Vice President U Henry Van Thio attends Central Committee for Myanmar SEZ meeting

December 5, 2017

The Central Committee for Myanmar Special Economic Zones (SEZs) coordination meeting 2/2017 was held yesterday morning at the President’s Office in Nay Pyi Taw, where Vice President U Henry Van Thio, the Chairman of the Myanmar SEZ Central Committee, attended and delivered a speech.

In the meeting, the Vice President said during the incumbent government period, the SEZ Central Committee was formed on 12 August 2016 and the first meeting of the central committee was held on 9 February 2017. The present meeting is called to study the work conducted, progress made after the first meeting and to discuss together on what needs to be done.

“It is now 1 year and 8 months since the new government took up responsibility. Everyone knew that the ministries are doing what they can in their respective sectors for the country’s economic development. But with the exception of the tourism sector, there is a need to show identifiable progress in the economic sector” the Vice President said.

“The SEZ management committees had been formed for more than a year by now and there had been sufficient time to study the works so all need to strive energetically toward development”.

The Vice President added of his trust that the country’s economic development will be obvious with the development of SEZs.

With regards to the SEZs, the State Counsellor had said that the SEZ works are important for the country and there is a need to discuss and coordinate to find the best solutions for the success of the SEZ works. The views and opinions of the local people need to be stressed and the State Counsellor had guided on prioritising job opportunities.

“SEZs are to be implemented according the 12 economic policies laid down by the country. Enacted SEZ Law and rules need to be followed. The Thilawa SEZ is picking up momentum and moving forward. Emphasis must now be placed on starting the Kyaukpyu and Dawei SEZs that hadn’t started yet”, the State Counsellor said.

In making an effort to restart the initial projects of Dawei SEZ, once the upgrading of the twoway road is completed, it will be a significant development for not only the zone but also for travel business in Taninthayi Region as well. It will also support the remaining projects and would raise the interest of the investors.

Myanmar’s equity ratio in the Kyaukpyu zone deep sea port project and industrial park project are being discussed with the CITIC Group Corporation, the state-owned investment company of the People’s Republic of China. In conducting SEZ works, the short term aim is to provide job opportunities for local nationals and work must be conducted systematically. Time is to be valued and progress need to be achieved in the shortest possible time. SEZ works involves international dealing and must be managed smoothly and systematically, said the Vice President.

At the meeting, Myanmar SEZ Central Committee Vice Chairman Union Minister U Kyaw Tint Swe explained the importance of SEZs to Myanmar economic development.

“It is especially an important work for providing job opportunities for local people and to have economic and contact with other countries. As the work of SEZ is beneficial for the country and people, all are urged to actively participate in it”, said the Vice Chairman.

Afterwards, Myanmar SEZ Central Committee secretary Union Minister Dr Than Myint explained the status of works conducted by Myanmar SEZ Central Committee and Central Work Committee and decisions made.

Myanmar SEZ Central Committee joint secretary Deputy Minister U Aung Htoo then explained decisions made in Myanmar SEZ Central Committee meeting (1/2017) and works completed.

Thilawa SEZ management committee chairman Deputy Minister U Set Aung, Dawei SEZ management committee chairman Deputy Minister Dr. Tun Naing and Kyaukphyu SEZ management committee chairman Dr. Soe Win then spoke about works completed on the ground in each SEZ.

This was followed by Union Minister U Win Khaing’s explanation on the status of laying a two-way tar road to Dawei SEZ.

Yangon Region Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein then explained the benefits of setting up a Yangon Special Economic Zone and work programmes.

Meeting attendees then provided their suggestions and discussions.

Myanmar SEZ Central Committee Chairman U Henry Van Thio remarked on obtaining benefits for the country and to work in a timely manner for the projects to progress. Trainings are to be provided so that local nationals can perform high-position jobs and, if required, to obtain the advice of international experts in signing work project agreements.

The meeting was attended by Union ministers, states and regions chief ministers, deputy ministers and officials.—Myanmar News Agency

Ref; The Global New Light of Myanmar