Myanmar invites submission of expression of interest in SEZ development

YANGON, July 14 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar-assigned Singapore-based consortium, led by CPG Consultants, is inviting interested firms to submit expression of interest (EOI) this month for first-phase development of Kyaukpyu Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in western Rakhine state, state media reported Monday.

The consortium was tasked by Myanmar to develop a master project plan for the Kyaukpyu SEZ, the third of its kind in Myanmar.

The initial phase of the Kyaukpyu SEZ development project will have three components, a deep-sea port, an industrial park and an integrated residential area, a statement of the CPG was quoted as saying.

CPG spokesperson Nina Yang disclosed that Kyaukpyu SEZ area has a natural deep-sea harbor capable of receiving large vessels and port terminals will be located on Made Island and Yanbye Island, adding that two industries will be specially incentivized in Kyaukpyu SEZ dealing with textile/ garment and construction material manufacturing and the integrated residential area will be on the north-western shoreline of Yanbye Island.

The master plan offers a similar Singapore development framework for Kyaukpyu SEZ to grow, she said.

The project's bid evaluation panel estimated that the Kyaukpyu SEZ will create 50,000 jobs in its early phases, most of them in light industry.

According to CPG, the Myanmar government is undertaking substantial infrastructure investment to upgrade the existing road network in Kyaukpyu SEZ and a new power plant and power lines are also being built.

The 227-million-U.S.-dollar Kyaukpyu SEZ project will be implemented in three phases with the first from 2014 to 2016, while the second from 2017 to 2020 and the third from 2021 to 2025.

Upon completion of the project, it will cover some 75 square- kilometers, according to CPG.

source: Global Post

http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/xinhua-news-agency/140713/myanmar-invites-submission-expression-interest-sez-developme