China underpins commitment with raft of economic, trade agreements: A VISIT to Myanmar last week by a Chinese Vice Premier, Madam Wu Yi, resulted in a further strengthening of economic and trade ties, with Beijing agreeing to provide a new preferential loan and extra funding for a range of infrastructure and agriculture projects.A total of 21 agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed by the two sides last Wednesday, the second day of four-day visit by Madam Wu, who was accompanied by a 40-member business delegation.The agreements were signed following talks between Madam Wu and the Prime Minister, General Khin Nyunt... Thinking Aloud talks to U Thein Oo, the president of the Myanmar Computer Federation... Myanmar creates world?s largest tiger reserve: MYANMAR has created the world?s largest tiger reserve under a decision earlier this month involving 21,890 square kilometers in the Hukuang Valley in the far north of Kachin State... Myanmar needs positive, constructive assistance, says Chinese vice premier: CHINESE Vice-Premier Madam Wu Yi called last week for the international community to extend assistance to Myanmar in a ?positive and constructive manner.?... Government liberalises trade in three key industrial crops: The decision, which took effect late last month, was announced by a senior member of the State Peace and Development Council, General Thura Shwe Mann, at a meeting with government officials and entrepreneurs at Myeik on March 17... The lyrics behind the music; The cycle of your weight; Rubies, sapphires are a city?s best friends; Diversity from Dagon artists; Summer sport coaching classes attract thousands of students: THE 28 sport federations under the Ministry of Sport launched their annual summer school holiday coaching program throughout the country on March 15.The program, which is being offered at basic high schools and sports fields, will run until April 9... INSIDE THIS WEEK - WORLD OF ELECTRONICS 2004 Workshop drafts plan for cutting road toll: MYANMAR has drafted a national road safety plan as part of a project aimed at reducing the traffic accident rate in members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, an official with the Road Transport Administration Department, under the Ministry of Rail Transportation, said last week... Better facilities seen as essential to reap the potential of golf tourism: ?There is a market for Myanmar golf tourism. Our neighbouring country, Thailand, attracts about 300,000 golf tourists a year who can easily fly to Myanmar if we provide them with similar facilities,? said U Chan Han, the Small businesses call for more financial support: In the financial year 2003-2004, small and medium sized enterprises accounted for 95.1 per cent of Myanmar?s total industry, but many are having difficulties borrowing, potentially harming industrial development, industry sources said in March... New high-rise in Kyeemyindaing: CONSTRUCTION work has begun on the 17-storey Pan Hlaing Tower project on the corner of Lower Kyeemyindaing Road and Pan Hlaing Road in Kyeemyindaing Township, the developing company responsible for the project said last week... Myanmar parquet resists competition from abroad: THE parquet floor industry in Myanmar has maintained a stable share of the domestic market, despite a depressed property sector and competition from abroad, industry sources said in March.