Myanmar and Russia have signed a memorandum of investment cooperation to develop a special economic zone (SEZ) in Dawei, with plans to build a port, a coal-fired power plant, and an oil refinery, Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development announced Sunday.
The agreement was signed by Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov and Myanmar’s Minister for Investment and Foreign Economic Relations, Kan Zaw, during a Russian delegation’s visit to the Southeast Asian nation.
“The text of the memorandum contains the basic parameters of several large infrastructure and energy projects that are being implemented jointly with Russian companies in Myanmar,” Reshetnikov said.
While the construction of a refinery remains under consideration due to economic challenges, Reshetnikov noted Myanmar’s strong interest in the project.
The Dawei SEZ spans 196 square kilometers along the Andaman Sea and is set to host industrial zones, transport hubs, IT facilities, and export processing areas.
The deal further solidifies Russia’s growing influence in Myanmar following the 2021 military coup, with ongoing talks also exploring a gas pipeline to Yangon and a nuclear research reactor.
