Thailand to boost exports to Myanmar

BANGKOK, August 18 (TNA) - Thailand plans to export light industrial products to Myanmar through the second commercial port in Rangoon. Peerapol Thavornsubhajaroen, Director of the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP), under the Thai Ministry of Transport, told TNA on Monday, when he is visiting the Therawa Port in Rangoon, that the second commercial port appears to gradually play more important roles, as it is about 40 kilometers from the center of Rangoon and a trip between both locations takes only about 45 minutes. Peerapol said he hopes Thailand can export light industrial products, namely auto and electronic parts, as well as electrical appliances, to Myanmar through the Therawa Port. The Rangoon Port is, in the meantime, suitable for the delivery of consumer products. The OTP director noted that Myanmar also plans to develop a special economic zone covering about 15,000 rai or 24 square kilometers behind the Therawa Port, which should be a more interesting choice for business operators. Last year, Myanmar granted a concession for a Japanese investment group to operate about 2,400 rai or 3.8 square kilometers in the economic zone. Besides, an area close to the Therawa Port will be developed into an export-oriented production base next year, the development project of which is estimated at 3 billion baht. (TNA)