Investors sought for new infrastructure
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The private sector is being courted to help improve the country's logistics - the Yangon-Mandalay Express and the Kyaukpyu deep-sea port.
From April 4, the Ministry of Rail Transport made available the bid document for the expressway line, costing Ks 30,000. Interested local businesses can buy the document from Myanmar Railways headquarters and submit their proposals by April 23.
Local business people, firms and companies have been reportedly invited to tender for the operation of the upstream and downstream express linking Yangon and Mandalay. The winner is entitled to a three-year contract which can be renewed on a yearly basis.
“At the time of fast-paced economic development, Ministry of Rail Transportation is increasing its cooperation with private firms to provide better service for passengers,” said an official of Myanmar Railways, who asked not to be named.
Meanwhile, a deep-sea port is being planned in Kyaukpyu, as part of Kyaukpyu Special Economic Zone - one of three major economic zones aside from the Thilawa and Dawei projects.
In its report released recently, a committee of Kyaukpyu Special Economic Zone revealed that 12 locations were highlighted as the potential site for the deep-sea port which is designed to be the best in Southeast Asia.
Facing the Bengal Bay and located between China and India, the economic zone is considered naturally suitable for the deep sea port development.
“We found 12 most appropriate locations. With this port, we no longer need to pass the current main shipping lane, the Malacca Strait. So, Kyaukpyu is the best gift of the nature,” Than Maung, the member of Economy Zone Tender Invitation and Scrutiny Committee and commissioner of Pyithu Hluttaw Legal Affairs and the Review of Special Cases Committee, told Daily Eleven.
Kyaukpyu is at the far end of Asean’s East-West corridor.
In the first week of March, the government officials, the members of Economy Zone Tender Invitation and Scrutiny Committee (BEAC) and the consultant company on project development zone met to discuss the latest development.
“The consultants and the BEAC members paid a five-day visit to Kyaukpyu. We see the need to draw the master plan which will encompass Yanbyae and Manaung islands in the development project,” said Ba Shwe, the member of BEAC.
Singapore-based CPG consultant company would be contracted to advise in selecting developers and its contract was being presented to the Attorney-General Office for review before signing the deal.
“Kyaukpyu Special Economic Zone is apart from the projects planned by China for the petroleum exporting pipes and railways. The Myanmar government implements this zone with the assistance of international developers,” said Than Maung.
