Indian ambassador off to Kabul as reshuffle of top envoys begins: THE INDIAN ambassador in Yangon, Mr Vivek Katju, has been re-assigned as his country?s new ambassador to Afghanistan, only six months after being appointed to Myanmar... Aid program helps economy, says South Korean envoy: A TRAINING program funded by the South Korean government is contributing to Myanmar?s economic development as well as bilateral relations, South Korean ambassador Chung Jung-gum said in Yangon last week... Expats: The facts and figures: THERE are nearly 1670 expatriates in Myanmar, of which more than half are from China, Taiwan and Thailand, according to Immigration Department figures for last December... Plan to ease city traffic: YANGON city authorities are considering a new bus route system aimed at easing traffic congestion in the downtown area... Property rebound as complex sells out: A newly-opened residential development in central Yangon has sold out, providing the latest evidence of a rebound in the city?s real estate sector... Luxury apartment building opens: THE US$18 million Grand Meeyahta Executive Residence on Bogyoke Aung San Street was officially opened last week, bringing to six the number of high-quality serviced apartments in Yangon... Hyacinth furniture destined for export markets: A YANGON furniture company has attracted orders from Europe and the United States for products made from naturally grown water hyacinth... Specialist meet to review regional energy programs: PLANNING for energy cooperation programs dominated discussion at a regional meeting in Yangon late last month... Asean cooperation and promotion boost Myanmar tourism industry: COOPERATION with other Asean countries has helped Myanmar?s tourism industry, the director general of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, U Khin Maung Latt, said last week... Pacemaker changes life for patients with heart ailments: WHEN Daw Sap Than Hnun suffered a series of fainting spells last September she was rushed to Yangon General Hospital, where checks revealed a heart problem... Caution issued over common lethal gas: THE Ministry of Health has urged the public to be careful about the indoor use of equipment which generates carbon-monoxide, a lethal gas... UN envoy Pinheiro due soon for third mission: THE United Nations special human rights rapporteur on Myanmar, Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, is due to return next week for a 10-day fact-finding mission, said the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, U Khin Maung Win... Rice exports tipped to reach 1m tonnes: MYANMA Agricultural Produce Trading (MAPT) expects to export one million tonnes of rice in the financial year ending next March 31, managing director U Min Hla Aung said last week... Triumph to close factory: CITING a global economic slowdown, the Swiss-based lingerie maker, Triumph, has decided to cease operations at its Yangon factory, the company said last week... More NLD members freed: ANOTHER four members of the National League for Democracy were released from detention last Thursday, a government statement said... New engineering standards: THE Myanmar Engineering Society has proposed that the government forms a special body to monitor standards in the profession... SALES of tickets in the government lottery soared during December and January, generating revenue of at least K1.45 billion in each month... Fuel substitutes and reforestation help reduce desert encroachment: THE provision of wood fuel substitutes and tree-planting schemes are helping to combat desertification in Myanmar?s dry zone in Magway, Mandalay and Sagaing divisions... Traders watch for fake drugs: PHARMACEUTICALS shops at one of Yangon?s biggest markets are working together to prevent the sale of counterfeit drugs, a spokesman said last week... THE national park covering Southeast Asia?s highest peak, a sanctuary at Inlay Lake and Yangon Zoological Gardens are among 15 sites designated by the Ministry of Forestry to promote eco-tourism... Expats: The facts and figures: THERE are nearly 1670 expatriates in Myanmar, of which more than half are from China, Taiwan and Thailand, according to Immigration Department figures for last December.