Myanmar government has hired a Thai firm to conduct a feasibility study for the country’s deep sea port in the Gulf of Mottama, according to a state media report.
Myanma Port Authority under the Ministry of Transport signed an MoU with Thailand’s Emerald Grand Hotel Co to conduct the study in Mon State, according to the government-run newspaper New Light of Myanmar report.
The study will start within three months in Ye and Mawlamyine, the two southeastern Myanmar towns.
If the project is to be completed, it would link up to Three Pagoda Pass, the country’s major trading route with Thailand.
The study will include assessments in environmental, social and economic aspects, says the report.
Earlier reports suggest that the project could create more than 12,000 jobs for the residents in the area.
They currently have to rely on employment in the low-paid rubber industry and in neighbouring Thailand.
Myanmar is planning Kyaukphyu deep sea port in the western Rakhine state with Chinese partners and the Dawei deep sea port in the southern Taninthayi Region.
Dawei deep sea port, being implemented by Thailand’s largest infrastructural developer Italian-Thai near the proposed site of Kalargote deep sea port, is facing budget deficiency following the withdrawal of 25% stakes by Myanmar’s tycoon Zaw Zaw of Max Myanmar a year ago. Earlier, the Japanese investors had shown interest to throw their money into it, but cooled their interests later.