Burma's economic relations with Japan
Individual Documents
Description:
"On January 18, 2022, we sent a letter to 125 major institutional investors holding shares in four Japanese companies that continue to finance four problematic projects in Myanmar. The four Japanese companies are ENEOS Corporation, Sumitomo Corporation, Marubeni Corporation, and Mitsubishi Corporation. Because the four projects may be financially linked to the Myanmar military, the letter asked the investors to engage with the four companies to ensure that the companies do not provide any revenue to the Myanmar military, which would finance its international crimes and grave violations of human rights, including murder, persecution, arbitrary detention, sexual violence, forced disappearance, and torture.
Following this letter, to date we have received substantive responses from 13 investors, three of which stated that they engaged with one or more of the four companies after receiving our letter. Further, two other investors stated that they were already engaging with companies that were not included in our letter but regarding Myanmar.
Some European investors actively asked for further information and our view in order to engage with the companies. On the other hand, Japanese investors, with one exception, sent us feedback that did not correspond to our request, such as an explanation of the investor’s human rights policy. They also did not disclose details about their engagement with the companies, including whether they were engaging at all.
The four companies are involved in four projects in Myanmar: Thilawa Special Economic Zone (SEZ) development, Yetagun gas project, Landmark Project (Yoma Central Project), and Thilawa Area Port Terminal Operation Project.
Regarding the Yetagun gas project, Mitsubishi Corporation and ENEOS indicated through media reports after we sent our letter to investors that they are planning to withdraw from the project. However, we will continue to demand that the two companies take every measure to disengage from the project in a way that ensures that funds will not flow to the Myanmar military, and that they take responsibility for the decommissioning of the gas field, which is expected to be depleted in the near future.
The Thilawa SEZ Management Committee has a 10% stake in the Thilawa SEZ Development Project, and there is a possibility that a part of the dividend payments may flow to the Myanmar military. After the attempted coup, the military arrested and detained the chairperson of the Thilawa SEZ Management Committee and appointed a new chairperson. There are concerns that military involvement in the entire project may increase. The Japanese government has explained that the dividend payments are not being made for now and that the funds are being reinvested in the project, but it is unclear how long this measure can be taken.
The land for the Landmark Project (Yoma Central Project) is subleased from the state-run Myanma Railways. Although construction has been suspended, the military is in effective control of the Ministry of Rail Transportation which controls Myanma Railways, and there are concerns whether it is possible to ensure that the land lease payments do not flow to the Myanmar military.
Regarding the Thilawa Area Port Terminal Operation Project, because the military effectively controls relevant government ministries, it is not possible to reliably prevent payments under the concession contract with the Myanma Port Authority (MPA), such as usage fees, from flowing to the military.
In Myanmar, violence and human rights violations by the Myanmar military show no sign of stopping, and the number of victims of the military’s campaign of terror is increasing by the day. We call on investors to further engage with the four Japanese companies, and if the investee companies do not take steps to prevent the flow of revenue to the Myanmar military, to consider divestment..."
Source/publisher:
Justice For Myanmar
Date of publication:
2022-04-20
Date of entry/update:
2022-04-20
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Other Special Economic Zones, Burma's economic relations with Japan, Business and the Military, The Burmese military's role in the economy
Language:
Format :
pdf pdf
Size:
98.51 KB 128.42 KB
more
Sub-title:
Commercial Dealings with Abusive Military Undermines Rights
Description:
" Japanese business entities should stop their participation in a commercial real estate project involving Myanmar’s abusive military, Human Rights Now, Human Rights Watch, Japan International Volunteer Center, Justice For Myanmar, and Mekong Watch said today. The proposed Y-Complex in Yangon is being constructed on land leased from the country’s armed forces, the Tatmadaw, whose long record of abuses has worsened since the February 1, 2021, military coup.
One participating company, Tokyo Tatemono, stated that they have suspended operation of the Y-Complex project since the coup. However, project participants, including publicly-funded Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Corporation for Transport and Urban Development (JOIN), Fujita Corporation, and Tokyo Tatemono, have not publicly disclosed the duration of the suspension or the conditions for resuming operations.
“The Japanese government and businesses failed to appropriately assess the risk associated with doing business in Myanmar,” said Ryutaro Ogawa, Vice Secretary General at Human Rights Now. “They should admit their own shortcomings and act responsibly, otherwise, they will risk financing the military.”
The Y-Complex, which includes a shopping mall, hotel, and office rental space, is being built on “military-owned Military Museum land” leased by Myanmar’s Quartermaster General’s office, according to a copy of the “Build, Operate, Transfer (B.O.T) Land Lease Agreement” dated October 15, 2013. The agreement states that upon termination or expiry of the B.O.T agreement, the land, including buildings and fixtures, developed on the land should be transferred to the “lessor.” Therefore, companies involved in Y-Complex risk creating immoveable long-term assets for the military, which can continue to yield income after the agreement is terminated. On June 22, 2020, a Myanmar military spokesperson confirmed that the military owns the land, and the Ministry of Defense receives rental payments for the Y-Complex development.
On March 5, 2021, in response to an inquiry by Mekong Watch, JBIC said that Myanmar’s Defense Ministry received all payments for the land rent. JBIC also asserted that the rental payments are ultimately included in the government’s national budget, under the National Budget Law, but did not disclose the basis for this claim. JBIC said it was coordinating with the involved business entities as well as the Japanese embassy in Myanmar to confirm such details with the Myanmar government after outside “stakeholders” raised concerns; but it has yet to publicly do so.
“Even before the coup, we were raising concerns to the Japanese government and businesses about the dangers of money flowing into the military, but they did not take necessary measures,” said Yuka Kiguchi, Executive Director of Mekong Watch. “We strongly condemn the fact that Japan’s public funds likely ended up in the hands of the Tatmadaw.”
Under Myanmar’s 2008 Constitution, adopted during military rule, Myanmar’s Defense Ministry falls under the military, and the military is independent of the democratically elected government. Under article 20(b) of the Constitution, “The Defence Services has the right to independently administer and adjudicate all affairs of the armed forces.” Under article 232(b)(ii), the defense minister is nominated by the military commander-in-chief from the ranks of the military. Other laws further prevent any scrutiny or accountability of the Y-Complex lease payments. For example, according to section 39 of the Union Auditor General Law, the Defense Ministry is exempt from audit, so the land lease payments to the Defense Ministry are not subject to government scrutiny.
Abuses by the military, which has been long implicated in crimes against humanity in Rakhine State and other grave international crimes in ethnic areas throughout Myanmar, have intensified since the coup. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) reported that as of July 12, 2021, the security forces have killed more than 900 people, and the authorities have arrested, charged, or sentenced more than 5,200. The military has also intensified operations in ethnic minority areas, with indiscriminate airstrikes and ground attacks that have hit schools, villages, places of worship, and other civilian structures.
“Japanese companies and the government knew that they were dealing with a military responsible for countless atrocities over many years, not a civilian-controlled defense ministry,” said Teppei Kasai, Asia program officer at Human Rights Watch. “The Japanese government and companies should make it clear that they do not intend to resume commercial projects with the Tatmadaw.”
In a joint submission to the United Nations Working Group on Human Rights and Transnational Corporations and Other Business Enterprises on February 17, 2021, the five groups requested an investigation into whether the Y-Complex project is financing Myanmar’s military. At the time of the joint submission, none of the Japanese businesses involved in the Y-Complex project had conducted effective human rights due diligence as called for by the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
“It is deplorable that the companies involved in the Y-Complex have not clarified the status of the project following Myanmar’s attempted coup and the military’s widening campaign of terror,” said Yadanar Maung, spokesperson at Justice For Myanmar. “There is no justification for leasing land from the office of the quartermaster general, the very office that purchases weapons that the military uses to commit war crimes and crimes against humanity. The Japanese government and businesses must end their complicity in the Myanmar military’s atrocities.”
The UN Guiding Principles state that, “States should take additional steps to protect against human rights abuses by business enterprises that are owned or controlled by the State, or that receive substantial support and services from State agencies.” On May 12, 2021, the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights and the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar called on businesses to “uphold their human rights responsibilities and put pressure on the military junta to halt grave human rights violations;” while adding that companies should act in line with the Guiding Principles to “avoid contributing to human rights violations, or becoming complicit in crimes if they continue to operate in Myanmar.”
On October 16, 2020, the Japanese government announced a five-year National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, stating that it “wishes to contribute to promoting and protecting both the human rights of people who would be adversely affected by the activities of business enterprises and human rights for society as a whole, including the international community.”
“The Japanese government and businesses should get serious about human rights and follow the commitments laid out in the National Action Plan as well as their corporate policies in a responsible and proactive manner,” said Naoko Watanabe, Manager for Overseas Program Group at Japan International Volunteer Center. “If they don’t, they not only risk funding the Myanmar military but further damaging their reputations.”..."
Source/publisher:
Human Rights Watch (USA)
Date of publication:
2021-07-15
Date of entry/update:
2021-07-15
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Business and the Military, Human Rights and international relations, Burma's economic relations with Japan, 2021 Burma/Myanmar coup d'état
Language:
more
Topic:
Business
Sub-title:
Japanese Beverage Giant Should Release Investigation Report
Topic:
Business
Description:
"Japan-based Kirin Holdings Company, Ltd. should publish its investigation report on the military-owned Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd. (MEHL) and swiftly cut ties with the company, Human Rights Watch said today. Kirin announced the conclusion of an investigation by Deloitte Tohmatsu Financial Advisory LLC on January 7, 2021, but declined to publish the report for confidentiality reasons.
“Kirin should regain some trust of consumers, investors, and rights groups by releasing the details of its investigation into the operations of its Myanmar military business partner,” said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “Kirin’s business association with MEHL raises serious human rights concerns that need urgent action, not further obfuscation behind an investigation whose results are kept secret.”
In its January 7 statement, Kirin said the investigation by Deloitte was “inconclusive as a result of Deloitte being unable to access sufficient information required to make a definitive determination.” Kirin said the investigation aimed to determine the “destination of proceeds received by” MEHL from Myanmar Brewery Ltd. (MBL) and Mandalay Brewery Ltd. (MDL), and that it would provide a “further update” on its business activities in Myanmar by the end of April.
Kirin owns a majority stake in Myanmar Brewery Ltd. and Mandalay Brewery Ltd. in partnership with the military-owned-and-operated MEHL. In 2015, Kirin bought 55 percent of Myanmar Brewery Ltd., 4 percent of which it later transferred to the military-owned firm. In 2017, Kirin acquired 51 percent of Mandalay Brewery Ltd. in a separate joint venture with the firm.
Myanmar’s armed forces, the Tatmadaw, have been responsible over many years for numerous grave violations of human rights and war crimes against the country’s ethnic minority populations. These abuses culminated in the August 2017 campaign of ethnic cleansing against the ethnic Rohingya population in Rakhine State, including killings, sexual violence, and forced removal. Human Rights Watch found that Myanmar’s security forces committed crimes against humanity and genocidal acts in those 2017 operations against the Rohingya..."
Source/publisher:
"Human Rights Watch" (USA)
Date of publication:
2021-01-08
Date of entry/update:
2021-01-09
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Human Rights Watch Reports on Burma/Myanmar, Burma's economic relations with Japan, Discrimination against the Rohingya, Economic activities of the Myanmar Military, Japan-Burma relations, Arakan (Rakhine) State - reports etc. by date (latest first)
Language:
more
Description:
"Myanmar will implement a Special Economic Zone project in Mon State and West Yangon Industrial Park project, said Union Minister for Investment and Foreign Economic Relations Thaung Tun during a Myanmar-Japan Investment Dialogue held via video conference on July 29.
The special economic zone in Mon State, the largest in Myanmar, will connect both the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and the Thilawa SEZ to Da Nang in Vietnam via the Greater Mekong Sub-Region East-West Economic Corridor, he said, according to the Facebook page of the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Economic Relations.
Regarding the location of the new SEZ, Deputy Minister Set Aung explained how the new SEZ will be located in an area that can be easily connected to the Greater Mekong Sub-Region East-West Economic Corridor, in an area that would permit the construction of a deep-sea port and that could be easily connected to the Thilawa SEZ through the local transport networks.
The new SEZ and Thilawa SEZ could be connected as a single SEZ, he added.
To assist with location selection, an international advisory firm will also help prepare a feasibility study and master plan in a transparent manner.
State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi in her keynote address via a video clip highlighted the role of Japanese investment in enabling the creation of thousands of well-paid quality jobs, and that quality job creation would remain at the heart of the Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan..."
Source/publisher:
Eleven Media Group (Myanmar)
Date of publication:
2020-07-31
Date of entry/update:
2020-07-31
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Language:
more
Topic:
East-West Economic Corridor, Electricity, Infrastructure, Japan, Japanese Embassy, loan agreements, ODA, Official Development Assistance, Power, rural development, sewerage, Southern Economic Corridor, Traffic, Urban Development, wastewater treatment, Water
Topic:
East-West Economic Corridor, Electricity, Infrastructure, Japan, Japanese Embassy, loan agreements, ODA, Official Development Assistance, Power, rural development, sewerage, Southern Economic Corridor, Traffic, Urban Development, wastewater treatment, Water
Description:
"Myanmar and Japan have signed four loan agreements worth about US$1.1 billion (120.915 billion yen, or 1.61 trillion kyats) to fund sewerage, urban development, power distribution and infrastructure improvement projects in seven regions and states in Myanmar.
The four Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan agreements were signed on Tuesday between Japanese Ambassador Maruyama Ichiro and U Maung Maung Win, Myanmar’s deputy minister for planning, finance and industry, with the aim of improving living standards and economic and social development in Myanmar, the Japanese Embassy in Yangon said in a statement.
About 45.9 billion yen will go towards developing Yangon’s sewerage system. The funds will be used to renovate and expand wastewater treatment plants, lay sewer pipes and improve living standards in the central business district of Yangon.
Currently, much of Yangon’s human waste and domestic and industrial wastewater flows into the Yangon River untreated, resulting in poor water quality..."
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy" (Thailand)
Date of publication:
2020-01-22
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-23
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Burma's economic relations with Japan, Foreign Debt, Japan-Burma relations, Rural development in Burma/Myanmar, Urban development
Language:
more
Sub-title:
Japan announced yesterday that it is providing loans totalling ¥120.9 billion (US$1.1 billion) to Myanmar for four infrastructure projects.
Description:
"Japanese Ambassador to Myanmar Ichiro Maruyama and Myanmar’s Deputy Minister for Planning, Finance and Industry U Maung Maung Win signed agreements for the loans in Nay Pyi Taw on Tuesday. The projects that the loans will be used for are the Yangon sewerage system development, urban development for the reduction of traffic congestion and the damage caused by flooding in Yangon, power distribution improvement in Yangon and Mandalay, and regional infrastructure improvement in Chin, Rakhine, Mon, Kayin, and Tanintharyi.
The ¥45.9 billion sewerage system development project in Yangon will provide funds to renovate and expand waste water treatment plants, to construct sewer pipes and to improve the living environment of local residents in the central business district of Yangon, where about 10 percent of Myanmar›s population reside. Currently, most of human waste, domestic wastewater and wastewater from businesses flows into rivers untreated, causing water quality deterioration.
By implementing this project, the capacity to treat wastewater will be increased up to about seven times by 2030 (two years after project completion), and the amount of wastewater treatment is expected to be about 130 times the current amount.
Estimated to cost ¥24 billion, the project to reduce of traffic congestion and the damage caused by floods in Yangon will involve work to improve drainage, take measures against traffic congestion at level crossings on main roads and upgrading of the Yangon Circular Railway Road..."
Source/publisher:
"Myanmar Times" (Myanmar)
Date of publication:
2020-01-22
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-22
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Language:
more
Description:
"The establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in December 2015 was a notable milestone in the economic integration of Southeast Asia. However, despite the AEC’s ambitious vision, the on-the-ground reality of Southeast Asian regionalism continues to raise some concerns. One such concern is the vast income gap among the ASEAN member states, which might become an obstacle to developing a true sense of regional solidarity and unity. Per capita income in the region’s richest country, Singapore, is over six times higher than in the poorest, Myanmar. ASEAN member states regard the vast income gap as a ‘matter of urgency’. To enable equitable development, the AEC requires that older ASEAN member assist newer members (known as the CLMV countries: Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam) in their efforts to enhance their economic capacity. Since 2000, when ASEAN leaders adopted the Initiative for ASEAN integration, the older six member have been supporting CLMV countries in five key areas: food and agriculture, international trade, small and medium-sized enterprises, education, and health and wellbeing.
According to a recent study, the CLMV countries are divided by a two-layer economic structure: Cambodia and Vietnam have been successful in bringing down the income gap with their older and richer ASEAN peers while Laos and Myanmar have lagged behind..."
Source/publisher:
"East Asia Forum" (Australia)
Date of publication:
2019-03-16
Date of entry/update:
2019-11-23
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
ASEAN-Burma relations, Japan-Burma relations, Burma's economic relations with ASEAN, Burma's economic relations with Japan
Language:
Format :
pdf
Size:
41.51 KB
more
Sub-title:
China’s endeavor to strengthen its influence in Myanmar’s northernmost state of Kachin has caused spreading discord in the region.
Description:
"Myanmar’s dependence on China is easy to see. Brightly colored Chinese company signs and billboards are prominent, Chinese-looking businessmen stroll along the streets of Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city, and Chinese tourists seem to be everywhere. While I was visiting, a Chinese crew happened to be filming in Yangon, disrupting traffic and causing general confusion. Native residents looked resigned, their expressions appearing to say that there was nothing they could do.
Where Chinese influence is most pervasive, however, is not in the city but in a region populated by ethnic minorities far from Yangon. I went to see for myself, traveling by plane from Yangon via Mandalay to make my way to Myitkyina in Myanmar’s northernmost state of Kachin which shares a long border with China’s Yunnan Province. There, I found China’s local activities a disturbing reality for the people who live there..."
Source/publisher:
nippon.com (Japan)
Date of publication:
2019-07-29
Date of entry/update:
2019-11-22
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Burma's economic relations with China, Burma's economic relations with Japan, China-Burma relations, Japan-Burma relations
Language:
more
Sub-title:
While Western investors have shied away due to human rights violations related to the northern Rakhine crisis, Chinese and Japanese investors showed visible interest in the state at the Rakhine Investment Fair on February 22.
Description:
"State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who attended the fair, said economic development could be the answer to much of Rakhine State’s woes, where communal conflict in recent years has turned away investors and damaged growth.
With a political solution difficult to achieve under the circumstances, the government believes that developing the state’s economy may be one way of lessening the conflict between communities and eventually ending it.
Rakhine Chief Minister U Nyi Pu said at the fair that economic development supported by local and foreign investors was “the best solution for sustainable peace and development in the state”.
More than 700,000 Muslims fled northern Rakhine to Bangladesh since late 2017 after a crackdown by the military, which followed attacks by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army. Almost all of those who fled are still living in border refugee camps.
In light of the alleged atrocities in the region, the UN-mandated Fact-finding Mission on Myanmar (UNFFM) recommended that companies ensure their operations are compliant with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) when conducting business in Rakhine..."
Source/publisher:
"Myanmar Times"
Date of publication:
2019-03-03
Date of entry/update:
2019-11-22
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Chinese investment, Japanese investment, Burma's economic relations with Japan, Burma's economic relations with China, China-Burma relations, Japan-Burma relations
Language:
more
Description:
"Japan is keen on businesses for the development of the whole Taninthayi Region including Dawei Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and are now carrying out research into the project, says Aung Htoo, Deputy Minister of Commerce.
Despite plans that have been in development regarding the implementation of Dawei SEZ over a decade ago, it was delayed.
Among the extant SEZs in Myanmar, Thilawa SEZ see the most development and is being implemented together with the Japanese government.
“Dawei SEZ was implemented over 10 years ago by joining hands with the Italian-Thailand Company. But, it was long-delayed project and the company’s budget is weak. On the other hand, we need to fulfill basic requirements for success in implementing the project. There have been many facts. For example, we are going to rent the land plot and provide secure transportation access. Moreover, we are going to approve the environmental conservation, EIA and SIA reports,” said Aung Htoo.
Delays were reportedly due to the infrastructural weaknesses, particularly with the roads and electricity supply.
“Both governments recognized that there have been challenges to the implementation of Dawei SEZ. For Dawei SEZ, such as the Ministry of Electricity by their electricity distribution. Moreover, both sides are going to review their policy concerning the Special Purpose Vehicle-SPV,” said Assistance Secretary Khin Maung Lwin of the Ministry of Commerce..."
Source/publisher:
"Eleven Media Group" (Myanmar)
Date of publication:
2019-11-06
Date of entry/update:
2019-11-08
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Other Special Economic Zones, Dawei (Tavoy) Special Economic Zone, Burma's economic relations with Japan, Japan-Burma relations
Language:
more
Description:
"The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a grant agreement worth of 444 million Japanese yen to spend on implementing the project for provisions of agriculture and construction equipment in the rural areas in Myanmar, according to JICA Myanmar Office.
The grant agreement signing ceremony between The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) took place at the office of the ministry in Nay Pyi Taw on November 4.
Also present on the singing ceremony were Deputy Minister Hla Kyaw of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation, Permanent Secretary Kyaw Min, Director-General Kyaw Swe Lin of Planning Department, Director-General Soe Hlaing of Mechanized Farming Department, Director-General Khin Thet of Rural Road Department of the Ministry of Construction, and CEO Mr. Masayuki KARASAWA of the JICA.
The grant agreement was signed with the financial aid by Japanese government. This financial aid is intended to local people from Ayeyawady Region and Chin State, said an official of JICA Myanmar Office..."
Source/publisher:
"Eleven Media Group" (Myanmar)
Date of publication:
2019-11-07
Date of entry/update:
2019-11-08
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Language:
more
Description:
"Japan is playing a central role in assisting Myanmar’s ongoing financial reforms and attempts to achieve industrialisation. Japan is interested in Myanmar from both an industrial and a financial perspective, while Burmese officials see Japan as a natural partner for financial cooperation. Japan’s public–private assistance for financial development in Myanmar emerged in a Financial Services Agency (FSA) working group specialising in ‘international expansion’ in 2012. The working group proposed a collection of policy suggestions such as offering technical assistance for financial development and support for financial deregulation in Asia to promote the internationalisation of business activities by Japanese firms and financial institutions.
Reflecting on these policy suggestions, the Japanese cabinet approved Japan’s Revitalization Strategy in 2013, where it articulated that ‘by taking in the growth of Asia, the government will vitalise stock markets and improve asset management markets to build a No. 1 financial/capital market in Asia’. In 2014, the revised growth strategy further pledged that ‘the government will also support Japanese firms’ and financial institutions’ activities in Asia’.
In recent years, Southeast Asia has become a key foreign direct investment (FDI) destination for Japanese firms, partly because of rising labour costs in China. Since 2013, the ASEAN–4 nations — Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand — have attracted more FDI from Japan than China.
Japanese financial institutions, particularly banks, are also shifting their weight towards Southeast Asia. Japanese bank claims on Asia have grown 105 per cent since the end of 2008, as Japanese banks expand their client base from Japanese firms to local entities and even individual customers overseas. The IMF predicts that this expansionary trend is likely to continue over the medium term.
There is new empirical evidence that banking FDI precedes and promotes manufacturing FDI. Indeed, coupled with the overseas re-expansion of Japanese banks, Japanese companies are eager to hold stakes in local companies or even proceed with mergers and acquisitions. This will enable them to enhance their market shares in Southeast Asian economies..."
Source/publisher:
"East Asia Forum" (Australia)
Date of publication:
2019-06-21
Date of entry/update:
2019-11-07
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Burma's economic relations with Japan, Other Special Economic Zones, Japan-Burma relations, Japan-Burma relations
Language:
Format :
pdf
Size:
39.12 KB (4 pages)
more
Description:
"Tens of thousands of Japanese companies operate in ASEAN and their number is increasing year by year.Japan is establishing chambers of commerce in many areas and many companies are participating in their activities. These chambers of commerce are members of the Federation of Japanese Chambers of Commerce and Industry in ASEAN (FJCCIA), a group consisting of 10 Japanese chambers of commerce in nine ASEAN countries, excluding Brunei. Their objective is to improve the business environment for Japanese companies in the ASEAN region.
Since 2008, FJCCIA has held a dialogue with the Secretary-General of ASEAN every year. This gives Japanese companies in ASEAN and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) the opportunity to make proposals for improving the business environment to ASEAN. There has been success, for example, in improving the operation of certificates of origin, which are necessary to give preferential treatment to mutual goods in the ASEAN region’s trade.
Why is that important? Bilateral or multilateral free trade agreements (FTAs) can be signed to reduce tariffs and eliminate non-tariff barriers to increase free trade and investment. In the case of trade under FTAs, the importer submits a Preferential Certificate of Origin to customs when importing. The format of the certificate of origin is different according to each FTA and the importer must follow each agreement.
Normally, the most favoured nation (MFN) tariff rate is applied — a lower rate than the General Tariff Rate, Temporary Tariff Rate or Tariff Rate of the World Trade Organization. But among FTA countries, goods can be imported at an even lower preferential tariff than the MFN tax rate..."
Source/publisher:
"East Asia Forum" (Australia)
Date of publication:
2019-10-19
Date of entry/update:
2019-11-07
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
ASEAN-Burma relations, Burma's economic relations with Japan, Burma's economic relations with ASEAN, Burma/Myanmar's relationship with the Global Economy
Language:
Format :
pdf
Size:
37.97 KB (3 pages)
more
Sub-title:
Carmaker chases Suzuki, Ford and Hyundai in Southeast Asia's final frontier
Description:
" Toyota Motor began work Friday on an auto assembly plant in Myanmar, becoming the sixth automaker to venture into production in a country seen as the last untapped growth market in Southeast Asia.
The $52.6 million plant in the Thilawa Special Economic Zone outside Yangon will produce Hilux pickup trucks. It is slated to go online in February 2021.
"Through local production, we'll supply high-quality vehicles in a timely manner," said Susumu Matsuda, deputy head of Toyota's China and Asia operations, at the groundbreaking ceremony.
The move fills the last gap in Toyota's Southeast Asian production map and solidifies its position in a country of 50 million where auto manufacturing is just starting to take root.
Suzuki, which found success as an early mover in India, and Hyundai Motor affiliate Kia Motors began making cars in Myanmar in 2013. Nissan Motor and Ford Motor followed later, and Hyundai started up an assembly plant here this past February..."
Source/publisher:
"Nikkei Asian Review" (Japan)
Date of publication:
2019-11-02
Date of entry/update:
2019-11-03
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Other Special Economic Zones, Burma's economic relations with Japan, Japan-Burma relations
Language:
more
Description:
"Foreign investments of US$362.28 million flowed into the Special Economic Zones (SEZs), under the Special Economic Zone Law, in the 2018-2019 fiscal year, according to figures released by the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration, Myanmar state media reported.
A total of 106 enterprises from 18 countries and four local businesses have ploughed in $1.84 billion so far in the zones, data on FDI of existing enterprises shows, according to Mizzima. Japan topped the list of foreign investors in the previous fiscal, accounting for more than 36% of the overall investment, followed by Singapore and Thailand.
FDI also flowed into the SEZs from South Korea, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Austria, Taiwan, Panama, China, Brunei, Vietnam, France, Switzerland, and the Netherlands..."
Source/publisher:
"Bangkok Post" (Thailand)
Date of publication:
2019-10-10
Date of entry/update:
2019-10-29
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Other Special Economic Zones, Burma's economic relations with Japan, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Description:
"Toyota Motor Corp is planning to build an automobile factory in Myanmar, The Yomiuri Shimbun has learnt.
An official announcement could come before the end of the month, with construction on the plant to start this year.
The plant would be located in the Thilawa Special Economic Zone on the outskirts of Yangon and would assemble pickup trucks through so-called knockdown production, in which parts imported from Japan and other nearby nations are put together at the new plant.
Myanmar has a population of about 50 million people, on a par with South Korea and Spain. It is also a young nation, with an average age of 27.9. While it is one of the poorest countries in Asia, it has seen strong economic growth recently and is expected to grow at annual rates of 6 to 7 per cent.
Though only about 17,500 new automobiles were sold in the country in 2018, the figure more than doubled compared to the previous year. Toyota currently exports about 2,000 passenger and commercial vehicles to Myanmar per year and sees the market as one with strong growth potential..."
Source/publisher:
"The Straits Times" (Singapore)
Date of publication:
2019-05-27
Date of entry/update:
2019-10-26
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Burma's economic relations with Japan, Economic Development, Other Special Economic Zones, Japan-Burma relations
Language:
more
Description:
"TOA-Chugoku Paints (TCP) has earmarked 500 million baht to construct its first overseas paint factory in Myanmar, expecting to capture demand from megaprojects.
The new factory will produce two paint products -- heavy-duty coating and marine paint -- with a monthly capacity of 300 tonnes.
The project will be located in Thilawa Special Economic Zone on an area of 12 rai. It is scheduled to begin operations in April 2020.
TCP set up a new local unit in Myanmar, Chugoku-TOA Paints Myanmar, to operate the factory.
Chugoku Marine Paints (CMP) from Japan holds a 51% stake in the Thilawa company, while TOA Venture Holding (TOAVH) from Thailand owns the remainder..."
Source/publisher:
"Bangkok Post" (Thailand)
Date of publication:
2019-10-22
Date of entry/update:
2019-10-22
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Burma's economic relations with Thailand, Burma/Myanmar's relationship with the Global Economy, Thailand-Burma relations, Burma's economic relations with Japan
Language:
more
Description:
"Japanese companies are becoming interested in the local industry which will manufacture products in Myanmar and export them to India, China and Thailand, said Japanese Ambassador to Myanmar Mr. Ichiro Maruyama, at Japan-Myanmar Resource, Trade and Investment Expo 2019 at Inya Lake Hotel in Yangon on October 19.
“There are many Japanese companies which are very interested in the local market as Myanmar has many populations. Myanmar borders Thailand, India and China. That’s why, many Japanese companies are interested in exporting Myanmar-made products to neighbouring countries,” Mr. Ichiro Maruyama said.
“Japanese companies are also interested to import raw materials from neighbouring countries and produce the products using these raw materials. Then, they want to sell these products in the local market,” he added.
From 1988-89 FY till September 30, 2019, Japan’s total investments in 117 businesses exceeded 1.2 billion US dollars, according to the figures from the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (DICA)..."
Source/publisher:
"Eleven Media Group" (Myanmar)
Date of publication:
2019-10-20
Date of entry/update:
2019-10-21
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Burma's economic relations with Japan, Other Special Economic Zones, Japan-Burma relations
Language:
more
Description:
"Japanese investment in Myanmar reached an all-time high of about $1.48 billion in fiscal 2017 following the nation’s transition from military to civilian rule in 2011, boosted by large-scale commercial complex and steel manufacturing projects.
According to Myanmar’s Ministry of Planning and Finance, Japanese investment in fiscal 2017 through March this year more than quintupled from a year earlier, topping the previous record of $1.02 billion in fiscal 2014.
Japan became the fourth-biggest foreign investor in fiscal 2017 after Singapore, China and the Netherlands, according to the Japan Desk in the ministry’s Directorate of Investment and Company Administration.
The investments consisted of those from Japan or via third countries such as Singapore, endorsed or approved by the ministry or Myanmar’s Special Economic Zone authorities.
Investments through third countries accounted for nearly two-thirds of the total.
The sharp increase was attributable to a $333 million real estate project in Yangon, the nation’s commercial capital, by construction firm Fujita Corp. and its Japanese and Myanmar partners, and a $400 public-private partnership project led by major general contractor Kajima Corp..."
Source/publisher:
"The Japan Times" (Japan)
Date of publication:
2018-05-29
Date of entry/update:
2019-10-18
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Language:
more
Sub-title:
If Japan and China focus on different rail systems in Myanmar, can their division of labor create a new pattern for cooperation?
Description:
"Myanmar Railways (MR) has been variously criticized for its low efficiency and increasing costs. Solutions are needed. Since the country’s independence, the British colonial era meter gauge rail system has not been modernized much. Antiquated semaphore signals and manual blocking systems are still broadly in service, suggesting both the limited capacity of lines, and the poor maintenance of tracks. Rolling stock operates at significantly reduced speed, only 40km/hr on average. It takes trains about 15 hours to complete the 620 km journey between Mandalay and Yangon, much slower than buses, which can make the trip in as little as 8 hours depending on the type of bus in question.
Unsurprisingly, then, MR’s share of land transport in Myanmar has been dropping in the last three decades and the company faces rising deficits. Naypyidaw is aware of the challenge, but it has the same dilemma other Southeast Asian countries face: whether to upgrade the existing meter gauge system for practicality’s sake, or to establish an entirely new standard gauge system for higher speed connection with China. Based on Myanmar’s financial capacity, upgrading the existing system is already a difficult ask, not to mention building an entirely new rail network.
However, thanks to Japanese and Chinese capital, upgrades to the existing system are ongoing, and a standard gauge system is likely to be built.
Tokyo has financially and technologically modernized the MR network, mainly the Yangon circle line and the trunk line between Yangon and Mandalay, in addition to improving five MR maintenance sites. These projects are scheduled to be finished by 2024, after which MR passenger services will reach a top speed of 100 km/hr, and more than double of the amount of service. Furthermore, more efficient freight services will contribute to Myanmar’s blooming inland dry port projects, a considerable factor for import and export costs..."
Source/publisher:
"The Diplomat" (Japan)
Date of publication:
2019-02-13
Date of entry/update:
2019-10-18
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Burma/Myanmar's relationship with the Global Economy, Burma's economic relations with China, Burma's economic relations with Japan, China-Burma relations, Japan-Burma relations
Language:
more
Sub-title:
The Embassy of Japan in Myanmar, Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), and consultancy company Synergy Focus International will be organising the Japan-Myanmar Resource,Trade and Investment Expo 2019 for the first timeat the Yangon Convention Centre
Description:
"The event will largely cover sectors like real estate, banking, insurance, tourism, and SMEs.
The organisers say the event will feature 160 booths by up by large companies from Myanmar and Japan, among them tour, construction, industrial, banking, and insurance companies. Another 60 booths will be occupied by members of SME associations.
The event will feature introductions and business matching sessions with participants of in the event.
“We will make arrangements to hold this kind of event where local companies can get models for product manufacturing and best services from international companies. This is not only for product sales but also for partnership, technological discussions, exchanging notes on Japanese tradition and culture, and business data. I hope those who attend the event will be able to build connections and gain opportunities to explore foreign markets for their products,” said Synergy Focus International CEO U Lin Kyaw Tun.
“Myanmar companies can connect with international companies, especially Japanese companies, and expand their market at the event and from there, they can cooperate with Japanese companies for Myanmar’s reforms,” said U Thaung Han, the CEO of Max Myanmar Group, one of the event’s main sponsors..."
Source/publisher:
"Myanmar Times" (Myanmar)
Date of publication:
2019-10-04
Date of entry/update:
2019-10-04
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Language:
more
Sub-title:
Two steel manufacturing companies in the Thilawa Special Economic Zone near Yangon are ramping up production and set to expand their markets and products.
Description:
"JFE Meranti Myanmar Co Ltd (JMM) announced last week that it is set to introduce its first locally produced coated-steel products under the brand ALZU this December.
JMM says the products are intended for both local and export markets.
The company is a joint venture between Japanese companies JFE Steel Corp, JFE Shoji Trade Corp, Marubeni-Itochu Steel Inc, and Hanwa Co Ltd, and Singapore-based Meranti Steel Pte Ltd.
JMM. is a US$85 million subsidiary owned by a Singapore-based holding company whose largest stakeholder is Japan-based JFE Steel Corp.
According to JMM, its ALZU brand will provide premium aluminum-zinc alloy-coated and colour-coated steel products. The products are designed and manufactured by JMM in Myanmar for use in roofing, walling, and other related applications for a variety of industrial, commercial, residential, and institutional projects.
“Myanmar’s economy is evolving rapidly and has huge growth potential, but the country needs good infrastructure and building materials to support it,” said JMM CEO Sebastian Langendorf.
“Many new buildings will need to be built, and old ones will need to be renovated or replaced. In order to play a key role in building the Myanmar of the future, JFE MERANTI is introducing ALZU, a durable coated-steel product that is suitable for the Myanmar climate, so developers can create buildings with long-lasting integrity.”
“We believe that leading the way with coated steel in Myanmar will allow the industry to develop into a powerful force for the nation’s development. And we plan to help secure Myanmar’s bright economic and industrial future. For us, for the industry, and for Myanmar, the launch of ALZU is just the beginning,” Langendorf, said..."
Source/publisher:
"Myanmar Times" (Myanmar)
Date of publication:
2019-10-01
Date of entry/update:
2019-10-01
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Other Special Economic Zones, Burma's economic relations with Japan, Japan-Burma relations
Language:
more
Description:
"Myanmar Railways has been variously criticised for its low efficiency and increasing costs. Solutions are needed. Since the country’s independence, the British colonial era Meter Gauge Rail System has not been modernised much.
Antiquated semaphore signals and manual blocking systems are still broadly in service, suggesting both the limited capacity of lines, and the poor maintenance of tracks. Rolling stock operates at significantly reduced speed, only 40km/hr on average. It takes trains about 15 hours to complete the 620 km journey between Naypyidaw and Yangon, much slower than buses, which make the trip in eight to ten hours.
Unsurprisingly, then, MR’s share of land transport in Myanmar has been dropping in the last three decades and the company faces rising deficits. Naypyidaw is aware of the challenge, but it has the same dilemma other Southeast Asian countries face: whether to upgrade the existing meter gauge system for practicality’s sake, or to establish an entirely new standard gauge system for higher speed connection with China. Based on Myanmar’s financial capacity, upgrading the existing system is already a difficult ask, not to mention building an entirely new rail network..."
Source/publisher:
"Belt & Road News" (China)
Date of publication:
2019-02-15
Date of entry/update:
2019-09-28
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, Burma's economic relations with Japan, China-Burma relations, Japan-Burma relations
Language:
more
Description:
"Myanmar Railways has been variously criticised for its low efficiency and increasing costs. Solutions are needed. Since the country’s independence, the British colonial era Meter Gauge Rail System has not been modernised much.
Antiquated semaphore signals and manual blocking systems are still broadly in service, suggesting both the limited capacity of lines, and the poor maintenance of tracks. Rolling stock operates at significantly reduced speed, only 40km/hr on average. It takes trains about 15 hours to complete the 620 km journey between Naypyidaw and Yangon, much slower than buses, which make the trip in eight to ten hours.
Unsurprisingly, then, MR’s share of land transport in Myanmar has been dropping in the last three decades and the company faces rising deficits. Naypyidaw is aware of the challenge, but it has the same dilemma other Southeast Asian countries face: whether to upgrade the existing meter gauge system for practicality’s sake, or to establish an entirely new standard gauge system for higher speed connection with China. Based on Myanmar’s financial capacity, upgrading the existing system is already a difficult ask, not to mention building an entirely new rail network..."
Source/publisher:
"Belt & Road News" (China)
Date of publication:
2019-02-15
Date of entry/update:
2019-09-28
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Burma's economic relations with China, Burma's economic relations with Japan, China-Burma relations, Japan-Burma relations
Language:
more
Description:
"Myanmar has officially permitted the use of the Chinese and Japanese currencies in cross-border payments, as the Asian giants vie for dominance in one of the region’s last frontier markets.
The directive means that the yuan and yen join the euro, the US Dollar and the Singaporean dollar as designated currencies for settling international trade in Myanmar, where the central bank is desperate for foreign investment after years of economic sanctions and financial mismanagement.
China, which shares a 2,200km (1,360-mile) border with Myanmar, has been keen to draw its southern neighbour into the “Belt and Road Initiative”, Chinese President Xi Jinping’s grand infrastructure plan for Eurasia.
China is Myanmar’s biggest trading partner, with bilateral trade topping US$700 million last year, according to Myanmar’s Ministry of Commerce.
Japan is also a big trade and investment partner, with Japanese companies maintaining a steady presence in the country since the end of British colonial rule in the 1940s, right through its economic isolation due to Western sanctions from 2003..."
Source/publisher:
"South China Morning Post" (Hong Kong)
Date of publication:
2019-01-31
Date of entry/update:
2019-09-22
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Burma's economic relations with China, Burma's economic relations with Japan, Border Trade - general, China-Burma relations, Japan-Burma relations
Language:
more
Description:
"Myanmar is proving to be a major test of strategic economic cooperation between the United States and Japan one which reveals wider foreign policy differences between the allied nations.
Those differences make substantial collaboration towards realising a “free and open Indo-Pacific” (FOIP) in specific countries difficult, despite joint strategic interests and aligned high-level political visions.
In Japan’s pursuit of a policy response to China’s infrastructure Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), economic cooperation with partners in third countries to beef up the financing on offer has emerged as a key component.
Strategic commercial cooperation is arguably most opportune and necessary in Myanmar because the country is at a fraught stage in its democratisation, set into motion in 2010 when it pivoted to form closer ties with countries like the United States and Japan in order to reduce economic over-dependence on China..."
Source/publisher:
"Belt & Road News"
Date of publication:
2019-06-21
Date of entry/update:
2019-09-04
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
“One Belt, One Road” initiative, Other Special Economic Zones, Burma's economic relations with Japan, Burma's economic relations with the USA, Japan-Burma relations, USA-Burma relations
Language:
more
Sub-title:
Myanmar continues to woo Japan and the US as a source of investments even as the global growth outlook dims considerably with investors preferring to stash their money in safe-haven assets such as US Treasuries and gold.
Description:
"State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who gave the keynote speech at the Myanmar-Japan-US Forum on Fostering Responsible Investment held on August 20, held up Myanmar’s strategic location between South Asia, China and the rest of ASEAN, a growing economy as well as reforms that were underway as reasons why US and Japanese investors should look to the country as an investment destination.
“Myanmar, positioned at the crossroads of Asia, constitutes a key bridge between East and West; a link between India and China, a doorway to ASEAN. Myanmar seeks to capitalise on this favourable position by connecting these rising geo-economic regions, offering a strategic trade conduit, providing a gateway to the Indian Ocean, and thus benefitting the country and the region broadly,” she said.
Her speech comes at a time when foreign direct investment (FDI) commitments, an indication of future FDI flows, has slowed down according to the December 2018 edition of the Myanmar Economic Monitor published by the World Bank.
The Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (DICA) expects US$5.8 billion in FDI for the current fiscal year between October 1, 2018 and September 30, 2019, little changed from the $5.7 billion that was received in fiscal 2017/2018, which began on April 1, 2017 and ended on March 30, 2018. DICA data showed that for fiscal 2016/2017, the country received $6.6 billion of investments..."
Source/publisher:
"Myanmar Times"
Date of publication:
2019-08-21
Date of entry/update:
2019-08-21
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Burma's economic relations with the USA, Burma's economic relations with Japan, Japan-Burma relations, USA-Burma relations
Language:
more
Sub-title:
Japan-backed Thilawa Special Economic Zone is one of nation’s few economic and infrastructure success stories
Description:
"Every morning hundreds of cars, trucks and other vehicles carrying factory workers squeeze into a two-lane bridge across Yangon’s Bago river.
The buzz of industrial activity results in often nightmarish traffic jams, a rare phenomenon for Myanmar’s still nascent and in many ways hamstrung manufacturing sector.
Initiated by then-president Thein Sein in 2013, the Japan-backed Thilawa Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is widely viewed by business leaders as Myanmar’s foremost economic success story.
It also has advocates in high political places, with de facto national leader Aung San Suu Kyi repeatedly hailing Thilawa as a “crowning success” that “highlights the type of positive partnership that can be achieved between our respective public and private sectors.”
The 2,500-hectare Thilawa has so far secured over US$1.6 billion in approved investment, including from multinationals such as German retail group Metro AG, US aluminum can manufacturer Ball and Japanese automaker Toyota..."
Source/publisher:
"Asia Times"
Date of publication:
2019-08-19
Date of entry/update:
2019-08-20
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Other Special Economic Zones, Burma's economic relations with Japan, Burma's economic relations with China, Japan-Burma relations, China-Burma relations
Language:
more
Description:
"THILAWA, Myanmar: A Japan-backed special economic zone in Myanmar is expanding as an alternative production hub for China and Vietnam, attracting growing numbers of Japanese and other foreign firms to the outskirts of Yangon.
More than half of the total developed area of 5.83 million square metres in the Thilawa Special Economic Zone is already occupied, said Tomoyasu Shimizu, president of Myanmar Japan Thilawa Development Ltd, or MJTD, the operator of the economic zone.
Since its opening in 2015, 105 companies have moved into the zone or signed tenancy contracts through last month, with 90 firms under full foreign ownership and 13 foreign-Myanmar joint ventures..."
Source/publisher:
"Bangkok Post"
Date of publication:
2019-06-06
Date of entry/update:
2019-08-10
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Burma's economic relations with Japan, Other Special Economic Zones, Japan-Burma relations
Language:
more
Description:
"Located 20 kilometres north of Dawei, capital of Tanintharyi Region in Myanmar's southeast coast bordering Thailand, the Dawei SEZ comprises 20,000 hectares of land and includes industrial as well as port facilities.
Italian-Thai Development pcl (ITD), a Thai construction firm, was to take the lead in the project with the initial memorandum of understanding between the Myanmar and Thai governments signed in 2008. After the project stalled in 2013, both governments remained committed to completing it, but efforts to woo other investors after sidelining ITD has been unsuccessful.
Ministry of Commerce assistant secretary U Khin Maung Lwin said Japan will participate fully in the project and that ministerial-level meeting will be held where matters concerning ITD's role will also be discussed.
Japan is no stranger to developing SEZs in Myanmar, as Japanese companies were involved in the development of the Thilawa SEZ, south of Yangon. Myanmar officials in particular prefer the Japanese to take part due to their reputation for quality and trustworthiness while U Khin Maung Lwin said the government wanted the project to start as soon as possible.
"It would better with Japanese participation, and the Japanese government has also expressed interest," he said. Both the Myanmar and Thai governments have tried to involve Japan before this but unsuccessfully. However, this time around the Japan International Cooperation Agency has carried out a survey of Tanintharyi Region's coastal strip and will be releasing a report soon.
The SEZ, it is believed, will have positive effects for Dawei and its surrounding areas, with electricity supply and better transportation among them. The manufacturing industries will benefit, and so will tourism, fisheries and agriculture.
U Kyi Soe, a regional hluttaw member of parliament for Yephyu township said Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand can return and work in the Dawei SEZ because with Japanese involvement, there will also be Japanese factories setting up that can provide jobs.
Dawei SEZ management committee vice-chair U Myint San said critical infrastructure such as a two-way road and electricity has been left uncompleted and needed to be ready. "A loan will be obtained from the Thai government for the infrastructure, tenders will be called after that and we hope to construct the road by mid-2020," he said.
Myanmar government officials said with the environmental impact and social impact assessments have been conducted, the land-lease will be sent to Thailand. "Myanmar's part required to start the project will be done," U Khin Maung Lwin said.
Initially, ITD was promised a 75-year lease for the SEZ. It is understood that ITD will then have to resume the project and will have to provide reasons if the company cannot continue.
Meanwhile, U Myint San said given the deadline of 2015 has passed for the completion of the project, the delay and implementation showed that ITD has not been following the contract. "There must be clear policy for this," he added.
U Myint San said the initial forecast was for the project to be completed within eight years. Because construction of the basic infrastructure has not begun, the SEZ's management committee has proposed that both the basic infrastructure and the first phase of the project be implemented simultaneously.
The Dawei SEZ's troubles include land appropriation by the government that has created controversy as no compensation in cash or land has been given to the owners. Speculators who bought land also suffered when the project floundered. ITD is also mired in the compensation issues as local politicians alleged that there was no adequate compensation and now want the land compensation issues to be settled first before the project starts.
U Than Win, a local activist, said the assessments need to be done thoroughly and locals need to be informed..."
Source/publisher:
Myanmar Water Portal via "Myanmar Times"
Date of publication:
2019-07-25
Date of entry/update:
2019-07-25
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Dawei (Tavoy) Special Economic Zone, Burma's economic relations with Japan, Japan-Burma relations
Language:
more