International investors taking a wait-and-see on Dawei

“According to the news about Dawei Special Economic Zone, we heard that Italian-Thai Co, which is going to invest here, is short of cash. We also heard that Japan is interested in the project. But many countries think that Americans entering the project would make the business more solid. But so far we haven’t seen the United States entering,” said an official from Myanmar Development and Research Institute (MDRI).

Similarly, there are weaknesses in management in the Dawei Special Economic Zone. “There are four layers in implementing an industrial zone. 

The very first is a state level supervising committee. It is led by the vice president. Under that level comes a ministerial level committee. Another level is work-implementing committee. 

“And finally, there is supporting committee. So, there are four levels. In my opinion, because of the four levels, people may be confused,” he said. 

“Who will give the final decision concerning the special economic zone? The first level or the third level? Sometimes misunderstanding may occur,” he added. 

“There might be overlapping or a lack of proper action. Placing qualified people in the right places may make the business more convenient,” he continued.