Special economic zones in Thilawa, Kyaukpyu and Dawei are being implemented to promote bilateral cooperation with economic partner countries emphasizing the interests of the motherland as well as bilateral relationships. Currently, Myanmar is operating Thilawa SEZ in cooperation with Japan, Kyaukpyu SEZ with China and Dawei SEZ with Thailand.
At present, Thilawa SEZ is the most successful in its operations as an idol among them. Relevant ministries are joining hands with each other to enable foreign investors to systematically put investments in the Thilawa SEZ, increase the number of new companies and amounts of their investments and smoothly operate businesses for current investors.
As Kyaukpyu SEZ is so close to the Belt & Road Project of China, it benefits both countries as well as helps develop the region. The deep seaport plays a key role in Kyaukpyu SEZ in addition to contributing to the interests of the local people and the State. Although Dawei SEZ has been implemented since 2008, it cannot show any remarkable progress. As such, arrangements will be made for further inviting new investors under international rules and regulations.
Among three economic objectives, the State Administration Council is implementing stability of the market economic system by inviting international investments for ensuring the economic growth of the entire ethnic national people. To be able to do so, it is necessary to systematically implement the SOPs of relevant ministries and to give proper services at the SEZs in accord with international procedures. If so, further foreign investment can be invited for economic development.
Developed and developing countries place an emphasis on the smooth process of trade in the special economic zones. After that, micro, small and medium-scale enterprises are upgraded to modernized industries. Gradually, these industries are collected as integrated zones so as to operate manufacturing as well as services.
Such a process will contribute much to the efforts of the government in the development undertakings of MSME industries. In Myanmar, MSME industries can generate jobs for local people as part of contributing to the enhancement of the livelihoods of the people.
Only when SEZs gain development momentum will they help develop the State economy as well as rise the creation of job opportunities and living standards for the people. As such, strenuous efforts must be made for achieving success in the implementation of the special economic zones under the laws, rules and regulations. As such, both the government and the business people should strive for rapid improvement of special economic zones to see the fruits of efforts.
