The Thilawa Special Economic Zone, located on the outskirts of Yangon, is the first Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to be built in Myanmar and became fully (commercially) operational in September 2015. The site is located 14 miles (23 kilometres) South-East of Yangon, the biggest commercial city of Myanmar. The construction of all hard and soft infrastructure of the Thilawa SEZ Project commenced in November 2013 and will be developed to international standard levels. 

At a glance:

• 57% of the first phase has been rented out to investors. 
• 78 companies from 16 countries have invested in the zone for manufacturing and logistics services.
• FDI exceeded US$401million in the 2017-18 FY. 
• Japan and Singapore account for 61.55% of total investments.
• 2017-18 FY: investments of 11 businesses in the industrial sector amounted to over US$328 million, accounting for 82% of the total.
• Investments in the goods-trading sector reached over US$57 million, representing over 14%. 

The Thilawa SEZ offers a number of economic benefits for investors. The location of this Zone has been set up to provide its investors with a streamlined and easy investment operation process, while also providing the advantages of special concessions and the services which come as part of its proximity to Myanmar's major economic centre. 

Foreign investments in the Thilawa Special Economic Zone-A and Zone-B have reached over US$1.374 billion, with Japan and Singapore topping the list of investors, reports Thilawa SEZ Management Committee. 

The opening of the first phase in the Zone-B project was held on 24 February 2017 and the project is expected to be completed in mid-2018.

More than 57% of the first phase of the 101-hectare project in Zone-B has been rented out to investors.  Since June 2014, 78 companies from 16 countries have invested in the zone for manufacturing and logistics services. 

According to Special Economic Zone Law, the total Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in the Thilawa SEZ hit more than US$401 million in the 2017-18 financial year (FY). The Directorate of Investment and Company Administration reports that investments by Japan and Singapore account for 61.55% of total investments (Japan with 36.84%, and Singapore with 24.71%).

During the 2017-18 FY, the investments of 11 businesses in the industry sector in Thilawa SEZ project amounted to over US$328 million, accounting for 82% of the total while the investments in the goods-trading sector reached over US$57 million, representing over 14%. In addition, there were investment promotions in housing, transport and service sectors. 

Zawtika Natural gas project will distribute the electricity necessary for the power supply of factories.

Sources: Thilawa SEZ Management Committee Official Website; Eleven Myanmar

For more information regarding Thilawa SEZ Zone Project visit, Thilawa SEZ Management Committee's Official Website

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