"Myanmar Junta Pushing Ahead with China-Backed Kyaukphyu SEZ and Port", 6 August 2021

The military regime is inviting bids to provide legal services to the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone (KPSEZ) and deep-sea port project in western Rakhine State, a key strategic component of China ‘s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). [...]

Junta-controlled media announced that both local and foreign law firms have until August 10 to submit their expression of interest to provide legal services to the management committee of the KPSEZ.

The State Administration Council (SAC), as the military regime describes itself, has made several efforts to move forward China’s infrastructure projects in Myanmar following their takeover in February. In May, the junta reorganized the KPSEZ management committee. [...]

Under the ousted National League for Democracy (NLD) government, the project was delayed because of the previous shareholder agreement negotiated under President Thein Sein’s quasi-civilian government, which gave the Chinese developer an 85 percent stake.