in the activities. As there is development in the economy and trade of the State, that of the regions and states will also develop. Economic and trade laws to be observed by the whole nation will be enacted by the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw as and when necessary. And a region or state may enact laws in connection with the economic or trade activities in accord with the laws issued by the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw.

If a region or state needs to enact laws concerning the “economic or trade activities carried out in a region or state in accord with the law enacted by the Pyidaungsu”, and “trade activities carried out in a region of state in accord with the law enacted by the Pyidaungsu”, the matter should be included in the region or state legislative list.

Respected Chairman,
The State objective —Development of agriculture as the base and all-round development of other sectors of economy as well — has been laid down and being implemented for economic development of the State. In this context, the cooperatives sector is extending agricultural producers cooperatives and transforming rural cooperatives to cooperatives concentrating their activities on agriculture and crop production. In this way, the cooperatives are participating in the task to implement the objective.

Now, arrangements are under way to extend agriculture producers cooperatives and export business. Agriculture producers cooperatives have already been set up in 14 states and divisions, and in addition, special agricultural production zone townships have been designated state-wise or division-wise in giving priority to cooperative agricultural production sector.

In this way, the cooperatives are taking part with might and main for national economic development. I have already explained that if enacting of laws concerning the cooperatives for the entire country is required also in the future, the matter should be put in the Union Legislative list. The Pyidaungsu Hluttaw will enact necessary laws for the entire nation. But the matter concerning the enacting of laws, if necessary, should be included in the region or state legislative list in connection with cooperative affairs undertaken in the regions or states in accord with the law enacted by the Pyidaungsu.

Respected Chairman,
The following is a collection of issues that should be included in the region or state Legislative list concerning the economic sector:

1. Economic activities carried out in a region or state in accord with the law enacted by the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw
2. Trade activities carried out in a region or state in accord with the law enacted by the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw
3. Cooperative activities carried out in a region or state in accord with the law enacted by the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw

In this regard, I have explained the said issues so as to enable delegates to make discussion and give suggestion on whether or not to lay down detailed basic principles to include the matter in the region or state Legislative list.

Clarifications of National Convention Convening Work Committee Chairman Chief Justice U Aung Toe

Agriculture and livestock breeding sector

Respected Chairman,
Now, I will continue to explain matters relating to the agriculture and livestock breeding sector. The first one of the four State objectives states, “Development of agriculture as the base and all-round development of other sectors of the economy as well.” The National Convention has also laid down the detailed basic principles — The State shall provide inputs such as technology, investments, machinery, raw materials etc. as much as it can for changeover from manual to mechanized agriculture. The main objectives of the agricultural sector are: to extend crop cultivation and boost production to ensure domestic food sufficiency; to cultivate and produce raw materials for domestic industries; and to strive to increase agricultural exports. In addition, agricultural activities that will help develop border areas will be extended.

Policies in connection with land management have been laid down and necessary laws have been enacted for the entire Myanmar to successfully implement the objectives.

In the future also, only if the highest legislative bodies of the Union make coordination and enact necessary laws concerning land management of 167,186,000 acres (one hundred sixty seven million and one hundred eighty six thousand acres) of land in the whole Union.

Myanmar regained independence in 1948. In accord with the policy — Land possession shall be only in the hands of cultivators — of the 1947 Constitution of Myanmar, the Parliament, the highest legislative body of the nation, enacted the 1948 Land Nationalization Act. But when the Act was practically materialized, it was found that the Act was not comprehensive. Hence, the 1953 Land Nationalization Act and the 1954 Land Nationalization Bye laws were drafted and enacted. In accord with the 1953 Act, beginning 1954, land from land-owners was nationalized, and then distributed to peasants under the system of Tadon-htun (the extent of land which can be tilled by a pair of oxen drawing a harrow).

In the regions where Land Nationalization Act had not yet came into force, land owners rented their land as they wished. The disputes between land owners and tenants were settled by village heads or courts. Land nationalization task had to be terminated in 1958 due to occurrence of weakness, defects and errors in it.

In 1963, the Revolutionary Council enacted the 1963 Renting Cultivable Land Law with Law No 8.

From 1963 to 1976, land management was conducted through the Land Use Committees at different levels in accord with the Law and bylaws. In 1976, the duties and rights of the Land Use Committees at different levels were transferred to the executive committees at different levels of the People’s Councils at different levels.

The State Law and Order Restoration Council abolished the People’s Councils at different levels by issuing the Notification No 2/88 on 18 September 1988. The State Law and Order Restoration Council enacted the Substitution of Clauses Law with Law No 8/88, and in accord with the law, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry took over the land management task in accord with the law.

Throughout the successive eras, only the highest legislative bodies of the State enacted laws concerning land management. Thus, the promulgation of laws, if necessary, concerning “land management” should be included in the Union Legislative list.

Respected Chairman,
Rice is the staple food for everyday life of the people. Thus, rice cultivation should be extended to ensure domestic food sufficiency and to export the surplus. Rice cultivation will have to be extended to produce food to meet the annual population growth of the nation.

The nation has about 16,256,000 acres (sixteen million and two-hundred-fifty-six thousand acres) of untamed cultivable land. All the cultivable fallow, virgin and vacant lands must be reclaimed as necessary for cultivation. In this regard, the promulgation of laws, if necessary, in connection with “reclamation of fallow, virgin and vacant lands” should be included in the Union Legislative list.

Respected Chairman,
Fixing of land tax rates, collection of land taxes and documentation and keeping of land ownership records are being carried out in accord with the existing land tax laws. Furthermore, necessary laws and bylaws have been enacted to conduct tasks including collection of land and farm records, land survey, collection of land tax, and land management.

Also in the future, uniformed land management system can be ensured and precise and correct figures and facts can be gathered only if the said task can be carried out harmoniously in the whole nation. Hence, the promulgation of the laws, if necessary, concerning “settlements and land records” should be included in the Union Legislative list.

Respected Chairman,
The task of land survey, mapping, and keeping precise maps and land survey and settlement records in the whole nation plays a vital role in developing agriculture. Furthermore, the task of aerial survey and photographing and the issuance of maps must be conducted as necessary. As laws may be enacted to issue policy guidelines for the tasks, the matters relating to “survey“ should be included in the Union Legislative list.

Respected Chairman,
As food sufficiency is important for human life, the State is making strenuous efforts to promote agriculture, the foundation for food sufficiency. Land and water are the main requirements in agriculture. In this context, the State is tapping water resource and, carrying out water management task covering dam building, river water pumping station erection and flood prevention all over the nation for the availability of water for crops. The State is striving with might and main to build dams for irrigation and flood prevention for agriculture development. It is also conducting maintenance work for the durability of the facilities.

During the period from fiscal 1988-89 to this date, the State has built 159 dams, irrigating thousands of acres and helping develop the nation’s agriculture. Thus, farmers are enjoying greater benefits from the facilities. Of the dams, reservoirs, drainage canals and other irrigation works, some of them may be run and maintained by the Union, in the future; and some, by the regions or states. There may also be irrigation facilities built and managed by the State as well as regions and states. Hence, it should be included in the Union Legislative list to enact laws, as necessary, concerning “dams, reservoirs and other irrigation facilities, managed by the Union”.

Respected Chairman,
Weather, hydrological changes and earthquakes cannot be bounded by state, territory, region or border. They are the forces of nature, and they or their effects can occur in any place at any time around the world.

The central level will have to take the leading role in conducting meteorological, hydrological, and seismic survey nation-wise, division-wise or state-wise, with the regional cooperation.

Myanmar is a member of World Meteorological Organization. So, the country should observe the rules of the body. Moreover, skill is required in carrying out meteorological, hydrological and seismic survey and tasks relating to aviation and agriculture meteorology, and necessary supervision will have to be made for development of the sciences concerning the matters. As the issues are included in the field of natural science, acquirement of advanced knowledge is also needed to conduct operations ranging from survey to documentation, research and weather forecasting. As the task of carrying out meteorological, hydrological and seismic survey demands high qualification, it should be supervised by the Union level in the future also.

Thus, the enacting of laws concerning “meteorological, hydrological and seismic survey” should be included in the Union Legislative list.

Respected Chairman,
Myanmar has already enacted the Registration Law. The Law may concern with the matters that involve persons from abroad in addition to the domestic affairs. Hence, the promulgation of laws in connection with the “registration” should be included in the Union Legislative list.

Respected Chairman,
At present, arrangements are being made to transform from conventional farming to mechanized farming to develop agricultural production, increase the income of farmers and save their labour and time. The State is carrying out the following tasks to introduce mechanized farming involving the use of advanced machinery for agriculture development:

1. Mechanization of agricultural works including harrowing, harvesting and winnowing.
2. Purchase of farm machinery in the country and also from abroad to distribute and sell them to farmers.
3. Invention and testing of farm machinery that suit Myanmar’s agricultural industry.
4. Mass production of farm machinery that suit Myanmar’s agricultural industry for local distribution.
5. Reclamation of new land with the help of machines to extend cultivable land.
6. Tapping of underground water for multiple cropping.

The Myanma Industrial Development Committee was formed to change over to mechanized farming. Moreover, industrial zones have been set up state- and division-wise with the supervision of regional committees and exhibitions on locally produced and foreign-made farm machinery are being held and know-how imparted to reach this end. Industrial zones that will give support to the farm mechanization programme have been established in states and divisions.

The Agricultural Mechanization Department, the Myanma Heavy Industries, industrial zones and entrepreneurs are locally manufacturing and importing farm machinery to distribute and sell them to farmers annually.

In the future also, the State should play a leading role for the emergence of advanced and scientific cultivation and for dissemination of knowledge to regions and states as necessary. Thus, the promulgation of laws concerning “mechanized farming” should be included in the Union Legislative list.

Clarifications of National Convention Convening Work Committee Vice-Chairman Attorney-General U Aye Maung

Respected Chairman,

With the objectives —to ensure local food sufficiency and to extend exports; and to supply necessary raw materials for domestic industries — the State is striving to develop the agricultural sector, applying various means including extension of cultivation, supplying of enough water for cultivation, mechanized farming, introduction of technical reforms, and production and use of quality seeds. In addition, it is setting up model farms for wider dissemination of farm technology, and holding demonstrations on the practical use of farm machinery. It is also doing research on the new strains that are suitable to the nation’s soil and climate and distributing them to raise quality and yield of crops. Agricultural research plays a vital role in farming and distributing new strains that grow well in the country. Quality and the yield of crops will improve, only if high-yield quality strains can be produced. And success can be achieved only if research work can be conducted scientifically with the leadership of the central level. Thus, the promulgation of laws concerning “research” should be included in the Union Legislative list.

Respected Chairman,
The State, on its part, is building dams, canals and river water pumping stations, which are the basic facilities for agricultural development. It is continuously doing research on production of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to grow crops scientifically. It is also distributing enough fertilizer and insecticides to all parts of the Union. Hence, the promulgation of laws concerning “chemical fertilizer and pesticides” should be included in the Union Legislative list.

Respected Chairman,
It is required to systematically harness resources in and beneath the water of the nation and to conserve natural fish species and natural environment. It is also required to supervise fishing of species consumed as food. There are two types of commercial fishing in Myanmar is for local consumption and for export. And they are sea fishing industry and fresh water fishing industry. Concerning the sea fishing, some of the states and regions of the nation are lying contiguous to the sea. As the sea fishing has connections with other nations, the industry should run its business in accord with the international laws and regulations. Thus, promulgation of laws concerning “sea fishing industry” should be included in the Union Legislative list.

Respected Chairman,
What I have so far presented is the matters that must be put in the agriculture and livestock sector and that should be included in the Union Legislative list. They may be stated together as follows:

1. land management,
2. reclamation of vacant, fallow and virgin lands,
3. settlement and land records,
4. survey,
5. dams, embankments and water supply managed by Pyidaungsu,
6. meteorology, hydrology and seismic survey,
7. registration,
8. mechanized farming,
9. agricultural research,
10. chemical fertilizer and insecticide, and
11. marine fisheries.

Therefore, delegates to the National Convention are to give suggestions as to whether or not the detailed basic principles should be laid down to include them in the Union Legislative list to enact laws, if necessary, in connection with the matters mentioned above.

Now, I will explain the matters of the agriculture and livestock sector that should be included in the Region or State Legislative list.

Respected Chairman,
The agricultural boost of the State will bring with it success to the endeavours for local food sufficiency, export promotion, and supply of raw materials needed for domestic industries. In placing emphasis on agriculture, measures are being taken for more output of paddy, sufficiency of edible oil and extended cultivation of beans and pulses, sugarcane and cotton by laying projects.

When agricultural policies and projects at Union level are laid down on a national scale in the future, the regions and states are responsible to provide close supervision for agricultural tasks that will be carried out in their respective areas. The regions and the states are to be in harmony when taking steps to successfully implement agricultural tasks. The weakness in any aspect will adversely affect the tasks being undertaken. Absolutely imperative for agriculture are the prevention and control of pests. Failure to take preventive measures for control of plant and crop diseases will entail the destruction of crops, causing losses for farmers. The authorities concerned are required to provide close supervision for such matters. Therefore, it should be included in the Region or State Legislative list to enact laws, if necessary, in connection with “1. agriculture, 2. prevention and control of pests and 3. proper use of chemical fertilizer and systematic production of inorganic fertilizer”.

Respected Chairman,
Farmers may be in want of capitals for their agricultural work. In the time of colonial rule, farmers who went short of capital had to borrow money from money lenders at high rates of interest. On account of it, farmers were working just for the rich, with their life engaging in a failed struggle with poverty. In the post-independence period, the government disbursed agricultural loans to farmers and allowed them to pay back at affordable rates of interest.

In a bid to enable farmers to receive enough loans in time and to ensure effectiveness in recollection of loans and convenience in the opening of accounts for surplus cash, the Myanma Agriculture and Rural Development Bank was transferred from the Ministry of Finance and Revenue to the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation in December 1996. Later, it was reorganized as the Myanma Agricultural Development Bank. For agriculture and livestock works and tasks for all-round development of rural areas, the MADB provides farmers and breeders more and more each year with development disbursements such as agricultural loans, loans for purchase of cattle, carts, water pumps, hand-tiller and farm implements, special loans for border area development, garden loans and livestock loans. With a view to raising the living standard of farmers, the Government is disbursing agricultural loans. Therefore, the regions or the states concerned are to share these responsibilities among themselves for raising the living standard of farmers through close contact with them, when the Constitution comes into effect in the future. Moreover, arrangements are to be made for farmers to enable them to save their surplus cash in hand without any difficulty. For the introduction of laws as to disbursing agricultural loans timely to farmers who run short of capital and enabling farmers who have surplus cash in hand to save their lucre without any difficulty, it should be included in the Region or State Legislative list to enact laws, if necessary, in connection with “agricultural loans and savings”.

Respected Chairman,
To present the tasks related to irrigation facilities, I have clarified that of the tasks for dams, embankments, lakes, ditches and supply of irrigation water, there would also be tasks for dams, embankments and supply of irrigation water to be managed by Union; similarly, so would there be such tasks to be managed by regions and states. Therefore, it should be included in the Region or State Legislative lists to enact laws, if necessary, in connection with “tasks for dams, embankments, lakes, ditches and supply of irrigation water, for which the divisions or states have the right to manage”.

Respected Chairman,
There will exist fresh water fisheries in some regions or states. Private fish breeders and economic organizations will also conduct prawn breeding and fresh water fisheries. Now, arrangements are under way to allow private entrepreneurs to work at lakes with the land survey system, to disburse more livestock loans and to distribute more fishery by the department concerned. Such measures will also be taken in the future. Only then will fresh water fish be produced more, and the people will also be able to consume fish at reasonable prices. The organizations that will have to give close supervision to the drive for development of fresh water fisheries are none other than the regions or states concerned. Therefore, it should be included in the Region or State Legislative list to enact laws, if necessary, in connection with the systematic undertaking of ‘fresh water fisheries’.

Respected Chairman,
As an agro-based country, our country still has to rely on cattle for agricultural purpose. With the aim of boosting the animal breeding culture, the State therefore is taking measures extensively for prevention and treatment of animal diseases as well as for hybridization of animals with superior species of their kind. It establishes pastures to ensure adequate animal feedstuff and prevents smuggling of cattle across the border. More and more assistance is also being given to the drive for improvement of livestock breeding industries to ensure sufficient public consumption, and that of manageable-scale livestock breeding industries regionwise for increased meat production. Constant assistance is to be rendered to livestock breeding industries so that the people will be able to consume meat at fair prices. When livestock breeding industries mushroom, animals should be kept systematically for they may cause annoyance for the people. In the future, the regions and states concerned have to give close supervision to livestock breeding, prevention and treatment of diseases and the keeping of animals systematically.

Therefore, it should be included in the Region or State Legislative list to enact laws, if necessary, in connection with “livestock breeding, prevention and treatment of diseases and the keeping of animals systematically”.

Respected Chairman,
The matters of the agriculture and livestock sector that should be included in the Region or State Legislative list are as follows:

1. agriculture,
2. prevention and control of pests,
3. proper use of chemical fertilizer and systematic production of inorganic fertilizer,
4. agricultural loans and savings,
5. dams, embankments, lakes, ditches and supply of irrigation water, for which the divisions or states have the right to manage,
6. fresh water fisheries, and
7. livestock breeding, prevention and treatment of diseases and the keeping of animals systematically.

Therefore, the delegates to the Convention are to give suggestions as to whether or not the detailed basic principles should be laid down to include them in the Region or State Legislative list in connection with the matters mentioned above.

Clarifications of National Convention Convening Work Committee Vice-Chairman Attorney-General U Aye Maung

Energy, electricity, mining and forestry sector

Respected Chairman,
I will now explain the matters related to the energy, electricity, mining and forestry sector. Concerning the land, water and air resources, the National Convention has formulated the fundamental principles as follows:

1. The State is the ultimate owner of all the land, and natural resources above and below the ground, above and beneath the water and in the atmosphere within its territorial boundary.
2. The State shall enact necessary law to supervise economic forces’ extraction and utilization of State-owned natural resources.

Particularly, there are two items in the energy sector: oil and natural gas, and electricity. Efforts are to be made to produce more oil and natural gas to be used in the country or to export them. The State is implementing oil and gas exploration tasks in order to produce more oil and gas. It is also working hard in various ways and means to increase the productivity of the old oil fields in State-owned sector and in cooperation with foreign companies on contracts. Moreover, it also carries out offshore oil exploration for increased production of crude oil and gas.

Huge and vast is the magnitude of the task for increased production of oil and gas. Therefore, such tasks ought to be implemented by the Union in the future. The Union also ought to provide supervision for production, distribution and sale of other liquid or solid products dangerously inflammable. Therefore, it should be included in the Union Legislative list to enact laws, if necessary, in connection with “ oil, gas and other liquid and solid products considered dangerously inflammable according to Pyidaungsu Law”.

Respected Chairman,
As for the production and distribution of electricity, the State is striving in various ways and means to generate more electricity needed for national development. Water power, gas power, coal power, diesel power, thermal power and steam power are used to be able to produce more electricity. Moreover, energy resources are being exploited by laying down short- and long-term projects. Arrangements are being made to implement projects for small hydel power stations in addition to diesel-powered electricity projects in areas out of the reach of power grids and to distribute electricity in cooperation with local organizations and private entrepreneurs. Electricity is vital in developing the State. Only adequate supply and production of electricity all over the country will benefit the growing industries and population to the full. So huge and vast is the magnitude of the tasks: to meet the demand of growing industries and population and to sell the surplus electricity to foreign countries.

Therefore, it should be included in the Union Legislative list to enact laws, if necessary, in connection with “Union electricity production and distribution”.

Respected Chairman,
To earn annually more foreign exchange from the mining sector, measures are being taken for the exploration of minerals by forming work committees systematically. Surveys for such minerals as gold, copper, lead, zinc and silver and feasibility studies are also conducted in cooperation with foreign companies by means of contract. Tin, tungsten and alloys of tin and tungsten are also exploited on a profit-sharing basis in cooperation with local private entrepreneurs. Permission is also granted to private entrepreneurs for gold mining work on a profit-sharing basis. As such, it is necessary to take measures to provide control and supervision for systematic mining works, safety of mine workers, and environmental conservation and reconstruction when it comes to the utilization of State-owned mineral resources by the State and private entrepreneurs.

Gems extraction is also conducted in cooperation with local entrepreneurs. So delicate is the gems industry that items can fetch the prices they deserve only through the application of modern technologies in production and finishing lines. In the future, it should therefore be included in the Union Legislative list to enact laws, if necessary, in connection with “minerals, mines, safety of mines workers, and environmental conservation and reconstruction” as well as with “gems”.

Respected Chairman,
In the Union of Myanmar there exist coasts stretching from Sittway in the north to Kawthoung in the south. In suitable areas along the coast, oysters are bred for production and sale of pearls. Pearl production and sale can be conducted only in offshore shallow-water areas and archipelago areas. In the future, such industries may be undertaken in some areas of regions or states situated along the coast of Myanmar. Therefore, it should be included in the Union Legislative list to enact laws, if necessary, in connection with “pearl” so that the undertakings can be uniform.

Respected Chairman,
I will continue with the matters related to the forestry sector as well as to environmental protection and conservation.

The basic resources of a country are land, water, forest and weather. The destruction of forest entails the deterioration of land and the pollution of water alongside adverse weather conditions. Therefore, efforts are to be made to preserve the forests. Of the basic resources, forest is of prime importance. It will be necessary to lay emphasis on prevention of deforestation, and collective efforts should also be rendered to the drive for reaforestation. To prevent deforestation, measures are to be taken against the indiscriminate cutting of trees while reaforestation is conducted.

In improving the forestry sector, the tasks for conservation of the forests, extraction and sale are to be carried out systematically. If the amount of extraction and sale of timber is much more than the amount of conservation of forests, it will mean a loss of an economic sector crucial for the generations to come. Forests are to be preserved to enable them to exist as an economic resource on which the State can rely for keeps. Similarly, the extraction and sale of timber are also to be carried out systematically.

The regional development measures and the natural environment intermingle with each other. The lack of favourable conditions of natural environment will undermine the regional development measures. Failure to maintain and preserve the forest resources of the State will give rise to ill effects in the long run. Furthermore, the ruin of forest resources will have a similar adverse effect on water and land resources. Therefore, the forests should be preserved in view of perennial interest. Only then will the prosperity of the country lead to reality, if measures are taken for preservation and maintenance of natural environment and resources of the State.

Now, it is found that arrangements are under way for long-term extraction of timber on a commercial scale by using the forest resources of the country without causing deforestation, for environmental protection and conservation, for temperate climatic conditions, and for increased production of value-added finished wooden items.

The acreage of the forest reserve area in the country totals over 37.41 millions while other forest areas stand at over 55.31million acres. It is not that the forest reserve areas are designated in respect of the location of divisions or states, but are designated in respect of the nature of forests. These forest reserve areas are located straddling between some divisions and some states. Therefore, the State provides systematic supervision for such undertakings as the conservation, protection and reaforestation and the extraction of teak, hard wood and other forest products, in line with the Forest Law enacted in 1992.

The State formed the Forest Conservation Committee in 1990 and also such committees at state, division, district and township levels. These committees are now carrying out the tasks for the growing and nursing of trees. Systematic steps are being taken in accord with the 1994 Protection of Wildlife and Natural Trees and Conservation of Natural Areas Law. Furthermore, tasks for regional greening and safe water supply are also being implemented.

Forests are maintained by means of natural hybridization for long-term extraction of forest products while forest plantations are established annually by means of Pawutti hybridization. Teak, Myanma forest product, is Myanma valuable resource which is famous for its superior quality all over the world. Only when wildlife, natural trees and natural areas are maintained in a systematic way will the natural environment be conserved and protected. Laws are to be introduced, when necessary, for the perennial and commercial-scale extraction of timber and forest products, which are precious resources of Myanmar, by preserving the forests systematically, as well as for protection and maintenance of wildlife, natural trees and natural areas including the environment. Therefore, it should be included in the Union Legislative list to enact laws as to “forest” and “conservation and protection of wildlife, natural trees and natural areas including the environment”.

Respected Chairman,
The matters related to the energy, electricity, mining and forestry sector that should be included in the Union Legislative list are as follows:

1. oil, gas and other liquid and solid products considered dangerously inflammable according to Pyidaungsu Law;
2. Union electricity production and distribution;
3. minerals, mines, safety of mines workers, and environmental conservation and reconstruction;
4. gems;
5. pearl;
6. forest; and
7. conservation and protection of wildlife, natural trees and natural areas including the environment.

Not only do the matters suitable to be put in the energy, electricity, mineral and forestry sector concern the whole nation, but they also link with regions or states. Therefore, the delegates to the National Convention are to give suggestions as to whether or not the detailed basic principles should be laid down to include them in the Union Legislative list to enact laws, if necessary, in connection with the matters mentioned above.

Respected Chairman,
The functions involved in the energy, electricity, mining and forestry sector are very huge and need enormous capital. Just as there are works that are to be done by persons with special skills, there are also medium or small industries to be operated on a manageable scale. Some industries that can be operated on a manageable scale in a region or a state should be put under the management of that region or that state.

When it comes to the distribution of electricity, the State is implementing medium and small hydel power station projects and coal-fired power station projects by laying down short- and long-term plans so that more electricity will be able to be produced within the reach of the power grid. It is also supplying electricity to the areas out of the reach of power grid by means of diesel-fired generators as well as by constructing small hydel power stations. In the future, there will be the tasks for production and supply of electricity under the arrangement of the Union. Likewise, there will also be enterprises that will distribute electricity by means of diesel-fired generators, small hydel power stations and biogas-fired power stations under the arrangement of the region or the state in areas out of the reach of power grid.

Therefore, it should be included in the Region or State Legislative list to enact laws, if necessary, in connection with “small electricity production and distribution industry under the supervision of the region or the state, except big and medium electricity production and distribution under the supervision of the Union”.

Respected Chairman,
The business undertakings for salt and salt products can be conducted in regions or states concerned separately. Therefore, it should be included in the Region or State Legislative list to enact laws, if necessary, in connection with the production and distribution of “salt and salt products”.

Respected Chairman,
As regards the exploitation of precious stones, I have explained that the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw should enact necessary laws so that there will be common practice and uniformity all over the country. The region or state concerned will undertake, if they wish, the cutting and polishing of uncut gem stones extracted in line with the laws enacted by the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw. Therefore, it should be included in the Region or State Legislative list to enact laws, if necessary, in connection with “the cutting and polishing of gem stones in the region or state”.

Respected Chairman,
People use firewood or charcoal as fuel to cook rice and curry. The increased use of electric ovens in some cities and villages where there is a supply of electricity has resulted in the decreased use of firewood and charcoal. However, a majority of rural people are still using firewood as main fuel in cooking their food. If they continue cutting trees in the woods for fuel, it will have an adverse effect on the environmental protection and conservation causing deforestation in the long run. The danger of deforestation can be prevented by urging the rural people to establish village-owned fuel wood plantations and to use as fuel only the firewood cut from those plantations. Only then will environmental protection and conservation be in systematic order.

Therefore, it should be included in the Region or State Legislative list to enact laws, if necessary, in connection with “cultivation of village-owned fuel wood plantations, maintenance and production”.

Respected Chairman,
It is probable that regions or states may wish to establish recreation centres, zoological gardens and botanical gardens in suitable places in their respective areas for widening the scope of general knowledge of the people and for relaxation. Therefore, it should be included in the Region or State Legislative list to enact laws, if necessary, in connection with “recreation centres, zoological gardens and botanical gardens”.

Respected Chairman,
Now, I have given a brief account of the matters related to the energy, electricity, mining and forestry sector that should be included in the Region or State Legislative list. They can be categorized as follows:

1. small electricity production and distribution industry under the supervision of the region or the state, except big and medium electricity production and distribution under the supervision of the Union;
2. salt and salt products;
3. the cutting and polishing of gem stones in the region or state;
4. village-owned fuel wood plantations; and
5. recreation centres, zoological gardens and botanical gardens.

Therefore, the delegates to the National Convention are to give suggestions as to whether or not the detailed basic principles should be laid down to include them in the Legislative list of the Region or State concerned to enact laws, if necessary, in connection with the matters mentioned above.

Clarifications of National Convention Convening Work Committee Secretary U Thaung Nyunt

Industry sector

Respected Chairman,
Now, I will present the industrial sector. Two of the four economic objectives of the State call for Development of agriculture as the base and all-round development of other sectors of the economy as well, and Development of the economy inviting participation in terms of technical know-how and investments from sources inside the country and abroad. The industrial sector plays a vital role in the realization of these two economic objectives.

As is know to all that in the industrial sector, the State has been running only the industries which the people can not manage while making arrangements to encourage and support the cooperative and private sectors to engage in the remaining industries. In order to build a modern developed nation, it is necessary to obtain capital from the agriculture, which is the base. The capital thus obtained is to be invested proportionately in the industrial sector to gradually build an industrial nation.

Hence, the State has built industries and
- produces the farm machinery and implements as necessary,
- produces, according to requirements, motor vehicles and bicycles which contribute to the transport sector,
- produces electrical goods designed to fulfil the energy requirements,
- increases the number of disciplined and efficient technicians in the country,
- enhances the manufacturing technology and tries to match, in the field of technology, other nations.

With a view to further developing the industrial sector and running the businesses more freely, the State has decontrolled the State-owned industries. To see that there is integrated and harmonious growth in commodity production, the State has transferred some of the mills and factories to the related ministries, or recognized them. In an effort to boost commodity production, the State has employed various means including cooperation between the State-owned enterprises and economic organizations from outside under which commodities are exported, cooperation between the private entrepreneurs inside and outside the country under which raw materials are provided in the return for the finished goods while enjoying production fees plus establishment of joint venture undertakings.

With a view to promoting the private sector and industries and creating market economic system, the State has transferred the mills and factories to the private sector, disbursed loans, organized trade fairs and cooperative market festivals in a bid to seek internal and external market in order to boost export. Moreover, industrial zones have been set up in the States and Divisions.

Measures are being taken to develop the industrial sector. Similarly in future, necessary policies are to be adopted and assistance extended in connection with the industries to be undertaken by the Pyidaungsu level. Then only will be the industrial sector develop and the country match other developed industrial nations.

Hence, it should be included in the Union Legislative list to enact laws, if necessary, in connection with the ' industries to be taken by the Pyidaungsu level'.

Respected Chairman,
I will now present matters concerning the industrial zones. Progress of the industries is of vital importance at a time when we are building a modern developed new nation. If we study the modern advanced nations in the world today we will find that conventional farming is being replaced by the mechanized farming in the agriculture sector and more and more researches and inventions are conducted for further advancement in the industries. A basic principle laid down in connection with economy by the National Convention states that the State economic system shall be market economic system. In connection with the industry it was laid down that the State shall provide inputs such as technology, investment, machinery, raw materials etc as much as it can for development of industries.

Our country has practised market oriented economy since 1988 and investments from inside and abroad are being permitted in the economic enterprises and industries according to law. The State has promulgated relevant laws inviting investments from inside and those from outside the nation. It is necessary to always strive for the advancement of science and technology concerned with industries for the industrial development.

In the country today, advanced industrial zones have been developed in order to promote the industries. Products to be manufactured by major factories in those advanced industrial zones may be of the same kind or different from one factory and another. Those mills and factories in the course of production are to take safety precautions to make sure that there is no environmental pollution.

In connection with the natural environment, the National Convention has already laid down a basic principle: the State shall protect the natural environment. Concerning the environmental protection, our country has already accepted the Vienna Convention on the protection of the Ozone layers, Convention on Biological Diversity, United Nations Framework Convention of Climate Change. As such, mills and factories to be built in the industrial zones, are to take all possible measures in order not to cause environmental pollution in producing goods. In this connection, measures taken should be in uniformity from one area and another.

Hence, it should be included in the Union Legislative list to enact laws, if necessary, in connection with the 'industrial zones'.

Respected Chairman,
Science and technology is to be acquired in parallel with conducting research and development with the aim of developing the industries in the country. Technology acquired from research is to be disseminated to the industries concerned in time to ensure development of industries of the State and gradual improvement of the quality of manufactured products.

Moreover, the State will always be providing services such as science and technical assistance required by the ministries run by the State organizations, industries of the cooperative and private sectors, consultancy services, inspection of imports and exports. The Ministry of Science and Technology has been set up to provide leadership and supervision in order to acquire advanced technology.

Regarding above matters, it should be included in the Union Legislative list to enact laws, if necessary in future, in connection with 'science and technology as well as research on science and technology'.

Respected Chairman,
In connection with weights and measures, standard weights and measures are being used in the country or in coordination with the international practices and standards. Trade and Commerce will be smooth only when there is uniformity in the use of weights and measures. Hence, it should be included in the Union Legislative list to enact laws, as necessary, in connection with the 'standardization of weights and measures' in the country.

Respected Chairman,
Efforts are being exerted in all aspects to realize one of the four economic objectives—proper evolution of the market-oriented system. When the market-oriented economic system takes shaped, the need will arise to introduce laws covering intellectual properties, copy right, patents, trademarks, industrial designs and so on in order the organizations and individuals producing and trading commodities will receive protection of law for their products.

Myanmar is an initial member of the Marrakesh agreement which marked the founding of the World Trade Organization. Agreement on the Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement) is an appendix to the first agreement. So, every member of the WTO is required to abide by the Intellectual Property Rights. TRIPS Agreement is mainly concerned with protection of intellectual property rights by all WTO members. Each and every WTO member nation is required to provided intellectual property rights to the citizens of the WTO member nations to an extent no less than it provides to its citizens. Relevant laws are to be introduced to fulfil this duty.

As a member of the ASEAN, Myanmar has signed the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Intellectual Property Co-operation. According to the agreement, Myanmar has to cooperate with other ASEAN members and provide reciprocal protection in connection with intellectual property rights. Relevant laws will have to be introduced in connection with the intellectual property rights to fulfil this duty. Only after introduction of the relevant laws by the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, will there be uniformity in practice in the country in accordance with the international practices.

Hence, it should be included in the Union Legislative list to enact laws, as necessary, in connection with intellectual prop er ties such as copy rights, patents, trade marks, industrial designs.

I have clarified these points for the delegates to discuss and make suggestions on whether to formulate detailed basic principles to include in the Union Legislative list to introduce laws, if necessary, in connection with the following points that should be in clud ed under the in dus tri al sector —

1. Industries to be undertaken by the Pyidaungsu level,
2. Industrial Zones,
3. Science and technology and research on science and technology,
4. Standardization of weights and measures,
5. Intellectual properties such as copyrights, patents, trademarks, industrial designs.

Respected Chairman,
I will present the legislative powers that should be delegated to the Region or State Hluttaws in connection with the industrial sector. I have already clarified that industries designated by the Pyidaungsu Law for the progress of the industrial sector should be undertaken by the Pyidaungsu to ensure their greater progress and that the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw should introduce relevant laws for those industries.

In a nation, it is necessary to develop not only various industries but also cottage industries to ensure progress of the industries. The Pyidaungsu Hluttaw is to introduce the required laws for the industries designated by the Pyidaungsu Law but at the same time legislative power should be delegat ed to the Region or State Hluttaws to introduce laws in connection with the 'industries other than those designated to be undertaken at the Pyidaungsu level' and 'cottage industries'.

Hence, the delegates are to discuss and make suggestions on whether to formulate detailed basic principles to include in the Region or State Legislative list to enact laws in connection with

1. Industries other than those designated to be undertaken by the Pyidaungsu level,
2. Cottage industries, which should be included under the industrial sector.

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Transport and communication sector

Respected Chairman,

Now, I will clarify the transport and communication sector.

The transport and communication sector plays a vital role in striving for economic progress to achieve na tion al development. As it is known to all, the State has been earnestly building and repairing roads and bridges which will contribute towards economy and commerce. Better trans port is conducive to regional economic progress resulting in the closer contacts among the national races and strengthened friendship among them. In the transport sector, the State has given top priority to importing passenger buses and cargo trucks, rented and sold motor vehicles to the private sector, reconditioned and repaired motor vehicles in cooperation with foreign firms, built railroads under special projects, expanded joint ventures with private companies in railway transport, inland water transport and transport inside and outside the country, extended or upgraded airports and built new ones.

In the field of communications, IDD telephone service has been extended; transmission, reception and satellite stations have been built to communicate with foreign nations; transmission and reception stations have also been set up to make contact with ocean-going ships; directives of the International Telecommunications Union are studied, put on record and acted upon.

The Inland Water Transport also plays a major role in the internal trade and commerce and transport of domestic products to the sea ports for export. The State-owned and cooperative-owned motorized vessels and other vessels are transporting passengers and goods in the country. In the private sector also, registered motorized vessels and coastal going vessels are transporting pas sen gers and goods.

To ensure secure and smooth transport of passengers and goods on board the vessels in the entire country, necessary laws will have to be introduced in a uniform manner in the business through out the nation. Hence, the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw should be vested with the legislative power to introduce laws in connection with 'inland water transport'.

Moreover, waterways used for inland water transport are to be constantly maintained in order to prevent formation of sand banks and change of water courses along the waterway so that it will be serviceable at all time. Hence, it should be included in the Union Legislative list to enact laws in connection with 'maintenance of waterways'.

Respected Chairman,
Moreover, watercourses used for inland water transport need to be constantly maintained in order that formation of sand banks along the water courses as well as change of water courses may be prevented thereby contributing towards continued and constant use of the watercourses. Hence, it should be included in the Union Legislative list to enact laws, if necessary, in connection with 'maintenance of water ways'.

Respected Chairman,
With a view to ensuring greater effectiveness in maintenance of watercourses for the utilization of natural waterways to meet the needs of the State, preventing the loss of fresh water, minimizing siltage, ensuring beneficial use of water for agriculture and drinking, and beneficial use of water resources, the State has been improving water resources and river systems. It should be included in the Union Legislative list to enact laws, if necessary, in connection with 'water resources and improvement of river systems'.

Respected Chairman,
In connection with overseas shipping, the State-owned ocean-going vessels are now transporting passengers and cargo on overseas voyages and coastal runs. The international ocean-going vessels berth at the port terminals to load and unload cargo. In connection with overseas shipping, it will be necessary in future to enact laws in accordance with the international practices. Hence, it should be included in the Union Legislative list to enact laws, if necessary, in connection with 'Overseas shipping".

Moreover, there will be port terminals for ocean-going vessels and other sea ports in the coastal areas and in the country where ocean-going vessels can berth. At the port terminals, modern equipment is being installed to keep them advanced always. This calls for efforts to keep the port terminals modern and advanced. Hence, it should be included in the Union Legislative list to enact laws in connection with the 'Port terminals".

Respected Chairman,
To see that ocean-going vessels and coastal ships can travel safely, arrangements to provide such as light houses, lightships and light house facilities are being made. Hence, it should be included in the Union Legislative list to enact laws, if necessary, in connection with 'Light houses, lightships and light house facilities'.

Respected Chairman,
In building and maintaining ships it will be necessary to carry out the work in accordance with the internationally prescribed and accepted 'standards'. Hence, it should be included in the Union Legislative list to enact laws 'if necessary' in connection with 'ship building and maintenance'.

Respected Chairman,
In connection with air transport, all Myanma aviation matters are carried out in accordance with the Myanma Aircraft Act and Myanma Aircraft Rules, or in consultation with the international civil aviation bodies or the international authority. Being a signatory to the ICAO Chicago Convention, Myanmar abides by the rules and regulations, directives and procedures of the convention. As rdance with the Myanma Aircraft Act and Myanma Aircraft Rules, or in consultation with the international civil aviation bodies or the international authority. Being a signatory to the ICAO Chicago Convention, Myanmar abides by the rules and regulations, directives and procedures of the convention. As a member of the international conventions, Myanmar is responsible for preventing illegal acts which threaten the civil avi a tion security; accordingly, it is necessary to take measures through administrative means and enactment of relevant laws occasionally. The international conventions signed by Myanmar are:

(a) Convention on offences and Certain other Acts Committed on Board Aircraft (Tokyo Convention 1963)
(b) Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Seizure of Aircraft (The Hague Convention, 1970)
(c) Convention for the Suppressions of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Civil Aviation (Montreal Convention, 1971)

According to the above conventions, occasion may arise to amend existing laws or introduce new ones to deal with extradition matters resulting from the hijackings or acts of violence at airports. Such laws are to be enacted by the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw so that all will abide by it in uniformity and it will be in accordance with international practices.

Hence, it should be included in the Union Legislative list to enact laws in connection with 'Air transport'.

Respected Chairman,
Air flight control and aviation communication services are to continuously discharge their duty to en sure safety of domestic aircraft starting from their departure to landing the destinations as well as of international aircraft until they have passed the Flight Information Region of Myanmar.

Moreover, the State has been extending development projects of international airports, building new airfields and repairing and upgrading the old ones in some of the States and Divisions. In building new airfields, it is necessary to meet the prescribed norms and standards, while efficiency is of utmost importance. Hence, it should be included in the Union Legislative list to enact laws in connection with 'Air flights, flight control and building of airfields'.

Respected Chairman,
As the State has been endeavouring for the smooth transport and communications, improvements may be witnessed year after year. I have already clarified earlier that the State has given top priority to im port ing passenger buses and cargo trucks, rented and sold motor vehicles to the private sector, reconditioned and repaired motor vehicles in cooperation with foreign firms. The road transport also plays a major role in providing the passengers with convenience at fair costs and ensuring smooth transport of goods.

The State-owned motor vehicles of Road Transport are being used for transport of passengers and goods and the private motor vehicles too are also engaged in the business. To enable the passengers to travel in safety and goods to be transported systematically without loss and damages, the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw has to enact laws, as necessary, in connection with road transport so that it can be put in force to be followed by all equally.

Hence, it should be included in the Union Legislative list to enact laws, if necessary, in connection with 'Road transport'.

Respected Chairman,
The railways service plays a major role in transport of passengers and goods in the country.

The Myanma Railways has been transporting passengers and goods. It has made effective use of the available engines and coaches.

The railway service needs a great deal of investment and with a view to providing systematic and improved railway service across the country, it should be included in the Union Legislative list to enact laws, if necessary, in connection with 'Railways'.

Respected Chairman,
The State has been actively engaged in the building, repair and maintenance of roads and bridges to contribute towards socio-economic progress of the State. It has already built 177 river-crossing bridges with the length exceeding 180 feet all over the country. Moreover, priority is given to the extension, upgrading and repair of roads and building and renovation of bridges in the States and Divisions.

It is believed that by providing close supervision to the roads and bridges designated for secure and smooth transport in future, the Pyidaungsu and the respective Regions or States will be able to supervise the building of the new roads and bridges and their maintenance more successfully. Hence, it should be included in the Union Legislative list to enact laws, if necessary, in connection with 'Roads and bridges under the management of the Union'.

Respected Chairman,
We need to modernize and improve our communication services along with advancing com mu ni ca tion services around the globe. Communication services such as posts, telecommunications, tele phones, fax, e-mail, Internet and Intranet as well as TV, satellite communication, transmission, reception and similar services since they have to deal with domestic clients and foreign nations. All the services, there fore, should be in uniformity. Hence, it should be included in the Union Legislative list to enact laws, if necessary, in connection with 'Posts, telecommunications, telephones, fax, e-mail, Internet, Intranet and similar communication services' as well as 'TV, satellite communication, transmission and reception and similar communication services'.

Matters under the Transport and Communications Sector which should be included in the Union Legislative list to enact laws may be put together as follows:

1. Inland Water Transport
2. Maintenance of waterways
3. Water resources and river systems improvement
4. Overseas shipping
5. Port terminals
6. Light house, lightship and light house facilities
7. Ship building, repair and maintenance
8. Air transport
9. Aviation, flight control and building of airfields
10. Road transport
11. Railways
12. Roads and bridges under the management of Pyidaungsu
13. Posts, telecommunications, telephones, fax, e-mail, Internet, Intranet and similar communication services
14. TV, satellite communication, transmission and reception and similar communication services

I have clarified the above-mentioned points for the National Convention delegates to discuss and make suggestions whether to lay down detailed principles to include in the Union Legislative list to enact laws.

Respected Chairman,
I will continue to clarify matters relating to the Transport and Communications which should be included in the Region or State Legislative list.

In some of the Regions and States, there will be ports under the management of the Pyidaungsu as well as ports, jetties and pontoons under the charge of the Regions or States concerned. Hence, it should be included in the Region or State Legislative list to enact laws, if necessary, in connection with 'ports, jetties and pontoons under the management of the Region or State'.

Respected Chairman,
As I have clarified points earlier, building of roads and bridges requires a large sum of financial resources and a high level of technical skills and efficiency and as such the facilities are to be built under the supervision and management of the Pyidaungsu. Similarly, there will be roads and bridges built under the supervision and management of the Regions and States. Hence, it should be included in the Region or State Legislative list to enact laws, if necessary, in connection with 'Roads and bridges under the management of the Region or State'.

Respected Chairman,
There will invariably be State-owned and private-owned vehicles transporting passengers and goods in a Region or State. As the Pyidaungsu has enacted laws concerning the State-owned and private-owned vehicles running in the entire country, the Region or State concerned needs to enact laws regarding the private-owned vehicles in their areas. Hence, it should be included in the Region or State Legislative list to enact laws, if necessary, in connection with 'Systematic movement of the private-owned vehicles within a Region or State'.

Respected Chairman,
The above matters relating to the Transport and Communication Sector that should be included in the Region or State Legislative list may be put together as follows:

1. Ports, jetties and pontoons under the management of the Region or State
2. Roads and bridges under the management of the Region or State
3. Systematic movement of the private-owned vehicles within a Region or a State

Hence, the National Convention delegates are to discuss and make suggestions on whether to lay down as detailed principles to included in the Region or State Legislative list, if necessary, in connection with matters that should be covered by the Transport and Communication Sector.

Source: http://mission.itu.ch/MISSIONS/Myanmar/n-convention/nc190504_2.pdf and http://www.ibiblio.org/obl/docs/NLM2004-05-20.pdf

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National Convention delegates play golf, table tennis, billiards and other sports

YANGON, 19 May—The delegates to the National Convention were playing golf, table tennis and billiards and exercising according to their choice at Nyaunghnapin Camp in Hmawby Township, Yangon Division, where the Convention is being held.

The Entertainment and Welfare Sub-Committee of the National Convention Convening Management Committee provided sports gear, sports techniques and sports instructors for the delegates to enable them to exercise with peace of mind. For fitness exercise, sports gear including universal machines and rolling machines have been set up.

The film “Shwemon-Kyede-Moekaungkin” and documentary films were screened. The performers of the film are Yaza Nay Win, Lu Min, Tha Nyi, Htet Htet Moe Oo, Soe Myat Nanda, Kyi Le Le Oo, Khin Soe Paing and Soe Moe Kyi.

Source: http://www.ibiblio.org/obl/docs/NLM2004-05-20.pdf