Manufacturing sector attracts foreign investments in Thilawa SEZ

The manufacturing sector absorbed the overall foreign investments of US$171 million made in the Thilawa Special Economic Zone (SEZ) between 1 April and 26 July this year.

Four enterprises from Singapore and Japan entered the Thilawa SEZ in the past four months. Since the 2014-2015 fiscal year, a total of 97 enterprises have invested in the Thilawa SEZ, with estimated investments of $1.49 billion.

The manufacturing sector accounts for 80.13 per cent of the total investments in the zone, attracting $1.18 billion from 74 enterprises. The trading sector has attracted investments of $111 million. Investments were registered at $82 million in the service sector, over $73 million in the transportation and logistics sector, over $30 million in the real estate sector and over $12 million in the hotel sector.

Singapore placed first on the list, with investments of $598 million so far, followed by Japan with $441 million and Thailand with over $170 million. South Korea, Hong Kong, the UK, the UAE, Malaysia, Austria, China (Taipei), Panama, China, Brunei, Viet Nam, Australia and the Netherlands have also invested in the Thilawa SEZ. Three domestic enterprises are also present at the special economic zone.

The country is currently implementing three Special Economic Zones—Thilawa, Kyaukpyu and Dawei. Of the three, Thilawa is leading with its better infrastructure and thriving business.

By May Thet Hnin

Ref; The Global New Light of Myanmar