Initial Phase Development of Dawei economic zone expected to start in 2015

BANGKOK, April 21 (TNA) - The Initial Phase Development of the Dawei economic zone project in Myanmar, in which Thailand is a partner, is likely to be started later this year. Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB), made the assessment on Tuesday, expressing his confidence that the Dawei special economic zone will be beneficial to Thailand. Arkhom, who is also Deputy Transport Minister, explained that the Dawei special economic zone could become Thailand's western gateway for trade in the region. Arkhom revealed that the Initial Phase Development of the Dawei economic zone covers an area of 27 square kilometres, out of the whole zone of 196 square kilometers, and consists of an initial industrial estate and necessary infrastructure systems. The NESDB chief and deputy transport minister said he expected the Thai private sector and Myanmar should sign a concession contract for the first-phase development by May 2015, after it is approved by the Myanmar Cabinet. The NESDB chief foresaw that his office and the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency should finish a master plan for the Dawei special economic zone project by June 2015, supported by Japanese information and opinions. (TNA)