"Burma?s mineral industry in 1967 showed but little growth despite potentially significant resources of some commodities and government plans for development of the industry. Recent statistics on production, trade, and reserves of mineral commodities have been sketchy. However, there was an increase in output of crude oil, one of the more important mineral activities although it fell short of the planned target, and imports of crude oil as well as some products were necessary to meet domestic demand. The Bawdwin lead-silver-zinc enterprise was undergoing mine and plant modifications during 1966— 67 with a view towards increasing production and improving operations; meanwhile, output was at reduced levels. As a result of neglect of mining properties, tin and tungsten production continued to decline. Overall mineral output in 1967 contributed about 1.5 percent to Burma?s Gross National Product (GNP), compared with about 33 percent for agriculture. During fiscal 1966—67, the country?s GNP was estimated at $1,700 million.2 Tax returns from minerals have been small; for minerals, the annual sum has been consistently less than $1 million in recent years. Approximately 52,000 workers out of a labor force of 10 million and a population of 25.8 million were reportedly engaged in mining during 1967. Burma has little power to support mineral industry activities; installed capacity at yearend 1966 reportedly was only 191,000 kilowatts. Under the new 4-year national economic plan for 1966—67 to 1969—70, special attention was to be given to mineral developments, such efforts to be financed entirely from domestic sources. The outlook appeared uncertain, however, for any significant achievement in view of recent performance. The fiscal 1966—67 budget for national mineral development showed increased outlays by the Government: Expenditures planned for the People?s Oil Industry were estimated at $16.85 million in 1966-67 compared with $9.56 million in 1965—66; for People?s Bawdwin Industry Mines $2.48 million in 1966—67 compared with $270,000 in 1965—66; and for Mineral Development Corporation (MDC) $2.3 million compared with $1.18 million in 1965—66. A large proportion of Burma?s business sector is nationalized and only a little private foreign capital has been flowing into the country for industrial development. Nevertheless, the Government has shown a desire for foreign assistance, preferably multilateral aid under the Colombo Plan and/or from international organizations such as the United Nations, rather than bilateral aid. Total loans arranged for fiscal 1967—68 were reported at $11.6 million, compared with $6.66 million in 1966— 67; while grants were $1.85 million for 1967—68 compared with $1.88 million in 1966—67. In 1967—68, the principal loans were expected to come from mainland China, East Germany, West Germany, and United States, and grants, from international organizations and the United States. The Ministry of Mines formed a Geology, Petroleum, and Mining Advisory Council to last 2 years beginning January 2, 1967. Made up of the leading minerals men in Burma and headed by the Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, its primary functions are to advise the Minister of Mines on technical matters, submit long-and short-term plans for prospecting and extraction of oil, minerals and other resources, in accordance with available manpower, capital, and equipment..."