On 17 May 2016, the Royal Thai Embassy, Yangon, organized a briefing on the Dawei Special Economic Zone (DSEZ) for the National League for Democracy (NLD) Economic Committee and representatives from the Chief Minister of Tanintharyi Region’s Office, where the project is located. The briefing took place at the Embassy, with Dr. Porametee Vimolsiri, Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Board, Thailand, Mr. Singtong Lapisatepun, Director-General, Department of East Asian Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, and representatives from the consulting firm Roland Berger, providing information and responding to questions on the project.

The briefing sought to provide information to the NLD Economic Committee and related government officials, and to promote understanding on the DSEZ project, with a view to strengthen collaboration in driving the project forward under the new NLD-led government.

During the briefing, Dr. Vimolsiri emphasized the importance of the DSEZ to the ASEAN region and Myanmar, as the DSEZ has potential to become a regional economic gateway, which will benefit local people and the business sector. Consultants from Roland Berger outlined how the development of the DSEZ is in line with international standards, and takes the social and economic impact of the project into consideration. In addition, Roland Berger also highlighted the benefits of the project for related countries and the region, as a result of the plan to develop the DSEZ into a maritime gateway to the west that is regionally integrated and export-focused. Director-General Lapisatepun underscored the importance that Thailand gives to preparing local people for the project through human resource development programs, including education and vocation skills training, as well as promoting readiness in terms of public health and healthcare.

Both sides had a fruitful discussion and exchanged views on a wide range of topics. The Myanmar side expressed interest in financial sources for the project, the development of infrastructure and connectivity, job creation for Myanmar people, ways to attract local workers to work in the DSEZ, benefits for local industries, interest from foreign businesses, sectors for investment, management of investments, and energy sources. The discussions took place in an informal and cordial atmosphere, with both sides receiving balanced information and prepared to move the project forward in line with the Myanmar government’s strategy and objectives.

Ambassador Pisanu Suvanajata concluded the briefing by highlighting the aim to reach a common understanding on the strategic goal of the DSEZ. Thailand stands ready to work closely with the Myanmar side, and as far as it is concerned, Thailand attaches priority to transparency in the implementation of the project, and collaboration with Myanmar to move bilateral relations forward towards shared prosperity of the two countries and people.

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