The Ministry of Commerce held a seminar to improve the quality and export volume of rubber via Zoom application yesterday morning.

Union Minister Dr Than Myint said that the relevant departments, organizations, farmers, merchants, factory owners and those participating in supply chain processes must cooperate to find a solution to manufacture better quality rubber products.

The rubber industry is one of the prioritized sectors while the government is implementing a total of 18 sectors -11 prioritized products, 2 services and 5 supportive sectors under National Export Strategy (NES) which includes actions to boost Myanmar’s export sector and market penetration. Only the rubber products that meet the Myanmar’s rubber criteria and international quality standards can be exported to foreign countries. It can overcome the difficulties and obstacles in exporting only with the active participation of those in supply chain processes and it can promote the export sector of the country, he said.

Deputy Minister U Aung Htoo briefed rubber export volume in each financial year, overseas market status and the ministry’s work programmes for the development of rubber industry.

The experts from relevant sector read papers at the seminar with the discussions of rubber farmers, factory owners and merchants.

In conclusion, the Union Minister coordinated short- and long-tem plans for rubber industry.

MNA

(Translated by Khaine Thazin Han)

Photo:MNA

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UNION Minister for Health and Sports Dr Myint Htwe held a virtual coordination meeting with superintendents, professors and officials in Yangon Region on treatments of COVID-19 patients and quarantine measures yesterday.

During the meeting, the Union Minister said that the purpose of the meeting is to know the resources required for COVID-19 treatment centres, hospitals and quarantine facilities and to share experiences.

The Union Minister urged the attendees to report about the matters needed to be fulfilled by the ministry, and to imitate the good works of other departments and hospitals and also said that the ministry is working with various plans to respond to the COVID-19 in real-time.

Medical specialists are making efforts to reduce COVID-19 death rate, and the role of medical superintendents is also very important, he added.

He further said that the rate of mortality will decline if the works on fulfilling and distributing COVID-19 medicines and medical supplies at hospitals, delegation, management and treatment of hospital staff and connections among relevant officials are improved.

He also urged the medical superintendents and medical specialists to openly discuss experiencing challenges and difficulties in making efforts for reducing death rate.

The rate of infection and death toll of COVID-19 are increasing even in developed countries.

He appreciated the healthcare workers, relevant departments and organizations and volunteers for making efforts by effectively using resources.

He also urged the medical officials to immediately decide and implement the difficult tasks on policies and strategies for hospitals in cooperation with Yangon Region Committee on Prevention, Control and Treatment of COVID-19.

Medicines and medical supplies that are required at the hospitals in Yangon Region are fulfilled by reviewing the medical supplies management dashboard, therefore, medical superintendents need to update the medical supplies data of their hospitals at the dashboard.

He added that the ministry has discussed establishment of a better hospital logistics system with Myanmar Medical Association and hospital administration group.

Deputy Minister Dr Mya Lay Sein reported on distribution and storage of medicines and medical supplies, and the ordering of 200,000 sets of rapid antigen test kits for COVID-19.

Permanent Secretary Dr Thet Khaing Win detailed about referral pathway and treatment measures.

Director-General of Union Minister Office Dr Tha Tun Kyaw presented arrangements for accommodation of suspected COVID-19 patients in Yangon Region and regular virtual meetings of healthcare workers and medical professionals.

Director-General of Public Health and Medical Service Department Dr Soe Oo reported on fulfillment of requirement, human resources management, assigning of new nurses at the hospitals in Yangon, and coordinating efforts between central and region level officials and onground team members.

Rector of the University of Medicine (1) Professor Doctor Zaw Wai Soe presented the challenges and the matters of urgent need in quarantine centres, hospitals, COVID-19 treatment centres; and to use the wards in Yangon University of Nursing for the medical staff as they would risk to go back home after providing medical care to the COVID-19 patients.

The officials from relevant medical departments discussed the preparation of the wards in Yangon General Hospital to accommodate the COVID-19 patients, the lab testing conditions and the preparation of the guidance to use global health certification test kits, to designate a hospital for medical staff who are infected the COVID-19 disease, the discussion with Myanmar Medical Association to assign private general practitioners who want to involve in the treatment of COVID-19, the condition of providing medical care to those who are not COVID-19 patients and long term plans, the assignments to the management teams in quarantine centres, the conditions of the patient transfer from the quarantine centres , the condition of medical treatment and the sending lab tests from the Yangon General Hospital, the conditions in the North Okkalapa General Hospital and the assignment to the special nurses at the needed hospitals since the surgery cases are suspended.

The officials also gave suggestions at the meeting to set up the oxygen pipe line at the hospitals including the Yangon General Hospital which will be needed in the long run, to install beds at the extended special medical treatment centres and to assign the special nurses.

The hospital superintendents for Waibargi hospital, South Okkalapa hospital and COVID-19 treatment centre (Phaunggyi) presented the need to install portable X-ray system, portable ultrasound system and liquid oxygen.

The Union Minister decided to install portable X-ray system, portable ultrasound system and liquide oxygen pipe line immediately and urged all the officials from respective medical departments and hospital superintendents to continue the coordination meeting regularly; to present the necessary things from the meeting to the Ministry immediately and said that the Ministry also will fulfill the needs as fast as possible.

The Union Minister continued that the officials discuss to manage the suspected patients in the early morning every day through video conferencing; the Yangon COVID-19 committee discusses at 5 pm every day; at 10 pm every day, the officials discuss the management of the hospitals for COVID-19 patients and the central field team (3) is also trying to contain the spread of the virus.

The Union Minister concluded that it was very important to make decision in a timely manner in containing the COVID-19 disease; the fatal disease could be controlled soon by coordinating between the COVID-19 teams and deciding in a timely manner and to present only the policy issues and subsequent occurrences to the Central level.

MNA

PHOTO: MNA

(Translated by Kyaw Zin Tun, Ei Phyu Phyu Aung)

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THE Union Election Commission and Myanmar Press Council jointly organized an online ‘2020 General Election & News Media Role’ meeting yesterday morning, and UEC Chair U Hla Thein was present on the occasion. Myanmar Press Council Chairperson U Ohn Kyaing (Hantharwady - U Ohn Kyaing), the UEC members, the officials with the UEC office and the Myanmar Press Council, the officials with UNESCO, and 19 media personnel with 19 news media group among others attended the meeting.

The UEC Chair and Myanmar Press Council Chair delivered their opening remarks, respectively. Next, Union Election Commission Member U Myint Naing and the officials with Myanmar Press Council briefed on the matters pertaining to the 2020 General Election and the role of news media during the general elections.

Then, a question and answer session was held and UEC Member U Myint Naing answered the questions raised by the attending media personnel. This online meeting will reportedly be held until today (20 September 2020).

MNA

PHOTO: MNA

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THE Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement held a virtual meeting to provide cash assistance to the persons with disability and the shelters in 9 regions/states yesterday morning.

Deputy Minister U Soe Aung made a discussion at the meeting.

Cash assistance is being given under the COVID-19 Economic Relief Plan to the PWDs, internally displaced persons, the elderly persons of the age between 80 and 85, the pregnant woman who are not included in the Maternal and Child Cash Transfer.

Under the CERP, a total of 1,809.870 million kyats for the 60,329 PWDs, and 270.840 million kyats for 228 shelters.

Each of senior citizens and pregnant woman outside the MCCT plan have received 30,000 kyat.

The Deputy Minister also said that the civil service personnel need to work in providing cash assistance as it is aimed to support financial flow of the country.

Ministers from the region/ state governments, staff officers of region/state Social Welfare Department, members of PWD rights committee and responsible persons of the shelters.

The ministry has presented 17.505 million kyats to 21 shelters in Sagaing region and 17.250 million kyats to the 12 shelters in Taninthayi region on 10 September.

MNA

PHOTO : MNA

(Translated by Aung Khin)

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THE Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population, in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), organized the 17th National Tripartite Dialogue Forum (NTDF) through video conferencing which was taken part by the representatives of government, employers and employees yesterday afternoon.

Union Minister U Thein Swe and Deputy Minister U Myint Kyaing, ILO Liaison officer Mr Donglin Li and representatives from ILO Yangon office, representatives of employees and employers participated in the forum.

The forum aimed to work together to find ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 disease in factories and to ensure the safety of workers.

The Union Minister said that although the discussions were focused on a labour-intensive region of Yangon, it would apply to factories, workplaces and industrial zones across the country and it would be implemented based on the findings of the discussion.

The Union Minister continued that 16th NTDF held on 23 June implemented the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan (CERP) to overcome the COVID-19 crisis and the tripartite representatives agreed to cooperate in the New Normal practice that would result from COVID-19.

The ministry is implementing the four pillars of social work for the resolution—to revive the economic and employment sector based on the international labour standards in regard with the ILO’s COVID-19 crisis response, to provide support to the businesses and employments for their incomes and to protect workers in the workplace.

The Ministry of Health and Sports released a letter on 12 August to prohibit gathering of more than 30 people; the Yangon Region government, with the close supervision of its Ministry of Immigration and the Human Resources, led control measures of COVID-19 in collaboration with officials from General Administration Department, Factory and General Labour Laws Inspection Department and the Health Department as the spread of this disease occurred in Rakhine State in mid-August.

The Union Minster said that he met with the business people of garment sector at UMFCCI office on 29 August and discussed to cooperate in conducting the disease control measures as the infection rate is high again. He called on all to work together for the development of the garment industry while the government eased some restrictions to create better environment for domestic and foreign investors to make investment.

He also met the representatives of Trade Unions at Hlinethaya Industrial Zone on 30 August and said the Ministry makes concerted efforts for maintaining job opportunities at factories, industries, shops and other workplaces, occupational safety, development of workers’ skills, pleasant workplaces and to improve the foreign investment and discussed to find solutions for the economic impacts of COVID-19 at the factories and industries and to follow the health guidelines of the Ministry of Health and Sports without fail.

The meeting also discussed the measures to be taken to reduce the risks to workers and employers due to the spread of COVID-19 in factories and industries, law amendment of labour affairs for future, labour rights and matters related to the employers including cooperation works with international organizations.

The ministry will keep monitoring on undergoing quarantine and medical treatment of employees and also study the orders of employers, investment and the future prospects regarding the changes in the neighbouring and the world countries.

It emphasizes to the attitudes and problems of employers and employees and urges them to work together to overcome this situation as quickly as possible with their self-discipline.

Then, ILO Liaison Officer Mr Donglin Li, the representatives of the employers and employees respectively delivered greeting speech and discussed COVID-19 control measures among the employees and future functions for employers, employees and the government.

MNA

PHOTO : MNA

(Translated by Ei Phyu Phyu Aung and Khine Thazin Han)

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THE Republic of the Union of Myanmar and the Republic of Korea (ROK) organized 1st Joint General (Trade) Working Group Committee Meeting online via Zoom yesterday.

U Min Min, Director-General of Trade Department of Myanmar’s Ministry of Commerce, and Mr Chun Yoon-jong, Director-General of Trade and Economic Cooperation Bureau of ROK’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE), co-chaired the meeting.

During the meeting, they said they would closely cooperate in establishing a common trade goal this year, and in promoting agricultural trade.

Myanmar representatives discussed assistances from ROK and ongoing cooperation in promoting bilateral trade and investments on producing value-added rubbers and foods and garment sector and, and ROK representatives replied that they would consider for providing assistance in future.

They detailed about close cooperation on establishment of Myanmar-Korea Apparel Testing Research Institute (MKATRI) and successful implementation of Technology Advice and Solutions from Korea (TASK). ROK representatives affirmed providing assistance for development of rubber industry.

Director-General U Min Min highlighted MYANTRADE training and establishment of Korea Desk.

He also expressed thanks to ROK Government for providing assistance for strengthening the capacity of Myanmar Trade Promotion Organization (MYANTRADE) to promote bilateral trade between Myanmar and ROK and to send Myanmar products into international market. The meeting said the two nations would cooperate in launching Korea Desk which is a main road for bilateral economic cooperation to solve the economic difficulties of the two nations’ businesses operating in both sides and to help the businesses smoothly get into market.

Orders issued by the Ministry of Commerce were distributed to foreign investors who will do businesses in Myanmar so that they can get trade opportunities.

Despite the first such meeting between the two countries, it is successful and beneficial for both nations discussing smoothly growing of bilateral trade and cooperation.

The meeting was attended by Director-General of Myanmar Trade Promotion Organization (MYANTRADE), Deputy Directors-General of Trade Department and Consumer Affairs Department, departmental officials concerned from Nay Pyi Taw and Yangon, representatives of Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) and Myanmar Garment Manufacturers Association (MGMA), and representatives of ROK’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE).

MNA

PHOTO : MNA

(Translated by Kyaw Zin Tun)

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THE Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture and Lay Kyun Thu Foundation donated cash assistance for the medical staff taking care of the government officials who are under quarantine in Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory yesterday.

At the donation ceremony, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture (Department of Religious Affairs) donated K4 million, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture (Department of Culture) donated K4 million, Lay Kyun Thu Foundation donated K3 million, totally K11 million and responsible persons from the Ministry of Health and Sports received the donation.

—MNA

-Translated by Ei Phyu Phyu Aung

-PHOTO: MNA

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MYANMAR parliamentary delegates, led by Pyidaungsu Hluttaw and Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker U T Khun Myat, joined the second plenary session and closing ceremony of the 41st General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-41), which took place in Ha Noi of Viet Nam, via videoconferencing yesterday morning.

At the second plenary session commenced at 8:30 am, the reports of relevant committees were passed and the AIPA-41 joint communique was approved with the e-signatures of AIPA legislative leaders.

 At the closing ceremony of AIPA-41, the supreme legislature of Norway and the Parliament of Morocco were conferred a formal status of Observers of AIPA.

The President of the Lao National Assembly and the Vice-Chairwoman of the Viet Nam National Assembly were presented with awards for their excellent contributions to the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly.

The rotating Chairman of AIPA and the National Assembly of Viet Nam made an closing remark of the ceremony.

The chairmanship of AIPA42 was handed over to the Legislative Council of Brunei Darussalam, and its speaker delivered an address for the acceptance through video clip.

—MNA

-Translated by Aung Khin

-PHOTO: MNA

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THE Embassy of Canada donated N-95 masks worth of 489,934 Canadian dollar to the Ministry of Health and Sports yesterday in Yangon to mitigate and prevent the spread of the COVID-19 in Myanmar.

At the donation ceremony, Political and Trade Counsellor Ms Jennifer Hart from the Embassy of Canada in Yangon presented 70,000 masks to the Ministry of Health and Sports.

Director-General for Medical Research Department Prof Dr Zaw Than Tun received the donation with thanks and returned the certificate of honour.

Zaw Min Latt

PHOTO: MNA

(Translated by Ei Phyu Phyu Aung)

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THE Tatmadaw True News Information Team held a press conference at the Defence Services Museum in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday.

Brigadier-General Zaw Min Tun explained the Tatmadaw’s donation of medical supplies and food during the COVID-19 pandemic, measures to conduct COVID-19 prevention, control and treatment activities effectively, suspension of military activities from 1 to 30 September, except in the areas of groups declared by the government as terrorist groups, armed clashes in ceasefire areas from 1 January to 1 September, seizures of K761billion worth of drugs including over 229.6 million stimulant tablets, 8,352kg of ICE during this period, competition of Tatmadaw’s tank team in International Army Games-2020 held in Russia and the first part of Bumi Phassa Mudra Sitting Buddha Image to be convoyed to Nay Pyi Taw.

He also replied to the questions of media, according to the report of Tatmadaw True News Information Team.

MNA

PHOTO: MNA

(Translated by Khine Thazin Han)

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