Japanese companies Kamigumi Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Corporation, and Toyota Tsusho have officially announced their withdrawal from the Thilawa Multi-Purpose International Port project in Yangon, Myanmar. The project was originally constructed as part of Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Myanmar. Civil society organizations have been calling on Japanese investors to ensure transparency and respect for human rights standards in their withdrawal process.
The companies have confirmed to Justice For Myanmar (JFM) that they will begin the process of withdrawing from the port project and initiating liquidation procedures. However, concerns have been raised about the lack of transparency regarding compensation to the military regime for asset transfers and contract termination, as well as measures to prevent future revenue from reaching the military junta. Particularly concerning is the silence from the Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Corporation for Transport & Urban Development (JOIN), a government-backed institution.
The withdrawal comes after civil society organizations sent letters in March 2025 expressing concerns about the companies’ involvement in the project, particularly regarding a recent tender issued by Myanmar Port Authority (MPA) for a new long-term operator. The project was originally a joint venture between Japanese companies Kamigumi, Sumitomo Corporation, Toyota Tsusho, JOIN, TMIT, and Myanmar company K Efficient Logistics Consortium Company Limited, which is connected to military-linked cronies. Stakeholders emphasize that responsible exit strategies must ensure no financial benefits flow to the military regime or its associates, while maintaining compliance with international human rights standards.
