Roundup: Myanmar, Thailand coordinate to push for speedy SEZ development

Myanmar and Thailand have further coordinated on pushing for speedy development of the delayed Thai- invested Dawei Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in southern part of the country's Tanintharyi region.

Co-chaired by Myanmar Vice President U Nyan Tun and Thai Deputy Prime Minister Pridiyathorn Devakula, the third meeting of Myanmar-Thailand Joint High Level Committee on comprehensive development of the Dawei SEZ was held over the last three days in Bangkok.

The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to the development of the Dawei SEZ, which is a 196 square-kilometer strategic development project.

As part of the meeting, an official trilateral meeting with Japan also took place, in which Japan offered support to the project.

The initial phase of construction, which will start during this year, will consist of industrial estate of up to 27 square- kilometers, a two-lane road between Dawei SEZ and Thailand, LNG terminal, telecom landline, power plant, small port and water reservoir, according to a press lease.

Exclusive negotiations are underway with a Thai consortium regarding the concession agreements on the initial phase development.

Meanwhile, a long-term master plan for Dawei SEZ is being developed with the support of Neighboring Counties Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA) from Thailand. The plan includes such infrastructure as a deep seaport and the high way connecting the SEZ with Thailand.

The road will not only promote regional connectivity by completing the Southern Economic Corridor on the Myanmar side but also enhance international investors' confidence in the project.

Myanmar and Thailand have been seeking resumption of the construction of the Dawei SEZ project. Although the project started in November 2010 in accordance with the framework agreement between the Myanmar Port Authority and the Italian-Thai Development Company, it has been long delayed.

Meanwhile, Myanmar revised its plan of developing the Dawei SEZ in December 2013, inviting international companies to bid for the project following the pull-out of the Italian-Thai company, which had failed to keep on with the project work.

The Dawei SEZ Management Committee revealed that former agreement with the Italian-Thai Company on the project has terminated to make way for carrying out due diligence assessment of the company by international consulting firms and inviting prospective international investors and developers to tender for the project competitively and transparently. Endi