The Mon State government has preliminarily green-lit a spate of projects, including a deep-sea port, an electric power station and an industrial zone. Before construction can get underway, the projects will require the approval of the Union government.
The deal was inked on March 9, with the rights to develop the initiatives given to the company, Bedok Construction and Engineering Co., Ltd. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at the Aung San Hall at the state government offices, in Mawlamyine Capital of Mon State.
The projects are anticipated to boost job opportunities, according to U Min Htin Aung Han, the Mon State Minister for Electricity, Energy and Industry, and interim director of the Municipal Development Department.
He added that the state team will now forward the project proposal and MoU to the Union government. The projects will also need approval from the Myanmar investment Commission (MIC).
“We signed only the preliminary MoU for Mon State’s development. The Mon State government isn’t permitted to extend full permission; that has to be done at the Union-level since the projects include a 560 Megawatt electricity station and a deep-sea port. It’s agreed there is no objection from the state government,” said U Min Htin Aung Han.
But already assuming the projects will move ahead, the Bedok Construction and Engineering Co., Ltd has purchased over 700 acres of land from Anin, Thabyay Ywa Htit, and Palaingmu villages between Thanbyuzayat and Ye townships, to area villagers.
“It is a good [project] as the company is planning to implement an industrial zone and fish freezing factory,” said Nai Mon Htaw, a resident of Thabyay Yaw Htit Village. “They said they will operate the electricity station with gas. The locals here were worried they would use coal power.”
Translated by Aong Jaeneh
Edited by Laignee Barron for BNI
