Table of Contents
Myanmar and Russia Economic Cooperation in Dawei Special Economic Zone
Memorandum Signed for Investment Cooperation
Myanmar and Russia have signed a memorandum on investment cooperation in the Dawei Special Economic Zone, which includes plans for infrastructure development such as a port and an oil refinery. The agreement was formalized by Maxim Reshetnikov, head of Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development, and Kan Zaw, Myanmar’s Minister for Investment and Foreign Economic Relations.
Major Infrastructure and Energy Projects
The memorandum outlines several large-scale projects to be undertaken jointly with Russian companies. These projects include:
- Construction of a port
- Development of a coal-fired thermal power plant
- Potential establishment of an oil refinery
While the construction of the oil refinery remains uncertain, Myanmar has expressed a strong interest in the project. Russian companies are currently assessing the economic feasibility of the venture.
Dawei Special Economic Zone: A Strategic Hub
The Dawei Special Economic Zone, spanning 196 square kilometers along the Andaman Sea, is planned to accommodate:
- High-tech industrial zones
- Transport hubs
- Information technology zones
- Export processing zones
Russia’s Growing Role in Myanmar
Since the 2021 military coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government, Russia has become Myanmar’s closest ally. The two nations have been discussing broader energy cooperation, including:
- Russia’s participation in constructing a gas pipeline to Yangon
- Potential development of a nuclear research reactor in Myanmar
This deepening economic partnership highlights Russia’s increasing influence in Myanmar amid international sanctions and diplomatic isolation.
“Myanmar and Russia Economic Cooperation in Dawei Special Economic Zone”