Igneous coal factory opened in Kalaw Township

Yangon, 2 Nov - The opening ceremony of igneous coal factory of Shan Yoma Dragon Co Ltd was held at the factory near Nan Oun Village on Taunggyi-Pinlaung Road in Kalaw Township on 1 November, attended by member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Aung Htwe of the Ministry of Defence.

Commander Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint, national race leader U Aung Kham Hti, Chairman of Kanbawza Bank Ltd U Aung Ko Win and Managing Director of Eden Group Co Ltd U Chit Khaing formally unveiled the signboard of the factory. Factory in-charge U Aung Naing Soe reported on establishment of the factory. Next, metallurgist U Than Hsin Myint reported on production process of the factory.

Commander Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint delivered a speech. He said at a time when the entire nation is making efforts for emergence of a modern developed nation and for development of industrial sector the factory will produce igneous coal, an import substitute industrial raw material. It is an auspicious day both for the country and Shan State and it is also a day on which success comes to Shan Yoma Dragon Co Ltd.

According to the experiment, raw material that can produce igneous coal used in iron smelting plant are found only in some regions in Shan State (South). The Head of State gave guidance on exploitation of natural resources for national development. In accord with the guidance, he was glad to fulfil the requirement of the State, the commander said.

Establishment of the factories and workshops creates job opportunities for local people, brings about development in education, health and transport sectors and increases income of individuals, he said. In accord with economic objective of the initiative to shape the national economy must be kept in the hands of the State and the national people, Shan Yoma Dragon Co Ltd was formed with entrepreneurs representing the Shan State (South) for the interest of the regions.

The company will supply coal to Tikyit electric power station to be opened in 2003. In efforts to become a developed nation with greater momentum, development of industrial sector is a important requirement. In industrial sector, a large amount of raw materials are being imported. Substitution of home-made raw materials can save foreign exchange, promote national economic life and living standard, create job opportunities and produce high quality new items based on modern technology. He called on officials and local people to work hard for regional and national development. Next, the commander presented gifts to Lt-Gen Aung Htwe, national race leader U Aung Kham Hti and Chairman of Kanbawza Bank Ltd U Aung Ko Win.

U Aung Ko Win presented commemorative pennants to the commander, Managing Director of Jade Dragon Co Ltd U Nay Win Tun, Managing Director U Chit Khaing and Chairman of Kalaw Township Peace and Development Council U Myint Wai. Lt-Gen Aung Htwe formally pressed a button to start operation of the factory. Lt-Gen Aung Htwe, the commander and guests inspected the factory.

The 15-acre factory is located near Nan On Village in Kalaw Township and it manufactures 240 tons of finished products which will be sold to private entrepreneurs. With the establishment of import substitute factories, the country saves foreign exchange and promotes industrial sector and the people can also enjoy job opportunities.