New industrial zones earmarked
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The government plans to open more industrial zones and business centres outside major urban centres as its economic reforms gain speed, officials said.
They said that the industrial-diversification plan would also reduce the threat of environmental degradation that could result from clustering all business zones and industrial parks in one or two areas.
Most industrial zones are located in Yangon and Mandalay close to their centres. But a new framework for social and economic development will see industrial zones and business centres emerge in Sittwe, Kyaukphu, Mawlamyine, Dawei, Nay Pyi Taw, Taungu, Pyi, Magwe, Myingyan, Mihtila, Taungyi, Lashio and Muse.
The framework was drafted with input from experts after in-depth analysis of the country’s prospects for economic and social development, officials said. The process began after President Thein Sein announced the beginning of his second phase of economic and social reform last May.
The government is also focusing on developing the transport sector to ensure faster and smoother transportation of goods and services. More industrial zones are expected to open along the refurbished national railway.
