By Zin Lin Myint
I T is an undeniable fact that Yangon is considered the commercial hub not only by businesspersons but also by investors from home and abroad. Yangon, of course, is the commercial city with the largest number of industrial zones and it is all eyes by local and foreign investors. Thilawa Special Economic Zone is among 29 industrial zones in Yangon. Now Yangon is also trying for land reclamation to establish further special economic zone.
Land reclamation for the establishment of new special economic zone
Speaking to the opening ceremony of the new sub-power station near Kamakaloat and Kayingyoung villages in Kyauktan Township, southern Yangon Region on 6 January in 2020, U Phyo Min Thein, Yangon Region Chief Minister, said Yangon regional government is in the process of conducting a geological survey and a feasibility study as we are striving for the emergence of one more special economic zone inside Yangon.
The site for the establishment of the special economic zone is adjacent to the areas of Dala, Kawhmu and Kungyangon townships. The soil of these adjacent areas contains sea water, thereby causing a change in its fertility and finally being unable to produce good crops. The proposed site has tens of thousands of acres of land. In addition to the special economic zone there is a prospect of building a seaport as well.
Establishment of more industrial zones
Yangon regional government has got a plan to establish about 11 industrial zones on the outskirts of Yangon. Two out of 11 industrial zones will be rapidly implemented. Speaking to the press conference on Yangon regional projects held on 22 October in 2019, Naw Pan Thinzar Myo, Yangon Region’s Kayin Ethnic Affairs Minister said industrial zones will be established in Htantabin and Hlegu townships, the outskirts of Yangon. Further implementation of establishing industrial zones in Thanlyin and Kyauktan is still under negotiation. The businesspersons are casting covetous eye to the establishment of the industrial zones in Hmawby, Twantay, Kungyangon, Dala and Kawmhu Townships.
Plan to build a new seaport
Yangon Chief Minister Phyo Min Thein said on 6 January, “A feasibility study on the proposed special economic zone was already conducted in Dala, Kawhmu and Kungyangon a few days ago.
There is also a plan to shift the jetties in Yangon to the mouth of the river where it meets the sea. As a result of that a new seaport to be built in Thayettaw Village in Kawhmu Township is currently in preparation.” Yangon city is the commercial hub of Myanmar with Thilawa Special Economic Zone already in existence.
Located 20 km southeast of Yangon, Thilawa Special Economic Zone has now gained momentum and it is the most developing special economic zone. Thilawa SEZ is the first-ever special economic zone not only in Yangon but also in Myanmar and now is in operation. Investments have been made in Thilawa SEZ by more than 112 companies from 19 countries. Thilawa SEZ full of business enterprises and industries is now operating with added momentum.
Thilawa SEZ is divided into two zones with the factories and industries that have been implemented since December in 2013. The factories and industries established in Zone-A with an area of 405 hectares are currently in operational for commercial purpose.
The phase-1 of Zone B covers an area of 101 hectares and the phase-2 of Zone B, an area of 77 hectares and both phases are underway. The phase-3 of Zone B is also under implementation on the designated land plot. Thilawa SEZ with the emergence of business enterprises and industries is currently fully operational. Thilawa SEZ managed to create more than 10,000 job opportunities.
The special economic zones just like Thilawa ensure a drive in the economic development of the country, thereby not only promoting the development of Yangon but also creating job opportunities. For that reason Yangon regional government is striving for the establishment of another special economic zone in Yangon.
At a time when Yangon regional government is striving to establish a new special economic zone in Yangon, most of income of Yangon is to come from the west bank of Yangon River. When we take an aerial view of Yangon, a large number of fields can be seen on the west bank of Yangon River.
The soil in these fields contains sea water and many of these fields are unable to produce good crops. Yangon region government, therefore, is planning to set up a new special economic zone on the adjacent areas of Dala, Kawhmu and Kungyangon townships.
Those areas located near Yangon have attracted the attention of foreign investors, companies and businesspersons.
The marine trade route is an essential part in time of implementing industrial economy. The emergence of the seaport is related to the establishment of special economic zone. For that reason the feasibility study is underway.
It is absolutely certain that the special economic zone capable of doing all-round trade will boost internal and external interest. Yangon is the most economic developing city in Myanmar and will become a worldclass commercial city alongside a new special economic zone.
Translated by Htut Htut (Twantay)
