Myanmar’s efforts to attract foreign investment would depend on the success of Thilawa special economic zone, which is 20km (12.4 miles) from Yangon. “Though Japanese investors are very interested in Myanmar and its emerging economy, they are hesitant to invest here,” said Yoshihiko Isozaki,’s, Vice Minister of Trad
Myanmar's efforts to attract foreign investment would depend on the success of Thilawa special economic zone, which is 20km (12.4 miles) from Yangon.
“Though Japanese investors are very interested in Myanmar and its emerging economy, they are hesitant to invest here,” said Yoshihiko Isozaki,'s, Vice Minister of Trade and Industry (METI), Ministry of Economy, Japan
“The Myanmar government is preparing new laws for international investors. And many investors are still worrying about terms and conditions. Increasing international investment depends on the success of the Thilawa special economic zone,” he added.
The zone is being developed by a consortium involving the Japan Thilawa SEZ Company, with participation from Mitsubishi, Marubeni and Sumitomo corporations, and the Myanmar Thilawa SEZ Holdings company (MTSH) involving nine Myanmar companies. “Now is the time to implement the special economic zone,” said U Win Aung, saying he expected the zone to provide job opportunities for local people.
U -Set Aung, chair of the Thilawa SEZ management committee, said the first phase of the project would be implemented in 2015 with the construction of automobile and electronics factories.
According to the METI website, Japan will provide ¥20 million (US$3.28 billion) for the related infrastructure, electrical systems, ports and transportation.