Kyaukphyu SEZ operations continue as planned, construction set to begin in upcoming year
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Phyo/ Yoon (NP News) - March 3
A local resident of the Kyaukphyu area, who is familiar with the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone (SEZ), told The Statesman Journal that operations at the Kyaukphyu SEZ are proceeding as planned, and construction projects are expected to begin in the upcoming year.
A concession agreement was signed on November 5, 2020, between the Kyaukphyu SEZ Management Committee and Kyaukphyu SEZ Deep Sea Port Limited of the China's CITIC Group, for the implementation of the Kyaukphyu SEZ Deep Sea Port Project.
The addendum to the Concession Agreement was signed on December 26, 2023, extending the Long-stop Date period by 18 months.
The extended Long-stop Date will be reached in the coming June, and it has been reported that efforts are being made to complete the projects before the deadline.
Currently, preliminary inspections for the construction of the Kyaukphyu SEZ are being carried out as usual and are being implemented at a good pace.
"In this regard, we can implement it at a good pace. There will be no suspension of the plan. Construction work will commence within the next few months. It may even emerge within the next two or three years. Currently, we still need to do some preliminary checks. There are some preparations that are being made in advance, according to the work schedule," said the aforementioned Kyaukphyu resident.
It has been reported that, as outlined in the Shareholders' Agreement for the Kyaukphyu SEZ deep-sea port project, Myanmar and China are fulfilling the responsibilities stated in the agreement before the project begins. Out of the 16 points specified in the agreement, Myanmar is responsible for 10 points, while there are 4 points requiring joint cooperation between Myanmar and China. The work related to these responsibilities is currently being carried out.
"In terms of security, I can generally say that the Tamadaw can provide enough security. This is because the area is not as large as before and there are not many towns left. People only think what they want about the SEZ. Now, both China and Myanmar are doing what they have to do. There is no suspension. Myanmar is doing what Myanmar has to do, and China is doing what China has to do. Construction work can be done in the next couple of years," he continued.
Currently, the AA terrorist armed group has declared that it will not interfere with foreign investments and will assist in safeguarding them. There are assessments among residents that military conflict may not occur in Kyaukphyu town.
However, local reports stated that armed clashes between Tatmadaw and AA have been encroaching near the Kyaukphyu project area following the AA’s offensive military operations in late February. –