According to military sources in Naypyidaw, Min Aung Hlaing, upon returning from China, has instructed relevant ministries and military commission departments to draft plans offering special privileges to Chinese companies investing in Myanmar. These directives came following his visit to China from August 30 to September 6, during which he held discussions with Chinese business leaders and companies about potential investments in Myanmar.
The proposed special privileges are expected to include tax exemptions, land lease rights, and raw material import permissions, along with significant financial privileges. Notably, there are plans to establish a direct currency exchange system between Chinese Yuan and Myanmar Kyat. Sources indicate that necessary directives will be issued to facilitate direct Yuan payments in bilateral transactions. The military administration is also planning to send economic delegations to China soon to further attract Chinese investments, with assurances of special considerations and protections for their business interests in Myanmar.
During his visit to China, Min Aung Hlaing offered Myanmar as a maritime access route for China’s landlocked southern regions. He particularly emphasized the potential of the Kyaukphyu-Kunming railway project as an opportunity for China to access the Indian Ocean. He also highlighted ongoing collaborative projects between the two countries, including the Kyaukphyu deep-sea port project, the Myitsone hydropower project, and oil and natural gas pipeline projects. Throughout his visit, he repeatedly emphasized Myanmar’s commitment to ensuring secure and profitable investments for Chinese businesses, specifically mentioning these major infrastructure projects as examples of bilateral cooperation and inviting further Chinese investment with promises of special privileges and protections.
