Japan, who has keen interest in the economic and political reforms in Myanmar, has earlier agreed to offer financial assistance for developing infrastructures at Thilawa SEZ in Yangon, the commercial hub of Myanmar.
ODA’s loan will be used in construction of the port’s first phase, which will be located on the land plot 25 and 26 of Thilawa. The second phase of port will be constructed on the land plot 23 and 24.
The project will start in May 2014, and will be completed by December 2016, official estimated.
Observers said Japan has taken quick steps to develop Thilawa port while Myanmar and Thai leaders are stuck with negotiations for Dawei Deep Sea Port in lower Myanmar.
“Japan has completed field surveys and necessary calculations for port construction in Thilawa. According to their calculation, a container depot will be built at the land plot (25), and a 400 metre long harbour will be included,” Mya Than, chief civil engineer at MPA, said.
The harbour to be built at the first phase will be a multi-purpose one, and will cost US$205 million, officials said. The harbour will be 70 metre long and 20 metre wide, and will have 3 jetty platforms. The project will also include preparing the 17-hectare land and 14-hectare depot, constructing drainage systems and other infrastructures, and installing container handling devices.
The agreement for ODA’s loan will be signed between Japanese government and the Ministry of Finance and Revenue next month.
Myanma Port Authority has planned to build harbours on the land plots 22 to 28 in Thilawa SEZ.
Thilawa SEZ project is to be jointly developed by Myanmar and Japan together forming a joint venture at 51 and 49 percent.
