October 18, 2016

Myanmar's new economic zone attracts foreign interest but local ire

Looking north from Myint Win's farm, across rice paddies and past bamboo huts, a massive new industrial development on the outskirts of Myanmar's biggest city gleams in the distance.

The buildings sprang up during the first phase of developing the Thilawa Special Economic Zone (SEZ), a 6,200 acre (2,500-hectare) industrial project that is a joint venture between the governments of Myanmar and Japan and some private consortia.

The factories that have been built produce everything from children's toys to clothing, medical supplies to electronics.

For developing nations like Myanmar - which emerged from decades of economic isolation in 2011 when the military stepped back from direct control of the country - special economic zones are a way of attracting foreign investment and creating jobs.

Next month the second phase of the $1.5 billion development begins on a site of around 5,000 acres (2,000 hectares) that includes Myint Win's farm. (Courtesy of dailymail.co.uk)

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